[pferdestarke]

I said goodbye to the e90 ED today as it was my last day with my employer before joining another company on Monday.

After covering 44,000 miles in it over the last 20 months, I'd become well acquainted with it to say the least.

An accomplished car in many ways, with a few annoying features linked to its effieciency.

With the 6 speed MT and lightweight flywheel, plus extra long ratios, I always found it susceptible to labouring. Low speed refinement was compromised due to the long gearing and it was awful at pulling cleanly from low revs in second or third.

Turbo lag was also quite prominent but once spooled, it was quite a punchy engine and liked to rev.

Grip was pretty poor with the 16" wheels, but I enjoyed the suspension set up and quiet ride.

So it awaits my successor to continue with the lease before it returns in 16 months. I'd managed to scratch the front bumper getting it on and off the drive so there's just a little touching up to do.

I then collected a Mondeo Titanium 2.0tdci and drove the 240 miles home. A barge in comparison, but it wouldn't be fair to compare them like-for-like! Not an all together unpleasant experience though, and the stereo utterly embarasses the stock f30 tinny set up. Which is embarassing!

So now to wait the six weeks or so until the EBII 8AT 320d is delivered. I'm glad I've got a Ford for the next few months as the step up will be more noticeable.

Cheers.

[gatsojon]

Congratulations on the new one. So are you getting the HK this time?

[pferdestarke]

Yes Jon.

Full spec here:

320d M-Sport
EB2
Sport Auto
Pro Media
Harmon/Kardon
Visibility Pack
Extended storage
Privacy glass
19" 403ms
Heated front seats

[gatsojon]

Very similar spec to mine; just swap adaptive suspension for the storage pack

I'm particularly looking forward to the visibility xenons (as they look amazing on YouTube) and the Harmon Kardon as I've never had a decent sound system in a car before.

When is your delivery estimated?

[pferdestarke]

I'll find out on Monday as my new employer ordered it for me around two weeks ago. I'm estimating another 8 weeks from now.

How long have they quoted for yours?

I am also really looking forward to the HK, the auto box and and the adaptive lights.

I just wish I could've had a 330d for the ultimate rocket ship experience.

Next time!

[gatsojon]

I originally ordered the 320D version end March but decided to go to 330D 12 April. She is being built now with delivery mid July so 3 months in total. I gather the 6 cylinder versions take longer for some reason.

I'm really looking forward to it now

[ZigmundUK]

Just a reminder to make sure you get enhanced Bluetooth. It's not what it says on the tin!!!

[RobUK]

Congrats on the forthcoming arrival

You're right about the step up from a Ford, particularly the interior. I've always found the inside of Fords a very depressing place, styling is ghastly reminds me of some bad 70's sic-fi set... all that different coloured/textured plastic

[gatsojon]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

Just a reminder to make sure you get enhanced Bluetooth. It's not what it says on the tin!!!

I did order that but probably for the wrong reasons. I currently have phone prep on my E90 so can voice dial and use that quite often. My dealer suggested I needed enhanced to get that on F30 but reading here subsequently, it would appear that was not true. What is certain, is that dealers are as confused as their brochures as to what does what, particularly with pro nav.

Does anyone know if there is a previous positing that gives a good beginners guide to the pro nav system so I can get a head start? I can see myself sat in the car for hours working through the instruction manual which, like any bloke, is the last thing I want to be doing!