GravityLee
Well-known member
Does the car have a HUD? I noticed that in the spec of all my cars with the HUD it says something like “not with shade band windscreen”, always wondered what that was but never bothered to look into it…
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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
2018 X3 20d xDrive
- Thread starter MR_Y
- Start date
MR_Y
Well-known member
No HUD. But the car does have the standard windscreen without the shade band.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Fuel consumption for a particularly hectic trip from work to home on the M1 and through the busy streets, with stop go traffic courtesy of loadshedding. Car in Comfort mode for gearbox and engine, but Sport mode for steering. No auto stop start. Aircon on.
Long term average sitting at 7.4
Long term average sitting at 7.4
MR_Y
Well-known member
after my Polestar nightmare, well worth it
Yulz9081
Honorary ///Member
Didn’t realise that it was you in the X3 or even see you taking this pic
It was an awesome day out!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
MR_Y
Well-known member
Apologies - number plates hidden nowDidn’t realise that it was you in the X3 or even see you taking this pic
It was an awesome day out!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Will catch up at next event.
M40i really kicks off the line
MR_Y
Well-known member
Analysis - 2017 S60 Polestar (270kw/470Nm, AWD, sedan) vs 2018 X3 20d (140kw/400Nm, AWD, SUV)
Results arranged from best to worst for the 5 best runs out of 6.
The worst result of the 6 runs is ignored (not shown) above, as per the skidpan final results average calculation.
The S60 had TC/DSC switched off for 4 runs, besides for its worst run (30,72) where it was switched on.
The X3 had TC/DSC switched on for 1 run (25,97), which ended up being the best run, ironically.
The X3 had TC/DSC switched partially off (i.e. in Sport DSC/TC mode) for the rest of the runs.
The S60 understeered more than the X3 in most of the runs.
The X3 was very hard to oversteer - though I suspect that if I turned TC/DSC totally off it would have more easily. Understeer was not really that evident - car felt very flat/balanced.
From inside the cars, the S60 felt faster, while the X3 felt slower. I guess the higher ride height makes you feel slower than your actual speed.
Tyre wise, the S60 was rolling on new Michellin PS4s on 20 inch rims, while the X3 rode on Bridgestone Alenza SUV tyres on 19 inch rims (and on larger profile rubber).
Average fuel consumption with the X3 driving from Midrand to the Skidpan (also in Midrand) and performing on the skidpan, was 13,5 l /100km.
The same for the S60 was 20 l /100km.
Important to bear in mind that the skidpan gymkhana is set up for more for tight maneuverability instead of outright speed (which explains why simpler, less powerful cars performed so well). Still it is a bit surprising that a diesel SUV with 140kw/400Nm and carrying a fair bit of weight, extra ride height, rolling on plumpy tyres and standard suspension consistently beat the best time posted by a racetrack-honed Volvo Polestar.
The S60 was my 1st experience on this skidpan. It can be argued that I may have been faster in the X3 because I had cut my teeth already with the S60 two months earlier..
Anyway, it was a fun event and I will be attending with another car (much more torquier) next year
| Runs sorted from best to worst | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Average |
| 2017 S60 Polestar | 27,00 | 27,72 | 28,13 | 29,00 | 30,72 | 28,51 |
| 2018 X3 20d | 25,97 | 26,00 | 26,34 | 26,40 | 26,69 | 26,28 |
| Difference in seconds (X3 vs S60) | 1,03 | 1,72 | 1,79 | 2,60 | 4,03 | 2,23 |
Results arranged from best to worst for the 5 best runs out of 6.
The worst result of the 6 runs is ignored (not shown) above, as per the skidpan final results average calculation.
The S60 had TC/DSC switched off for 4 runs, besides for its worst run (30,72) where it was switched on.
The X3 had TC/DSC switched on for 1 run (25,97), which ended up being the best run, ironically.
The X3 had TC/DSC switched partially off (i.e. in Sport DSC/TC mode) for the rest of the runs.
The S60 understeered more than the X3 in most of the runs.
The X3 was very hard to oversteer - though I suspect that if I turned TC/DSC totally off it would have more easily. Understeer was not really that evident - car felt very flat/balanced.
From inside the cars, the S60 felt faster, while the X3 felt slower. I guess the higher ride height makes you feel slower than your actual speed.
Tyre wise, the S60 was rolling on new Michellin PS4s on 20 inch rims, while the X3 rode on Bridgestone Alenza SUV tyres on 19 inch rims (and on larger profile rubber).
Average fuel consumption with the X3 driving from Midrand to the Skidpan (also in Midrand) and performing on the skidpan, was 13,5 l /100km.
The same for the S60 was 20 l /100km.
Important to bear in mind that the skidpan gymkhana is set up for more for tight maneuverability instead of outright speed (which explains why simpler, less powerful cars performed so well). Still it is a bit surprising that a diesel SUV with 140kw/400Nm and carrying a fair bit of weight, extra ride height, rolling on plumpy tyres and standard suspension consistently beat the best time posted by a racetrack-honed Volvo Polestar.
The S60 was my 1st experience on this skidpan. It can be argued that I may have been faster in the X3 because I had cut my teeth already with the S60 two months earlier..
Anyway, it was a fun event and I will be attending with another car (much more torquier) next year
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MR_Y
Well-known member
I noticed that the brakes squeal when I apply them in reverse. Going forward, no noise.
I jabbed the brakes hard to see if that would dislodge any debris that may be in the discs.
The noise still happens in reverse. Seems to be more pronounced after driving a bit.
Any ideas?
Will get it looked at the next service.
On another point, do these cars have brake pad wear signals that pop up on your instrument cluster?
I jabbed the brakes hard to see if that would dislodge any debris that may be in the discs.
The noise still happens in reverse. Seems to be more pronounced after driving a bit.
Any ideas?
Will get it looked at the next service.
On another point, do these cars have brake pad wear signals that pop up on your instrument cluster?
MR_Y
Well-known member
Booked car at ABM (BMW Midrand) today.
They replaced the front discs and pads and cleaned the rears.
Must say I was pleasanty surprised with the level of customer service.
I like the Whatsapp communication channel. Much better than getting a phone call from them while you are busy in a meeting.
Top marks ABM.
MR_Y
Well-known member
Small incident...
On Sunday afternoon, a guy in an E90 knocked, at very low speed, into the rear of the X3 while I was stationary at the traffic lights in the dodgier part of Midrand. It seemed that he misjudged how far I was from him and braked late.
Who knows if he was drunk or just incompetent or if it was something else...
I heard a loud crunch noise when the impact happened.
Given that this happened in the dodgier part of Midrand (note to self, take the EcoSport next time), I did not get out to check the car. The lights also turned green shortly thereafter and I went to a safe fuel station to check the damage.
No damage besides for two small pin prick sized holes in the lower bumper paint. Being a white car, I think that the colour also disguised any minor creasing that may have happened on the plastic bunper.
I tested the rear PDC and camera and all works fine. Checked underneath the bumper and no damage. I also extended the auto tow bar and it works fine. No warning lights and 'Check Control' screen shows no issues.
From now on, I will keep the tow bar always extended so at least some damage would get inflicted on the inconsiderate kn0bs..
On Sunday afternoon, a guy in an E90 knocked, at very low speed, into the rear of the X3 while I was stationary at the traffic lights in the dodgier part of Midrand. It seemed that he misjudged how far I was from him and braked late.
Who knows if he was drunk or just incompetent or if it was something else...
I heard a loud crunch noise when the impact happened.
Given that this happened in the dodgier part of Midrand (note to self, take the EcoSport next time), I did not get out to check the car. The lights also turned green shortly thereafter and I went to a safe fuel station to check the damage.
No damage besides for two small pin prick sized holes in the lower bumper paint. Being a white car, I think that the colour also disguised any minor creasing that may have happened on the plastic bunper.
I tested the rear PDC and camera and all works fine. Checked underneath the bumper and no damage. I also extended the auto tow bar and it works fine. No warning lights and 'Check Control' screen shows no issues.
From now on, I will keep the tow bar always extended so at least some damage would get inflicted on the inconsiderate kn0bs..
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Drove to Sun City today.
Usual fun stuff..
Dodging potholes/craters, drunk pedestrians, animals, slow trucks, reckless and unroadworthy bakkies, etc. Also, add in rain for good measure.
The X3 was super comfortable (the seats are not as soft as a Volvo or Porsche Macan, but they don't give you backache either), with a full load of passengers and Iuggage. There were gaps where I could safely overtake (making sure to avoid the dreaded road waves/bumps). Effortless performance in these conditions. Granted, if it was uphill, I may have had to manually gear down a bit.
White paintwork ensures that small stone chips (courtesy of bakkies flying past you and kicking up small stones/pieces of road) are mostly hidden.
Fuel consumption below.
6.4 litres per 100km
Usual fun stuff..
Dodging potholes/craters, drunk pedestrians, animals, slow trucks, reckless and unroadworthy bakkies, etc. Also, add in rain for good measure.
The X3 was super comfortable (the seats are not as soft as a Volvo or Porsche Macan, but they don't give you backache either), with a full load of passengers and Iuggage. There were gaps where I could safely overtake (making sure to avoid the dreaded road waves/bumps). Effortless performance in these conditions. Granted, if it was uphill, I may have had to manually gear down a bit.
White paintwork ensures that small stone chips (courtesy of bakkies flying past you and kicking up small stones/pieces of road) are mostly hidden.
Fuel consumption below.
6.4 litres per 100km
MR_Y
Well-known member
Coming back from Sun City to JHB, I was carrying more weight in the back, as well as having to deal with more overtaking situations.
With full sized passengers onboard and a fully loaded boot, the car did need some extra revs to overtake. Our old V60 CC D4 AWD (2.4 5 cylinder, 162kw, 440Nm) had stronger mid-range muscle and felt quicker on overtaking.
To remedy this situation on the X3, I had to use Sport mode throughout the trip. This meant gearbox and engine in Sport. Also, moving the gear into S when overtaking helped a bit.
Driving in this manner, the trip average consumption was still pretty decent at 6.8 litres per 100km. The Volvo V60 would have been around 8.5 litres, so you win some, you lose some.
The X3 will be used again on Sunday to Drakensberg. Fewer passengers and a lighter load may improve overtaking performance a bit. Will be keen to see how it responds on steep sections of the N3.
With full sized passengers onboard and a fully loaded boot, the car did need some extra revs to overtake. Our old V60 CC D4 AWD (2.4 5 cylinder, 162kw, 440Nm) had stronger mid-range muscle and felt quicker on overtaking.
To remedy this situation on the X3, I had to use Sport mode throughout the trip. This meant gearbox and engine in Sport. Also, moving the gear into S when overtaking helped a bit.
Driving in this manner, the trip average consumption was still pretty decent at 6.8 litres per 100km. The Volvo V60 would have been around 8.5 litres, so you win some, you lose some.
The X3 will be used again on Sunday to Drakensberg. Fewer passengers and a lighter load may improve overtaking performance a bit. Will be keen to see how it responds on steep sections of the N3.
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Trip to Drakensberg highlights:
1. Road to Cayley Lodge is beyond FUBAR! These pictures don't truly show how terrible the road is. The tar sections, on the D184 (I think) uphill stretch, have been ripped out by the elements. The X3 handled these well at slow speed. Not really a magic carpet ride, but no thump/bump when driven slowly and carefully. The standard (comfort oriented) suspension and plump tyres do suit these roads well.
2. Road to the Cayley dam was not that bad, just very steep. However, the dam and scenery made the overall journey well worth it.
The trip fuel consumption from Champagne Sports Resort to and from Cayley worked out to a heavy 9.8 litres per 100km. However, perfectly justified given that it was accomplished in Sport mode (so to prevent the gearbox from shifting up to soon on downhills) with occasional manual shifting on very steep sections.
We rounded out the day with a trip to Dragon's View.
The X3 performed well and was good in the offroad sections. Handling on the tar sections, especially when dodging potholes was very decent for an SUV.
There were times when I missed the mid range muscle of the V60CC, but as the wife's car and the main family car, the X3 serves its purpose well. It can also take the knocks from the rough roads, which I will not be willing to subject my Macan S too.
The next leg of our journey is to the farm in KZN South. Will be keen to see how she deals with muddy roads there, where the V60CC usually excelled - however the X3 does have the better ground clearance in this base spec.
1. Road to Cayley Lodge is beyond FUBAR! These pictures don't truly show how terrible the road is. The tar sections, on the D184 (I think) uphill stretch, have been ripped out by the elements. The X3 handled these well at slow speed. Not really a magic carpet ride, but no thump/bump when driven slowly and carefully. The standard (comfort oriented) suspension and plump tyres do suit these roads well.
2. Road to the Cayley dam was not that bad, just very steep. However, the dam and scenery made the overall journey well worth it.
The trip fuel consumption from Champagne Sports Resort to and from Cayley worked out to a heavy 9.8 litres per 100km. However, perfectly justified given that it was accomplished in Sport mode (so to prevent the gearbox from shifting up to soon on downhills) with occasional manual shifting on very steep sections.
We rounded out the day with a trip to Dragon's View.
The X3 performed well and was good in the offroad sections. Handling on the tar sections, especially when dodging potholes was very decent for an SUV.
There were times when I missed the mid range muscle of the V60CC, but as the wife's car and the main family car, the X3 serves its purpose well. It can also take the knocks from the rough roads, which I will not be willing to subject my Macan S too.
The next leg of our journey is to the farm in KZN South. Will be keen to see how she deals with muddy roads there, where the V60CC usually excelled - however the X3 does have the better ground clearance in this base spec.
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MR_Y
Well-known member
Driving past some roadworks on the N3 today, I picked up a nail in my rear left tyre. TPMS not triggered, just noticed the nail when I stopped at the garage.
Thankfully on the repairable side (almost). Mushroom plug fitted by SupaQuick.
Since there was no pressure loss and the sidewalls were not deflated (the nail plugged the gap it made), it was deemed safe to repair. If the tyre was deflated and running on flat, then it would need to be replaced. Anyway, that is what the tyre tech told me.
That is one mother trucker sized nail...
Thankfully on the repairable side (almost). Mushroom plug fitted by SupaQuick.
Since there was no pressure loss and the sidewalls were not deflated (the nail plugged the gap it made), it was deemed safe to repair. If the tyre was deflated and running on flat, then it would need to be replaced. Anyway, that is what the tyre tech told me.
That is one mother trucker sized nail...
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