BMW 3-Series, 2014, PDD

Local PDD 2014 BMW 316i M Sport

Model: F30 6th generation

Date of manufacture: July 2014

Country of manufacture: Germany

BMW N13B16U 1.6L (1598cc) DOHC 16V in-line 4-cylinder engine with Valvetronic 111 and Double-VANOS

Aluminum head and block

Longitudinally mounted engine (RWD layout)

Bosch MEVD17.2.4 engine control unit

Factory fitted forged crankshaft

Mahle pistons

High precision 2900.75psi fuel injectors

77 x 85.8 bore and stroke

10.5:1 compression ratio

Silent timing chain

Garett MGT1549ZDL 10psi twin scroll turbocharger

60L fuel tank

95RON premium recommended petrol

EURO 5/6 rating

ULEV certified

ZF GA8HP-45Z 8-speed Steptronic automatic torque converter transmission

4 driving modes select (ECO Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+)

Electric Power Steering

Automatic start stop system

BMW M Sport Suspension

4-wheel ventilated M Sport disc rotors by Brembo (340x30 front, 345x24 rear) with dark blue M Sport calipers (4-piston front; 2-piston rear)

BMW M Sport 18-inch M light 400M alloy wheels (18x8 front; 18x8.5 rear)

BMW M Sport valve stem caps

245 series Dunlop Direzza DZ102 tyres

Front and rear mud guards

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC)

On-board computer

Keyless entry system with proximity smart key and push button start

6.5-inch 800x480 Central Information Display (CID) screen with AM/FM/CD/MP3/BT integrated functionality via iDrive controller

BMW M Sport Leather multifunction steering wheel with protective leather cover

2.7-inch 320x120 Instrument Cluster Display TFT screen

BMW HiFi 9-loudspeaker sound system (by Harman Kardon) including dual subwoofers under each front seat powered by a 205W 7-channel amplifier

High torsional rigidity body structure with safety body shell (front and rear deformation zones and side impact protection in doors) using advanced ultra high tensile steel

0.26 Cd drag coefficient

Front, side and curtain airbags

Front and rear seatbelts

Front and rear headrests

Center console with leather perforated lid

BMW M Sport door sill finishers

Automatic rain sensing windshield wipers

Xenon HID automatic headlamps with LED DRL’s and carbon eye lids

LED fog lights

Partial LED tail lights

LED front and rear door handle lights

LED interior accent lighting

LED footwell lighting

LED Front and rear door courtesy lamps

BMW deluxe fabric mats protected by all-weather rubber floor mats

BMW protective rubber trunk mat

BMW Anthracite roof liner

BMW sports seats in Coral Red Dakota leather interior

Electric front seats with driver’s side 2 position memory

ISOFIX rear child seat fastening system

Automatic anti glare rear view mirror

Automatic single zone climate control

BMW natural air interior fragrance kit

Black Sapphire Metallic exterior paint (code 475)

BMW individual high gloss shadow line

Front M Sport carbon bumper diffuser

Dual chrome tip exhaust system with M Sport carbon rear bumper diffuser

Electric windows with remote open/close function

Electric adjustable and auto foldable wing mirrors with M Sport carbon mirror caps

Powered central door locking system

Protective door edge trim

480L trunk capacity

Length: 4624mm

Width: 1811mm (excluding wing mirrors)

Height: 1429mm

Wheelbase: 2810mm

COMMENTS:

The 3-series has proven once again that BMW made no compromises in offering the quintessential luxury sports saloon with 16 million units sold across the globe since 1975.

The F30 chassis continues with 50-50 weight distribution inherent with its structural balance. The factory fitted M Sport suspension makes this car feel as smooth as butter on the open highways and extremely planted on the road during cornering yet being very damped and settled whilst driven on uneven/poor road surfaces. The genuine factory upgraded M Sport brakes offers an even higher level of stopping power for consistent fade free deceleration.

Included in this saloon is a Coral Red premium Dakota leather interior and a HiFi loudspeaker system that makes conventional factory installed radios sound quite mundane and antiquated.

Absolutely no expenses have been spared with this car. Let me give you an idea of what was changed in addition to the usual motor oil and oil filter:

1. The airconditioner air filter

2. The engine air filter

3. The engine cover with pcv valve

4. The 4 spark plugs and coil packs

5. Coolant temperature sensor

6. Radiator coolant

7. Coolant reservoir bottle with cap

8. Automatic transmission fluid (genuine BMW/ZF) with filter

9. Engine oil dipstick

10. The left-side air vent on the dash

11. The engine mounts

12. The left-side lower control arm

13. The vehicle was aligned and wheels speed balanced

There are no leaks whatsoever and has been detailed to exceptional standards. It’s ready to be enjoyed by the new owner.

Lastly, you’ve got choices out there so why buy this 316i M Sport?

In addition to all that was mentioned above, if you’re sticking to BMW’s you may want to take note that the B38 1.5L DOHC 12V 3-cylinder turbo in those 118i/218i/318i/X1 sDrive 18i and X2 sDrive 18i models, are different to the N13 1.6L DOHC 16V inline 4-cylinder turbos found in the 116i and 316i etc. Apart from the obvious difference in displacement and number of cylinders and valves, the N13 operates at a lower compression ratio (10.5:1 vs 11:1) than said B38 and operates on slightly lower boost pressure (10psi vs 14.5psi). In fact, the N13 operates on lower boost than most turbocharged engines on the market today. An overly boosted engine will reduce engine life and fuel economy. What you want is excellent power when you need it with stellar fuel economy and the N13 delivers!

Drive responsibly or quaintly on ECO Pro mode and you will get a theoretical range of just over 1,000 kms using premium 95RON fuel (Don‘t believe it?, I have pics to prove it!). During regular driving which includes intense traffic with the air-conditioner in use, your range can drop to as little as 650-700kms. As of this posting, I’m due to get over 800kms range on a full tank.

One of the reasons why these BMW’s are so much fun to drive, fuel efficient and reliable is partly because of that ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission encourages both sporty and relaxed driving. In Comfort mode, the gear changes are almost imperceptible and in Sports mode, gear changes are lightening fast. This is not a problematic sequential manual, single automated clutch, dual-clutch or CVT transmission! For some people, they walk away instantly when they hear of those types. With the ZF 8-speed, you can rest easy knowing about its stellar robustness and reliability. You can breathe a sigh of relief :)

What about parts? The question everyone seems to ask. So after buying this car, where am I getting regular consumables and maybe even major parts? You will be pleased to know that right here in T&T, you have several options to purchase fluids and filters outside of the dealership. Since the 3-series like it’s 5-series and 7-series siblings are world cars (unlike some vehicles which are market specific), parts and accessories are bountiful locally and abroad. You can also literally order any part and have them shipped to your skybox in Miami if you so desire!

What about the cost of these fluids and filters etc? Is it expensive? The answer is no! You will get a copy of a bill I have to prove actual costs and it would surprise you. In fact, you would be surprised to know that some of these items are even cheaper than the so called genuine parts available out there for some American, Japanese and Korean vehicles. For example, the Motul X-clean EFE 5W-30 motor oil with BMW LL04 certification can be had for as little as $410. for a gallon plus an additional quart. An OEM Mann oil filter can be had for as little as $65.28. Labour can cost as low as $115. for the oil change for a cumulative total of $590.28 which is nothing short of amazing!

So what am I getting for the price you ask?

1. Most importantly you get the car, lol

2. The transfer tax is on me

3. The cost for the new certified copy is on me

4. The transfer insurance is also on me

5. Third party insurance for 1 year

6. Your first oil and filter change when due is on me

7. Your vehicle will be cleaned thoroughly and will have a full tank of premium gas

8. You get a free dashboard sunshade

9. You get a free brand new/sealed first aid kit

10. You get a brand new (still in original packaging) BMW official licensed model car imported by the BMW dealer, LaFast Motors (so when you’re not looking at yours outside, you have one to look at on the inside of the house)

11. In the glove-box, you will see the inspection certificate and the LaFast Motors fog lights authorization letter

12. You will be treated professionally and with the respect, openness and honesty you deserve (unlike some other sellers).

Take this opportunity now to enter into the true world of BMW rear-wheel-drive performance. So eventually when you buy your new M340i or M3, this sports saloon would have prepared you for a higher level of greatness yet to come in your life :)