Its been several months since I last reported on my X5D. I just had the annual oil change and check up last week. I am averaging about 20.5 miles per gallon around town, and haven't taken a long trip since November.
Problems: About 6 weeks ago the navigation system started acting up. The dealer thought it was the DVD, and it took over a week to get a replacement. However, the problem was in the unit itself, which was replaced.
Sunday morning the battery was dead. I called road service and they arrived quickly and jump started it. The mechanic said to drive it for about 20 minutes, so off we went to Cosco, about 12 miles away. When we came out of Costco, it was dead again. Fortunately, I brought a battery jumper with me and I jumped it myself. We made another stop, and the same thing. Monday I brought it to Ferman BMW at opening, and they still have the vehicle with the battery compartment apart - not sure what the problem is, but it certainly is disappointing that it couldn't be fixed in 2 days. They also said there are 2 campaigns, one of which requires software programming that could take a day. I told them to just get my vehicle back to me as I really need the SUV, and their loaners are all 328 sedans.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Milage Test, Warning Icon, and Dogs in Vehicle
On a road trip from Ashland, VA to Palm Harbor, FL, on November 28, 2009, 865 miles, of which all but about 40 miles were on interstate highways, I averaged 69.9 mph, and 25.2 mpg.
While in Virginia, I started getting a symbol flashing on the instrument panel. It was a triangle with a snow flake inside. I couldn't find anything in the Owners Manual, so I called BMW roadside assistance. I described it to the technician, who told me I needed anti-freeze, and if I felt comfortable enough to do it, I should buy some and put it in. Instead, I drove to the local BMW dealer in Short Pump, where it was quickly checked and I was told that it didn't need anti-freeze; it is a warning light that comes on for about a second at about 37∘ to warn of possible road icing.
I also discovered that when leaving dogs in the vehicle, one must press the lock button twice to disable an internal sensor; otherwise any movement inside the vehicle by the dogs triggers the alarm.
While in Virginia, I started getting a symbol flashing on the instrument panel. It was a triangle with a snow flake inside. I couldn't find anything in the Owners Manual, so I called BMW roadside assistance. I described it to the technician, who told me I needed anti-freeze, and if I felt comfortable enough to do it, I should buy some and put it in. Instead, I drove to the local BMW dealer in Short Pump, where it was quickly checked and I was told that it didn't need anti-freeze; it is a warning light that comes on for about a second at about 37∘ to warn of possible road icing.
I also discovered that when leaving dogs in the vehicle, one must press the lock button twice to disable an internal sensor; otherwise any movement inside the vehicle by the dogs triggers the alarm.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
1,000 mile trip
I left Palm Harbor Sunday driving to Virginia Beach and then to the Richmond, VA area. The trip so far has been about 1,000 miles, mostly at fairly high speed on I-75, I-10, and I-95. Milage has been a disappointment, as the overall average was 24.0 mpg, far less than the rated 26 mpg.
Saturday I will drive from Ashville back to Palm Harbor, about 780 miles, mostly all on the interstates, and will check the milage again.
Saturday I will drive from Ashville back to Palm Harbor, about 780 miles, mostly all on the interstates, and will check the milage again.
Monday, November 16, 2009
4 Month Report
I have had the vehicle for a little over 4 months, and about 3,000 miles. I am averaging a little over 21 mpg around town, but next week I will take the first substantial trip, about 780 miles each way.
I like the way it handles, but there is a definite downside to the electronics. There is a long delay from the time I start the engine in the garage until I can get the back up camera and the parking sensors to come on. The result is that I back out of the garage without the aid of the back up camera. Just as aggravating is the fact that the parking sensors don't stay on, so when pulling into a parking space I have to push a button on the dash and then wait for the sensors to come on.
The navigation screen is smaller than it should be, since the display is always split between the navigation screen (or other iDrive screen) on the left, and a smaller display on the right.
I like the way it handles, but there is a definite downside to the electronics. There is a long delay from the time I start the engine in the garage until I can get the back up camera and the parking sensors to come on. The result is that I back out of the garage without the aid of the back up camera. Just as aggravating is the fact that the parking sensors don't stay on, so when pulling into a parking space I have to push a button on the dash and then wait for the sensors to come on.
The navigation screen is smaller than it should be, since the display is always split between the navigation screen (or other iDrive screen) on the left, and a smaller display on the right.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
2000 mile - 3 Month Update
I am still learning the dreaded iDrive system. The voice commands are easier than using the hand controller, but unfortunately there are limited voice commands that it recognizes. I have photocopied the voice commands and laminated them to keep in the vehicle, and practice them occasionally, and try to learn additional commands.
I am averaging about 19.7 miles around town, and am looking forward to a road trip next month. There are plenty of diesel stations in Florida, and the iDrive has a setting to locate diesel stations as well.
The vehicle handles very well.
The biggest objection I have is that the parking sensors are not full time. They go on in reverse or by pushing a dashboard button. When I drive into the garage I have to push the dashboard button and wait for them to activate before I drive in and park. The outside mirrors don't fold in automatically when the vehicle is locked, and that requires another button to be pushed. When starting the vehicle, there is a long delay (long at least compared with my former SUV, a Mercedes Benz ML500) before the screen comes on; then a wait to push the iDrive button to accept the conditions of use, and then (in reverse) for the backup camera a parking sensors to come on.
In retrospect, I am sorry I didn't wait for the 2010 model, which is rumored to have a better iDrive system, and perhaps some other enhancements.
I am averaging about 19.7 miles around town, and am looking forward to a road trip next month. There are plenty of diesel stations in Florida, and the iDrive has a setting to locate diesel stations as well.
The vehicle handles very well.
The biggest objection I have is that the parking sensors are not full time. They go on in reverse or by pushing a dashboard button. When I drive into the garage I have to push the dashboard button and wait for them to activate before I drive in and park. The outside mirrors don't fold in automatically when the vehicle is locked, and that requires another button to be pushed. When starting the vehicle, there is a long delay (long at least compared with my former SUV, a Mercedes Benz ML500) before the screen comes on; then a wait to push the iDrive button to accept the conditions of use, and then (in reverse) for the backup camera a parking sensors to come on.
In retrospect, I am sorry I didn't wait for the 2010 model, which is rumored to have a better iDrive system, and perhaps some other enhancements.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The FM Presets Conquered
After about a half hour with a sales assistant at Ferman BMW, I and the sales assistant finally discovered the secret to programing the FM Presets. The owner's manual does not begin to explain the process, so here it is for future reference:
To Preset a FM station:
1. Press iDrive Menu button
2. Select ENTERTAINMENT
3. Select FM
4. Select MANUAL
5. Find the desired FM station
6. Select SET
7. Select STORE - This automatically brings you to the PRESETS window
8. Select the desired position of the station and Select SET again. The FM station is now set.
After the first station is stored, repeat 5, 6, 7 and 8 above for each additional station.
To use the Presets:
A. Repeat 1, 2, and 3 above
B. Select PRESETS
C. Use the <> arrows on the bottom right side of the radio or the Up and Down buttons on the steering wheel to scroll through the presets. Any preset position that is not programed as above will default to 87.9 FM, which can be annoying, and I suggest that you fill all positions, even if you just duplicate other desired stations.
To Preset a FM station:
1. Press iDrive Menu button
2. Select ENTERTAINMENT
3. Select FM
4. Select MANUAL
5. Find the desired FM station
6. Select SET
7. Select STORE - This automatically brings you to the PRESETS window
8. Select the desired position of the station and Select SET again. The FM station is now set.
After the first station is stored, repeat 5, 6, 7 and 8 above for each additional station.
To use the Presets:
A. Repeat 1, 2, and 3 above
B. Select PRESETS
C. Use the <> arrows on the bottom right side of the radio or the Up and Down buttons on the steering wheel to scroll through the presets. Any preset position that is not programed as above will default to 87.9 FM, which can be annoying, and I suggest that you fill all positions, even if you just duplicate other desired stations.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Radio
I have had the X5d for about a month and 800 miles, and still cannot program the FM radio. I read, re-read, and tried every setting mentioned in the owner's manual without success in setting FM presets. I have called the Customer Service line twice, and all they can do is read me the owner's manual, but have no independent knowledge of how the radio actually works. I am asking the dealer, Ferman BMW, to give me instruction, if someone at the dealership can figure it out.
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