[X3inZug]

Hello forum,
As promised here’s some quick review and pictures from my new X3 i20 picked up on Tuesday this week.

Obviously, I have not had much time to play with it yet as I don’t commute with it, so, this weekend will be the true driving test when I take it for a big spin.

Ordered 18.09.18 – Zug Switzerland
Produced 01.10.18 – Roslyn South Africa
In transit btwn 14.10 – 8.11 (ship)
In transit btwn 9.11 – 16.11 (Germany-Switzerland)
Arrived at dealer in Zug 16.11
Scheduled pickup 20.11 (sales rep did not work before, otherwise, I would go before…)
Pick up on the 20th it had 17km’s on the odometer.
Picked up with winter tires already and other accessories I purchased.

Initial impression:

Wow, I had a Nissan Quasquai, 4 year old, and I liked it. Drove well, but was looking for a change and wanted more power and more safety and more tech. Boy, did I get what I was looking for. I work with IT, love computers and playing with such things, but, this was overwhelming. The amount of tech and settings and things to configure it’s amazing.

I spent about two hours in the dealer for the handover with some explanation and configurations being done. Then I went home and literally sat in the car for another 4 hours just poking around.

Two things right away that got me really upset were:

Since I opted to have the remote heating option, I must order a package that comes with the display key. And, since I get the display key I only get one regular key and one display key. The display key is useless as I can do all it does (and more/better) on my iPhone, so this was a real turn off, and I wish they would not do that, as I will end up having to buy a new key just so I don’t look at this stupid display key everyday I need to drive and cuss BMW. Really really stupid in my opinion.

The gas lever on the trunk, to keep the compartment open, they are not offering that anymore. I looked at one car, test drove two models (both had it) and when I received my car it did not have it. I was really upset, as again, this should have been at least communicated to me prior, or been an extra option to pay. Not having it, and not knowing about it ahead of time, finding out during the handover was a real let down. I questioned the sales rep and she was clueless, later she said they don’t do those anymore. I told her this was unacceptable and told them to “fix it” so now she’s working with parts department to see if we can somehow have this installed. The way it comes looks flimsy and ugly, not quality or performance you would expect from a BMW.

Some cool things I liked:

I did order the trail hitch, and here in Switzerland this model is a button you press and comes in and out, so when its closed, you cannot even tell it exists. By the way, it does still work with the kick to open feature both with it closed or open.

The remote start, heated seats and steering wheel will keep me happy and cozy during the winter.
I like how you can have the picture from the car on the app. My garage has horrible cel. Signal and I still managed to get it working for that and other remote access features.

There’s a lot to be learnt and a lot to look and play still, but I figured this quick report, specs and pictures will help those who are waiting for theirs and/or just want to look at other specs, colors, etc…

Here’s the full specs from the VIN decoder:

Type Code TR55
E Series G01 ()
Series X
Type GEFZG
Model X3 XDRIVE20I (EUR)
Steering LL
Doors 5
Engine B48M
Displacement 2.00
Power 135
Drive ALLR
Transmission AUT
Colour ALPINWEISS 3 (300)
Upholstery LED.VERNASCA/CANBERRABEIGE DEKORS.( (MAFO)

P7LEA Modell Luxury Line
P7S9A Connected Drive Services Paket
S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S1CBA CO2 package
S1DEA Exhaust emission standards EU6 RDE
S205A Automatic transmission
S223A Dynamic Damping Control
S230A Extra package, EU-specific
S248A Steering wheel heater
S258A Tire with run-flat functionality
S26ZA 19" light-al.whl.double spoke 696 em.op.
S2PAA Wheel bolt retainer
S2VBA Tire pressure display
S2VGA Performance Control
S302A Alarm system
S319A Integrated universal remote control
S320A Deleted, model lettering
S322A Comfort access
S3ACA Trailer coupling
S3ATA Roof rail, aluminum, satin finish
S3DSA BMW Display key
S3DZA Delete extra external lettering
S3KAA Acoustic comfort windows
S402A Electric panoramic roof
S413A Trunk room net
S417A Roller sun vizor, rear door
S420A Sun protection glazing
S423A Floor mats, velours
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S430A Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S461A Electric seat backrest adjustment, rear
S488A Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S493A Storage compartment package
S4AWA Instrument panel 'Sensatec'
S4FHA Seat with active ventilation
S4HAA Seat heating, front and rear
S4LHA Fine-wood trim "Fineline Cove"
S4NEA Blow-by heater
S4U0A Electroplat.cover/clip f.operat.elements
S4URA Ambient interior lighting
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S536A Auxiliary heating
S548A Kilometer-calibrated speedometer
S552A Adaptive LED headlight
S5A1A LED Fog lights
S5ACA High-beam assistant
S5ATA Driving Assistant Plus
S5DAA Passenger airbag deactivation
S5DNA Parking assistance system Plus
S609A Navigation system Professional
S610A Head-up display
S650A CD player
S654A DAB tuner
S676A HiFi speaker system
S6ACA Intelligent emergency SOS call
S6AEA Teleservices
S6AKA Connected Drive Services
S6AMA Real-Time Traffic Information
S6ANA Concierge Services
S6APA Remote Services
S6CPA Preparation Apple CarPlay
S6NWA Phoning with wireless charging
S6U8A BMW Gesture Recognition
S6WBA Multifunctional instrument display
S6WDA WLAN Hotspot
S7CKA BMW Repair Inclusive
S853A Language version English
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S8KAA Dummy-SALAPA
S8R9A Refrigerant R1234yf
S8TFA Active pedestrian protection
S925A Dummy-SALAPA
S962A Deleted, license plate support front
S9AAA Outer skin protection

Enjoy the pictures:

Best to all,

X3inZug

[titomi]

Congratulations! Happy driving.
Agreed on the display key, although my wife likes it :
It's the first time I see the strap for the trunk floor - really looks very cheap, also wouldn't expect something like this in BMW.

[Cobstar]

Thank you for the write up. Hope you continue to enjoy your new car as you get to know it better.

[MarkyM]

Looks great, congrats on pick up, hope you get the strut sorted

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by titomi

It's the first time I see the strap for the trunk floor - really looks very cheap, also wouldn't expect something like this in BMW.

So, US models recently produced are still getting the "regular" gas spring? not this Sh$$y setup we seem to be getting in Europe?

[titomi]

AFAIK not, probably canceled worldwide.

[BMWGuySweden]

Congrats!

About the gas spring. It has been discussed here on the forum that they stopped this for the 2019 model. Really sucks for you guys and I understand you are upset. It's a very cool and quality feature. Although to be honest I have barely had any use of it so far.

I totally agree with you on the display key. My guess is BMW started developing these years ago and the app tech passed it so fast they didn't have time to re-think. I also hate the fact that we only got one regular key. The only use for the display key for me will be when I'm at our country house where reception is very bad. Then it will be nice knowing I can warm the car with the display key.

[frank23]

Originally Posted by titomi

AFAIK not, probably canceled worldwide.

Looking at other forum posts, for the US it changed with the 2019 model year. Since most other countries do not have model years, it likely changed for them with builds starting after the summer production break 2018.

[bmtespar]

Hi. Congrats on your new ride. I had researched and discovered that the trunk storage shock had been discontinued in mid 2019. Some 19’s had it while later produced models did not. I was aggravated by this as well as I had a 18 with the shock and was getting a 19 that would not have it.

Anyway, I can confirm that the strut can be retrofitted. I made a post about detailing the procedure. The only “engineering” part was using a wing nut on the back of the ball stud as the car does not have a nut welded into the frame anymore. Take a look at my post when you get a chance.

[Speedbird1]

Congrats on your new car - looks very nice. You have manged to leap frog my build by quite a margin! So I'm feeling a bit unloved by BMW now. I ordered my car on 04.07.2018 and was told there may be a delay in production due to factory move (from US to SA) and also having to fit petrol particulate filters to meet new EU regulations.

Just found out my car was built 05.10.2018 and have now been informed by my sales adivisor it won't be at the dealer in the UK until 01.01.2019 at the earliest. I'm beginning to think they must be driving it here !!

Oh, and I'm very annoyed by the deletion of the gas strut. One of the things I particularly wanted, (and ordered the Extended Storage option to get it) as I felt this was a missed opportunity on the F25. When I ordered my car they were being fitted but now as it has taken so long to be built looks I won't be getting it.

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by Speedbird1

... I ordered my car on 04.07.2018 ...it won't be at the dealer in the UK until 01.01.2019 at the earliest. I'm beginning to think they must be driving it here !!

Wow. What a bummer! I feel your pain. I had a short wait and was going crazy trying to track it, I can only imagine having to wit for 6+ months. Sucks. And this issue with loosing the spring/trunk because of delay too... really sucks.

But I am sure you will enjoy the car when it arrives!

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

I can confirm that the strut can be retrofitted. I made a post about detailing the procedure.

Thank you, and, yes. I had seen that post. I am still working with local dealer to have them pick up the tab and work this out. Fingers still crossed. Should have some more news next week, I am hoping...

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by BMWGuySweden

I totally agree with you on the display key. My guess is BMW started developing these years ago and the app tech passed it so fast they didn't have time to re-think. I also hate the fact that we only got one regular key.

Glad to know I am not alone. I do like your theory. Even if they were looking to please those who are non techie with this display key, I think would be a miss, as it still takes a bit "work" to make it do what you want.... So yes, phone based is much better IMOHO...

[X3M40irl]

I have to ask, remote start on X3?

[jjrandorin]

Originally Posted by X3inZug

So, US models recently produced are still getting the "regular" gas spring? not this Sh$$y setup we seem to be getting in Europe?

Not that I have seen... 2019s have that same system you see, while 2018s had the "strut" that held up the trunk floor, as you described.

Really cheap of BMW, and is annoying. I have a 2019 on order an saw this before I did, so it wont be a surprise, but its still crappy of BMW to do.

[RegieX]

Congrats!

Get one of these.
The best trunk organizer, IMO.

[Bored of Audi]

Originally Posted by Speedbird1

Congrats on your new car - looks very nice. You have manged to leap frog my build by quite a margin! So I'm feeling a bit unloved by BMW now. I ordered my car on 04.07.2018 and was told there may be a delay in production due to factory move (from US to SA) and also having to fit petrol particulate filters to meet new EU regulations.

Just found out my car was built 05.10.2018 and have now been informed by my sales adivisor it won't be at the dealer in the UK until 01.01.2019 at the earliest. I'm beginning to think they must be driving it here !!

Oh, and I'm very annoyed by the deletion of the gas strut. One of the things I particularly wanted, (and ordered the Extended Storage option to get it) as I felt this was a missed opportunity on the F25. When I ordered my car they were being fitted but now as it has taken so long to be built looks I won't be getting it.

A little odd as mine was built at the end of October and is sat in Southampton ... I think the individual optioned cars come from USA and other are SA..

[sinbad4]

I'm with X3M40irl Remote Start? Was this assumed or you actually have it and it works?

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

I'm with X3M40irl Remote Start? Was this assumed or you actually have it and it works?

By <remote start> I actually meant:

S536A Auxiliary heating

I can use the phone or the display key to pre warm the car before I go to it... I have tested so far twice (indoors/outdoors) and it was nice and cozy when I entered the car, rather than cold and colder ;-)

This has only been tested without snow so far. Not yet while covered in snow...

[spangle1980]

That looks like a pretty sweet ride - thanks for sharing the pictures. Those Ray Ban Aviators (case?) take me back to good days. :-)

[X3inZug]

Originally Posted by spangle1980

That looks like a pretty sweet ride - thanks for sharing the pictures. Those Ray Ban Aviators (case?) take me back to good days. :-)

Thanks, those are the wife's... indeed, pretty back in the day's....

[sinbad4]

Originally Posted by X3inZug

By <remote start> I actually meant:

S536A Auxiliary heating

I can use the phone or the display key to pre warm the car before I go to it... I have tested so far twice (indoors/outdoors) and it was nice and cozy when I entered the car, rather than cold and colder ;-)

This has only been tested without snow so far. Not yet while covered in snow...

Well... crap. Another option we cannot get in the USA. WTF. I live in Minnesota. I'd really like this option. It's farking cold here.

*sigh*

I fail to understand why BMW doesn't make vehicle options more universal/ international. I get coding lights or seat belts for local laws.. but retracting trailer hitches, acoustic glass, leather color options, etc., etc.