BHPian Kelly66 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:7 Tips & Tricks for your Bimmer1. How to force Efficient Coasting mode: I had mentioned in my initial review that coasting mode was not sustaining always, like it used to, in my 320d. Although it works at speeds above 25 kmph, very often it goes from efficient coasting mode to charging battery mode. If this happens, one technique to force it back it into coasting is to double press the + Paddle shift in quick succession and immediately you will see the coasting mode getting activated and this time it will sustain till you brake or accelerate. Coasting Share of Eco Pro went up from 17.5% (without this method in Oct during my BLR to CBE trip) to 21.4% of Eco Pro (in Dec from BLR to CBE). This is despite using Manual mode quite frequently (when coasting gets deactivated) in December. 2. How to simulate Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with your left thumb: Since we don’t have this ADAS L2 feature in our 330Li, I tried to simulate it in my own way in the Chengapally bypass 6 lane highway during the CBE-BLR leg. Once you activate cruise control, you can increase/decrease the speed in steps of 10 kmph (long push up/pull down) or 1 kmph steps (short push up/pull down). So, I used this seating position (see pic below) with both arms resting comfortably on my knees and set the cruise control at around 90 kmph and as and when I saw a clear highway I increased it in steps of 10 kmph. When there was a vehicle ahead with no place to switch lanes, I reduced the speed in steps of 10 kmph. A single step-shift down will put the car into coasting mode (you can see it in the adaptive content screen or the blue car symbol in instrument display). If you need to slow down even further in a hurry (happens with so many diversions/barricades along the way), pull the knob downwards twice (20 kmph reduction) and you will see the car braking and reducing speed (I could see the tail lights come on in the adaptive screen) just as ACC in other cars would do in such a situation. I used my thumb like this for nearly 40 kms in that stretch and it worked flawlessly. Of course, since you don’t have your leg near the brakes you need to be extra vigilant and be prepared to brake with your leg, just in case. In 4 lane highways, I used it in shorter stretches. I used this even in slower speeds between 30-50 kmph but with leg near the brake. I am sure some of you would have tried this, but thought of sharing for those who didn’t. This is the first time for me because I didn’t have CC in my F30. 3. How to fetch your Bimmer’s Telematics Car Data data online: The BMW Car Data archive allows you to retain an overview of the telematics data that your vehicle regularly sends to BMW as part of the BMW Connected Drive services. This includes measurements by your BMW, such as the mileage, check control messages/errors, battery health/need for recharge, ConnectedDrive contract details and their expiry date, etc. Note: Your car should be “BMW Connected Drive” capable for availing this feature. I used this BMW UK website to log in: BMW UK website It should show you a screen like this: Login or Register with your email id and Click on My BMW to get to this screen: Go to Vehicle Overview or Add Vehicle to get to next screen: Click on BMW CarData and Request Archive Data: Your car data will be generated within 24 hours and you can download it. Report will contain most (but not all) of the Cardata elements listed in the attached BMW CARDATA TELEMATICS DATA CATALOGUE. Download BMW CarData Telematics Data Catalogue.pdf I went looking for this when I sensed that my battery may be having issues. Report said its healthy. 4. How to improve seating comfort during long drives: During my Oct CBE trip we found the Vernasca leather to be a bit on the harder side and a little uncomfortable for long drives. I got these cushions before the Dec trip and the mild cushioning made the seating more comfortable: Cushion link Another plus point – this cushion retains its shape and doesn’t get crumpled after repeated use. 5. How to install a Matte screen protector and where to source it dirt cheap: I had been hunting for a matte finish screen protector for the last 3 months because the stock screen protector was very reflective. Although it doesn’t affect the view while driving, I wanted to make it look better. Armour Guard screen protectors are supposed to be good. I ordered and returned it because there was 3-4 mm gap on all sides and it had a glossy finish. Luckily, I found a supplier on Indiamart (Matte-screen-protector link) and he said he has a large roll of 100m but can machine cut it to my size if required. However, when I sent the pics of the car screen he said it may fit properly since it has curved display. I had measured the Armour guard screen and increased it to account for the size and told him to cut it as 14.1 cm x 75.4 cm. Also, I told him that the risk is on me if it doesn’t stick properly since the cost was only Rs.150/- + Rs.200/- for courier charges from Delhi. Arrived neatly packed along with guide & dust stickers, squeegee and wipes: Matte screen opened This is a 5 layer screen guard, of which the 1st layer at the front and 5th layer at back are just dust protectors. The 2nd layer at the front is a blue layer and the 4th layer at the back is black. Centre 3rd layer is the actual screen protector. The sequence for installation is as follows: Remove both the dust protection layers and clean the protector with a wet cloth If you are doing the install on your own, I suggest you ask a family member or friend to be around for help Clean the display with wet wipes and then dry wipe it and make sure there is no dust on the display. Keep all windows closed. Use the guide stickers to position the protector with the blue layer facing you and stick them to the back of the display. They kept coming off. Using a long masking tape would be more useful. Use the dust sticker to remove any speck of dust on the display Next step is to lift the protector towards you and slowly peel the black layer from behind and apply it gradually from left to right. Someone should hold the protector on the left while you do this. I thought of doing it alone, but realised it is not easy because these stickers are not strong enough to hold the position while lifting up the protector to remove the black layer at the back. So, I took the car to the local mobile shop to get it installed. I helped the guy by holding it on the left side while he removed the black layer and applied it correctly. While the blue layer is still on look for bubbles on the screen and use the squeegee to remove the bubbles. Even if we turn off the infotainment display it came back on at the slightest touch. Didn’t know how to do it. If it is fully off it easier to see the bubbles. Matte screen fixed and bubble removal in progress (stickers weren’t useful): Once all bubbles are removed, the blue layer can be removed and you can the final result Matte screen installed After installing it, I realised the correct measurement should have been 14.1 cm x 75.1 cm (with 2 mm fillet in all 4 corners). Since I ordered 75.4 cm, I tried cutting 3 mm with scissors but the result would have been perfect if it was done with a ruler and blade or machine cut. Slightly misaligned: Reflection on Curved screen with stock protector: Reflection on Curved screen without stock protector (didn’t know it was better without the stock protector, although it would be a fingerprint magnet) Curved screen with matte protector (no glare and no fingerprints) Disclaimer: If any of you want to buy it, you may reach out to (AZ Infolink – Jatin @ 85860 22335). Delhiites can even save courier charges. Needless to say that I have no commercial interest in this. For those who missed these tips: 6. How to reduce glare & reflections in your dashcam footage without a CPL Filter: I was forced to find my own way of reducing glare in my dashcam footage when I recently installed the Redtiger F77 Dual dashcam. If you have a dashcam without a CPL filter please see this link: EVAC Filter 7. How to protect your door panel/running board paint during rains and make self-wash easier: To get the right set of mudflaps please see my earlier posts for details. More on Grey Hulk later…. So, what did you do with your Bimmer in the recent past? Please do share your tips, tricks and mods!Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
