[wadded]

Hi All,

Thought I'd provide some feedback on my 1st couple of days ownership of the 125i M Sport in Alpine White. Spec is below.

125i M Sport
Alpine White
Black Dakota Leather
Sun protection pack
Visibility pack
Harmon Kardon
DAB Radio
Enhanced Bluetooth
Heated seats
Sunroof

Unfortunately the collection day was quite tarnished by being in a rush to sign the paperwork, collect the car and return to work for a meeting...That and the fact it was chucking it down with rain the whole day!

So it's really taken until today to get a true experience.

My only previous experience of BMW ownership was back in 1999 when I leased an E36 328i M Sport in the US at the age of 22.

My recent car with which the F20 is replacing is a 2011 MK6 Golf GTI.

Some key points that I was most anxious about (more so with not having the opportunity to test beforehand) building up to delivery were the Engine, Driving experience (Compared to GTI) and Audio (being a complete audiophile!).

First off the HK is absolutely awesome.

I previously had the upgraded Dynaudio system in the GTI and this just blows it out of the water. The audio clarity and Bass reproduction is just astonishing.

I've taken a couple of friends already as passengers and they are equally impressed.

I play a huge range of music from Trance/House/Pop/R&B/Soft Rock to Classical. So far this has played everything I've thrown at it.

I can also confirm I am using the Apple cable with my iPod/iPhone and am seeing the album artwork.

The engine..Well I've been trying very hard to follow instructions and allow the engine to run in. So I haven't yet really opened it up. However having already done a good mixture of Motorway and A and B roads, I am really impressed by the power available.

The torque available from low down is comparable to a diesel in the same class. It feels really at ease cruising along the motorway and has plenty of pull.

The engine feels so refined and as others have said you really have to double check under the bonnet, to see if a turbo actually exists!

I have to be honest yesterday I was left feeling disappointed by the exhaust note and engine noise (lack of) in general. This is not in comparison of course to the outgoing straight six, but to the GTI to which it replaces for me.

The GTI just used to oooze noise and always put a smile on my face whenever I planted my right foot. The two cars of course are of a different class, so it's unfair to compare in this respect. Also the GTI was equipped with some electronic sound generator inside the cockpit...In any case read on for more back to the 125i..

Today has been a completely different experience, based on the fact it was dry and I was able to open the sunroof and down the windows.

The sound is indeed very satisfying after all. The gentle whistle and rasp from the turbo, and the general smoothness of the engine as you pull away in 2nd/3rd, etc is really quite nice. So much so that the HK was muted this afternoon. A few heads have turned today to look towards it, which was also equally pleasing.

Unfortunately I didn't get chance yet to take more than two pics, but I hope to take more at the weekend when it is clean again.

In summary, I think this is a fantastic car. I'm so glad I chose it over another GTI. It just feels like it's in a different class and is as pleasing to drive on the motorway as it is on twisty roads.

Two closing points are the MPG consumption and DRL Xenons..MPG got up to 40 MPG on motorway today! DRL Xenons...wow really really nice touch and already received lots of compliments. I like the effect of the sides dimming in conjunction with the indicators.

For anybody else waiting for theirs...It is definetly worth the wait and you will not regret your choice

[will-w]

Looking good, I'm glad you're enjoying it!

[Koalway Kid]

Very impressive f20 and a lovely spec.... Totally agree the HK it's awesome... I didn't know the side lights dimmed when indicating? I need to check that out

[wadded]

Originally Posted by Koalway Kid

Very impressive f20 and a lovely spec.... Totally agree the HK it's awesome... I didn't know the side lights dimmed when indicating? I need to check that out

My colleague commented on it earlier when I followed him away from the office. It's one of those things you don't get to experience as the driver lol

[Koalway Kid]

Originally Posted by wadded

My colleague commented on it earlier when I followed him away from the office. It's one of those things you don't get to experience as the driver lol

True... I'll try driving up to a shop window or something? I've seen the Audi's do the side light dimming thing when indicating on the motorway, but never seen any Beemers do it...

[Superspeed]

Congrats! A white M-sport really stands out.
I ended up with Black Sapphire myself as it is a safe choice, but from all the F20's I've seen the last months I know I should have considered AW as well as VO and EB!

I agree about the H/K btw. Great sound!

[Bogus]

Thats one nice motor!

I'm pleased to read your comments regarding the HK upgrade, I also opted for this having not upgraded in my current car, silly mistake to make as my previous car had a lovely BOSE in it.

[vladberca]

Congrats!
I would like to see more comments about the performances and fuel consumption compared with your previous car. Thanks in advance

[orcomma]

darn it is there a colour F20 comes in that isn't gorgeous?

stunning in alpine white! especially with the angel eyes

[orcomma]

However I will add - tut tut for parking in a disabled bay :P

[wadded]

Originally Posted by Sol01

looks very nice, also that Alpine white F30 in the second photo on the left looks awesome

The F30 collected me that morning and took me into the dealership

[Patrick BMW]

Congrats on the colour choice. As said earlier, I doubt there's a colour the F20 doesn't look good in!
Enjoyed reading your write up too. Ive had mine 2 weeks and have done just 30 miles!

[will-w]

Originally Posted by Patrick BMW

Congrats on the colour choice. As said earlier, I doubt there's a colour the F20 doesn't look good in!
Enjoyed reading your write up too. Ive had mine 2 weeks and have done just 30 miles!

How on earth have you managed that!?

I've not had it a week so far and I've done 360

Just can't wait until I get out of the first 1200 miles so I can put my foot down a bit

[Brenyaman]

Originally Posted by will-w

How on earth have you managed that!?

I've not had it a week so far and I've done 360

Just can't wait until I get out of the first 1200 miles so I can put my foot down a bit

1200 miles...
BMW recommended? Or just a hunch?

[will-w]

Originally Posted by Brenyaman

1200 miles...
BMW recommended? Or just a hunch?

It's in the manual as the recommended run-in time..

Oh and 460 miles now

[wadded]

Originally Posted by will-w

It's in the manual as the recommended run-in time..

Oh and 460 miles now

Mine is now on 900...I must admit I've already had the odd occasion of just blipping the throttle. Not had it all the way to 7k yet, maybe 6k..but lets just say this thing rocks!!

Really starting to enjoy the RWD drive too, had a little fun around corners and roundabouts in Sport + mode.

Loving the car it just keeps growing on me day by day.

[ATX78703]

congrats, looks awesome - more pics...

[Patrick BMW]

Originally Posted by will-w

How on earth have you managed that!?

I've not had it a week so far and I've done 360

Just can't wait until I get out of the first 1200 miles so I can put my foot down a bit

SORRY

work means I commute by train...but on the bright side, I may get a contract locally soon...which means a 20 minute drive !!