2017 BMW 440i (F33)
Discussion
Never put up a reader's car before, but given the astonishing lack of colour that seems to be displayed on modern vehicles (seriously, paint exists that isn't a shade between white and black), I thought I'd post up my 2017 440i that I picked up back in September 2020 after saying goodbye to my 2016 Audi S3 Saloon that I'd had from new.
A bit of back story behind the 440i purchase. Back in February 2020 (when the pandemic was only endemic) I'd just started a new job at a business that offered free electric vehicle charging for it's employees (a good bank of 10 22KW chargers and only about 4 electric car owners/users), and was on the cusp of PCP'ing a new BMW i3S, figuring that the repayments were less than I was paying on the S3 and the fuel would essentially be free. Then, the week of my arranged test drive, the pandemic hit in full-force, lockdown began and I was WFH for the forseeable, I had seemingly dodged a bullet. Meanwhile, I'd also been running my 2003 Mk1 Audi TT 3.2 V6 on dry days and weekends, and had become accustomed to top-down motoring (I also had an MX5 prior to this, but it died a death of tin-worm), my little lad (3) had started to enjoy a trip out in the convertible, but for obvious reasons it wasn't going to cut it for the whole family!
So, with the wife having our "family bus" (a 2015 Skoda Yeti), I didn't need practicality beyond 4 comfortable seats and room for light-luggage, I also decided to go used for the first time in 12 years (for my daily-driver that is), as I wasn't sure what the pandemic would bring, and didn't fancy trying to get out of a PCP 1-2 years in. So I set a budget and not really much else in terms of wanted spec, only that the car had to be "not white/grey/black", it couldn't have black wheels with black accents, and preferably it'd be as nice a place to sit as the S3 it was replacing. After turning down the idea of an older 997 because they don't look right as cabrios (IMO), and Targas weren't really cutting it in terms of roof-off, I started looking at the offerings from BMW. I have a small history with BMW, having owned a 1992 325i Saloon back in 2007-2009, and also owning a 2003 330d Saloon between 2008 and 2011.
This brings us to the subject of the post, the 440i. I was blown away by "Snapper Rocks Blue" in the flesh, I'm yet to meet anyone that doesn't like the colour. The interior was nicely specified with extended leather, giving me a leather-clad center console, as well as lower and upper dashboard. The digital cockpit was a nice to have, but compared to the Audi VIrtual Cockpit I had in the S3, it was a bit poor, nowhere near as feature-rich, and in many ways not really a step-up from the "full black panel" available previously.
The only things I wanted to change were the mirror caps to brushed chrome (I also bought a pair of Ferric Grey that are used on the M140i, but they didn't really work with the colour of the chrome grille and polished wheels), and change the grille to that of the double-slatted M3/4 variety.
So far it's been roughly equivalent on fuel to the S3, far more engaging to drive however, but most certainly nowhere near as useful in the snow!
A bit of back story behind the 440i purchase. Back in February 2020 (when the pandemic was only endemic) I'd just started a new job at a business that offered free electric vehicle charging for it's employees (a good bank of 10 22KW chargers and only about 4 electric car owners/users), and was on the cusp of PCP'ing a new BMW i3S, figuring that the repayments were less than I was paying on the S3 and the fuel would essentially be free. Then, the week of my arranged test drive, the pandemic hit in full-force, lockdown began and I was WFH for the forseeable, I had seemingly dodged a bullet. Meanwhile, I'd also been running my 2003 Mk1 Audi TT 3.2 V6 on dry days and weekends, and had become accustomed to top-down motoring (I also had an MX5 prior to this, but it died a death of tin-worm), my little lad (3) had started to enjoy a trip out in the convertible, but for obvious reasons it wasn't going to cut it for the whole family!
So, with the wife having our "family bus" (a 2015 Skoda Yeti), I didn't need practicality beyond 4 comfortable seats and room for light-luggage, I also decided to go used for the first time in 12 years (for my daily-driver that is), as I wasn't sure what the pandemic would bring, and didn't fancy trying to get out of a PCP 1-2 years in. So I set a budget and not really much else in terms of wanted spec, only that the car had to be "not white/grey/black", it couldn't have black wheels with black accents, and preferably it'd be as nice a place to sit as the S3 it was replacing. After turning down the idea of an older 997 because they don't look right as cabrios (IMO), and Targas weren't really cutting it in terms of roof-off, I started looking at the offerings from BMW. I have a small history with BMW, having owned a 1992 325i Saloon back in 2007-2009, and also owning a 2003 330d Saloon between 2008 and 2011.
This brings us to the subject of the post, the 440i. I was blown away by "Snapper Rocks Blue" in the flesh, I'm yet to meet anyone that doesn't like the colour. The interior was nicely specified with extended leather, giving me a leather-clad center console, as well as lower and upper dashboard. The digital cockpit was a nice to have, but compared to the Audi VIrtual Cockpit I had in the S3, it was a bit poor, nowhere near as feature-rich, and in many ways not really a step-up from the "full black panel" available previously.
The only things I wanted to change were the mirror caps to brushed chrome (I also bought a pair of Ferric Grey that are used on the M140i, but they didn't really work with the colour of the chrome grille and polished wheels), and change the grille to that of the double-slatted M3/4 variety.
So far it's been roughly equivalent on fuel to the S3, far more engaging to drive however, but most certainly nowhere near as useful in the snow!
Edited by paradigital on Tuesday 2nd February 15:14
Edited by paradigital on Wednesday 3rd February 07:54
Sn1ckers said:
Lovely car. Would love to have the leather dash in my 435i - really lifts the interior.
Thanks, I saw your 435i GC, certainly would be my choice over the F30 saloon, if just for the practicality of the hatch. The leather does make the whole cabin feel more premium than the standard affair, and it feels a whole load nicer than (the admittedly nice itself) interior of my old S3.
Absolutely lovely machine.
I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
Nik Gnashers said:
Absolutely lovely machine.
I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
Couldn't agree more about the right balance of screen vs cockpit size, and 100% with you on the use of actual tactile controls for things. Touchscreens in cars need to go the way of the dodo, and quickly (and no, voice control or gesture control is not a substitute for buttons either), operating buttons can be done sight unseen, but touchscreens... eurgh.I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
I don't mind the digital representation of analogue dials though, I just wish the space between the dials was actually used for useful stuff (ala Audi Virtual Cockpit) rather than simply being there and offering minimal information. Case in point, Audi system shows a full-colour Sat Nav map in there (if needed), whereas the BMW system offers a small arrow and a distance to the next junction that you need, which is useless in a tightly packed inner-city that might have 3 turnings in the space of 50 yards, am I taking the middle one or the third one? If a manufacturer is going to put in complicated tech, at least make some use of it rather than just allowing for three different dial colours, you can do that without a screen BMW!
paradigital said:
Nik Gnashers said:
Absolutely lovely machine.
I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
Couldn't agree more about the right balance of screen vs cockpit size, and 100% with you on the use of actual tactile controls for things. Touchscreens in cars need to go the way of the dodo, and quickly (and no, voice control or gesture control is not a substitute for buttons either), operating buttons can be done sight unseen, but touchscreens... eurgh.I think interiors certainly divide opinion. The majority seem to prefer the 'more-is-better' style, and that's great, but personally I don't and think the interior is much better if it's simple and clean.
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
I don't mind the digital representation of analogue dials though, I just wish the space between the dials was actually used for useful stuff (ala Audi Virtual Cockpit) rather than simply being there and offering minimal information. Case in point, Audi system shows a full-colour Sat Nav map in there (if needed), whereas the BMW system offers a small arrow and a distance to the next junction that you need, which is useless in a tightly packed inner-city that might have 3 turnings in the space of 50 yards, am I taking the middle one or the third one? If a manufacturer is going to put in complicated tech, at least make some use of it rather than just allowing for three different dial colours, you can do that without a screen BMW!
Lovely car OP, and great colour combo. Is the extended leather an LCI only option? I didn't see any when shopping for my F33 435i. Looks good. Nice subtle contrast stitching on the leather too. I fancied the blue stitched option when I was looking, but also wanted the blue dash trim and I think both might have been a bit magpie so went with just the dash.
I agree, I like the integration of the screen in the F3X, useful without dominating the interior, and not like a nailed-on iPad (Merc!) or a 90's in-car TV (BMW E90!). I'm not sold on digital/analogue dials though; if it's digital go full S2000, otherwise physical dials with a screen surround is the way to go for me. But yes, agree, the use of the screen between/below the dials is a bit rudimentary on the F3X. And the "turn by turn" is a waste of time.
paradigital said:
Nik Gnashers said:
I love BMW interiors, as they still have real buttons for the important things, and are not too blingy (Mercedes I'm looking at you).
I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
I don't mind the digital representation of analogue dials though, I just wish the space between the dials was actually used for useful stuff (ala Audi Virtual Cockpit) rather than simply being there and offering minimal information. Case in point, Audi system shows a full-colour Sat Nav map in there (if needed), whereas the BMW system offers a small arrow and a distance to the next junction that you need, which is useless in a tightly packed inner-city that might have 3 turnings in the space of 50 yards, am I taking the middle one or the third one? I like analogue dials, and a less cluttered approach to the interior, massive screens are just too much.
The B58 is a cracking engine, must be move to hear more of it with the roof down!
I like BMW interiors. I actually preferred that in my M140i to the Golf R that I also looked at as well. I think the I drive works really well (I don’t bother with the touchscreen function because the finger prints annoy me). Simple things like the short cut buttons are brilliant.
We’ve recently bought a four door cab (E88 125i) and am looking forward to better weather. Our little boy (6) thinks cabs are brilliant after we had a MINI cab as a courtesy car.
I like BMW interiors. I actually preferred that in my M140i to the Golf R that I also looked at as well. I think the I drive works really well (I don’t bother with the touchscreen function because the finger prints annoy me). Simple things like the short cut buttons are brilliant.
We’ve recently bought a four door cab (E88 125i) and am looking forward to better weather. Our little boy (6) thinks cabs are brilliant after we had a MINI cab as a courtesy car.
Court_S said:
The B58 is a cracking engine, must be move to hear more of it with the roof down!
It is a superb engine, effortless and sounds pretty good for a forced-induction unit. I'm tempted by some kind of exhaust (perhaps the official BMW MPPK one) to make it a bit fruiter, but as it stands you get a good tone from it and not a ridiculous amount of burble on overrun (only does it in Sport/Sport+) unlike other cars. My S3 was terrible for it's DSG farts and upshift pops and it didn't even have an ASBO "crackle-map" on it (it was stock). The power delivery compared to the S3 is night and day, sure the S3 was quicker to 60, marginally, but once rolling is a completely different kettle of fish. You can tell the B58 is far less boosted than the EA888 (it would be, given the small 16BHP differential yet a 33% difference in displacement).Court_S said:
I like BMW interiors. I actually preferred that in my M140i to the Golf R that I also looked at as well. I think the I drive works really well (I don’t bother with the touchscreen function because the finger prints annoy me). Simple things like the short cut buttons are brilliant.
I preferred aspects of the S3, I prefer others of the 440i, but both are a nice place to sit, fortunately neither car has a touchscreen so that's a +1 for both. Even if I had the touchscreen, I'd never use it as you say, fingerprints.Court_S said:
We’ve recently bought a four door cab (E88 125i) and am looking forward to better weather. Our little boy (6) thinks cabs are brilliant after we had a MINI cab as a courtesy car.
If it's not raining (or snowing) my roof is down, temperature isn't usually a consideration 
paradigital said:
Court_S said:
The B58 is a cracking engine, must be move to hear more of it with the roof down!
It is a superb engine, effortless and sounds pretty good for a forced-induction unit. I'm tempted by some kind of exhaust (perhaps the official BMW MPPK one) to make it a bit fruiter, but as it stands you get a good tone from it and not a ridiculous amount of burble on overrun (only does it in Sport/Sport+) unlike other cars. My S3 was terrible for it's DSG farts and upshift pops and it didn't even have an ASBO "crackle-map" on it (it was stock). The power delivery compared to the S3 is night and day, sure the S3 was quicker to 60, marginally, but once rolling is a completely different kettle of fish. You can tell the B58 is far less boosted than the EA888 (it would be, given the small 16BHP differential yet a 33% difference in displacement).Court_S said:
I like BMW interiors. I actually preferred that in my M140i to the Golf R that I also looked at as well. I think the I drive works really well (I don’t bother with the touchscreen function because the finger prints annoy me). Simple things like the short cut buttons are brilliant.
I preferred aspects of the S3, I prefer others of the 440i, but both are a nice place to sit, fortunately neither car has a touchscreen so that's a +1 for both. Even if I had the touchscreen, I'd never use it as you say, fingerprints.Court_S said:
We’ve recently bought a four door cab (E88 125i) and am looking forward to better weather. Our little boy (6) thinks cabs are brilliant after we had a MINI cab as a courtesy car.
If it's not raining (or snowing) my roof is down, temperature isn't usually a consideration Out little boy loves it. Last time I used it to collect him from school his seat was in the front and he put the roof down! :lol:
Falcuono said:
Great color and interior!
Why do new car buyers always choose the grey and black paint Instead of a color?
God knows. I specced my S3 in Navarra Blue Pearl and with a Rock Grey interior, my 2013 A4 was in Moonstone Blue with again Rock Grey interior, and the only other car I specced from new was my 2003 Citroen Saxo VTR that I ordered in Iceland metallic blue.Why do new car buyers always choose the grey and black paint Instead of a color?
Most of my used purchases have been grey or black (though my 330d had a grey interior and my 325i had a tan one), with the exception of my Moro Blue Mk1 TT V6 with it's Anise leather.
Black on black with black highlights on a black background... Eurgh. Contrast is what helps you see design details. If all you want is a generic black blob then I pity you!
Really lovely car. I especially love the leather dash, it really lifts the interior. May I ask, sorry if I missed it in the OP, is your actual leather Dakota, Nappa or Merino?
If it is Dakota, how do you find the seat comfort/suppleness? If it’s Nappa or Merino I assume it’s absolutely lovely. It certainly looks great.
If it is Dakota, how do you find the seat comfort/suppleness? If it’s Nappa or Merino I assume it’s absolutely lovely. It certainly looks great.
VS02 said:
Really lovely car. I especially love the leather dash, it really lifts the interior. May I ask, sorry if I missed it in the OP, is your actual leather Dakota, Nappa or Merino?
If it is Dakota, how do you find the seat comfort/suppleness? If it’s Nappa or Merino I assume it’s absolutely lovely. It certainly looks great.
The seats are Dakota, unfortunately. It's not that supple, although comfort is fine. It is however more hard-wearing than the leather in the S3, so that's a plus.If it is Dakota, how do you find the seat comfort/suppleness? If it’s Nappa or Merino I assume it’s absolutely lovely. It certainly looks great.
The dash doesn't appear to be Dakota, it's finer-grained and far softer. I'd assume the dash was Nappa.
paradigital said:
The seats are Dakota, unfortunately. It's not that supple, although comfort is fine. It is however more hard-wearing than the leather in the S3, so that's a plus.
The dash doesn't appear to be Dakota, it's finer-grained and far softer. I'd assume the dash was Nappa.
The seats do look much better than in the F32 and F36, however! They look a lot more supportive. Assume you saw the normal coupes, did you find the seats more comfortable in your car than the F32?The dash doesn't appear to be Dakota, it's finer-grained and far softer. I'd assume the dash was Nappa.
Sorry for the interrogation haha just like these cars and consider early F32’s for my next car
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