440i Ordered, let the excitement begin!

[moffat]

I've negotiated a new order of a 440i Coupe LCI so have that new car excitement! I've read a stack of interesting stuff on here so thanks for the in-direct advice!

Moving from the 6 is easy and hard at the same time. Easy because I really don't like diesels and this will be my last ever diesel. Hard because the interior is epic even though the rear space is a total nightmare (have a 5 year old).

I'd been looking at the Alfa Guilia QF and M4 CP but there is a distinct lack of deals. Whilst researching I found a Grigio Telesto 440i (pre-LCI) in Chester and came close to doing a deal (they cocked up the finance quote) but because of the individual paint it was coming in £100 per month more than a new car.

I'd not tried the B58 before but previously ran two cars with the N54. I drove the M240i on Saturday and I was really impressed, it's a proper performance bargain! Much too small for me however.

So given the amazing discounts and 2.9% APR I decided to go a bit mad and order a 440i looking like the one at Halliwell Jones in Chester except for the paint. My spec went a little crazy (for me) in the end:

Sapphire Black
Individual Opal White Merino Leather Interior
Individual leather dash
Individual piano trim
M Performance 20" 405's
M Performance Aerodynamic Package (carbon bodykit)
M Performance Power and Sound Kit
M Sport Plus package (HK etc)
Icon Adaptive LED Headlights
HUD
Reverse camera
Lumbar
Split fold seats
Extended storage
Full de-badge

I've decided against Adaptive - even though it's not expensive I don't really see the point of it. I've always been pretty happy with the standard M Sport suspension even on 20" alloy as per my current 640d.

Also decided against Comfort Access - it was on initially but it's pretty much comfort access anyway.

I want the sunroof I think, but would be happier if it was a panoramic instead.

Final question for me has been white to show off the carbon bits or black for stealth... gone with black so far as I might wrap in Grigio Telesto....

So the wait begins, the order officially goes through tomorrow.

Anything I've missed and any tips I should be aware of??

Whats the current lead time? I think the Individual stuff may delay the delivery?

When it arrives I will have a lovely set of brand new set of 704M Bicolour Orbit Grey alloys and tyres for sale too.

[moffat]

JNW1 said:

Very nice car with the right engine!

I do think M-Sport cars can be a bit sombre inside what with the black headlining and all and therefore I can see the merit in a sunroof even though the Opal White leather should lift things a bit. Only thing I'd add if they're not standard are folding/dimming mirrors - always fold mine to avoid damage when the car's parked and I find the facility to look down at the kerb or at white lines when parking extremely useful (although perhaps the standard electric mirrors do that anyway?).

Yep, I've added the folding dimming mirrors - I can't live without them either, fantastic for parking!

The sunroof is an interesting one, I had a panoramic sunroof in my C63 Coupe which really opened up the cabin as it was nearly full length, just no sure £895 is a good price to pay for a very small opening. I may carbon wrap the roof to match the bodykit too so currently giving it a miss.

Does anyone find any merit in Comfort Access??

[moffat]

Thanks everyone!

I'm comfortable with the up-keep of the Opal White leather, the Ivory in my 640d pick-ups up jean dye on a regular basis but I have sorted process of using Auto Finesse Hide Cleanser which gets them back to normal in seconds, and I also use the protector which reduces the pickup of dye. Also treat the seat with Gliptone leather conditioner.

As for the 20" 405M's I am under no illusion that the ride will be good. As soon as financially possible ie destroy the rears I will be getting 4 new non RFT's which will greatly help. My 640 has 20"s and I've been running non-RFT's for 2 years and they transformed the ride.

Still considering the adaptive, may go and drive a car with it in.

Appreciate all the tips though!

With regard to overall discount it's hard to work out with some negative equity in play and also lots of BMW M Performance Parts, but the discount is around 20% for the car.

[moffat]

Tomy90 said:

Nice car I'm sure you will love it, I have owned a M235i for 3 years now.

Apologises if this list of recommendations is out of date or standard on your car (my car maybe slightly out of date options wise)

1 - Speed Limit Display - so useful with it popping up on your speedo especially in unfamiliar areas and i know my father wishes he had it on his 530d Touring after having it on his previous BMW. - Had it on my C63, not on my 640d and missed it initially but don't now

2 - Professional navigation system - makes the interior that much more special in my opinion. - Thankfully standard

3 - electric seats - from my experience it gives you so much more adjustment than a standard manual seat. - Standard too

4 - Harmon Kardon Speakers - great value for money speaker system (10 speakers if my memory is right) - Part of the M Sport Plus Package

5 Adaptive Suspension - I know you said you found the standard in your 640d fine, but I would say it really helps to give your car different characters on a flick of a switch (from comfortable Motorway cruiser to a fun B road driver). - See above, need to drive a car with it

If there is any options you are curious about just ask as I pretty much specced them all except for the sunroof, lane keep, internet and music streaming service on my M235i. - thanks!!

I do wish I could have the adaptive cruise control and head up display on mine though (they do not offer it on the 1 & 2 series).

Also not sure on your situation but if you do a decent amount of miles the £500 service pack was worth getting on mine as it is free servicing for 5 years or 50,000 except for tyres and brake pads. - Ive got the service pack FOC

Edited by Tomy90 on Wednesday 19th April 15:04

[moffat]

I've decided against Comfort - I don't know what I'll miss as I've never had, if I get it, it will be another option that becomes a must have feature adding to a long list!

Also, this website and Bimmerpost has cost me another £515 for the Adaptive Suspension... more concern around the 20" wheels and day to day ride on the stock M Sport suspension. I hoping the future combo of Adaptive in Sport mode plus 20"s eventually on non RFT's will provide a great handling car.

[moffat]

aeropilot said:

I didn't spec it on my recently bought X5......I'm still not convinced about the theft/security weakness surrounding BMW's with comfort access option.

Brave decision regarding colour choice, hardest colour to maintain on the outside and hardest colour to maintain on the inside

Also brave decision on going for 20" rims without adaptive suspension

I wouldn't even run 19's on non-adaptive M-Sport.....!

Haha yeah I'm a glutton for punishment. I just can't see it running any harder than my 640d on 20"s though. I realise it will be tough for the first year before I am in a position to get rid of all the tyres and replace with some Michelin Pilot Super Sports.

Happy to say I've just add the digital dash which BMW have only just now allowed on the F32 in combination with the HUD.

Since I'm making that change, might consider Adaptive too...

[moffat]

New suspension on the LCI 4 series too though.

I've canvassed opinion and it seems to be 50/50 so far!

My father in law has a pre-LCI 420d riding on 19"s so going to speak to him too.

[moffat]

Auto.... I'm passed manuals now, although I do love them!

[moffat]

had ham said:

I made a similar change last Autumn - went from a 640d M Sport GC to a 440i M Sport Cabrio. Link here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=16...

The 440i IMO is light years ahead of the 6 in terms of the drive - and the ride isn't that different, with I think the 440i on 19's just shading the 640d on 20's.

I liked my 640d, but it didn't excite me in any way like the 440i does.

Thanks that helps a lot.

I've just added the digital dash and was going to add adaptive but there aren't recognising it in the balloon, so balls to that. I know I will be fine without, but I've entered the world of doubt and what-if-maybe... I've spent a fortune on this car so will live without!

Glad you like the 440i and I'm very excited!!! I've also added the M Performance Power and Sound Kit. I wouldn't order it without as I was really looking towards getting a M4 CP but with the lack of discounts the 440i made more sense. I plan to look at remaps (to 400ish bhp) after its run in.

The 640 is a lovely place to be and the quality inside is epic, but I won't miss it, maybe except on long drives and the mpg. Mines chipped and it's still dull.

[moffat]

had ham said:

Snap.

I look forward to reading your initial thoughts in a couple of months time. In the interim, enjoy the anticipation!

The wait is already killing me.

The lack of 440i content on YouTube is also killing me.

[moffat]

Helicopter123 said:

Make sure to add the adaptive, it will need it on the 20s.

Huge gap in quality between 1/2/3/4 and 5/6/7 but the OPs spec sounds epic. Hate to think of the cost!

Thinking of going from 5 >3 myself but afraid I will regret. A used 6 could be an option...

There is a huge gap, hence the Merino leather and individual leather dash - it really does help drag the 4er to a near 6er level of comfort. My 640 has Dakota leather, but obviously does have an amazing interior with the high quality materials. I've also gone for the HUD and digital dash which I don't have now too.

Oh and don't think of the cost, makes my eyes bleed... but still massively cheaper that a similarly specced M4.

[moffat]

had ham said:

Impressive? Most certainly. Fun? Nah.

Edited by had ham on Friday 21st April 21:46

Amen

[moffat]

Worzey said:

Almost identical spec to my 440i GC. I went Tanzanite blue with white opal leather. White is a PITA but looks great when clean.

The MPPSK is awesome. You'll love it....the neighbours may not be so keen

I love the adaptive dampers (you'll regret not having them) and adaptive LED headlights are great too. The full leather really lifts the cabin. Heated steering wheel is also a luxury you shouldn't be without.

I'm 3k miles in and love every drive.

Thanks, can't wait for it to arrive.

I've decided no to Adaptive, it pushes my monthly way beyond where it should be but it is something I'm 50/50 on, I've just added the digital dash too. The money saved will be better spent on some decent tyres!

Not so fussed about a heat steering wheel given my car is always garaged.

I had an MPE on a 135i Coupe and woke the neighbours all the time, same happened with my C63, they've been getting me back with their Macan GTS so all fair

Have you got any pics of the interior? - keen to see it with the leather dash!!

[moffat]

Worzey said:

Here you go

1. drool

Can't wait for my own car!

[moffat]

PorkInsider said:

Spec' sounds great, OP. That will be a stunning car.

I recently took delivery of an M4CP in Tanzanite with Opal and individual leather instrument panel. Agree that the full leather makes a big difference.

Also agree that it's going to be 'interesting' keeping the interior looking like new.

It's worth the effort though because Opal looks amazing.

Thanks, your car looks epic!

Just been told my estimated delivery date is the 27th July.... so depressing, but at least it's ordered.