sDrive 20d questions

fuzzybunny · 05-30-2011, 04:02 AM

Hi All,
Looking at getting an sDrive 20d SE here in the UK.

1) Can anyone tell me what kind of mpg I should expect from the two wheel drive? My driving style is generally 'brisk' with motorway cruising tending to be around 75-80 mph. I notice the X1 has quite aerodynamic styling for a crossover so hopefully mpg should be good at speed. BMW quote around 53 mpg combined is this realistic?

2) Also tow bars, do I have to have run flat tyres as I dont really want them? Has anyone had a tow bar fitted by the dealer, what sort of price would you expect to pay?

3) Have heard comments about steering being heavy is this a real issue?

4) What is a realistic waiting time for a new factory order?

Hope someone can help, Cheers

jag1 · 05-30-2011, 06:15 AM

I have 2.0 auto x drive similar driving best was 48.7mpg and worst 43.2 mpg so i would say you should be better than my figures.
Towbar its a no choice with BMW to have runflats, I got towbar fitted by P.F.Jones in Trafford Manchester which is slightly cheaper but identical wiring as factory and stability control and reversing sensor all work , good customer service would recommend them.
Steering gives good feedback and not an issue with me.
Delivery was 6 weeks , but depends on build slots allocated to dealer.

manicm · 05-30-2011, 06:16 AM

Hi fuzzy, I have a sDrive18i but can answer some of your questions.

1. From other posts here you'll glean that the s20d has excellent economy at highway speeds.

2. I have the factory towbar - very easy to attach and remove, and stores neatly in its own compartment under boot. It was pricey but very neat - I'm not in UK though - check the UK configurator for price. And yes runflats are mandatory if you choose this option, but you can install a 3rd party towbar if you wish. I think BMW adds runflats for safety, especially if you're doing towing. Having said that, in my country runflats were standard and the only choice. I'm happy so far after nearly 3000km with my brand new car.

3. As we have RWD, the steering is light, not heavy at all. And my arms are scrawny enough to embarass a woman

. I used to drive a Focus before which had super-light steering.

4. I think delivery takes around 3 months, other UK owners here would know better though.

fuzzybunny · 05-30-2011, 07:24 AM

Thanks Guys, that's really helpful,
Think I would go for a dealer or third party tow bar.
Good news on the mpg and steering issues.
Cheers, Fuzzy

mario486 · 05-30-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

Hi All,
Looking at getting an sDrive 20d SE here in the UK.

1) Can anyone tell me what kind of mpg I should expect from the two wheel drive? My driving style is generally 'brisk' with motorway cruising tending to be around 75-80 mph. I notice the X1 has quite aerodynamic styling for a crossover so hopefully mpg should be good at speed. BMW quote around 53 mpg combined is this realistic?

2) Also tow bars, do I have to have run flat tyres as I dont really want them? Has anyone had a tow bar fitted by the dealer, what sort of price would you expect to pay?

3) Have heard comments about steering being heavy is this a real issue?

4) What is a realistic waiting time for a new factory order?

Hope someone can help, Cheers

Hi FuzzyB,

Welcome to the forum

I see others have answered your questions already, I can only concur with them.

1. I have a 2.0d auto which is only slightly heavier than the manual and I get around 35 mpg in the city with careful driving. Drops down to about 30mpg with not so careful driving. Open road I get around 54mpg.

2. BMW tow bar requires runflats.

3. No problem with the 2.0dSE as it comes with electrically assisted steering in the UK.

4. No idea how long the waiting list is for a factory build. I waited 3 months for mine here in the UK.

fuzzybunny · 05-30-2011, 11:16 AM

Thanks Mario
54mpg is exceptional especially for an auto.
I can see how it can drop right off in the city though.
Diesels seems to excel in steady cruising situations and don't respond well to lots or gear changes and acceleration in the city.

mario486 · 05-30-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

Thanks Mario
54mpg is exceptional especially for an auto.
I can see how it can drop right off in the city though.
Diesels seems to excel in steady cruising situations and don't respond well to lots or gear changes and acceleration in the city.

You are right of course about the city, but putting it in context my X1 is still more economical than the Mini in town driving

05-30-2011, 04:02 AM	#1
fuzzybunny Second Lieutenant 113 Rep 289 Posts Drives: Orange F33 435dx Convertible Join Date: May 2011 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	sDrive 20d questions Hi All, Looking at getting an sDrive 20d SE here in the UK. 1) Can anyone tell me what kind of mpg I should expect from the two wheel drive? My driving style is generally 'brisk' with motorway cruising tending to be around 75-80 mph. I notice the X1 has quite aerodynamic styling for a crossover so hopefully mpg should be good at speed. BMW quote around 53 mpg combined is this realistic? 2) Also tow bars, do I have to have run flat tyres as I dont really want them? Has anyone had a tow bar fitted by the dealer, what sort of price would you expect to pay? 3) Have heard comments about steering being heavy is this a real issue? 4) What is a realistic waiting time for a new factory order? Hope someone can help, Cheers
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05-30-2011, 06:15 AM	#2
jag1 New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: X1 xdrive 2.0 auto Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: South Scotland iTrader: (0)	I have 2.0 auto x drive similar driving best was 48.7mpg and worst 43.2 mpg so i would say you should be better than my figures. Towbar its a no choice with BMW to have runflats, I got towbar fitted by P.F.Jones in Trafford Manchester which is slightly cheaper but identical wiring as factory and stability control and reversing sensor all work , good customer service would recommend them. Steering gives good feedback and not an issue with me. Delivery was 6 weeks , but depends on build slots allocated to dealer.
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05-30-2011, 06:16 AM	#3
manicm First Lieutenant 11 Rep 375 Posts Drives: X1 sDrive18i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: SA iTrader: (0)	Hi fuzzy, I have a sDrive18i but can answer some of your questions. 1. From other posts here you'll glean that the s20d has excellent economy at highway speeds. 2. I have the factory towbar - very easy to attach and remove, and stores neatly in its own compartment under boot. It was pricey but very neat - I'm not in UK though - check the UK configurator for price. And yes runflats are mandatory if you choose this option, but you can install a 3rd party towbar if you wish. I think BMW adds runflats for safety, especially if you're doing towing. Having said that, in my country runflats were standard and the only choice. I'm happy so far after nearly 3000km with my brand new car. 3. As we have RWD, the steering is light, not heavy at all. And my arms are scrawny enough to embarass a woman . I used to drive a Focus before which had super-light steering. 4. I think delivery takes around 3 months, other UK owners here would know better though.
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05-30-2011, 07:24 AM	#4
fuzzybunny Second Lieutenant 113 Rep 289 Posts Drives: Orange F33 435dx Convertible Join Date: May 2011 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks Guys, that's really helpful, Think I would go for a dealer or third party tow bar. Good news on the mpg and steering issues. Cheers, Fuzzy
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05-30-2011, 11:16 AM	#6
fuzzybunny Second Lieutenant 113 Rep 289 Posts Drives: Orange F33 435dx Convertible Join Date: May 2011 Location: Somerset, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks Mario 54mpg is exceptional especially for an auto. I can see how it can drop right off in the city though. Diesels seems to excel in steady cruising situations and don't respond well to lots or gear changes and acceleration in the city.
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