My 'X' Comes Home! Pre-owned BMW X3 Ownership Review

[bhvm]

Its a downer to see dummy lights on a BMW.
I guess It was designed like my XUV Lamps. The Outer ones are low beams. Inner ones start up a dedicated High beams. But BMW put a Bixenon unit on the outer ones and totally forgot the inner ones.

However, I would still suggest you ask someone to drive in front of you. These could be a part of Adaptive function that come on Only in certain cases like
1) Cornering 2)Ultra High speed 3) Pass lamp

In case it's still dummy, I think you could simply install a Bulb and get additional High beams. Very nice discussions going on that link akash provided over there.

EDIT-
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=537023
Found something for ya!

[CarLoverJosh]

Originally Posted by bhvm

Its a downer to see dummy lights on a BMW.
I guess It was designed like my XUV Lamps. The Outer ones are low beams. Inner ones start up a dedicated High beams. But BMW put a Bixenon unit on the outer ones and totally forgot the inner ones.

However, I would still suggest you ask someone to drive in front of you. These could be a part of Adaptive function that come on Only in certain cases like
1) Cornering 2)Ultra High speed 3) Pass lamp

In case it's still dummy, I think you could simply install a Bulb and get additional High beams. Very nice discussions going on that link akash provided over there.

EDIT-
What's the final word on the E92/E92 M3 Inner Headlights?
Found something for ya!

My dear friend, the front headlamp is a dummy and when you put a torch through it you can only see the fuses. I am sorry to say but I'm not even going to touch her right now. No MODS for now. sorry to disappoint you. Don't know why but cannot open the link you sent. Do post it again.

[bhvm]

Here's what the link says, The numbers a different authors. And yes! They're NOT dummy!
1)
In my car the outer headlights functions as both high and low beams and they lights up the road just great in both modes. But, when I look at the lights, the inner ones never come on.

So I have researched and seen conflicting posts on several posts regarding the functionality of the inner bi-xenon headlights on the E9X M3s. Here are the three most common theories out there and my personal experience next to them.

- They are part of the DRLs > In DLR mode, only the rings light up in my car not the inner lights

- They are part of the adaptive light system > My inner lights never come on during cornering/turning

- They are for Flash to Pass > My outer lights also function as Flash to Pass lights, inner lights do not turn on

2)
I can also atest that they are cornering. I like them, it does give you more light while turning, in conjunction with the corn in xenon lights. I guess they didnt make them xenon because of the wear on them. Because when they are turned off and on constantly it ears them down quicker than normal. That's just my guess.
3)
Yes indeed, mine do come on only when the switch is in AUTO position when turning/cornering (on turn direction side) and also when you are in reverse (both sides). And they are Halogen not Xenon (kind of a bummer).

4)
Yes, unilateral cornering light (in response to steering angulation) and bilaterally in reverse. I've also just learned that mine come on unilaterally in response to activating my turn signal (not the triple blink), regardless of steering angle. Not sure if this is new, or I just never noticed for three years on my 2008 E60 before my 2011.5 E9
5)
Just checked on my 2008 E92, they do come on when the turn signals are activated on that particular side regardless of the steering angle. However, for this to all work, the switch has to be in AUTO position and it has to dark enough outside for the automatic lights to activate.

6)
All this time I thought the middle set of head lights (aka Cornering lights) were the high beams; until today when I installed the LUX Angel eye and couldn't get these set of lights to turn on. My first thought was that I nudged the connection while I was installing the LUX. I couldn't find any reference to these lights (other than the bulb type) in the Owners Guide.

7)
Thanks for the post. I was able to turn them on (one at a time) only by turning the steering wheel to one side the opposite side on drive or reverse when the light switch is on the "Auto" setting, however, it does not turn on just with the blinker activated without turning the wheel.

[CarLoverJosh]

Not much of an update to give guys, the X is sleeping for a little time. Anyways, X is going to go on a 360 kms round trip on Thursday. Is there anything specific I should take care of and anything we should carry? Car will be running on runflats, suspension will be in comfort, engine for the first time will be tested in sport mode. I along with my dad is pretty excited. Do give all your valuable suggestions.

Originally Posted by bhvm

Here's what the link says, The numbers a different authors. And yes! They're NOT dummy!
1)
In my car the outer headlights functions as both high and low beams and they lights up the road just great in both modes. But, when I look at the lights, the inner ones never come on.

So I have researched and seen conflicting posts on several posts regarding the functionality of the inner bi-xenon headlights on the E9X M3s. Here are the three most common theories out there and my personal experience next to them.

- They are part of the DRLs > In DLR mode, only the rings light up in my car not the inner lights

- They are part of the adaptive light system > My inner lights never come on during cornering/turning

- They are for Flash to Pass > My outer lights also function as Flash to Pass lights, inner lights do not turn on

2)
I can also atest that they are cornering. I like them, it does give you more light while turning, in conjunction with the corn in xenon lights. I guess they didnt make them xenon because of the wear on them. Because when they are turned off and on constantly it ears them down quicker than normal. That's just my guess.
3)
Yes indeed, mine do come on only when the switch is in AUTO position when turning/cornering (on turn direction side) and also when you are in reverse (both sides). And they are Halogen not Xenon (kind of a bummer).

4)
Yes, unilateral cornering light (in response to steering angulation) and bilaterally in reverse. I've also just learned that mine come on unilaterally in response to activating my turn signal (not the triple blink), regardless of steering angle. Not sure if this is new, or I just never noticed for three years on my 2008 E60 before my 2011.5 E9
5)
Just checked on my 2008 E92, they do come on when the turn signals are activated on that particular side regardless of the steering angle. However, for this to all work, the switch has to be in AUTO position and it has to dark enough outside for the automatic lights to activate.

6)
All this time I thought the middle set of head lights (aka Cornering lights) were the high beams; until today when I installed the LUX Angel eye and couldn't get these set of lights to turn on. My first thought was that I nudged the connection while I was installing the LUX. I couldn't find any reference to these lights (other than the bulb type) in the Owners Guide.

7)
Thanks for the post. I was able to turn them on (one at a time) only by turning the steering wheel to one side the opposite side on drive or reverse when the light switch is on the "Auto" setting, however, it does not turn on just with the blinker activated without turning the wheel.

Thanks a lot for this info bro. Sorry for replying this late, my internet connection went down. Tried turning the steering wheel everyone didn't really make any difference. No other light or anything came on. Like I said the inner bulb is completely empty. And I have searched for a long time and couldn't find any X3 with a working inner bulb, until it is modded to do so.

[CarLoverJosh]

GUYS!! I need suggestions before the trip, tell me what do I need to take? Any precautions and also please keep on asking questions anyone, I love answering them.

[bhvm]

just check all levels. ,pressures.
carry a torch and all india service detail.
fill the disesel full. I mean till the brim...
Carry paper maps just in case.

come on clj! you're not that new! you should be giving suggestions to us folks now.

[CarLoverJosh]

Originally Posted by bhvm

just check all levels. ,pressures.
carry a torch and all india service detail.
fill the disesel full. I mean till the brim...
Carry paper maps just in case.

come on clj! you're not that new! you should be giving suggestions to us folks now.

Yup thanks a lot will do. Anyways can you give me any info on what the tire pressure on the runflats should be? I have no clue. Will do everything you said. No need for maps as we have already been there loads of times. Im just worrying cause its the first time we are taking this luxo there. Thanks for the last sentence, you just made my day

[bhvm]

Originally Posted by CarLoverJosh

Yup thanks a lot will do. Anyways can you give me any info on what the tire pressure on the runflats should be? I have no clue. Will do everything you said. No need for maps as we have already been there loads of times. Im just worrying cause its the first time we are taking this luxo there. Thanks for the last sentence, you just made my day

Tire Pressure For Run Flats

clj, it's time to join hands and help out the new folks who REALLY need help. that's my aim. take a higher responsibility now.

[CarLoverJosh]

Originally Posted by bhvm

Tire Pressure For Run Flats

clj, it's time to join hands and help out the new folks who REALLY need help. that's my aim. take a higher responsibility now.

Thanks for that link. Helped me. I didn't really understand about the thing about joining hands and helping. I already help as many people as I can bhvm, taking a higher responsibility? What do you want me to do? I'm a 14 year old kid bhvm, I can't really go to meet everyone personally and solve their problems. And I don't have as much knowledge as others too, people like TSIVipul, 370z, IronRock, Akash,Akash1886, you yourself and countless more have tons of more knowledge than me. I am just an enthusiastic 14 year old kid who knows a thing or two about cars. I'm sorry to say but im limited by my age, studies, knowledge and so many more things. Sorry my friend, if I have dissapointed you.

[Akash1886]

Originally Posted by CarLoverJosh

I didn't really understand about the thing about joining hands and helping. I already help as many people as I can bhvm, taking a higher responsibility? What do you want me to do? I'm a 14 year old kid bhvm, I can't really go to meet everyone personally and solve their problems.

Joshua, My dear boy, Knowledge sharing is something that doesn't need you to go to each one. TAI itself is a treasure trove built with efforts of all members enthusiastically be it kid, or a veteran. Knowledge is not bound by age . What BHVM means is that with your 1st hand experience of X3, you can help those who need assistance. Higher Responsibility means when you get time after your studies, tutions etc. do spend time reading about X3 in specific and other cars in general.

Grooming young ones is the aim which we all look forward too my dear. Young informed kids like you, shrid, RVSB take charge and carry forward the legacy of TAI.. When we were teens like you, we looked up to magazines and newspaper as that time we did not get the privilege of internet easily. You kids have whole lot of options for knowledge so do make use and share & learn.

Regards

Akash

[bhvm]

CLJ,
Akash has explained everything very well (Thanks Akash!). I guess RVSB is your age. Don't think that teenage is age of Fools. When I was 14 I used to custom make PC cabinets (with neon Lights), VOltmod and Overclocks PCs and what not. I had the digit forums on fire. So why underestimate yourself?

I guess yours is the First and well reviewed X3 on this forum. And you are already doing a good job anwsering queries. Keep it up!

BTW,
BMW X3 with locally-assembled 3L diesel launching in June

2016 BMW X3 render shows new design language

[CarLoverJosh]

Hello guys I have just returned from my trip with X, the car crossed 10000 kms on the way
, SPORT mode can only be defined in one word- AWESOME! The car took off like anything and this Fortuner guy who tried to keep up with us got lost in the dust left by our car. Then this new gen Q5 also tried to keep up with us and it was with just one passenger whilst we were with 6 passengers and some more weight and yet we managed to overtake him and stay in the lead till we had to stop for our lunch break. He also stopped at the same place and when I had a chat with him, he told me a secret - he was giving his car full throttle yet couldnt keep up. We are superbly happy with the car and we didnt have any 1% of fatigue. We werent expecting Innova like comfort but guess what, it beat Innova in comfort HANDS DOWN! Will give an update later too as I am too tired right now from the journey.

Originally Posted by Akash1886

Joshua, My dear boy, Knowledge sharing is something that doesn't need you to go to each one. TAI itself is a treasure trove built with efforts of all members enthusiastically be it kid, or a veteran. Knowledge is not bound by age . What BHVM means is that with your 1st hand experience of X3, you can help those who need assistance. Higher Responsibility means when you get time after your studies, tutions etc. do spend time reading about X3 in specific and other cars in general.

Grooming young ones is the aim which we all look forward too my dear. Young informed kids like you, shrid, RVSB take charge and carry forward the legacy of TAI.. When we were teens like you, we looked up to magazines and newspaper as that time we did not get the privilege of internet easily. You kids have whole lot of options for knowledge so do make use and share & learn.

Regards

Akash

Thanks for the explanation, understood what bhvm meant to say. I do feel encouraged speaking here, and do not even once feel that I am being treated as a teen, I have always been treated like an enthusiast which is awesome. Thanks.

Originally Posted by bhvm

CLJ,
Akash has explained everything very well (Thanks Akash!). I guess RVSB is your age. Don't think that teenage is age of Fools. When I was 14 I used to custom make PC cabinets (with neon Lights), VOltmod and Overclocks PCs and what not. I had the digit forums on fire. So why underestimate yourself?

I guess yours is the First and well reviewed X3 on this forum. And you are already doing a good job anwsering queries. Keep it up!

BTW,
BMW X3 with locally-assembled 3L diesel launching in June

2016 BMW X3 render shows new design language

bhvm, you have always been into MODS so much that you started at such a young age. It WOWS me. I also understood what you meant to say, sorry for my misunderstanding. Thanks for the compliment. Mine is I think the first X3 on TAI because as far as I have searched there is no X3 on TAI. Anyways, I will always try my best to answer all the questions about whom I have knowledge about. About the new X3 , it looks much better than the current gen. The current gen just has too much chrome and the front looks too garish. The prev. gen which I have looks much better because it isn't overdone from anywhere. And also, I always read about any info that comes about any cars, so feel free to ask me about any car. Regarding the X3 being launched with the 3 litre, I'm 50:50 about it because the older 30d didnt do really well for itself. After paying so much you would only get- bigger engine, more horsepower, lesser FE, same space, bigger iDrive, same looks, and frequent visits to the Fuel station. I think the 30d suits only enthusiasts who are looking for diesel practicality with awesome power. I just returned from my trip yesterday night and let me tell you, the 20d was loaded with 6 passengers and some extra weight and still managed to overtake 4 lorries( safely ) under threee seconds. I am not lying, its that good. 0-100 in 20d takes 8.4 secs whilst in the 30d it takes 6.9. Until you plan to ruin your BMW by drag racing it everyday then I dont think you need that 30d because the 20d is more than sufficient on the highway, better FE, similar features, great power less than 30d but not at all slow. Me- I would prefer a 20d anyday because it has enough power to make me grin everytime I drive it, same features, same space, same BMW badge, and better FE, and similar power.

[CarLoverJosh]

Guys an incident happened with our X3 yesterday. When me and my dad were going somewhere, we had stopped on a traffic light. Suddenly the silver esteem in front of us started to reverse and hit the front of our car. Soon the traffic light turned green and she took off. We knew that there would be some scratches but little did we expect this to happen. The front left headlamp washer cover fell off. We checked this when we got home and thus didn't have the time to check it on the traffic light. So guys what to do? Please tell me. The car is looking really ugly like this but my dad stuck a small piece of thermocol which I had cut carefully in the shape of the cover. You really can't notice it but guys tell me please what to do. Will attach a pic when the car is back.

[furious_driver]

Originally Posted by CarLoverJosh

Guys an incident happened with our X3 yesterday. When me and my dad were going somewhere, we had stopped on a traffic light. Suddenly the silver esteem in front of us started to reverse and hit the front of our car. Soon the traffic light turned green and she took off. We knew that there would be some scratches but little did we expect this to happen. The front left headlamp washer cover fell off. We checked this when we got home and thus didn't have the time to check it on the traffic light. So guys what to do? Please tell me. The car is looking really ugly like this but my dad stuck a small piece of thermocol which I had cut carefully in the shape of the cover. You really can't notice it but guys tell me please what to do. Will attach a pic when the car is back.

Get it to your nearest dealer or trusted premium car workshop. Get it repaired from them as soon as possible. Even I don't want to see some ugly fix like that, so I can understand your POV.

[Akash1886]

Originally Posted by CarLoverJosh

The front left headlamp washer cover fell off. We checked this when we got home and thus didn't have the time to check it on the traffic light. So guys what to do? Please tell me. The car is looking really ugly like this.

Well Joshua, the car roll backs are un-stoppable and the ultimate solution would be to replace the pair of washer covers from ASC at your end. Anything else would be, as you know, stop-gap arrangement. As the washer cover has now come-off so make sure that while re-fixing the new one you properly check the washer for any other damage.

Regards

Akash