September 2014 went on merrily to the garage to look for a 2nd hand fiat punto

September 2014 went on merrily to the garage to look for a 2nd hand fiat punto. At that time I had a Toyota Aygo, nice car but simpepelweg too slow and too small and too little luxury. Fiat punto lived luckily my requirements. Nice look at the turquoise color! Test drive made and everything was fine.

Approximately nine months delightful enjoyed the car. Draws well on the TwinAir Turbo, making only the consumption is slightly higher than normal but this is not a serious problem. Car complies further with all the necessary things and is very luxurious equipped.

Just fine until the beginning of August I began to hear a strange sound at higher revs, switching difficult. Car brought to the garage to have a look. After one day I received a phone was broken, the flywheel and this also brought a part of the gearbox! Total cost: € 1500.- In my opinion this should not happen in a car of 3 years and 48,000 KM on the odometer. After a discussion with the garage a settlement was reached with Fiat, they will reimburse 60% of the cost. Ultimately have to pay even € 600.

At the moment I'm working contact with fiat to try the remaining € 600 also get back. In my opinion this is a manufacturing defect in which Fiat is responsible.


After four months have driven a leading car (Ford Mondeo), I was yesterday, May 24, the real successor of my Saab 9-3 Sport State up at Maaral in Hoorn. When I was about to buy a Prius wagon BMW commercial came along on the radio about the free vending machine in the new 3. Belletje to the fleet manager or, as I still make one bid, but then decide immediately. There were therefore two; a 316dA options to over 40 grand, and what kalere 318dA of nearly 40 thousand. Turns out the 316 just to be within the norm and there are over 318 by shooting over ............ .. And since I do not want to pay for a car I privately sporadic use was so 316dA in the following version :
• 316d saloon
• Mineral Weiss metallic
• Automatic
• Centre armrest, rear
• Front armrest, sliding
• Headlight washers
• Fog lamps
• Rain sensor
• Xenon
• Dynamic Cruise Control
• HiFi audio
• 16 "Light alloy

I'm almost 60,000 km per year business, private we drive a Mazda MPV, and that should be done particularly comfortable and effortless. Well, comfort is a very personal understanding, but meant for me especially; rest, automatic, good audio and good visibility. Sit at ungodly hours along the most remote country roads and that is different than just a little on the promenade, shopping and A2 cruising. Hence a lot of light, good audio and no big wheels. The Saab already experienced an inch extra ordinary at the expense of ride comfort. As it was amazing! And then the budget is on. The Parrot and phone holder neatly built. Why spend lots of money on additional Bluetooth functionality if you have a Blackberry with perfect voice control system which works excellently with the simplest Parrot but not with most standard Bluetooth plants carmakers. So I'm not the only one who yet again has built into the Parrot despite the presence of a Bluetooth phone connection. This also applies to the navigation system; is perhaps silly in a new BMW, but there's a simple MIO in my journey administration also keeps track of, and which I can use in our Mazda.


First impression
Thursday, May 24 at 10 am a delivery appointment, and after the revelation (!) I was able to extract the Mondeo and start packing everything in the BMW. Then you notice that you have handed some storage space, even compared to the Saab, but it was also a station. I hope it will not disappoint!
But it succeeds, all fit there one bottle drink less in the non-refrigerated glovebox. In terms of storage space around your workplace had the Saab (and Ford) an edge, though the BMW better than some other cars I've looked at. You can get your pens, sunglasses, candy, coffee cup, knife and what you already have more lugging along well and lost within reach. The chair fits like a glove, could not be otherwise; A private ASD. Furthermore, the car is like a tailored suit, like the Saab you feel one with the car, I could not say from Ford. All ergonomic really top, and three appointments in Groningen and therefore 500 km further, the ministry will certainly matter. With one word great! Programming the radio cost some km's but came good. The cruise-control operation works flawlessly, but unfortunately you have to reactivate the cruise control after a stop. The car is in terms of engine and unrolling and other mechanical noise so quiet that every bit of wind noise is striking. But again 400 km further that even if normal. The gear changes wonderfully supple, you really have no idea what gear you drive. 2500 RPM 160 is just enjoy what that thing is pretty quiet. The HiFi system gives great sound, even if he almost packed to, have heard no distortion yet. All in all, on this first tank is really a joy to drive ...................
One month later ........ (7,300 km)And it's still party! Though of course, as usual, always something to find to grumble about, to be honest; After 7300 km stage I still have fun in and out of the car. Without even seriously looked into the book I feel really at home in the car. Occasionally, you'll discover just something new; the boot lid that opens automatically complete bevoorbeeld. Is very easy, and entertaining in the company. My colleagues and customers have provisionally enough to talk again about my car choice, but I do like a little tickle here and there. But everyone would agree that it is an unwise fancy car. In fact, just to see a horny bin! The color metallic Mineral Weiss is really beautiful; no pearlescent paint, but real pearl color. So as far as you have to draw some from others, also a good choice from that perspective.

The operation has now truly become completely private. Some things were getting used ff because BMW does it differently than many other brands, such as the operation of the indicator and wiper. But as I said without consulting the booklet have figured out how it works. What is super, the operation of the cruise control; all buttons on one side of the wheel and really use as hand throttle. Nice relaxing ride, also because another machine to hang. As I was accustomed with the Saab; the machine you just as you are through the locks at the dam reactivate the cruise control at 70 and the car accelerates again without interruption nice to 134. Ford, I was constantly reminded that you had a gearbox ; make first rate and then turn on the cruise control ....

The hi-fi system has really positively surprised me such good quality sound that gives thing. You do not even need more options because it's just not necessary. I have looked askance at the Harman Kardon system, but this is also quite good. The radio reception is superb; the reception range of my favorite station North Arrow is much bigger than I was used to in recent years and am of my Mazda. Here, other manufacturers may follow the example of, and that no large boom on the roof.

The on this website many cursed run-flats are doing great with me; nice and quiet and no vibration. That is anyway ff nice after years of front-wheel-drive; a quiet area in the obvious control. I have the idea that what should pay more attention to where you send it, there is a front-wheel-driver then yet again in favor. Now you have to always be alert. What is also striking that the vehicle tracks, such as the dam, go mop inside the track. I do not know if that's normal for a rear-driver, but it struck me. Through my work I go sometimes off the beaten track, and so did even the first lostrek action again. Because it really is in the middle of nowhere had I dared not to show off on the tires for more grip. You never know where you come to a compressor. Anyone have experience with this type of tires in the mud and low voltage? And because they still dragging but I ff awaited my turn with about 10 tractors were busy all of the land.

Then think most delicate point of this car; the engine. I read somewhere that if you wondered if there is still there with 116 hp of "Freude am Fahren". Well, you can discuss! It is a very pleasant car to drive in comfort etc. That certainly does not lack Freude. But if you sporty driving keeps you should ff scratching behind the ears before you buy the 316d. You can just come along well in traffic, mainly due to the suppleness of the engine in combination with the 8-speed automatic. But there is no particular venom in the car, because it lacks so does a piece Freude. It's just a nice cruise bin, but certainly not throwing and throw-car, there is the engine simply too weak. Especially in comparison with the 150 hp Saab petrol which I was accustomed. And I'm almost always alone in the car with just a little work luggage; 75 + 75kg? But go a few hundred kilos to tackle gets the engine it really hard, especially if you also have wind. You feel not only that you pull and lacks power, but you also see on the meter. If you often need to move with your family, I would definitely opt for more power!

So far, the car runs on average 1 in 19, but in our case only 1 in 13 to 134 km / h over the dam. Without headwinds already one in 16.5 but with 7 bft on the head lowers and so hard; a sign that the engine has no more stretch. On the other side so the thing runs without a heavy load also beautifully economical. I usually keeps me nicely to the speed; 84, 104; 124 & 134 on the GPS; speeding has cost far too much for me, though I have the first fine already back inside ...... .. If you are really going to have the laughing be possible to thick by 1 to 20, if you are willing not to drive faster than 100. But even at 150 he is still one to 16, above it is hard, but it remains relatively modest. 200 is also only 1 to 8, where my Saab smiling after 200km with the cruise control on 200 again to 56 liters LPG pleaded. Incidentally, the 316 runs not much louder than the 200; 202 from the specifications just right. And I must say, he runs pretty easy going. On the flat road in 6199 and 7 and 8 202. Then you think mount yet to get a little extra, but that there is now no longer in, though you were still touring so on; summit summit.

Soon only once to the dealer to inquire once or a number of settings can be changed. A number of institutions jump again as soon as you turn the ignition back to the default position, which is sometimes annoying. But mss is to change that, I'm going to find out.
Vacation Stop (22,000 km)As it was to rest a lease driver without aggregation getaamd the car 2 weeks; I had vacation! That means that the BMW two weeks was allowed to stand to be beautiful ...... .. He only ff the refinisher; large scratch on the bumper by a parking mistake. Well, no PDC. Normally I do not like to have a scratch or something, but the black plastic is so as the white paint is off! The car only once washed, was needed, and I must say you see good again what a wonderful color weiss metallic mineral. And also how it too bad that you see all the mud out there on is. As long as it is dry it is barely noticeable, only the gloss is slightly less.

Furthermore, up to now really driven over 22,000 kilometers trouble-free, with a very acceptable fuel consumption. In fact, without much effort you drive one at 20, if you stick to the applicable maximum SPEED. Now that will change; 130 km / h, go right direction the first 18 à 19 ... .. If you do not go above 100 km / h is a consumption of around 1 to 25 as possible. Now I do have easy talk because I make a lot of long trips on the highway outside rush. It takes namely a minimum of 10 km at it's out of the morning in my car in the right way at the first coming on 20. With short trips is one campaigns13 to 15 first! And then you have been driving with a velvet foot ... ..

Meanwhile, the dealer once asked if anything could be done to herself terugzettende institutions; so that is not the case. Unfortunately, not even among the directors profiles. In addition, only it goes to the "luxury" -basisinstellingen and not all the settings you do when rider. A missed opportunity in my opinion. A small list of institutions always go back to the basic setting:
- Driving Mode (I drive almost always Ecover)
- Start-stop can not permanently
- Wiper (always after ignition)
- Fog lamps
And then there are a number things mi should be adjustable, but now work in a way that I find less than optimal:
- The machine always goes to S if you put on an opening move (so always switches first gear back)
- It would be nice if there was a link was between the scroll buttons on the steering wheel and the i-drive system
- If you drive condition in Ecover turn moves the display always to the "bonus of kilometers"
- the windows delete must be activated directly with the nozzle along. Now you need to spray long before erasing the wiper. Especially if a lot of ground and later salt on the road is spray I often only briefly to clean the glass. Which are two actions now.

Furthermore, I set the cruise control often because I soak twice in a row the cruise control. If you turn on the resume button nothing happens ...... A mechanical interlock switch to turn on him would be nice. Or possibly. an extra button in another place. However, the car runs great on the cruise control; it seems there is a throttle on sitting. Optionally, with long strides of 10km is just lovely at the current rate policy. (Read jungle limit signs).

Performance is not quite mss of BMWs, but for a savings model actually not too disappointing. With the s / s and Sport driving mode in which appear 11 seconds before the traffic light sprint still go faster over. Because of the good container is not a sprint sensation but it seems to be always smooth, but without its engine roar; just smooth wegrijdend so. When overtaking, however, it may sometimes feel a little smoother than clear that there are missing some horsepower or Nm programs. If you step on the gas behind a pastor you've had the idea of "there is now yet what happens ???". However, I am sorry but resigned that I do not have a sports car and can therefore great life you're not always the fastest. Ride comfort reimbursed the lack of sportsmanship in my case well.

I get so every time yet again having lots of fun in and out of the car. It is truly a pleasure to drive: mss no Freude am Fahren, but certainly Freude am Save !!
First turn (30,500 km)It was a time of coming; visiting the dealership! Luckily I was already accustomed to long service intervals and thus not so often visiting my dealer. Now comes nice, because after more than 25 000 km began to mention the car about an impending service. Eventually, with almost 30,000 km was so far and I once again went to the dealer. And with some new brake pads, some oil, a micro filter and a closed coffee behind them I could go home. The free WiFi was the showroom into a rather pleasant workplace. Enough coffee and title and a salesman who still take the time for some small talk.

I only need the next time the work order itself ff different plans. Now I get the car washed (at least the car wash), when winter it's put under and the next day went to the turn. All the other people waiting were always told "to be patient, we have to wash your car, then 'he finished." Next spring so first turn and then the summer tires underneath again! Saves a wash in this age of cut ......

Unfortunately, little exciting then, and we ride, enjoy sorry, so again "just" further!
Continued first turn (31,610 km)After a few days I had ff time to see what had happened with my car servicing. I search for the maintenance manual; can not be found. Fortunately I have found in the on-board computer which has done service. As previously mentioned list came out. Yet ff inquire whether the service book dealer is lie. Not so, this car has only an electronic service "booklet". The disadvantage is that only state which parts service is running, but not what happened! So happen that the car is already several thousands of kilometers requires new rear brake pads, is in the on-board computer that service is performed on the pads behind but not what happened. I think that new brake pads sit under, according to inquiries that the sensor (slowly) not in the blocks were thus he too asked that they be worn. Mss a tip for BMW to also make room in the electronic logbook to indicate what has been done exactly ..........
The first snow! (37,000 km)One of the reasons for not choosing a BMW might have been the rear wheel drive. Although it under "normal" circumstances certainly better than driving a front-wheel-drive car, I did have my reservations about driving in the snow. This was only reinforced by a test drive last spring in a 318d in the snow. I wanted to try or 30 hp more of the 318d were worth considering. So I arranged a test drive; the new model was not available, so it was a 318d Touring. No problem, it was the engine feel. The morning of trial run, there was snow on the way, so only half an hour before it, it may well go even snowing very hard. Fortunately, could be driven there, the car was ready; on summer tires .......... Well then you know it went well, with the first cm of snow on the road on the road; in no time heavy snowfall and slippery on the A7! It was good, but do not ask how. I see the fun there than in, frankly, I find it just fun to slip and do something, but it should be manageable. On summer tires succeed it certainly is not.

As previously reported in October, let underneath the winter, and then waiting for the snow. Last week it was hit; Wednesday to take the first real heavy snowfalls had on the way back from Friesland. And to my amazement, I noticed nothing of it! On a pack of fresh snow was hit BMW and rail. Then you notice what a good set of winter tires and electronics. The driving mode in Ecover does the car so slow that he just does not want to break out; a very safe feeling especially when the next day must partly icy roads, and many other motorists see slither on all sides. With every kilometer growing confidence in the car. Where in my Saab regularly burned the light of the anti-skid control, the flashes are rare. Even on really slippery road sections BMW gives every confidence that you will arrive safely. And the good thing is; if you want to play; button (s) to and you can slide in any direction if you want ...... ..
The second turn (78,000 km)After studying the consumption monitor showed the 316 did not even score so badly. Almost economical BMW ... .. But then the FF button and go to the first, that was not so hard, just takes self-control and what (travel) time. When I did come pretty close to the standard consumption that was so the next challenge. It took a few months, but eventually succeeded; the end of June I was on the first 60,000 km thick on average 1 to 22.7! But because there is still some time sat down after reaching this milestone decided to keep me from now on, but again the speed limit (+4 kmh). Since then, however, I am also again a regular customer at the CJIB ... ..

At 60,000 km, the car was again for a turn, this time almost nothing special. A few software updates, what's new fluids and done. Do you think. It could be me, but I feel that the audio has since been lost. At the turn of the USB Music was always cheerful up where it left off, but now the numbers start to often inexplicably again at the beginning. Will most care less, but I have nothing but concerts are often from 1 to 2 hours. And as you enter numbers can not "flush" forward do you keep listening every time the first few numbers of the concert if you regularly need the car. When the dealer put down, not heard. But visited once investigated, found nothing, importer requested; heard nothing yet……. So will soon once again drop in if they have already had an answer.

No problems, the car like it is still quite good.
The third turn (151 556 km)Meanwhile, a bit boring, but nothing to worry about. The gebrukelijke things. The "problem" with the USB is unfathomable, and I lay me down but. Though I still find it annoying ....


The fourth,

after 150,000 km thick board computer began to shout again for servicing. Will probably be the last with me as a rider; at 180,000 he must sadly out. So for the occasion but a 218d Active Tourer taken to see if that is an alternative. Indeed a fun and practical car, but something less comfortable than my dreier. Unfortunately, I could feel the limitations of my 316 motor immediately when I again rode away. What accustom horsepower fast!

Once again nothing special in terms of the car; standard turn with the extra new brake discs and new brake pads around. Now will certainly outbrake my time. Had not noticed, and can honestly say not looked into the onboard computer what the status was. The only update to the car is that there is now a 64 GB USB stick is in music. I do so I really do not get bored on the road; lots of good music from an audio system ditto!

In terms of consumption is also still good. On average since purchasing one at 20.8. Not bad value considering the fact that I make more of a sport to minimize consumption.

Further still no problems, the car like it is still very good!
The end in sight .... (180 642 km)With now more than 180,000 km on the clock, I'm counting down. Still no details. Ff only been for an MOT because the car was three. Of course no problem. Meanwhile begins to call the onboard computer that it's time for a turn. 'm Just afraid that's not going to happen; the leasing company will probably not allow. Only so ff along Maaral to postpone the message. Is annoying if you constantly maintenance / inspection reports must crowding.

As reported previously felt extra horsepower very nice when I was with the 218d Active Tourer. This led me tempted to do some looking around me. Finally, I also need another car. Basically it again like a BMW; preferably a 3-Touring. Unfortunately at the time I get a car when the 316dA was not (yet) in the 20% category. Manual transmission, but not automatic. Meanwhile, but the dealer did fail to report it to me. Very sorry for him because it costs them a car. At the time of ordering almost all dreier (Touring) a minimum of € 50, = above the norm. And I do not want to pay for .... My current configuration could be; just for that money I could buy a Jaguar XE with 163 hp and automatic transmission. The 320dA EDU was again minimal € 50, = more expensive. The outcome can guess: I'm going Jaguar driving! One thing I know already; the iDrive I will miss greatly ...... ..

Meanwhile twice harm "driven". One time I come back to the parking lot; large scratch on the corner of the bumper, and the second time I hit a pole on the roadside. Was well hidden among the grass growing again; sill (heavily) damaged. Fortunately everything smoothly resolved to Care Autoschade. The car is almost like new!
Adieu! (190 436 km)Now the BMW really means; however, was not without sharp corners and edges. I got one of the last rides even after a blowout. Then you still am happy with the run-flats! Could drive to my appointment, from there to the nearest dealer for a new tire to explain. I have to say; perfectly arranged by the BMW breakdown service.