Small update:
1. Tracking company sent a warning message that the main battery is discharged. The car did not show any warning on the OBC or the BMW App. Booked the car in with BMW dealer and they agreed that the main battery needs to be replaced. The battery seems to not have been replaced since new (2018), so 6 years is a pretty decent innings - especially with all the electronics/telematics onboard and the tracking device as well.
I was first told that there is a national shortage of G01 batteries and the ETA would be a week or so, but after pushing them (noting that I had an imminent trip to KZN) they said that they will source a battery ASAP. Anyway, the battery was sourced and fitted on the same day. Good job BMW Midrand 👍
2. The My BMW App has a new feature where the dealership can upload a video of tests or work performed on the car. In my case above, they sent me a video of the battery voltage test. For work done out of Plan, this may be more useful as evidence of work performed.
3. I decided to extend my MotorPlan by another year (7th year/100,000km). Cost/benefit makes it worthwhile, for my use case.
4. Another trip to KZN and, as usual, I kept the car in Sport Individual (Engine and Steering in Sport, while gearbox is in Comfort) for most of the trip. For quick overtaking, slotting the gearbox into M/S is sufficient. However, as noted in the past posts, for steeper uphill sections, the gearbox should be left in full Sport mode (and lever in M/S too), to get maximum get-up-and-go.
5. The leather was treated recently and looks very good for a 6 year old car with over 65,000km. Worth noting that the car was optioned in Dakota leather seats, not the standard spec Leathertec. The seats have slightly more give and feel more comfortable compared to 2 years ago. Still not an old school Volvo to sit in, but the seats look and feel good enough.
6. Niggles picked up so far this year, and noted in posts in this thread, have all been addressed by Motorplan:
- Faulty driver door lock (affected a few early G01s) - R5,000 ex VAT
- SOS system battery replacement and system recalibration (due with age) - R3,000 ex VAT
7. The build quality issues are minor.
As posted earlier, the silver coating on the centre gear console was peeling so needed to wrap that in carbon look film. I see the silver coating on the interior doors (at least on both front doors) is starting to peel. When it gets noticable, I will get that carbon wrapped as well.
8. Not an issue with the car, but rather a "feature", is that the light under the centre armrest stays on for 10 minutes after the car is switched off (even if the lid is closed). Refer
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threa...-console-light-stays-on-after-locking.101100/
9. The hail repair work done earlier this year (also noted on this thread) included a repaint and blending of most of the car. The positive of this is that the car looks new. The realignment of the bonnet also helped rectify previous (undisclosed by BMW Sandton) front accident damage repairs (though, structurally there are no issues). When this car is clean, it looks brand new.
In summary, we are still happy with the car, even after 30,000km / 20 months into ownership. Mechanically, there are no issues. I have a scheduled (under Motorplan) oil service coming up in the next 4,000km. After this, I will make a reminder to get the oil changed every 10,000km thereafter. There is enough research out there to support 10,000km oil changes on these diesel motors instead of the BMW specified 20,000km intervals.
If I were to sell this car, it will be very hard to replace at the same price point.
