2015 BMW 535i xDrive Gran Turismo – Dark Graphite

This article is to record all the random and wonderful coincidences and events that led to finding and purchasing a new 2015 535i xDrive Gran Turismo on Sunday, June 14 2015.

This article started on Wednesday, June 17, 2015.  This car has a few days of history with me, but it was sitting in the showroom long enough to be discounted and get into an “attractive” zone.  The earliest date on the documentation provided is 2014-09-19 when this car went through inspection before entering a showroom.

Date Event
2015-06-01 MO
15:01 I received an email from BMW to schedule a routine free service appointment for my 2013 BMW 320Xi.

16:12 I called to BMW of Boston 617-731-1700 to schedule an appointment for Friday, June 12 at 7 AM.

2015-06-12 FR
2015-06-12 FR 07:15 Arrive for a free routine 15,000 miles service appointment at BMW of Boston (1168 Commonwealth Ave).  After waiting (and working) at the dealership for 2 hours I decided to take a look at their showroom.  The very first car I saw was my apparently dream car – BMW hatchback! What a beauty! I did not even knew that BMW makes hatchback models.  It was a car with a strange name – Gran Turismo.  2014 BMW 535Xi GT with a sticker price of $69,560!  What?!

http://www.herbchambers.com/new/BMW/2014-BMW-535i+xDrive-623ff4470a0a00e07a4702a66d9dc581.htm

3.0L I-6 cyl  8 SPEED AUTOMATICALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Exterior Color: Dark Graphite
Interior Color: BLACK WITH DAKOTA LEATHER UPHOLSTERY
Stock#:  52319
VIN:  WBA5M4C56ED183894

BMW 535i xDrive Gran TurismoPremium Package – $1,600
Comfort Access Keyless Entry
Soft-Close Automatic Doors
Sirius Satellite Radio
Driver Assistance Package $1,400
Rear View Camera
Head-Up Display
Cold Weather Package – $950
Heated Steering Wheel
3-Stage Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Retractable Headlight Washers

A sales manager Aaron Allsopp notices my interest and offers his assistance.  I took his card.

I am tempted to show here all the features that were listed on the web site at the time on the inquiry:

Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel Body Exterior
Air conditioning Tailpipe finisher: chrome
Front beverage holders Door auto-latch
Speed control Door mirrors: body-color
Illuminated entry Auto-dimming door mirrors
Telescoping steering wheel Turn signal indicator mirrors
Rear beverage holders Rear cargo: power liftgate
Power windows Power door mirrors
Trunk/hatch auto-latch Bumpers: body-color
Passenger door bin Heated door mirrors
Power moonroof
1-touch down Specs and Dimensions
Driver vanity mirror Compression ratio: 10.20 to 1
Auto-dimming rearview mirror Engine horsepower: 300hp @ 5,800RPM
Auto tilt-away steering wheel Rear legroom: 1,062mm (41.8″)
Rear door bins Front headroom: 1,052mm (41.4″)
Front dual zone A/C Payload: 460kg (1,014lbs)
Steering wheel memory Turning radius: 6.1m (20.0′)
Memory seat Exterior height: 1,560mm (61.4″)
Residual heat recirculation Front shoulder room: 1,506mm (59.3″)
Automatic temperature control Wheelbase: 3,066mm (120.7″)
Remote keyless entry Exterior body width: 1,900mm (74.8″)
Overhead console Engine bore x stroke: 84.0mm x 89.6mm (3.31″ x 3.53″)
Passenger vanity mirror Rear headroom: 991mm (39.0″)
Driver door bin Interior maximum cargo volume: 1,784 L (63 cu.ft.)
Heated steering wheel Front legroom: 1,031mm (40.6″)
Rear air conditioning Exterior length: 4,999mm (196.8″)
Emergency communication system Engine displacement: 3.0 L
1-touch up Engine torque: 300 lb.-ft. @ 1,200RPM
Navigation system Rear shoulder room: 1,466mm (57.7″)
Interior cargo volume: 283 L (10 cu.ft.)
Entertainment Features GVWR: 2,675kg (5,897lbs)
Diversity antenna
Speaker type: harman/kardon Safety and Security
Primary LCD size: 10.2″ Traction control
Radio data system Brake assist
Wireless phone connectivity: Bluetooth Electronic stability
MP3 decoder Adjustable head restraints: driver and passenger w/tilt
AM/FM radio: SiriusXM Occupant sensing airbag
1st row LCD monitors: 1 Dual front impact airbags
Speakers: 16 ABS brakes
Steering wheel mounted audio controls Perimeter/approach lights
Internal memory capacity (GB): 20 GB Security system
CD player Dual front side impact airbags
Anti-whiplash front head restraints
Seats and Trim 4 wheel disc brakes
Heated front seats Panic alarm
Heated rear seats Overhead airbag
Genuine wood door panel insert Ignition disable
Leather steering wheel
Power passenger seat Suspension/Handling
Front center armrest Front tires: 245/50VR18.0
Genuine wood console insert Rear tires: 245/50VR18.0
Max seating capacity: 5 Wheel size: 18″
Rear seats: split-bench Speed-sensing steering
Front seats: bucket Four wheel independent suspension
Genuine wood dashboard insert Rear anti-roll bar
Leather upholstery Front anti-roll bar
Power driver seat Power steering
Rear seat center armrest Alloy wheels
Split folding rear seat Auto-leveling suspension
Powertrain Lighting, Visibility and Instrumentation
Fuel economy city: 18mpg Tachometer
Mode select transmission Fully automatic headlights
Horsepower: 300hp @ 5,800RPM Trip computer
Fuel economy highway: 26mpg Delay-off headlights
Transmission: 8 speed automatic Variably intermittent wipers
Variable valve control Parking sensors: front and rear
Engine liters: 3.0 Rear window defroster
Manual-shift auto: STEPTRONIC Low tire pressure warning
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5gal. Sun blinds
Fuel economy combined: 21mpg Speed sensitive wipers
Cylinder configuration: I-6 Outside temperature display
Recommended fuel: Premium Unleaded Heads up display
Engine location: front High intensity discharge headlights: Bi-xenon
Torque: 300 lb.-ft. @ 1,200RPM Rain sensing wipers
Variable intake manifold Rear window blind
Number of valves: 24 Front fog lights
Drive type: all-wheel drive Front reading lights
Limited slip differential Headlight cleaning
Compressor: intercooled turbo Rear reading lights
2015-06-13 SA
 08:30 Early Saturday morning I’ve sent an email message offering to buy this 2014 car for $55,000 and sell my 2013 BMW 320Xi for $25,000.

15:47 Aaron Allsopp answers that he ran numbers on both  his car and on my car and his counteroffer is  to sell for $58,980 and to buy my car for $22,000. We are separated by $7,000.

2015-06-14 SU
2015-06-14 SU After a soccer game around 1PM , I decided to check if there are some other options for me to buy newer 2015 model. I found almost identical car – 2015 BMW 535Xi GT Dark Graphite Metallic in Sudbury on big sale – $59,998 with sticker price $68,360.  The only difference that makes up the about $1000 premium are:
– Power Rear Side Window Shades
– Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System

http://www.herbchambersbmw.com/new/BMW/2015-BMW-535i+xDrive+GT-87c9efc20a0a00de524afe4ec684af19.htm

The link (above) was working several days after I bought the car.  As of Wednesday, June 17, 2015 this link is no longer working.

$68,360 MSRP
-$8,362  Savings
——————–
$59,998 Sale Price

13:59 I made a call to BMW of Sudbury to make an appointment to test drive this car on sale.  Molly answers.  Is she an actual sales person?

14:41 Arrived to BMW of Sudbury (128 Boston Post Rd.,  Sudbury, MA 01776  –  508-903-5300) .  Molly hands me over to Sean Murtagh – Client Advisor at Herb Chambers BMW of Sudbury  – http://www.dealerrater.com/sales/Sean-Murtagh-review-10337/

Test-Drive-Day-2015-06-14-S

~15:15 Test drive the car from the Showroom.  Odometer shows 107 miles.  Test drive goes well.  Everything is OK.  I love this car.

Start negotiations.  I am asking for 55K for a new car and 25K for my current car (trade-in).  They offer $59,998 and $19,500 for trade-in.  We are $10,500 apart.

16:41 Final deal is reached: offer $59,998 and $22,225 for trade-in.  I just bought $37,748 of new car.  On Sundays they close at 5PM, but we would continue to do the paperwork till 6PM.

18:04 All the papers are signed.  I gave them $3K deposit on AmEx, plus $17K down.  They give me 2.84% interest rate for 60 months for the remaining amount from Huntington Bank. I also decided to go  with Simoniz Glass Coat ($595) – car paint and interior  protection from bird droppings, sap,  water stains, acid rain and sun fading.   There is no visual difference after the application, but the main attraction is warranty:  if you to get a stain on the new car paint, they will supposedly fix it at participating dealerships.

2015-06-15 MO
Around lunch time I’ve got a bank check for $17K for down payment.

19:00 – I arrived to BMW of Sudbury.  It is exactly 10.0 mile away from my house.

They quickly transfer license plates.

 Farewell-to-old-car---2015-  Long-live-the-new-car-2015-
 Farewell to the old car  Long live the new car

~19:30 A 30 minutes introduction to the new car by my advisor – Sean Murtagh.  It is raining outside.

20:04 Get the new car with 112 miles on it  and start driving home.

2015-06-16 TU
 14:30 Activate BMW Roadside assistance services by pressing SOS button in the overhead console.

Discover a “hidden” compartment for Emergency Medical Kit without a kit in it (nor required in US).

2015-06-17 WE
2015-06-17 WE 08:04 I’ve decided to start these article

08:41 Login to BMW ConnectedDrive to confirm these services:

– BMW Assist eCall (10 years)  –  automatically sends your location and relevant information to the BMW Assist™ Response Center. Or, a simple press of the SOS button connects you with the help you need when you need it

– BMW TeleService (10 years) – Your BMW automatically or manually transmits data to BMW when service is needed

– ConnectedDrive Services (3 years) – information and entertainment services directly into your vehicle at any time

– Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information (3 years) –  ARTTI registers traffic data in real time – on most highways and major roads as well as some secondary roads. In addition to warnings of delays, you also receive details of the traffic situation on potential detours. As soon as the navigation system recognizes a possible problem, it informs you in the Control Display of all the important details. The system additionally calculates the probable delay you can expect to your journey as a result of the traffic situation.

– Remote Services (10 years) – includes Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Lock and Unlock, the MyInfo feature for sending destinations from Google Maps to your vehicle, and the ability to access the My BMW Remote app on an iOS or Android device.

I see that two more service are available to purchase:
– Concierge Services ($100 per year)
– Internet ($100 per year or $250 for 3 years)

08:47 I need to make a call to my insurance agent to confirm the new car purchase

09:04 Will BMW continue to produce Gran Turismo going forward? – Yes.  You still can purchase GT 2016 models.

10:24 – Financial customer assistant Moe called back after my email.  He confirms that for $595 I bought both Interior and Exterior protection, and Simonized claim can be processed in many participating dealerships throughout the country.

10:45 Install EZ-Pass on a new clue strips received with new transponders.  Discover one more changing point under dashboard on passenger side.  This will be used for a radar detector.

11:35 This car has an integrated SIMM card.  It can make emergency calls and you can even buy an unlimited Internet in your car for $100 per year (or $250 for 3 years).

13:09 Install BMW ConnectedDrive app in iPhone.  What I can it do with it?  Even without a phone I get updates on a rudimentary APPS:  News, Weather, Gas Prices and couple more using the same SIM card that is used after activating Internet service.

With the USB phone connection I can listen radio from all over the world or find your car on the map.  Some other marginal applications are not very interesting.

22:30 I ordered black dual USB car charger from Newegg.com for $6.99.  Also, now I need a black USB charging cable (Amazon $12.50 – both iPhone and Micro USB)

 2015-06-18 TH
07:15 Questions for Friday inspection in Sudbury:
– Do I need to update maps for NAV system ($199) and if Yes, how would I do that.
– Does my free Maintenance (48 months/50,000miles) supported by all BMW dealerships?

08:28 New can dimensions are larger that my previous 320Xi.  It is longer by 36 cm (500 cm), wider by 9 cm (190 cm) and taller by 10 cm (156 cm).  Gas tank is larger by 10 liters (70 l).  The car is heavier by 635 kg (2,130 kg). It has a larger engine and 6 cylinders.  As a result the fuel consumption per mile goes up (27 mpg for 320Xi and 22 mpg for 535Xi GT).

My wife told me that our driveway feels narrower now when she pulls in.  I decided to compare the width and other dimensions of the old and the new car in one table:

2013 BMW 320Xi 2013 BMW 320Xi 2015BMW 535Xi GT 2015BMW 535Xi GT Diff
Dimension English Decimal English Decimal
Length in/cm 15′ 3″ 464 16′ 5″ 500 36
Width in/cm 5′ 11″ 181 6′ 3″ 190 9
Height in/cm 4′ 8″ 143 5′ 1″ 156 13
Tank gal/l 15.8 60 18.5 70 10
Weight lbs./kg 3,295 1,495 4,695 2,130 635
Horsepower 180 300 120
2015-06-19 FR
 09:30 Drive to Sudbury to get Registration and Inspection.

10:30 Drive to U-HAUL in Natick to consult about installing the hitch.  They said that it would probably require to cut the rear bumper, and would probably void the warranty. They advised to go with a roof-rack solution.  Instead, I most likely would go with a regular rear bike rack.

15:15 Yes!  I can install my old bike rack and attach it to the smaller hatch on the back of the car.  The main trick is not to touch or scratch the paint neither on the car or on the bike.

2015-06-20 SA
 12:00 Received black dual USB charger to supplement the only built-inUSB charger available in the central armrest console.
2015-06-24 WE
I discovered that my old car (2013 BMW 320Xi) is on sale now.   I see that Herb Chambers put my old car for sale for $29,998  – 2013 BMW 320i xDrive AWD Sedan.  I found it by my VIN – WBA3C3C51DF978682.  This is  a potential profit of $7,748.  Wow!

I also discovered that my new car during its short life were a used car sometime in the past.  I found a link dated 2015-04-09 where my new car is advertised as a used car “with fewer than a thousand miles on the odometer”.

Link:
http://www.herbchambers.com/blog/video/2015/april/9/2015-BMW-535i-xDrive-GT-Sudbury-MA-9ef5831e0a0a00bf0aa05b2ed9180e9e.htm

Title:
Used BMW 535i xDrive GT Sudbury MA 01776

It means that someone probably bought the car  in September of 2014 and then immediately returned it.  I saw some car inspection paperwork in the glove compartment.  Anyway, when I first saw the car it had 107 miles on it, and today I hit 300 miles on the odometer.  Still love it.

2015-06-25 TH
 My car insurance will increase only by $292, which is good as I was expecting a much bigger number (closer to one thousand).

First-week---first-1000-mil

2015-06-29 MO
In the morning – my new black USB cable for iPhone and mini USB combo has arrived directly from China (ordered through Newegg.com).  The unexpected BMW problem is revealed – cable works fine with cigarette light adapter, but when plugged into iDrive USB data port, phone continuously and rapidly tries to start charging and disconnecting with a loud “ping” sound.  However, if you try several times and different positions. you can eventually find a position where it works.  This is not iPhone or cable problem.  This behavior only occurs with data port connector in the central armrest compartment.

[Correction on 2015-07-08 WE:  It turned out to be a cable problem.  With original Apple cable or with some expensive cables ($17) USB data connection works fine.]

15:50 First refueling.  Gasoline 89.  Shell station in Newton.  Remaning drive range shown on the dashboard is *Zero.  I was able to put 17.246 gallons in the car tank.  Total tank capacity is 18 gallons.  I was able to drive about 333+ 11 = 344 miles on one tank of gas.  Odometer reading was 00456.  Gas price at this time was $3.199 per gallon.  Average gasoline consumption recorded: 20.2 MPG.

2015-07-07 TU
~18:04 At FedEx location at Waltham, I bought a universal cap phone holder with a suction cap for $10.  I installed it later this night and it holds really good.  Real test tomorrow on the way to work.
2015-07-08 WE
 Front-and-center-2015-06-27How many Gran Turismo units BMW sells in the United States?  For the entire 2010 BMW sold in US 2,848 GT cars.  The plan was to steal a market share from other SUV, minivans and crossovers brands.   Instead, many BMW 7 series buyers choose to buy the same size, but more economical GT.  As BMW stopped selling 5-series wagon in the US in 2010, they thought that those buyers will easily switch to GT.  But those buyers shifted to other brands.  Instead, 7-series and 5-series buyers were attracted by GT as GT uses the platform of the larger 7, but comes with a much lower base price.

In 2012 BMW sold 359,016 all types of 5-series cars worldwide.  Total number of 5-series cars sold in USA is knows.  From that we can estimate that in US BMW sold around 3,336 units of GT in 2012.

BMW 2012 All 5-Series GT only
Worldwide 359,016 21,087
USA only    56,798    3,336 (calculated)

So far I never saw another GT car anywhere on the streets or on highway.  This is a  rare car indeed.

2015-07-11 SA

 14:45 A mildly disappointing ENCORE session with BMW Guru.  I thought that I will be dazzled with wealth of knowledge and answers about car features and possibilities.  I prepared 2 pages of questions in Excel.  To begin with, the Guru was late for 34 minutes (15:19).  And then, most of my questions were to remained unanswered. However, I did learn:
(01) How to assign a destination to a shortcut button;
(02) How to use several manual break-related buttons next to shifter,
(03) How to spell out a blank space and  how to remove last character just typed on an iDrive controller  To write a blank space – swipe to the right;  to remove a misspelled last letter – swipe to the left.

15:45 Also at the Sudbury dealership we saw my old car with a SOLD sign on the windshield. They did a fantastic reconditioning, and  it sold out very quickly.

2015-07-13 MO
 I could not reproduce a movement to enter a blank space on BMW iDrive Touch Controller that consultant was showing me at an ENCORE session.  I had to find the trick on Internet.  The only place, where this  technique is described is in Mini manual:

www.miniusa.com/content/dam/miniusa/PDF/archiveownermanuals/MY15/2015_Owner_Manual_Hardtop_MiniConnected.pdf

Found in section: Touchpad – Entering letters and numbers

To delete last entered character, slide to the left
To enter a blank space, slide to the right from the center
For a hyphen, slide to the right in the upper area of the touchpad
For an underscore, swipe to the right in the lower area of the touchpad

I found blank space only works in adress entering screens.  It doesn’t work in Points of Interest screen.  I wonder, why all this is not in my manual, and why this so hard to find?

2015-07-18 SA
 City of Newton Excise Tax arrived.  It is  . . . $823.96.  That is where you get hit hard.  This is a city tax on roads and infrastructure.  The more expensive the car, the more excise tax you pay.  That hurts!  Hopefully next year will be less money.
2015-11-01 SU Daylight saving time is over.  To my surprise, I do not need to reset the clock in the car.  It knows to adjust the time one hour back.  What a pleasant surprise.
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