CAR WARRIORS: BMW X4 2015 DRIVE28i MADE FOR SPORT AND COUNTRY

Saturday, February 7, 2015

BMW X4 2015 DRIVE28i MADE FOR SPORT AND COUNTRY

In Sport and Sport Plus mode, the 2015 BMW X4 evinces excellent handling, and comes with standard all-wheel-drive. Its built-in data connection supports features such as fuel price listings and Yelp, while smartphone-integrated apps range from social media to music services.

The navigation system took a long time to boot up and it lacked lane guidance. Even with a four-cylinder engine, fuel economy averages in the mid-20s.

The Bottom Line 2015 BMW X4's odd design may narrow its appeal, but it holds up the BMW reputation for excellent handling, and its dashboard electronics The 2015 BMW X4 wants to be bad, ,just like its big brother the X6. But compared to that spiky-haired brute, which looks like it just stole your lunch money, the X4 is just a pudgy kid in a leather jacket. Gazing at the X4 xDrive28i that arrived in the CNET garage and sitting in the driver seat, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a 3-series on stilts.

The X4 is an entirely new model and a symptom of BMW's expanding model line-up, appealing to just about every niche imaginable. Its wheelbase matches that of the 3-series, but the X4 measures a couple of inches more in overall length, while its roofline sits more than a foot higher than its sedan sibling. Unlike the 3-series, the X4 gets a hatchback and all versions come with all-wheel-drive.

It may beg the question of why you would buy an X4 over an X3, which has more proper SUV proportions, but I asked that same question about the X6 versus the X5 when that former model came out, and was answered with reasonable enough sales success that BMW continues to produce the X6. And despite the X4's gawky proportions, it embodies the excellent driveline engineering and cabin electronics that make BMWs such enjoyable cars.In the US, the base model BMW X4 xDrive28i goes for a base price of $44,700. Optioned up with navigation, M Sport package, Premium package and a rear view camera, this example totaled up at $54,550 with destination. In the UK, the base model xDrive20d SE, with a 2-liter diesel engine and all-wheel drive, comes in at £36,895. Australian buyers are looking at $69,990 for the gasoline-powered 2-liter xDrive20i base model.Giving a sense of BMW's intent behind the X4, I could make its center LCD show the Sport display, with virtual gauges for real-time horsepower and torque, or the xDrive status screen, giving the car's pitch and roll angles. The X4 is supposed to combine sports car performance and SUV-like off-road capability. A descent control feature boosts its off-road credentials, but there is no differential lock to ensure all wheels are getting power. The all-wheel-drive system lacks a center differential, and defaults to a rear-wheel bias, making this system more about sport driving traction. anyone familiar with current BMW nomenclature can tell you, the 28i in the model name means there is a turbocharged 2-liter four cylinder engine under the hood, with direct injection and BMW's own Double-VANOS valve control technology bringing output to 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

BMW makes use of this engine in many of its models, as it delivers an excellent combination of power and efficiency. In the X4 I found it had no trouble urging this 4,130 pound vehicle along, although it lacked punch for high revving turn exits. For that kind of sport driving, BMW offers the X4 xDrive35i, a six cylinder version with 300 horsepower.

The X4's eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and makes the most out of the engine's power. Taking advantage of its sport mode kept the tachometer needle high, allowing more instant power response from the throttle. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel put the transmission in manual mode, where I could snap off gear changes almost as quickly as with a dual-clutch transmission.

Beyond simple driveline mechanics, what really controls the X4's driving behavior is the rocker switch on the console, cycling drive modes through Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. These modes affect throttle response, the steering program and traction control.

The X4 defaulted to Comfort mode every time I turned it on, something I imagine might annoy a driver who always wants it in Sport. In Comfort mode, the X4 didn't feel anything like the Ultimate Driving Machine. The throttle and steering felt sloppy, with everything just a bit loose, not distinguishing itself from any other car on the road.

The fixed suspension was not going to change feel with the drive mode, but as this car came with the M Sport package and sport-tuned suspension, the ride was a little firmer than you would find in a standard X4.

Moving up to Sport or Sport Plus mode tightened the wheel considerably and sharpened the throttle response, making the X4 fit my expectations for a BMW. The Plus adds BMW's Dynamic Traction Control, a sport traction control program designed to let the rear end slip out a little in turns for predictable oversteer. If you want to have fun driving in the X4, pushing its limits, go straight to Sport Plus.

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KNOWING ABOUT YOUR POWER-TRAIN WARRANITY

A powertrain warranty is a form of assurance offered by the manufacturer of an automobile. When a consumer purchases a vehicle, at the time of sale, he or she will be given a powertrain warranty, which will cover all or part of the powertrain of the underlying automobile. When a mechanical problem occurs to the powertrain the costs associated with repair or replacement are covered in the powertrain warranty—the manufacturer or dealer whole sold the automobile will pay to have the car fixed. That being said, what parts are covered and the extent of the repayment associated with fixing the car will vary greatly based on the powertrain warranty offered.

Depending on the manufacturer, a powertrain warranty will provide different forms of coverage based on interpretative differences; for example, one manufacturer’s definition of an engine can be referred to as a ‘long block’, meaning the engine, as well as everything attached to it cannot be removed. Another definition of an engine can be a “short block” meaning only part of the engine—typically the piece below cylinder head—cannot be removed. As a result, the coverage abilities will vary between these two warranties if the engine proved to be faulty.

In addition to the engine, the type of automobile will necessitate different variables within the powertrain warranty. For example, if you purchased a manual transmission vehicle, the warranty may exclude repairs or replacements for important pieces, such as the clutch—an extended warranty for a manual transmission will typically only provide coverage for the driveshaft and the axles.

A powertrain warranty will last for a certain number of years or for a maximum number of miles. In most instances, the powertrain warranty will last longer than a typical car warranty; the basic powertrain warranty is offered as a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty, or whichever comes first.

Other Warranites Usually available to car buyers:

Basic: Also known as "bumper-to-bumper" coverage, this is the general coverage that would pay to repair defects in factory-installed parts. Tires are not typically included because they're usually covered under a separate tire manufacturer warranty.

Corrosion: Covers rust that causes holes in sheet metal in parts such as the doors or side panels.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with towing and tire-changing if the car breaks down while traveling.

It's best to check with dealers for specifics, but here is a list of seven top auto companies that offer among the best car warranties, despite the fact that many are rated safe cars by independent research firms.

Car Insurance Tips

Find out what’s covered and what isn’t. Get your quote in writing and confirm the accuracy of each vehicle and driver you are insuring, as well as the coverages you requested. Ask about free, value-added features, such as emergency roadside assistance. Check to see if repairs are guaranteed for as long as you own your car, and find out what kind of payment options are available.

To see if you’re getting credit where credit is due, it's a good idea to find out all the discounts available to you. Some simple ways to save money on your auto insurance include maintaining a clean driving record, being a good student and the inclusion of certain safety features when buying a new car can save you money on your policy.

Your state sets forth the minimum liability coverage you must maintain, as mentioned above. But these are just the legal minimums and might not give you the coverage you need. You'll have to decide what you want to buy beyond these minimums. Keep in mind that you are looking to find the balance between having adequate coverage and overpaying.

According to Consumer Reports, a general guideline for adequate bodily injury liability limits is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, plus $100,000 for property damage. These amounts are what your insurer will pay to someone you are in an accident with. For uninsured motorist coverage, you should get the same amount as for bodily injury liability, as this covers your medical costs when someone who is not insured hits you.

Auto insurance tip #1
Understand why you need auto insurance
In short, you need car insurance to protect your car, yourself and your passengers. You also protect any assets, like your home and savings, as well as comply with state law.

Auto insurance tip #2
Know your current coverages-but be willing to adjust
Use your current coverages and limits as a starting point; you can refer to your declarations page for this information. Then, adjust your coverages as necessary to match your lifestyle-which might be different than it was when you first bought the policy.

For example, if your teenager starts driving next month, you might consider adding him or her to your policy now. Or, if you just bought a new car, you might choose loan/lease payoff coverage, so that if your car is stolen or declared a total loss, you'll have help paying off your loan or lease.

Auto insurance tip #3
Decide what you want to protect, then choose your coverages

Auto insurance tip #4
Use deductibles to your advantage
Your deductible is what you agree to pay out of pocket when you use your car insurance. In general, the higher you set your deductible, the less you'll pay for your policy. And conversely, if you set your deductible low, you'll pay more for your policy, but less when you have a claim.

Auto insurance tip #5
Know that certain things affect your rate
Insurance companies evaluate a variety of things when they calculate your rate, from your driving record to where you live and how many miles you drive on average. Keep this in mind when you see your rate.

More alternatives:

Raise your comprehensive and collision deductibles to at least $1,000, which lowers your premiums and prevents you from filing small claims that could jeopardize a claims-free discount. Add some more money to your emergency fund so you’ll have the cash to pay the deductible if anyone in your family does have an accident.

Drop collision and comprehensive coverage entirely on older cars that are worth little more than the deductible. You may be paying more in premiums than you could ever get back from the insurer, even if the car is totaled.

Tell your insurer if your child goes away to college. If your child goes to school more than 100 miles away and does not use the car, you can usually get a big break on your premiums but still have coverage when he or she comes home for vacation.

Ask about other discounts for teenage drivers. Some insurers offer discounts for driver-safety programs, cutting costs if the kids take a special class, watch a DVD, or read a driver-safety book and take a test. Ask your insurer what your kid needs to do to qualify.

Make the most of multi-policy discounts. You’ll usually get a break on your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance if you keep both policies with the same company. You may get an additional discount if you include an umbrella policy, which provides extra liability coverage beyond your auto-insurance limits and can be particularly valuable when you have a teenage driver.

Some insurers offer much better deals than others for teenage drivers, so it’s important to compare costs. The insurance company that offered the best rate for you and your spouse may have some of the highest rates when you add a teenage boy to the policy - and it’s almost always better to add the child to your policy rather than have him get his own policy.

You can get price quotes from several online insurance companies like Progressive or AllState or get personalized service from an independent insurance agent who works with many companies. You may not want to switch from a longtime insurer just to save a few dollars, however, because your current company may be less likely to raise your rate or drop you if your child has an accident. If you stay with the insurance company you currently have there more room for forgiveness and benefits of such various programs. Also keep in mind that if you have been getting a multi-policy discount, your homeowners-insurance rate might rise if you take your auto-insurance business elsewhere.

One thing you don’t want to do in an attempt to reduce your premiums is skimp on liability coverage. recommends liability limits of at least $250,000 per person, $500,000 per accident and $100,000 for property damage or a policy with a “combined single limit” of $500,000, when available, which does not limit the coverage to $250,000 per person involved in the accident. Young drivers are more likely to have accidents, and lowering your liability limits could leave you on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in expenses if your child does hit another car or injure someone.

CAR WARRIORS

Saturday, February 7, 2015

BMW X4 2015 DRIVE28i MADE FOR SPORT AND COUNTRY

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