So I've been thinking about the COTE, and the 335i still checks all boxes, but there's just one that could be better.
It could be a complete sleeper, or Q-car if you prefer the queen's English. In order to pull that off I have to make it look like your run of the mill 318d. Which means it should be a 4 door sedan instead of the sportier looking coupe.
I have to give credit where it's due, my SO was and still is pushing for a 4 door to transport our little family. So she put the idea in my head and it made me realise the potential.
All of this doesn't make my life easier, since most people who buy, I should say who have bought these kind of cars bought coupes. The 4 door is a bit of a rarity and then I need to find an OK one with the options I want.
Speaking of options, I want navigation, cruise control, aircon and keyless go. Let me talk you through these.
Navigation, I hear you when you say navigation will suck on this car, the maps will never be up to date and even if they are it's not an online system so you'll get stuck in traffic. I fully agree and probably will never use the navigation. I just want the screen in the car. There's a lot of hardware out there to inject other streams on the screen, even as picture in picture. So here are my brainfarts regarding the screen. Miracast for the cellphone screen. It's always nice to have waze high up on the dash. Front and rear cameras and a raspberry pi connected to the OBD plug. Also this is the first generation of 3 series where some of the cars vitals are incorporated in the navigation system. So it's a lot nicer to use a big screen in the central console to check the oil level than to fumble around with a small stalk and monochrome display in the tach.
Aircon. Well this shouldn't need an explanation. Creature comfort
Cruise control. Since it's supposed to be my daily, it'll see a lot of highway. So cruise control is a must. Not neccesary adaptive, although available and nice.
Keyless go. I like the idea to press a button to open the car, and then not to have to fumble with the key to start. My previous Focus ST had this system and I loved it. I even prefer this over a keyless entry and go system, since here you still have to lock your car with a press of a button. (call me oldschool)
So there you have it my COTE wish list. Now I only need to find the car, which is going to be a nightmare. I'm already looking as far as Switzerland so there's bound to be some more stories on here before I have the car.
