2 months today I’ve had the F32, about 3200 miles done under my captaincy. I’m not going to lie, it took a while to settle in to, perhaps unsurprisingly given I’d spent 10.5 years settling in to its predecessor!

Immediately noticeable is the size difference, but not particularly any weight difference. In kerb weight terms, there’s 50kg added beef on the 4 series. When you consider that’s adding an extra 2 cylinders and an autobox in addition to the physically bigger stature of the car, that’s really pretty impressive. Took a while to figure out where the front of the car was as the front end seems more bulbous than the E46, same for placing the passenger side with the higher beltline and bigger haunches. One thing that is noticeable and will not go away, the rear visibility is way worse than the E46, not Lotus/Lambo letterbox territory but definitely worse than my trust old 3 coupe.

I’m enjoying the shift to automatic as well. I still use the paddles for some engine braking when required, or when having fun, but the 8HP ZF box is every bit as good to live with as I had expected from various stints driving cars equipped with it round the track.

When required, the turn of pace is brisk. I’m not going to say fast, its also not that big a step up from my 320Cd which was remapped [167hp/ton vs 140hp/ton respectively], but it’s a lovely smooth delivery and ridiculously fuel efficient when not being hustled along. Currently the most fuel efficient 430d being tracked on Fuelly…