BMW E91 335i Touring, Le Mans Blue
Discussion
A month or so ago our Insignia Estate was written off, in an unprovoked road rage attack. Details here (a longish read) about half way down the page - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The insurance offer was higher than I thought it would be, just under £5700. The Insignia was bought being a 2 litre diesel, at such a time my wife was doing 25K a year with her job. Now she is work from home we're doing nearer 8. With this in mind I (eventually) managed to persuade her that after 10 years of not having a 'toy', that we should get something I could enjoy a bit.
We looked at an E61 530i, which I really liked. She liked it too, but had made one proviso, if she got any whiff it had ever been smoked in it was a no. She could smell it in it (I couldn't, but she has the nose of a sniffer dog)
I then stumbled across the 335i we purchased, at just under £8k. M Sport trim. 2008. 137k miles. BMW + 1 owner. 13 stamps in the book. 2 keys. Black leather and Aluminium trim. Matching Michelin Pilot Sport 3's all round also made me think it has been loved. One drive, and I knew I had to have it.
I totally love it, and she's beginning to come around. It has less toys than the VX (no power tailgate, power-fold mirrors, even though the ad said it had) It also has a smaller boot, the dogs (one large) can just get in it, and my argument was that if they need to go in to it for longer journeys the rear seats can go down.
The bad points, needing attention. There is a small dent on the roof line above the near side doors, about the size of a 5 pence piece. The alloys could do with a refurb. The lower trim piece on the steering wheel rim and the drivers seat door side bolster could do with a little colour restoration (luckily, I know a man who can do this
) and I've just discovered that the Angel Eyes aren't functioning. I've ordered LED's for this, but if not I gather the next step to eliminate is something called the footwell light module. If it were this, I presume it will be covered under the 28 day warranty? (LED's obv not) Other than that there are just the odd paintwork scratch and the like to sort, which is to be expected on a 15 year old car.
Plans. It is overdue a service, so I want to get this done ASAP. After this I'd like to give it something called a Walnut blast. In short, this is the process of removing carbon build up from the intake ports and valves with the use of compressed air and crushed walnut shells, which is very worthwhile with this engine being direct injection. I've already replaced the number plates, as these had bled and looked a mess, plus they had Dick Lovett dealer stamps, which I don't want for the innuendo! When doing this I also followed an idea done by Court_S on his 335i coupe, in removing the plinth behind it for a cleaner look. Also copying the man I plan to purchase an Andream MMI, to replace the idrive screen. This will retain the BMW functions, but also give us waze, car play, and various other things, for around £300. No plans to remap it as yet, it feels plenty fast enough for now.
After that, just drive it, and enjoy it, and try not to baulk too much at the fuel bill!
Pictures -
The insurance offer was higher than I thought it would be, just under £5700. The Insignia was bought being a 2 litre diesel, at such a time my wife was doing 25K a year with her job. Now she is work from home we're doing nearer 8. With this in mind I (eventually) managed to persuade her that after 10 years of not having a 'toy', that we should get something I could enjoy a bit.
We looked at an E61 530i, which I really liked. She liked it too, but had made one proviso, if she got any whiff it had ever been smoked in it was a no. She could smell it in it (I couldn't, but she has the nose of a sniffer dog)
I then stumbled across the 335i we purchased, at just under £8k. M Sport trim. 2008. 137k miles. BMW + 1 owner. 13 stamps in the book. 2 keys. Black leather and Aluminium trim. Matching Michelin Pilot Sport 3's all round also made me think it has been loved. One drive, and I knew I had to have it.
I totally love it, and she's beginning to come around. It has less toys than the VX (no power tailgate, power-fold mirrors, even though the ad said it had) It also has a smaller boot, the dogs (one large) can just get in it, and my argument was that if they need to go in to it for longer journeys the rear seats can go down.
The bad points, needing attention. There is a small dent on the roof line above the near side doors, about the size of a 5 pence piece. The alloys could do with a refurb. The lower trim piece on the steering wheel rim and the drivers seat door side bolster could do with a little colour restoration (luckily, I know a man who can do this
) and I've just discovered that the Angel Eyes aren't functioning. I've ordered LED's for this, but if not I gather the next step to eliminate is something called the footwell light module. If it were this, I presume it will be covered under the 28 day warranty? (LED's obv not) Other than that there are just the odd paintwork scratch and the like to sort, which is to be expected on a 15 year old car.Plans. It is overdue a service, so I want to get this done ASAP. After this I'd like to give it something called a Walnut blast. In short, this is the process of removing carbon build up from the intake ports and valves with the use of compressed air and crushed walnut shells, which is very worthwhile with this engine being direct injection. I've already replaced the number plates, as these had bled and looked a mess, plus they had Dick Lovett dealer stamps, which I don't want for the innuendo! When doing this I also followed an idea done by Court_S on his 335i coupe, in removing the plinth behind it for a cleaner look. Also copying the man I plan to purchase an Andream MMI, to replace the idrive screen. This will retain the BMW functions, but also give us waze, car play, and various other things, for around £300. No plans to remap it as yet, it feels plenty fast enough for now.
After that, just drive it, and enjoy it, and try not to baulk too much at the fuel bill!
Pictures -
Thanks all for the kind words. I had wanted to refurb the wheels in a light chrome finish like the below, but on Monday night our Dobe x Viz did himself an injury. Having a run around at the allotments he managed to impale himself on something, splitting his belly open, and leaving us with a £750 vets bill to repair him. Stupid mutt.
Looks like I'll be using the DIY refurb kit I bought to do the VX's wheels, but never used.
Looks like I'll be using the DIY refurb kit I bought to do the VX's wheels, but never used.
ManicMunky said:
Read about the Vauxhall 
hopefully that'll get resolved and your wife gets better soon.
TY MM. She is gradually building back her confidence. I have been joining her to put the birds away of evenings, and I must remember to chase up the Police to see where they're at with things. She has said she is 'happy' to pick him out in a line-up and attend court if needs be. hopefully that'll get resolved and your wife gets better soon.Gad-Westy said:
Sorry to hear about the dog. Hope the recovery is speedy (the dog and the bank balance!).
The trickiest part with the Andream in my opinion is finding space for the connector block. It's a little fiddly routing cables around but basically plug and play. My tip here is to tuck the connector block off to the left hand side behind the cage before you connect anything to the Andream unit. That leave just enough length on the main harness to join everything up. Cover your gearstick area with a towel or something before you start the job too or you'll scratch it to pieces.
He's going back to the vets this morning to be checked up on, so he continues to drain our bank account!The trickiest part with the Andream in my opinion is finding space for the connector block. It's a little fiddly routing cables around but basically plug and play. My tip here is to tuck the connector block off to the left hand side behind the cage before you connect anything to the Andream unit. That leave just enough length on the main harness to join everything up. Cover your gearstick area with a towel or something before you start the job too or you'll scratch it to pieces.
They're really good pointers, which I'll be sure to refer to in due course, thanks. My biggest worry is how to get the Perspex cover off without damaging or destroying it, so I may well give you a shout before I start the job.
Gad-Westy said:
Hmmm, are we talking cross purposes? Which perspex cover are you removing? The Andream unit I have (and I think others) is a full screen replacement so no cover removal required. Old Screen out, new screen in.
I may well have it wrong? I recalled that the existing i-drive screen is recessed maybe 3", and over that there is a further clear Perspex cover? Edit to add, looking at images online of the dash it seems I am likely wrong (not dressed yet to check the one outside!)Edited by Fermit on Wednesday 14th June 09:46
Gad-Westy said:
You are right about the existing screen. Angled cover over it. But that whole unit comes out whole and is replaced with a complete new screen unit from Andream. You still have idrive functionality through new screen but get all the other modern stuff too.
One tip on this. The Andream screen is prone to glare in bright sunshine and is hard to read. If you get one of these for it, it helps massively.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KTQWBFN?psc=1&r...
Just back from taking lamp-shade dog to the vets, had a look, and got a clearer picture of how it removes. Thanks for the link to the glare filter, I'll be sure to get one bought when the time comes.One tip on this. The Andream screen is prone to glare in bright sunshine and is hard to read. If you get one of these for it, it helps massively.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08KTQWBFN?psc=1&r...
@ pmorg4, TY, useful pointers. I look forward to getting the idrive screen replaced, as I find some elements a faff. For example on a drive last night I wanted to put Radio 1 on. I ended up pulling over and trying to sort out how to for a number of minutes before giving up!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to restore the door trim highlighted in the below pic, as they're looking a little mottled and faded.
Maybe a hair dryer like used to make good plastic bumpers? Something with half decent longevity, rather than just a cosmetic cover up.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to restore the door trim highlighted in the below pic, as they're looking a little mottled and faded.
Maybe a hair dryer like used to make good plastic bumpers? Something with half decent longevity, rather than just a cosmetic cover up.
Gad-Westy said:
Try a machine polish on the shadow trim if you have a DA or rotary. It think they're painted metal so just treat as you would a painted panel.
Ah OK, so count maybe try some cutting compound like the below that I already have? I have I do have a DA, but only a cheapy one, as not sure if it's going to be my cup of tea.
Fermit said:
Gad-Westy said:
Try a machine polish on the shadow trim if you have a DA or rotary. It think they're painted metal so just treat as you would a painted panel.
Ah OK, so count maybe try some cutting compound like the below that I already have? I have I do have a DA, but only a cheapy one, as not sure if it's going to be my cup of tea.
Today, as part of the spruce up I've bought new centre caps to replace the rather minging ones on it currently, and new indicator repeaters for the same reason.
I've notice the angel eyes aren't functioning, so bought this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295102911257 . Working out where the bulb for these are they look all sorts of wrong, not looking anything like what needs to come out. Have I been sold a duffer and should I send them back? To my mind this sort of thing - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECTICO-Angel-Lights-Canb... looks more like what is needed surely?
Secondly, how the juddering f
k are you supposed to get the bulb out? Having tried you'd need the hands of a mouse, and something to twist the bulb out of situ? Covered my hands in cuts and engine muck trying desperately for a good 20 minutes this afternoon!Edited by Fermit on Thursday 15th June 20:43
pmorg4 said:
Doing anything with the lights on an E91 is an absolute sod. Best bet is to remove the front part of the wheel arch liner which will give much better access. From memory once you remove the panel on the back of the headlight there's a little plastic cover held on with a screw or two which needs to be removed to access the angel eye bulb. Good luck!
That's really helpful, thanks. I want to get on this one ASAP, as if it's not the bulb then whatever it is at the next step wants to be claimed on the 28 day warranty.Phew, thanks all!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
Nothing much update wise that warrants photos, but a few things progressed. The car is booked in for a service in early July. I checked the oil, and it's not golden! I've also booked in with a bodywork to get the ding above the door repaired, and some bird muck lacquer damage on on side sorted. £350, and being done mid August.
Beginning to try and better the cosmetics I've done the following; spent time t-cutting out numerous marks on the paint, and gone over everywhere with Meguiar's ultimate compound colour & clarity restorer. I've bought and put in a rubber boot liner, the carpet is mint, but wouldn't be for long with our 2 dogs! I've replaced the battery, as it was reported as being very weak. I did this myself, the first time I've done one, without blowing myself or the cars electrics up! I've replaced the tired alloy centre caps, and attempted to replace the aged repeaters with these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394631434879
Annoyingly, after much swearing getting off the wheel arch lining, the connector is wrong, even though it states compatible with mine. I've accepted a 50% refund offer, as the box they came in is wrecked, and TBH because I've got too much to do to worry about the faff of all a return entails. Accordingly, if anyone who thinks they'd fit theirs wants them then let me know.
I've also spent time giving the interior including the leather a thorough going over, including LTT deep cleaner on all the leather. s_court, as a detailer you want to speak to these people (in Harrogate) as I can promise you (as a leather restoration specialist of 10 years) that their products really are the best leather products around.
On collection I discovered the split tail-gate wasn't working, so they knocked £100 off to compensate for this. I've ordered a £12 release switch, so if this works that'll be a bonus.
Another question. The alloys need some attention. They're not too bad, typically about one third of the rims grazed, and one alloy has a bit of bubbling near the tyre. I really hone in on alloys, they need to be spot on for me. Is an alloy smart repair worth considering, IE do they work, or should I instead forget it and get a proper refurb done on them? Also one of the fronts is buckled, so have found a place in Nottingham who undertake this and alloy restoration (inc smart repairs) who also provide loan alloys for whilst they undertake the work.
One picture of it currently -
Beginning to try and better the cosmetics I've done the following; spent time t-cutting out numerous marks on the paint, and gone over everywhere with Meguiar's ultimate compound colour & clarity restorer. I've bought and put in a rubber boot liner, the carpet is mint, but wouldn't be for long with our 2 dogs! I've replaced the battery, as it was reported as being very weak. I did this myself, the first time I've done one, without blowing myself or the cars electrics up! I've replaced the tired alloy centre caps, and attempted to replace the aged repeaters with these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394631434879
Annoyingly, after much swearing getting off the wheel arch lining, the connector is wrong, even though it states compatible with mine. I've accepted a 50% refund offer, as the box they came in is wrecked, and TBH because I've got too much to do to worry about the faff of all a return entails. Accordingly, if anyone who thinks they'd fit theirs wants them then let me know.
I've also spent time giving the interior including the leather a thorough going over, including LTT deep cleaner on all the leather. s_court, as a detailer you want to speak to these people (in Harrogate) as I can promise you (as a leather restoration specialist of 10 years) that their products really are the best leather products around.
On collection I discovered the split tail-gate wasn't working, so they knocked £100 off to compensate for this. I've ordered a £12 release switch, so if this works that'll be a bonus.
Another question. The alloys need some attention. They're not too bad, typically about one third of the rims grazed, and one alloy has a bit of bubbling near the tyre. I really hone in on alloys, they need to be spot on for me. Is an alloy smart repair worth considering, IE do they work, or should I instead forget it and get a proper refurb done on them? Also one of the fronts is buckled, so have found a place in Nottingham who undertake this and alloy restoration (inc smart repairs) who also provide loan alloys for whilst they undertake the work.
One picture of it currently -
Edited by Fermit on Friday 23 June 19:36
Now you both tell me! Well, with the (hopefully) correct ones on-route I'll know for next time.
Another question, I forgot to mention last night. I set about trying to sort the none working Angel Eyes (thanks to the poster who gave the wheel arch access advise) Although the bulbs are lit, they are still not working. There are two solid plastic translucent tubes which the bulbs meet, which I presume carry the light to the rings? Is there any trick to sorting whatever maybe the problem, EG if they've come out of their housing? I have sent a recorded delivery letter to the dealer with a few bits (including this) which need sorting under warranty, but if there is a simple trick it would lessen the upheaval.
@ Court_S. No probs RE the pointer. If you do call the lady you may well speak to is Judy. Let her know Rob from Leather Better passed on her details. Also if she thinks I'm ignoring her, this company has been dormant for some time.
At some point soon I'll hopefully be purchasing the rubber cubby pair for the interior, so when the time comes I'll probably accept your gracious offer to assist with fitment. If you also happened to be in your 335 a quick passenger ride to see what they go like with a remap would be really interesting!
Another question, I forgot to mention last night. I set about trying to sort the none working Angel Eyes (thanks to the poster who gave the wheel arch access advise) Although the bulbs are lit, they are still not working. There are two solid plastic translucent tubes which the bulbs meet, which I presume carry the light to the rings? Is there any trick to sorting whatever maybe the problem, EG if they've come out of their housing? I have sent a recorded delivery letter to the dealer with a few bits (including this) which need sorting under warranty, but if there is a simple trick it would lessen the upheaval.
@ Court_S. No probs RE the pointer. If you do call the lady you may well speak to is Judy. Let her know Rob from Leather Better passed on her details. Also if she thinks I'm ignoring her, this company has been dormant for some time.
At some point soon I'll hopefully be purchasing the rubber cubby pair for the interior, so when the time comes I'll probably accept your gracious offer to assist with fitment. If you also happened to be in your 335 a quick passenger ride to see what they go like with a remap would be really interesting!
pmorg4 said:
Correct - the bulb feeds light into the rings. There shouldn't really be much to go wrong with these, as long as you have the correct bulb and it's sitting properly in the housing the ring should light up. I'd double and triple check everything, as if the rings have become dislodged or broken somehow it would probably need the headlight opening up which is a real pain on these as they are permasealed (which means the sealant doesn't soften when heated so you basically need to cut it open).
If the headlight does need work I'd definitely be looking for the dealership to sort it. A BMW dealer wouldn't even attempt to repair, it would be a replacement unit if there was a fault with the internals.
Bugger, I'll leave it as one for the dealer I bought from to sort. As for the cleaner, mine was purchased as trade, in a big washer fluid type bottle, labelled Deep Clean. It may be a trade only product, but I'd presume this is the same stuff - https://www.lttleathercare.com/product/leather-dee...If the headlight does need work I'd definitely be looking for the dealership to sort it. A BMW dealer wouldn't even attempt to repair, it would be a replacement unit if there was a fault with the internals.
Auto/ furniture is just marketing labelling IIRC, and they're actually the same products. Just in case there are any deals to be had. Don't mention to them I said as much mind!
Cheers C_S.
Another freebie, if anyone wants them, LED angel eye bulbs www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295102911257
Bought two pairs, as I stupidly thought I'd need 4 of, so now have two spare. Also outside the window to return. If anyone wants the repeaters let me know over the weekend, as I've decided that otherwise I will return them as cash is a bit tight ATM (maybe something to do with buying a new car, and buying too many bits for it at once!)
Another freebie, if anyone wants them, LED angel eye bulbs www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295102911257
Bought two pairs, as I stupidly thought I'd need 4 of, so now have two spare. Also outside the window to return. If anyone wants the repeaters let me know over the weekend, as I've decided that otherwise I will return them as cash is a bit tight ATM (maybe something to do with buying a new car, and buying too many bits for it at once!)
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