Discussion
Hello Chaps
I am just getting used to our new 335d E91, she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road. I have a couple of things that annoy me and perhaps you can help (Sorry if I repeat any content here but I have searched the forum and could not find much on these topics)
1. The RUNFLATS - I do find the car very very crashy over b-roads so much so that I have to slow down, I am thinking that this is the side wall stiffness. So I am thinking about replacing the Michelin Pilot Sports Runflats with some other normal tyre, has anyone done this does anyone have any recommendations for tyres? Also surely BMW have tuned the suspension for the run flats so will I suffer in other areas by replacing them?
2. The DARK POPLAR WOOD TRIM - this is not to my taste (got the car second hand) am thinking that the standard Alu trim is nicer, but have seen some carbon trim, and am thinking that would look sweet. Has anyone replaced the trim? Is it easy? Does anyone know where to get carbon trim from? If anyone want to swap to Dark Poplar then let me know. Also I could get it professionally sprayed piano black, has anyone done this, will it chip and look rubbish?
Cheers
James
ps yes I am getting it mapped...
I am just getting used to our new 335d E91, she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road. I have a couple of things that annoy me and perhaps you can help (Sorry if I repeat any content here but I have searched the forum and could not find much on these topics)
1. The RUNFLATS - I do find the car very very crashy over b-roads so much so that I have to slow down, I am thinking that this is the side wall stiffness. So I am thinking about replacing the Michelin Pilot Sports Runflats with some other normal tyre, has anyone done this does anyone have any recommendations for tyres? Also surely BMW have tuned the suspension for the run flats so will I suffer in other areas by replacing them?
2. The DARK POPLAR WOOD TRIM - this is not to my taste (got the car second hand) am thinking that the standard Alu trim is nicer, but have seen some carbon trim, and am thinking that would look sweet. Has anyone replaced the trim? Is it easy? Does anyone know where to get carbon trim from? If anyone want to swap to Dark Poplar then let me know. Also I could get it professionally sprayed piano black, has anyone done this, will it chip and look rubbish?
Cheers
James
ps yes I am getting it mapped...
Edited by sadlerj on Thursday 11th September 10:48
I can fully agree with you comments regarding the RFT's, they are terrible, in fact my wife and I think they are close to dangerous in cold and wet conditions.
The car has a very stiff setup and really does crash over bumps, this is probably the worst aspect of the car IMO. We plan to change to non-RFT's when possible, but I am concerned that since my wife is the primary driver of our 335d it will leave her with only a tyre repair spray thingy if she gets a flat. I also like the safety net of having a serious blow out at motorway speeds does not have the same effect as a non-RFT.
Many tyre dealers will tell you that it's not possible to do as the wheels have been specifically designed for RFT's - this is not true. Search websites such as E90 post for good recommendations.
The trim should not be hard to change. I would avoid the Piano trim (we have it) and it is really bad for collecting dust. The brushed aluminium trim is great, and can be purchased and installed by BMW - probably about £350 all in?
The car has a very stiff setup and really does crash over bumps, this is probably the worst aspect of the car IMO. We plan to change to non-RFT's when possible, but I am concerned that since my wife is the primary driver of our 335d it will leave her with only a tyre repair spray thingy if she gets a flat. I also like the safety net of having a serious blow out at motorway speeds does not have the same effect as a non-RFT.
Many tyre dealers will tell you that it's not possible to do as the wheels have been specifically designed for RFT's - this is not true. Search websites such as E90 post for good recommendations.
The trim should not be hard to change. I would avoid the Piano trim (we have it) and it is really bad for collecting dust. The brushed aluminium trim is great, and can be purchased and installed by BMW - probably about £350 all in?
Edited by moff135 on Thursday 11th September 11:38
I changed the runflats on the Z4 to normal Michelin PS2s and it has made a huge difference.
Yes, you will only have a can of foam as backup, but actually it will make little difference. If you damage the tyre beyond the point where the foam would be of use, the chances are a runflat tyre wouldn't have fared any better.
Yes, you will only have a can of foam as backup, but actually it will make little difference. If you damage the tyre beyond the point where the foam would be of use, the chances are a runflat tyre wouldn't have fared any better.
I run non runflats, the cars ride is transformed. Id even say the car handles better with a more progressive breakaway. Runflats cause the car to become skittish over bumps and it can become quite unnerving.
Congrats on the new car also.
Congrats on the new car also.
Edited by dxb335d on Thursday 11th September 13:20
noumenon said:
DaveCavRS4 said:
sadlerj said:
Hello Chaps
she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road.
lol she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road.
Edited by sadlerj on Thursday 11th September 10:48
ps after I have had a play it will have more power than a Boxter S (but then again I dont really want to start a mines bigger than yours debate, as this is my baby carrier)
roofer said:
I changed from 18" RF's to 19" normal tyres, and the ride is smoother. I'll also swop trims with you, being an old git, i prefer the wood to my alloy trim.
I have nav, which means the centre panel is nav only.
Cheers roofer I have PMailed you.I have nav, which means the centre panel is nav only.
Edited by sadlerj on Thursday 11th September 16:53
sadlerj said:
Yep...I'll get my coat...
ps after I have had a play it will have more power than a Boxter S (but then again I dont really want to start a mines bigger than yours debate, as this is my baby carrier)
If you're serious, power to weight is the measure I'd look at first for comparison.ps after I have had a play it will have more power than a Boxter S (but then again I dont really want to start a mines bigger than yours debate, as this is my baby carrier)
335d - 286bhp / 1645 kgs = 174 bhp/ton
Boxster S - 295bhp / 1355 kgs = 218 bhp/ton (you need around 360 bhp)
997 S - 385 bhp / 1420kgs = 271 bhp/ton (you need around 445 bhp)
Of course I'd recommend bigger brakes, upgraded suspension and so on too. Then again, you might get lucky and catch a manual porker sleeping (in 6th gear) and waft past on a wave of torque.
sadlerj said:
noumenon said:
DaveCavRS4 said:
sadlerj said:
Hello Chaps
she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road.
lol she is fantastic, and I cannot wait to find some supercar to challenge on the road.
Edited by sadlerj on Thursday 11th September 10:48
ps after I have had a play it will have more power than a Boxter S (but then again I dont really want to start a mines bigger than yours debate, as this is my baby carrier)
roofer said:
I changed from 18" RF's to 19" normal tyres, and the ride is smoother. I'll also swop trims with you, being an old git, i prefer the wood to my alloy trim.
I have nav, which means the centre panel is nav only.
Cheers roofer I have PMailed you.I have nav, which means the centre panel is nav only.
Edited by sadlerj on Thursday 11th September 16:53
Edited by DaveCavRS4 on Friday 12th September 09:20
What is it with so many 335d drivers and the illusion that it's the fastest thing on 4 wheels? Having had a run in with one such idiot last night I feel a rant coming on.
Don't get me wrong, I have an E91 335d and it's a fantastic car and there's nothing I'd rather have for family runabout duties.
But my E92 M3 is in a different league. However, just about every 335d driver I come across when in the M3 needs to prove something and 'have a go'. Like the moron on the A120 last night who nearly had a head on collision trying to overtake me in a queue of traffic on a blind bend.
Please just enjoy the 335d for what it is and stop ruining the image of the car by making out it's faster than everything out of Maranello and driving like tossers.
Rant over. Deep breath. Calming down now.
Don't get me wrong, I have an E91 335d and it's a fantastic car and there's nothing I'd rather have for family runabout duties.
But my E92 M3 is in a different league. However, just about every 335d driver I come across when in the M3 needs to prove something and 'have a go'. Like the moron on the A120 last night who nearly had a head on collision trying to overtake me in a queue of traffic on a blind bend.
Please just enjoy the 335d for what it is and stop ruining the image of the car by making out it's faster than everything out of Maranello and driving like tossers.
Rant over. Deep breath. Calming down now.
dick_dastardly71 said:
What is it with so many 335d drivers and the illusion that it's the fastest thing on 4 wheels? Having had a run in with one such idiot last night I feel a rant coming on.
Don't get me wrong, I have an E91 335d and it's a fantastic car and there's nothing I'd rather have for family runabout duties.
But my E92 M3 is in a different league. However, just about every 335d driver I come across when in the M3 needs to prove something and 'have a go'. Like the moron on the A120 last night who nearly had a head on collision trying to overtake me in a queue of traffic on a blind bend.
Please just enjoy the 335d for what it is and stop ruining the image of the car by making out it's faster than everything out of Maranello and driving like tossers.
Rant over. Deep breath. Calming down now.
hey don't worry they'll soon all be looking for new turbosDon't get me wrong, I have an E91 335d and it's a fantastic car and there's nothing I'd rather have for family runabout duties.
But my E92 M3 is in a different league. However, just about every 335d driver I come across when in the M3 needs to prove something and 'have a go'. Like the moron on the A120 last night who nearly had a head on collision trying to overtake me in a queue of traffic on a blind bend.
Please just enjoy the 335d for what it is and stop ruining the image of the car by making out it's faster than everything out of Maranello and driving like tossers.
Rant over. Deep breath. Calming down now.
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