BMW 325i touring
Discussion
chillbill said:
Good read, hope it gets mended soon!
I happen own an E91 320dA in the same colour. Sometimes wish it was a 6-cylinder petrol manual but can't complain too much about the 2.0d's torque or auto box in stop start traffic.
Sorry, just paid attention properly- those are E9x M3 19's- how do you find them for ride/ fit? What size tyres are you using? Any arch rolling?I happen own an E91 320dA in the same colour. Sometimes wish it was a 6-cylinder petrol manual but can't complain too much about the 2.0d's torque or auto box in stop start traffic.
Well the lowly 325i is back with us after having a ridiculous level of love paid to it.
After the nice lady drove into it, parked, with my wife putting a toddler in it, we put it in for a new door and decided to pay to have a bit of additional paintwork done. As these things always go, that ended up being the bonnet, wings, bumpers, bootlid, rear doors both sides, and blending into the rear wings. It hasn't got the lci bootlid on yet due to a wiring problem, but it is back and looking lovely.
I wanted to protect it now that it looks better painted than when we bought it from BMW (SH) 6 years ago, so splashed out on some nano-ology to wipe over it. Not done yet, but here's a rubbishy phone pic. Notice the difference between the bonnet and the roof-
After the nice lady drove into it, parked, with my wife putting a toddler in it, we put it in for a new door and decided to pay to have a bit of additional paintwork done. As these things always go, that ended up being the bonnet, wings, bumpers, bootlid, rear doors both sides, and blending into the rear wings. It hasn't got the lci bootlid on yet due to a wiring problem, but it is back and looking lovely.
I wanted to protect it now that it looks better painted than when we bought it from BMW (SH) 6 years ago, so splashed out on some nano-ology to wipe over it. Not done yet, but here's a rubbishy phone pic. Notice the difference between the bonnet and the roof-
E91M3 said:
The paint looks really good as well as the 219m's! Out of curiosity how long does the paint protection last?
Thank you- it's not just the bonnet that's stunning! My wife was using it to get to the station but I'd sooner she take the Alpina now- want to preserve this sort of new car thing. Silly I know, especially in London. I'll get some pics once the nano stuff is on. It's called nanolex si3d and it lasts for 20k miles or up to 2 years. If it lasts through the winter I'll be chuffed, the reviews are very good though. I bought it in a kit (£60 or so) that has a spot at for removing all of the polish I saw the painters applying at pickup- so you seal direct to the clearcoat with the nano stuff.
Just need a few guaranteed dry days now!
Not in the plan!
Left the lights on and after the summer's battery beating when the water pump went (interior lights on until battery dead) and 11 years of service, I think it's dead. It's on a charger and ECP have a 30% off weekend so probably going to buy a new one anyway. Will see how it charges tonight. Everything this car does now, whether an effortless two day drive four up, or stranding me and the kids at the swimming pool like this evening, just makes it even more of a family member. Great that men are completely rational and see machines as just machines, eh?
Left the lights on and after the summer's battery beating when the water pump went (interior lights on until battery dead) and 11 years of service, I think it's dead. It's on a charger and ECP have a 30% off weekend so probably going to buy a new one anyway. Will see how it charges tonight. Everything this car does now, whether an effortless two day drive four up, or stranding me and the kids at the swimming pool like this evening, just makes it even more of a family member. Great that men are completely rational and see machines as just machines, eh?
Didn't realise it had been so long!
The E91 has just had another annual oil service and a cabin filter. It does about 4000 miles a year including some short journeys so I'm happier having it changed. We're late this year changing back from the winter tyres. I took the opportunity of the sunny weekend to detail the style 219 wheels with H2O and a mic off bike brush, just have the refurb to organise that should have been done in the winter. Then the little M badges can go on the wheels. They don't actually improve bhp, but they do help the mid range torque. It's embarrassing that this age of M Sport BMW only has about 6 M badges, including the door sills. What is it on a new one, a 318d or something- about 20 M badges? I'd be perfectly happy with none.
Looks like time to treat the old girl to a new steering wheel trim now where the rubbery plastic finish is wearing off. Can't decide if the bmw performance ones are too naff and out of place with our grandpa walnut and lemon leather, or the BMW individual one which is just the same crappy plastic with a little silver badge.
I guess it's all moot now anyway as all recent BMWs are going up in flames if they haven't been stolen via the OBD port.
The E91 has just had another annual oil service and a cabin filter. It does about 4000 miles a year including some short journeys so I'm happier having it changed. We're late this year changing back from the winter tyres. I took the opportunity of the sunny weekend to detail the style 219 wheels with H2O and a mic off bike brush, just have the refurb to organise that should have been done in the winter. Then the little M badges can go on the wheels. They don't actually improve bhp, but they do help the mid range torque. It's embarrassing that this age of M Sport BMW only has about 6 M badges, including the door sills. What is it on a new one, a 318d or something- about 20 M badges? I'd be perfectly happy with none.
Looks like time to treat the old girl to a new steering wheel trim now where the rubbery plastic finish is wearing off. Can't decide if the bmw performance ones are too naff and out of place with our grandpa walnut and lemon leather, or the BMW individual one which is just the same crappy plastic with a little silver badge.
I guess it's all moot now anyway as all recent BMWs are going up in flames if they haven't been stolen via the OBD port.
Polynesian said:
I guess it's all moot now anyway as all recent BMWs are going up in flames if they haven't been stolen via the OBD port.
Not at all OP - the recall is for 2007 to 2011 models, and thankfully both of mine are 2006 models which yours might be too! 2 months ago I bought an E91 325i in Sparkling Graphite with Lemon leather:-
I really like it!
Hi all,
Bought this E91 last weekend. First BMW I've owned since my E46 many moons ago.
It's a 325D and think/hope I got a real bargain.
Had £6k of options when new, including unmarked Dakota leather seats, Bi Xenons
Auto transmission, Adaptive headlights, Metallic paint, Front & Rear Parking sensors, Heated front seats, USB/Audio interface and High Beam Assist.
Has 68k on the clock, 1 owner from new, Full BMW Service History.
I paid £7,700, which through my searching on trader etc was a decent price.
Got it home and straight over the road to my valeter to wash, dry and machine polish.
All in all very happy with it.
Only thing I really want to do is change the angel eyes bulbs to LED upgrades. But looking on all the various sites there's a myriad of different options and having a bit of a head spin now.
So if anyone with any knowledge can shine some light (if you'll pardon the pun) on where to get some decent, bright upgrades i'd much appreciate it.
Chris
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/pdmv0X5C.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/A7bWvWMb" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/A7bWvWMb.jpg)
Bought this E91 last weekend. First BMW I've owned since my E46 many moons ago.
It's a 325D and think/hope I got a real bargain.
Had £6k of options when new, including unmarked Dakota leather seats, Bi Xenons
Auto transmission, Adaptive headlights, Metallic paint, Front & Rear Parking sensors, Heated front seats, USB/Audio interface and High Beam Assist.
Has 68k on the clock, 1 owner from new, Full BMW Service History.
I paid £7,700, which through my searching on trader etc was a decent price.
Got it home and straight over the road to my valeter to wash, dry and machine polish.
All in all very happy with it.
Only thing I really want to do is change the angel eyes bulbs to LED upgrades. But looking on all the various sites there's a myriad of different options and having a bit of a head spin now.
So if anyone with any knowledge can shine some light (if you'll pardon the pun) on where to get some decent, bright upgrades i'd much appreciate it.
Chris
Edited by Chris221273 on Tuesday 29th May 17:06
If you've got bi xenons, you're doing better in the lighting department than us! Our car had the pre lci halogen candles, I changed them for lci ones, still halogen, and fitted LEDs to the angel eyes and LED dipped beam bulbs. They have improved night driving immeasurably, and without any issues for incoming traffic, including on the continent, without the little sticky things.
In fact, we just made it back yesterday from a 1615 mile trip down through France, stopping for a weekend in Paris to the Dordogne, a fair bit of driving during the week and home. We've had it 8 years now and it was still a faithful servant, comfortable and quick, as quick as you can be with roof box and bikes up top.
It still feels so solid and sure footed. No creaks or squeaks in the cabin and now we don't have push chairs and whatnot, enough space for the four of us. I enjoyed driving it, even if the Alpina makes me want it to be automatic and with at least 500cc more swept volume.
I don't know if 27mpg is considered good, bad or whatever, but to have a great 6 cylinder engine convey us across France, with all of our roof mounted paraphernalia, and to hear it sing above 5k where it really comes alive, I'll take it, even with french fuel prices.
|https://thumbsnap.com/PWcWrfjU[/url]
We also drove it in sodden fields quite a bit...
And in other car news, I spotted another eco car to go with the local 635csi "kew gardens" edition at home. I give you the Citroen Newt habitat (just look at the bottom of the windscreen!)
and, my four year old daughter helped break the ice with the lovely 21 year old owner of the Ferrari 488 on our Euro tunnel crossing home. She took a liking to my daughter and let her sit in the car and we had a bit of car chat. As much as you do with a girl half your age who is noticeably attractive.
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In fact, we just made it back yesterday from a 1615 mile trip down through France, stopping for a weekend in Paris to the Dordogne, a fair bit of driving during the week and home. We've had it 8 years now and it was still a faithful servant, comfortable and quick, as quick as you can be with roof box and bikes up top.
It still feels so solid and sure footed. No creaks or squeaks in the cabin and now we don't have push chairs and whatnot, enough space for the four of us. I enjoyed driving it, even if the Alpina makes me want it to be automatic and with at least 500cc more swept volume.
I don't know if 27mpg is considered good, bad or whatever, but to have a great 6 cylinder engine convey us across France, with all of our roof mounted paraphernalia, and to hear it sing above 5k where it really comes alive, I'll take it, even with french fuel prices.
|https://thumbsnap.com/PWcWrfjU[/url]We also drove it in sodden fields quite a bit...
And in other car news, I spotted another eco car to go with the local 635csi "kew gardens" edition at home. I give you the Citroen Newt habitat (just look at the bottom of the windscreen!)
and, my four year old daughter helped break the ice with the lovely 21 year old owner of the Ferrari 488 on our Euro tunnel crossing home. She took a liking to my daughter and let her sit in the car and we had a bit of car chat. As much as you do with a girl half your age who is noticeably attractive.
[url]Mr Tidy said:
The recall is for 2007 to 2011 models, and thankfully both of mine are 2006 models which yours might be too!
2 months ago I bought an E91 325i in Sparkling Graphite with Lemon leather:-
I really like it!
But now the recall has been expanded mine is due for one!2 months ago I bought an E91 325i in Sparkling Graphite with Lemon leather:-
I really like it!
I called my local main agent and I'm on the waiting list, because they don't have the parts yet!
I'll keep my fingers crossed.
We're down in Spain with the E91 again, which is great because we have to take the roof box off to get into the underground parking and then it's mountain roads within 10 minutes of home for a few weeks.
Before we could do that, we had to unload, and this was the only space available:
The N52 really does come alive at high revs and sounds fantastic and has a nice bit of acceleration, and this is only the 2.5 (214bhp or so). Absolutely love driving it up into the mountains and enjoying the handling and the poke. I've used it a few times to get up there for trail runs without burning my running time on accessing the bit I want to do, which has been a good best of both worlds- some quick driving on twisty roads and a proper run that I can't get at home.
Before we came out, I changed the complete battery protection set up, replacing with an updated/upgraded part from BMW and I had the positive cable to fusebox connection checked by an excellent auto electrician I found on PH- Martin Santos- there was a good bit of flex so it doesn't look like it needs any safety work at that end. I just can't stand the idea of taking a car away on holiday that *might* have an issue I *might* know about... happier tobhave it checked.
Anyway, back to exercising that lovely straight six before we head back to London in a week.
Before we could do that, we had to unload, and this was the only space available:
The N52 really does come alive at high revs and sounds fantastic and has a nice bit of acceleration, and this is only the 2.5 (214bhp or so). Absolutely love driving it up into the mountains and enjoying the handling and the poke. I've used it a few times to get up there for trail runs without burning my running time on accessing the bit I want to do, which has been a good best of both worlds- some quick driving on twisty roads and a proper run that I can't get at home.
Before we came out, I changed the complete battery protection set up, replacing with an updated/upgraded part from BMW and I had the positive cable to fusebox connection checked by an excellent auto electrician I found on PH- Martin Santos- there was a good bit of flex so it doesn't look like it needs any safety work at that end. I just can't stand the idea of taking a car away on holiday that *might* have an issue I *might* know about... happier tobhave it checked.
Anyway, back to exercising that lovely straight six before we head back to London in a week.
Having recently finished part 2 of my E39 lecture to the children, who seemed distracted towards the second week of content, attention turned back to the E91.
It hasn’t tried to explode, decompose or proliferate nuclear weapons recently, but it has required the safety recall for the heater blower. If it’s not E46’s and their recalcitrant hedgehogs, it’s E9X’s and their fire inducing heater blowers.
Stephen James have it in for the work right now, while my 4 year old and I enjoy the sights of Woolwich. She liked the look of the 2 series convertible on display in the BMW shop, but was disappointed that it was a 120d.
Let’s see if we have any new creaks later today, or a long list of jobs that urgently need doing, according to the dealer...
It hasn’t tried to explode, decompose or proliferate nuclear weapons recently, but it has required the safety recall for the heater blower. If it’s not E46’s and their recalcitrant hedgehogs, it’s E9X’s and their fire inducing heater blowers.
Stephen James have it in for the work right now, while my 4 year old and I enjoy the sights of Woolwich. She liked the look of the 2 series convertible on display in the BMW shop, but was disappointed that it was a 120d.
Let’s see if we have any new creaks later today, or a long list of jobs that urgently need doing, according to the dealer...
Hopefully this might be useful to someone... the car needed a bit of attention this week. The centre rear seatbelt will not release and after having a 10 minute poke around it and a 20 minute look online, it’s a known issue and the solution is replacement of the belt... and the larger half of the rear seat that it’s integrated with!
So £45 later I had a lemon Dakota plastic/leather rear bench from eBay with a functioning seatbelt, and today I performed the swap. I cleaned both the “new” part and our mature parts with fluorine leather cleaner. If leather like this, the low quality standard 3 series stuff, is all painted and sealed, I do wonder if it needs anything more than a damp soapy cloth?
It would be an easy job we’re it not for the design if the substantial metal pin that connects both seat halves through a metal loop. The only tool needed is a ratchet with a T50.
First, unclip the lower bench by pulling upwards on the front edge. It’s only held in in two places and then pops up. You can’t remove it yet as the centre seatbelt is connected through it to a T50 bolt below.
Once out, delight in the quantities of matter accumulated by two children.
Then, lower the rear seat sections and pop off the edge squabs- the two pieces nearest the doors.
These are clipped in at the top and drop into a fitting at the lower end, so you pull out at the top and lift. Out they come.
Next, unbolt the T50 at each side of the rear seat. These are understandably tight. Good. Now the seat back can be removed. The large metal pin joining the two sides runs through a locating loop, and you need a pull hard to remove the larger side first. Really hard.
My advice for getting it all back in is to sit the ⅓ side in first with the pin located in the loop and loosely bolted in. I then jiggled the ⅔ side around until it locates onto the pin properly. That took a while.
Finally, I put the bench in, threading the working seatbelt through and bolted it in with the T50 bolt that is, erm, oh, where’s the f
king bolt? In the other car? In my pocket? In the house? Pocket again? Other car? Pocket again?
As you might expect, after wandering around sweaty and confused looking at the ground, in the boot, emptying my pockets, I did the right thing and called BMw to order a new one. Bugger. As I hung up, I put my hand in my pocket, for possibly the 9th time. And there was the bolt. All meaning that the job is complete and we have 3 rear seatbelts again, which we need to get to Buckmore park for karting on Friday!
So £45 later I had a lemon Dakota plastic/leather rear bench from eBay with a functioning seatbelt, and today I performed the swap. I cleaned both the “new” part and our mature parts with fluorine leather cleaner. If leather like this, the low quality standard 3 series stuff, is all painted and sealed, I do wonder if it needs anything more than a damp soapy cloth?
It would be an easy job we’re it not for the design if the substantial metal pin that connects both seat halves through a metal loop. The only tool needed is a ratchet with a T50.
First, unclip the lower bench by pulling upwards on the front edge. It’s only held in in two places and then pops up. You can’t remove it yet as the centre seatbelt is connected through it to a T50 bolt below.
Once out, delight in the quantities of matter accumulated by two children.
Then, lower the rear seat sections and pop off the edge squabs- the two pieces nearest the doors.
These are clipped in at the top and drop into a fitting at the lower end, so you pull out at the top and lift. Out they come.
Next, unbolt the T50 at each side of the rear seat. These are understandably tight. Good. Now the seat back can be removed. The large metal pin joining the two sides runs through a locating loop, and you need a pull hard to remove the larger side first. Really hard.
My advice for getting it all back in is to sit the ⅓ side in first with the pin located in the loop and loosely bolted in. I then jiggled the ⅔ side around until it locates onto the pin properly. That took a while.
Finally, I put the bench in, threading the working seatbelt through and bolted it in with the T50 bolt that is, erm, oh, where’s the f
king bolt? In the other car? In my pocket? In the house? Pocket again? Other car? Pocket again?As you might expect, after wandering around sweaty and confused looking at the ground, in the boot, emptying my pockets, I did the right thing and called BMw to order a new one. Bugger. As I hung up, I put my hand in my pocket, for possibly the 9th time. And there was the bolt. All meaning that the job is complete and we have 3 rear seatbelts again, which we need to get to Buckmore park for karting on Friday!
Mrs RFP arrived home this evening and mentioned that the car had shown a low battery warning for her key. I’m the sort of idiot that has such things on the shelf ready, so I impressed her with a new key, cut open the old one, soldered a new battery to the board and fitted it all into the new casing. I DIDN’T fk IT UP!
She seems somewhat less excited about the new key than me, but either way the E91 soldiers on.
Top tip- if you do the key building thing, buy a replacement battery that has the contacts soldered on at 90 degrees or so rather than 180, or it won’t fit on the key board. I had both to hand, Miraculously.
k IT UP!She seems somewhat less excited about the new key than me, but either way the E91 soldiers on.
Top tip- if you do the key building thing, buy a replacement battery that has the contacts soldered on at 90 degrees or so rather than 180, or it won’t fit on the key board. I had both to hand, Miraculously.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 27th November 00:11
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