BMW 325i touring
Discussion
RelentlessForwardProgress said:
Thanks, Helix, it’s already on order! Makes me wonder if it’s worth doing something about the cdv too?
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, the ZHP is so much better than standard. I've got one on my Z4, but skimped on my E91 and went to Aliexpress. 
I've had the CDV removed on a few of my BMWs and I much prefer them without it, and with fresh gearbox fluid.
I'll echo Mr Tidy here, with the CDV removed from my car only yesterday. The difference is absolutely enormous. I know there's a tendency to use superlatives when it comes to modifying cars - that there's a 'best' replacement. Turns out, the best CDV is none at all. It is transformative and you'll notice the difference instantly, especially shifting 1-2.I've had the CDV removed on a few of my BMWs and I much prefer them without it, and with fresh gearbox fluid.
As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
As an aside, what Ali seller did you buy a ZHP copy from? I'm not long after buying an M-Sport style knob from an eBay seller and, although I like it, I'm not sure I've total confidence in it after the clutch went in the car and, while floating gears, I managed to rip my knob off.
Levin said:
I'll echo Mr Tidy here, with the CDV removed from my car only yesterday. The difference is absolutely enormous. I know there's a tendency to use superlatives when it comes to modifying cars - that there's a 'best' replacement. Turns out, the best CDV is none at all. It is transformative and you'll notice the difference instantly, especially shifting 1-2.
As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
I need to do the CDV delete to the 125i. Someone on BabyBMW used a Hel kit (the extra length made it a bit easier). Everyone says how much better the gear change is.As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
Court_S said:
I need to do the CDV delete to the 125i. Someone on BabyBMW used a Hel kit (the extra length made it a bit easier). Everyone says how much better the gear change is.
Forum threads circa 2006-2008 recommended drilling through the CDV to remove the restriction. That might work too if the length of the pipe on the 125i isn't enough. It's eye-opening when you look through the CDV, for it goes from a fairly wide opening to a little pin-prick of a thing.Court_S said:
Levin said:
I'll echo Mr Tidy here, with the CDV removed from my car only yesterday. The difference is absolutely enormous. I know there's a tendency to use superlatives when it comes to modifying cars - that there's a 'best' replacement. Turns out, the best CDV is none at all. It is transformative and you'll notice the difference instantly, especially shifting 1-2.
As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
I need to do the CDV delete to the 125i. Someone on BabyBMW used a Hel kit (the extra length made it a bit easier). Everyone says how much better the gear change is.As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
Levin said:
As an aside, what Ali seller did you buy a ZHP copy from? I'm not long after buying an M-Sport style knob from an eBay seller and, although I like it, I'm not sure I've total confidence in it after the clutch went in the car and, while floating gears, I managed to rip my knob off.
I bought it direct from "aliexpress" in 2019 for $11.28, but their website is messing about at the moment! It's much lighter than a ZHP but looks better than what BMW fitted!
A few minor updates- 219M wheels refurbished and looking fantastic- really a wet look finish. New BMW roundels fitted and fiddly little M badges, in the correct orientation- I’m not that fussed but it’s as easy to fit them properly as not.
Also whacked on (literally) the ZHP gearknob. I’m not sure that this is much of an upgrade weight/shift wise vs the previous Msport knob. Weight seems very similar, and as the original knob was clipped into the gaiter there’s a risk of it coming loose now- I did my best to secure the gaiter into the new one.
And because I actually find it hard to look at a poverty panel of button blanks, I’ve fitted a panel with heated seat option. This car came with full electric seats from the factory- quite rare- but no heating, and ill probably fit them eventually. In the meantime I have buttons that can be used for the three stage rocket launchers and oil/smoke countermeasures. Silly, but BUTTONS.
Also whacked on (literally) the ZHP gearknob. I’m not sure that this is much of an upgrade weight/shift wise vs the previous Msport knob. Weight seems very similar, and as the original knob was clipped into the gaiter there’s a risk of it coming loose now- I did my best to secure the gaiter into the new one.
And because I actually find it hard to look at a poverty panel of button blanks, I’ve fitted a panel with heated seat option. This car came with full electric seats from the factory- quite rare- but no heating, and ill probably fit them eventually. In the meantime I have buttons that can be used for the three stage rocket launchers and oil/smoke countermeasures. Silly, but BUTTONS.
I prefer the Clubsport knob to the square ones that the E90 got. Especially over the awful, hard plastic one that came in SE models.
My car doesn't have front and rear PDC, or heated seats, so has none of the buttons in the centre console which I am glad for. The only way to get that button back fully filled is to have a 1-series cabrio with heated seats, front and rear PDC, and s 4 cylinder model with stop-start. A nice 'Ejecto Seato' button would be handy though.
My car doesn't have front and rear PDC, or heated seats, so has none of the buttons in the centre console which I am glad for. The only way to get that button back fully filled is to have a 1-series cabrio with heated seats, front and rear PDC, and s 4 cylinder model with stop-start. A nice 'Ejecto Seato' button would be handy though.
RelentlessForwardProgress said:
Also whacked on (literally) the ZHP gearknob. I’m not sure that this is much of an upgrade weight/shift wise vs the previous Msport knob. Weight seems very similar, and as the original knob was clipped into the gaiter there’s a risk of it coming loose now- I did my best to secure the gaiter into the new one.
You should be okay on this front; if it clips into place even half as securely as the old one did then it won't be going anywhere! I've mentioned before I'm a little disappointed with my own but the fit between it and the gaiter is nowhere near as secure as the original, thus it was probably a waste of money and time in comparison. That said, I went down the rabbit-hole of looking on AliExpress and seem to have found somebody selling ZHP-style knobs for less than £10 (less than £6 if you don't want //M logos), including free postage. At that price they must be utter tripe and yet part of me is thinking of gambling with £6, if not for a top-quality shifter for the merriment of knowing what £6 can buy from the other side of the world.
Everyone knows that E9x halogens are really s
t headlights. We definitely do after 10 years and 60k miles. So I’ve bought a spare pair of LCI headlights and ordered a full transplant from retrofitlab for xenons- proper reflectors, bulbs, shrouds and ballasts. I did look at retrofitting BMW xenon headlights, but they’re rare and consequently expensive, and would likely need new reflectors and bulbs now anyway.
It seems this will be the first pair of lci halogens they’ve supplied for, so we’ll see how the experiment works out. It’s not a big investment so I’m prepared to test it out, and will report back. Like anything I do with our cars, it won’t happen overnight!
t headlights. We definitely do after 10 years and 60k miles. So I’ve bought a spare pair of LCI headlights and ordered a full transplant from retrofitlab for xenons- proper reflectors, bulbs, shrouds and ballasts. I did look at retrofitting BMW xenon headlights, but they’re rare and consequently expensive, and would likely need new reflectors and bulbs now anyway. It seems this will be the first pair of lci halogens they’ve supplied for, so we’ll see how the experiment works out. It’s not a big investment so I’m prepared to test it out, and will report back. Like anything I do with our cars, it won’t happen overnight!
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 26th March 17:36
RelentlessForwardProgress said:
Everyone knows that E9x halogens are really st headlights. We definitely do after 10 years and 60k miles. So I’ve bought a spare pair of LCI headlights and ordered a full transplant from retrofitlab for xenons- proper reflectors, bulbs, shrouds and ballasts. I did look at retrofitting BMW xenon headlights, but they’re rare and consequently expensive, and would likely need new reflectors and bulbs now anyway.
It seems this will be the first pair of lci halogens they’ve supplied for, so we’ll see how the experiment works out. It’s not a big investment so I’m prepared to test it out, and will report back. Like anything I do with our cars, it won’t happen overnight!
I need to sort the headlights on the 125; I’ve changed the bulbs but they’re still dog poo in the dark. A xenon retrofit looks like a fair amount of work and the prices of used headlights are going through the roof. Will be interested to see how you get on with your retrofit?t headlights. We definitely do after 10 years and 60k miles. So I’ve bought a spare pair of LCI headlights and ordered a full transplant from retrofitlab for xenons- proper reflectors, bulbs, shrouds and ballasts. I did look at retrofitting BMW xenon headlights, but they’re rare and consequently expensive, and would likely need new reflectors and bulbs now anyway. It seems this will be the first pair of lci halogens they’ve supplied for, so we’ll see how the experiment works out. It’s not a big investment so I’m prepared to test it out, and will report back. Like anything I do with our cars, it won’t happen overnight!
Edited by RelentlessForwardProgress on Friday 26th March 17:36
Court_S said:
Levin said:
I'll echo Mr Tidy here, with the CDV removed from my car only yesterday. The difference is absolutely enormous. I know there's a tendency to use superlatives when it comes to modifying cars - that there's a 'best' replacement. Turns out, the best CDV is none at all. It is transformative and you'll notice the difference instantly, especially shifting 1-2.
As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
I need to do the CDV delete to the 125i. Someone on BabyBMW used a Hel kit (the extra length made it a bit easier). Everyone says how much better the gear change is.As a bonus, it's a very, very easy thing to do and undo. There's no faffing about with new parts or that, just reconnect the two pipes that the CDV acts as intermediary between. The difficult bit is bleeding it afterwards but given my mechanic is a mate that didn't take long with two people.
You remove the cdv, punch out the floating small metal section with the Allen key and then refit.
If you’re quick and have a helper with some gloves on you can get them to stopper the lines with their fingers so it’s easier to bleed.
To be even more prepared you can buy a CDV and knock the centre out ahead of time.
Court_S said:
I need to sort the headlights on the 125; I’ve changed the bulbs but they’re still dog poo in the dark. A xenon retrofit looks like a fair amount of work and the prices of used headlights are going through the roof. Will be interested to see how you get on with your retrofit?
Yes, BMW Halogen headlights from this era don't seem to be too highly rated! Thankfully my E90 has Bi-Xenons, but the gearchange is hoplessly obstructive in 1st, 2nd and sometime 3rd - time for the CDV to get binned and a fluid change at its next service!
A minor update as we used the E91 for a half term trip (E55 is in disgrace having ruined its transmission selector module) and put 500 miles on it. Now at 91k.
It rides like a cart (not a kart) compared to the Mercedes, and you have to change gear in it, but I really enjoyed driving it. The new weighted gear knob seems to offer to change over the standard M sport knob, but is nice and new, it sounds nice when you get the revs up and it hangs on very well in corners. It was the first time in years we’ve managed a trip without a roof box or bikes hanging off of it, and consequently it managed a reported 30mpg.
I’ve been looking at 335i Tourings since. Not sure that we would really benefit from one over an F11 or even an E61, but doesn’t stop me wondering, and imagining it in malachite green.
It rides like a cart (not a kart) compared to the Mercedes, and you have to change gear in it, but I really enjoyed driving it. The new weighted gear knob seems to offer to change over the standard M sport knob, but is nice and new, it sounds nice when you get the revs up and it hangs on very well in corners. It was the first time in years we’ve managed a trip without a roof box or bikes hanging off of it, and consequently it managed a reported 30mpg.
I’ve been looking at 335i Tourings since. Not sure that we would really benefit from one over an F11 or even an E61, but doesn’t stop me wondering, and imagining it in malachite green.
I have been following this thread, it's wonderful to see the E91 still going strong and getting some love.
Mine was sold 18 months ago, as I wanted to indulge myself back into something quicker, and bought an M140i, but I do miss my old E91 it was a great looking car, better looking imo than the F20/F21 shape.
Mine was sold 18 months ago, as I wanted to indulge myself back into something quicker, and bought an M140i, but I do miss my old E91 it was a great looking car, better looking imo than the F20/F21 shape.
Nik Gnashers said:
I have been following this thread, it's wonderful to see the E91 still going strong and getting some love.
Mine was sold 18 months ago, as I wanted to indulge myself back into something quicker, and bought an M140i, but I do miss my old E91 it was a great looking car, better looking imo than the F20/F21 shape.
I agree, Nik, they’re a smart looking BMW, probably at the end of “my” BMW period, I’m an E-numbers person really, maybe stretching to an F11. The new stuff does nothing for me. The 140i must have a good amount of torque compared to the N52 though!Mine was sold 18 months ago, as I wanted to indulge myself back into something quicker, and bought an M140i, but I do miss my old E91 it was a great looking car, better looking imo than the F20/F21 shape.
I gave it a wash and vacuum today, ordered some new wiper caps- the BMW ones I purchased are for LHD and no matter how many times I try to fit them, they’re still the wrong way round. Washed the 219Ms and found a perfect tool to get in between the spokes- my finger. Annoying that a brush doesn’t get right in there but even the MucOff Big soft MTB one doesn’t do a perfect job. Finger is just right.
Have also spotted some perished seals below the rear windows- wonder if these can be replaced (I’m imagining Tobinen like scenes of frustration, if you’ve seen his E39 touring threads).
RelentlessForwardProgress said:
I agree, Nik, they’re a smart looking BMW, probably at the end of “my” BMW period, I’m an E-numbers person really, maybe stretching to an F11. The new stuff does nothing for me. The 140i must have a good amount of torque compared to the N52 though!
I gave it a wash and vacuum today, ordered some new wiper caps- the BMW ones I purchased are for LHD and no matter how many times I try to fit them, they’re still the wrong way round. Washed the 219Ms and found a perfect tool to get in between the spokes- my finger. Annoying that a brush doesn’t get right in there but even the MucOff Big soft MTB one doesn’t do a perfect job. Finger is just right.
Have also spotted some perished seals below the rear windows- wonder if these can be replaced (I’m imagining Tobinen like scenes of frustration, if you’ve seen his E39 touring threads).
Yes, the seals can be replaced. If you had an E46 I could have given you some spare ones from “might come in handy one day” pile. Afraid I don’t have any E91 ones. I do have a wiper cover, but you’ve bought that already!I gave it a wash and vacuum today, ordered some new wiper caps- the BMW ones I purchased are for LHD and no matter how many times I try to fit them, they’re still the wrong way round. Washed the 219Ms and found a perfect tool to get in between the spokes- my finger. Annoying that a brush doesn’t get right in there but even the MucOff Big soft MTB one doesn’t do a perfect job. Finger is just right.
Have also spotted some perished seals below the rear windows- wonder if these can be replaced (I’m imagining Tobinen like scenes of frustration, if you’ve seen his E39 touring threads).
helix402 said:
Yes, the seals can be replaced. If you had an E46 I could have given you some spare ones from “might come in handy one day” pile. Afraid I don’t have any E91 ones. I do have a wiper cover, but you’ve bought that already!
Hi Helix, thanks- I had a look on realOEM, and can find the seals but the parts diagram doesn’t seem to extend beyond the C pillar? I’ve looked at the other sub menus and can’t see these parts anywhere.
Due to ETA’s unfortunate roof incident a while back, the suspension refresh and other work has been put back until May. And with a new E91- the B3S Biturbo- that uses Msport dampers and Eibach springs, I realised I’d be mad to replace every suspension component on the 325i without changing the springs. The Alpina rides so much better, a dramatic difference that is likely in part down to knackered dampers on the 325i, but it was never that good. So I ordered Eibach springs, not Alpina spec, but the pro-kit ones.
Hopefully a slightly Alpina ride and handling balance will follow. I have a month to wait to find out! My wife will be delighted to have more car parts in the house for the duration.
Hopefully a slightly Alpina ride and handling balance will follow. I have a month to wait to find out! My wife will be delighted to have more car parts in the house for the duration.
Still a week to wait until the E91 goes to ETA, and after changing the phone cradle in the Alpina for 11mm more storage depth in the arm rest, I did the same to the lowly BMW.
Job is the same between 2005-2011 models- use a trim tool to pry out the phone cradle base, then pull off the handbrake gaiter and slide the white clip out, undo the two connectors on the black bracket, slide the white clip back onto its rail with the little bracket, with the wires clipped in to avoid rattles, and whack it all back together. Even for me, a 5 minute job.
Job is the same between 2005-2011 models- use a trim tool to pry out the phone cradle base, then pull off the handbrake gaiter and slide the white clip out, undo the two connectors on the black bracket, slide the white clip back onto its rail with the little bracket, with the wires clipped in to avoid rattles, and whack it all back together. Even for me, a 5 minute job.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff