E92 325i Coupe SE - thoughts and experience
Discussion
My missus has the later one with the (lovely) 3.0 engine. Very smooth and probably the last time we'll see the classic BMW 6 cylinder engine in a car of this size.
It certainly feels a bit more fragile than my older and higher miles E65 but it's still a very well built car. We've had a couple of issues - one was the high pressure fuel pump which is a common issue and was fixed under warranty. Problems with starting are the symptom of this. The other one is creaky front struts, which are a problem when the weather is wet. It doesn't happen in the dry. My indie has greased them up a few times but as soon as it washes off the creaks return. The only cure is to replace them with the newer re-designed ones. The last one is that at high speed the front wings get pulled out by airflow over them and start rattling. There is a dealer fix for this, but as it's my wife's car and is usually filthy, covered in makeup and crap with the requisite parking dents and kerbed alloys I've given up caring.
Also the ride with standard run-flats (hers is an M-Sport) is atrocious. We replaced them with regular Continentals all round and it feels like a different car.
It certainly feels a bit more fragile than my older and higher miles E65 but it's still a very well built car. We've had a couple of issues - one was the high pressure fuel pump which is a common issue and was fixed under warranty. Problems with starting are the symptom of this. The other one is creaky front struts, which are a problem when the weather is wet. It doesn't happen in the dry. My indie has greased them up a few times but as soon as it washes off the creaks return. The only cure is to replace them with the newer re-designed ones. The last one is that at high speed the front wings get pulled out by airflow over them and start rattling. There is a dealer fix for this, but as it's my wife's car and is usually filthy, covered in makeup and crap with the requisite parking dents and kerbed alloys I've given up caring.
Also the ride with standard run-flats (hers is an M-Sport) is atrocious. We replaced them with regular Continentals all round and it feels like a different car.
Congrats OP - I'm a fan of the E9x 3 Series.
We have an E90 330 and I do like it - it's not the most exciting thing but it just does what it does so well and will be a difficult car to replace, especially as the other half loves it.
Its pretty quick and sounds good too. We average around 26mpg on shorter trips but have seen over 30 on long motorway trips where the car is in its element.
What I will say is that I will never have another saloon again becuase they're useless at acrrying stuff. Touring all the way next time for me (or avant if I defect to the four rings).
We have an E90 330 and I do like it - it's not the most exciting thing but it just does what it does so well and will be a difficult car to replace, especially as the other half loves it.
Its pretty quick and sounds good too. We average around 26mpg on shorter trips but have seen over 30 on long motorway trips where the car is in its element.
What I will say is that I will never have another saloon again becuase they're useless at acrrying stuff. Touring all the way next time for me (or avant if I defect to the four rings).
Run flats! What is everyone's opinion?
My rears need replacing soon and they will cost close to £500! Ouch. The fronts aren't far behind, and on top of that my current alloys need refurbing.
On the other hand, I can get a brand new set of alloys with decent (non run flat) tyres for £720! Only thing is they aren't staggered at the rear - is this going to cause my any problems? Why did BMW fit wider wheels at the back, to reign in oversteer?
The wheels I like are CSL style, the others looked a bit too after market for my taste. Thoughts?
My rears need replacing soon and they will cost close to £500! Ouch. The fronts aren't far behind, and on top of that my current alloys need refurbing.
On the other hand, I can get a brand new set of alloys with decent (non run flat) tyres for £720! Only thing is they aren't staggered at the rear - is this going to cause my any problems? Why did BMW fit wider wheels at the back, to reign in oversteer?
The wheels I like are CSL style, the others looked a bit too after market for my taste. Thoughts?
I drove a 335i E92 other day and actually liked the ride (which many hate) on 19ins rims and run flats!
Not sure what rims you have, I assume they are 18s in which case I would buy non run flats and expect to pay about £500 for a set of four. Less if you go for a good mid range brand.
As far as I know staggered, with bigger at back, is about looks. I like your alternative wheels, but I think I would stick with staggered and go for some non run flat tyres and probably save money.
Not sure what rims you have, I assume they are 18s in which case I would buy non run flats and expect to pay about £500 for a set of four. Less if you go for a good mid range brand.
As far as I know staggered, with bigger at back, is about looks. I like your alternative wheels, but I think I would stick with staggered and go for some non run flat tyres and probably save money.
Smuler said:
I drove a 335i E92 other day and actually liked the ride (which many hate) on 19ins rims and run flats!
Not sure what rims you have, I assume they are 18s in which case I would buy non run flats and expect to pay about £500 for a set of four. Less if you go for a good mid range brand.
As far as I know staggered, with bigger at back, is about looks. I like your alternative wheels, but I think I would stick with staggered and go for some non run flat tyres and probably save money.
Thanks, good shout. And you're right, they are 18". 255/35/R18 to be precise Not sure what rims you have, I assume they are 18s in which case I would buy non run flats and expect to pay about £500 for a set of four. Less if you go for a good mid range brand.
As far as I know staggered, with bigger at back, is about looks. I like your alternative wheels, but I think I would stick with staggered and go for some non run flat tyres and probably save money.
JFReturns said:
Run flats! What is everyone's opinion?
My rears need replacing soon and they will cost close to £500! Ouch. The fronts aren't far behind, and on top of that my current alloys need refurbing.
On the other hand, I can get a brand new set of alloys with decent (non run flat) tyres for £720! Only thing is they aren't staggered at the rear - is this going to cause my any problems? Why did BMW fit wider wheels at the back, to reign in oversteer?
The wheels I like are CSL style, the others looked a bit too after market for my taste. Thoughts?
Aftermarket wheels ruins the car. Keep your own OEM wheels, they look much better.My rears need replacing soon and they will cost close to £500! Ouch. The fronts aren't far behind, and on top of that my current alloys need refurbing.
On the other hand, I can get a brand new set of alloys with decent (non run flat) tyres for £720! Only thing is they aren't staggered at the rear - is this going to cause my any problems? Why did BMW fit wider wheels at the back, to reign in oversteer?
The wheels I like are CSL style, the others looked a bit too after market for my taste. Thoughts?
Ultuous said:
Fab advice - I've only had my 325i (my first Auto - was actually looking for a manual) for a few weeks and my one 'disappointment' has been in struggling to get it 'drop a cog' before a bend on moderately swift drives which don't really warrant switching to Steptronic (or even just sport mode). Simply putting my foot down was getting it to change, but also putting down more power than I wanted through the bend once the drivetrain had caught up - it was a similar story for overtaking where I just wanted to get in the power-band before moving out, taking a final look and then accelerating...
Having read the above I've found that a gentle (not even full throttle for most purposes) stab of the loud peddle is sorting everything out and giving me that extra control/ confidence in the bends that I was struggling with before (and helped perform a lovely smooth over-take earlier when the opportunity arose) so thank you - my enjoyment of the car really has increased and so has my confidence with it!
I have been playing around with this a bit more. i now give it a tap before arriving at the corrner braking point, it down shifts, i get on the brakes turn in and then back on the gas and awway we go. if its in sport dynamic mode it will hold the revs for you, and as its fuzzy logic the more you do it the more agressive it getts. i think i may have to easy off a bit as its starting to hold a little bit to much throtle now and i am havving to get on the brakes harder that i would like as it trail throtling into the corrner.Having read the above I've found that a gentle (not even full throttle for most purposes) stab of the loud peddle is sorting everything out and giving me that extra control/ confidence in the bends that I was struggling with before (and helped perform a lovely smooth over-take earlier when the opportunity arose) so thank you - my enjoyment of the car really has increased and so has my confidence with it!
regards Ryan
ezakimak said:
Ultuous said:
Fab advice - I've only had my 325i (my first Auto - was actually looking for a manual) for a few weeks and my one 'disappointment' has been in struggling to get it 'drop a cog' before a bend on moderately swift drives which don't really warrant switching to Steptronic (or even just sport mode). Simply putting my foot down was getting it to change, but also putting down more power than I wanted through the bend once the drivetrain had caught up - it was a similar story for overtaking where I just wanted to get in the power-band before moving out, taking a final look and then accelerating...
Having read the above I've found that a gentle (not even full throttle for most purposes) stab of the loud peddle is sorting everything out and giving me that extra control/ confidence in the bends that I was struggling with before (and helped perform a lovely smooth over-take earlier when the opportunity arose) so thank you - my enjoyment of the car really has increased and so has my confidence with it!
I have been playing around with this a bit more. i now give it a tap before arriving at the corrner braking point, it down shifts, i get on the brakes turn in and then back on the gas and awway we go. if its in sport dynamic mode it will hold the revs for you, and as its fuzzy logic the more you do it the more agressive it getts. i think i may have to easy off a bit as its starting to hold a little bit to much throtle now and i am havving to get on the brakes harder that i would like as it trail throtling into the corrner.Having read the above I've found that a gentle (not even full throttle for most purposes) stab of the loud peddle is sorting everything out and giving me that extra control/ confidence in the bends that I was struggling with before (and helped perform a lovely smooth over-take earlier when the opportunity arose) so thank you - my enjoyment of the car really has increased and so has my confidence with it!
regards Ryan
I genuinely hate autos and I am the same with twin clutches too and if you want to really enjoy actually driving a car then avoid two pedals and flappy paddles as for me its the one area where the past is better than the future.
Each to their own and all that though.
cerb4.5lee said:
I have come to the simple conclusion that no matter what I try my E90 330i the auto gearbox sucks big time!! I have tried playing with the manual mode and leaving it just in DS but the simple fact is that its a lousy gearbox and I should have waited and held out and purchased a manual as there just isn't a substitute for three pedals...fact!
I genuinely hate autos and I am the same with twin clutches too and if you want to really enjoy actually driving a car then avoid two pedals and flappy paddles as for me its the one area where the past is better than the future.
Each to their own and all that though.
i hear you loud an clear. I genuinely hate autos and I am the same with twin clutches too and if you want to really enjoy actually driving a car then avoid two pedals and flappy paddles as for me its the one area where the past is better than the future.
Each to their own and all that though.
i have seen an early realy high spec e91 msport wagon with manual for sale at the moment, its tempting to change up to it, just not sure i can convince the other half that its worth all the headache of changeing over the paperwork and the like. ive only had the current E91 for about 3 months
this is the spec sheet of said car
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/fv33003.pdf
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-323i...
Edited by ezakimak on Thursday 5th June 03:50
ezakimak said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I have come to the simple conclusion that no matter what I try my E90 330i the auto gearbox sucks big time!! I have tried playing with the manual mode and leaving it just in DS but the simple fact is that its a lousy gearbox and I should have waited and held out and purchased a manual as there just isn't a substitute for three pedals...fact!
I genuinely hate autos and I am the same with twin clutches too and if you want to really enjoy actually driving a car then avoid two pedals and flappy paddles as for me its the one area where the past is better than the future.
Each to their own and all that though.
i hear you loud an clear. I genuinely hate autos and I am the same with twin clutches too and if you want to really enjoy actually driving a car then avoid two pedals and flappy paddles as for me its the one area where the past is better than the future.
Each to their own and all that though.
i have seen an early realy high spec e91 msport wagon with manual for sale at the moment, its tempting to change up to it, just not sure i can convince the other half that its worth all the headache of changeing over the paperwork and the like. ive only had the current E91 for about 3 months
this is the spec sheet of said car
http://www.bmwarchive.org/vin/fv33003.pdf
http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/BMW-323i...
Edited by ezakimak on Thursday 5th June 03:50
Plenty of people love auto/twin clutch but for me personally they both take away my main enjoyment of driving and that's the three pedal and a stick set up, I have been considering swapping mine for a manual for a while its just finding one that has the spec/mileage that I am after though.
I just think the N52 engine deserves a manual gearbox because all the great qualities of that engine are just wasted when its coupled to the ancient slow shifting boring as hell auto gearbox.
Just thought I'd update this to say I've gone for the refurb option over aftermarkets. I think OEM is the way to go, though not decided on the OEM tyres yet 
Got the wheels done properly - inside refurbed, not just the face, balanced and new centre caps. Here is a cheeky before and after:
Got the wheels done properly - inside refurbed, not just the face, balanced and new centre caps. Here is a cheeky before and after:
Just thought I'd bring this thread to a premature end as I'm selling the BMW tomorrow.
She was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
She was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
JFReturns said:
Just thought I'd bring this thread to a premature end as I'm selling the BMW tomorrow.
She was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
I feel your pain in so many ways and I have made the mistake a couple of times now of buying a two pedal car and for me as long as your left leg works I just cant see the point of buying an auto or twin clutch gearbox so I wouldn't worry to much because I know the future will be so much brighter when you swap it for a manual. She was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
sorry about that. JF; but I agree with you and Lee about manual gearboxes
How about a Fiesta ST?
http://youtu.be/10L-WFsVaw0
How about a Fiesta ST?
http://youtu.be/10L-WFsVaw0
cerb4.5lee said:
I feel your pain in so many ways and I have made the mistake a couple of times now of buying a two pedal car and for me as long as your left leg works I just cant see the point of buying an auto or twin clutch gearbox so I wouldn't worry to much because I know the future will be so much brighter when you swap it for a manual.
Whereas I am totally in love with my auto, its a fantastic thing. I still enjoy a manual in the right car but the right car is something like a convertible sports car.Fox- said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I feel your pain in so many ways and I have made the mistake a couple of times now of buying a two pedal car and for me as long as your left leg works I just cant see the point of buying an auto or twin clutch gearbox so I wouldn't worry to much because I know the future will be so much brighter when you swap it for a manual.
Whereas I am totally in love with my auto, its a fantastic thing. I still enjoy a manual in the right car but the right car is something like a convertible sports car.JFReturns said:
Just thought I'd bring this thread to a premature end as I'm selling the BMW tomorrow.
She was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
Should of kept the Chimp Robert! I love my E92, its one of the best cars I have had but the TVR is in a different leagueShe was a sleek, gorgeous, sonorous cruiser - but once the novelty of the hushed ride, heated seats, xenons and auto everything wore off, it left me a little cold... I liked it, but don't love it. The autobox and my daily commute of winding country roads didn't help. In fact I always said I would never get an auto and on this evidence I should have listened to my own advice! Silly me. What I should have done was get a feisty, light little manual hatchback...
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