N53 330i - still suffering?
Discussion
Hi,
I am looking to buy a 330i coupe or convertible from 2007 onwards (E92/E93) as I fancy the idea of 272bhp and 37 to 39mpg on average for a manual box.
I want to know what the real pitfalls of this engine are please? Has the issues with injectors and fuel pumps been sorted out with uprated components?
Does anybody have the N53 engine and changed their injectors only to still find problems?
Thanks for any help
I am looking to buy a 330i coupe or convertible from 2007 onwards (E92/E93) as I fancy the idea of 272bhp and 37 to 39mpg on average for a manual box.
I want to know what the real pitfalls of this engine are please? Has the issues with injectors and fuel pumps been sorted out with uprated components?
Does anybody have the N53 engine and changed their injectors only to still find problems?
Thanks for any help
I've got a 2008 e93 330i, I bought it on in Jan 14 on 49000 miles, it's now on 63800 and it hasn't missed a beat, mine is an auto and over the last few thousand miles ive averaged 27mpg, I can't see a manual getting upto 37-39mpg but I could be wrong. On a run ive had 37 mpg which is good for a heavy 3.0l convertible.
When I was researching the car before buying I did come across the hpfp, injectors and coil pack issues but I haven't suffered any of them issues. I bought it from bmw and have a 2 year warranty on it so still have another 12 months of peace of mind.
When I was researching the car before buying I did come across the hpfp, injectors and coil pack issues but I haven't suffered any of them issues. I bought it from bmw and have a 2 year warranty on it so still have another 12 months of peace of mind.
I had a 2007 n53 330i 270 bhp model which was over 100k miles with FSH - it was a nice engine and had not had many problems based on what was in its service history.
We also had a 335i at the same time and comparing the 2 back to back the 335i is in a completely different level of performance and would always chose that over the non turbo version (as same priced used).
We also had a 335i at the same time and comparing the 2 back to back the 335i is in a completely different level of performance and would always chose that over the non turbo version (as same priced used).
I bought a 2009/59 N53 330i last October, it had the final BMW coil pack and injector recall done by the previous owner at 90k. Bought it with 129k on the clock, it's now on 133k with a slight misfire for 1-2 minutes from cold start. EML has come on once when misfiring, took it to an indy garage as it seemed like the coil pack problem. No big deal and does not put me off at all - knew this before buying. Coil packs are consumable, these are what fail after the recall.
Anecdotal evidence and my experience suggests that BMW fixed the injector design with the recall and it's just coil packs which get upset.
Bang for buck it's a lot of car and I don't regret buying one - just make sure to avoid the stealers if possible as "just one coil pack" can become £££.
Anecdotal evidence and my experience suggests that BMW fixed the injector design with the recall and it's just coil packs which get upset.
Bang for buck it's a lot of car and I don't regret buying one - just make sure to avoid the stealers if possible as "just one coil pack" can become £££.
Thanks for the feedback guys! So it seems the problems have largely been solved save for a couple of coil pack issues but I guess they're no biggie.
The 37-39mpg was going off official figures for combined mpg. Seeing as I do 90% motorway mileage I'm hoping I will get close to this figure, even in the E93 convertible. I understand getting 40 and above is wishful thinking but if can get anything between 35-40 I'll be happy.
I didn't realise BMW recalled the issue, do you have any reference numbers for the recall, just so I can call BMW with a potential purchase and ask if xxx recall has been done?
And one final question, since it is a DI engine, do they sound like diesels at idle? And what about on full throttle, do they still have that classic beemer straight six howl?
Thanks
The 37-39mpg was going off official figures for combined mpg. Seeing as I do 90% motorway mileage I'm hoping I will get close to this figure, even in the E93 convertible. I understand getting 40 and above is wishful thinking but if can get anything between 35-40 I'll be happy.
I didn't realise BMW recalled the issue, do you have any reference numbers for the recall, just so I can call BMW with a potential purchase and ask if xxx recall has been done?
And one final question, since it is a DI engine, do they sound like diesels at idle? And what about on full throttle, do they still have that classic beemer straight six howl?
Thanks
If you are doing mostly motorway miles you should see 35+ mpg our one was averaging 31 mpg mixed use.
The engine is noisy at tick over if you lift the bonnet while it's running you might even question if it's got something wrong with it! And yes they do make that lovely straight 6 snarl you'd want from a quick Bmw! With a lovely sharp responsive throttle.
Make sure you buy one with sports seats the standard SE seats are no good on these (regardless of whether cloth or leather the SE spec seats are terrible, no lateral support and uncomfortable on long trips where'as the sports spec seats are terrific ).
The engine is noisy at tick over if you lift the bonnet while it's running you might even question if it's got something wrong with it! And yes they do make that lovely straight 6 snarl you'd want from a quick Bmw! With a lovely sharp responsive throttle.
Make sure you buy one with sports seats the standard SE seats are no good on these (regardless of whether cloth or leather the SE spec seats are terrible, no lateral support and uncomfortable on long trips where'as the sports spec seats are terrific ).
If you look up threads wth people complaining they all tail off a few years ago when the N53 injectors were replaced with a newer version. There was only one "product enhancement" BMW carried out, I checked mine by calling a dealer and giving them the last seven characters of the VIN. Qualifying injectors will have been replaced if they say it has been done.
I get 28 MPG doing a snarled up hellish cross country journey to work, on a run I get 35 MPG without having to think too much about driving like a vicar. I can second the points about the sports seats - they are ridiculously comfy and the only criticism is that you spend ages buggering about with the settings as the electric adjustment gives you so many options! The throttle response is also spot on, peak power is 6,600 I think but torque kicks in at 2,500. So no turbos but equally it doesn't have to be screaming to make progress - 4,000 RPM is plenty. If you want more of the straight six soundtrack you can disconnect the second exhaust flap which is usually closed below 3k RPM. Gives it a bit more depth, just pull the flap in the boot behind the nearside light cluster and disconnect the plug. Make sure to cable tie it so you can reconnect in the future otherwise it drops down into the lower bumper. No warning lights, problems or silly chavvy sounds - just plenty of start up and low range exhaust note bonus. Takes your mind off it sounding like a DI tractor a traffic lights!
I get 28 MPG doing a snarled up hellish cross country journey to work, on a run I get 35 MPG without having to think too much about driving like a vicar. I can second the points about the sports seats - they are ridiculously comfy and the only criticism is that you spend ages buggering about with the settings as the electric adjustment gives you so many options! The throttle response is also spot on, peak power is 6,600 I think but torque kicks in at 2,500. So no turbos but equally it doesn't have to be screaming to make progress - 4,000 RPM is plenty. If you want more of the straight six soundtrack you can disconnect the second exhaust flap which is usually closed below 3k RPM. Gives it a bit more depth, just pull the flap in the boot behind the nearside light cluster and disconnect the plug. Make sure to cable tie it so you can reconnect in the future otherwise it drops down into the lower bumper. No warning lights, problems or silly chavvy sounds - just plenty of start up and low range exhaust note bonus. Takes your mind off it sounding like a DI tractor a traffic lights!
Edited by SoupAnxiety on Saturday 28th February 20:12
Thanks everyone for the help. I have just bought a 2008 330i msport convertible. Really love the car, and as people have said the sports seats are great and yes they do offer a lot of adjustments!
The soundtrack is fantastic when pressing on, especially above 4000 rpm when I think the vanos swithes over to high rpm mode for max power. And thats with the roof up, I havent driven it with the roof down yet (I'm from the North West so we have weather issues lol!). I will try the exhaust valve deactivation soon as well.
Having said that its still surprisingly quiet when driving around town and very smooth
My only gripe is the clutch seems to feel a little vague and setting off can seem a little jerky. Has anyone experienced this before with a BMW petrol manual?
Cheers
The soundtrack is fantastic when pressing on, especially above 4000 rpm when I think the vanos swithes over to high rpm mode for max power. And thats with the roof up, I havent driven it with the roof down yet (I'm from the North West so we have weather issues lol!). I will try the exhaust valve deactivation soon as well.
Having said that its still surprisingly quiet when driving around town and very smooth
My only gripe is the clutch seems to feel a little vague and setting off can seem a little jerky. Has anyone experienced this before with a BMW petrol manual?
Cheers
trippy86 said:
My only gripe is the clutch seems to feel a little vague and setting off can seem a little jerky. Has anyone experienced this before with a BMW petrol manual?Cheers
Every BMW manual does this. Have done for the past 20 years.Clutch delay valve is usually the culprit (prolongs the life of the clutch).
Sir_Dave said:
Every BMW manual does this. Have done for the past 20 years.
Clutch delay valve is usually the culprit (prolongs the life of the clutch).
Thanks. I have done a quick search and it seems that modifying this valve can bring about a more precise feel of the clutch.Clutch delay valve is usually the culprit (prolongs the life of the clutch).
Sorry I'm not clear on what you are saying, does doing the mod prolong or reduce the clutch life?
Sir_Dave said:
Its fitted to prolong clutch life - stops ham fisted gear changes/letting the clutch out too quickly on down shifts etc. If you remove it, & drive like a numpty, it will reduce the clutches life id imagine 
will drive better however.
Okay thanks. I guess it's good for those who are new to manual beemers but for those seasoned veterans who can drive smoothly, it should be modified for a more precise engagement. will drive better however.Apparently a new CDV costs less than a tenner so I may try the mod and see how it goes.
Cheers
Just picked up my E92 330i M Sport and enjoying it very much. After looking at all the issues with the N53, I've looked at the BMW Warranty which actually looks pretty good value for money. I do have a question though;
The excess. I see its per claim, but what does that entail? Is that from start of 'issue' to resolution, or per visit to the garage? (i.e. I'm happy to take a larger excess, but not if I am paying it for every visit to the dealership to rectify something like a misfire which may take several visits)
I assume the Comprehensive is the one to go for really? I suppose I'd be happy with the driveline but seeing conflicting reports about it not being wroth it.
The excess. I see its per claim, but what does that entail? Is that from start of 'issue' to resolution, or per visit to the garage? (i.e. I'm happy to take a larger excess, but not if I am paying it for every visit to the dealership to rectify something like a misfire which may take several visits)
I assume the Comprehensive is the one to go for really? I suppose I'd be happy with the driveline but seeing conflicting reports about it not being wroth it.
Am considering buying a n53 330i e92 and just wondering the same as this topic really. Anyone recently suffered injector issues or have the latest versions got rid of earlier issues? I assume calling bmw is the best way to check if they have been replaced but are there certain part numbers to look for?
a4cabrio said:
I've got a 2008 e93 330i, I bought it on in Jan 14 on 49000 miles, it's now on 63800 and it hasn't missed a beat, mine is an auto and over the last few thousand miles ive averaged 27mpg
I average 26/27mpg from an e60 545i so would be disappointed with more or less the same form a 6 cylinder with 100bhp less.trickywoo said:
a4cabrio said:
I've got a 2008 e93 330i, I bought it on in Jan 14 on 49000 miles, it's now on 63800 and it hasn't missed a beat, mine is an auto and over the last few thousand miles ive averaged 27mpg
I average 26/27mpg from an e60 545i so would be disappointed with more or less the same form a 6 cylinder with 100bhp less.trippy86 said:
Okay thanks. I guess it's good for those who are new to manual beemers but for those seasoned veterans who can drive smoothly, it should be modified for a more precise engagement.
Apparently a new CDV costs less than a tenner so I may try the mod and see how it goes.
Cheers
No need to modify it - just take it out. You can unclip the clutch hose, pull the CDV out and there's enough length in the hose to reconnect it. Then marvel at the difference when you drive it. If you're worried about warranty etc and you want it to be invisible to the dealer you can take it out, tap out out the 'core' of it and put it back in. Apparently a new CDV costs less than a tenner so I may try the mod and see how it goes.
Cheers
These are actually fitted to protect the gearbox at the expense of clutch life - when accelerating hard they can make the clutch slip on upshifts as it takes so long to reengage properly. If you don't spend your time redlining it and sidestepping the clutch at the lights you'll be fine.
Anyone got any more thoughts on the injector issue? Was there a year that they got it resolved so for example all cars from a particular month / year onwards are ok?
It doesn't look like there was a recall so I assume even with a warranty, you would have to wait for them to fail before they are replaced?
It doesn't look like there was a recall so I assume even with a warranty, you would have to wait for them to fail before they are replaced?
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