E90 BMW 330 M Sport
Discussion
I'm a long time lurker on here with not too many posts, but thought that I'd bung up a few pictures of the 330 M Sport that I've just bought fir my other half.
I used to have an E46 325ti which l I loved but unfortunately I started to do loads of miles with work and the fuel and repair / maintenance bills were killing me so it had to go and I took a company car...a diesel Fiesta Zetec S with leather, Bluetooth, keyless start etc. Not very exciting but a good decision from a financial point of view (its not actually a bad little car really). Since I sold the BM, I've wanted something a bit more interesting and as the other half does so few miles we decided that it would make sense for her to drive the nicer car. The only stipulation was that it needed to be semi sensible because we're starting to think about kids.
The short list of cars on the list was pretty short because we could only agree on a handful of things that we both liked...3 Series and a Golf GTi. A few other things were ruled out (R32, Focus ST, Megane RS, S4). I'm not a huge fan of the GTi but can see why they are popular. In the end we found an E90 330 M Sport automatic in our preferred colour combo of Le Mans blue with Dakota lemon yellow leather (I know a lot of people hate the yellow but I love it), Bluetooth, sun roof and a few other things which may be standard (auto lights and wipers, electric seat bolsters etc). The two options that I wish it had is the privacy glass and xenon headlights. Here are a couple of pics.
It's generally in really really good nick with a few marks that you'd expect a seven year old car to have picked up. There are a couple of tiny dings that I'll get sorted at some point and it could do with a machine polish to correct swirl marks and light scratches. It's scrubbed up pretty well after a very sad detailing session.
Only have a few minor plans for it; tints to the rear windows, M Sport spoiler, black grills.
It's nice to have a BM again. I know it's not the most exciting thing in the world but it sounds lovely and is reasonably quick. I even like the auto box.
I used to have an E46 325ti which l I loved but unfortunately I started to do loads of miles with work and the fuel and repair / maintenance bills were killing me so it had to go and I took a company car...a diesel Fiesta Zetec S with leather, Bluetooth, keyless start etc. Not very exciting but a good decision from a financial point of view (its not actually a bad little car really). Since I sold the BM, I've wanted something a bit more interesting and as the other half does so few miles we decided that it would make sense for her to drive the nicer car. The only stipulation was that it needed to be semi sensible because we're starting to think about kids.
The short list of cars on the list was pretty short because we could only agree on a handful of things that we both liked...3 Series and a Golf GTi. A few other things were ruled out (R32, Focus ST, Megane RS, S4). I'm not a huge fan of the GTi but can see why they are popular. In the end we found an E90 330 M Sport automatic in our preferred colour combo of Le Mans blue with Dakota lemon yellow leather (I know a lot of people hate the yellow but I love it), Bluetooth, sun roof and a few other things which may be standard (auto lights and wipers, electric seat bolsters etc). The two options that I wish it had is the privacy glass and xenon headlights. Here are a couple of pics.
It's generally in really really good nick with a few marks that you'd expect a seven year old car to have picked up. There are a couple of tiny dings that I'll get sorted at some point and it could do with a machine polish to correct swirl marks and light scratches. It's scrubbed up pretty well after a very sad detailing session.
Only have a few minor plans for it; tints to the rear windows, M Sport spoiler, black grills.
It's nice to have a BM again. I know it's not the most exciting thing in the world but it sounds lovely and is reasonably quick. I even like the auto box.
Thanks. The engine is lovely and sounds more chunky than my old 2.5 did, especially when it nears the redline but at the same time is more muted when pottering about.
I like the black grills but that's only because I don't like chrome on cars (especially around windows....yuck). We'll see though because the other half isn't 100%. I was going to leave the rear lights because I don't mind them but I know that a lot of people really don't like the pre face lift lights.
I like the black grills but that's only because I don't like chrome on cars (especially around windows....yuck). We'll see though because the other half isn't 100%. I was going to leave the rear lights because I don't mind them but I know that a lot of people really don't like the pre face lift lights.
Cheers chaps.
The run flats will be ditched once the rears are worn...which I don't think will be too long. I'll properly switch o Falkens which were always pretty good when I used them on my 325. A set of four isn't much more than two run flats. I've not found the ride too bad until you get on country lanes then they not only jiggle but they don't seem to grip all that well.
Just trying to decide on what it to go for, I want it to look stock which I believe is about 35%.
The run flats will be ditched once the rears are worn...which I don't think will be too long. I'll properly switch o Falkens which were always pretty good when I used them on my 325. A set of four isn't much more than two run flats. I've not found the ride too bad until you get on country lanes then they not only jiggle but they don't seem to grip all that well.
Just trying to decide on what it to go for, I want it to look stock which I believe is about 35%.
Bit of an update (and an excuse for posting more pics!).
The black grills have been fited. I know some don't like them, but I prefer them to the stock chrome ones.
I've also added an M Sport rear spoiler from SSDD Motorsport which I think makes the back end look much better. I was never sure about the way that the stock boot lid just fell away. The quality seems very good, the paint finish is perfect and matches the car.
And a few random shots for good measure after giving the car a quick wash this afternoon.
The next job is getting the wheels refurbished - it is booked in with First Class Alloys in Lichfield towards the end of the month. I have opted for a darker finish than standard. The chap there refers to it as high power silver. I'd describe it as a pale anthracite and quite subtle. I originally wanted shadow chrome but decided against it due to possible issues matching the paint should the wheels get kerbed. He will also be fitting a new pair fo rear tyres.
I was going to ditch the run flats but the fronts have loads and loads of life left in them so will wait until a full set of four tyres is needed. After the wheel refurb, the car is off to BMW for a KDS alignment because the rear tyres have worn unevenly. I have decided to take it to BMW because the alignment is on offer at the moment and is cheaper than my local indy would charge. After that no more jobs planned for it until the new year (tints and a full machine polish).
The black grills have been fited. I know some don't like them, but I prefer them to the stock chrome ones.
I've also added an M Sport rear spoiler from SSDD Motorsport which I think makes the back end look much better. I was never sure about the way that the stock boot lid just fell away. The quality seems very good, the paint finish is perfect and matches the car.
And a few random shots for good measure after giving the car a quick wash this afternoon.
The next job is getting the wheels refurbished - it is booked in with First Class Alloys in Lichfield towards the end of the month. I have opted for a darker finish than standard. The chap there refers to it as high power silver. I'd describe it as a pale anthracite and quite subtle. I originally wanted shadow chrome but decided against it due to possible issues matching the paint should the wheels get kerbed. He will also be fitting a new pair fo rear tyres.
I was going to ditch the run flats but the fronts have loads and loads of life left in them so will wait until a full set of four tyres is needed. After the wheel refurb, the car is off to BMW for a KDS alignment because the rear tyres have worn unevenly. I have decided to take it to BMW because the alignment is on offer at the moment and is cheaper than my local indy would charge. After that no more jobs planned for it until the new year (tints and a full machine polish).
Car was dropped off to have the alloys refurbed tonight. Will be picking it up tomorrow night and am pretty excited even though the colour change will be quite subtle. Having the callipers and hubs painted should tidy things up a bit too. KDS on Saturday will hopefully reduce the tram lining.
The rear pads are wearing a bit now, so I'll need to get them replaced soon. Will probably go for sone Pagid ones from ECP.
The rear pads are wearing a bit now, so I'll need to get them replaced soon. Will probably go for sone Pagid ones from ECP.
Had the alloys done but not entirely happy with them because the rears are much darker than the fronts, so it's got to go back the week after next to be redone (just need to decide if I like the darker or the lighter wheels). The guy who did them was five about it though.
Fingers crossed they'll be as I want them soon. I just have to drive around in a car with mismatched wheels which is a bit annoying.
Fingers crossed they'll be as I want them soon. I just have to drive around in a car with mismatched wheels which is a bit annoying.
Had the alloys done but not entirely happy with them because the rears are much darker than the fronts, so it's got to go back the week after next to be redone (just need to decide if I like the darker or the lighter wheels). The guy who did them was five about it though.
Fingers crossed they'll be as I want them soon. I just have to drive around in a car with mismatched wheels which is a bit annoying.
Fingers crossed they'll be as I want them soon. I just have to drive around in a car with mismatched wheels which is a bit annoying.
cerb4.5lee said:
Love the colour combo & rear spoiler, i had the factory spoiler on my old one, I am not keen on the grills but its probably my age!
Great car, enjoy it.
Cheers. The spoiler makes a big difference to the rear of the car I think. I know the grills are a bit marmite, but there isn't any other chrome on the car.Great car, enjoy it.
It went to BMW for a KDS and amazingly they didn't tell me that my brakes were dead, or that I needed new tyres. In fact it was a very pleasant experience and cheaper than my local indy would have charged.
Looks like the car has developed a couple of faults...
The other half filled it up yesterday and there is currently a strong smell of petrol around the car. I'm guessing that it's a leaky vent pipe, which after a bit of googling doesn't look like a cheap fix. Does anyone know of a sure fire way to diagnose this?
The engine malfunction light also came on to indicate an emission fault. I took it for a longer spin and it stayed on however after turning it off and turning it back on the light did not reappear. I'm assuming that the fault is related to a dodgy sensor somewhere so will get it booked in for a diagnostic check as a precaution even if it doesn't reappear tomorrow. I did see one post on a BMW forum that mentioned that a split intake pipe can cause this warning light to come on, so I'll have a quick poke around under the bonnet tomorrow.
If it is an emissions fault it's gone pear shaped quickly because it passed its MOT without an issue last month.
Balls.
The other half filled it up yesterday and there is currently a strong smell of petrol around the car. I'm guessing that it's a leaky vent pipe, which after a bit of googling doesn't look like a cheap fix. Does anyone know of a sure fire way to diagnose this?
The engine malfunction light also came on to indicate an emission fault. I took it for a longer spin and it stayed on however after turning it off and turning it back on the light did not reappear. I'm assuming that the fault is related to a dodgy sensor somewhere so will get it booked in for a diagnostic check as a precaution even if it doesn't reappear tomorrow. I did see one post on a BMW forum that mentioned that a split intake pipe can cause this warning light to come on, so I'll have a quick poke around under the bonnet tomorrow.
If it is an emissions fault it's gone pear shaped quickly because it passed its MOT without an issue last month.
Balls.
It does seem pretty common - the costs that people have mentioned seem to range from £200 - £400 from an indy and a whole lot more from BMW. I think it largely depends on how they decide to access the pipe (both ways I've seen look pretty involved).
Weirdly there was no fuel smell this morning and no more warning light. I'll take it somewhere over the next few days to get the codes read.
Weirdly there was no fuel smell this morning and no more warning light. I'll take it somewhere over the next few days to get the codes read.
That's a nice car in the bed colour (but I'm biased).
I know what you mean about the paint; it's really unforgiving of any marks, especially in sunlight. I'm going to buy a DA polisher and sort it out (think I'll do a panel or a section at a time rather than the whole car in one go).
It's booked into my local indy on Monday for a code read and they're going to look into the fuel smell (I'm pretty sure that it's the breather pipe because it's only there when the tank is full). Hopefully there won't be too many fault codes when they plug it in.
I know what you mean about the paint; it's really unforgiving of any marks, especially in sunlight. I'm going to buy a DA polisher and sort it out (think I'll do a panel or a section at a time rather than the whole car in one go).
It's booked into my local indy on Monday for a code read and they're going to look into the fuel smell (I'm pretty sure that it's the breather pipe because it's only there when the tank is full). Hopefully there won't be too many fault codes when they plug it in.
Took my car in for diagnosis of the issues and the fuel tank vent pipe has definitely split so will need replacing with the upgraded version (I'm just trying to find out which of the localish guys can do it because the initial quote is pretty high).
When they did a code read, the error code stored pointed to a fault with the engine timing which the chap said was either the VANOS actuators or a stretched timing chain. He recommended starting with the actuators because in in experience this normally resolves the issue but if the light reappears then its a timing chain issue. He also said that if there is a timing chain issue them sone of the actuators would need replacing any way. The good news was that timing chain issues are more common on the four cylinder engines than the sixes so fingers crossed.
All in all, looks like an expensive month coming up.
I called BMW to see if there had been a recall for the pipe, but apparently not because not enough of the cars suffered with it. They did mention the possibility of a goodwill gesture from BMW but that would mean another diagnosis fee and then waiting to see if they'll cover part of the costs. I've decided that I can't be bothered so will just get it done by an independent.
When they did a code read, the error code stored pointed to a fault with the engine timing which the chap said was either the VANOS actuators or a stretched timing chain. He recommended starting with the actuators because in in experience this normally resolves the issue but if the light reappears then its a timing chain issue. He also said that if there is a timing chain issue them sone of the actuators would need replacing any way. The good news was that timing chain issues are more common on the four cylinder engines than the sixes so fingers crossed.
All in all, looks like an expensive month coming up.
I called BMW to see if there had been a recall for the pipe, but apparently not because not enough of the cars suffered with it. They did mention the possibility of a goodwill gesture from BMW but that would mean another diagnosis fee and then waiting to see if they'll cover part of the costs. I've decided that I can't be bothered so will just get it done by an independent.
The VANOS actuators were replaced on Monday and it appears to have fixed the issue. The light hasn't come back on and there were no error codes after the garage fitted them and road tested it. The chap there reckoned that if it doesn't come back in in the next couple of weeks it's sorted.
The rear wheels have been redone and are now much lighter in colour.
All that remains is to get the vent pipe done, but I'll properly wait until the new year because it's not cheap. I'll also ring round a few other garages that I've used in the past to get quotes. It just won't get filled up.
Still need to sort the rear pads as well but the computer says that they have 6,000 miles left yet. Again they'll probably get done in the new year when it goes in for a brake fluid change.
The rear wheels have been redone and are now much lighter in colour.
All that remains is to get the vent pipe done, but I'll properly wait until the new year because it's not cheap. I'll also ring round a few other garages that I've used in the past to get quotes. It just won't get filled up.
Still need to sort the rear pads as well but the computer says that they have 6,000 miles left yet. Again they'll probably get done in the new year when it goes in for a brake fluid change.
I think all is good with the warning light; it's been a couple of weeks and it hasn't returned.
I treated the car to a new gear shifter.
It feels much nicer than the stock one although I'm not totally convinced its worth RRP (I got a bit of a deal due to knowing someone who works for a dealer). I'll get some fitted pics up this weekend.
I've also decided that I'm going to wrap the interior trim whilst I'm off over Christmas. The silver doesn't look great against the yellow leather so I'm going fir the brushed black 3M Di Noc stuff. It's not too much money and should keep me out of trouble.
Another little project will be to change the colour of the rear diffuser. I've bought a replacement one from eBay which I want to try gloss black to match the other black trim. I thought I'd but a spare in case it looks rubbish.
I treated the car to a new gear shifter.
It feels much nicer than the stock one although I'm not totally convinced its worth RRP (I got a bit of a deal due to knowing someone who works for a dealer). I'll get some fitted pics up this weekend.
I've also decided that I'm going to wrap the interior trim whilst I'm off over Christmas. The silver doesn't look great against the yellow leather so I'm going fir the brushed black 3M Di Noc stuff. It's not too much money and should keep me out of trouble.
Another little project will be to change the colour of the rear diffuser. I've bought a replacement one from eBay which I want to try gloss black to match the other black trim. I thought I'd but a spare in case it looks rubbish.
It's been a while since I updated this...still got the car and it continues to go about things with minimal fuss. I still enjoy driving it and still love the engine note. The autobox is pretty good most of the time but can frustrate from time to time; normally when go from sedate driving to more spirited driving in sport mode.
I still need to sort out the fuel vent pipe...the smell is not an issue if the tank is not full, which just doesn't happen. I do need to get it sorted though.
I also need to get the spare diffuser painted gloss black to match the window trim and grills. I'm also toying with the idea of getting the rear windows tinted to factory spec levels because we're expecting out first little person in three weeks time and I don't want those stick on blinds.
Anyway, I finally got around to attacking the paint with my DA polisher on Sunday. It was bloody hard work, but it does look much better. There are still some swirl marks, but most have gone. Here are a few pics.
It's now sporting BMW Performance gear selector and handbrake. Both are a big improvement over the stock items, especially the gear selector.
I still need to sort out the fuel vent pipe...the smell is not an issue if the tank is not full, which just doesn't happen. I do need to get it sorted though.
I also need to get the spare diffuser painted gloss black to match the window trim and grills. I'm also toying with the idea of getting the rear windows tinted to factory spec levels because we're expecting out first little person in three weeks time and I don't want those stick on blinds.
Anyway, I finally got around to attacking the paint with my DA polisher on Sunday. It was bloody hard work, but it does look much better. There are still some swirl marks, but most have gone. Here are a few pics.
It's now sporting BMW Performance gear selector and handbrake. Both are a big improvement over the stock items, especially the gear selector.
Cheers chaps. Didn't realise that the beta image uploaded would to rotate my images. Oh well.
I didn't realise that the split armrest was an option. I got a build sheet for it ages and don't recall seeng it as an option. It is pretty handy though.
I'd love a BMW Performance exhaust / air intake for it to release a wee bit more noise. May have to see what happens with bonuses etc at Christmas now work is looking better.
Cerb, it's quite an old school engine I find in that it's fairly torque light especially comparing to modern diesels or turbo petrols. I know what you mean about having to mash the throttle, especially in normal mode....but at least it sounds lovely when it wakes up! Saying that, I think I'll struggle to replace it when the time comes.
I've been lurking rather than posting much...tine seems to have been short the last few months.
I didn't realise that the split armrest was an option. I got a build sheet for it ages and don't recall seeng it as an option. It is pretty handy though.
I'd love a BMW Performance exhaust / air intake for it to release a wee bit more noise. May have to see what happens with bonuses etc at Christmas now work is looking better.
Cerb, it's quite an old school engine I find in that it's fairly torque light especially comparing to modern diesels or turbo petrols. I know what you mean about having to mash the throttle, especially in normal mode....but at least it sounds lovely when it wakes up! Saying that, I think I'll struggle to replace it when the time comes.
I've been lurking rather than posting much...tine seems to have been short the last few months.
The least PH update ever...
With the imminent arrival of mini me I was gong to get the rear windows tinted to factory levels but the insurance company put a stop to that...they'd only let us have the rear passenger windows tinted, not the rear screen.
As a back up plan, I've bought and installed the BMW factory sun blinds which are actually pretty good and seem to make a noticeable difference to the temperature in the rear of the car.
The retractable rear blind was a pig to fit and had me cursing. Getting the rear backrest in and out was the hardest bit. The catches to release it are hidden (but obvious when you realise what you are looking for) and some of the torx bolts are obscured by the seat slightly making it hard to get access to them. Marking up the parcel shelf and drilling it was pretty easy and the brackets lined up with the pre-drilled holes so I did an ok job.
Hopefully they'll keep mini me happy on sunny days.
With the imminent arrival of mini me I was gong to get the rear windows tinted to factory levels but the insurance company put a stop to that...they'd only let us have the rear passenger windows tinted, not the rear screen.
As a back up plan, I've bought and installed the BMW factory sun blinds which are actually pretty good and seem to make a noticeable difference to the temperature in the rear of the car.
The retractable rear blind was a pig to fit and had me cursing. Getting the rear backrest in and out was the hardest bit. The catches to release it are hidden (but obvious when you realise what you are looking for) and some of the torx bolts are obscured by the seat slightly making it hard to get access to them. Marking up the parcel shelf and drilling it was pretty easy and the brackets lined up with the pre-drilled holes so I did an ok job.
Hopefully they'll keep mini me happy on sunny days.
Been a while since I updated this and as I've been a busy boy with it today, it seemed like a good time to update it.
The car is still running fine, returning about 25mpg, doing lots of short trips ferrying the little guy about. The BMW blinds seem to do a great job of keeping the sun out of his face and keeping the rear of the car a bit cooler. Since we bought it in July 13 it's co dined two litres of oil which is much better than my old 325. It's due for a service in 2,000 miles or so. Hopefully nothing will get picked up.
Since we bought the car there were a few things that bothered me; there were quite a few steps be chips on the front bumper plus a small scuff right down low, the rear bumper had been nicked a few times and the exhaust tips were really manky. The difusser in the rear bumper had discoloured too and looked rubbish. The wing mirrors had minor scuffs on the tips too.
This spring I've had both bumpers painted and the diffuse painted gloss black which I think looks much better and ties it in with the shadow gloss trim. The wing mirrors were also painted. I finished the smartened rear end off with some new chrome tips which were pretty easy to change over. The car had a spring detail too.
Rear end with gloss black diffuser and new exhaust trims. I'm really happy and think it looks much better.
I've also been at the BMW Performance catalogue again. I really wanted the exhaust, got a good quote from my local dealer but due to age of my car, I would have had to change the centre section too. Cars built before Jube 2006 have a centre section which is 70mm in diameter and the Performance echaust is 65mm. My car was built March 2006. Bugger.
As I couldn't have/ justify the exhaust I went for the Performance carbon air intake. Having fitted it today and take n the car for a quick spin, it does improve the noise a bit - the last 500rpm sound lovely with a hint of CSL in the way it rasps. Throttle response seems a bit better too. It's probably not really worth what BMW charge for it but I got a reasonable deal on it from my local dealer.
I also added the Performance steering wheel cover. The existing one was manky around the buttons with the finish peeling away. Piece of cake to fit, not sure why so many say the airbag needs to be removed. I think it looks nice and matched the gear selector and hand brake.
That's it for today.
Plans for the rest of the year are to have the steering wheel recovered by Royal because it's gone really shiny and has a scuff on the bottom. I'm quite tempted to go for alcantara, but wil probably play it safe with napa leather. I'd also like to do something with the trim because I'm not sure that the silver goes with the lemon leather, this will probably be wrapped in a dark brushed aluminium wrap. Other than that, I'll just keep on enjoying it.
The car is still running fine, returning about 25mpg, doing lots of short trips ferrying the little guy about. The BMW blinds seem to do a great job of keeping the sun out of his face and keeping the rear of the car a bit cooler. Since we bought it in July 13 it's co dined two litres of oil which is much better than my old 325. It's due for a service in 2,000 miles or so. Hopefully nothing will get picked up.
Since we bought the car there were a few things that bothered me; there were quite a few steps be chips on the front bumper plus a small scuff right down low, the rear bumper had been nicked a few times and the exhaust tips were really manky. The difusser in the rear bumper had discoloured too and looked rubbish. The wing mirrors had minor scuffs on the tips too.
This spring I've had both bumpers painted and the diffuse painted gloss black which I think looks much better and ties it in with the shadow gloss trim. The wing mirrors were also painted. I finished the smartened rear end off with some new chrome tips which were pretty easy to change over. The car had a spring detail too.
Rear end with gloss black diffuser and new exhaust trims. I'm really happy and think it looks much better.
I've also been at the BMW Performance catalogue again. I really wanted the exhaust, got a good quote from my local dealer but due to age of my car, I would have had to change the centre section too. Cars built before Jube 2006 have a centre section which is 70mm in diameter and the Performance echaust is 65mm. My car was built March 2006. Bugger.
As I couldn't have/ justify the exhaust I went for the Performance carbon air intake. Having fitted it today and take n the car for a quick spin, it does improve the noise a bit - the last 500rpm sound lovely with a hint of CSL in the way it rasps. Throttle response seems a bit better too. It's probably not really worth what BMW charge for it but I got a reasonable deal on it from my local dealer.
I also added the Performance steering wheel cover. The existing one was manky around the buttons with the finish peeling away. Piece of cake to fit, not sure why so many say the airbag needs to be removed. I think it looks nice and matched the gear selector and hand brake.
That's it for today.
Plans for the rest of the year are to have the steering wheel recovered by Royal because it's gone really shiny and has a scuff on the bottom. I'm quite tempted to go for alcantara, but wil probably play it safe with napa leather. I'd also like to do something with the trim because I'm not sure that the silver goes with the lemon leather, this will probably be wrapped in a dark brushed aluminium wrap. Other than that, I'll just keep on enjoying it.
cerb4.5lee said:
Very nice update 
love all the little details you have added and the paintwork looks immaculate, regards oil I have done 10k miles in mine since I got it and I have put 5 litres of oil in top ups in it so I am now beginning to wonder if its dropping some but no signs on the garage floor though.
The new tips look great I tend to polish mine regularly so they have stayed pretty good...would love that intake on mine because as an engine it does sound nice at the redline and I bet that enhances things nicely.
Cheers. To be honest there are a few marks in the paint but I guess when it's your own car you notice these things a bit more. love all the little details you have added and the paintwork looks immaculate, regards oil I have done 10k miles in mine since I got it and I have put 5 litres of oil in top ups in it so I am now beginning to wonder if its dropping some but no signs on the garage floor though.The new tips look great I tend to polish mine regularly so they have stayed pretty good...would love that intake on mine because as an engine it does sound nice at the redline and I bet that enhances things nicely.
With regards to oil use, I though anything up to a litre every 1,000 miles was just about OK on the six pots (or at leas it was for the E46...mine wasn't that bad but not too far off).
I tried polishing the old tips but the previous owners didn't so they were nailed really. I did try polishing them but no amount of effort, glay and autoglym made them look better.
The intake has made a noticeable difference to the intake note - I'm pretty surprised at how much.
You haven't been tempted out of yours then? I keep thinking about it but I'm not sure what I'd swap it for really.
cerb4.5lee said:
I am always tempted to be fair because its always nice to have a change every once in a while I think but like you for what it does it does it really well and I really like the engine and in many ways I can see it being a keeper.
You mirror the same MPG as me as well, the only thing I would really like is a manual gearbox in it but the auto is nice in traffic and if I want some more involvement I tend to use it in manual mode now.
I have been surprised in the values of them because I keep looking on we buy any car and mine has gone up a bit in value since I had it and maybe because they don't make a N/A Straight Six BMW anymore there may be a little bit of a market for them...or its just wishful thinking!
I keep thinking about changing too, but it covers most bases pretty well. The other sticking point is that it would need at least six cylinders which rules out most newer cars.You mirror the same MPG as me as well, the only thing I would really like is a manual gearbox in it but the auto is nice in traffic and if I want some more involvement I tend to use it in manual mode now.
I have been surprised in the values of them because I keep looking on we buy any car and mine has gone up a bit in value since I had it and maybe because they don't make a N/A Straight Six BMW anymore there may be a little bit of a market for them...or its just wishful thinking!
With regards to values etc, I'm hoping that if I keep it in good fettle then it'll be easier to sell as the availability of sixes shrinks (probably wishful thinking but I'll keep telling myself that!).
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