BMW 330i E91 Touring

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I'd been itching to get a 6-cyl BMW for ages, so with the news that we'll be having a new arrival in the family in April I was able to upgrade my wife's Audi A2 for something a little 'safer' and 'practical'(!) She doesn't like big cars so barges were out. We test drove a 130i the week before but was too small. It certainly sold me on the engine though - I had to have that N52 engine!

Searches were setup, and I just had to wait.... I hadn't really searched on eBay due to a few issues in the past with idiots but I'd popped this car into my watch list and didn't take it seriously at the time, not sure why. I get very impatient waiting for rare cars though, so I dropped the seller a line while looking up the VIN.

I got a bit more excited when I read the spec:

Steptronic auto
Active steering
Folding dimming exterior mirrors
Electric seats, driver memory
Electric lumbar
Front heated seats
Front/Rear PDC
Auto lights/wipers
Xenons
Cruise control
Extended light package
Professional Navi CCC
Bluetooth
Hifi speakers
Sun protection glazing
Dealer fit iPod interface in glovebox

I love cars purchased from West London dealers, always great spec!

Upon viewing, the seller was a real BMW enthusiast. 3 on the drive an 1 in the garage! Everything was great about the car, not quite 'mint' bodywork but close enough for an 8 year old car. The N52 had a little lifter noise from cold, but was gone after the test drive. This is apparently pretty common according to the internet and not really a cause for concern.

I agree with some of the internet that the 258hp N52 isn't best matched to the auto, but I really enjoy cruising around kissing the accelerator lightly with my foot to change speed slowly.

We did the deal and I took the car straight away - 90 miles to home to get comfortable with the iDrive. Although slow and only 5 digit postcodes, I was very happy with the operation. Although, did have the CIC in my last 5er company car so maybe that helped. I filled up to the brim round the corner, stuck on the 1st level of heated seats and settled into the drive. 90 miles later at 80-90 all the way I averaged exactly 30.0mpg according to the OBC. I'm VERY happy with that!

These old BMWs really wear their age well don't they? I can't believe this is over 8 years old - it feels every bit as modern to drive as my Golf R lease. That said I don't think I like the mid-2000 M-Sport steering wheel, its far too fat and squishy. I wonder if I can find a replacement?

This car has full BMW service history and a lowish 57,000 miles. This meant I could get the BMW Insured warranty at a reasonable cost. I actually took it out before going to see it - it has a 14 day cooling off period, but the policy doesn't kick in for 30 days so wanted to get it started asap.

The last service was in November 2015 - Oil, filter, microfilter, brake fluid, inspection - 6.75l of oil - ouch!
The front tyres are still run flats, but has brand new non-RFT correct sized Michelin PS3s on the rear. I may get the fronts changed once the weather breaks.

Oddly for an M-Sport, it has beige leather totally at odds with the Sparkling Graphite metallic exterior. I really like it, but I don't think the aluminium inlays suits it. I think I'm going to find a set of walnut inlays and try them out. I'll get some pics.

First jobs -

A full interior clean using Autobrite FAB next week
Clean up the tailpipes, although not a DI car they're pretty grubby. Why don't hand car washes ever clean my tailpipes?
A 330i badge for the rear - ordered.
Dig out my Autodab BM1 from a 318d I had a few years ago.
Blackline tail lights
Walnut inlays



This thread will just be my general ramblings about this car during my tenure, I hope you find it interesting. If you have any questions please let me know.

(I'll also get some better pics up)

Edited by court on Friday 5th February 17:15

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What a coincidence That looks like a great example, as I'm sure you're aware 335i Tourings are very rare! 58 reg must have been very late for a pre-LCI.

I would love to see some pics of your interior, I just know it'll fit better.

Everyone knows how to check spec on BMWs using the VIN, but when taking out the warranty I stumbled on a way to do that without even contacting the owner...

Just get the reg off the advert then go here https://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/BMW/Login/Index it will ask you to put the reg number in. Click next and it pulls up the details of the car including the full VIN. Then browse to http://www.bimmer.work or similar and stick the last 7 digits in. Et voilà!

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I would have loved a Z4 Coupe - they're almost practical with the hatch!

Those RFTs on the front are starting to itch the OCD.. I've got a feeling I'll be down Costco by the end of the week to have some PS3s fitted to match the rear.

The iPod connector looks better than some as it passes track info through the cd-text therefore I picked up a 6gb iPod Mini with a limited battery for £10 last night to go with it. It needs to be a certain type of iPod that can sync/charge off a FireWire port for the car and USB for the iTunes connection as I haven't had a FireWire port in a computer for a long time! That doesn't leave many options - just the 3rd/4th gen classic and both gens of the Mini I believe.

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Thanks for those pics... As you can see the aluminium just doesn't seem to gel with the beige.

I think they've definitely convinced me to get some wood look inlays - they did a few different 'trees' I believe. Ebay searches saved!

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Today the snag list starts. First thing first being a Touring, the tailgate electrics are normally goosed. Some of it had already been replaced, but the rear tailgate glass switch is popping the glass when turning on the rear wiper. When the car is moving it's no issue as the doors lock, but its VERY annoying when the car is stationary and you're trying to get stuff out the boot. Have ordered a new genuine one at £35.99 from eBay from a seller in Latvia. Part number 61319200673. There are a couple of guides around about refurbing the switch, but it seems it doesn't fix it 100% and you still get the odd phantom pop. Best get a new one and not have to worry.

Also, after 8 years the hatch struts are getting lazy so ordered some OEM ones from eBay Germany. The ones in situ are made by are made by Stabilus with BMW part no 51247127875 so a quick search on eBay.de found me a set delivered from a motor factors for £29.

I received a 2007 E91 price list from an eBay seller today as I love collecting curios on the car I own. I priced it up at £33830 OTR inc free metallic, £9065 options, Total £42895.

Edited by court on Tuesday 9th February 17:53

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stevesuk said:

Do you mean that the hatch opens so far, and then requires a further "push" to go fully open?

If so, a few years back, our local BMW dealer told me this was by design (e.g. to stop the hatch opening fully in one movement, and crashing in to the low ceiling of a garage/multistory).

I was trying to get them to replace the struts under the approved used car warranty at the time, so they could have been fobbing me off in order to get out of doing the work for free of course Some 5 years later, it hasn't got any worse.

You know I think you maybe right... I've been 3 years out of my last E91 Touring and as that was a company car I guess I didn't think too much about it. Well, at least I've got some spares!

Today my rear badge arrived. It's a real job to align it correctly, I found a guide on a BMW forum somewhere.




Managed it though, looks good.



Looks like when the wheels were last refurbished the owner didn't replace the M Badges. Couldn't have that could we? £22 for 4 is a bit juicy though and managed to find four genuine ones from eBay for £9.99.



Last but not least today I followed the advice on this thread to replace the pointless snap-in adapter with the cubby. Went to town with some pointy screwdrivers and yanked the crap out of it.

Edited by court on Wednesday 10th February 11:39

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Synchromesh said:

court said:

I agree with some of the internet that the 258hp N52 isn't best matched to the auto...

What's this about then? My 230bhp M54 seems to play nicely with the 5HP box, but I may find myself in an N52 at some point so wondered if auto would be a bad idea then?

No no no, don't get me wrong! There's nothing wrong with it, it's just a I drove a manual the week before with the CDV delete and it bally loves being wrung out. 3 pedals makes it brilliant, the auto dulls the experience a bit. That said, I wouldn't change it for anything, except an 8-speed ZF

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This morning my £10 iPod mini turned up. I flattened it, updated the software in iTunes and stuck a couple of albums on it.



For a CDC emulator system it works very well as it sends song info by cd-text. When I get home I'll fill up the 6gb and that'll do me.

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Tailgate struts arrived too. 2 days from Germany! Fitted them and the difference is night and day. It now stops halfway, then you nudge it up and it goes to the full extent on its own. Before I would have to carry on pushing. Another easy win that makes the car easier to live with.

Stabilus 011499 for future reference.

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Synchromesh said:

Also just looking at the pics in the OP again. Was the petrol station shot taken at the Shell on the A322 in Bracknell?

You're good! First garage I came to that had decent fuel - plus I wanted my free Waitrose coffee

Talking of fuel, I've been debating the V-Power issue. It's 10p a litre more than Shell 95 atm - that's £5 a tank. I could get an extra gallon of 95 for that. I'm sure pottering to work I won't see much a difference. What do you think?

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Synchromesh said:

I'm way to cynical when it comes to super unleaded. Unless the manufacturer requires it or you're in some tuned turbo nutter thing I've never known it to make any difference. There's probably a placebo effect though...

I think you're right, a whole gallon of fuel difference would have to be a whopping placebo!

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A few pics from a quick wash. I'll get it valeted when the weather breaks I think.

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Busy day today. I managed to clear out the garage enough to stick the A2 in there. I found it really odd to actually put a car in a garage.

I've ordered some BMW wiper blades for front and rear. These things always get neglected and people just grab the Halfords specials. The BMW OE ones are worth the few quid extra I think.

I won a rear console panel that comes with 2 12v cig lighter sockets. Quite rare in the beige so decided to get grabby now as I don't know when I'll see another one. Search 'BMW Happy Robot'(!)



My pièce de résistance today was a win of some E91 Blackline tail lights. I CAN'T WAIT for them to arrive, they really help modernise the look of the car.



I've been looking at trim kits over the last few days to replace the Alu look, and have discovered that the LCI Idrive controller is completely compatible with the older CCC system if the car is past 03/2007. £70ish for the controller and the corresponding wood trim will really bring the interior up.

Pictures and guides to follow once all the parts arrive.

Edited by court on Sunday 14th February 22:38

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Swapped out the air filter today - although not due, for the sake of a few quid it seemed rude not to.



Takes 2 minutes to unscrew 8 bolts and replace.

While getting close to the engine I found a touch of fresh oil pooling in a crevice between the oil cooler and oil filter housing. As the car is 8 years old I can understand gaskets will start degrading.

I've ordered the gaskets (4 & 5 in the diagram below) in from the local BMW dealer - should be here Wednesday. I'm not sure if I am going to attempt it myself, a couple of the bolts look very hard to get to.

Part numbers 11428637820 & 11428637821



This video shows how to replace the gaskets https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUr28WV_blM

I'll have to drain a couple of litres of coolant so I was thinking I may do a coolant flush. BMW state filled for life, but we all know that doesn't mean forever!

We have a very good BMW specialist round the corner http://www.autobasebristol.co.uk I had a chat to John the owner today and he reckons 2 hours to change both gaskets and the flush. I may get him to do it.

In other news I've discovered my front side windows are ever so slightly tinted. The sun was beaming through this afternoon and created a slight brown haze, I investigated and you could only tell there was a film due to the slightly raised Pilkington logos on the windows. The rears have the factory dark sunset glass so I didn't notice as they were lighter (officer). I'll try and take some pictures tomorrow, so don't judge me till then!

Edited by court on Tuesday 16th February 10:29

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Here's my windows.. Just the 2 side front windows, the screen is obv not tinted.





I think I'll leave them, it makes the transition to the rear glass less van like.

Edited by court on Tuesday 17th May 13:00

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Blackline rear light clusters arrived this morning. Easy fit and in my opinion they look great, although the rain has taken something away from the image.





PH Smiley sorted!

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carl911rugby said:

I agree, wear the 330i badge with pride!! It looks very nice by the way!!
I also own the same car as you! Although it's black with the red leather on a 58 plate! I've had it 4yrs now and am struggling to find a replacement!!

I love red leather, that would possibly be my perfect colour combo!

I can't have people thinking I drive a diesel now can I? Perhaps the badge is a bit of a life statement for me too - I know a lot of people who spend too much of their free time worrying if they have the cheapest energy supplier, comms supplier, cheapest flights, 1p off a litre of petrol, mpg etc. I like to think I am not burdened by these trivial issues, and I get on with enjoying life.

Thanks for all the lovely comments guys. I look forward to driving it every day - it's much more of an event than the Golf R lease is.

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Today I've change the rear tailgate switch. Very easy to change, took a few minutes. The part been revised a few times over the years. The old one was 61319168129 and the latest one was 61319218995. The differences are stark - the new one has an all plastic collar and a rubber seal.



I also managed to change the rear climate panel to one that has the 12v sockets. Another easy win, I had to use some scotchlock wire taps like in this guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297...

Edited by court on Thursday 18th February 11:48

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Today I fitted some new front wiper blades. Genuine BMW £34.99 delivered from a BMW dealer on ebay. Part number 61610427668

When I took the old ones off I checked them out - they are also BMW genuine and the plastic bits have a manufacturing date of 06/2007! Could these really be the original wipers from the factory? If that's the case I feel even happier I went with BMW ones over whatever was in Halfords.

The BMW ones are made by SWF, now a subsidiary of Valeo. The unbranded SWF ones are part number 119312 - easy to find on amazon.de or ebay.de. The p+p could be a bit juicy though.

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I've been thinking over the interior trim again.. Perhaps I should have a go at wrapping them.

There's a few guides on BMW forums on how to wrap the trims. Seems everyone just wants to get rid of the wood and replace with aluminium or carbon. I want to go the other way.

After a couple of hours research I quite fancy this - 3M DI-NOC WG-156 Dark Tamo Wood http://solutions.3m.co.uk/wps/portal/3M/en_GB/arch...

It looks like this when installed:





Looks classy I think.