N53 330i - still suffering?

[trippy86]

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

[trippy86]

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

[trippy86]

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

[trippy86]

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.
Sorry I'm not clear on what you are saying, does doing the mod prolong or reduce the clutch life?

[trippy86]

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.

Apparently a new CDV costs less than a tenner so I may try the mod and see how it goes.

Cheers