der Mumienwagen; E91 330i Touring
Discussion
Gallons Per Mile said:
Wow, as always I'm very impressed with how clean you keep your cars. I'll have to take notes on which products you're using and try to replicate for my new shed. Good fix on the sump plug too. They're a bugger when they strip like that.
Cheers. The pics are quite flattering, hiding the deeper marks that I can’t get shot of.Yeah, I was gutted when the sump stripped. It’s good that it seems to be holding up….it was a good excuse to buy a properly good torque wrench though.
buy_cheap_pay_later said:
Good work on the sump. What a bugger.
Yours is on a similar mileage to my trusty Skoda vRS, but looks a thousand times better! Might have something to do with my not being arsed to clean it ever.
Cheers. It was a proper ‘oh sYours is on a similar mileage to my trusty Skoda vRS, but looks a thousand times better! Might have something to do with my not being arsed to clean it ever.
t’ moment when it went especially knowing that dropping the sump on these is a bit of a pain in the arse.Ticked off some jobs on the 330i today.
The sump repair appears to be holding well enough; the oil level hasn’t dropped since it was sorted. There are no drips under the car on the floor but there are still some minor signs of oil around the the access flap on the undertray. Albeit it looked like that before the sump thread gave up the ghost.
Anyway, today it was time to replace the stty TRW dampers that I fitted last summer with some Bilstein B4’s. Lesson definitely learnt there. I decided that it would be a good time to replace the upper arms whilst the car was on stands.
Stating the disassembly of the boot
I soon had access to the top mounts. It was much easier taking the boot apart this time.
One of the bushes pressed into the arm wasn’t looking too clever.
And out.
It was about this point that we had a biblical downpour, so there was a great deal panic getting tools etc into the garage. Luckily it only last about 20 minutes but my picture taking slowed right down after.
New arms and dampers fitted.
Once both sides were done, I cleaned out the rear arches which were caked in crap after just a year.
The the arches washed out and the wheels back on, I have it a quick wash.
Hopefully this will go some way to dealing with the slightly wallowy, soft rear end. I think those TRW dampers had a lot to answer for. I’m almost hoping that it’ll stop the car sitting on its arse so quickly when loaded (we’re going camping at the back end of the week).
At some point this month I’ll fit the M3 front arms and get it aligned agin.
It’s MOT time in a few weeks and then before we go on holiday in August, I want to make sure the CCV is replaced because some or the hoses look a bit shagged.
The sump repair appears to be holding well enough; the oil level hasn’t dropped since it was sorted. There are no drips under the car on the floor but there are still some minor signs of oil around the the access flap on the undertray. Albeit it looked like that before the sump thread gave up the ghost.
Anyway, today it was time to replace the s
tty TRW dampers that I fitted last summer with some Bilstein B4’s. Lesson definitely learnt there. I decided that it would be a good time to replace the upper arms whilst the car was on stands. Stating the disassembly of the boot
I soon had access to the top mounts. It was much easier taking the boot apart this time.
One of the bushes pressed into the arm wasn’t looking too clever.
And out.
It was about this point that we had a biblical downpour, so there was a great deal panic getting tools etc into the garage. Luckily it only last about 20 minutes but my picture taking slowed right down after.
New arms and dampers fitted.
Once both sides were done, I cleaned out the rear arches which were caked in crap after just a year.
The the arches washed out and the wheels back on, I have it a quick wash.
Hopefully this will go some way to dealing with the slightly wallowy, soft rear end. I think those TRW dampers had a lot to answer for. I’m almost hoping that it’ll stop the car sitting on its arse so quickly when loaded (we’re going camping at the back end of the week).
At some point this month I’ll fit the M3 front arms and get it aligned agin.
It’s MOT time in a few weeks and then before we go on holiday in August, I want to make sure the CCV is replaced because some or the hoses look a bit shagged.
More good work there Sam. Deffo not the weather here to be working on cars... We're top if a big hill and still under water haha
One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
d_a_n1979 said:
More good work there Sam. Deffo not the weather here to be working on cars... We're top if a big hill and still under water haha
One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
Cheers Dan. One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
Aside from the biblical downpour yesterday it wasn’t too bad, today is looking like a different story though!
My M140i was the same with the top mounts accessed from the underside of the wheel arch. I do wonder how much of a pig they’ll be though once they’re 15 years old and a bit crusty underneath.
Court_S said:
d_a_n1979 said:
More good work there Sam. Deffo not the weather here to be working on cars... We're top if a big hill and still under water haha
One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
Cheers Dan. One thing I really like re the F31 is that none of the interior needs to come apart for suspension.
The top mounts are all bolted from underneath on the rear. Makes life much easier...
Aside from the biblical downpour yesterday it wasn’t too bad, today is looking like a different story though!
My M140i was the same with the top mounts accessed from the underside of the wheel arch. I do wonder how much of a pig they’ll be though once they’re 15 years old and a bit crusty underneath.
Agree re the newer top mounts; not changed in a while could cause all sorts of issues; fortunately mine came off without a hitch!
Even the E39 rear suspension was easy; boot floor up and there are 2 caps that cover the rear top mounts; remove them, 2 bolts and done!
The saloons were a PITA - full rear interior out, C pillar down etc
Jhonno said:
Having just done this on my mum's 120d.. It's worth doing the ball joint and bush in the hub also.. Toe arms are an easy job too.
I know, after fighting with the RTAB on the Z4 my appetite for tackling those is low…I’ll see how I feel when I do the M3 arms (I’ve got the parts left over from my 130i) including the tow arms. We’ve not long got back from a trip to Wales camping and the 330i was a great companion (again). It needed a wee tip up for oil when we got home (250ml) to get it back to full. Oil usage is about the same as it was before the issue with the sump plug.
A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
We’ve not long got back from a trip to Wales camping and the 330i was a great companion (again). It needed a wee tip up for oil when we got home (250ml) to get it back to full. Oil usage is about the same as it was before the issue with the sump plug.
A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
Court_S said:
We’ve not long got back from a trip to Wales camping and the 330i was a great companion (again). It needed a wee tip up for oil when we got home (250ml) to get it back to full. Oil usage is about the same as it was before the issue with the sump plug.
A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
Sounds a good run that Sam A slightly heavier oil hasn’t made any difference by the looks of it (I accidentally bought 5W 40).
Hard to say if it drives any better because it was very very full! A tent, plus camping gear, food, beer and a paddle board meant that there were few opportunities to enjoy the roads.
Where abouts where you?
We've a week off in early July before schools break up; thinking of 4 nights down on Anglesey at Kingsbridge camping site near to Beaumaris..
Then again I was looking at Cala Do'r in Majorca again too this morning...
A week away in the sun for pure R&R is more appealing...
d_a_n1979 said:
Sounds a good run that Sam
Where abouts where you?
We've a week off in early July before schools break up; thinking of 4 nights down on Anglesey at Kingsbridge camping site near to Beaumaris..
Then again I was looking at Cala Do'r in Majorca again too this morning...
A week away in the sun for pure R&R is more appealing...
We stayed at Llyn Gwynant, it’s a big, busy campsite but you wake up looking at Snowdon and have a lake literally on the doorstep. Where abouts where you?
We've a week off in early July before schools break up; thinking of 4 nights down on Anglesey at Kingsbridge camping site near to Beaumaris..
Then again I was looking at Cala Do'r in Majorca again too this morning...
A week away in the sun for pure R&R is more appealing...
We headed up to Porth Trecastell near Anglesey (you’d have thought that I’d have had enough of being that way but the beaches are lovely and generally pretty quiet).
Court_S said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Sounds a good run that Sam
Where abouts where you?
We've a week off in early July before schools break up; thinking of 4 nights down on Anglesey at Kingsbridge camping site near to Beaumaris..
Then again I was looking at Cala Do'r in Majorca again too this morning...
A week away in the sun for pure R&R is more appealing...
We stayed at Llyn Gwynant, it’s a big, busy campsite but you wake up looking at Snowdon and have a lake literally on the doorstep. Where abouts where you?
We've a week off in early July before schools break up; thinking of 4 nights down on Anglesey at Kingsbridge camping site near to Beaumaris..
Then again I was looking at Cala Do'r in Majorca again too this morning...
A week away in the sun for pure R&R is more appealing...
We headed up to Porth Trecastell near Anglesey (you’d have thought that I’d have had enough of being that way but the beaches are lovely and generally pretty quiet).
Haven't been since last June when I was really unwell so came home after one night. We might save it for September just as the schools have gone back; great tie for camping but also good fishing at Penmon/Moelfre too
d_a_n1979 said:
Haha yeah; it's such a lovely island though pal. It's home from home for me/us.
Haven't been since last June when I was really unwell so came home after one night. We might save it for September just as the schools have gone back; great tie for camping but also good fishing at Penmon/Moelfre too
I like it up there to be honest. Haven't been since last June when I was really unwell so came home after one night. We might save it for September just as the schools have gone back; great tie for camping but also good fishing at Penmon/Moelfre too
If you’re not tied to school holidays, I’d definitely avoid them (wish we still could
).Court_S said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Haha yeah; it's such a lovely island though pal. It's home from home for me/us.
Haven't been since last June when I was really unwell so came home after one night. We might save it for September just as the schools have gone back; great tie for camping but also good fishing at Penmon/Moelfre too
I like it up there to be honest. Haven't been since last June when I was really unwell so came home after one night. We might save it for September just as the schools have gone back; great tie for camping but also good fishing at Penmon/Moelfre too
If you’re not tied to school holidays, I’d definitely avoid them (wish we still could
).Just before or just after; always a good time
I dawned on me tonight whilst give the 330i a wash, that we’ve had it just over a year. It’s covered 14k in that time and it’s a car that we both really like. It’s not always been plain sailing with a few issues along the way the flooded DME being the worst because it grounded the car. That was the only time it let us down.
I did work out a quick summary of what it’s cost to run in that time and it’s quite shocking….I spent almost the purchase price agin on repairs, preventative maintenance, consumables and mods / improvements.
I’ve done pretty much everything myself too other than coding and alignment.
A brief summary is as follows;
Repairs
Consumables
Total repairs / consumables - £2,160 (or £180 per month / 15.4p per mile)
Discretionary Spend (mods etc)
Paint
Interior
Suspension
Miscellaneous
Grand Total: £4,940!!!
The above excludes the random bolts and fixings that I’ve bought from BMW.
The biggest area of spend is the suspension and paint. The suspension was the fine (I.e. no issues with the MOT test) but given that the car is now on 173k, it seems like a good place to spend some money to keep it driving as nicely as possible. The paint makes it look much more presentable now the lacquer peel has gone.
Could we have bought a newer / ‘better’ touring probably. But it wouldn’t have been a six cylinder manual and there’s no guarantee that it wouldn’t have needed tyres / brakes etc. I’m joking for a cheaper year this year. It’ll need rear discs and pads and I’d like to replace the CCV system and rocker cover gasket. Other than that it’ll just be servicing (hopefully).
Anyway, enough waffle.
I did work out a quick summary of what it’s cost to run in that time and it’s quite shocking….I spent almost the purchase price agin on repairs, preventative maintenance, consumables and mods / improvements.
I’ve done pretty much everything myself too other than coding and alignment.A brief summary is as follows;
Repairs
- A/C (initial regas, new condenser & regas, new high pressure line) - £525
- Replacement DME - £490
- Oil filter housing - £190
- Sump repair - £40
- New passenger side rear calliper - £75
Consumables
- Rear tyres - £300
- Front discs / pads - £140
- Oil (three changes) - £240
- Rear diff oil & plug - £30
- Gear box oil and plugs - £75
- Aux belt kit - £65
Total repairs / consumables - £2,160 (or £180 per month / 15.4p per mile)
Discretionary Spend (mods etc)
Paint
- Bumpers - £600
- Wheel refurb - £265
Interior
- Refurbed steering wheel - £190
- Gear gaiter - £50
- Handbrake grip / gaiter - £90
- Interior trim - £50
- LED bulbs - £15
- Replacement boot floor - £40
- Boot latch trim - £40
- Centre console end trim - £15
- Kick plate - £20
- Cubby - £30
Suspension
- Dampers - £250
- Eibach springs - £130
- M3 arms (not yet fitted) - £150
- Rear arms - £80
- Track rods - £45
- Drop links - £55
- Top mounts - £60
- Bump stops - £20
- ARB bushes - £75
- Alignment - £65
Miscellaneous
- FRM II inc. coding - £80
- M3 gearbox mounts - £30
- Rad hose - £30
- Mickey mouse flange - £15
- Boot struts - £30
- Shifter bush - £10
- Dark line rear lights - £250
Grand Total: £4,940!!!
The above excludes the random bolts and fixings that I’ve bought from BMW.
The biggest area of spend is the suspension and paint. The suspension was the fine (I.e. no issues with the MOT test) but given that the car is now on 173k, it seems like a good place to spend some money to keep it driving as nicely as possible. The paint makes it look much more presentable now the lacquer peel has gone.
Could we have bought a newer / ‘better’ touring probably. But it wouldn’t have been a six cylinder manual and there’s no guarantee that it wouldn’t have needed tyres / brakes etc. I’m joking for a cheaper year this year. It’ll need rear discs and pads and I’d like to replace the CCV system and rocker cover gasket. Other than that it’ll just be servicing (hopefully).
Anyway, enough waffle.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff