F31 335d x drive Touring - perfect daily ?

[peetee7]

Thread Update,

Couple of updates …

Gearbox software updated from Alpina to xHP Stage 3. It’s taken 2 weeks to fine tune the settings to suit my driving style. I’ve got it so that I have nice early shifts when driving slowly in Comfort with gearbox in D mode. In Sport / Sport + with gearbox in S mode the shifts are really aggressive with the car always in its power band. In both modes the gear changes are faster than the Alpina software. Will get the Dragy out and do a few runs to see if my 0-60 and quarter mile times are any quicker .. though Santa Pod is only 15 days away …

Individual Opal White Merino leather is very soft – noticed the driver side bolster showing signs of slight wear. I started looking at seat covers to preserve the driver’s seat and pulled the trigger on a Northcore seat cover. Will modify the cover slightly one day for it to fit more snug with the seat ...




I’ve booked myself with Unicorn Motor Developments at the end of July to go Stage 2 tune. Should see approximately 400bhp / 800nm torque – with the target of running a 12 second flat or quicker quarter mile. Tuning is a slippery slope.

Anglesey trackday booked with some friends – most likely will be taking the 335d instead of the M3 or M5 … I’m an idiot Anglesey is not until September so plenty of time to get the braided brake lines and uprate the brake fluid. More than likely will be Goodridge Brake Lines with Motul RBF600 brake fluid.

Otherwise car is performing daily duties well – errands, nursery and work. Goes under the radar, just another 3 series on the road. Common as muck!

[SlowStig]

As a novice around these, what is the difference between the different gearbox maps? I found my 330d (only my second auto, mind) changes really quickly and smoothly for the most part, does the maps cause additional wear on the boxes by changing faster?

Still loving the thread, starting to wish I had got a 335d with those power figures! That's 100bhp more than mine if I chose to remap it and similar running costs, definitely the perfect daily imo.

[peetee7]

SlowStig said:

As a novice around these, what is the difference between the different gearbox maps? I found my 330d (only my second auto, mind) changes really quickly and smoothly for the most part, does the maps cause additional wear on the boxes by changing faster?

Still loving the thread, starting to wish I had got a 335d with those power figures! That's 100bhp more than mine if I chose to remap it and similar running costs, definitely the perfect daily imo.

Thanks for reading, glad you like it

Reason I started looking into gearbox software in the first place was because I always felt the car from factory was holding onto gears a touch longer than necessary. Also when I joined the motorway I felt 8th gear took too long to engage – OCD was being triggered. The Alpina gearbox map resolved both these issues and I was really happy with it. Naturally as I chase the 0-60 and quarter mile numbers I need a fast shifting gearbox and out of all the gearbox software available on the market xHP stage 3 provides the fastest shifts. xHP gearbox software allows the user to adjust parameters such as

1. Torque on launch control
2. Shift points
3. Max rpm ... and so many other features.

To flash the xHP gearbox software I use the MHD WiFi OBD2 Adapter and the xHP Flashtool on my iPhone. Takes minutes.


Picture of the MHD adapter for reference ...

[SR-25]

It'll be interesting to see what Stage 2 figures you get and what it consists of. Mine made 386.8bhp and 792nm with a panel filter, xHP stage 2 and CSF intercooler. I totally appreciate how subjective dyno results are though.

I've been advised that the DPF is the limitation based on the sheer amount of heat it retains, so the only option beyond that would be to upgrade the turbochargers to see in excess of 400bhp. Happy to be corrected though on what's genuinely possible. Either way in tuned guise the 35d is just a lovely daily driver.

[peetee7]

Out on the nursery run in the undercover cop car troller

[peetee7]

Great time at Santa Pod on Saturday – was scorching hot! Very glad I went a day before the BMW Show as I had the opportunity to line up against some very interesting cars and not just BMW's. My car wasn’t running anywhere near the best time I’ve had of 12.55 but a 12.81 was all I could manage at the famous drag strip. I joined a live stream to catch some of the Sunday BMW Show drag strip action – noticed a Tanzanite Blue G31 340i Touring only managed a 12.91 after several 13+ second runs …

Ready to square off against Ariel Atom




Run against an alleged “700” horsepower XKR. XKR managed to run past just before the finish line. We set off the exact same time





I'm very excited for the Stage 2 tune now.

[peetee7]

Had a go at a top speed run on a private runway with friends to test out the top end of the 35d. The speedo stopped at 160 whilst the Head Up Display stopped reading past 162. The car however felt like it was still pulling and I was slowly reeling in on a friends M4 whilst he was sat on the 167 limiter. I had one passenger on board.

I’d estimate an honest 170mph before I had to slam the anchors. Quite unfortunate I left my Dragy (GPS speed recorder device) at home – would’ve been nice to see what the GPS speed reading was.

[sortedcossie]

Certainly achieves some impressive numbers

[peetee7]

It’s been 4 months since the car has been washed, thought I better give it a quick clean as I had the morning to myself. 2 bucket method always. The wheels are showing some signs of corrosion – will wait for the winter wheels to go on this winter before I send them off for a refurb. Certainty won’t be going for a diamond cut finish – more than likely a powder coat finish in black .. lets see.

I must say Tanzanite does look good when clean. The Santa Pod race number was baked on the rear glass after the recent heat. Took some scrubbing that did.

Even though the car is ticking all boxes so far I do suffer from a medical condition where I find myself unnecessarily looking at potential replacements. Alpina D3/B3/D5/B5 estates and the C7 RS6 Performance.

[SlowStig]

peetee7 said:

Had a go at a top speed run on a private runway with friends to test out the top end of the 35d. The speedo stopped at 160 whilst the Head Up Display stopped reading past 162. The car however felt like it was still pulling and I was slowly reeling in on a friends M4 whilst he was sat on the 167 limiter. I had one passenger on board.

I’d estimate an honest 170mph before I had to slam the anchors. Quite unfortunate I left my Dragy (GPS speed recorder device) at home – would’ve been nice to see what the GPS speed reading was.

That's bloody impressive for what's effectively a diesel family estate!

I had a look at the gearbox mapping info and did some research, I have only ever had manuals so never realised how much you can do with an auto box until finding out about yours. Don't think its for me though, I have only had mine 6 months and although it is an excellent all round car, I find its very clinically boring to drive and the xdrive suspension doesn't encourage confidence.

[s70rmp]

If you not got confidence in suspension seriously look at the ACS spring kit transforms the car and you’ll have a lot more confidence

[jagfan2]

SlowStig said:

I have only had mine 6 months and although it is an excellent all round car, I find its very clinically boring to drive and the xdrive suspension doesn't encourage confidence.

Post 2015 LCI supposed to be better, and adaptive suspension definitely helps, as does ditching the runflats (loses some precision, but lot less sensitive to bumps and so much smoother and quieter the rest of the time). Im happy with mine, though do occasionally think about doing the springs, but then remember it spends 80% of its time on boring commutes or 4 up with family, so its not really worth it

[peetee7]

SlowStig said:

That's bloody impressive for what's effectively a diesel family estate!

I had a look at the gearbox mapping info and did some research, I have only ever had manuals so never realised how much you can do with an auto box until finding out about yours. Don't think its for me though, I have only had mine 6 months and although it is an excellent all round car, I find its very clinically boring to drive and the xdrive suspension doesn't encourage confidence.

Thanks 170mph tried and tested .. will certainly go a little faster.

I certainly recommend the ACS Springs - treat yourself. The car becomes far more composed.

[peetee7]

s70rmp said:

If you not got confidence in suspension seriously look at the ACS spring kit transforms the car and you’ll have a lot more confidence

I enquired with ACS about the price of dampers to compliment the spring kit which I already have. The dampers and adaptive suspension delete module cost £1777.21 delivered - price doesn't include fitting. Price is quite dear. Would love to hear from any owner who has got them to see if the cost is justified

[s70rmp]

I checked a while back with ACS for none adaptive but still very pricey but I'd just missed an offer to have them done cheaper if i already had the springs fitted. if the price include fitting I'd have snapped their hands off

[peetee7]

Great weather today. Had to run to the tip over lunch ... obligatory picture

[gudger12345]

What a great read.
I myself have an f11 535d Msport plus and its amazing, has all the factory options and is a great family wagon for towing mine and my friends track cars (EP3 destroyed its 2nd gear at croft) and also ferrying the family and dogs.

Very tempted to have mine mapped now as i have got it looking visually perfect (Eibach lowering springs, rear link bars, front lip, sunstrip, black kidney grilles, wheels refurbished in anthracite with PS4 fitted, Calipers painted, 15mm Front and 20mm rear spacers, rear carbon fibre lip and M2 wing mirror cover.

Could anyone recommended somewhere in the North East of England to have it Mapped.

Thanks

Some pictures

[peetee7]

gudger12345 said:

What a great read.
I myself have an f11 535d Msport plus and its amazing, has all the factory options and is a great family wagon for towing mine and my friends track cars (EP3 destroyed its 2nd gear at croft) and also ferrying the family and dogs.

Very tempted to have mine mapped now as i have got it looking visually perfect (Eibach lowering springs, rear link bars, front lip, sunstrip, black kidney grilles, wheels refurbished in anthracite with PS4 fitted, Calipers painted, 15mm Front and 20mm rear spacers, rear carbon fibre lip and M2 wing mirror cover.

Could anyone recommended somewhere in the North East of England to have it Mapped.

Thanks

Some pictures

That is fantastic. Looks like a well used Touring matey .. love the pictures agree , looks pretty much spot on. I definitely recommend a remap, best to go with someone reputable. I can only recommend GKR or Unicorn Developments from the research I did but thats very far for you to travel. Maybe ask on the 35d Facebook forums ?

[peetee7]

Here's 1 year of ownership in pictures ......


56mpg when needed




Snowmobile when needed




Dragster when needed




Towing Donkey when needed




Off the clock 170mph + when needed




Most important job ... the discreet dependable family wagon

[ahenners]

Fantastic summary of ownership there and the broad range of talents this car has!