Another silver BMW - 2005 330i Touring

[Alfred Pina]

That was a great read. Love the N52 engine, it's an absolute peach. I currently have a 130i and an Alpina D3 BT touring but I think both will be sold in the coming months. Considering a 330i to replace the 130i.

Is an LSD on the upgrades list for you? I run a racing diffs insert in the 1er, but if I buy a 330i, I will probably go the whole hog and buy a proper unit.

[JakeT]

Alfred Pina said:

That was a great read. Love the N52 engine, it's an absolute peach. I currently have a 130i and an Alpina D3 BT touring but I think both will be sold in the coming months. Considering a 330i to replace the 130i.

Is an LSD on the upgrades list for you? I run a racing diffs insert in the 1er, but if I buy a 330i, I will probably go the whole hog and buy a proper unit.

I do like a D3BT, but the N47-ness would put me off. Otherwise, they're grand.

I am not feeling the need for an LSD yet. That may change, but I never worry about traction with this car. The Birds suspension and the normal tyres help that out. The only time I really get DSC cutting in during 'normal' driving is if I'm a beast with quick 1-2 changes and overwhelm the rear tyres.

RiccardoG said:

Agreed! We have the 3.0 N53 variant and, considering its supposed to have 220bhp, one does have to ask where they have all gone to, exactly. Feels more like 180bhp... even when compared to our E39 with the 3.0 M54 engine and 240bhp in a 1800kg car. Mind you, the N53 does sounds lovely and is very smooth, so its still a very pleasant drive, yet "relaxed".

On the reliability side BMW changed under a recall campaign the HPFP and some injectors, since then its been spot on. General consensus seems that the initial issues on the N53 have been long resolved and were mostly related to dodgy production runs, no?

PS: Sorry for thread hijack!

No worries about it. The N53 has generally had it's foibles sorted by now. However, they're a really complex engine. They have a Lean NOx trap, and the DI bobbins that normally goes wrong. Injectors are okay now, as is the HPFP. They do still fail though, and the parts cost is a lot. It's no real bother to change the injectors, a couple of hours work. I would own an N53 powered car if the right one came up. They're fantastic on fuel (much better than an N52), with the only trade off being a bit of a tractor noise at idle. The 325i will feel a little lethargic, BMW strangled them a bit. A Manifold swap and remap will put them at the full 270BHP that a '30i' one makes.

[Mr Tidy]

JakeT said:

No worries about it. The N53 has generally had it's foibles sorted by now. However, they're a really complex engine. They have a Lean NOx trap, and the DI bobbins that normally goes wrong. Injectors are okay now, as is the HPFP. They do still fail though, and the parts cost is a lot. It's no real bother to change the injectors, a couple of hours work. I would own an N53 powered car if the right one came up. They're fantastic on fuel (much better than an N52), with the only trade off being a bit of a tractor noise at idle. The 325i will feel a little lethargic, BMW strangled them a bit. A Manifold swap and remap will put them at the full 270BHP that a '30i' one makes.

"Complex" seemed to equate to "expensive" to me, which is why I have stuck to N52s so far (currently on number 4)!

How much fuel can you use in an N52 to cover the cost of "DI bobbins", injectors, HPFPs, etc.?

[JakeT]

It’s horses for courses. These cars are at an age where they can be expensive to run no matter which engine. A nice N53 model would be preferable to me over iffy N52 now.

[Court_S]

I'm currently very temped to swap my M140i for something a bit older / cheaper given how much I don't use my car.

There are a couple of tourings that have caught my eye - not call that cheap given the spec too. Might go down the route of a coupe because there is a bigger choice. Trouble is before I know it, I'm wondering if I'm brave enough for a 335!

[helix402]

Court_S said:

I'm currently very temped to swap my M140i for something a bit older / cheaper given how much I don't use my car.

There are a couple of tourings that have caught my eye - not call that cheap given the spec too. Might go down the route of a coupe because there is a bigger choice. Trouble is before I know it, I'm wondering if I'm brave enough for a 335!

Do it.

[JakeT]

Court_S said:

I'm currently very temped to swap my M140i for something a bit older / cheaper given how much I don't use my car.

There are a couple of tourings that have caught my eye - not call that cheap given the spec too. Might go down the route of a coupe because there is a bigger choice. Trouble is before I know it, I'm wondering if I'm brave enough for a 335!

Agreed. Do it! I’d have a touring (I’m biased) but I think they’re a great do all car. A 335i would be mega, if you’re willing to work on it. They’re much more expensive than other E91s, mind!

[Court_S]

JakeT said:

Agreed. Do it! I’d have a touring (I’m biased) but I think they’re a great do all car. A 335i would be mega, if you’re willing to work on it. They’re much more expensive than other E91s, mind!

335i tourings are like rocking horse poo. Found a nice (late) 335i but it’s string money and might not be all that cheap in the scheme of things but it dies have an N55 which seem less needy and is a manual too.

Coupes are more common and seem to be better spec’d (I’d like to avoid halogens because they’re st).

[JakeT]

I understand that, as someone with halogens. I was spoiled by my E46s with Bi-xenons. I got used to them again, but it's nowhere near as good.

[JakeT]

Today has been service day and it was (sort of) a success, and sort of a failure too.

The good lady was kind enough to let me use her workshop today (she runs a Land Rover specialist) so I had a lift to use to get things done. The plan was to to the following:

• Oil and filter
• Microfilter
• Renew Oil cooler gasket
• Renew VANOS solenoids
• Renew droplinks
• Renew front anti-roll bar bushes

Most of the above went to plan nicely. I bought some new (expensive) bits from BMW, and even full forum tosser and took a picture of them.



and then whipped a couple of covers off, and did some cleaning to remove the oil cooler.



Oil cooler then came off, and I noticed that the bolts didn't look too nice. Cleaned them up and started to pray that they would torque up nicely (You can see where this is going, can't you?)

Assistant was pleased at this picture while she held it to avoid coolant leakage

Things were cleaned up, new gasket added, and then tightened up. The bottom bolt went up nicely, but the top two hadn't. When the last change of these seals had been done, someone did something wrong and goofed it. They would tighten up just about, but not to the paltry 25Nm BMW specifies for them. I did do the other bits, and checked that it didn't leak (it doesn't- yet).

New droplinks


New ARB Bushes


All of the other bits too, of which I did not take pictures. I then drove home, gingerly and took another look at the oil cooler.


Just about okay...


Most definitely NOT okay. Not leaking though!

Now, looking at this, I called BMW and paid a lovely £19 for three new bolts as BMW describe them as 'self tapping', and hope that they go in and torque up okay. I am not so sure, however.

This leaves me with three scenarios.

A. Fit new bolts. They torque up okay. Everyone wins.

B. Fit new bolts. They do not torque up. Buy new (used) oil filter housing. Replace seals (AGAIN) and hope the block threads aren't damaged from whomever did the previous oil filter housing gasket. Everyone wins (Sort of)

C. I did notice (pictures below) that these are not blind holes in the oil filter housing. As a 'temporary' solution, I might nut and bolt these top ones, as the bottom one has done up okay. Everyone wins, bar Klaus. The BMW engineer that designed it this way for a very specific reason.

Pictures of said holes...




For now, the car is sat. I am off to get pissed in a field with some mates, and if I am compis mentis tomorrow, then I will nip to halfords for some M7x40 bolts and nuts to see if I can effect a temporary repair. It's a bit Motorsport, but means I don't need to do too much swearing for a while.

Old cars, always a surprise.

[Court_S]

That’s a pisser about the bolts. I need to tackle the cooler / filter gaskets on her 125 because they’re weeping a wee bit. It can wait a bit until before it goes in for a service.

I’m well into the joy of older cars with my valvetronic issues on my car.

[CB 987]

Hi Jake, sorry to hear about the bolt issues, I am sure the oil filter housing gasket was replaced by a previous owner and the work was carried out by quite a reputable specialist…. However that was probably 7 or 8 years ago now!

I am pretty sure it was never removed in my ownership.

It does seem to eat drop links, I think I had 3 pairs during my ownership, the last pair were genuine BMW.

Cheers.

[B'stard Child]

Excellent work - pisser about the cooler bolts but you've solved my issue regarding oil cooler cover fitment.

My 125i didn't come with one - I need three of those bolts with the ball head on top

I fixed my oil cooler cover with a blob of silicone

[JakeT]

Court_S said:

That’s a pisser about the bolts. I need to tackle the cooler / filter gaskets on her 125 because they’re weeping a wee bit. It can wait a bit until before it goes in for a service.

I’m well into the joy of older cars with my valvetronic issues on my car.

I'd leave them until they're bad. I could have waited to do mine, but decided to time it with a service. Not a great plan. Hope you get the Valvetronic issues sorted soon!

CB 987 said:

Hi Jake, sorry to hear about the bolt issues, I am sure the oil filter housing gasket was replaced by a previous owner and the work was carried out by quite a reputable specialist…. However that was probably 7 or 8 years ago now!

I am pretty sure it was never removed in my ownership.

It does seem to eat drop links, I think I had 3 pairs during my ownership, the last pair were genuine BMW.

Cheers.

No need to be sorry, Chris. You didn't over-tighten the bolts. As you said, it was done before you owned it, in 2012 at c.67,000 miles. The droplinks are a consumable it seems. Fortunately they're not TOO expensive. Hope your ALPINA is still giving good service.

B'stard Child said:

Excellent work - pisser about the cooler bolts but you've solved my issue regarding oil cooler cover fitment.

My 125i didn't come with one - I need three of those bolts with the ball head on top

I fixed my oil cooler cover with a blob of silicone

Glad this was of some help to someone, BC. I should have silliconed it up!

However, after a massive fry up to ward off the hangover this morning, it was decided I needed to do something about my predicament. Waiting for new bolts to be delivered to my nearest BMW dealership was just too much of a wait. I took the 'spare' car, and nipped off to Halfords to find some suitable bolts to make a 'temporary' repair.

Most importantly on a day like today, it has working air conditioning! 325ti doesn't see many miles now, but always saves the day when needed.


Once I returned from Halfords, I started about what I needed to do. To keep the bottom bolt in and happy, and the various fluids where they should be, a big G clamp was used. My assistant from yesterday had gone out, and didn't want to help me in the blazing sunshine (don't blame her).


To get some purchase on the nut on the back site of the filter housing, the airbox had to come out.


The nut and bolt combo was then tightened up. I can't fit a washer between the nut and the filter housing, so the grinder may need to help me out there one day. There is a washer on the other side. Note the puddle of oil, this was from moving the car on the drive, to let the compact out.


Nut, bolt, and appropriate washers were added on the other side. The engine cover was just moved out of the way to facilitate this. Access was better on this side.


Then, it was all buttoned up. Also, I need to cancel the order with BMW for new bolts tomorrow morning. Plan A was definitely not going to work.


I nipped the fanbelt off too, to make sure any oil that had dripped on it was removed. Same with all of the pulleys. After some more cleaning, I went for a 45 minute drive to make sure the oil, coolant, and oil cooler were all at their operating temperature. Once home, I re-checked the area, and it looks like (fingers crossed) we're leak free so far. Touches various wood things nearby


I know it's not the most ideal method, but I am loathed to remove the filter housing to either add a helicoil, or to replace it as the block threads could have been weakened, too. If (probably when) the oil filter housing starts to leak, I'll cross that bridge then. For now, it will do. The little cover no longer fits, but the N53 doesn't come with a cover either.

[d_a_n1979]

JakeT said:

Court_S said:

That’s a pisser about the bolts. I need to tackle the cooler / filter gaskets on her 125 because they’re weeping a wee bit. It can wait a bit until before it goes in for a service.

I’m well into the joy of older cars with my valvetronic issues on my car.

I'd leave them until they're bad. I could have waited to do mine, but decided to time it with a service. Not a great plan. Hope you get the Valvetronic issues sorted soon!

CB 987 said:

Hi Jake, sorry to hear about the bolt issues, I am sure the oil filter housing gasket was replaced by a previous owner and the work was carried out by quite a reputable specialist…. However that was probably 7 or 8 years ago now!

I am pretty sure it was never removed in my ownership.

It does seem to eat drop links, I think I had 3 pairs during my ownership, the last pair were genuine BMW.

Cheers.

No need to be sorry, Chris. You didn't over-tighten the bolts. As you said, it was done before you owned it, in 2012 at c.67,000 miles. The droplinks are a consumable it seems. Fortunately they're not TOO expensive. Hope your ALPINA is still giving good service.

B'stard Child said:

Excellent work - pisser about the cooler bolts but you've solved my issue regarding oil cooler cover fitment.

My 125i didn't come with one - I need three of those bolts with the ball head on top

I fixed my oil cooler cover with a blob of silicone

Glad this was of some help to someone, BC. I should have silliconed it up!

However, after a massive fry up to ward off the hangover this morning, it was decided I needed to do something about my predicament. Waiting for new bolts to be delivered to my nearest BMW dealership was just too much of a wait. I took the 'spare' car, and nipped off to Halfords to find some suitable bolts to make a 'temporary' repair.

Most importantly on a day like today, it has working air conditioning! 325ti doesn't see many miles now, but always saves the day when needed.


Once I returned from Halfords, I started about what I needed to do. To keep the bottom bolt in and happy, and the various fluids where they should be, a big G clamp was used. My assistant from yesterday had gone out, and didn't want to help me in the blazing sunshine (don't blame her).


To get some purchase on the nut on the back site of the filter housing, the airbox had to come out.


The nut and bolt combo was then tightened up. I can't fit a washer between the nut and the filter housing, so the grinder may need to help me out there one day. There is a washer on the other side. Note the puddle of oil, this was from moving the car on the drive, to let the compact out.


Nut, bolt, and appropriate washers were added on the other side. The engine cover was just moved out of the way to facilitate this. Access was better on this side.


Then, it was all buttoned up. Also, I need to cancel the order with BMW for new bolts tomorrow morning. Plan A was definitely not going to work.


I nipped the fanbelt off too, to make sure any oil that had dripped on it was removed. Same with all of the pulleys. After some more cleaning, I went for a 45 minute drive to make sure the oil, coolant, and oil cooler were all at their operating temperature. Once home, I re-checked the area, and it looks like (fingers crossed) we're leak free so far. Touches various wood things nearby


I know it's not the most ideal method, but I am loathed to remove the filter housing to either add a helicoil, or to replace it as the block threads could have been weakened, too. If (probably when) the oil filter housing starts to leak, I'll cross that bridge then. For now, it will do. The little cover no longer fits, but the N53 doesn't come with a cover either.

A good job well done I'd say

Always nice to make these fixes yourself etc

[Gallons Per Mile]

Good job! You could double nut the side with no washer to lock it tight. No need for the grinder then

[B'stard Child]

JakeT said:

B'stard Child said:

Excellent work - pisser about the cooler bolts but you've solved my issue regarding oil cooler cover fitment.

My 125i didn't come with one - I need three of those bolts with the ball head on top

I fixed my oil cooler cover with a blob of silicone

Glad this was of some help to someone, BC. I should have silliconed it up!

Glad to return the favour - if your bolts don't have the ball head (and Mine don't) - blob of silicone inside the front face of the cover and the cover looks like it it fixed properly

[Court_S]

JakeT said:

Court_S said:

That’s a pisser about the bolts. I need to tackle the cooler / filter gaskets on her 125 because they’re weeping a wee bit. It can wait a bit until before it goes in for a service.

I’m well into the joy of older cars with my valvetronic issues on my car.

I'd leave them until they're bad. I could have waited to do mine, but decided to time it with a service. Not a great plan. Hope you get the Valvetronic issues sorted soon!

I’m in no rush to do the gaskets. The car doesn’t appear to be using any oil and it doesn’t look any worse. It’s missing the little black cover too.

Week tomorrow that my car is in for diagnostics. I’m hoping it’s not too major because it seems to be running ok other than a slightly rough idle. When I’m not feeling so lazy I’ll take the engine cover off to check the electrical con to the motor and sensor.

[helix402]

Court_S said:

I’m in no rush to do the gaskets. The car doesn’t appear to be using any oil and it doesn’t look any worse. It’s missing the little black cover too.

Week tomorrow that my car is in for diagnostics. I’m hoping it’s not too major because it seems to be running ok other than a slightly rough idle. When I’m not feeling so lazy I’ll take the engine cover off to check the electrical con to the motor and sensor.

If it’s like the 4 cylinder it’s probably the motor failing. They are easy to change.

[Court_S]

helix402 said:

If it’s like the 4 cylinder it’s probably the motor failing. They are easy to change.

That’s what I’m hoping for.

A bad sensor looks more of a pain to deal with. I’m hoping the warranty provider will cover the costs either way.