titan silver e90 330i m sport manual coupe
Discussion
2nd (or 3rd) time lucky 
Following on from this
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and this
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've picked myself up another BM.
A quick overview, the m3 had unrecorded rear end accident damage that Redish Motorsport in Bristol found along with floor cracking and a lot of service items that needed doing which equated to 'uneconomical to repair' that went back to the dealer.
I sold the Impreza last weekend to a chap in Portsmouth.
Now at this point I had arranged to catch a train to Middlesborough (!) and collect an e46 silver grey 330ci m sport coupe 6sp manual. Very nice guy selling it, 2 owners from new, full service history, great spec etc etc. After the burn I had with the m3 I wanted to get it checked out before any money changed hands. The seller graciously agreed to get the subframe checked out at his local bmw dealership prior to me travelling up. Aaaand yes - the subframe was cracked on that one also
is there an e46 out there that doesn't have a cracked subframe I wonder?
So unfortunately that discounted that one. I payed the guy for the inspection as I agreed it would be at my cost, I hope he's not too pissed.
So, I'd seen the 330i only 6 miles away from me and down the road from where I work. It was up for a good bit more than the e46 but I thought f
k it. Let's get it. I did all the relevant checks; thankfully subframe issues aren't a thing on the e90s. The dealer is very fussy about his stock and only sells cars with FSH, 1/2 owners and both keys present etc.. plus I didn't have to travel to the north of England to get it. Bonus.
I am over the moon with the car. It's beautiful. It's stunning, It's amazing. It's also pretty rare. This is the only 6sp manual coupe that I can (or could) find for sale in the country as of a few days ago, lots of autos, lots of saloons, but this is THE one. It's come with pretty much everything it should do, will get to that in a bit. Present with the purchase is the service book showing 8 dealer stamps and good wad of paperwork mostly from bmw. Both owners handbooks are present as are both keys. I'm the third owner.
I went along to Sytner in Cardiff today and obtained the specification details when the car was first ordered. A good bunch of options, it's not fully loaded but it has (highlights)
heated seats
USB/Aux interface
uprated HIFI system - Incerdible
folding mirrors
PDC
brake energy assist
black Dakotas leather
Xenon headlights
M sport suspension
Nav
It has the N53 later spec engine with 272hp. It goes very well but is extremely refined and quiet in the cabin. There was a small chip in the windscreen when at the dealership, not an MOT failure but it's been replaced so has a brand new screen.
It's nice to see that the car has been fitted with the OE Bridgestone Potenza s001s which are fantastic, a little too grippy in the rear! but very confidence inspiring. They're all brand new also.
The interior as with the exterior is in extremely good condition, there's not a mark on the interior and bar the odd small stone chip on the bonnet there's not a parking ding or scratch on the entire car.
I love it.
To reference the things that are missing. There's a small pouch under the centre arm rest, it looks like there's supposed to be something in there, anyone know? Also the tyre inflator kit is missing from the boot. Weird, I'm guessing they're not cheap either but will source another.
Plans are - enjoy it. It doesn't want for anything at the moment. There are no plans to lower, change wheels, fit induction kits; nothing. It's fantastic as it is. If it needs for anything relative so servicing/maintenance that'll get done but no 'modding' ala Impreza.
To drive it's nothing like the m3, that was an absolute hooligan. It was 100% angry all the time and just wanted to tear its rear tyres to bits and go sideway, which was epic, but this, although having plenty of power is more accessible at road speeds, I can use the rev range to make progress and be relatively confident it won't spin up 70mph and go backwards off a cliff.
I've given it a good wash today, not a full job as my jack is slightly too high to get under the car to jack up and take wheels off, I'll do that tomorrow. I haven't reconditioned the leather yet but again will do that tomorrow.
Bad points - 1
IT DOESN'T FIT IN MY GARAGE!
I'll have to pull my work bench apart to get it in a few more inches (giggidy)
from dirty (dirtiest bit on the whole car)
to clean
as I collected it
not touched the engine bay yet
Some pictures, mostly interior were taken before cleaning so it's looking better now but if you've followed any of my threads before we all know there will be plenty of 'clean' pics to come
Following on from this
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
and this
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
I've picked myself up another BM.
A quick overview, the m3 had unrecorded rear end accident damage that Redish Motorsport in Bristol found along with floor cracking and a lot of service items that needed doing which equated to 'uneconomical to repair' that went back to the dealer.
I sold the Impreza last weekend to a chap in Portsmouth.
Now at this point I had arranged to catch a train to Middlesborough (!) and collect an e46 silver grey 330ci m sport coupe 6sp manual. Very nice guy selling it, 2 owners from new, full service history, great spec etc etc. After the burn I had with the m3 I wanted to get it checked out before any money changed hands. The seller graciously agreed to get the subframe checked out at his local bmw dealership prior to me travelling up. Aaaand yes - the subframe was cracked on that one also
is there an e46 out there that doesn't have a cracked subframe I wonder?So unfortunately that discounted that one. I payed the guy for the inspection as I agreed it would be at my cost, I hope he's not too pissed.
So, I'd seen the 330i only 6 miles away from me and down the road from where I work. It was up for a good bit more than the e46 but I thought f
k it. Let's get it. I did all the relevant checks; thankfully subframe issues aren't a thing on the e90s. The dealer is very fussy about his stock and only sells cars with FSH, 1/2 owners and both keys present etc.. plus I didn't have to travel to the north of England to get it. Bonus.I am over the moon with the car. It's beautiful. It's stunning, It's amazing. It's also pretty rare. This is the only 6sp manual coupe that I can (or could) find for sale in the country as of a few days ago, lots of autos, lots of saloons, but this is THE one. It's come with pretty much everything it should do, will get to that in a bit. Present with the purchase is the service book showing 8 dealer stamps and good wad of paperwork mostly from bmw. Both owners handbooks are present as are both keys. I'm the third owner.
I went along to Sytner in Cardiff today and obtained the specification details when the car was first ordered. A good bunch of options, it's not fully loaded but it has (highlights)
heated seats
USB/Aux interface
uprated HIFI system - Incerdible
folding mirrors
PDC
brake energy assist
black Dakotas leather
Xenon headlights
M sport suspension
Nav
It has the N53 later spec engine with 272hp. It goes very well but is extremely refined and quiet in the cabin. There was a small chip in the windscreen when at the dealership, not an MOT failure but it's been replaced so has a brand new screen.
It's nice to see that the car has been fitted with the OE Bridgestone Potenza s001s which are fantastic, a little too grippy in the rear! but very confidence inspiring. They're all brand new also.
The interior as with the exterior is in extremely good condition, there's not a mark on the interior and bar the odd small stone chip on the bonnet there's not a parking ding or scratch on the entire car.
I love it.
To reference the things that are missing. There's a small pouch under the centre arm rest, it looks like there's supposed to be something in there, anyone know? Also the tyre inflator kit is missing from the boot. Weird, I'm guessing they're not cheap either but will source another.
Plans are - enjoy it. It doesn't want for anything at the moment. There are no plans to lower, change wheels, fit induction kits; nothing. It's fantastic as it is. If it needs for anything relative so servicing/maintenance that'll get done but no 'modding' ala Impreza.
To drive it's nothing like the m3, that was an absolute hooligan. It was 100% angry all the time and just wanted to tear its rear tyres to bits and go sideway, which was epic, but this, although having plenty of power is more accessible at road speeds, I can use the rev range to make progress and be relatively confident it won't spin up 70mph and go backwards off a cliff.
I've given it a good wash today, not a full job as my jack is slightly too high to get under the car to jack up and take wheels off, I'll do that tomorrow. I haven't reconditioned the leather yet but again will do that tomorrow.
Bad points - 1
IT DOESN'T FIT IN MY GARAGE!
I'll have to pull my work bench apart to get it in a few more inches (giggidy)
from dirty (dirtiest bit on the whole car)
to clean
as I collected it
not touched the engine bay yet
Some pictures, mostly interior were taken before cleaning so it's looking better now but if you've followed any of my threads before we all know there will be plenty of 'clean' pics to come
I've got an E92 325i manual with the older engine in the same colour - mine is an SE, but I retrofitted M-sport seats and it cam with 19s. I change my cars way too often, but at about 18 months I've only just started looking, and only because I have 3 kids, so really need a car we can all fit in as a backup!
Thing is I'm struggling to think of a replacement that does everything an E92 does - IMO it's one of the best looking recent cars.
I would suggest changing the tyres to non-runflat as it seriously improves the ride, but having to buy a spacesaver with no proper home or rely on that can of foamy stuff can be a pain.
A couple of upgraded I also did and worth considering - get a shorter gear knob (Mine was the horrible SE one) this improves the feel.
Also, get LED lights for the angel eyes - changes them from yellow to white - looks much better.
Oh, and get the Carly app and a Bluetooth (android) or Wifi (iphone) dongle.
If the ABS pump goes, which is a very common fault, DO NOT go to BMW, get it repaired by ECUtesting.com
Oh, and finally if your seatbelt assistant doesn't work, you can iron the seatbelt with starch to get it working again!
Everything you could possibly need to know is on www.e90post.com - there is a Uk specific section - everyone is very helpful
Thing is I'm struggling to think of a replacement that does everything an E92 does - IMO it's one of the best looking recent cars.
I would suggest changing the tyres to non-runflat as it seriously improves the ride, but having to buy a spacesaver with no proper home or rely on that can of foamy stuff can be a pain.
A couple of upgraded I also did and worth considering - get a shorter gear knob (Mine was the horrible SE one) this improves the feel.
Also, get LED lights for the angel eyes - changes them from yellow to white - looks much better.
Oh, and get the Carly app and a Bluetooth (android) or Wifi (iphone) dongle.
If the ABS pump goes, which is a very common fault, DO NOT go to BMW, get it repaired by ECUtesting.com
Oh, and finally if your seatbelt assistant doesn't work, you can iron the seatbelt with starch to get it working again!
Everything you could possibly need to know is on www.e90post.com - there is a Uk specific section - everyone is very helpful
Edited by Emeye on Saturday 19th December 00:19
dunny83 said:
Really nice mate, I had a 335i in the same sort of spec and shape. Best car I've ever owned but moved it on when the warranty finished cos I bottled it worrying about turbos failing etc. I think a 330 is the best of both worlds, silky power and n/a reliability
Yea i do think the 330 is best of both. Goes really well and less to worry about. I hear the 335i makes great power but to me a performance bmw has to be n/aem177 said:
Lovely car, being pedantic it's an E92 
I keep getting corrected on that by the boys too e90 seems to roll off my tongue better, maybe I'm steering away from sounding like a proper nerd/geek/dork 
Cheers Emeye. Loads of useful information there, thank you. I can't see me wanting to move on from this one either tbh, was doing an mpg run tonight and with the cruise set and the the radio on I cant think of many places that would be nicer to be.
Gearknob could be on the cards, it's the only thing in the cabin that's showing wear, typical bmw.
Carly app and wifi (iphone) dongle? At the moment I'm connecting my iphone via the aux cable which works well but the phone doesn't charge of course and it's a pain because it then lives under the centre arm rest. Is this Carly app thing a better solution? I'll go take a look..
Thanks Nick
well best mpg I achieved was 36.6 indicated. Happy with that, it did drop quite considerable when I took one of the boys out for a spirited jaunt. Good to know it can be frugal when I need it to be though.
LanceRS said:
Very nice, I love the interior. I hope this one works out for you.
cheers dude. Never been a fan of any sort of wood interior but I really do like the 'dark grey poplar wood' effect. I hope this one works out too! I have had enough drama in past weeks to last a life time. Well, a few months anyway.The CArly App is for diagnostic only - you want a bluetooth streaming/handsfree like this..... http://www.amazon.co.uk/AVANTEK-Bluetooth-Hands-Fr...
No idea if this one is any good - I spent two days swapping out the whole pro headunit and swapped it for a Pioneer Appradio with Apple Carplay and added a sub and amp and connects2 adapter to use the steering wheel buttons.
No idea if this one is any good - I spent two days swapping out the whole pro headunit and swapped it for a Pioneer Appradio with Apple Carplay and added a sub and amp and connects2 adapter to use the steering wheel buttons.
I like that. Rare in a manual.
I've just sold my 330i (albeit the n52) version and an estate.
A very complete car imho. Not amazing at anything but very good at lots of different things.
I used this for streaming audio from an iPhone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B018WYADV6/ref=mp...
Hope you enjoy the car.
I've just sold my 330i (albeit the n52) version and an estate.
A very complete car imho. Not amazing at anything but very good at lots of different things.
I used this for streaming audio from an iPhone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B018WYADV6/ref=mp...
Hope you enjoy the car.
Emeye said:
I've got an E92 325i manual with the older engine in the same colour - mine is an SE, but I retrofitted M-sport seats and it cam with 19s. I change my cars way too often, but at about 18 months I've only just started looking, and only because I have 3 kids, so really need a car we can all fit in as a backup!
Thing is I'm struggling to think of a replacement that does everything an E92 does - IMO it's one of the best looking recent cars.
I would suggest changing the tyres to non-runflat as it seriously improves the ride, but having to buy a spacesaver with no proper home or rely on that can of foamy stuff can be a pain.
A couple of upgraded I also did and worth considering - get a shorter gear knob (Mine was the horrible SE one) this improves the feel.
Also, get LED lights for the angel eyes - changes them from yellow to white - seriously improves the ride.
Oh, and get the Carly app and a Bluetooth (android) or Wifi (iphone) dongle.
If the ABS pump goes, which is a very common fault, DO NOT go to BMW, get it repaired by ECUtesting.com
Oh, and finally if your seatbelt assistant doesn't work, you can iron the seatbelt with starch to get it working again!
Everything you could possibly need to know is on www.e90post.com - there is a Uk specific section - everyone is very helpful
He already has the shorter gear knob. And lights cannot improve the ride, but led lights can improve the looks.Thing is I'm struggling to think of a replacement that does everything an E92 does - IMO it's one of the best looking recent cars.
I would suggest changing the tyres to non-runflat as it seriously improves the ride, but having to buy a spacesaver with no proper home or rely on that can of foamy stuff can be a pain.
A couple of upgraded I also did and worth considering - get a shorter gear knob (Mine was the horrible SE one) this improves the feel.
Also, get LED lights for the angel eyes - changes them from yellow to white - seriously improves the ride.
Oh, and get the Carly app and a Bluetooth (android) or Wifi (iphone) dongle.
If the ABS pump goes, which is a very common fault, DO NOT go to BMW, get it repaired by ECUtesting.com
Oh, and finally if your seatbelt assistant doesn't work, you can iron the seatbelt with starch to get it working again!
Everything you could possibly need to know is on www.e90post.com - there is a Uk specific section - everyone is very helpful
stewies_minion said:
I like that. Rare in a manual.
I've just sold my 330i (albeit the n52) version and an estate.
A very complete car imho. Not amazing at anything but very good at lots of different things.
I used this for streaming audio from an iPhone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B018WYADV6/ref=mp...
Hope you enjoy the car.
That's what I was thinking re the manual. I considered an auto for about 15 seconds but as this is technically my toy an auto wasn't going to do. Interesting my sisters OH has an F30? 330i auto with sport mode and paddles, SSG is it? which we went out in last night when I popped over. From the passenger seat jebus it felt quick (I'm a terrible passenger), same engine but with the auto it seemed to change instantly so all you have to do is keep your foot in. We swapped over and I had a quick drive, from the drivers seat it felt on par with the manual. It was very nice and the auto would be perfect for a France trip and something I may consider in the future but much prefer the manual given it's function. The gear change is also very direct with a short throw on this one which feels great.I've just sold my 330i (albeit the n52) version and an estate.
A very complete car imho. Not amazing at anything but very good at lots of different things.
I used this for streaming audio from an iPhone. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B018WYADV6/ref=mp...
Hope you enjoy the car.
I forgot to mention, when I popped down to Sytner yesterday I had a quick chat with the service dept and they confirmed the car had been recalled for coil packs and a software update. They couldn't give me paper confirmation due to a confidentiality agreement I believe, but more info nonetheless.
These bluetooth iPhone devices look like a good compromise that cost very little. I'll pick one of them up, thanks for the recommendations. I had a Pioneer Apple CarPlay double din in the Subaru for a short while which was excellent, so these will feel a bit more archaic but a good solution given the hardware.
15mm rear wheel spacers, hmmm
I got it up to 36.6 on a eco run the other night; 58mph on motorway. I'm averaging 27.6 as of today. I haven't been driving particularly economically or heavy footed and I've been stuck in quite a bit of traffic. It's no Prius but I think it's doing very well.
Reading up on an old Evo review last night I find it's got 50/50 weight distribution. Being conscious of that makes sense with it being so stable and well balanced through corners. It does feel like my mx-5 previous in some respects, sort of
Reading up on an old Evo review last night I find it's got 50/50 weight distribution. Being conscious of that makes sense with it being so stable and well balanced through corners. It does feel like my mx-5 previous in some respects, sort of
squareflops said:
I got it up to 36.6 on a eco run the other night; 58mph on motorway. I'm averaging 27.6 as of today. I haven't been driving particularly economically or heavy footed and I've been stuck in quite a bit of traffic. It's no Prius but I think it's doing very well.
Reading up on an old Evo review last night I find it's got 50/50 weight distribution. Being conscious of that makes sense with it being so stable and well balanced through corners. It does feel like my mx-5 previous in some respects, sort of
Not bad. My N52 averaged 31mpg, half urban London. Out of town, cruising at 90 leptons where possible. On the cruise at 70mph, it would do 33-35mpg. Reading up on an old Evo review last night I find it's got 50/50 weight distribution. Being conscious of that makes sense with it being so stable and well balanced through corners. It does feel like my mx-5 previous in some respects, sort of
Your's might be a bit coked up perhaps? Would be worth putting it on a dyno.
I'd be over the moon with those figures abarber, I've been looking into terraclean. There's a lot of threads/info calling bullocks on it but an overwhelming amount of positive feedback also. For £100 odd I think I'll have it done and see what happens, unless anyone has any horror stories.
Another clean today. Not really dirty but more to build up the layers of protection/wax ready for the winter, if we get one.
engine bay done, same pic as above for 'before'
jeez it's like spot the difference it wasn't really dirty to begin with..
I'm aiming to speak to Synter High Wycombe tomorrow to see if I can get any more info on any servicing/invoices that might be had. I do like to have as much information as possible and fattening for the folder of history can only be a good thing. Also, will be ordering 4 new M emblems for the wheels as ones missing.
I must say I'm really impressed with the audio. It sounds absolutely superb. I have tweeters on the doors, a tweeter and mid in the rear seat side panels, nothing on the rear shelf. It doesn't say business/professional on the HU but it does have subs under the drivers seats, anyone know what setup this is? I'm going with 'Hifi' from what I've read.
Another clean today. Not really dirty but more to build up the layers of protection/wax ready for the winter, if we get one.
engine bay done, same pic as above for 'before'
jeez it's like spot the difference
it wasn't really dirty to begin with..I'm aiming to speak to Synter High Wycombe tomorrow to see if I can get any more info on any servicing/invoices that might be had. I do like to have as much information as possible and fattening for the folder of history can only be a good thing. Also, will be ordering 4 new M emblems for the wheels as ones missing.
I must say I'm really impressed with the audio. It sounds absolutely superb. I have tweeters on the doors, a tweeter and mid in the rear seat side panels, nothing on the rear shelf. It doesn't say business/professional on the HU but it does have subs under the drivers seats, anyone know what setup this is? I'm going with 'Hifi' from what I've read.
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