BMW F31 330D Touring
Discussion
New to me dog car, an early F31 330d Touring. Took ages to find a nice one that wasn't M Sport and didn't have the dreaded privacy glass. I also wanted a nice non-black interior colour and ideally sports seats, which is a slightly complicated ask as I didn't want an M Sport car. If you want non M Sport, no privacy glass and a non-black interior, you're looking at about one in 30 of these cars, at best!
Finally found this one owner car that came with a nicely bound history folder of every bill, all BMW main agent. Bought it over the phone within about two minutes of it going up on AT. Slightly annoying that the official service intervals are so long on these cars as this one had been serviced on the button by the official schedule, but I'd have preferred shorter intervals on the engine oil. Still, it's in ridiculously nice condition for a 100k mile car, inside and out. The light interior is so much nicer than all the black interior cars.
Drives beautifully. I noticed a slight front knock prior to purchase and happily that has turned out to be the usual steering rack bush, so not an expensive fix. Overall, a fabulous car for around £8k. The N57 engine is stellar, much nicer than the agricultural M57 in the earlier 330Ds, and the ZF8 is a great box obviously. The performance really is far beyond what you'd expect for what is the second rung diesel option in this chassis, and again a fairly major advance on the E9x 330D.
Chassis is impressive, too. This Luxury spec car drives a lot better than the M Sport cars, rides better and much more fun to fling down a good road. Steering is precise, though largely devoid of feel. You can absolutely dismantle a B road in this thing. No, it's not as fun as my flat-six fun car. But it's a lot closer than it has any right to be. Car currently has run flats, but they have loads of tread, so I'll have to wait a bit to swap them out. Still, it rides reasonably well.
I've driven a lot of stuff over the years, and this is right up there as one of the very best all-rounders I've experienced, at any price, when you factor in the combination of performance, civility, fun and fuel efficiency. Crazy good for the money. Heck, even the iDrive screen feels reasonably contemporary and the BMW Professional sound system is decent. I actually prefer the interior to the newer 3ers with the silly / OTT wrap-around screen.
I'd say if you're looking for weaknesses, there are two main candidates. The road noise is a bit more than I would prefer and the structure doesn't feel as rigid as I would like. Both of these aspects slightly cheapen the overall feel of the car. And both would be a fair bit better on, say, an F11 Touring. But the F11 isn't as fun to drive. And I don't need the extra space. There are always trade offs.
Anyway, this thing really is far better than it needs to be and has impressed me enough that I'll probably get the underside treated with a view to keeping it long term. The dog likes it a lot, too:
Speaking of long term, I have it booked in to have the ZF8 serviced. There's no record of it being done, which isn't a surprise as BMW views it as sealed for life. However, I'd be interested on views regarding this. I've read that once you're up at 100k, changing the box oil can actually cause problems. It currently functions correctly as far as I am aware and certainly has not thrown any codes in the 2k miles that I have owned it. So, what's the consensus on the wisdom of servicing the ZF8 for the first time at 100K miles?
That's a lovely motor; I'm a big fan of the F31
Had ours 3.5 years now; longest I've ever owned a car:
I've replied to your thread on BMW General; it's time to get your box serviced
I'd also recommend getting the belts & tensioners done (unless you've proof they were done) and the usual stuff (brakes, brake fluid, fuel filter, other filters, oil etc)
Had ours 3.5 years now; longest I've ever owned a car:
I've replied to your thread on BMW General; it's time to get your box serviced
I'd also recommend getting the belts & tensioners done (unless you've proof they were done) and the usual stuff (brakes, brake fluid, fuel filter, other filters, oil etc)I was thinking about doing the belt, though I took the engine cover off and on visual inspection it looks pretty fresh. Normally on the dog car I'd use a pattern part like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GATES-K236PK1700-Ribbed-V...
But this car is quite nice, so should I be using OEM from BMW? It's about £200 for belt and tensioner from BMW. I also read the crank pulley dampener can go, though again on visual inspection I can't see any wobble. Again, if I do change it, do I need to go to BMW for the part?
Brake fluid done recently and I had the engine oil and filter done shortly after purchase. So, assuming I go ahead with the box, then with the above it's just a question of whether I get the underside protected.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GATES-K236PK1700-Ribbed-V...
But this car is quite nice, so should I be using OEM from BMW? It's about £200 for belt and tensioner from BMW. I also read the crank pulley dampener can go, though again on visual inspection I can't see any wobble. Again, if I do change it, do I need to go to BMW for the part?
Brake fluid done recently and I had the engine oil and filter done shortly after purchase. So, assuming I go ahead with the box, then with the above it's just a question of whether I get the underside protected.
I have a nearly 10 year old F30 335d. I down sized the 19" to 18". I went from 19" Pirelli Pzero to 18" Goodyear EfficientGrips but now on Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3. All have been runflat and the Hankooks arre the best so far. I toyed with all season, but here in coastal NW Wales it never gets that cold, wet, but rarely below 3 deg C. The suspension is SE and that allows driving up a few rough tracks. I have not changed my ZF8 oil yet - maybe next year, its 70k miles now, annual mileage reducing nowadays, i give it a long trip once a month. I use Shell diesel, there is a cheap fuel station near me. I would suggest trying BP Ultimate diesel now and again. Although undeclared, the cetane level is reckoned to be higher, plus it burns a bit better. I put a tank ful in every 4 tanks or so. The autobox is great in comfort, sport, or manual mode. I sometimes use the manual mode on undulating twisting hills to have the engine braking - use the stick or the paddles.I still have the original battery. I keep to the extended services, much against the PHers grain. The only thing replaced has been the front headlamp level sensor link (front left axle). The ball joint seized and snapped the link tube. I would keep an eye on that. I got my car at 9 miles pre-reg on a very good discount. It was the F30 335d or the F31 330d the dealer had, I did not need a touring and quite like the sedan, of course it has the essential folding seats.
There are videos showing wobble on the N57 re diagnosing a worn dampener. That said, the fact that I can't see any wobble doesn't mean it certainly won't go!
I'll likely get it done fairly soon. But would be good to know if the pattern parts are OK or if I'll just be paying to be in the same situation where the thing might fail.
I'll likely get it done fairly soon. But would be good to know if the pattern parts are OK or if I'll just be paying to be in the same situation where the thing might fail.
housemouse said:
There are videos showing wobble on the N57 re diagnosing a worn dampener. That said, the fact that I can't see any wobble doesn't mean it certainly won't go!
I'll likely get it done fairly soon. But would be good to know if the pattern parts are OK or if I'll just be paying to be in the same situation where the thing might fail.
For reference I've installed a Febi Bilstein on my wifes car and have no complaints. The biggest issue we had was the belt snapped during the first heat wave and the belt on the B37 also does the water pump, that twinned with it being a 1 series without a temperature gauge meant a warning came up about engine temperature and reduced engine output until it cooled down.I'll likely get it done fairly soon. But would be good to know if the pattern parts are OK or if I'll just be paying to be in the same situation where the thing might fail.
Box has been serviced. Good news is that the oil that came out was said to be surprisingly clean and it's now definitely smoother shifting. Wasn't at all bad before, but very slick now. Bad news is that when I got the receipt it said "A/Market service kit".
I specifically used a certified ZF partner as listed on the ZF site and didn't think to insist / ask they use ZF oil. I don't know how important that is, but half the reason to do the service is peace of mind, which is somewhat undermined with aftermarket oil, and I was expecting ZF oil. I did immediately ask them to swap in the official oil when I spotted the error and they agreed to do so.
Then I realised that changing it again would be getting closer to a full flush, which is arguably more problematic on a box being done outside the recommended window, as a normal service only replaces about 65% of the oil. So doing the change, circulating the new oil, effectively, and then doing it again would constitute more of a flush. On balance, it was hardly obvious that was a better idea, so I left it. They volunteered to take some money off as they agreed they should have flagged that they were using an aftermarket service kit. So I guess there's that!
I'll probably get it serviced again a bit early if i get that far with the car.
I specifically used a certified ZF partner as listed on the ZF site and didn't think to insist / ask they use ZF oil. I don't know how important that is, but half the reason to do the service is peace of mind, which is somewhat undermined with aftermarket oil, and I was expecting ZF oil. I did immediately ask them to swap in the official oil when I spotted the error and they agreed to do so.
Then I realised that changing it again would be getting closer to a full flush, which is arguably more problematic on a box being done outside the recommended window, as a normal service only replaces about 65% of the oil. So doing the change, circulating the new oil, effectively, and then doing it again would constitute more of a flush. On balance, it was hardly obvious that was a better idea, so I left it. They volunteered to take some money off as they agreed they should have flagged that they were using an aftermarket service kit. So I guess there's that!
I'll probably get it serviced again a bit early if i get that far with the car.
I had an F31 330D M Sport Auto a few (!) years back when I was doing big miles. It was truly excellent. Plenty of get up and go, and actually surprisingly decent comfort over distance.
I still to this day regret selling it for the F25 X3 35D - which I bought new - that I replaced it with.
I still to this day regret selling it for the F25 X3 35D - which I bought new - that I replaced it with.
Yeah, they’re very good. Don’t want to overstate the case. It’s not a 964 RS and an S Class in one car. But there’s some proper driver’s car in the driving position, chassis and steering accuracy etc and the performance level is really very high in context. It’s actually reasonably fun to pedal hard.
I think road / wind noise is a weak point, especially versus the class up, but still pretty relaxing on a long drive.
I’d also say that it goes against the grain of moderns being cheap s
t. Ok, the body doesn’t feel that rigid. But this thing has held up really well at 13/14 years old and 100k miles.
It’s also in the sweet spot for tech. Has all the buttons but also a nice high res drive screen, and the bits I personally want - Bluetooth, heated seats, good headlights, power tailgate, cruise (ok, it’s dumb cruise, smart cryise would be nice). Even has an electric fold out tow hitch to use as a parking shield!
It’s an above average example, for sure, but it feels tight and fresh now with the steering rack knock sorted, looks barely used inside and out bar one touch point on the driver’s door.
I think road / wind noise is a weak point, especially versus the class up, but still pretty relaxing on a long drive.
I’d also say that it goes against the grain of moderns being cheap s
t. Ok, the body doesn’t feel that rigid. But this thing has held up really well at 13/14 years old and 100k miles.It’s also in the sweet spot for tech. Has all the buttons but also a nice high res drive screen, and the bits I personally want - Bluetooth, heated seats, good headlights, power tailgate, cruise (ok, it’s dumb cruise, smart cryise would be nice). Even has an electric fold out tow hitch to use as a parking shield!
It’s an above average example, for sure, but it feels tight and fresh now with the steering rack knock sorted, looks barely used inside and out bar one touch point on the driver’s door.
housemouse said:
I was thinking about doing the belt, though I took the engine cover off and on visual inspection it looks pretty fresh. Normally on the dog car I'd use a pattern part like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GATES-K236PK1700-Ribbed-V...
But this car is quite nice, so should I be using OEM from BMW? It's about £200 for belt and tensioner from BMW. I also read the crank pulley dampener can go, though again on visual inspection I can't see any wobble. Again, if I do change it, do I need to go to BMW for the part?
Brake fluid done recently and I had the engine oil and filter done shortly after purchase. So, assuming I go ahead with the box, then with the above it's just a question of whether I get the underside protected.
Gates are excellent quality OE Manufacturer. I would not waste money buying from BMW apart from a few parts. https://www.amazon.co.uk/GATES-K236PK1700-Ribbed-V...
But this car is quite nice, so should I be using OEM from BMW? It's about £200 for belt and tensioner from BMW. I also read the crank pulley dampener can go, though again on visual inspection I can't see any wobble. Again, if I do change it, do I need to go to BMW for the part?
Brake fluid done recently and I had the engine oil and filter done shortly after purchase. So, assuming I go ahead with the box, then with the above it's just a question of whether I get the underside protected.
Luxury/Modern/Sport is where it is at
Yeah, it was regged 1st of Jan 2013. Mad that the earliest F31s are coming up on 15 years old.
Imagine if you'd bought a 15 year old 100,000 mile car 20 years ago. That would have been an absolute PoS. Incredible how good this car is for its age. Right now has to be the best time ever to be buying used cars. Still lots of cars with nice engines and a modern, capable vibe but with proper buttons, nice actual dials etc to be had for peanuts.
Of course, you can't buy a 330D new now, and everything new has idiotic screens, no buttons, annoying driver "aids" and so on. So, 10 years from now it will be getting pretty grim. Enjoy it while you can!
Imagine if you'd bought a 15 year old 100,000 mile car 20 years ago. That would have been an absolute PoS. Incredible how good this car is for its age. Right now has to be the best time ever to be buying used cars. Still lots of cars with nice engines and a modern, capable vibe but with proper buttons, nice actual dials etc to be had for peanuts.
Of course, you can't buy a 330D new now, and everything new has idiotic screens, no buttons, annoying driver "aids" and so on. So, 10 years from now it will be getting pretty grim. Enjoy it while you can!
Edited by housemouse on Thursday 13th August 10:50
That's a lovely colour combination - like you I really don't like black! 
I bought my 14 year old manual E90 330iSE on 107K miles in 2019. It's Sparkling Graphite (at least not black) with beige. Like you I'm also not a fan of the new models with huge screens and no buttons.
Enjoy teenage BMW ownership!
I bought my 14 year old manual E90 330iSE on 107K miles in 2019. It's Sparkling Graphite (at least not black) with beige. Like you I'm also not a fan of the new models with huge screens and no buttons.
Enjoy teenage BMW ownership!
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