E91 Straight Six Bearding

[survivalist]

Not sure what to do with my 335i.

Needs a few bits doing (rear wiper has stopped working and has a few bodywork scuffs, wheels due a refurb although I have decent set of 17” winters as well).

On the plus side it’s had new springs and dampers as well as a battery this year and it’s high spec. Also has the quaife LSD fitted.

Main reason for changing is that I now also have a E92 M3 and as a result I only use the 335i for long trips. When I add up the cost of fuel, VED and BMW warranty, I worked out I could lease and run a Nissan Leaf for the same as the running costs if the 335i.

Man maths based on the above is that I’m now looking at a Golf R estate or Megane RS on a lease deal

Not sure what to do. I like the engine, but not a fan of the auto box and not sure I want to spend 2k to fix the wheels and bodywork.

What would you do if you fancied a change?

[Sir_Dave]

Id put XHP stage 3 on the autobox and revel in the fact it now feels like a ZF8

[survivalist]

Sir_Dave said:

Id put XHP stage 3 on the autobox and revel in the fact it now feels like a ZF8

I have thought about throwing some more money at it, but it's now 14 years old the list of stuff that needs doing is only likely to get longer. I really like the E90 platform, but have the M3 for that.

[JakeT]

I'd fix the bits that need fixing honestly. Stuff like the rear wiper is normally the spindle has seized. Worst case they're £90 new from BMW, or you can disassemble and lube them up yourself for some time only. I tend to find with my own cars, and with friends/family that want a change, is that if you let the small jobs mount up you then feel like it's time to change the car. I try and keep on top of the smaller bits just so it doesn't feel so much like an old car.

[spreadsheet monkey]

survivalist said:

Man maths based on the above is that I’m now looking at a Golf R estate or Megane RS on a lease deal

Not sure what to do. I like the engine, but not a fan of the auto box and not sure I want to spend 2k to fix the wheels and bodywork.

What would you do if you fancied a change?

Would the Golf or Megane be as satisfying to own, once the novelty has faded? Neither would be as nice on a long journey.

Agree with others - fix the bits that need fixing and hang on to what sounds like a nice 335i.

[survivalist]

spreadsheet monkey said:

survivalist said:

Man maths based on the above is that I’m now looking at a Golf R estate or Megane RS on a lease deal

Not sure what to do. I like the engine, but not a fan of the auto box and not sure I want to spend 2k to fix the wheels and bodywork.

What would you do if you fancied a change?

Would the Golf or Megane be as satisfying to own, once the novelty has faded? Neither would be as nice on a long journey.

Agree with others - fix the bits that need fixing and hang on to what sounds like a nice 335i.

I’m not sure to be honest. Haven’t owned a FWD car since 2003. Which is part of the curiosity I guess. Also, with proper engines seemingly on their death bed it might be time to try something new.

That’s said I see what you’re saying. The E90 was in some ways an end of an era for BMW.

[ferrisbueller]

What do you use the M3 for? If you want something different to soak up the miles then I wouldn't personally start with a Mégane RS as a daily.

[Swervin_Mervin]

I think you'd find a Golf fairly dull tbh. I don't know anyone that's had one that gets that excited about them. We have a Superb with the same engine albeit lower state of tune (272) and whilst it's undoubtedly impressive, it's not an involving drive at all. I wouldn't class my 330 as a car you'd buy for attacking B-roads, but it is a car that is enjoyable to press on in nonetheless as it's 1000% more involving - it's just one aspect of its great all-rounder nature.

[Swervin_Mervin]

Has anyone on here ever replaced their door seals etc?

I've noticed recently that it's starting to feel like an old car, and I think much of that is down to the increased dampness when compared to newer cars. I've got one of those bags of dessicant in the front that helps keep the windscreen and front windows clear, but all the rear windows are prone to condensation.

I'm guessing that whilst it wouldn't be difficult to replace door seals it's probably not cheap. And would you need to to window seals to really notice a difference?

[MajorMantra]

I haven't, but do you keep your aircon on all year round? This helps greatly with moisture and also keeps the system happy as the seals won't dry out.

[Swervin_Mervin]

I don't, largely because I have contacts amd the a/c dries my eyes out. I tend to use it in winter tbf to keep it all demisted but not in summer. It barely cools it in summer anyway

[MajorMantra]

My wife has the same problem with contacts but she hates repair bills more than the discomfort.

[JakeT]

I'd check for water leaks into the cabin. Stuff like blocked drains on the bottom of the doors, light rubbers and door rubbers if they look suspect too. I'm one of those A/C all year people so it's very rare that I get the car misted up, but when it's not actively raining I wouldn't expect the windows to be misting up.

[survivalist]

ferrisbueller said:

What do you use the M3 for? If you want something different to soak up the miles then I wouldn't personally start with a Mégane RS as a daily.

I bought the M3 as I love my Z4M coupe but now have 2 children. I like it (and love the engine) but still can’t bear to get rid of the Z4M so it’s ended up as an addition. Had a foreseen this I probably would have bought the saloon - that way it could have replaced the 335i as a family car at some point.

Reason for mentioning the Megan RS is that I’ve never owned a Renaultsport and it has 4 doors and an auto gra box option (Mrs S doesn’t want a manual).

It would also be sometjing different .Think having the M3 has made the 335i feel less special in the handling department and the DCT is much crisper than the auto box, which is to be expected.

[survivalist]

Swervin_Mervin said:

I think you'd find a Golf fairly dull tbh. I don't know anyone that's had one that gets that excited about them. We have a Superb with the same engine albeit lower state of tune (272) and whilst it's undoubtedly impressive, it's not an involving drive at all. I wouldn't class my 330 as a car you'd buy for attacking B-roads, but it is a car that is enjoyable to press on in nonetheless as it's 1000% more involving - it's just one aspect of its great all-rounder nature.

Are they really that bad? The press seem to rave about them. Last Golf I drove for a decent number of miles was the Mk5 GTI and that was indeed pretty dull, had hoped things had improved.

[Swervin_Mervin]

survivalist said:

Are they really that bad? The press seem to rave about them. Last Golf I drove for a decent number of miles was the Mk5 GTI and that was indeed pretty dull, had hoped things had improved.

I don't know personally as not driven one. But I've never been a huge fan of VAG chassis. But like I say everyone I know that's had one has only ever commented on how capable they are - they never sound enthused by the actual drive.

You hear far more enthusiasm for the M135/140i imo. The Meggy would be way more involving I reckon - I only owned French until I got the 330 (came from a 197) and they are usually fun. I got sick of the visits to the garage to be honest and that's why I thought I'd try the BM, but I've no idea on curremt build quality of the French stuff

Edited by Swervin_Mervin on Thursday 17th December 22:36

[Swervin_Mervin]

MajorMantra said:

My wife has the same problem with contacts but she hates repair bills more than the discomfort.

yeah it's not funny though when they start roving round your eye or feel like they're about to make a bid for freedom!

I'll check the drains but suspect it's just the seals aging. Happens to all cars eventually - it is over 14yo now.

[JakeT]

survivalist said:

Are they really that bad? The press seem to rave about them. Last Golf I drove for a decent number of miles was the Mk5 GTI and that was indeed pretty dull, had hoped things had improved.

I put a few thousand miles on a mates 2018 Audi S3 with him, and agree. Good car, fast, and easy to drive fast, but I didn't want to really own it.


Strangely nor did he, as he sold his today and has bought a 130i to replace it. I obviously had nothing to do with the replacement.

[ferrisbueller]

survivalist said:

ferrisbueller said:

What do you use the M3 for? If you want something different to soak up the miles then I wouldn't personally start with a Mégane RS as a daily.

I bought the M3 as I love my Z4M coupe but now have 2 children. I like it (and love the engine) but still can’t bear to get rid of the Z4M so it’s ended up as an addition. Had a foreseen this I probably would have bought the saloon - that way it could have replaced the 335i as a family car at some point.

Reason for mentioning the Megan RS is that I’ve never owned a Renaultsport and it has 4 doors and an auto gra box option (Mrs S doesn’t want a manual).

It would also be sometjing different .Think having the M3 has made the 335i feel less special in the handling department and the DCT is much crisper than the auto box, which is to be expected.

Sounds like you need an E90 M3 with DCT.

I've had various Renaultsport Clios and the Megane doesn't really appeal. If it's a year round daily drive/family car with a bit of pep you need then a Golf R is likely to be a better bet, especially if you get the estate.

[ATM]

ATM said:

2008
330i
Auto
62000 miles
Last owner 10 years
BMW Individual Vermillion Red
Genuine BMW Performance Carbon air intake
Genuine BMW Performance Exhaust

£7,499.00

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254669268825

Back up for sale but now at 8500.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224283065733