E91 Straight Six Bearding
Discussion
MajorMantra said:
Any recommendations for centre caps? I fitted ebay ones about 4 years ago and the blue is very faded now.
Are the OEM ones actually any better? (They're considerably more expensive obviously.) I did wonder if ebay ones plus a coat of lacquer or something would age more gracefully.
OEM every timeAre the OEM ones actually any better? (They're considerably more expensive obviously.) I did wonder if ebay ones plus a coat of lacquer or something would age more gracefully.
Coat them in Gtechniq C4 for that bit of added protection; but they don't wear/corrode/fade like the crappy aftermarket ones do IME
Get them from a dealer or one of the BMW dealers that sell via eBay; anything less than c£40 and they're fakes
MajorMantra said:
Any recommendations for centre caps? I fitted ebay ones about 4 years ago and the blue is very faded now.
Are the OEM ones actually any better? (They're considerably more expensive obviously.) I did wonder if ebay ones plus a coat of lacquer or something would age more gracefully.
OE ones all day; they fit better and last loads longer. I seem to stet two winters out of a set of eBay specials because they look shagged.Are the OEM ones actually any better? (They're considerably more expensive obviously.) I did wonder if ebay ones plus a coat of lacquer or something would age more gracefully.
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
Sounds like a fair price. A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
MajorMantra said:
You didn't specify the year but I agree that sounds about right in the current market unless it looks quite tired in the metal.
It’s a 2006 car.It looks nice in the flesh, I decent polish and detail will ace it looking well. He’s also got some facelift headlights that I’d want too to freshen they front end up.
Court_S said:
MajorMantra said:
You didn't specify the year but I agree that sounds about right in the current market unless it looks quite tired in the metal.
It’s a 2006 car.It looks nice in the flesh, I decent polish and detail will ace it looking well. He’s also got some facelift headlights that I’d want too to freshen they front end up.
Swervin_Mervin said:
You sure they'll fit - the bonnet changed slightly didn't it?
Apparently they do; they were on his pre LCI E90 before hand. Edited to add that the the LCI lights on the E90/1 are a straight swap having done some research online.
Edited by Court_S on Tuesday 25th April 14:06
d_a_n1979 said:
helix402 said:
RTPT said:
All cropping up now.. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204314615857
Wasn’t that for sale recently? It’s a lot of money given it’s on standard original suspension bar Eibach springs. Obviously a good colour!I's clearly been very well looked after and the N55 engined E91s rarely crop up. Later iDrive system too
The thing that stands out for me (that I'm not a fan of) are the audio system
I don't think that'll be around for long
Swervin_Mervin said:
b
ks! I wish I'd known that years ago. I always preferred the LCI headlights but from looking assumed they wouldn't fit.
I think the changes to the bonnet were the addition of the lines down the middle but the overall shape is the same so the lights can be swapped. ks! I wish I'd known that years ago. I always preferred the LCI headlights but from looking assumed they wouldn't fit.Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
Sam, to compare in 2019 I bought a silver one with some different options on 138k for £4950. The short diff will make it faster in gear (standard is 3:15), but it will lose some cruising legs.A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
If the condition and history is there which you say it is, I’d have a barter but not mind paying that price. As you say, facelift front headlamps are a straight swap. Mine has them, and darkline rear lights. But the rears only work on some colours to my eyes.
Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
That is a lovely colour combo Sam. A very rare car too with it being the manual. A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
cerb4.5lee said:
Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
That is a lovely colour combo Sam. A very rare car too with it being the manual. A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
helix402 said:
RTPT said:
All cropping up now.. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204314615857
Wasn’t that for sale recently? It’s a lot of money given it’s on standard original suspension bar Eibach springs. Obviously a good colour!That's very strong for a car that, for an enthuiast, would ideally need another couple of £k alone throwing at the chassis.
Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
It seems about right to me, not sure I’d be paying extra for the diff really but depends what you want out of it. A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
You know the N52 well - manual is something else less to worry about unless the clutch goes but then they’re not mega money.
Suspension refresh and it should be fairly sorted.
Also LCI headlights definitely do fit - the difference is the bumper and bonnet, they have to be changed as a pair or the grilles don’t fit. Next on my hit list that is so like you I’ve done the research
JakeT said:
Sam, to compare in 2019 I bought a silver one with some different options on 138k for £4950. The short diff will make it faster in gear (standard is 3:15), but it will lose some cruising legs.
If the condition and history is there which you say it is, I’d have a barter but not mind paying that price. As you say, facelift front headlamps are a straight swap. Mine has them, and darkline rear lights. But the rears only work on some colours to my eyes.
Cheers, if I can get a a few hundred quid off, I think I’ll be happy.If the condition and history is there which you say it is, I’d have a barter but not mind paying that price. As you say, facelift front headlamps are a straight swap. Mine has them, and darkline rear lights. But the rears only work on some colours to my eyes.
Given what it’ll be used for, I’m not interested in the diff really.
cerb4.5lee said:
That is a lovely colour combo Sam. A very rare car too with it being the manual.
It’s the same colour combo as our old E90 was (and similarly poverty spec).ATM said:
I've met the seller - I think its the same guy. He seems pretty straight to me. He mentioned to me he was selling this but I thought the pricing a bit punchy but I'd want the LSD on the car. Obviously there is manual tax added and I'm not sure I really see the value in manual personally so for me its maybe not a good fit.
He seems like a sound enough guy; pricing with the diff is punchy but it’s hard to value them because there aren’t many for sale at the mo. There are a couple of absolute dogs for £3/4K, one low mileage car for £8k and that’s about it. I prefer a manual with the N52 and hopefully it’ll be less juicy than our old auto 330 was.nipsips said:
It seems about right to me, not sure I’d be paying extra for the diff really but depends what you want out of it.
You know the N52 well - manual is something else less to worry about unless the clutch goes but then they’re not mega money.
Suspension refresh and it should be fairly sorted.
Also LCI headlights definitely do fit - the difference is the bumper and bonnet, they have to be changed as a pair or the grilles don’t fit. Next on my hit list that is so like you I’ve done the research
Thanks. I don’t see the value in the diff either for what will be my wife’s daily and something for family trips etc. The extra space over our two cars is what I’m after.You know the N52 well - manual is something else less to worry about unless the clutch goes but then they’re not mega money.
Suspension refresh and it should be fairly sorted.
Also LCI headlights definitely do fit - the difference is the bumper and bonnet, they have to be changed as a pair or the grilles don’t fit. Next on my hit list that is so like you I’ve done the research
It’s had new rear springs / dampers fairly recently. It’ll be the fronts and arms etc that’ll need doing. I’m under strict instructions not to lower it….
the subframe has been replaced and I’ve got the rest of the bushes that I bought for my 130i and never fitted so it could get a pretty comprehensive overhaul.
Court_S said:
I just wanted to gauge what peoples views on values for a 330i touring are…
A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
As you are aware I had an N52 330i manual touring for a few years and it was more or less faultless in that time. Despite what many say about the N/A engines being "gutless" unless you wind them up, I never found it particularly wanting and in many ways it's a more rewarding drive on the open road than the 335i with a much more linear and responsive throttle and an eagerness to rev that I find the standard 335i lacks. I did a few preventative maintenance items on mine, like the belt, rollers and tensioner and the "Mickey Mouse" coolant flange, and it felt like I could just drive it without worrying about it stranding me somewhere. You are familiar with the N54 imparting that fear of impending doom that you just don't get with the N52!A coupe and a cabriolet are a poor combo of cars for practicality. I ended that I’ve spent a bit on the 335i recently, that’s not going anywhere for a while yet so her 125i is most likely in the firing line. Plus she never puts the roof down, so the compromises of a cab are ridiculous. On this basis, it’s the one most likely to be sacrificed for something more sensible.
Being a BMW fanboy, a 3 series touring seems like the obvious choice. 330i tourings are like rocking horse poo, but a chap has one that’ll be for sale soon. Its Le Mans blue, lemon leather (my favourite combo), it’s a manual too, done 158k, has and recent work like the water pump, VANOS solenoids, Disa valves, plugs, coils and is on style 216 alloys. Spec is pretty basic other then front parking sensors and what looks like a built in dog guard. Condition is good for the age and mileage other than some solvent damage to the spoiler, lacquer peel on edge of the front bumper and a few light scratches. With a decent polish, I think it’d look pretty good.
It’s currently got a 3.64 ratio LSD on it, but I’m happy with the stock diff.
He’s asking £5.5k on the stock diff. Given the lack of other options out there I can’t tell it it’s high or about right.
It certainly drove ok last night.
Despite my 330i being very leggy it was mechanically solid and drove very well. I had no intention of selling it but the 335i that came up for sale was much better specced, and one of the main attractions was the oyster interior - probably not quite as nice as lemon, but much better than the black of my 330i. It had other niceties like adaptive xenons, electric and heated seats, front parking sensors, HiFi audio etc. And that was the real drawback of my 330i - other than leather and iDrive it was pretty much poverty spec.
It sounds like you've found a good one, as getting the right colour combo is hard on these cars (actually finding anything other than a black interior is hard!). Many of the other features can be retrofitted if you care enough and have the skills, which you clearly do. A well looked after E91 330i is a lovely thing, and I'd have no issues going back to one if for whatever reason the 335i doesn't work out!
The price sounds reasonable in the current market. For reference, I wasn't sure how to price mine when I sold it so popped it on eBay and let it find its own price. It went for over £3k in the end, which considering it was black on black, pretty basic spec and had over 200k miles on it shows that there is demand for them, so the price of yours sounds about right.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff