Dilemma - E90 325I and G30 540i
Discussion
I have a bit of an unexpected dilemma. I recently purchased a BMW G30 540i Msport (pre-GPF model). This is meant to be the family daily and general long distance cruiser with a nice engine so I can also enjoy even the more mundane journeys.
I also have a modified BMW E90 LCI 325i Msport with a manual 6 speed box, Alcantara interior and finished in Japan Red - this is my project / toy. It's the one I take to Caffeine & Machine / BMW shows etc.
It has had a partial engine build - x 6 new index 11 injectors, HPFP, LPFP, all gaskets, oil filter housing, water pump etc. All parts used are genuine BMW and cost a fair amount to do.
I have also fitted a 330i dual stage intake (the LCI 325i is the same 3.0 engine as the 330i, but with a single stage intake and throttle mapped to 70% max), and a 330i map has been applied to unlock the engines full potential - approximately 268 hp and 235 lb-ft.
The car has also had the following modifications: OZ Racing wheels (staggered), Bilstein B12 kit, Supersprint resonated cat back exhaust, BMW F30 340i Brembo brakes on the front (discs and pads), Dinan short shift kit, Alpine ILX head unit (android auto, apple play etc.), M3 leather centre console, hydrodipped carbon fibre interior door and dashboard finishers, M3 GTS arm rest style delete, genuine M Performance handbrake handle / gaiter and M Performance gear shift and gaiter.
The issue I have is, the 540i is so good - especially the B58 paired up with the ZF 8 speed box, I'm finding I simply don't use the 330i. being a 540i Msport it will still be at home at C&M / BMW shows etc., and I'm also tempted to fit the genuine M Performance body kit too.
I am wondering whether it's simply worth locking the 330i away in the garage and forgetting about it - come back to it in the future - or whether I should move it on. Ultimately, only I will know the real answer, I am just interested in thoughts on what you would do in this situation. Is the 330i a good enough car to retain it's value at the least, or could it be worth only trade-in value in years to come?
I do enjoy driving the 330i sometimes, but after years of driving manuals, I'm loving the ZF auto., and in sport plus mode with paddles, it's great fun to get down the road - it sounds great being pre-GPF too. The N53 engine in the 330i is a great engine and has character, but it needs high revs. to make real progress in comparison to the midrange power and torque of the B58 - it also revs. out nicely considering it's forced induction characteristics.
I also have a modified BMW E90 LCI 325i Msport with a manual 6 speed box, Alcantara interior and finished in Japan Red - this is my project / toy. It's the one I take to Caffeine & Machine / BMW shows etc.
It has had a partial engine build - x 6 new index 11 injectors, HPFP, LPFP, all gaskets, oil filter housing, water pump etc. All parts used are genuine BMW and cost a fair amount to do.
I have also fitted a 330i dual stage intake (the LCI 325i is the same 3.0 engine as the 330i, but with a single stage intake and throttle mapped to 70% max), and a 330i map has been applied to unlock the engines full potential - approximately 268 hp and 235 lb-ft.
The car has also had the following modifications: OZ Racing wheels (staggered), Bilstein B12 kit, Supersprint resonated cat back exhaust, BMW F30 340i Brembo brakes on the front (discs and pads), Dinan short shift kit, Alpine ILX head unit (android auto, apple play etc.), M3 leather centre console, hydrodipped carbon fibre interior door and dashboard finishers, M3 GTS arm rest style delete, genuine M Performance handbrake handle / gaiter and M Performance gear shift and gaiter.
The issue I have is, the 540i is so good - especially the B58 paired up with the ZF 8 speed box, I'm finding I simply don't use the 330i. being a 540i Msport it will still be at home at C&M / BMW shows etc., and I'm also tempted to fit the genuine M Performance body kit too.
I am wondering whether it's simply worth locking the 330i away in the garage and forgetting about it - come back to it in the future - or whether I should move it on. Ultimately, only I will know the real answer, I am just interested in thoughts on what you would do in this situation. Is the 330i a good enough car to retain it's value at the least, or could it be worth only trade-in value in years to come?
I do enjoy driving the 330i sometimes, but after years of driving manuals, I'm loving the ZF auto., and in sport plus mode with paddles, it's great fun to get down the road - it sounds great being pre-GPF too. The N53 engine in the 330i is a great engine and has character, but it needs high revs. to make real progress in comparison to the midrange power and torque of the B58 - it also revs. out nicely considering it's forced induction characteristics.
Edited by Stu0302 on Thursday 14th May 10:31
If the n53 is running sweet at the moment i'd a) take a look at the current price and availability of injectors and b) sling it into autotrader (others are available) and get rid, personally.
Loved the N53 don't get me wrong, but they are £££ and not getting any cheaper to run, so the risk-reward is skewing. Hence why i sold mine, 3 years ago tbh.
Loved the N53 don't get me wrong, but they are £££ and not getting any cheaper to run, so the risk-reward is skewing. Hence why i sold mine, 3 years ago tbh.
I'm fortunate to be in a position where I'm not desperate for the money - certainly not needed to fund another car as I've already bought it.
I had a E30 325i Sport M-tech 1 back in 2003 and absolutely loved it - the E90 325i does remind me a bit of the E30 (more analogue feeling than the 540i), so there is some nostalgia. I'm not entirely sure I'd miss it - although, "sods law," means I'll want to own another if I sell up.
My concern, as rightly stated, is the price / availability of spare parts in the future - especially critical fuelling components such as injectors. However, the flip may occur, demand for them drops and prices do too. I'm also aware the manufacturer of injectors has stopped producing new assemblies and index 11s are mostly refurbished units.
If I had bought a G30 520i (B48 4 cylinder turbo), I wouldn't even be asking this question to be honest, as the 325i would give me my straight 6 fix. The B58 is simply so good in every aspect, the only thing I can really give advantage to the 325i is the manual box and slightly more engaging drive - which doesn't feel that important anymore.
I have a garage which the E90 fits in, so I suppose it's a case of locking it away on SORN and forgetting it. If I don't want to grab the keys and go for a drive after a few months or year - that does answer the question. It's just a case of whether it will appreciate enough to make it worthwhile keeping and selling in a few years.
I had a E30 325i Sport M-tech 1 back in 2003 and absolutely loved it - the E90 325i does remind me a bit of the E30 (more analogue feeling than the 540i), so there is some nostalgia. I'm not entirely sure I'd miss it - although, "sods law," means I'll want to own another if I sell up.
My concern, as rightly stated, is the price / availability of spare parts in the future - especially critical fuelling components such as injectors. However, the flip may occur, demand for them drops and prices do too. I'm also aware the manufacturer of injectors has stopped producing new assemblies and index 11s are mostly refurbished units.
If I had bought a G30 520i (B48 4 cylinder turbo), I wouldn't even be asking this question to be honest, as the 325i would give me my straight 6 fix. The B58 is simply so good in every aspect, the only thing I can really give advantage to the 325i is the manual box and slightly more engaging drive - which doesn't feel that important anymore.
I have a garage which the E90 fits in, so I suppose it's a case of locking it away on SORN and forgetting it. If I don't want to grab the keys and go for a drive after a few months or year - that does answer the question. It's just a case of whether it will appreciate enough to make it worthwhile keeping and selling in a few years.
Sell the E90 - it's clear that it's a great car, manual too, which will give it an advantage to sell
You've stated that the 540i does all you need, and as you said; the B58 is a superb engine
Stick with that now and enjoy it; bank the cash the E90 sells for and use that for maintenance of the 540i, and maybe some mods / remap
You've stated that the 540i does all you need, and as you said; the B58 is a superb engine
Stick with that now and enjoy it; bank the cash the E90 sells for and use that for maintenance of the 540i, and maybe some mods / remap
Nothing to help you with your dilemma but I just came to say that two of the cars I miss most from my past history are an E90 325i mSport in La Mans blue and a G30 540i xDrive mSport in Bluestone. The 540i is a wonderful do it all car but I do miss the simplicity and driving appeal of the E90. Mine was stock with the manual gearbox and it was a really satisfying car to drive.
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