Dilemma - E90 325I and G30 540i

[Stu0302]

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:

1. OZ Racing wheels (staggered)
2. Bilstein B12 kit
3. Supersprint resonated cat back exhaust
4. BMW F30 340i Brembo brakes on the front
5. Dinan short shift kit
6. Alpine ILX head unit (android auto, apple play etc.)
7. M3 leather centre console
8. Hydro dipped carbon fibre interior trim finishers
9. M3 GTS arm rest style delete
10. Genuine M Performance handbrake handle / gaiter
11. Genuine 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 Friday 15th May 22:06

[chocolatefingers5000]

Heart vs head perhaps - do you need the money if you did sell the E90?

And if you don’t need the money and did sell it, do you imagine missing it?

[bmwmike]

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.

[Stu0302]

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.

[danb79]

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

[toon10]

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.

[Stu0302]

Thanks for the replies everyone - it's nice to get some different opinions.

I think ultimately - in 7-10 years - the 540i will be sold to make way for a newer daily (to feel more fresh, better tech., safety etc.). It's nice to have a car which I can modify, upgrade and put my own personal touches on - that's where the 330i comes in to its own. I'll happily remove the interior (plan to fit Recaro CS at some point), refresh parts and put it back together with different dash / door card finishers etc. - something I'd be less inclined to do with a £30,000 car.

I'll still do a couple of bits to the 540i (remap - does anyone have recommendations)? I also plan to fit the M Performance rear diffuser, gloss black kidney grilles (the only chrome part currently on the car - as it left the factory) and keep it maintained.

As you can see, the 330i has had a fair amount spent on it - good quality parts - and I'm never getting that back, so I'll enjoy it for myself as and when I feel. I have a garage which fits the car perfectly and dehumidifier, trickle charger etc., to keep it in good condition between use.

Edited by Stu0302 on Friday 15th May 10:18

[Pizzaeatingking]

I can't help with your dilemma but any pictures or readers cars thread of your car? Sounds lovely.