BMW E92 330i M Sport Auto
Discussion
I’d definitely be taking it up with the council. I did a few years ago and they paid for a new wheel and tyre.
I was told be the man who came to assess the hole that they were insured for these things and that it was cheaper to pay out than resurface the road!
They did however fill it in the day after my initial call, fortunately I had already been back and taken a photo.
I was told be the man who came to assess the hole that they were insured for these things and that it was cheaper to pay out than resurface the road!
They did however fill it in the day after my initial call, fortunately I had already been back and taken a photo.
Regardless of being quite cold and very dark this evening my curiosity outweighed my want to stay indoors so I thought I'd take a look and see if I'd bent the wheel etc.
Working outside because I only have a single garage, PH's and their first world problems
So wheel off, wheel nuts were blood tight, typical air gun method of re-assembly by the garage who put the new front tyres on recently no doubt.
Pulled the Rover out to get to the tools and let her warm up
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
and onto the BMW
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Bump stop has seen better days, another vote for the Bilstein kit
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
phew, all good on the rear of the rim by the looks. I was half expecting to find a large dent/crack but think we may have got away with it. Still; a shame as it was a brand new tyre (albeit Accellera)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
So onto a quick visual inspection. I'm happy to be corrected but everything looks roughly as it should. I'm not going to be able to see small defects with the naked eye of course but good not to see banana'd bottoms arms etc (any more than they are from the factory anyway)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Looks fine to me. I've spoken to a local company with a Hunter machine so it will be 4 wheel aligned after the new tyres are fitted (assuming the front near side is in fact still circular, guess we'll know for sure when the balance it) to make sure everything is straight.
I thought I'd take a look at the rear too to try and determine the cause of the air loss.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Has been plugged in it's life
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
and pretty close to the wear bars
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Well I put some air in it and most curiously I heard air escaping on the back side of the wheel and saw this
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
The air was escaping from what looked like a scalpel incision a few inches along the bulging section of the tyre
I've never seen a failure like that. Pretty bug bulge in another section of the inner sidewall
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
These 19"s are brutal with such a small vertical profile.
I've ordered 4 Falken FK453 Azenis from Camskill which should be here in the next few days. Get those fitted and laser aligned then we'll know where we are, I'm hoping for nothing but good news but if anything needs replacing it'll get done; maybe even covered by the council, who knows.
Working outside because I only have a single garage, PH's and their first world problems
So wheel off, wheel nuts were blood tight, typical air gun method of re-assembly by the garage who put the new front tyres on recently no doubt. Pulled the Rover out to get to the tools and let her warm up
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrand onto the BMW
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrBump stop has seen better days, another vote for the Bilstein kit
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrphew, all good on the rear of the rim by the looks. I was half expecting to find a large dent/crack but think we may have got away with it. Still; a shame as it was a brand new tyre (albeit Accellera)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrSo onto a quick visual inspection. I'm happy to be corrected but everything looks roughly as it should. I'm not going to be able to see small defects with the naked eye of course but good not to see banana'd bottoms arms etc (any more than they are from the factory anyway)
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrLooks fine to me. I've spoken to a local company with a Hunter machine so it will be 4 wheel aligned after the new tyres are fitted (assuming the front near side is in fact still circular, guess we'll know for sure when the balance it) to make sure everything is straight.
I thought I'd take a look at the rear too to try and determine the cause of the air loss.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrHas been plugged in it's life
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrand pretty close to the wear bars
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrWell I put some air in it and most curiously I heard air escaping on the back side of the wheel and saw this
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThe air was escaping from what looked like a scalpel incision a few inches along the bulging section of the tyre
I've never seen a failure like that. Pretty bug bulge in another section of the inner sidewallUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThese 19"s are brutal with such a small vertical profile.
I've ordered 4 Falken FK453 Azenis from Camskill which should be here in the next few days. Get those fitted and laser aligned then we'll know where we are, I'm hoping for nothing but good news but if anything needs replacing it'll get done; maybe even covered by the council, who knows.
On a more positive note, my oe replacement wiper cover thingy arrived to replace the one that was dicky when I changed the wipers over
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
It's not all bad news
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrIt's not all bad news
Thank you Mark
TX1 - That's the thing with tyres, there's so much choice and recommendations (and quite the opposite) for the options at any price point. I ran Asymmetric 2s on a previous Impreza and really liked them. A friend who I actually sold my e46 M3 to put on Vredestein Vortis to replace the Falken shod 19's I sold the car to him with and said the Vortis were night and day better than the Azenis' I've just purchased for the 330. He's a competitive/very successful night event/stage rally competitor so I value his opinion. The Vortis were an option but again going from past experience and 'liking' the brand I opted for the Falkens; about £80 saving.
Tyres should be here next week, after the alignment is carried out I'll be re-booking with Redish for the inspection. I spoke to James (one of them) and he was understanding about the late(ish) cancellation and seemed genuinely concerned about my plight. Great company in the BMW niche.
It's kind of sad seeing the coupe sat on my drive dirty, with 2 flat tyres and looking generally dishevelled at the moment, my heart aches
TX1 - That's the thing with tyres, there's so much choice and recommendations (and quite the opposite) for the options at any price point. I ran Asymmetric 2s on a previous Impreza and really liked them. A friend who I actually sold my e46 M3 to put on Vredestein Vortis to replace the Falken shod 19's I sold the car to him with and said the Vortis were night and day better than the Azenis' I've just purchased for the 330. He's a competitive/very successful night event/stage rally competitor so I value his opinion. The Vortis were an option but again going from past experience and 'liking' the brand I opted for the Falkens; about £80 saving.
Tyres should be here next week, after the alignment is carried out I'll be re-booking with Redish for the inspection. I spoke to James (one of them
) and he was understanding about the late(ish) cancellation and seemed genuinely concerned about my plight. Great company in the BMW niche. It's kind of sad seeing the coupe sat on my drive dirty, with 2 flat tyres and looking generally dishevelled at the moment, my heart aches
(Rear) tyres have arrived
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Looks like the fronts are still in the Netherlands. Hopefully they'll arrive this week so will be fitted by the weekend.
30 profile is so skinny. I think I'll be rather paranoid about potholes etc especially given the state on the one rear I looked at and the damaged
inner sidewall.
I'm contemplating selling my Tudor Black Bay and putting some decent money in to the car with the aforementioned Bilsteins and ARB's. I'd love to bring this one up to a really good driving standard and have it just how I'd like it; and then probably sell it
The Rover needs attention too after all.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrLooks like the fronts are still in the Netherlands. Hopefully they'll arrive this week so will be fitted by the weekend.
30 profile is so skinny. I think I'll be rather paranoid about potholes etc especially given the state on the one rear I looked at and the damaged
inner sidewall.
I'm contemplating selling my Tudor Black Bay and putting some decent money in to the car with the aforementioned Bilsteins and ARB's. I'd love to bring this one up to a really good driving standard and have it just how I'd like it; and then probably sell it
The Rover needs attention too after all. squareflops said:
30 profile is so skinny. I think I'll be rather paranoid about potholes etc especially given the state on the one rear I looked at and the damaged
inner sidewall.
I'm contemplating selling my Tudor Black Bay and putting some decent money in to the car with the aforementioned Bilsteins and ARB's. I'd love to bring this one up to a really good driving standard and have it just how I'd like it; and then probably sell it The Rover needs attention too after all.
I had 18 inch MV2 style on my E46 330ci. Thought they looked great and rode well. Those 19's profile looks horrendous. Must be bone jarring and no wonder you tyres didn't last long, also surprised that the alloys didn't crack! Best invest you can make is to swtich to 18's with some preimum rubber. Never used falkans but they're mid range are they not?inner sidewall.
I'm contemplating selling my Tudor Black Bay and putting some decent money in to the car with the aforementioned Bilsteins and ARB's. I'd love to bring this one up to a really good driving standard and have it just how I'd like it; and then probably sell it
The Rover needs attention too after all. I'd say keep your watch and enjoy the car for the moment and save up. You may change your mind and regret selling the watch! Btw the black bays are lovely
I had the MV3s on my previous e92 and remember it riding well. I do really like the look of the 19s. I'll see how they go and take it from there. If tyres are getting damaged with the 19s I can see me changing to avoid further issues but these 19s are pretty common so I'm assuming if I avoid the kind of pot holes I hit last week they should be ok. Time will tell.
Re the watch, You're probably right. I'm undecided but it is a lovely thing to own
Re the watch, You're probably right. I'm undecided but it is a lovely thing to own
it's back on the road
I wanted to get the tyres fitted before the festive break so got home after work just in time for the rain and loss of light. I didn't particularly want to rush putting the car on stands as there's room for error but all went ok, this is not my first time taking the wheel off an e92
(sorry about all the crappy iphone snaps, picture quality wasn't my priority tonight)
This time I had to put my ramp assisters under the front wheels, or rather drive onto them before I could get to the front central jacking point as the cars quite low. Thank goodness BMW decided to include central jacking points as getting the car on axel stands without them is a major pain. You can see the light fading here
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Front up and wheels off
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
An early christmas present was the Ryobi ONE+ R18ALF-0 18V folding area light which is a superb thing. It proved very useful this evening as I'm sure it will continue to. It allows both or either panel to be lit and provides a huge amount of illumination, highly recommended.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
So with the car up
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
It was time to load the wheels and new tyres into the awesome Audi and whip down to the local tyre place to have the rubber swapped over. It was confirmed that the wheel that took the hit is pretty much perfectly round and only needed normal minimal balancing. Ironically the rear wheel that hadn't been punctured was the worst of the 4 but still within tolerance to be balanced
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
and fitted
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Very pleased with the job and £30 have to be happy with that! The slight vibration at speed has gone and I can confirm it rotates better than ever on a wet roundabout in M2 
Great to have it back. Alignment to check the suspension next then Redish.
I wanted to get the tyres fitted before the festive break so got home after work just in time for the rain and loss of light. I didn't particularly want to rush putting the car on stands as there's room for error but all went ok, this is not my first time taking the wheel off an e92
(sorry about all the crappy iphone snaps, picture quality wasn't my priority tonight)
This time I had to put my ramp assisters under the front wheels, or rather drive onto them before I could get to the front central jacking point as the cars quite low. Thank goodness BMW decided to include central jacking points as getting the car on axel stands without them is a major pain. You can see the light fading here
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrFront up and wheels off
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrAn early christmas present was the Ryobi ONE+ R18ALF-0 18V folding area light which is a superb thing. It proved very useful this evening as I'm sure it will continue to. It allows both or either panel to be lit and provides a huge amount of illumination, highly recommended.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrSo with the car up
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrIt was time to load the wheels and new tyres into the awesome Audi and whip down to the local tyre place to have the rubber swapped over. It was confirmed that the wheel that took the hit is pretty much perfectly round and only needed normal minimal balancing. Ironically the rear wheel that hadn't been punctured was the worst of the 4 but still within tolerance to be balanced
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickrand fitted
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrVery pleased with the job and £30
have to be happy with that! The slight vibration at speed has gone and I can confirm it rotates better than ever on a wet roundabout in M2 Great to have it back. Alignment to check the suspension next then Redish.
I seem to be doing lots of little something-and-nothing updates at the moment so sorry if they're not the most entertaining but as it's the holidays I'm get stuff in when I can or I think I'd end up missing bits.
I ducked out of work for 45 mins this morning and got the car checked over for alignment. With a claim form for the council at home I thought best to get this done early i.e. before everyone shuts for christmas so I know where I am. I also didn't want to kill a new tyre if say my toe has been knocked out during the bump.
So to A&A Tyre Services on Hadfield Road for a check over. I trust these guys and know they have a lot of interesting/modified cars in for checking so I'm confident they know what they're doing.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
So checked over and the results are in
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Actually not too bad! The worst seems to be my rear toe but all within acceptable limits, no tyre shredding going on here. To get everything spot on would have taken around 45 mins which I'd ordinarily be more than happy with but as I was in work I was on the clock and didn't fancy working until 6pm tonight so I'm booked back in for Monday 8am to get everything sorted. No charge today from A&A "we'll sort it out Monday" great trusting approach
I was really quite surprised that the front nearside that took the bump wasn't out, I was expecting some bad new but nothing was effected it seems, maybe I'm just being a drama queen about the whole pothole incident
The front camber adjustment doesn't come from camber bolts oddly but from removing/drilling out a retaining bolt in the strut top and adjusting the camber by moving the strut itself so that takes a bit more time. Should be all good on Monday though
I ducked out of work for 45 mins this morning and got the car checked over for alignment. With a claim form for the council at home I thought best to get this done early i.e. before everyone shuts for christmas so I know where I am. I also didn't want to kill a new tyre if say my toe has been knocked out during the bump.
So to A&A Tyre Services on Hadfield Road for a check over. I trust these guys and know they have a lot of interesting/modified cars in for checking so I'm confident they know what they're doing.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrSo checked over and the results are in
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrActually not too bad! The worst seems to be my rear toe but all within acceptable limits, no tyre shredding going on here. To get everything spot on would have taken around 45 mins which I'd ordinarily be more than happy with but as I was in work I was on the clock and didn't fancy working until 6pm tonight so I'm booked back in for Monday 8am to get everything sorted. No charge today from A&A "we'll sort it out Monday" great trusting approach
I was really quite surprised that the front nearside that took the bump wasn't out, I was expecting some bad new but nothing was effected it seems, maybe I'm just being a drama queen about the whole pothole incident
The front camber adjustment doesn't come from camber bolts oddly but from removing/drilling out a retaining bolt in the strut top and adjusting the camber by moving the strut itself so that takes a bit more time. Should be all good on Monday though
Well the camber fixed itself on the front went back down this morning and it was within tolerance so no need to adjust. The other angles were sorted and drives, much the same now It does feel better and tram lines less etc so happy that it's all done. Loping around this morning even caught up in the christmas eve hype was super relaxing; I'm really bonding with the coupe, I really enjoy being in it.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Yesterday I did give it wash ready for the trip to the parents etc tomorrow and got a little carried away, ended up clay baring it and giving it a polish and a glaze to see how shiny I could get things, came up very well
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Clay baring (well clay mitting) really showed how rough the paint was; especially on the lower doors behind the front wheels. It was like dragging the mitt over a paving slab to begin with; quite contaminated. with that in mind I applied some AD Purple Rain first to remove the ferrous contamination which helped and then clayed, it's great to feel how smooth the paint is after that process.
The front end does have its share of stone chips etc but @ 112k it's to be expected. Needs a wheel refurb though.
went back down this morning and it was within tolerance so no need to adjust. The other angles were sorted and drives, much the same now It does feel better and tram lines less etc so happy that it's all done. Loping around this morning even caught up in the christmas eve hype was super relaxing; I'm really bonding with the coupe, I really enjoy being in it. Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrYesterday I did give it wash ready for the trip to the parents etc tomorrow and got a little carried away, ended up clay baring it and giving it a polish and a glaze to see how shiny I could get things, came up very well
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrClay baring (well clay mitting) really showed how rough the paint was; especially on the lower doors behind the front wheels. It was like dragging the mitt over a paving slab to begin with; quite contaminated. with that in mind I applied some AD Purple Rain first to remove the ferrous contamination which helped and then clayed, it's great to feel how smooth the paint is after that process.
The front end does have its share of stone chips etc but @ 112k it's to be expected. Needs a wheel refurb though.
What an umbrella 
I just need the jacket and cap now
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
There are apparently 3 of these left in dealerships. The only 3 are in the Westerly Bridgwater Retailer so if you want one be quick Was informed that they've now been discontinued so will no longer be available when current stocks run out.
I just need the jacket and cap now Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrThere are apparently 3 of these left in dealerships. The only 3 are in the Westerly Bridgwater Retailer so if you want one be quick
Was informed that they've now been discontinued so will no longer be available when current stocks run out. A few updates in one this evening, some more interesting than others.
As a matter of course I changed the air filter last weekend. The old unbranded filter wasn't filthy but for a Bosch item @ £13 odd (£25 before discount) from ECP it makes no sense not to change it.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
You can almost see which one is the old and which is the new
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Job done, didn't drop any bolts into the inlet manifold, great success.
Cleaned it yesterday
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Kind of looks like an elephant has sat on the roof here
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
It really does wash up nicely.
The potentially more interesting update. The car went to Redish today for its post purchase inspection.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
It makes sense to get the car checked over and having previously dealt with Redish for my e46 m3 I know they're extremely thorough and attentive. Todays visit was no exception other than the OH and I didn't wait on site rather favouring a 10 min walk up the road to a retail park where we perused and browsed various wares whilst the car was being inspected. Got back and the car was on the lift; James kindly showed me around the underside of the car pointing out items of note and any feedback points they had found. Overall the car is in very good condition It's very lightly used underneath and doesn't show any particular signs of heavy wear or anything really to be concerned about.
There is a list of course of items that may need attention in the future but there's nothing that needs anything approaching imminent attention and most of the points listed come down to general wear and tear that any vehicle of this age could display
Front brake hoses starting to crack
Oil leak present around sump
Exhaust down pipe nuts corroded
Near side front brake disc backing place starting to corrode
Near side rear disc backing plate mishaped
Rear brake pad wear sensor noted fitted
Offside rear caliper piston dust shield insecure
Dent/crack in exhaust by front differential mount
Exhaust valve bypassed in open position
Rear prop shaft coupling cracked
Some previous fault codes stored for water pump (which has very recently been replaced) 2E85 DME & 2E83 DME. Numerous previous codes were cleared for low voltage etc and did not return at time of test
Brake pads
Front left 10.00mm
Front right 11.0mm
Rear left 5.0mm
Rear right 6.0mm
Tyre tread - as new, tyres recently fitted
The Key Read shows 8 previous oil changes and 4 inspections, the next one being due in May 2020. 5 brake fluid changes are logged and is showing as overdue, scheduled for June 2018. Hmm not massively concerned about that one but will get it renewed at some point I'm sure
So, really pleased overall. Things to note above I would say are:
The oil leak around the sump isn't severe. The car hasn't dropped a single drip of oil on the drive but it's worth mentioning.
The rear caliper. The dust shield is more or less missing and I'll be replacing the caliper next time the rear pads need changing. The caliper is operating as it should currently but can't see the corroded piston wanting to be pushed back into the caliper .
The exhaust does have a slight dent in it and a hair line crack is barely visible. Again; nothing to worry about.
The golf tee mod was present the young offender
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on Flickr
Had this removed (obviously as it's sat on my dining table), I'll come back to that in a second though
The prop coupling (guibo) has very minor cracking and was referred to as "lasting for years".
OK so, the car went to Redish primarily to see if they could diagnose/pull any fault codes for the low mpg figures. They didn't find anything. Darn. No codes, nothing obvious that would cause it. Whilst there the golf tee mod was removed, no auto needs a loud (louder) exhaust system. Driving home contemplating the 'let's start replacing items until the fault is found' method of trying to fix a problem that may not exist I noticed my range going up, so much so that I had more range when I got home from Bristol (to Cardiff) than when I left On the motorway I averaged 31.mpg and in stop start traffic and lots of hills for the last few miles of my journey I saw 27.7! The most I've ever seen in the car to date is 20.9. Could the golf tee mod really have been accounting for a 10mpg drop 
It certainly appears so.
I do recall the mpg dropping in my previous 330i manual when doing the same out of curiosity, saw the mpg drop and put it back to standard. I'd forgotten that though and I didn't even think to check this one. It's still too early to say that removing this has definitely made the improvement but over the next few weeks we'll see what it averages out to, but I'm hopeful.
Overall then a great day and really pleased the car has been given the thumbs up, and my mpg issue is possibly resolved too! More pictures to follow from Redish showing in detail the points listed above for your viewing pleasure.
As a matter of course I changed the air filter last weekend. The old unbranded filter wasn't filthy but for a Bosch item @ £13 odd (£25 before discount) from ECP it makes no sense not to change it.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrYou can almost see which one is the old and which is the new
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrJob done, didn't drop any bolts into the inlet manifold, great success.
Cleaned it yesterday
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrKind of looks like an elephant has sat on the roof here
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrUntitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrIt really does wash up nicely.
The potentially more interesting update. The car went to Redish today for its post purchase inspection.
Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrIt makes sense to get the car checked over and having previously dealt with Redish for my e46 m3 I know they're extremely thorough and attentive. Todays visit was no exception other than the OH and I didn't wait on site rather favouring a 10 min walk up the road to a retail park where we perused and browsed various wares whilst the car was being inspected. Got back and the car was on the lift; James kindly showed me around the underside of the car pointing out items of note and any feedback points they had found. Overall the car is in very good condition
It's very lightly used underneath and doesn't show any particular signs of heavy wear or anything really to be concerned about. There is a list of course of items that may need attention in the future but there's nothing that needs anything approaching imminent attention and most of the points listed come down to general wear and tear that any vehicle of this age could display
Front brake hoses starting to crack
Oil leak present around sump
Exhaust down pipe nuts corroded
Near side front brake disc backing place starting to corrode
Near side rear disc backing plate mishaped
Rear brake pad wear sensor noted fitted
Offside rear caliper piston dust shield insecure
Dent/crack in exhaust by front differential mount
Exhaust valve bypassed in open position
Rear prop shaft coupling cracked
Some previous fault codes stored for water pump (which has very recently been replaced) 2E85 DME & 2E83 DME. Numerous previous codes were cleared for low voltage etc and did not return at time of test
Brake pads
Front left 10.00mm
Front right 11.0mm
Rear left 5.0mm
Rear right 6.0mm
Tyre tread - as new, tyres recently fitted
The Key Read shows 8 previous oil changes and 4 inspections, the next one being due in May 2020. 5 brake fluid changes are logged and is showing as overdue, scheduled for June 2018. Hmm not massively concerned about that one but will get it renewed at some point I'm sure
So, really pleased overall. Things to note above I would say are:
The oil leak around the sump isn't severe. The car hasn't dropped a single drip of oil on the drive but it's worth mentioning.
The rear caliper. The dust shield is more or less missing and I'll be replacing the caliper next time the rear pads need changing. The caliper is operating as it should currently but can't see the corroded piston wanting to be pushed back into the caliper .
The exhaust does have a slight dent in it and a hair line crack is barely visible. Again; nothing to worry about.
The golf tee mod was present
the young offender Untitled by Kaeser Devon, on FlickrHad this removed (obviously as it's sat on my dining table), I'll come back to that in a second though
The prop coupling (guibo) has very minor cracking and was referred to as "lasting for years".
OK so, the car went to Redish primarily to see if they could diagnose/pull any fault codes for the low mpg figures. They didn't find anything. Darn. No codes, nothing obvious that would cause it. Whilst there the golf tee mod was removed, no auto needs a loud (louder) exhaust system. Driving home contemplating the 'let's start replacing items until the fault is found' method of trying to fix a problem that may not exist I noticed my range going up, so much so that I had more range when I got home from Bristol (to Cardiff) than when I left
On the motorway I averaged 31.mpg and in stop start traffic and lots of hills for the last few miles of my journey I saw 27.7! The most I've ever seen in the car to date is 20.9. Could the golf tee mod really have been accounting for a 10mpg drop It certainly appears so. I do recall the mpg dropping in my previous 330i manual when doing the same out of curiosity, saw the mpg drop and put it back to standard. I'd forgotten that though and I didn't even think to check this one. It's still too early to say that removing this has definitely made the improvement but over the next few weeks we'll see what it averages out to, but I'm hopeful.
Overall then a great day and really pleased the car has been given the thumbs up, and my mpg issue is possibly resolved too! More pictures to follow from Redish showing in detail the points listed above for your viewing pleasure.
Yes, great update.
But I'm not sure how much different the N52k is from the N52 non-k - I've got 2 non-ks. One is on 137K and the other is on 88K and they are both going strong (for now).
For ultimate mpg you need to stop commuting - I don't and as 95% of my mileage is on dual-carriageways/M-ways my E91 325i was showing 35.3 mpg on the OBC! (It had a new battery on Friday).
But my E86 shows an average of 33.6mpg - although I do tend to drive it faster than the E91.
FWIW they are both manuals.
But I'm not sure how much different the N52k is from the N52 non-k - I've got 2 non-ks. One is on 137K and the other is on 88K and they are both going strong (for now).
For ultimate mpg you need to stop commuting - I don't and as 95% of my mileage is on dual-carriageways/M-ways my E91 325i was showing 35.3 mpg on the OBC! (It had a new battery on Friday).
But my E86 shows an average of 33.6mpg - although I do tend to drive it faster than the E91.
FWIW they are both manuals.
helix402 said:
Good update. Slightly random info. I serviced a 730 today with the same engine as yours. Indicated mpg, 26.6.
hmm heavier car but yes I'd be expecting to get that at least then. I've become uber sensitive to the mpg counter now and can see myself obsessively hypermiling it to see what's possible 
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, great update.
For ultimate mpg you need to stop commuting - I don't and as 95% of my mileage is on dual-carriageways/M-ways my E91 325i was showing 35.3 mpg on the OBC! (It had a new battery on Friday).
But my E86 shows an average of 33.6mpg - although I do tend to drive it faster than the E91.
FWIW they are both manuals.
Hmm I don't commute ha. It's mostly going to the gym (very short journey, doesn't even get warm) and pootling about generally. Seeing 31 on the run home was like seeing the birth of a child ha. If I can improve on that I'll be over the moon. I was hoping for around 27+ combined so will report over the next few weeks when I see what's what. For ultimate mpg you need to stop commuting - I don't and as 95% of my mileage is on dual-carriageways/M-ways my E91 325i was showing 35.3 mpg on the OBC! (It had a new battery on Friday).
But my E86 shows an average of 33.6mpg - although I do tend to drive it faster than the E91.
FWIW they are both manuals.
I'm contemplating replacing the 6 ignition coils as I read the new versions (part no 11 something?) can also improve mpg. It may be a case of don't fix what isn't broken but at less than £200 for all 6 it may be worth a shot but I don't want to become obsessive with it.
I'm still elated at the 31.0mpg though!
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