My brave pill: E92 BMW 335i with the infamous N54 engine
Discussion
cerb4.5lee said:
I could look at your wheels all day Sam! 
Drat, and that is bad news regarding your mortgage for sure...because I thought that you might have been getting closer to an E9x M3 to be honest.
Cheers Lee; they’re looking good after their recent refurb. Drat, and that is bad news regarding your mortgage for sure...because I thought that you might have been getting closer to an E9x M3 to be honest.
Yeah, it’s annoying but s
t happens. I was utterly convinced that it wasn’t up until next year. The joys of being a grown up I guess. When I was younger I’d have done it anyway and worried about the repercussions after. 
mooseracer said:
That is an unexpected hurdle with the mortgage.
That said - you've found a good one? I look forward to the new thread very soon, you'll find a way I'm sure
Yeah it’s a PITA; younger me would have thought fThat said - you've found a good one? I look forward to the new thread very soon, you'll find a way I'm sure
Edited by mooseracer on Monday 11th March 07:28
k it and but the M3 anyway and worry about it after but I’m trying to be a grown up!Yeah, I think I’ve found a good car. I was convinced that it was meant to me given that I have a project down the road, I’d be able to get a one way ticket there, go to site and then drive back but it looks like it’s not meant to be. Hey ho.
I had a slightly early finish today after being on site and since it wasn’t raining, I decided to replace the rear discs and pads.
Old pads are looking a bit think
The car reckoned I had another 3,500 miles before the pads needed changing.
They looked even worse when I removed them; the passenger side in particular looked really shagged.
Inner face of the rear disc was pretty worn
New Zimmerman discs, ATE ceramic pads and ATE wear sensor all fitted and the CBS reset.
After it was all buttoned up, I took to for a squirm spin to start the bedding in process and make sure there was no funny noises etc and it was all good.
Old pads are looking a bit think
The car reckoned I had another 3,500 miles before the pads needed changing. They looked even worse when I removed them; the passenger side in particular looked really shagged.
Inner face of the rear disc was pretty worn
New Zimmerman discs, ATE ceramic pads and ATE wear sensor all fitted and the CBS reset.
After it was all buttoned up, I took to for a squirm spin to start the bedding in process and make sure there was no funny noises etc and it was all good.
Fermit said:
Fair play for cracking on and sorting. Serious question. Having never done my own discs and pads, how easy is the job, talking as an utter amateur? Any special tools needed, does it involve much swearing, etc etc? Not that I'll need them doing for sometime mind. Got the guy refurbing the alloys to have a gander around them with wheels off, he said discs barely worn in, and about 8mm all round on the pads.
The fronts are a piece of cake, the rears can be a bit more of a sod if there is a deep groove from the handbrake shoes. Luckily my rear brakes had been removed on September when the rear bearings were done so it was dead easy. The ones on my wife’s old 1258 were sods and I had to fiddle with the adjusters which are a bit awkward to access through the wheel bolt holes. A piston wind back tool makes it a bit easier (mine was cheap from Amazon). Other than that it’s a 7mm Allen key and a socket set.
d_a_n1979 said:
That brake pad looks like a 'waffer thin mint'
New brakes will be good Sam; you know I rate those pads highly
Yeah, fair to say they’d seen better days. God knows what they’d have looked like if I’d listened to the CBS. New brakes will be good Sam; you know I rate those pads highly
They’re great pads; I’ve been running them in the front for a few years (had them on the 125i and they’re on the 330i too). Definitely worth the extra to reduce brake dust.
Fermit said:
Cheers matey. I was recently wondering which thread I asked you that, as I couldn't remember where I asked. Next time I need the fronts doing I may well give it a stab.
No worries, fronts should be dead easy really.This is the piston wind back tool I bought
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caliper-Rewind-Tool-Pisto...
InitialDave said:
Been having a good read through this thread recently, so thanks for all the detailed updates, OP, I've really enjoyed following through the story so far.
I have an E89 with the N54, which has unfortunately just succumbed to the (inevitable?) injector failure, so while the prodigious bill for fitting a set of index 12s is in the offing, I'm strongly considering taking advantage of knowing that it's dealt with as an opportunity to turn the wick up a bit.
How did you get on with the Masata intercooler? It looks like a reasonable price compared to some, and seems like it'll fit the Z4 (though I don't think I can have the hardpipe upgrade you fitted at the same time).
And the P Torque tune, I know there was a hiccup you had with an engine light a little while after having it done, but IIRC that wasn't specific to the tuning at all? How have you found it overall? I like the idea of going to someone with a good reputation who will give me a very solid, reliable remap, I'm not interested in getting the biggest number, I want to have something I don't have to worry about, and to not push my luck with what the DCT gearbox in my car would be happy with (will be getting this serviced before I do anything, too).
Current "best" options I can see are P Torque, BW Chiptune, Evolve, and DMS, does that sound right? Anyone I should add/remove from that shortlist? P Torque wouldn't be at all bad for me as I'm in the midlands, but I've got no issue with a bit of a trek to have the work done by the right person.
It's not something I'll be doing immediately either way, partly because I want to get the injectors fixed before committing, (in case I'm told it also needs a HPFP or something to get it totally A1), but also I don't think my current insurers like remaps, so may be best to wait until renewal in a few months and see if I can get a sensible price elsewhere.
Also, when you went to 265 rears, you had a bit of rub, but I don't think your offset is standard, do you know what your rear ET is? I'm currently on some 18s with CrossClimate 2s while the weather was miserable, but come summer I was thinking of putting 265s on the 19s I got with the car, as the rears are 9.5 wide and the 255 looked a little narrow on that to my eyes, which I think was the same logic you had to your choice to up the width a hair. I know we're talking about different cars, but with my rear offset being ET35, I'm thinking it'll probably work ok.
Probably not going to get close to the level of regular detailing you manage on your E92, but I'll still try to make sure mine's tidy, it's been looked after pretty well by the previous owner, but I think more just kept washed rather than properly dug into.
Glad my thread has been of interest / help.I have an E89 with the N54, which has unfortunately just succumbed to the (inevitable?) injector failure, so while the prodigious bill for fitting a set of index 12s is in the offing, I'm strongly considering taking advantage of knowing that it's dealt with as an opportunity to turn the wick up a bit.
How did you get on with the Masata intercooler? It looks like a reasonable price compared to some, and seems like it'll fit the Z4 (though I don't think I can have the hardpipe upgrade you fitted at the same time).
And the P Torque tune, I know there was a hiccup you had with an engine light a little while after having it done, but IIRC that wasn't specific to the tuning at all? How have you found it overall? I like the idea of going to someone with a good reputation who will give me a very solid, reliable remap, I'm not interested in getting the biggest number, I want to have something I don't have to worry about, and to not push my luck with what the DCT gearbox in my car would be happy with (will be getting this serviced before I do anything, too).
Current "best" options I can see are P Torque, BW Chiptune, Evolve, and DMS, does that sound right? Anyone I should add/remove from that shortlist? P Torque wouldn't be at all bad for me as I'm in the midlands, but I've got no issue with a bit of a trek to have the work done by the right person.
It's not something I'll be doing immediately either way, partly because I want to get the injectors fixed before committing, (in case I'm told it also needs a HPFP or something to get it totally A1), but also I don't think my current insurers like remaps, so may be best to wait until renewal in a few months and see if I can get a sensible price elsewhere.
Also, when you went to 265 rears, you had a bit of rub, but I don't think your offset is standard, do you know what your rear ET is? I'm currently on some 18s with CrossClimate 2s while the weather was miserable, but come summer I was thinking of putting 265s on the 19s I got with the car, as the rears are 9.5 wide and the 255 looked a little narrow on that to my eyes, which I think was the same logic you had to your choice to up the width a hair. I know we're talking about different cars, but with my rear offset being ET35, I'm thinking it'll probably work ok.
Probably not going to get close to the level of regular detailing you manage on your E92, but I'll still try to make sure mine's tidy, it's been looked after pretty well by the previous owner, but I think more just kept washed rather than properly dug into.
A set of Index 12 injectors is a bag day out. I think the best I’ve seen is from a midlands based specialist who will supply, fit and code them for £2.7k. The impact of Covid on supply chains has really pushed the price up - I found an on ML Performance web page when they were £147 each - much more reasonable than £367 that they’re now charging.
The Masatta intercooler seems really good especially for the cash, it’s substantially bigger than the OE one but fits easily and it seems to do its job of keeping the intake temps down. With the stock intercooler, they rise very quickly. Is the N54 layout on the E89 a bit different to the other platforms, hence the metal charge pipe not fitting? I never experienced any issues with the stock plastic one despite the internet telling me that it’ll definitely split.
When my car last experienced limo mode (the day of the map and once driving back from North Wakes) it had a K&N panel filter fitted. I’ve since swapped back to a stock paper one and it’s been fine. For whatever reason, my engine really doesn’t like aftermarket filters. The dual cone intakes upset it, as dud the K&N.
I’d definitely recommend the map; it was a drive in a mapped E89 35i that convinced me. The difference in performance was really quite stark. In stock format, my 335i didn’t feel massively more powerful than a 330i (more torque for sure but not hugely faster). There is now a massive difference between my wife’s mapped 330i and this; I often forget because it’s largely driven quite sedately, it’s only when I’m in the mood to be silly that I realise that it’s actually quite a quick car.
All of the guys are in your list are well known and have a good reputation. I chose P Torque because he’s pretty local and I used him for mapping my wife’s old 125i as did two friends. We were all happy with those, so it seemed logical to go back to him. He uses a dyno to set the cars up too which was a selling point. I don’t think he pushes the bkundsroes too far - my car made 380bhp / 572nm of torque as a stage one plus (map plus intercooler). This seems quite conservative compared to some figures you see banded around (it was on the money for what he was expecting).
My rear wheels are ET27, which is pretty aggressive. They won’t fit the face lifted cars which has a slightly wider track. I agree that 255’s on a 9.5j wheel look too stretched.
Good luck getting it sorted.
InitialDave said:
I have my Z4 back, and had a nice startup this morning with no misfire etc, so at least the thorough kicking my wallet has taken appears to have achieved the right result.
They misquoted the DCT service as a regular auto one, so I had to dig into my pockets a little further to cover that, but ah well! There is a slight weep from the side cover apparently, but dropping the box to rectify that would've doubled the already noticeable service cost (but still cheaper than BMW wanted), so that's been filed under "monitor for later".
Next challenge! Masata do make a chargepipe for the E89, yay!
But Masata also say their N54 intercooler won't fit the E89, boo!
This seems very odd given that the E9x 335i and E89 35i have identical part numbers according to Sytner,
but having asked them, it seems it's just they've never tried it in an E89.
I think what I may well do is order one as listed for the E90 335i, and see how I get on, I can't see any logical reason why it won't work if the original parts are identical.
Court_S, if you want me to stop clogging up your thread, just say, but I've appreciated the level of detail you've given on your own car in here, and was hoping to keep the N54 chat going.
Good to hear the injectors have solved the issue. Sounds like your dead injectors were quite bad; mine was only slightly leaking so the car started fine, there was just a very slight pop when it idled. They misquoted the DCT service as a regular auto one, so I had to dig into my pockets a little further to cover that, but ah well! There is a slight weep from the side cover apparently, but dropping the box to rectify that would've doubled the already noticeable service cost (but still cheaper than BMW wanted), so that's been filed under "monitor for later".
Next challenge! Masata do make a chargepipe for the E89, yay!
But Masata also say their N54 intercooler won't fit the E89, boo!
This seems very odd given that the E9x 335i and E89 35i have identical part numbers according to Sytner,
but having asked them, it seems it's just they've never tried it in an E89.I think what I may well do is order one as listed for the E90 335i, and see how I get on, I can't see any logical reason why it won't work if the original parts are identical.
Court_S, if you want me to stop clogging up your thread, just say, but I've appreciated the level of detail you've given on your own car in here, and was hoping to keep the N54 chat going.
The DCT is notorious for weeping slightly from what I can tell from my M3 research.
If the part numbers are the same, I don’t see why it wouldn’t fit. I’d be tempted to give a go as well.
No worries about posting on my thread.
InitialDave said:
car user said:
Z4 doesn't need a charge pipe upgrade, they are bulletproof already. It was only the 335i that had a weak charge pipe. You can save a little cash on that.
Ah, good info, thanks, they're out of stock right now anyway, so I might swerve that for the time being, can always fit one later if it lets go.car user said:
The Masata intercooler will fit the Z4. My recommendation would be on a CSF intercooler though, they are an overall better bit of kit.
They are, however, more than double the price!While I'm generally a firm proponent of the "buy cheap = buy twice" maxim, Court_S seems to have had success with his Masata unit, and like the CSF it's also a factory fit design rather than needing to change to hoses and clamps.
I think in this case I'm willing to take a punt on the Masata, I can always move it on if I feel it's not right.
Court_S said:
Good to hear the injectors have solved the issue. Sounds like your dead injectors were quite bad; mine was only slightly leaking so the car started fine, there was just a very slight pop when it idled.
It wasn't too bad initially, but went downhill significantly over the last few weeks. Apparently #6 was really terrible, but none of the others were particularly wonderful either.I've got the old index 9s, might send them off for testing/cleaning and see if any are considered still serviceable in case another owner just needs one of two to match the rest of a bank.
Court_S said:
The DCT is notorious for weeping slightly from what I can tell from my M3 research.
Yes, it does seem to be a bit of a thing with them, I believe they usually replace the sump by default when servicing them thanks to their proclivity for slight incontinence, but I didn't think it was serious enough on my side cover to justify the expense.But I am an ancient Land Rover owner, so take my opinions on an oil leak not being serious with a pinch of salt. And possibly a bucket of something more absorbent.
Court_S said:
If the part numbers are the same, I don’t see why it wouldn’t fit. I’d be tempted to give a go as well.
No worries about posting on my thread.
No worries about posting on my thread.
Sounds like your injectors were bad; the only physical evidence for me was a slightly damp plug in cylinder six. I’ve got a spare set of good index nines to fall back on for now.
As for oil leaks, they usually go hand in hand with BMW ownership too.
Mr Tidy said:
That made me laugh as I'm regularly topping up my E90 330i!
But my Z4M can't be a BMW because it went 2 years between services, albeit only 6,000 miles, without needing a top up - amazing.
Maybe that's why the E90 takes another litre of oil.
I all fairness this is pretty good; it seems to go 8k between changes with not more than 250ml needed at some point which I can live with. The 330i gets through 250ml every 1,200 miles or so. But my Z4M can't be a BMW because it went 2 years between services, albeit only 6,000 miles, without needing a top up - amazing.
Maybe that's why the E90 takes another litre of oil.
Mr Tidy said:
N52s do seem to get through some oil. My 330i needed 2 litres for 5,500 miles between services so it's much worse than yours despite having new cam-cover and filter housing gaskets. 
Which only really leaves the sump gasket as the likely culprit, but it's cheaper to just keep topping up than get that replaced!
I’ve done the oil filter housing / cooler gaskets on the 330i and have the rocker cover and CCV system in the garage ready to do. The back of the rocker cover looks like it’s weeping. Which only really leaves the sump gasket as the likely culprit, but it's cheaper to just keep topping up than get that replaced!
I’m pretty sure the sump gasket on the 330i is leaking having been under the car but I have zero interest in getting that sorted at the moment. It’s not using that much oil.
DKIE92 said:
Considering the age of these E9x cars and because it’s a BMW, it’s probably almost normal to have a leaking sump lol.
The under tray does a good job of hiding sump leaks. I didn’t have a drop of oil on my drive but after taking my E92 325i in for a valve cover replacement, a leaking sump gasket was discovered.
Similar to yourself, I didn’t want to fork out as it’s not that bad yet. The good thing about gasket leaks is that they’re often slow so there’s no rush to replace it.
I’ve had the oil filter housing / cooler gaskets done on this last year. Rocker cover looks fine. There is a slight weep from an oil pipe underneath the car but the union that is leaking is right next to the cats so looks like an absolute turd to get at. It’ll keep for now especially as this uses next to no oil between changes. The under tray does a good job of hiding sump leaks. I didn’t have a drop of oil on my drive but after taking my E92 325i in for a valve cover replacement, a leaking sump gasket was discovered.
Similar to yourself, I didn’t want to fork out as it’s not that bad yet. The good thing about gasket leaks is that they’re often slow so there’s no rush to replace it.
I’ll get the top of the 330i dry and worry about the sump in due course.
We finally had a nice day on Saturday and my family were out, so it was time to get stuck into the spring detail.
Whilst not too grubby at the time of cleaning, the paint was quite contaminated with tar spots and fall out. At the start of the day.
I used Garage Therapy Zero shampoo as a snow foam to help remove the old protection and then used it as a shampoo. Once dried, it was chemically decontaminated, rinsed, washed and dried again. After such a wet winter, there were quite a few stubborn bits of tar around the lower parts of the car.
Once I’d removed the last of the contamination, I went if the car with my DA polisher, a medium Hex Logic pad and Scholl S20 to remove the worst of the minor imperfections. There are a few deeper ones left, but I couldn’t be bothered with a two stage polish.
Once polished, it was wiped down with Angelwax Stripped Ease and I applied a coat of Fusso wax topped of with Kiwami Extreme for extra gloss.
The glass and interior were then given a good going over, spray sealant applied to the wheels and the tyres dressed before the obligatory post detail pics
The inevitable happened on Saturday night and it rained…..again, so here’s a beading shot as well.
Whilst not too grubby at the time of cleaning, the paint was quite contaminated with tar spots and fall out. At the start of the day.
I used Garage Therapy Zero shampoo as a snow foam to help remove the old protection and then used it as a shampoo. Once dried, it was chemically decontaminated, rinsed, washed and dried again. After such a wet winter, there were quite a few stubborn bits of tar around the lower parts of the car.
Once I’d removed the last of the contamination, I went if the car with my DA polisher, a medium Hex Logic pad and Scholl S20 to remove the worst of the minor imperfections. There are a few deeper ones left, but I couldn’t be bothered with a two stage polish.
Once polished, it was wiped down with Angelwax Stripped Ease and I applied a coat of Fusso wax topped of with Kiwami Extreme for extra gloss.
The glass and interior were then given a good going over, spray sealant applied to the wheels and the tyres dressed before the obligatory post detail pics
The inevitable happened on Saturday night and it rained…..again, so here’s a beading shot as well.
InitialDave said:
That garage therapy zero decon stuff is pretty good, I've used it a few times when I need a good strong wash.
I find it doesn't have a huge amount of cling/dwell as a snow foam, though I might not have been mixing it strongly enough.
Yeah, it’s pretty thin. I use more than it recommends to get a slightly thicker foam. It does seem to do a good job of removing what’s left of wax after a few months.I find it doesn't have a huge amount of cling/dwell as a snow foam, though I might not have been mixing it strongly enough.
roadie said:
Looking mega, I am amazed that you can get through all of that in one day! My E92 always surprises me as to how large it is and how much body there is to cover.
It was a long day with not many breaks but you’re right, there’s a fair amount of metal to deal with. God knows what it’s like on the newer versions which are huge in comparison.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff