BMW E91 335i Touring, Le Mans Blue
Discussion
Fermit said:
Gad-Westy said:
Try a machine polish on the shadow trim if you have a DA or rotary. It think they're painted metal so just treat as you would a painted panel.
Ah OK, so count maybe try some cutting compound like the below that I already have? I have I do have a DA, but only a cheapy one, as not sure if it's going to be my cup of tea.
Today, as part of the spruce up I've bought new centre caps to replace the rather minging ones on it currently, and new indicator repeaters for the same reason.
I've notice the angel eyes aren't functioning, so bought this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295102911257 . Working out where the bulb for these are they look all sorts of wrong, not looking anything like what needs to come out. Have I been sold a duffer and should I send them back? To my mind this sort of thing - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TECTICO-Angel-Lights-Canb... looks more like what is needed surely?
Secondly, how the juddering f
k are you supposed to get the bulb out? Having tried you'd need the hands of a mouse, and something to twist the bulb out of situ? Covered my hands in cuts and engine muck trying desperately for a good 20 minutes this afternoon!Edited by Fermit on Thursday 15th June 20:43
The eBay link you sent looks right for a pre-LCI. The H8 ones from Amazon are for LCI models.
Doing anything with the lights on an E91 is an absolute sod. Best bet is to remove the front part of the wheel arch liner which will give much better access. From memory once you remove the panel on the back of the headlight there's a little plastic cover held on with a screw or two which needs to be removed to access the angel eye bulb. Good luck!
Doing anything with the lights on an E91 is an absolute sod. Best bet is to remove the front part of the wheel arch liner which will give much better access. From memory once you remove the panel on the back of the headlight there's a little plastic cover held on with a screw or two which needs to be removed to access the angel eye bulb. Good luck!
pmorg4 said:
Doing anything with the lights on an E91 is an absolute sod. Best bet is to remove the front part of the wheel arch liner which will give much better access. From memory once you remove the panel on the back of the headlight there's a little plastic cover held on with a screw or two which needs to be removed to access the angel eye bulb. Good luck!
That's really helpful, thanks. I want to get on this one ASAP, as if it's not the bulb then whatever it is at the next step wants to be claimed on the 28 day warranty.Looks good; I’m very partial to an E91.
The Andream isn’t too bad to install. I removed the plastic cage and cut a wee bit away to give myself more room for the cables and connector block. The important bit is to connect to the VCDS (purple plug) before you plug in the other connector which powers it up. You might need to go into the factory settings to change the resolution for which you need a code (1368 off the top of my head). The stock screen is just held in with two T10 bolts at the top.
Re the sooty exhausts mine was like this as was our old 125i although both seem to burn cleaner after a remap.
Hope the pooch is Ok.
The Andream isn’t too bad to install. I removed the plastic cage and cut a wee bit away to give myself more room for the cables and connector block. The important bit is to connect to the VCDS (purple plug) before you plug in the other connector which powers it up. You might need to go into the factory settings to change the resolution for which you need a code (1368 off the top of my head). The stock screen is just held in with two T10 bolts at the top.
Re the sooty exhausts mine was like this as was our old 125i although both seem to burn cleaner after a remap.
Hope the pooch is Ok.
Fermit said:
I hoping this one doesn't spell trouble. Shortly after buying the car I cleaned up the car exhausts, yet now within a week the right one is quite black again. What is likely causing this?
Normal. There’s a valve on the left side so that stays cleaner. If you do the valve mod, both sides will turn sooty at the same rate 
If you polished it more and waxed the inside, the soot wouldn’t be as noticeable.
MDMA . said:
Normal. There’s a valve on the left side so that stays cleaner. If you do the valve mod, both sides will turn sooty at the same rate
If you polished it more and waxed the inside, the soot wouldn’t be as noticeable.
This. If you polished it more and waxed the inside, the soot wouldn’t be as noticeable.
Do the gold tee mod and both will spot up the same!
Phew, thanks all!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
Fermit said:
Phew, thanks all!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
You wait till you fit the Andream! @Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
Fermit said:
Phew, thanks all!
@Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
No worries. I don’t think you’re that far away from me, so I’d be happy to help. @Court_S, I'll likely email you at some point down the line RE the method for replacing the ashtray with the rubber cubby. Cleaning the interior I managed to slice my finger paper-cut stylee on the aluminum trim. If I can do that cleaning I'll probably look like an Edward Scissorhands victim removing trim!
Nothing much update wise that warrants photos, but a few things progressed. The car is booked in for a service in early July. I checked the oil, and it's not golden! I've also booked in with a bodywork to get the ding above the door repaired, and some bird muck lacquer damage on on side sorted. £350, and being done mid August.
Beginning to try and better the cosmetics I've done the following; spent time t-cutting out numerous marks on the paint, and gone over everywhere with Meguiar's ultimate compound colour & clarity restorer. I've bought and put in a rubber boot liner, the carpet is mint, but wouldn't be for long with our 2 dogs! I've replaced the battery, as it was reported as being very weak. I did this myself, the first time I've done one, without blowing myself or the cars electrics up! I've replaced the tired alloy centre caps, and attempted to replace the aged repeaters with these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394631434879
Annoyingly, after much swearing getting off the wheel arch lining, the connector is wrong, even though it states compatible with mine. I've accepted a 50% refund offer, as the box they came in is wrecked, and TBH because I've got too much to do to worry about the faff of all a return entails. Accordingly, if anyone who thinks they'd fit theirs wants them then let me know.
I've also spent time giving the interior including the leather a thorough going over, including LTT deep cleaner on all the leather. s_court, as a detailer you want to speak to these people (in Harrogate) as I can promise you (as a leather restoration specialist of 10 years) that their products really are the best leather products around.
On collection I discovered the split tail-gate wasn't working, so they knocked £100 off to compensate for this. I've ordered a £12 release switch, so if this works that'll be a bonus.
Another question. The alloys need some attention. They're not too bad, typically about one third of the rims grazed, and one alloy has a bit of bubbling near the tyre. I really hone in on alloys, they need to be spot on for me. Is an alloy smart repair worth considering, IE do they work, or should I instead forget it and get a proper refurb done on them? Also one of the fronts is buckled, so have found a place in Nottingham who undertake this and alloy restoration (inc smart repairs) who also provide loan alloys for whilst they undertake the work.
One picture of it currently -
Beginning to try and better the cosmetics I've done the following; spent time t-cutting out numerous marks on the paint, and gone over everywhere with Meguiar's ultimate compound colour & clarity restorer. I've bought and put in a rubber boot liner, the carpet is mint, but wouldn't be for long with our 2 dogs! I've replaced the battery, as it was reported as being very weak. I did this myself, the first time I've done one, without blowing myself or the cars electrics up! I've replaced the tired alloy centre caps, and attempted to replace the aged repeaters with these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/394631434879
Annoyingly, after much swearing getting off the wheel arch lining, the connector is wrong, even though it states compatible with mine. I've accepted a 50% refund offer, as the box they came in is wrecked, and TBH because I've got too much to do to worry about the faff of all a return entails. Accordingly, if anyone who thinks they'd fit theirs wants them then let me know.
I've also spent time giving the interior including the leather a thorough going over, including LTT deep cleaner on all the leather. s_court, as a detailer you want to speak to these people (in Harrogate) as I can promise you (as a leather restoration specialist of 10 years) that their products really are the best leather products around.
On collection I discovered the split tail-gate wasn't working, so they knocked £100 off to compensate for this. I've ordered a £12 release switch, so if this works that'll be a bonus.
Another question. The alloys need some attention. They're not too bad, typically about one third of the rims grazed, and one alloy has a bit of bubbling near the tyre. I really hone in on alloys, they need to be spot on for me. Is an alloy smart repair worth considering, IE do they work, or should I instead forget it and get a proper refurb done on them? Also one of the fronts is buckled, so have found a place in Nottingham who undertake this and alloy restoration (inc smart repairs) who also provide loan alloys for whilst they undertake the work.
One picture of it currently -
Edited by Fermit on Friday 23 June 19:36
The car is looking well, good to get all those little cosmetic issues sorted.
That's a pain regarding the indicators, although not sure why you removed the arch liner as they are spring loaded so should just pop out with a push toward either the front or back of the car (can't remember which).
I'd probably just get your wheels refurbished if they all need doing. I'd think a smart repair is more for wheels that are in overall good condition but you've got one small kerb mark or similar. I think the MV3 wheels really suit these cars (same as what I have on mine) but they do seem prone to buckles and cracking so if you can give them a good check over before spending the money on refurbishing them.
That's a pain regarding the indicators, although not sure why you removed the arch liner as they are spring loaded so should just pop out with a push toward either the front or back of the car (can't remember which).
I'd probably just get your wheels refurbished if they all need doing. I'd think a smart repair is more for wheels that are in overall good condition but you've got one small kerb mark or similar. I think the MV3 wheels really suit these cars (same as what I have on mine) but they do seem prone to buckles and cracking so if you can give them a good check over before spending the money on refurbishing them.
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