E91 Straight Six Bearding

[cerb4.5lee]

stevesingo said:

cerb4.5lee said:

stevesingo said:

I have a 07 plate Titan Silver E90 330i. Not an E91, but can I share a pic?

75k miles
Titan Siver
Black Dakota Leather
No Nav - No issue for me.
No Xenons - I wish it had them. Standard halogens are awful.

We are the third owners, the first being BMW UK, the second a lady from Bournemouth and have taken the mileage from 31k to the current 75k in the 3yrs we have had it.

Aside from one service at a specialist, every other has been done within the dealer network, including MOTs which i has just sailed through again and whilst it was at the dealer it had the recall done. Aside from replacing the VANOS solenoids due to a hesitation coming on to the throttle at 1500-1800rpm, it has been 100% reliable and doesn't even use oil between changes which are carried out at half the recommended intervals. Does about 28mpg when used by the wife on here 10mile each way commute. On a run it is easy to get 33-35mpg.

I really don't know what I would replace it with. Sure, the F11 535d we also have, is quieter and has more toys, but it is something of a barge in comparison. I'm amazed at how lithe it feels after driving the F11.

That is a lovely example. Enjoy it.

I miss my old one and I think they're great cars.

[ATM]

13aines said:

I picked my 335i up yesterday. Loving it!

First question has arisen though... what would you expect your oil temperature to be in the winter in the UK? I have read such a mixture.

It was about 3c outside yesterday and I drove around 160 miles. My oil temperature with mixed gentle driving and bursts of short hard acceleration didn’t rise above 90c. But it was cool out and I was on motorways and dual carriageways a lot. Is this normal?

I expected to see it reach the middle of the gauge (120c?) reasonably soon into my journey and was refraining from putting my foot down until then, but it never warmed up that much.

If 90c is normal, I guess I’m safe to drive it hard from around 90c oil temp?

Lots of modern cars have a heavily damped temp gauge. It will stay solid on 90 even though it's probably going up and down. I'm not sure if this applies to the earlier pre facelift cars but I'm lead to believe that the n54 can alter fuel mixture to run leaner and allow engine to operate hotter when you are being gentle and it is trying to save fuel. Then as you start to get playful it will try to cool the engine more and if it is cool enough it allow more boost and rich fuel mixture. A turbo engine needs to be cool when it's boosting because this makes everything hot. Heat and boost will destroy an engine Fast. My lci car had a lower tax band and it might be because of this clever going on - all guess work.

[stevesingo]

13aines said:

I picked my 335i up yesterday. Loving it!

First question has arisen though... what would you expect your oil temperature to be in the winter in the UK? I have read such a mixture.

It was about 3c outside yesterday and I drove around 160 miles. My oil temperature with mixed gentle driving and bursts of short hard acceleration didn’t rise above 90c. But it was cool out and I was on motorways and dual carriageways a lot. Is this normal?

I expected to see it reach the middle of the gauge (120c?) reasonably soon into my journey and was refraining from putting my foot down until then, but it never warmed up that much.

If 90c is normal, I guess I’m safe to drive it hard from around 90c oil temp?

Oil temp is thermostatically controlled at 90degC. This is normal and driving it hard from 75degC would not be an issue providing the water temp is normal.

120degC is the upper end of where you would want the oil temp to be and only likely to be seen on track, towing something heavy up hills or hammering up the STelvio on a hot day.

[Dannbodge]

stevesingo said:

Oil temp is thermostatically controlled at 90degC. This is normal and driving it hard from 75degC would not be an issue providing the water temp is normal.

120degC is the upper end of where you would want the oil temp to be and only likely to be seen on track, towing something heavy up hills or hammering up the STelvio on a hot day.

Sorry but that's wrong.

The 335i runs it's oil at 100/110 degC
On a hoon or sat in traffic it will creep up to 120 and then back down when you cool it down.

The N54 is renowned for running hot.

[stevesingo]

I stand corrected. Yes the thermostat seems to reach fully open by 120degC.

If a car is not seeing anywhere near that then I would guess the thermostat is stuck open or removed, or it has an aftermarket stat fitted.

[13aines]

Thanks chaps. Sounds like it might well have an aftermarket oil thermostat. Lots of talk of aftermarket thermostats that open at 90c on N54 forums.

I have the torque app on an old phone and a Bluetooth OBD reader somewhere. I'll keep an eye on the coolant temp too, just out of interest.

[Mike335i]

My n54 sits around 90c but in traffic and when on it, it rises up to a max of 120c.

I also read that it runs hot for efficiency and it certainly seems to work.

[rallycross]

Mike335i said:

My n54 sits around 90c but in traffic and when on it, it rises up to a max of 120c.

k.

Ive had a few 335i and one of them would show oil temp at 123 ‘ when driven a bit harder.

[IcedKiwi]

13aines said:

Thanks chaps. Sounds like it might well have an aftermarket oil thermostat. Lots of talk of aftermarket thermostats that open at 90c on N54 forums.

I have the torque app on an old phone and a Bluetooth OBD reader somewhere. I'll keep an eye on the coolant temp too, just out of interest.

Engines don't have oil thermostats. But it will have an oil cooler that is cooled by the coolant. Hence if you're coolant is running colder, then it will have a direct impact on your oil temperature, but the oil temperature is not directly controlled.

Edit: I was wrong - It can have a separate oil cooler, with it's own heat exchanger and associated thermostat

Edited by IcedKiwi on Tuesday 8th January 16:38

[Dannbodge]

IcedKiwi said:

Engines don't have oil thermostats. But it will have an oil cooler that is cooled by the coolant. Hence if you're coolant is running colder, then it will have a direct impact on your oil temperature, but the oil temperature is not directly controlled.

N54 have an oil cooler in front of one of the wheels which is controlled by a thermostat

[IcedKiwi]

Dannbodge said:

N54 have an oil cooler in front of one of the wheels which is controlled by a thermostat

Interesting thanks, I stand corrected. Found some more details (from N55) here after a quick google:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14...

[Rod200SX]

Not an E91 but an E92. Bought a Pre LCI 335i before christmas and it broke down the day after I bought it Welcome to N54 life!

I did go in with my eyes open, thankfully. But I'm currently awaiting a phone call from the garage to see if the new HPFP and Walnut blast have resolved my misfiring issues. Think it's unlikely to be injectors at this time but we shall see what happens!

On the one day I drove it back from Newcastle > Aberdeen in yellow warning weather, it was great JB4, downpipes and intake done so should be around 400HP, whee.

• Edit* also got it booked in for the blower recall at the end of the month, hopefully it behaves until then. I just want to drive the thing!

Edited by Rod200SX on Wednesday 9th January 17:18

[13aines]

Hope it's fixed soon!

My 335i is standard, but even still - by god it's good. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I have been driving it reasonably gently in D, with occasional paddle use - which quickly reverts back to D. Last night I drove it in Sport with the paddles, and it was like a different car. It's a great all rounder.

Out of interest, was the misfire reflected by any warnings on the dashboard, or just felt and heard?

[Rod200SX]

13aines said:

Hope it's fixed soon!

My 335i is standard, but even still - by god it's good. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I have been driving it reasonably gently in D, with occasional paddle use - which quickly reverts back to D. Last night I drove it in Sport with the paddles, and it was like a different car. It's a great all rounder.

Out of interest, was the misfire reflected by any warnings on the dashboard, or just felt and heard?

Picking it up tonight! So hopefully all is well.

Mine is a manual, which I debated over as I was after an auto but after driving a friend's one, I deemed the manual relaxing enough to justify!,

It was quite odd to be honest as it started missing as I was slowly passing someone under maybe 1/8th -1/4 throttle and it initially behaved more like a boost leak, gradually as I was cruising to pull over somewhere it was bringing up the half power check engine light, which would come and go. Changed plugs and coil packs as precaution which didn't fix it.

It didn't store any codes relating to the engine which was odd but not uncommon from what I've read. Mechanic managed to figure out it was losing fuel pressure and through various means diagnosed it as the pump. The car would run fine but then go in to limp mode (with no CEL) under load.

We said we would play it by ear until the inlet was off as to whether to walnut blast it or not but when it was taken off it was obviously needing done. More coked up than Charlie sheen. I would really recommend getting the inlet cleaned to anyone that hasn't done it.

I'm nervous for picking it up that the issues will come back but hopefully not. Next step would be injectors. Until it does break down again, I'll have around 400hp to keep me entertained!

[pedarby]

Working through this thread. Currently on page 14 of 95 so still a long way to go yet and have already learnt a great deal about my new pride and joy. Thanks for all the advice people

For my first BMW I think I've found a real gem here - E91 330i M Sport (auto), a 56 plate so the N52 engine, only 60k on the clock and perfect service history with ten stamps in the book!! Well worth a 4 hour train journey to Leeds on Saturday. Price was £5,995. Feels like a bargain (I may be wrong?)

It's with my local specialist PMW at the moment for some TLC - a major service and having a number of leaking seals replaced, but apart from that she is in great condition for her age. A few nicks, scratches and minor dents in the paintwork which can easily be dealt with. Otherwise I couldn't be happier and think I'll have it for a long while!!

I have already had the M Badge removed whilst it's at the garage, and also need to address the front grill as I would prefer plain black.

Not sure who the exhaust is by yet but it sounds mean. If anything a bit loud for me (no back boxes!)

First job will be retrofitting a bluetooth unit as was not included in the original spec

Edited by pedarby on Wednesday 16th January 19:24

[MajorMantra]

Looks good to me assuming no hidden nasties!

That's not the standard exhaust is it? I thought 330is all had two pipes on the left like my 325i?

[snake_oil]

Please do bin that awful GB sticker. No idea why that's there, there's one on the plate!

[pedarby]

MajorMantra said:

Looks good to me assuming no hidden nasties!

That's not the standard exhaust is it? I thought 330is all had two pipes on the left like my 325i?

Sorry no it's certainly aftermarket but not sure who it's by - haven't had a proper poke around the car yet it went straight to my local indy as was due a service and I wanted it looked over immediately for any work it needed doing

It passed MOT the day before collection and apart from a few leaking seals which are being replaced the guys at PMW have no other concerns.

snake_oil said:

Please do bin that awful GB sticker. No idea why that's there, there's one on the plate!

Yes that will also be gone the next time I see the car!!

Edited by pedarby on Wednesday 16th January 19:13

[phil_cardiff]

What are the 330i models like to drive with an auto? They seem to be more plentiful but I'd be worried about pairing an auto box with a rev hungry engine.

[Mr Tidy]

pedarby said:

Working through this thread. Currently on page 14 of 95 so still a long way to go yet and have already learnt a great deal about my new pride and joy. Thanks for all the advice people

For my first BMW I think I've found a real gem here - E91 330i M Sport (auto), a 56 plate so the N52 engine, only 60k on the clock and perfect service history with ten stamps in the book!! Well worth a 4 hour train journey to Leeds on Saturday. Price was £5,995. Feels like a bargain (I may be wrong?)

It's with my local specialist PMW at the moment for some TLC - a major service and having a number of leaking seals replaced, but apart from that she is in great condition for her age. A few nicks, scratches and minor dents in the paintwork which can easily be dealt with. Otherwise I couldn't be happier and think I'll have it for a long while!!

I have already had the M Badge removed whilst it's at the garage, and also need to address the front grill as I would prefer plain black.

Not sure who the exhaust is by yet but it sounds mean. If anything a bit loud for me (no back boxes!)

First job will be retrofitting a bluetooth unit as was not included in the original spec

Edited by pedarby on Wednesday 16th January 19:24

It looks like a great example there.

Your exhaust is definitely not standard - they just had twin tail-pipes on the Nearside. But a few Z4 owners with the same engine have had 4 tail-pipe systems fitted.

If you do go for black grilles I might be interested in your chrome ones - maybe PM me.

Mine has OEM Bluetooth, but 2006 Bluetooth with a 2018 phone doesn't work.