E91 Straight Six Bearding
Discussion
Mike335i said:
Mr Tidy said:
BMW only ever quoted outputs in PS, rather than BHP (1 PS is 0.986 bhp I believe).
E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Unless of course the injectors and hpfp have already been replaced, which most will have had by now. The coming up just means that every 40-60k miles you have the intake cleaned, which isn't that expensive and probably only done once in most ownership periods.E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
phil_cardiff said:
Mike335i said:
Mr Tidy said:
BMW only ever quoted outputs in PS, rather than BHP (1 PS is 0.986 bhp I believe).
E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Unless of course the injectors and hpfp have already been replaced, which most will have had by now. The coming up just means that every 40-60k miles you have the intake cleaned, which isn't that expensive and probably only done once in most ownership periods.E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Mr Tidy said:
ferrisbueller said:
BMW lost the plot with nomenclature in the mid noughties and there are quite a few N52 derivatives. We've been around the houses a few times on this in various threads and established that various online sources, including Wikipedia, weren't accurate and the databases used to feed information into things like autotrader ads were also spurious.
Original press releases, road test data, actual car chassis numbers etc have been used as references to try and make sense of it over time. Whereas previously BMW would use the same engine in numerous places they started having more variants, perhaps for product differentiation i.e. making the couple more powerful than the less sporting derivatives, though maybe there are logistical reasons, too, and obviously development and technology changes through product life cycles. Using kW helps to an extent as the various uses of PS and bhp confuses folk, and certified emissions values are an indication, though V5s can also be erroneous.
E90/1 N52 190kW
E92/3 N52 has a "K" suffix and 200kW.
The ultimate conclusion, especially for 2007/8 cars where N53 was introduced was to use references as a guide and check the engine code from the chassis number as there were examples of N52s in cars which "should" have been N53s. I've not found an accurate database online other than checking the engine code on the build sheet.
BMW only ever quoted outputs in PS, rather than BHP (1 PS is 0.986 bhp I believe).Original press releases, road test data, actual car chassis numbers etc have been used as references to try and make sense of it over time. Whereas previously BMW would use the same engine in numerous places they started having more variants, perhaps for product differentiation i.e. making the couple more powerful than the less sporting derivatives, though maybe there are logistical reasons, too, and obviously development and technology changes through product life cycles. Using kW helps to an extent as the various uses of PS and bhp confuses folk, and certified emissions values are an indication, though V5s can also be erroneous.
E90/1 N52 190kW
E92/3 N52 has a "K" suffix and 200kW.
The ultimate conclusion, especially for 2007/8 cars where N53 was introduced was to use references as a guide and check the engine code from the chassis number as there were examples of N52s in cars which "should" have been N53s. I've not found an accurate database online other than checking the engine code on the build sheet.
E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Type Code WB52
E Series E92 ()
Series 3
Type COUPE
Model 330I OL (EUR)
Steering RL
Doors 2
Engine N52K
Displacement 3.00
Power 200
Drive HECK
Transmission MECH
Colour SPACEGRAU METALLIC (A52)
Upholstery LEDER DAKOTA/D1 KORALLROT (LCD1)
Prod. Date 2006-11-25
Anyone with an N53, or any direct injection petrol or diesel, should start using Archoil 6200.
https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/archoil-ar6200-fue...
Using this reduces soot by an absolute huge amount.
A friend of mine swears by it, he has run his 530d with it from new and recently took his manifld off to check the swirl flaps, this was at 140k miles.
I'm not joking when I say that not only were they almost like new, so was the EGR. Mine at 100k miles was looking almost blocked up, his had dust around it. You could wipe it off with your finger.
Also, his car does a DPF regen once every couple of thousand miles at most, which shows it simply isn't getting blocked up like normal cars.
I'm now a convert.
There are some videos out there talking about the new Ford 6.7 litre diesels, these have had terrible issues with carbon build up, using this product has stopped all that.
I would now happily buy an N53 or similar knowing this is available.
I had a 320i n43 recently that I bought to sell on, it had a stutter and flat spots, two tanks of fuel with this stuff sorted it.
I am using it in my 520d, my MPG has also increased considerably too, plus it feels peppier as well.
Loads of info out there, excellent stuff.
https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/archoil-ar6200-fue...
Using this reduces soot by an absolute huge amount.
A friend of mine swears by it, he has run his 530d with it from new and recently took his manifld off to check the swirl flaps, this was at 140k miles.
I'm not joking when I say that not only were they almost like new, so was the EGR. Mine at 100k miles was looking almost blocked up, his had dust around it. You could wipe it off with your finger.
Also, his car does a DPF regen once every couple of thousand miles at most, which shows it simply isn't getting blocked up like normal cars.
I'm now a convert.
There are some videos out there talking about the new Ford 6.7 litre diesels, these have had terrible issues with carbon build up, using this product has stopped all that.
I would now happily buy an N53 or similar knowing this is available.
I had a 320i n43 recently that I bought to sell on, it had a stutter and flat spots, two tanks of fuel with this stuff sorted it.
I am using it in my 520d, my MPG has also increased considerably too, plus it feels peppier as well.
Loads of info out there, excellent stuff.
ferrisbueller said:
phil_cardiff said:
Mike335i said:
Mr Tidy said:
BMW only ever quoted outputs in PS, rather than BHP (1 PS is 0.986 bhp I believe).
E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Unless of course the injectors and hpfp have already been replaced, which most will have had by now. The coming up just means that every 40-60k miles you have the intake cleaned, which isn't that expensive and probably only done once in most ownership periods.E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
phil_cardiff said:
ferrisbueller said:
phil_cardiff said:
Mike335i said:
Mr Tidy said:
BMW only ever quoted outputs in PS, rather than BHP (1 PS is 0.986 bhp I believe).
E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Unless of course the injectors and hpfp have already been replaced, which most will have had by now. The coming up just means that every 40-60k miles you have the intake cleaned, which isn't that expensive and probably only done once in most ownership periods.E90/91 had 258 PS, but E87, E85/86, E92/93 all had 265PS according to BMW, so you'd hope they would know!
But I would definitely want to avoid any N53 with the HPFP, injector and coking up issues they seem to have.
Injectors went through numerous revisions (12?) but there are instances of later ones failing, too. HPFP was subject to recall but some cars have had multiple pumps.
I don't have any definitive data but anecdotal evidence, based on reading various BMW forums, suggested to me that there was still a vulnerability which could be avoided by going for the earlier car.
I think the injectors were mostly solved by later revisions. Having had both sorted on mine I'm not concerned about this happening again. Some say using higher quality fuel will help prevent the issue, I mostly use Shell V Power or Momentum 99 anyway, so can't really say it it's a problem.
gizlaroc said:
Anyone with an N53, or any direct injection petrol or diesel, should start using Archoil 6200.
https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/archoil-ar6200-fue...
Using this reduces soot by an absolute huge amount.
Is there any independent and reliable evidence to support these manufacturer's claims? I know 5th gear debunked many file additives from being beneficial some years ago https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/archoil-ar6200-fue...
Using this reduces soot by an absolute huge amount.
Edited by Mike335i on Sunday 16th June 08:46
Some questionable n53 info on this thread lol.
Earlier ones are definitely bigger risk if they are still running the original earlier injectors or HPFP but let's face it they're over 10 years old at this stage so not exactly bad.
The later ones runs the exact same HPFP as the n55 so make of that what you will.
Index 11 injectors are better but like any piezo injector can still fail just less likely and you also don't need to replace all six if already at index 11.
Inlet ports coking up, more likely on DI turbo engines. My n53 at 60k inlets were fine. The only hits I could find for inlet coking on an n53 are reiterated by Mr Tidy every time someone doesn't ask about his 325i hehe.
The real sensitive bit of this engine is the ignition system (plugs and coilpacks) because the spark has to be tip top for the stratified injection to work properly.
Later (again) n53 fitted to f10 cars had upgraded bits like DME and NOX sensors are different.
You don't see many n53 threads these days. And when you do, it's usually older cars with earlier injectors. Earlier problems were largely misdiagnosis by incompetent dealers playing parts bingo imo.
Overall good engines but can be expensive if they go wrong, like pretty much any modern engine. Give me a nat asp engine any day over a turbo though, I thought the n55 was boring to drive. Too much like a diesel. Prefer to make my engines sing and that's where a straight six non turbo comes into its own.
Earlier ones are definitely bigger risk if they are still running the original earlier injectors or HPFP but let's face it they're over 10 years old at this stage so not exactly bad.
The later ones runs the exact same HPFP as the n55 so make of that what you will.
Index 11 injectors are better but like any piezo injector can still fail just less likely and you also don't need to replace all six if already at index 11.
Inlet ports coking up, more likely on DI turbo engines. My n53 at 60k inlets were fine. The only hits I could find for inlet coking on an n53 are reiterated by Mr Tidy every time someone doesn't ask about his 325i hehe.
The real sensitive bit of this engine is the ignition system (plugs and coilpacks) because the spark has to be tip top for the stratified injection to work properly.
Later (again) n53 fitted to f10 cars had upgraded bits like DME and NOX sensors are different.
You don't see many n53 threads these days. And when you do, it's usually older cars with earlier injectors. Earlier problems were largely misdiagnosis by incompetent dealers playing parts bingo imo.
Overall good engines but can be expensive if they go wrong, like pretty much any modern engine. Give me a nat asp engine any day over a turbo though, I thought the n55 was boring to drive. Too much like a diesel. Prefer to make my engines sing and that's where a straight six non turbo comes into its own.
I'd agree mostly. They can coke up though, nowhere nearly as bad as the N54/55, because a turbo introduces oil into the inlet tract. I'd have the walnut blasting performed every 100k to ensure that performance and fuel economy are maintained. I don't think they're particularly unreliable, and nowadays, injectors can be had for a decent enough cost, along with things like the NOXEM. This is no different to M54 VANOS issues, or M52 Nikasil issues. It's usually a small minority that have issues. I'm looking at an E91 with a N52 in it tomorrow, but the N53 wouldn't put me off. They're both excellent engines, and last well.
The N53 is also very smooth and feel very powerful even at low revs. I drove a friends E63 630i with one fitted, and it was very good on fuel. I think they're a chain reaction sort of engine, where a leaking injector can make a spark plug less efficient, and then they run into more issues. I'd use a dose of fuel system cleaner every so often and just drive it. high mileage seems to be the best way to keep a BMW engine reliable.
Also,
The N53 is also very smooth and feel very powerful even at low revs. I drove a friends E63 630i with one fitted, and it was very good on fuel. I think they're a chain reaction sort of engine, where a leaking injector can make a spark plug less efficient, and then they run into more issues. I'd use a dose of fuel system cleaner every so often and just drive it. high mileage seems to be the best way to keep a BMW engine reliable.
Also,
bmwmike said:
The only hits I could find for inlet coking on an n53 are reiterated by Mr Tidy every time someone doesn't ask about his 325i hehe.
Harsh, but funny. g3org3y said:
bmwmike said:
The later ones runs the exact same HPFP as the n55 so make of that what you will.
Is there a specific year when this change was made?Mike335i said:
Is there any independent and reliable evidence to support these manufacturer's claims? I know 5th gear debunked many file additives from being beneficial some years ago
I have seen cars that use it and I am a convert. This video is worth a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE812Iw354o
But there is quite a lot of info out there as it has been around for a while.
Hello all. Long time reader / lurker and new owner of a E91 330i lci. I am a new BMW 3.0 petrol convert (having owned a fair number of BMW 3.0l Diesels) thank's in large part to the contributions contained in this thread.
I have to be honest this purchase was an impulse buy because the car was well priced and local. I had intended to get a 330i at some point in the near future but this was (I thought) an opportunity not to be missed.
Anyway, pictures (from ad):
I've had the car all of 24 hours and have it booked into my local indie for an oil change and once over which will hopefully give the car a clean bill if health. First impressions are good and I'll add a bit more later once I've had a bit more time with the car.
Hope you don't mind if I ask the odd question if I get stuck with something? Thanks.
I have to be honest this purchase was an impulse buy because the car was well priced and local. I had intended to get a 330i at some point in the near future but this was (I thought) an opportunity not to be missed.
Anyway, pictures (from ad):
I've had the car all of 24 hours and have it booked into my local indie for an oil change and once over which will hopefully give the car a clean bill if health. First impressions are good and I'll add a bit more later once I've had a bit more time with the car.
Hope you don't mind if I ask the odd question if I get stuck with something? Thanks.
helix402 said:
g3org3y said:
Thanks for the info chaps. 
Oil wise, looks like it's 5W30 LL04 spec? Any particular brands to go for? Any particular reason to consider 5w40 or 0w30?
Does this look reasonable.
£50 for 20L is good value, seems to meet the specs and made by ELF.
And it looks like I need a special tool like this (OEM) or this (not OEM). Is the OEM one three times better!?
Top oil choice. I’ve been using it in a variety of BMWs for a few years. £2.50/litre-bargain. In fact I’ve got 20l due today!Oil wise, looks like it's 5W30 LL04 spec? Any particular brands to go for? Any particular reason to consider 5w40 or 0w30?
Does this look reasonable.
£50 for 20L is good value, seems to meet the specs and made by ELF.
And it looks like I need a special tool like this (OEM) or this (not OEM). Is the OEM one three times better!?
I’ve got the cheap tool, it’s fine.
Edited by helix402 on Thursday 6th June 12:34
Edited by helix402 on Thursday 6th June 12:38
Welcome. I even posted that ad the other day and wondered who bought it when it sold so quickly. That's a tasty spec, especially the individual audio. I reckon the options price when new was more than you paid for the car. MOT history is very good too.
I am also now pending joining this club properly. Got a collection of an E91 330i early next week, and I've just bought my first 'mod'. Nothing at all spectacular...
Since my first trip with the car is 1,500 miles around France, and it has no run flat tyres, having a space saver is a nice comfort. It lashes to the boot floor nicely, in it's own bag.
Getting excited now!
I am also now pending joining this club properly. Got a collection of an E91 330i early next week, and I've just bought my first 'mod'. Nothing at all spectacular...
Since my first trip with the car is 1,500 miles around France, and it has no run flat tyres, having a space saver is a nice comfort. It lashes to the boot floor nicely, in it's own bag.
Getting excited now!
Sn1ckers said:
Hello all. Long time reader / lurker and new owner of a E91 330i lci. I am a new BMW 3.0 petrol convert (having owned a fair number of BMW 3.0l Diesels) thank's in large part to the contributions contained in this thread.
I have to be honest this purchase was an impulse buy because the car was well priced and local. I had intended to get a 330i at some point in the near future but this was (I thought) an opportunity not to be missed.
Anyway, pictures (from ad):
I've had the car all of 24 hours and have it booked into my local indie for an oil change and once over which will hopefully give the car a clean bill if health. First impressions are good and I'll add a bit more later once I've had a bit more time with the car.
Hope you don't mind if I ask the odd question if I get stuck with something? Thanks.
Hate to be the bearer of potentially bad news, but i tried to buy this on ebay recently - for parts for my e91 and/or to fix depending on how knackered it was. I have to be honest this purchase was an impulse buy because the car was well priced and local. I had intended to get a 330i at some point in the near future but this was (I thought) an opportunity not to be missed.
Anyway, pictures (from ad):
I've had the car all of 24 hours and have it booked into my local indie for an oil change and once over which will hopefully give the car a clean bill if health. First impressions are good and I'll add a bit more later once I've had a bit more time with the car.
Hope you don't mind if I ask the odd question if I get stuck with something? Thanks.
In end, the the price was too strong for me considering the potential cost to fix, so its obviously been offloaded to a trader instead.
Here is the original advert: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-330i-Touring-2009-9...
Message from the seller after i queried a few points:
"I found the oil when checking the coolant level. The car has not overheated or lost any coolant. I've cleaned out the header tank and since then there hasn't been any oil. It didn't get there by accident though so at some point the head gasket needs replacing. I had erratic idle and check engine lights for misfires prior to replacing the injectors. Since then I've not had any issues with poor running. If you're interested 4k is really as low as I can go."
As a best scenario, the oil filter housing gasket is leaking oil into the coolant channels - at worse, the head gasket has gone.
Id recommend that your mechanic gives it a thorough going over
Edited by Sir_Dave on Wednesday 19th June 14:05
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