E91 Straight Six Bearding

[g3org3y]

stevesuk said:

g3org3y said:

Went to test drive an E90 325i (N52) manual earlier today (primarily for my dad). Smooth (as expected) but did feel pretty slow compared to my E46 330, never mind the E91 330i..

We've had a couple of E46 coupes over the years (including a 330 Ci). Our daily driver today (and our only car at the moment) is an N52 325i.

The E46 feels quicker (makes more dramatic sounds when you put your foot down, feels rawer) - but I think a lot of the difference between the two is down to the fact the E9x is more refined/better insulated from the road. I don't think the difference in performance between the two is as much as it necessarily feels on the road.

Perhaps the refinement is hiding the speed somewhat. However my wife's car is an E91 330i (auto) and that feels a big step up over the 325i in terms of performance (with similar refinement).

TBF, BMW model specs are to have broadly similar performance. I'd expect the 325i to be slower than the 330i. As mentioned, the N52 2.5 engine torque and power is notably down on the M54 3.0, let alone the N52 3.0.

[phil_cardiff]

Manmoths said:

phil_cardiff said:

Only just become aware of auto gearbox 're-maps'. Can they be applied to a 330i or 325i too? Only seen 335i and 335d auto boxes mentioned.

It might make a 330i auto a bit more attractive if I could get the character of the box changed.

I have the XHP S2 on my 335d. I didn't see the need for S3 given the extra stress it puts on the box over S2.

It's night and day better than the OE ZF flash. The much-improved converter lockup is worth the money alone.

Good point, hadn't considered extra wear and tear.

Seems like a good idea, especially when combined with the paddle shifters for all my racing driver fantasies.

[maniak91]

Manmoths said:

I have the XHP S2 on my 335d. I didn't see the need for S3 given the extra stress it puts on the box over S2.

It's night and day better than the OE ZF flash. The much-improved converter lockup is worth the money alone.

I drove for a few days my friends 335i MHD stage 1 with XHP S3 and all i can say is wow. My manual 335i feels like a 330i compared to that, the way the gearbox changes and just how aggressive it is when you want it is just mind blowing.


I've re-trimmed my steering wheel and also done the gear gater and handbrake one at the same time to match. I'm now looking for a nice gear knob (ideally a weighted one for the nice shift feeling). What do you gents use/recommend?



Also: Might not be new news, but i also spoke with the guys from Racing Diffs in Serbia, for a LSD for my 335i, and been quoted 500 euros (parts+labor) which is a really good price. As soon as i find a decent diff to buy as a spare ( so i can still use my car whilst it's being done) I'll send it over and come back with a feedback.

Edited by maniak91 on Sunday 16th February 09:39

[Mr Tidy]

To be fair from your photo it looks like you already have the ZHP gear-knob which is just so much better than what BMW fitted!

[g3org3y]

maniak91 said:

Dangerous air freshener!

[Sir_Dave]

Mr Tidy said:

To be fair from your photo it looks like you already have the ZHP gear-knob which is just so much better than what BMW fitted!

Nah, thats the standard sport gearknob, zhp is as follows:


Untitled by Sir_Dave, on Flickr

[helix402]

Just sold one for £20! I’ve got an F10 M5 US one now on my E46.

[JakeT]

Mine's got a ZHP one too. Feels just right for these cars.

[Mr Tidy]

helix402 said:

Just sold one for £20! I’ve got an F10 M5 US one now on my E46.

That was too cheap! I got £40 for a 6-speed ZHP off the Z4 I've just sold.

As others have said they are a huge improvement.

[bodhi]

Just me that likes the standard M-Sport one that came with the E8x/E9x generation then?

[ferrisbueller]

Anyone aware of deals on oil at present? Cheapest Helix Ultra ECT3 I can find at the moment is £6.50 per litre. Cheapest Castrol Edge M £8.

Non BMW specific (Ford/Jaguar specs): Helix £5, Castrol Edge LL £7 a litre.

[helix402]

I use this:

[gizlaroc]

helix402 said:

I use this:

Me too.

Really reduced the tappetty noise on the 330i for me too. Good oil for these cars.

[ferrisbueller]

thanks.

[Manmoths]

Anyone with an LCI E90/E91 fancy a swap/deal on interior trims?

I have the Fine Aluminium trim (not the Hex or Cube) in I'd say 95% condition, it had very minor scratches to the main tunnel panel from the previous owner's watch I imagine. CIC Professional Nav with the later controller cutout.

Edited by Manmoths on Wednesday 19th February 15:44

[JakeT]

Is it the one with the hole for the iDrive CIC controller?

Because if you do buy a new one I'll buy the old trims from you. I think I have the brushed ali and need the one for the later iDrive controller.

[Manmoths]

JakeT said:

Is it the one with the hole for the iDrive CIC controller?

Because if you do buy a new one I'll buy the old trims from you. I think I have the brushed ali and need the one for the later iDrive controller.

Sorry yeah, CIC Professional Nav with the later controller cutout.

[JakeT]

No worries. I've attached an (awful) pic below of my trims. Are yours the same? If you don't swap them, I'd be happy to buy. Finding good condition LCI trims of what I have seems nearly impossible!

[MajorMantra]

gizlaroc said:

Me too.

Really reduced the tappetty noise on the 330i for me too. Good oil for these cars.

That's interesting, I've been meaning to ask on this thread if there were any success stories about curing the tapping – mine (N52) is pretty noticeable for the first few minutes of running.

A mechanic suggested I might try an oil flush but I'm wary of creating new leaks, my sump is already weeping slightly. My last oil change was with Gulf Formula ULE 5W-40.

[bodhi]

Another good place to get oil believe it or not is Tesco. I usually get 2L of 5W30 LL04 BMW spec for £12, and have occasionally seen it at 50% off too.

I use it to keep mine topped up between services, seems to work well.