E91 Straight Six Bearding
Discussion
Bought this as a 'stopgap' car a couple of years ago because neither my wife or I liked the new shape 5 series we had and I got offered a decent price for it. The pic is from when I bought it, it's a lot dirtier at the moment and has a couple of small parking scrapes on the front bumper I need to get sorted.
335i with Autobox and Paddles
Panoramic Sunroof
Sat Nav
Upgraded Audio
Xenon Lights
At the time it came with a BMW Extended Warranty, which was just as well as the HPFP and Rear Springs all failed in the first month.
Overall it's been a good daily driver, although the suspension is starting to feel it's age a bit. Part of me is tempted to have the Birds suspension package fitted, the main thing that puts me off is the gearbox - if I'm going to spend a load of cash I think I'd prefer the six speed manual.
Great looking car that, I usually hate black grilles but it seems to suit that. The wheels could even do with being a couple of shades darker to match in (Ferric Grey?).
Good spec too, how many miles has it done now? I've only driven a manual 335i and 330i so can't really comment on the gearbox - I'd assume it would suit the engines character but ultimately you have less control I guess. Does it have the steering wheel buttons?
Good spec too, how many miles has it done now? I've only driven a manual 335i and 330i so can't really comment on the gearbox - I'd assume it would suit the engines character but ultimately you have less control I guess. Does it have the steering wheel buttons?
Mr Tidy said:
In 1977 I went to Manitoba to stay with some relatives and got to use their 5.7 litre V8 F100 that was about 2 years old - and even had a manual gearbox! It was great - but their 6.6 litre Chrysler was better still, even if it was an auto. 
Internet rumours are the 2019 Raptor will have a 7 litre unit 
Max M4X WW said:
I've only driven a manual 335i and 330i so can't really comment on the gearbox - I'd assume it would suit the engines character but ultimately you have less control I guess. Does it have the steering wheel buttons?
My LCI 335i auto has the paddles. Probably standard fit.Max M4X WW said:
Great looking car that, I usually hate black grilles but it seems to suit that. The wheels could even do with being a couple of shades darker to match in (Ferric Grey?).
Good spec too, how many miles has it done now? I've only driven a manual 335i and 330i so can't really comment on the gearbox - I'd assume it would suit the engines character but ultimately you have less control I guess. Does it have the steering wheel buttons?
Thanks. I'm usually not a fan either but they were added be the previous owner (along with Dark Line rear lights) and like you I think they look ok. Think they were BMW Performance options rather than 'true' aftermarket. Good spec too, how many miles has it done now? I've only driven a manual 335i and 330i so can't really comment on the gearbox - I'd assume it would suit the engines character but ultimately you have less control I guess. Does it have the steering wheel buttons?
It's on 75k miles. I had it checked out by a specialist when I bought as I expected the auto box to be leaking but it wasn't the case. I do wonder if I should get the box refurbished. I'll never be as good as a manual, but a refurb might sharpen it up a bit. It does have the paddles, which are a nice addition.
Well, got my car back yesterday after 2 days in the garage to replace most of hte front and rear suspension, and do an oil and filters change. The cost is pretty scary, especially as I sourced the parts as cheaply as possible.
I haven't driven far yet, but already it's fairly noticable just how much different it feels. It's a credit to BMW though that even with some parts fairly well sh4gged out, it still arguably drove and handled absolutely fine as it was. Weirdly it now feels like it's sitting higher, but doesn't look that way.
Now i just need to get my spacers on the back (15mm), get it properly aligned again, and then maybe next month get some new boots for the front. That'll be it for a while then.
I haven't driven far yet, but already it's fairly noticable just how much different it feels. It's a credit to BMW though that even with some parts fairly well sh4gged out, it still arguably drove and handled absolutely fine as it was. Weirdly it now feels like it's sitting higher, but doesn't look that way.
Now i just need to get my spacers on the back (15mm), get it properly aligned again, and then maybe next month get some new boots for the front. That'll be it for a while then.
Car still feels weird. Like it's on stilts. I even took a photo as I thought it was riding high, but comparison against older images shows it isn't. I know It's probably not fully settled down yet, and I've not had chance to push it much, but it's quieter, less crashy, and yet much firmer.
Whether it's worth the wallet shredding...probably not to most people, but it should be good for another 80-100k now, and I've no plans to change anytime soon.
Whether it's worth the wallet shredding...probably not to most people, but it should be good for another 80-100k now, and I've no plans to change anytime soon.
ferrisbueller said:
What front discs are people using? I fear I'm on the wrong end of a bad batch from Brembo (a friend is now onto his 4th set in <20k).
So I bought new shape Z4 35is discs as they're the same size and shape as the standard 335i discs but they have the alloy centre which make them a couple of pound lighter.Yours is a 330i right? What size discs should it have on there?
ATM said:
ferrisbueller said:
What front discs are people using? I fear I'm on the wrong end of a bad batch from Brembo (a friend is now onto his 4th set in <20k).
So I bought new shape Z4 35is discs as they're the same size and shape as the standard 335i discs but they have the alloy centre which make them a couple of pound lighter.Yours is a 330i right? What size discs should it have on there?
ferrisbueller said:
ATM said:
ferrisbueller said:
What front discs are people using? I fear I'm on the wrong end of a bad batch from Brembo (a friend is now onto his 4th set in <20k).
So I bought new shape Z4 35is discs as they're the same size and shape as the standard 335i discs but they have the alloy centre which make them a couple of pound lighter.Yours is a 330i right? What size discs should it have on there?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142660660230
Mine came with some brand new cheapo brembo's (iirc) just under 20k miles ago, I've got a bit of brake shudder on them noticeable when braking hard - so doesn't sound like an isolated case. I have a set of F3x brembo 4 pots and accompanying BMW discs to replace them with though, so I'm not too bothered for the moment as everything seems to be working ok otherwise - I'll change them once the bad weather has passed.
I have got a suspension clunk getting worse on the rear though, the only things I haven't replaced are the shock top mounts and the drop links - so I'll do them the next sunny weekend available as I have the parts sitting in the garage.
I have got a suspension clunk getting worse on the rear though, the only things I haven't replaced are the shock top mounts and the drop links - so I'll do them the next sunny weekend available as I have the parts sitting in the garage.
Mr Tidy said:
They are indeed 16s, clad with nearly new Bridgestone Blizzak winter RFTs.
While they work on a 325i, they wouldn't fit a 330i as it has bigger front discs!
Next job is to find some bigger wheels for summer use.
Based on your experience mine is only just run in at 132,000 miles - great news!
So I had a proper drive for the first time, from Berkshire to Cambridge and back. It feels so much more grown-up than my Z4C, so very relaxed on a longer trip. While they work on a 325i, they wouldn't fit a 330i as it has bigger front discs!
Next job is to find some bigger wheels for summer use.
Based on your experience mine is only just run in at 132,000 miles - great news!
Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 22 February 21:11
What was I doing in Cambridge you may wonder! Well I came back with a set of 17" F30 Style 394 wheels fitted with Pirelli RFT summer tyres - and change from £200. They seemed to good to miss!
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