Magnum's F30 330i Adventure
Discussion
After selling my last 'daily' during lockdown v1, and 'surviving' with my weekend car and Mrs Magnum's 220i Active Tourer (which is nowhere near as bad as many people may tell you), it was time for a new daily.
So, much diligent research resulted in my deciding that a Lexus IS300 was probably the best option. Right up until I tried multiple Lexus dealers to get a test drive. Lots of cop-outs, and reasons why this would be difficult, so I gave up and started looking at 3 Series. Boring, I've had loads of 3s, but at least the dealers will let you drive before you buy. Having tried both the 330i and the 340i, I settled on the 330i as the 340, whilst nice, didn't make much sense in terms of extra cost of purchase and running for the amount of time you can actually enjoy the extra performance on British roads.....
A suitable 330i was found, driven, and deposit paid. This being a BMW Approved Used Car, I wasn't quite as thorough in my checks as I would have been buying from anywhere else. That was probably a mistake.
This thread needs pics, right?
Funds transferred to dealer, time booked off work to collect the car on Friday September 24th, all good to go! Until a telephone call on Thursday from the rather embarrassed salesman, "Sorry, Sir, we don't actually have the V5C for this car. The previous owner couldn't find it and we're waiting for the new one." So I've paid for a car I can't tax or drive. Great. Car was finally collected two weeks later, on 7th October.
All was good until 16th October.... when cold start produced a mahoosive plume of blue oil smoke out of the tailpipe that followed me up the road for the first 100m or so, and could comfortably have hidden a WW2 shipping convoy. So, back it went to BMW, who had it for 10 days before returning it having replaced the crankcase ventilation system and inlet manifold...
All good until 6th November when cold start produced a similar plume of smoke.... and it's gone back to BMW again.
I've had a good poke around in the engine bay now, and there's no oil in the coolant, and no mayo in the oil cap. The only thing that's out of place is evidence of a wiring loom having been repaired, badly - but I have no idea what this loom is for:
Based on the contents of some other threads, I'm hoping that this isn't a sign of a previous owner having decided to add a 'tuning box' or similar, and subsequently damaging the engine internals. Watch this space for further updates....
So, much diligent research resulted in my deciding that a Lexus IS300 was probably the best option. Right up until I tried multiple Lexus dealers to get a test drive. Lots of cop-outs, and reasons why this would be difficult, so I gave up and started looking at 3 Series. Boring, I've had loads of 3s, but at least the dealers will let you drive before you buy. Having tried both the 330i and the 340i, I settled on the 330i as the 340, whilst nice, didn't make much sense in terms of extra cost of purchase and running for the amount of time you can actually enjoy the extra performance on British roads.....
A suitable 330i was found, driven, and deposit paid. This being a BMW Approved Used Car, I wasn't quite as thorough in my checks as I would have been buying from anywhere else. That was probably a mistake.
This thread needs pics, right?
Funds transferred to dealer, time booked off work to collect the car on Friday September 24th, all good to go! Until a telephone call on Thursday from the rather embarrassed salesman, "Sorry, Sir, we don't actually have the V5C for this car. The previous owner couldn't find it and we're waiting for the new one." So I've paid for a car I can't tax or drive. Great. Car was finally collected two weeks later, on 7th October.
All was good until 16th October.... when cold start produced a mahoosive plume of blue oil smoke out of the tailpipe that followed me up the road for the first 100m or so, and could comfortably have hidden a WW2 shipping convoy. So, back it went to BMW, who had it for 10 days before returning it having replaced the crankcase ventilation system and inlet manifold...
All good until 6th November when cold start produced a similar plume of smoke.... and it's gone back to BMW again.
I've had a good poke around in the engine bay now, and there's no oil in the coolant, and no mayo in the oil cap. The only thing that's out of place is evidence of a wiring loom having been repaired, badly - but I have no idea what this loom is for:
Based on the contents of some other threads, I'm hoping that this isn't a sign of a previous owner having decided to add a 'tuning box' or similar, and subsequently damaging the engine internals. Watch this space for further updates....
Edited by Magnum 475 on Thursday 11th November 11:22
Huskyman said:
I would be asking them to do the following:
Bore scope the engine
Carry out a leak down test
Compression test
If they still can’t find out what’s wrong reject it. I’ve been down this path with a bag o’s
te Seat Leon, they couldn’t fix it so I got a refund after a bit of pressure.
I've already told them that I want the engine bore scoped, and I want to see the output.... I'll be discussing further when this has been done. For oil to be in the crankcase ventilation system there has to be a degree of crankcase pressurisation from somewhere. It doesn't smoke under hard acceleration though, only on cold start....Bore scope the engine
Carry out a leak down test
Compression test
If they still can’t find out what’s wrong reject it. I’ve been down this path with a bag o’s
te Seat Leon, they couldn’t fix it so I got a refund after a bit of pressure. Well, it came back on Tuesday, having been borescope, leak down tested, and compression tested. All good, no signs of problems. It now has a nice shiny new turbocharger, as their diagnosis was the turbo oil seals had failed. No smoke so far. Wiring loom apparently is for lights and temperature sensors, which makes sense as it does disappear behind the OS headlamp assembly.
Took it for a nice long run to the south coast on Friday, and back again last night. Still no smoke, and all good so far. But, after a couple of hours driving the heater fan develops a very slight, but very annoying squeaking sound. Usually I wouldn't notice as you wouldn't even hear it over the music - but the kids were asleep in the back so no music. I don't think this is really a reason to reject the car though!
Took it for a nice long run to the south coast on Friday, and back again last night. Still no smoke, and all good so far. But, after a couple of hours driving the heater fan develops a very slight, but very annoying squeaking sound. Usually I wouldn't notice as you wouldn't even hear it over the music - but the kids were asleep in the back so no music. I don't think this is really a reason to reject the car though!
Thanks, it was very frustrating, especially as it was the second attempt. At least the dealer collected / delivered, and supplied a half-decent loan car - X2.
Not on the subject of the 330, the X2 loan car was very odd. It's relatively big on the outside, and seriously tiny on the inside. Boot is full if you put 4 bags of shopping in, and the seat / pedal offset is most uncomfortable. The gas pedal is shifted a long way to the right, and the 'M Sport' seat bolsters constrict your leg movement, which adds up to a very sore thigh after about 20 minutes of driving. But, hey, it was a loan car that got me and the kids where we needed to go
The 330i certainly impressed over the weekend though - first proper run out in it, and it turned in better fuel consumption than the E90 320d that I got in 2005. It's crazily good on fuel in Eco mode, and respectively rapid in Sports / Sports plus. I wouldn't call it truly fast, but it's more than enough for use on British roads.
Not on the subject of the 330, the X2 loan car was very odd. It's relatively big on the outside, and seriously tiny on the inside. Boot is full if you put 4 bags of shopping in, and the seat / pedal offset is most uncomfortable. The gas pedal is shifted a long way to the right, and the 'M Sport' seat bolsters constrict your leg movement, which adds up to a very sore thigh after about 20 minutes of driving. But, hey, it was a loan car that got me and the kids where we needed to go
The 330i certainly impressed over the weekend though - first proper run out in it, and it turned in better fuel consumption than the E90 320d that I got in 2005. It's crazily good on fuel in Eco mode, and respectively rapid in Sports / Sports plus. I wouldn't call it truly fast, but it's more than enough for use on British roads.
I've neglected this thread for a while, so time for an update.
From November to now has been rather straightforward. No return of smoking, nothing to report really. Until yesterday. Yesterday I went to pick up a friend of Mrs Magnum's, got back home and it shat half of its coolant all over the drive. I put coolant in the top, it comes out somewhere near the OSF wheel. At least it's still in warranty.
So there'll be another call to the dealer on Tuesday to get it picked up and fixed again.
From November to now has been rather straightforward. No return of smoking, nothing to report really. Until yesterday. Yesterday I went to pick up a friend of Mrs Magnum's, got back home and it shat half of its coolant all over the drive. I put coolant in the top, it comes out somewhere near the OSF wheel. At least it's still in warranty.
So there'll be another call to the dealer on Tuesday to get it picked up and fixed again.
It seems my car has now had the B48 'Oil Filter Housing' failure. There are a few articles about this on line. Yet another case of bad / cheap design by BMW, leading to the car dumping most of its coolant. It seems that this doesn't lead to coolant getting into the engine oil though.
I think I'm going to be keeping a warranty on this car until it gets sold.
I think I'm going to be keeping a warranty on this car until it gets sold.
It's now back from the dealership, with a new Oil Filter Housing. Doing a bit of research, it seems that this particular part is unique to the "30i" versions of the B48.
Bimmerworld.com said:
A cracked and leaking oil filter housing is a fairly common problem on F22/F23 230i, 230ix (2017+), F30/F31/F36 330i, 330ix (2017+), F32/F33/F34 430i, 430ix (2017+), G30 530i, 530ix (2017-2019), G01 X3 30i, 30ix (2018-2019), and G02 X4 30i, 30ix (2019).
. . . . .
BMW Fitments:
2 Series
F22 / F23 (2014+) > 230i
F22 / F23 (2014+) > 230i xDrive
3 Series
F30 / F31 / F34 (2012-2019) > 330i
F30 / F31 / F34 (2012-2019) > 330i xDrive
4 Series
F32 / F33 / F36 (14-20) > 430i
F32 / F33 / F36 (14-20) > 430i xDrive
5 Series
G30 (2017-) > 530i
G30 (2017-) > 530i xDrive
X3 Series
G01 X3 (2018+) > X3 xDrive30i
X4 Series
G02 X4 (2019+) > X4 xDrive30i
So it seems that the lower compression ratio isn't the only thing that changes from the "20i" to "30i" cars. The 30i cars use a water-cooled oil filter housing, that I'm guessing is effectively acting as the oil cooler.. . . . .
BMW Fitments:
2 Series
F22 / F23 (2014+) > 230i
F22 / F23 (2014+) > 230i xDrive
3 Series
F30 / F31 / F34 (2012-2019) > 330i
F30 / F31 / F34 (2012-2019) > 330i xDrive
4 Series
F32 / F33 / F36 (14-20) > 430i
F32 / F33 / F36 (14-20) > 430i xDrive
5 Series
G30 (2017-) > 530i
G30 (2017-) > 530i xDrive
X3 Series
G01 X3 (2018+) > X3 xDrive30i
X4 Series
G02 X4 (2019+) > X4 xDrive30i
So, time for another update.
Late 2022 it threw an engine management 'amber' warning light. Investigated by BMW: two instances of "Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error". Faults cleared to see what happens. Early 2023 the same problem occurred. So a new Catalytic Converter has been fitted. I suspect the old one probably suffered as a result of oil contamination after the earlier problems. Thankfully I've got the BMW Insured Warranty, so just £100 excess to pay on this.
So far, so good. Except that the switch panel for windows & mirror adjustment in the drivers door is now only working intermittently and appears to be coming loose. And the high level brake light is also coming loose and not sitting straight in the rear window.
It other parts of the household, Mrs Magnum managed to crack a rear light in her 2 series (second time she's broken this rear light). It's now been on back order from BMW for over 6 weeks. Maybe I'll get one this year and be able to sort it out.
Late 2022 it threw an engine management 'amber' warning light. Investigated by BMW: two instances of "Catalytic Converter Efficiency Error". Faults cleared to see what happens. Early 2023 the same problem occurred. So a new Catalytic Converter has been fitted. I suspect the old one probably suffered as a result of oil contamination after the earlier problems. Thankfully I've got the BMW Insured Warranty, so just £100 excess to pay on this.
So far, so good. Except that the switch panel for windows & mirror adjustment in the drivers door is now only working intermittently and appears to be coming loose. And the high level brake light is also coming loose and not sitting straight in the rear window.
It other parts of the household, Mrs Magnum managed to crack a rear light in her 2 series (second time she's broken this rear light). It's now been on back order from BMW for over 6 weeks. Maybe I'll get one this year and be able to sort it out.
Well, another few months have gone by.
It now has the F30 Steering clonk. Intermittently. Some days it's bad enough that the steering wheel "kicks" in my hands, most of the time it's barely noticeable. And the window / mirror controls keep dropping down and disconnecting - cured by pulling the panel back up again.
So I took it to the dealer for its annual service, and to have the issues looked at. Apparently there's nothing wrong with the steering, despite the various clonking noises and kicks through the wheel, and the switch panel still drops down and disconnects, 'cause the service guy forgot to do anything about it.
That'll be £650 please sir.
It now has the F30 Steering clonk. Intermittently. Some days it's bad enough that the steering wheel "kicks" in my hands, most of the time it's barely noticeable. And the window / mirror controls keep dropping down and disconnecting - cured by pulling the panel back up again.
So I took it to the dealer for its annual service, and to have the issues looked at. Apparently there's nothing wrong with the steering, despite the various clonking noises and kicks through the wheel, and the switch panel still drops down and disconnects, 'cause the service guy forgot to do anything about it.
That'll be £650 please sir.
I have a F20 118d M sport, and have the exact same thing you mention of with the steering, I also have what seems like the drivers side front suspension that sounds as if its hitting the top mount on occasion, for the past 2 MOT'S i have expected this been pulled up on, but yet absolutely nothing on both tests, so i haven't got a clue what it is.
James_33 said:
I have a F20 118d M sport, and have the exact same thing you mention of with the steering, I also have what seems like the drivers side front suspension that sounds as if its hitting the top mount on occasion, for the past 2 MOT'S i have expected this been pulled up on, but yet absolutely nothing on both tests, so i haven't got a clue what it is.
It's a known problem. I'm posting a link here that may break a rule somewhere, if so mods can remove it. This company claims to have a fix that doesn't involve a complete new rack:http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/bmw-f20-f30-eps-...
But my main dealer doesn't seem to recognise that it's a problem.
Magnum 475 said:
James_33 said:
I have a F20 118d M sport, and have the exact same thing you mention of with the steering, I also have what seems like the drivers side front suspension that sounds as if its hitting the top mount on occasion, for the past 2 MOT'S i have expected this been pulled up on, but yet absolutely nothing on both tests, so i haven't got a clue what it is.
It's a known problem. I'm posting a link here that may break a rule somewhere, if so mods can remove it. This company claims to have a fix that doesn't involve a complete new rack:http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/bmw-f20-f30-eps-...
But my main dealer doesn't seem to recognise that it's a problem.
A lot of the people i have spoken to who managed to reply to me seemingly had the work done under warranty, obviously that's out the window if your car is a few years old like mine is now, can only imagine a new steering rack wouldn't be cheap.
James_33 said:
Yeah i have read stories elsewhere regarding this with other BMW garages claiming that there's nothing wrong or "it's normal"
A lot of the people i have spoken to who managed to reply to me seemingly had the work done under warranty, obviously that's out the window if your car is a few years old like mine is now, can only imagine a new steering rack wouldn't be cheap.
Mine's still under BMW extended warranty - for roughly £50 / month it's worth it - or it would be if the dealers would actually fix the problems, rather than not bothering. The MoT should be fine, because the tester won't be able to find anything loose. There isn't anything loose in the steering or suspension; the problem is inside the steering rack itself, and doesn't lead to any play in any components - it's the connector from the 'power' side of the rack to the mechanical side. A lot of the people i have spoken to who managed to reply to me seemingly had the work done under warranty, obviously that's out the window if your car is a few years old like mine is now, can only imagine a new steering rack wouldn't be cheap.
On the F20, the rack clonk is usually fixed by replacing the thrust piece. It's an official BMW repair kit: https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=321068...
P/N: 32106891974.
Available on ebay etc. as well, but your dealer should know about this.
( Ebay Link)
P/N: 32106891974.
Available on ebay etc. as well, but your dealer should know about this.
( Ebay Link)
Yomamaisasnowblower said:
Just wondering, based on your experience, would you recommend the 30i? I'm struggling to find a 440i for reasonable money with decent spec so was contemplating this or even the 30/35d..thanks.
Errrrrr. No. Too many faults, and BMW service really isn’t good. Most things that go wrong seem to need multiple dealer visits to resolve, and too many things go wrong in the first place. Performance wise the 30i is fine….. but reliability is dreadful.Well, a few more months go by.
The steering still clonks. The dealer can't find the fault - when this issue is widely known and understood, and BMW have a service part to fix it.
It's been treated to a nice new set of Continental AllSeaon Contacts all round - the only all season tyre available in the correct sizes for front and rear.
And I've tried to update the navigation system with a new map database. Emphasis on tried.
- Paid for the USB 12 months subscription
- Downloaded the BMW USB-stick creation app
- Created a USB stick.
- Followed the instructions and inserted the stick, then waited for the car to do its thing. Nothing happened
- Bought another USB2.0 stick, followed the instructions again, waited for the car to do its thing. Nothing happened again
- Raised on online help request with BMW. Promised a response in 48hrs. 96hrs on no response from BMW
When I return from holidays, time for another strop session with BMW.
The steering still clonks. The dealer can't find the fault - when this issue is widely known and understood, and BMW have a service part to fix it.
It's been treated to a nice new set of Continental AllSeaon Contacts all round - the only all season tyre available in the correct sizes for front and rear.
And I've tried to update the navigation system with a new map database. Emphasis on tried.
- Paid for the USB 12 months subscription
- Downloaded the BMW USB-stick creation app
- Created a USB stick.
- Followed the instructions and inserted the stick, then waited for the car to do its thing. Nothing happened
- Bought another USB2.0 stick, followed the instructions again, waited for the car to do its thing. Nothing happened again
- Raised on online help request with BMW. Promised a response in 48hrs. 96hrs on no response from BMW
When I return from holidays, time for another strop session with BMW.
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