BMW F31 330d estate in Estoril Blue

[Tracklover]

After having various Audi A4 3.0tdi I decided to make the move over to BMW. This is a car I'd use as a general workhorse and a bit of towing.

My thinking was, X-drive plus the 8 speed ZF auto would be good for towing. I first tried an X-drive version of this but felt it lacked agility, so I went with RWD.

Here's the car in question, 140k miles, Estoril blue. For some unknown reason some people seem to think these old barges are worth big money. I paid £4500. Granted yes it's had a bump in the past, but the repairs were bolt-on panels.

[Tracklover]

First impressions, coming from Audis

Pros:
Very nimble, great steering
Engine sounded great
Plenty of power
Interior felt much nicer, more cosy
Love the Apple car play headunit / DAB / music HDD

Cons:
Gearbox, although mapped, didn't like spirited driving
No sodding spare wheel, or space to put one!

[Tracklover]

One of the first jobs was, of course, a service. All fairly straightforward.

[Tracklover]

I also put on some CSL wheels I had in the garage




Rear offset was wrong, but I liked the look enough to go and buy a set in the correct offsets

[Tracklover]

The next upgrade was a set of the M-sport brembo brakes, with DS2500 pads. Great for daily, great for towing and great for the track.



Speaking of which, I snuck over to the Ring on a set of AR1 semi slicks, just to see how it went.



In all honesty it was a little disappointing, predominantly the gearbox never quite finding the right gear.

Managed an 8:22 BTG. Nobody cared.

Edited by Tracklover on Saturday 27th June 08:16

[Tracklover]

The next upgrade was heated red leather. Marmite I know... but I like it. Plus a retrimmed steering wheel and some genuine BMW overmats.

[Tracklover]

And here she is on towing duty


The roofbox is now a permanent fixture, to carry a spare wheel, jack, tools, can of oil and fuel can. My thinking is it leaves the load space free.

[danb79]

F31 tourings just look so well; really good to see you've stuck with silver wheels too, suits the paintwork and vice-versa so well

Had ours since Jan 2023 and it's not a car I'd be quick to part with, at all

[willmagrath]

Love this. I also have an F31 330d. Great car. Unfortunately where I now live is unsuitable for a Euro 5 diesel. So it'll be going soon. Sad

[Mr Tidy]

That looks great!

Judging by the seats I'd guess yours is an M-Sport. X-Drive models regardless of trim don't get the M-Sport suspension, which may explain why the X-Drive didn't feel so nimble. There's nowhere for a spare wheel because they all came with run-flats as standard.

Love that photo on towing duty!

[Tracklover]

Thankyou gents.

Unfortunately I managed to hit a badger the other night. There was a huge bang, and bits of badger everywhere.



Damage is:
- Bumper (paint only)
- Intercooler smashed
- Various plastics / ducting etc
- One kidney grille

The fluid pictured is only washer fluid from removing the bumper.

I have fitted a new intercooler, to get it back on the road. I just need to plan for paint now.

[Sko77y]

That's cheap, what year is it? I didn't even think you could get these for that sort of money.

[gazzol]

Great car, sorry to hear about the damage 😔

[Tracklover]

Sko77y said:

That's cheap, what year is it? I didn't even think you could get these for that sort of money.

2013. The thing is there's people who think they are worth crazy money. It's an ancient 3 series at the end of the day...

[Tracklover]

gazzol said:

Great car, sorry to hear about the damage ?

The badger was certainly sorry.

[Tracklover]

Well she's all back together!



Costs:
- Nissens intercooler £96
- Bumper in the correct colour £150
- Pair of kidney grilles in black £20

[Sko77y]

Wheels look great, still yet to see one pop up as cheap! How's the boot size treating you? I know E91's had a smaller boot but not sure on F31's.

[Tracklover]

Sko77y said:

Wheels look great, still yet to see one pop up as cheap! How's the boot size treating you? I know E91's had a smaller boot but not sure on F31's.

They come up cheap on FB groups quite often. Or you could try a wanted post.

The boot is fine for most people I'm sure. Not as cavernous as a Volvo estate but better than most cars.

[Tracklover]

Wheels wise I am actually dropping down to 18" soon! For ride comfort. I realised that 99.9% of my driving is just wafting around, so pointless having low profiles.

I have ordered some 18s and 45 profile tyres all round, with an array of spacers to help me get it all sat right.

[danb79]

Tracklover said:

Wheels wise I am actually dropping down to 18" soon! For ride comfort. I realised that 99.9% of my driving is just wafting around, so pointless having low profiles.

I have ordered some 18s and 45 profile tyres all round, with an array of spacers to help me get it all sat right.

You'll absolutely love it on 18s; they really do make a difference - I run 235/45s on mine; superb for all roads