F31 330d Buying Tips / Options?

[tommysport]

Hi all,

I have found a F31 330d touring (2012)  (now removed) but still talking to the seller as depends if he buys a new car this weekend as to if the car is still available. Car has around 115k on.

In my opinion, the car is priced competitively and low (ish) based on what I know.

However, it needs front discs and a suspension arm, and the 19" wheels need refurbing. Not a deal breaker, discs won't be cheap.
I have managed to find out the whole options list

These are the options;-

01CA Selection of COP-relevant vehicles
0216 Hydro steering-servotronic
0230 Extra package, EU-speciifc
0249 Multifunction f steering wheel
0258 Tyres with runflat properties
02NH M Sport brake
02PA Locking wheel bolt
02PF BMW LA wheel, M star spoke 403
02TB Sport automatic gearbox
0302 Alarm system0316 automatic trunk lid mechanism
0337 M Sports package
03AA Roof railing black
0420 Sun protection glazing
0423 Floor mats velours
0428 Warning triangle and first aid kit
0430 Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
0431 Interior mirror with automatic-dip
0465 Through-loading system0481 Sports seat
0493 Storage compartment package
0494 Seat heating driver/passenger
04DX Accent strips, blue metallic matt
04MR Interior trim strips, alum. hexagon
0502 Headlight cleaning system
0508 Park Distance Control (PDC)
0520 Fog lights0521 Rain sensor
0522 Xenon Light
0534 Automatic air conditioning
0544 Cruise control with brake function
0563 Light package
0575 Additional 12V sockets
05DA Passenger airbag deactivation
05DC Rear-seat headrests, folding
0609 Navigation system Professional
0612 BMW Assist
0615 Extended BMW Online Information
0616 BMW Online
0688 Harman/Kardon surround sound system
0698 Area-Code 2 for DVD
06AA BMW TeleServices
06AB Control, Teleservices06NL Connection Bluetooth + USB devices
06WA Instrument panel with extended scope
0704 M Sports suspension0710 M leather steering wheel
0715 M Aerodynamics package
0760 High gloss shadow line
0775 Headlining anthracite0812 National version England / Ireland
0850 Dummy-SALAPA0853 Language version, English0880 On-board literature, English
08KA Oil service interval 24 mths / 30,000 km08S2 Coding, alarm signal
08S3 Automatic locking during starting
08SM Car ident. number visible from outside08TG Thiefproofing device
08V1 Information plateA
090 90 Ah AGM batteryLEDE Leather equipment

So the stand out ones for me are

M Sport package inc suspension
M sport brakes
Auto boot close
Roof rails and sun protection
Heated, sports seats
Xenon Lights
Pro-Nav
HK system and bluetooth


Thoughts muchly appreciated. This isn't an X drive model either, so RWD only.

Service history wise isn't so straightforward, but I think it's been serviced fairly well. Electronic service history eh.... much rather a folder of paperwork but I'm old school haha.

Many thanks on any advice

[d_a_n1979]

tommysport said:

Hi all,

I have found a F31 330d touring (2012)  (now removed) but still talking to the seller as depends if he buys a new car this weekend as to if the car is still available. Car has around 115k on.

In my opinion, the car is priced competitively and low (ish) based on what I know.

However, it needs front discs and a suspension arm, and the 19" wheels need refurbing. Not a deal breaker, discs won't be cheap.
I have managed to find out the whole options list

These are the options;-

01CA Selection of COP-relevant vehicles
0216 Hydro steering-servotronic
0230 Extra package, EU-speciifc
0249 Multifunction f steering wheel
0258 Tyres with run?at properties
02NH M Sport brake
02PA Locking wheel bolt
02PF BMW LA wheel, M star spoke 403
02TB Sport automatic gearbox
0302 Alarm system0316 automatic trunk lid mechanism
0337 M Sports package
03AA Roof railing black
0420 Sun protection glazing
0423 Floor mats velours
0428 Warning triangle and ?rst aid kit
0430 Interior/outside mirror with auto dip
0431 Interior mirror with automatic-dip
0465 Through-loading system0481 Sports seat
0493 Storage compartment package
0494 Seat heating driver/passenger
04DX Accent strips, blue metallic matt
04MR Interior trim strips, alum. hexagon
0502 Headlight cleaning system
0508 Park Distance Control (PDC)
0520 Fog lights0521 Rain sensor
0522 Xenon Light
0534 Automatic air conditioning
0544 Cruise control with brake function
0563 Light package
0575 Additional 12V sockets
05DA Passenger airbag deactivation
05DC Rear-seat headrests, folding
0609 Navigation system Professional
0612 BMW Assist
0615 Extended BMW Online Information
0616 BMW Online
0688 Harman/Kardon surround sound system
0698 Area-Code 2 for DVD
06AA BMW TeleServices
06AB Control, Teleservices06NL Connection Bluetooth + USB devices
06WA Instrument panel with extended scope
0704 M Sports suspension0710 M leather steering wheel
0715 M Aerodynamics package
0760 High gloss shadow line
0775 Headlining anthracite0812 National version England / Ireland
0850 Dummy-SALAPA0853 Language version, English0880 On-board literature, English
08KA Oil service interval 24 mths / 30,000 km08S2 Coding, alarm signal
08S3 Automatic locking during starting
08SM Car ident. number visible from outside08TG Thiefproo?ng device
08V1 Information plateA
090 90 Ah AGM batteryLEDE Leather equipment

So the stand out ones for me are

M Sport package inc suspension
M sport brakes
Auto boot close
Roof rails and sun protection
Heated, sports seats
Xenon Lights
Pro-Nav
HK system and bluetooth


Thoughts muchly appreciated. This isn't an X drive model either, so RWD only.

Service history wise isn't so straightforward, but I think it's been serviced fairly well. Electronic service history eh.... much rather a folder of paperwork but I'm old school haha.

Many thanks on any advice

If the price is right and the SH all adds up etc; it sounds a good buy

It's got a good spec; the N57 is a brilliant engine. If the oil changes etc have been regular then it should be bob-on...

Suspension arms - change in pairs (Ive just done a full (literally everything) suspension overhaul on my F31 and have used mainly Moog & TRW arms with a few Lemforder bits in there) - zero issues and the cars hell of a lot better off for it

Brakes don't need to be expensive - OEM BMW is pricey; but they're the best for not corroding etc. But ATE discs and ATE pads via Autodoc (ATE are an OEM brake maker for BMW) are sensible enough and all that you'll need (part numbers via RealOEM) - TRW, Jurid and Textar make the brakes also

Personally I'd avoid anything via ECP and the likes of eBay/Mtec brakes - cheap for a reason; EBC too IMO - but that's my personal preference

If you get the wheels refurbed; that could be the right opportunity to stick non RFTs on them as well unless you want RFT tyres etc

[Pica-Pica]

I would (and have) replaced my 19” wheels with 18”. Much more comfortable.

[d_a_n1979]

Pica-Pica said:

I would (and have) replaced my 19” wheels with 18”. Much more comfortable.

Agree; but it's a personal choice too - some love 19s; some are even brave enough to run 20s!

[rottenegg]

Seems like a standard M Sport spec but the HK stereo, heated seats, M Sport brakes and Pro Nav are the key ones to have.

Reversing camera would have been nice and an odd omission for a touring tbh, but silly stuff for lazy people like folding mirrors etc is unnecessary extra expense. Most of these F3x's would have been specced to get the most value out of them under the £40K luxury car tax bracket.

Brakes aren't THAT bad and they last a long time. £250 each for the front discs and £130 for pads. I paid more than that for smaller Golf Clubsport S discs and pads.

First job on any N47/N57 is to fit the latest chain tensioner, which is only £55 and an hour's work.

Then just sit back and enjoy some meaty punch and 50mpg

Pica-Pica said:

I would (and have) replaced my 19” wheels with 18”. Much more comfortable.

Yes indeed. I ditched my 442Ms for that reason. 18" run flats are actually bearable. 19" RFTs are not. The 442Ms looked amazing and have much more tyre choice, but I can't be doing with diamond coat corrosion and a crashy, tramliney ride.

[tommysport]

d_a_n1979 said:

If the price is right and the SH all adds up etc; it sounds a good buy

It's got a good spec; the N57 is a brilliant engine. If the oil changes etc have been regular then it should be bob-on...

Suspension arms - change in pairs (Ive just done a full (literally everything) suspension overhaul on my F31 and have used mainly Moog & TRW arms with a few Lemforder bits in there) - zero issues and the cars hell of a lot better off for it

Brakes don't need to be expensive - OEM BMW is pricey; but they're the best for not corroding etc. But ATE discs and ATE pads via Autodoc (ATE are an OEM brake maker for BMW) are sensible enough and all that you'll need (part numbers via RealOEM) - TRW, Jurid and Textar make the brakes also

Personally I'd avoid anything via ECP and the likes of eBay/Mtec brakes - cheap for a reason; EBC too IMO - but that's my personal preference

If you get the wheels refurbed; that could be the right opportunity to stick non RFTs on them as well unless you want RFT tyres etc

Thanks so much for your advice. I forgot to mention, the car also needs 2 new tyres, which I estimate to be at least £200 ish each for something decent.

I'm not sure if he's running run flats or not so will try and work that one out...


Cheers for the heads up on discs, that's great as I had visions of the M performance ones being £500-800 job, maybe if I supply parts I could save a few quid.

I have the print out from BMW which shows the service history and some EGR recalls but I'm not 100% what they all mean if I'm being honest.

Would anyone mind casting their eye over it to see any obvious red flags? It's a PDF but happy to try and share it if anyone was kind enough.

Cheers guys.

[tommysport]

Pica-Pica said:

I would (and have) replaced my 19” wheels with 18”. Much more comfortable.

TBH, coming from the worlds crashiest 1994 Mk1 Mx5 and an S2000 which I dailied for 3 years on coilovers, I think 19"s would be the least of my worries for a little while - ha ha!

But I have to say I do like the look of the 403 19's, look quite classy to me. No doubt expensive to refurb though. Ha!

[StuTheGrouch]

I might be wrong, but I think bluetooth media streaming was added in later models (i.e. bluetooth was for calls only). Worth checking as I found this issue when I was considering the 5 series of the same era (actually bought an f31 in the end).

[d_a_n1979]

tommysport said:

Pica-Pica said:

I would (and have) replaced my 19” wheels with 18”. Much more comfortable.

TBH, coming from the worlds crashiest 1994 Mk1 Mx5 and an S2000 which I dailied for 3 years on coilovers, I think 19"s would be the least of my worries for a little while - ha ha!

But I have to say I do like the look of the 403 19's, look quite classy to me. No doubt expensive to refurb though. Ha!

I thought that as I'd come from E39s that I'd lowered on coilovers or replaced with full Sachs shocks/Eibach pr kit springs; but the F31 suspension is hard; as in crashy/jarring at times...

I've just done a full suspension overhaul to my F31; every part replaced and fitted Bilstein B4S shocks with eibach pro-kit springs and the car is superb now; drives & handles brilliantly and that crashyness has gone...

I also run 18" OEM Style 405Ms square set with 235/45/18 Goodyear Assym6s and would never go back to RFTs

[tommysport]

d_a_n1979 said:

I thought that as I'd come from E39s that I'd lowered on coilovers or replaced with full Sachs shocks/Eibach pr kit springs; but the F31 suspension is hard; as in crashy/jarring at times...

I've just done a full suspension overhaul to my F31; every part replaced and fitted Bilstein B4S shocks with eibach pro-kit springs and the car is superb now; drives & handles brilliantly and that crashyness has gone...

I also run 18" OEM Style 405Ms square set with 235/45/18 Goodyear Assym6s and would never go back to RFTs

OH man. That is gorgeous! Did you want to sell it at all?

I will have to see if I can find a set of spare wheels if I end up getting it.

[d_a_n1979]

tommysport said:

d_a_n1979 said:

I thought that as I'd come from E39s that I'd lowered on coilovers or replaced with full Sachs shocks/Eibach pr kit springs; but the F31 suspension is hard; as in crashy/jarring at times...

I've just done a full suspension overhaul to my F31; every part replaced and fitted Bilstein B4S shocks with eibach pro-kit springs and the car is superb now; drives & handles brilliantly and that crashyness has gone...

I also run 18" OEM Style 405Ms square set with 235/45/18 Goodyear Assym6s and would never go back to RFTs

OH man. That is gorgeous! Did you want to sell it at all?

I will have to see if I can find a set of spare wheels if I end up getting it.

Thanks and no

There are plenty of wheels out there for the F3X cars

I run 397s for winters with Goodyear all-seasons - heavy wheels though; 14kg each compared to the 405Ms which are forged, 9kg! You can feel the difference...

[sortedcossie]

That car you describe has the extended storage which is useful, and also I think the "Instrument panel with extended scope" is the early black panel display which for me was a must when buying mine.

[tommysport]

sortedcossie said:

That car you describe has the extended storage which is useful, and also I think the "Instrument panel with extended scope" is the early black panel display which for me was a must when buying mine.

This blows my brain up tbh, whats the extended storage option in relation to? Black panel display? Wow I'm such a n00b. Hhaa

[tommysport]

d_a_n1979 said:

Thanks and no

There are plenty of wheels out there for the F3X cars

I run 397s for winters with Goodyear all-seasons - heavy wheels though; 14kg each compared to the 405Ms which are forged, 9kg! You can feel the difference...

That's a great setup mate, I'm jealous. Ha-ha.

One thing I forgot to ask - do these use oil? I've seen some people say none at all, and other say its normal. I'm perhaps overly worrying over nothing but won't know until I buy it. Shame they dont have a physical dipstick though - is the sensor accurate / easy to use?

[sortedcossie]

I've not put a drop in my 335d in 3 years. Nor the earlier engine in our 2008 330d.

[rottenegg]

My 2016 30d doesn't use oil either. More importantly, you don't want to see increasing oil levels as it spells expensive injector and or fuel pump woes. N57s do at least have a dipstick, unlike the petrol engines.

They do weep oil from the cam cover gasket at the bulkhead end though. If you have BMW extended warranty, that's covered. They replace the entire cam cover (£600 for just the part) as they warp.....which is why they leak in the first place.

[d_a_n1979]

tommysport said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Thanks and no

There are plenty of wheels out there for the F3X cars

I run 397s for winters with Goodyear all-seasons - heavy wheels though; 14kg each compared to the 405Ms which are forged, 9kg! You can feel the difference...

That's a great setup mate, I'm jealous. Ha-ha.

One thing I forgot to ask - do these use oil? I've seen some people say none at all, and other say its normal. I'm perhaps overly worrying over nothing but won't know until I buy it. Shame they dont have a physical dipstick though - is the sensor accurate / easy to use?

Think that's all down to how well they've been looked after and treated

My 325D doesn't use oil at all and I drive it hard at times, but I do very low miles TBF

My pal Chris has a 320D F31, that's on 130k miles now and doesn't use oil and he puts a LOT of miles on it driving between Lancashire & Germany! His previous 320D (rear diff blew) was on 217k miles; zero faults/issues and on original chains etc and his Dad's F30 330D is now on 170k plus miles with no issues/no oil usage and original chains...

They're very well looked after cars; oil changed every 5k miles...

I change oil every 6 months in my F31; peace of mind. Still has BMW warranty on it too, which paid off well last year; but I did buy it with less than 100k miles on and it's a 2015 plate (needs to be under 10 years / under 100k miles for full warranty FYI)

[gareth h]

If the EGR is the same as the 335d, I had 3 fitted under warranty, the last one failed and burnt a hole in the plastic inlet manifold, it had potential to cause a nasty under bonnet fire.
If I had kept the car I would definitely have done an EGR delete.

[rottenegg]

Pica-Pica said:

My F30 335d does not need oil between services, and I stay with the BMW intervals (although my annual mileage is low now).
I am currently on a long weekend away with some long drives. I am intending to give my car a treat with BP Ultimate diesel fuel. I normally use Shell fuel save, but it is slighter quieter with BP Ultimate and it has a higher cetane value. I shall see if there is any difference, I have not use BP for a long time.

I noticed the same switching from fuel save to V Power in my 30d. Less part throttle diesel clatter and smoother running.

[rottenegg]

gareth h said:

If the EGR is the same as the 335d, I had 3 fitted under warranty, the last one failed and burnt a hole in the plastic inlet manifold, it had potential to cause a nasty under bonnet fire.
If I had kept the car I would definitely have done an EGR delete.

It is indeed the same. BMW had serious problems with EGR cooler supplier. The dodgy ones normally melt the runner flaps on cylinders 1 and 2 first, but melting a hole in the intake is pretty unlucky. Oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold from a warped cam cover was another source of fire. I check mine quite frequently.