F31 330d Touring - because what else?
Discussion
New car day!
The journey by the very annoying British railways:
Brief back story: I've been looking to replace my 2014 M135i with something that doesn't mind having loads of miles chucked at it. I've changed job recently and moved further from family so doing more long journeys. This Christmas for instance we did 900 miles in the 1 series. The job also has a decent wack of driving associated with it a few days a week, so I need something with better mpg etc. The M135i struggles to get over 30mpg on the commute when driven carefully.
I decided that it had to be a 6 cylinder diesel F31 and have been looking for the right one for months. Didn't mind 335 or 330 but I'd prefer not to have x drive as I've personally known people who have spent 1000s fixing theirs. I prefer the m sport versions for the better looks and nicer interior (in my opinion).
Anyway, here it is...
It's a rwd 2014 m sport with 90k miles on it. It, like all of them, has the 8 speed zf gearbox (my first auto!!) and the N57 3.0 diesel with 255hp. So 70hp down on the M135i, but you really wouldn't notice due to the mountains of torque.
It's only had 2 owners from new, still has the bmw dealer sticker in the rear window and the original BMW number plates. Which makes me happy. Although it doesn't come with too much paperwork, it's been serviced very regularly and the MOT and Carvertical history checks out. Another hopefully good sign of previous ownership is it's on 4 matching Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Spec wise it has heated seats, cruise control, electric tailgate, sat nav bla bla bla. I was only interested in the bum warmers and cruise really. Its way down on spec compared to the 1 series but I haven't noticed so far.
I've just got home from the 110 mile journey and it did very well! Very comfy, fast, sounds decent. Good economy. 46mpg (cruise at 72mph and very bad weather with a headwind) for those interested. No knocks or creaks either.
A couple of issues arose where it was bonging telling me that the rear right had lost brake light and indicator. This was intermittent so that could be annoying to sort.
More pictures to follow when I have some light.
The journey by the very annoying British railways:
Brief back story: I've been looking to replace my 2014 M135i with something that doesn't mind having loads of miles chucked at it. I've changed job recently and moved further from family so doing more long journeys. This Christmas for instance we did 900 miles in the 1 series. The job also has a decent wack of driving associated with it a few days a week, so I need something with better mpg etc. The M135i struggles to get over 30mpg on the commute when driven carefully.
I decided that it had to be a 6 cylinder diesel F31 and have been looking for the right one for months. Didn't mind 335 or 330 but I'd prefer not to have x drive as I've personally known people who have spent 1000s fixing theirs. I prefer the m sport versions for the better looks and nicer interior (in my opinion).
Anyway, here it is...
It's a rwd 2014 m sport with 90k miles on it. It, like all of them, has the 8 speed zf gearbox (my first auto!!) and the N57 3.0 diesel with 255hp. So 70hp down on the M135i, but you really wouldn't notice due to the mountains of torque.
It's only had 2 owners from new, still has the bmw dealer sticker in the rear window and the original BMW number plates. Which makes me happy. Although it doesn't come with too much paperwork, it's been serviced very regularly and the MOT and Carvertical history checks out. Another hopefully good sign of previous ownership is it's on 4 matching Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Spec wise it has heated seats, cruise control, electric tailgate, sat nav bla bla bla. I was only interested in the bum warmers and cruise really. Its way down on spec compared to the 1 series but I haven't noticed so far.
I've just got home from the 110 mile journey and it did very well! Very comfy, fast, sounds decent. Good economy. 46mpg (cruise at 72mph and very bad weather with a headwind) for those interested. No knocks or creaks either.
A couple of issues arose where it was bonging telling me that the rear right had lost brake light and indicator. This was intermittent so that could be annoying to sort.
More pictures to follow when I have some light.
willmagrath said:
New car day!
The journey by the very annoying British railways:
Brief back story: I've been looking to replace my 2014 M135i with something that doesn't mind having loads of miles chucked at it. I've changed job recently and moved further from family so doing more long journeys. This Christmas for instance we did 900 miles in the 1 series. The job also has a decent wack of driving associated with it a few days a week, so I need something with better mpg etc. The M135i struggles to get over 30mpg on the commute when driven carefully.
I decided that it had to be a 6 cylinder diesel F31 and have been looking for the right one for months. Didn't mind 335 or 330 but I'd prefer not to have x drive as I've personally known people who have spent 1000s fixing theirs. I prefer the m sport versions for the better looks and nicer interior (in my opinion).
Anyway, here it is...
It's a rwd 2014 m sport with 90k miles on it. It, like all of them, has the 8 speed zf gearbox (my first auto!!) and the N57 3.0 diesel with 255hp. So 70hp down on the M135i, but you really wouldn't notice due to the mountains of torque.
It's only had 2 owners from new, still has the bmw dealer sticker in the rear window and the original BMW number plates. Which makes me happy. Although it doesn't come with too much paperwork, it's been serviced very regularly and the MOT and Carvertical history checks out. Another hopefully good sign of previous ownership is it's on 4 matching Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Spec wise it has heated seats, cruise control, electric tailgate, sat nav bla bla bla. I was only interested in the bum warmers and cruise really. Its way down on spec compared to the 1 series but I haven't noticed so far.
I've just got home from the 110 mile journey and it did very well! Very comfy, fast, sounds decent. Good economy. 46mpg (cruise at 72mph and very bad weather with a headwind) for those interested. No knocks or creaks either.
A couple of issues arose where it was bonging telling me that the rear right had lost brake light and indicator. This was intermittent so that could be annoying to sort.
More pictures to follow when I have some light.
Great car; welcome to the F31 club The journey by the very annoying British railways:
Brief back story: I've been looking to replace my 2014 M135i with something that doesn't mind having loads of miles chucked at it. I've changed job recently and moved further from family so doing more long journeys. This Christmas for instance we did 900 miles in the 1 series. The job also has a decent wack of driving associated with it a few days a week, so I need something with better mpg etc. The M135i struggles to get over 30mpg on the commute when driven carefully.
I decided that it had to be a 6 cylinder diesel F31 and have been looking for the right one for months. Didn't mind 335 or 330 but I'd prefer not to have x drive as I've personally known people who have spent 1000s fixing theirs. I prefer the m sport versions for the better looks and nicer interior (in my opinion).
Anyway, here it is...
It's a rwd 2014 m sport with 90k miles on it. It, like all of them, has the 8 speed zf gearbox (my first auto!!) and the N57 3.0 diesel with 255hp. So 70hp down on the M135i, but you really wouldn't notice due to the mountains of torque.
It's only had 2 owners from new, still has the bmw dealer sticker in the rear window and the original BMW number plates. Which makes me happy. Although it doesn't come with too much paperwork, it's been serviced very regularly and the MOT and Carvertical history checks out. Another hopefully good sign of previous ownership is it's on 4 matching Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
Spec wise it has heated seats, cruise control, electric tailgate, sat nav bla bla bla. I was only interested in the bum warmers and cruise really. Its way down on spec compared to the 1 series but I haven't noticed so far.
I've just got home from the 110 mile journey and it did very well! Very comfy, fast, sounds decent. Good economy. 46mpg (cruise at 72mph and very bad weather with a headwind) for those interested. No knocks or creaks either.
A couple of issues arose where it was bonging telling me that the rear right had lost brake light and indicator. This was intermittent so that could be annoying to sort.
More pictures to follow when I have some light.
You're on 400Ms too; so sensible wheels for the UK
A good F3x related UK forum here too; well worth joining: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php...
willmagrath said:
The first bit of preventative maintenance parts ordered.
These are an updated stronger part for the chain that is apparently a must do.
I will also be changing diff and gearbox oils ASAP.
I've got the tensioner in the garage to do on our F31 when I've got time.These are an updated stronger part for the chain that is apparently a must do.
I will also be changing diff and gearbox oils ASAP.
Did the diff myself last year with BMW fluids; did the fuel filter (Mahle) same time too and would recommend doing that for c£40
MDMA . said:
First picture brings back memories from 2 years ago when I picked mine up. Just done the tensioner on mine too. Took it a local BMW place. Was £132 all in. Taken away that 2 second noise on first start up.
Yeah it was a horrible journey. 6 trains over 2 days (went to see friends on the way) for a 2 hour car journey.I'll do the tensioner this weekend of I get time!
Nice car and I do miss mine as it really did everything I needed it to do.
Bought mine as an ex BMW show car at 5 years old with 500 miles and it had every option that was available for a 2012 car. It was actually a pre-production model and the V5 just listed it as a BMW, no model reference at all which caused all sorts of issues when I came to sell it later as it was flagged up on all sorts of HPI and credit reports as it had also been exported back to Germany by BMW.
If I was you I would just enjoy the car for what it is and look after it. Some will say get it remapped but in my opinion they don't need it.
Bought mine as an ex BMW show car at 5 years old with 500 miles and it had every option that was available for a 2012 car. It was actually a pre-production model and the V5 just listed it as a BMW, no model reference at all which caused all sorts of issues when I came to sell it later as it was flagged up on all sorts of HPI and credit reports as it had also been exported back to Germany by BMW.
If I was you I would just enjoy the car for what it is and look after it. Some will say get it remapped but in my opinion they don't need it.
willmagrath said:
danb79 said:
I've got the tensioner in the garage to do on our F31 when I've got time.
Did the diff myself last year with BMW fluids; did the fuel filter (Mahle) same time too and would recommend doing that for c£40
Easy enough to work on?Did the diff myself last year with BMW fluids; did the fuel filter (Mahle) same time too and would recommend doing that for c£40
The diff has only one fill / drain plug. So a good oil extractor pump is needed. Fuel filter took 20mins to do. The car was bit of a sod to start but that's normal with diesels apparently
It's this pump I use: https://amzn.eu/d/3QObKfq
This is the fuel filter: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/226512663148?mkcid=16&a...
This is the diff oil. You'll want 2 minimum: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/356421116356?mkcid=16&a...
Lovely choice OP, I think if I need more space/economy one of these will replace the 130i. Haven't heard of the X-Drive horror stories, are they that bad? with the weather up here I was almost going to make that a must have option. I know 335d remap to daft numbers, is the 330d a big improvement mapped?
Nice purchase.. One thing to look out for is the bearings on that engine.. My local specialist is earning an unintended crust rebuilding N57's that have spun/eaten bearings.. He had another one blocking his ramp just before Christmas, it only went in for an oil service.. It doesn't seem to be related to service history either.
Sko77y said:
Lovely choice OP, I think if I need more space/economy one of these will replace the 130i. Haven't heard of the X-Drive horror stories, are they that bad? with the weather up here I was almost going to make that a must have option. I know 335d remap to daft numbers, is the 330d a big improvement mapped?
I had a 320d x-Drive.Changed the front tyres when worn but not the rears.
That's enough variation in rolling circumference to upset the clutches in the transfer box.
Dealer cost to change transfer box and add 2 rear tyres was circa £5,500 5 years ago.
The symptoms on mine were very subtle. Full throttle in 3rd gave you a VERY slight stutter, subtle enough that Mrs 5 couldn't pick it up.
I lived with it for about a year and 15k miles but the feeling of impending doom led me to trade it for a non x-Drive 430d.
5 In a Row said:
Sko77y said:
Lovely choice OP, I think if I need more space/economy one of these will replace the 130i. Haven't heard of the X-Drive horror stories, are they that bad? with the weather up here I was almost going to make that a must have option. I know 335d remap to daft numbers, is the 330d a big improvement mapped?
I had a 320d x-Drive.Changed the front tyres when worn but not the rears.
That's enough variation in rolling circumference to upset the clutches in the transfer box.
Dealer cost to change transfer box and add 2 rear tyres was circa £5,500 5 years ago.
The symptoms on mine were very subtle. Full throttle in 3rd gave you a VERY slight stutter, subtle enough that Mrs 5 couldn't pick it up.
I lived with it for about a year and 15k miles but the feeling of impending doom led me to trade it for a non x-Drive 430d.
Tuning wise, these will easily remap to over 300hp and with basic hardware, 350.
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