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The engine has nothing to do with the quality, and I didn't say you are getting the same car. My point is you are not getting low rent crap with a 4 cyl BMW, you still get the ride quality, the handling, the reduced NVH that makes them a luxury car. And the leather is not low grade, the options list is the same regardless of the engine size. Yes in some markets, and some trim levels the smaller motors get lower quality specifications, but the options are still there. It sounds like your experience with 4 cylinder BMWs is extremely limited, they are massively under appreciated. I would hate to do a 500km trip in ANY toyota/nissan/honda hatchback, my back would be dead and my ears ringing by the end, however my little 316i handles it quietly, comfortably, and I am pain free. You simply don't get that in a true "low end, poor quality" car. I have done such a trip in both options several times, and will not do it in a cheap city hatchback again if I can help it. Oh and the little 316i matches the fuel economy of the others too, and still a spirited ride if you know how to drive it, with the ability to use ALL the available power safely and within the speed limit, making it arguably more fun. Also, I thought this was a BMW forum? Where we come together to celebrate all things BMW, not to bag on 4 cyl owners, or any other BMW owner because "it's not a proper BMW, it should have a 6, 8 or 12".

Would almost be happy to see Top Gear crash and burn, the PC fools who run the Beeb have killed the golden goose by sacking Clarkson. They had a clean slate, and look what they managed to produce. Pathetic.

see here for above

The heater matrix is the first component used in the build of an E46. This is place in on the floor, and incidental things like the chassis, suspension, interior and so on are then bolted to it. This means replacement is a major job. OK - it's not quite that bad, but to replace the heater matrix in an E46 requires removing the front seats and the entire front dash with all controls and so on. Basically, strip the interior from the front end of the car.

Yes have to agree with Ron here, In the 80's I had 400HP albeit in a chassis with far far less capability to what we have now. Having looked at the wastegate issue when I buy a 335i I will likely just pull the turbos off and rebuild the wastegates myself with a rebuild kit, whole process is quite straightforward. That way I will have at least 50,000 KMs (probably more) without having to worry about boost leakage. I have factored into my purchase price and walnut clean of the cylinder head, a few bolt on parts (Charge pipe especially) a wastegate rebuild and a transmission service. This will add a couple of grand but will give me peace of mind that the car will be what I expect from the get go. The rattle as I now see it is one problem but the wear in the bushing is the real issue and it would seem that the two issues are often discussed as one thing and while connected they are two different issues.

yep, I fully understand the view that a 4cyl BMW is missing two cylinders! However, the balance of the 4cyl 3ers is sublime, and it becomes clear that the quality is in the package - chassis and engineering - not just the engine and drivetrain. The snobbery is clear here. For every Euro driver convinced their car is better (because it's European) added to the straw man argument, there's another who appreciates the quality engineering (of their Euro) that is not existent in mass-market Asian cars, and doesn't mind paying for it. I'll choose a 4CYL BMW if I can't afford a 6 or 8, in preference to driving a Corolla. Because it's well engineered, RWD, handles well, and is strong. I will not risk my family in a Corolla or other mass-market shoebox. I've seen too many of them (small Japanese or Korean hatchbacks) demolished on the side of the road as a result of a sunday afternoon RTA, meatwagon and Fire Service in attendance.

Latest reports are 'Joey' will return, on a salary for the 2nd series somewhere between his speculated £500k for the first series, and the (again, speculated) £1m that could have been paid to shouty man. Matt LeBlanc doesn't need the money. He was making US$1m per episode for 'Friends'. Where do I sign up for a job like that?

I like all BMWs based on their individual merits, and I am able to see merit in (almost) all of them!

2007 335i with MHD ecu tune Stage 1 here. Stock charge pipe no issues yet but will probably upgrade the charge pipe. MHD ecu tune stage 1 is rated around 340HP, same as 1M.

yes mine is the same as that mate. i pulled it a part today and when i got down to the wee light for the airbag 1 wire had broken .. so i just soldered it back on put it back together and it works.. the light comes on when i turn the key and then goes out..[like it should i imagine ] but then a bout a min later it comes back on and stays on.

Tell someone with an E30 M3, 190E-2.5 or similar that their car is lesser than something with a bigger engine! However, I do understand the sentiment. A 518i is hardly representative of what BMW were trying to achieve. Of course, manufacturers now muddy the waters by using the exact same engine in a variety of model levels, tweaking the ECU to produce more performance.

I disagree completely. A 4 cylinder BMW is not necessarily cut price or low quality. It's not like a Toyota where the lower spec models don't get anywhere near the features of the higher spec. E.g. a 318i can be specced out exactly the same as a 328i, but just with a smaller engine. Low end is not the motor, but the trim. I love my 4 cyl BMWs for the economy, but without the cut price low quality Toyota-esque ride, handling, and NVH!

I knew I needed a new brush, this has far exceeded my expectations. Barry's own one has been used for professional detailing for years and is still looking good. Not cheap, though in my humble opinion, worth the money.

ive done a turbo + engine for this model. nope, not much room in between the rails, but with creativity i managed to fit both top and bottom mount hairdryers with room to spare over the years. the down and wastegate pipes are the trickiest. current setup has to be the simplest. not the most efficient, i confess, but for a few hp's lost was made up for ease and everything unbolts etc easily i could be enticed to part with my current setup........comes with cert might save you several months + fustration

Bugger, all welded up, painted, put in the oven to cure, then realised I forgot to weld the studs into the second flange! so tomorrows job is weld the studs in, wrap them, and install.

Please welcome the two new additions to the family... 2003 E39 530i Touring MSport 1996 E36 328i Coupe MSport

You've got a big wang? And you're covering it up? Very modest of you!

Tribunal will look at it with respect to the Consumer Guarantees Act, and the concept of saleable quality or whatever it's called. keep records (or find them) of all your communications with the dealer, if you can show you have been reasonable in your approach and given dealer opportunity to put it right it all counts in your favour. try MTA first and hopefully won't need the tribunal.

Due to building a house im looking at selling mine unfortunately. 2007 MS done 75K from JPN Mint condition inside and out, coded extras, running JB4, paddle shift, plugs, cabin filters, oil/filter just done. $26K. PM me if interested.

E36 M3 are 315x28 (handed L/R with curved vanes, 2pc w/floating hats if you go Euro) E46 330 are 325x25 (plain venting, not directional) E46 M3 are 328x28 (handed L/R with curved vanes, 2pc w/floating hats if you go Euro)

Almost done ..... 400 lossless digital albums all controlled via factory nav and sound via digital audio straight into aftermarket DSP.