Olaf

looking at e90 330i with N52, I've driven a few, as well as e90 323i Msport and 320d. I'm a bit tight to go to 335i, the 330i seems like a fun place to be for a couple of years, so am sussing out a few of the problems, before I buy. Yes, I'll get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW Independent. I learned the hard way that VTNZ PPI's are worth sh*t when it comes to a BMW. Now, about the 330i e90 and it's foibles/features. I understand the electric water pump is a sh*t to get at, and is expensive to replace along with the thermostat. I've heard the run-flats are a bit average, though the extreme of buying the plastics and sourcing a jack and space saver spare is.... how much? I have a couple of other questions. 1. Leaky Valve Cover Gasket. I've read the procedures, and see it's a bit shitty to do. Need to reset the valvtronic motor with a scan tool. QUESTION: Approx how many hours labour to have this done? I understand one should replace the cover bolts as well. 2. If you were replacing the Valve Cover Gasket; Question: what else would you do as a matter of course while it's stripped down? The Oil Filter Housing gasket I guess. Anything Else? 3. Cooling system: if you were replacing the waterpump and thermostat, you'd do the hoses, and expansion tank too? Anything Else? 4. Tyres Question: About how much per corner are the Bridgestone RE050a RFTs made for the e90, in 18"? One I'm looking at has had the plugs replaced. Does the N52 suffer from coil failures like the M54 does? Thanks in advance for your consideration! 'Olaf'

the proliferation of plant pots are your spouses subtle response to your proliferation of 5 series in the driveway!

welcome. nice ride, you should enjoy it here.

but where do the cassette tapes go? Surely you're going for the authentic 80's experience?!

good thinking, Dave. Damn, that's tempting. GLWS. A van as your daily? Some changes afoot? Look forward to catching up soon. R

Oh well, no response, so I researched myself. "Battery Registration" resets stored settings about the battery, and tailors charging to the characteristics of the battery. ISTM you wouldn't skip this, BMW built in the smarts, so do it right. here's a couple of threads for those interested: http://www.munichmotorsport.com/wordpress/?page_id=164 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418907&page=2 hope that helps Olaf

Holy thread resurrection! what does "861 CHANGE OF CODING DATA SET" mean, exactly? EDIT: sorry, slightly off-topic... with respect to an e90.

I reckon it's worth $5k tops.

ahhh. thanks for that!

why's that, Troy? is it to do with variability of friction between tyre and roller, or something else?

Whilst I appreciate the humourous gibe, I was somewhat logically poking fun at Dave's suggestion that Clarkson had to go because 'Even a King can't be allowed to get away with murder'. There is however clear evidence that the BBC has in fact, for decades, allowed their kings of entertainment to do just that. Unfortunately many, many Beeb employees have gotten away with much worse, and for longer; but the greatest noise is made on internet fora about JC. I agree with you Dave, one cannot assault someone in the workplace, and should of course be held to account. Clarkson wanted to go and possibly chose a sketchy way of acheiving this end; we'll never know.

awesome. what do you reckon that'll be going for? USD1M? USD10M?

Dave, I think you may be making judgements on the persona that you see projected on the screen, confusing that with the man behind the programme. He acts the buffoon, the immature lad - because that's what people bought into. He is by all accounts, a very bloody intelligent and capable bloke. That Top Gear was taken from an average BBC TV periodical into the phenomenon it became over a few years from circa 2001, was down to Clarkson and his Producer - not a fluke of the Beeb. cheers

Yeah Jon, I think you're being far too kind. the kids these days call that "FAIL".

Clarkson wanted to go, nothing they could do would hold him back. The furore was probably useful for helping it to rise from the ashes.

bummer, mate. As it's a scooby, it's probably in parts by now. Hopefully the remains will be located, so you can move forward with your insurer.

yep, e23's are really solidly built, and are great on the open road. Looks like it's in nice order, if it's all tidy underneath. welcome to the forum!

I bought my rotors from FCP for my e46 325i - I went for BMW Slotted Brake Rotor Front Right - Stop Tech 126.34048SR and BMW Slotted Brake Rotor Front Left - Stop Tech 126.34048SL - (as well as the rears), I think they're pretty good. They're wearing fine. I did the rears at the same time. If you end up doing the rears, you may find your handbrake shoes need doing as well. I think your 330i uses larger rotors so you're looking at the equivalents Stop Tech Right and Stop Tech Left. You could go for the Zimmerman cross-drilled.... or just go for Bosch or Meyle for OEM style. I think John bought in some from Oz-trucken-falia that were similar to my Stop Techs. You could try the local suppliers for their options, you'll get them fast and you may find some reasonable prices. I also bought Akebono Euro Ceramic pads. They offer good modulation and plenty of meat - when they're warm - and they keep your rims clean. The downside is that they lack the initial bite - particularly when cold - of factory pads. You might consider other pads. Do some research. Doing it in the rear - my e46 3 years ago (hosted on flickr) You'll also need brake pad sensor (there's just one on the front, one on the rear) - these shouldn't cost more than ten bucks a piece. And consider caliper slider pins and boots, and some ATE silicon brake grease. Search around on youtube for how to reset the brake pad warning light on the dash, once you've done the job. Oh, and I agree with Ron; if you're in to skimming discs, you might as well be replacing them. Read up on correct break-in procedures. And if your car hasn't had the brake fluid replaced in the last two years, you should consider having this replaced as well. Hope that helps.

I understand both use Ethanol in their 98, hence I avoid. I use BP 98 (although still reconciling the guilt with their gulf disaster), or Caltex 95.

yep, we're of the same mind. I too do my research before acquisition. Make an informed decision, plan for the fixes. I'd rather do it up front and get the use, than do it at the back end and pass on the benefits to the next owner, at my cost!

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.

wow. thanks for sharing. Not bankrolled enough to be looking at a new BM, though one can hope! You'll be looking forward to your 335D arriving, no doubt. #8 )

you need to put your location in your profile, so that we understand where in the country you are.

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.

guys, 194s are easy to keep clean. I purchased an Auto Glym Hi Tech wheel brush from BarryN of this parish, they are the bomb. Recommended. Stiff yet soft (no stretching), durable, and gets into the tight spots. Last for years, too. Quality.