Well when I got the RX8 these were both in my crosshairs but the right one never came up.
I know there was a former E90 GRM project that involved bolt-ons against an M3 at the track but I want to see how they have held up over the past few years.
Only things I know at the moment with issues is there was a fuel pump recall for the n54 engines.
So hive please learn me!!!
Listening intently.....
No love for late model BMW's?
I'm a fanboy of the e9x with the n54. I have an '07 335i Coupe with sport package. I was a little worried about buying one out of warranty or with an expiring one. The consolation on teh n54 is that all of the troublesome issues are covered under an extended warranty. Turbos/Wastegates are 8/82,000 miles, and the HPFP/Injectors are 10/120,000. With that said I have had my turbos, HPFP, 4 injectors, 6 coil packs, and the DME (only a certain production run on 2007s had DME issues) replaced since I bought my car in June last year. All of it was done for $0. Most of the new parts have taken care of all the issues that the original ones had and I have seen few problems after repairs.
I can't speak to much on the 330i, and 328i, but I know they each run a variant of the M54. I have always been intrigued by the 330i since it is a good compromise between the 335i and the 328. Downfall is they are harder to find with a sport package since they were only made for one year (2006). My parents own a 328i with xdrive and it's ok to live with. I have driven it a handful of times and it's livable as a DD. Granted they have an autobox in it which takes away a lot of the fun. If one could be found with a 6-speed and a sport package I am sure it would be a fun car to DD and add a few auto-x or track days into it.
My favorite part of my 335 is how composed it is. I have added some performance goodies to it (AR Design DPs, VRSF cat back exhaust, JB4 tuner, intake) and the butt dyno says it goes a lot faster. With all of that extra power it is very planted and refined. It is softer and more refined than an e36 or e46, and yes you do lose some "directness" with the road, but to live with it everyday and play with it on the weekends it is awesome.
I could go on forever with this, so if you want more just PM me. My only suggestion if looking at one with the n54 is to get one that has a little bit of warranty left on it and make sure all the major issues are taken care of.
The 328s are $1750 + install away from making 330 power
Toad that is a nice write up! I'm glad there are some in my price range right now.
Just wish they were a little closer to me (8/10ths are outside of dc)
So stumbled on this site with very in depth info on all BMW models, still would love to hear personal experiences from GRM though.....
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
more powerful and more capable in every generation - and yet they're losing me as a fan. Cooling system preventative maintenance still applies.
I've got a slushbox 2008 E90 328xi with 90k on it. It's been reliable, outside of needing to replace the belt tensioner around 65k-- apparently that's something the N52 engine has an appetite for. Ours is a non-nav/non-iDrive version, so it's not too complex once you get away from the valve train -- which can tick a bit.
I've done brakes (pads, rotors, fluid), cooling and A/T fluid changes in it, which is pretty basic.
You're better off without AWD (or the automatic trans) if you can manage it-- much easier to service the transmission without the transfer case and, of course, there's no front diff to service either. Also, getting to the fill port on the transfer case requires some moderately serious disassembly of the drive train too-- I guess that's one reason why it has a "lifetime fill."
On the dumb side, you're supposed to have the dealer register a new battery on installation, but there's aftermarket software available that should help you get the job done. Other dumb is that there's no jack/spare, or place to put one.
Valve cover gaskets are kind of hit or miss for whether you end up with a leaker or not, but it's not too bad of a DIY job.
Having been through two automatic transmission fluid/filter changes (mine and a friend's wagon with 105k on it-- the wagon's are pretty awesome), that's a pretty easy job except for removing and installing this one %&#@* seal where the filter goes in.
Drives and rides great though.
Oh-- and my wife complains about how the headrests just don't get a long with her ponytail and that there's too many interior temperature controls (driver, passenger, dash vents).
So I found out earlier this week why many GRM folks do not have e82s.
I was almost in the finance office for a 2008 128i (not even a 135!!) when I decided to give the insurance company a call, after some time getting things switched around there would have been a $175 a month increase!!!
Granted I do have a 2 year old ticket for 18mph over and no at fault accidents but what in the actual berkeley?!?!?!?!
So I guess it's not in the cards for a while with regards to a 1series.
We have a 2008 328 Convertible and it's a really nice drive but not a sports car by any means. We have not had it long enough to speak on its reliability as we bought it as a low miles garage queen.
My wife likes it and it drives better for me than all of the other choices she had. Once we switched from the original run flats to the Michelin Pilot AS3's, it drives like I see a BMW should.
So after doing an independent inventory at a bmw dealer this past weekend the itch for a bmw has been reignited like a bad case of herpes and I need help!
For the hell of it after getting back home and checking insurance quotes again apparently 6 months makes a massive difference and the search is on again and to help narrow it down the experience with the 1series has made fall in love with them over the 3's.
I guess I'm asking GRMs advice if this grandson of the e30 is worth my time or should I just stick with the RX8 and deal with fuel bill and lack of power?
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