[glennwa]

(posted this on another BMW-focused site, sorry if this is a repeat for some)

I bought a used '06 325i with leatherette, 16" wheels, and moonroof/climate control/etc. Basically a base model, I guess. I weighed out waiting till I found a nice example with Sport Package (since I've been a sports car nut for 20 years, and occasional autocrosser) but ultimately pulled the trigger on this car due to the condition it's in, and the 9 months left on the CPO warranty (lower risk).

I have a couple of questions though, and sorry if I get long-winded!!

So I had two initial complaints after some cornering runs.... one is the "grabby" brake pedal - it starts braking right at the top of the travel, and with very light pressure. I will have to get used to this... but I'm wondering if it's adjustable or programmable? I believe what I'm feeling is partially due to the "preloading" of the brakes when lifting off the accelerator to start braking... but it may be due to the pad compound.... thoughts? Feels like a real hair-trigger response.

The other issue was the accelerator pedal had an odd hesitation or dead area at the top before it kicked in. I did some research and found it could be "reset" by turning the car on (without starting it) and holding down the accelerator for 30 seconds. I tried this and I think it improved. Will have to drive it again tomorrow and see...

I also found that while in general driving around town etc. the engine is still quieter than I would prefer, when I hit about 5000 RPM and really step into it, the sound is very nice... VERY nice Do you know if the E90 cars have that exhause valve you were talking about (it was on the ZHP cars)? Wondering if I can do the same trick to keep it open all the time. I like the sound.

This is leads to an odd question... what constitutes "abuse" for these engines? i.e. if I take frequent (i.e. multiple times/day) blasts to 6000 RPM, is that considered pushing the engine? Would it cause any abnormal wear? As a point of comparision, if I didn't live near the redline in my Alfa Romeos, they'd coke up and run very badly. My RX-8 had only 3 moving parts in the whole engine, and no valvetrain at all... so that engine could spend a lot of time near its 10,000 RPM rev limiter. It would just burn more oil that way. What can these engines handle?? I know there's no timing belt - just a durable chain - but is the valvetrain or anything else fragile?

By the way, I don't know why I'd need a firmer suspension in the Sport Package... my car corners VERY flat. I've had some great handling cars, and the base supsenion feels great to em. I would prefer more feel but then again, it's on all-season (run-flats) with a 16" diameter. I'll put the 18" tires on when the winter ends (will need to find a good set of 18" wheels somewhere - any leads?) and I expect road feel will get better.

But the cornerning is impressive, especially for a car without a limited-slip differential. I was afraid I'd miss the sport seats... and, well... I've been cornering hard enough to slide around. I guess I better not wear my fleece sweatshirt when I plan on cornering I also will need to rely on the dead pedal a lot! Just as a side note, being that I'm short, I've had problems with seat comfort and side bolsters that are too tall for me - another reason why I didn't go out of my way for the sport seats. I am finding the standard seats very comfortable for me, which is important. And as a bonus, the "leatherette" (made from the hide of genuine naugas!) will hold up better than the leather would, which is also important since we have a dog.

I appreciate any help anyone can provide :-)

Thanks!
-Glenn

[psmitty95]

I don't have my car yet so i can't answer all your questions but i can answer a few... In terms of wheels you should check out VMR's. A lot of people use them and they're inexpensive but have good quality. The next thing i can answer is about the suspension. If you miss having a limited-slip differential you can buy them and i've heard of plenty of people doing this and having good results. In terms of the throttle response have you tried putting it in sport mode yet? Again i don't have the car so i don't know if this helps but when i drive my dads 750li if i'm holding down the pedal in a constant place and switch to sport+ along with sport mode on the shifter the car jumps forward a bit and the throttle response becomes instant.

[glennwa]

Thanks - I'll check out VMR. And, my car doesn't have Sport mode. It doesn't have the Sport package. :-)

[gunnerxq]

Is it manual or automatic? If you ever become power hungry just look up stage 3 intake manifold and AA tune for these cars.

[glennwa]

The car is a 6-speed manual. Thanks

[gunnerxq]

It's 50 Hp for about a grand. Almost forgot.....

[psmitty95]

I didn't realize you didn't have a automatic or a 335. The automatics are what have sport mode, my bad. But anyways still check out those vmr's i love how they look and those are probably what i'll go with