[Cloud9]

I know this topic has been discussed at length but at 1200 miles, I'm still hating the effects of the CDV. I've gotten use to the CDV and I'm getting a smooth shift from 1st-2nd about 90% of the time. The 90% is done with much thought which takes the pleasure out of driving intuitively. Unlike my VW Golf, I get in and don't even have to think about shifting, it's smooth & easy. I'm in a love/hate thing with my E90 at this point.

I sent an email to Zeckenhauesen weeks back and they have not replied to my questions. Once a CDV delete is done can it be changed back to the OEM? In case I don't like the effects of the CDV delete either. Anyone that has done the CDV delete, please share your experience.

Thanks!

[mattldm]

Hello,

Just noticed you last had an 03 540. (I currently have an 03 540 and I am thinking about an E90)) I wanted to ask if you notice any real difference in the space inside the car? does the 3 feel bigger or smaller or about the same as the E39 5. what about the backseat?

How about the acceleration (was your 540 auto or stick)
BMW lists the 0-60 times to be within .2 second for the 330i and the 03 540 so I was just wondering if you miss any of the V8 power like for passing on the freeway or accelerating onto the freeway?

Thanks
Matt

[Cloud9]

Originally Posted by mattldm

Hello,

Just noticed you last had an 03 540. (I currently have an 03 540 and I am thinking about an E90)) I wanted to ask if you notice any real difference in the space inside the car? does the 3 feel bigger or smaller or about the same as the E39 5. what about the backseat?

How about the acceleration (was your 540 auto or stick)
BMW lists the 0-60 times to be within .2 second for the 330i and the 03 540 so I was just wondering if you miss any of the V8 power like for passing on the freeway or accelerating onto the freeway?

Thanks
Matt

Hey Matt,
My 540 was an auto with the sports package. I wanted to get back into a stick that's why I sold my 540. The E90 is just as spacious to me as the E39. It also feels as luxurious as the E39. Someone posted the interior dimensions of E39 & E90 and I want to say that it was VERY close in size. The sports seats on the E90 is much better, more comfortable. My friends that ride in the back say that it's the same as my 540, but they prefer the 330.

The only thing I miss is the torgue of the 540. Otherwise I have no regrets in switching. I'm saving a $$ on gas mileage alone. I get close to 25-28mpg, compared to 18-20mpg on the E39. The E90 has plenty accelaration and power on the highways. I'll easily go from 50 to 80 just to feel the torque. Except for the damn CDV, I love the drive and feel of the E90 over the E39.

Take an E90 on a long test drive. I guarantee you'll be like it. The new BMW technology is amazing.

[mattldm]

I plan on taking one out this friday. I have to drop off my 540 for service and while I wait I hope to drive the heck out if a 330i. I hope they will have a stick but they probably wont.

My 540 is a sport too, I really like the car but the gas is crazy. I have averaged just under 18 for the last three tanks

[hemi to e90]

Originally Posted by mattldm

I plan on taking one out this friday. I have to drop off my 540 for service and while I wait I hope to drive the heck out if a 330i. I hope they will have a stick but they probably wont.

My 540 is a sport too, I really like the car but the gas is crazy. I have averaged just under 18 for the last three tanks

ur CRYING over 18MPG?

IM PRAYING FOR 18mpg

i do 3000-4000 miles a month and my just did a 200 mile highway trip; average mpg 12 12!!!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

glad to hear that the 330i is so much better on fuel than my ****ing cow

[RichReg]

The trip computer says my 330 Sport w/manual trans is averaging about 22mpg.

[wish1]

I changed to the Zeckhausen CDV and find the clutch does engage more directly and smoothly. As for MPG I have almost 3K on the clock and have yet to reach 20 MPG avg on any tank of fuel.

[mattldm]

Originally Posted by hemi to e90

ur CRYING over 18MPG?

IM PRAYING FOR 18mpg

i do 3000-4000 miles a month and my just did a 200 mile highway trip; average mpg 12 12!!!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

glad to hear that the 330i is so much better on fuel than my ****ing cow

That sucks, what are you driving a tank?

The E90 330i is supposed to be 12% more fuel efficient than the E46, but the numbers seem to be similar. Is the fuel efficiency of the valvetronics just marketing hype?

[res_ipsa]

Originally Posted by wish1

I changed to the Zeckhausen CDV and find the clutch does engage more directly and smoothly. As for MPG I have almost 3K on the clock and have yet to reach 20 MPG avg on any tank of fuel.

wish1, ure the first person I know who has swapped the CDV, how was the install? Happen to take pics and can do a little writeup on it? I'm really anxious to do mine. Thanks!

[surlung]

yes, wish1 - i would also like some more detail on cdv procedure u had.

[Cloud9]

Originally Posted by wish1

I changed to the Zeckhausen CDV and find the clutch does engage more directly and smoothly. As for MPG I have almost 3K on the clock and have yet to reach 20 MPG avg on any tank of fuel.

Wish1 - Are you glad you changed the CDV? Is there a big improvement?

Well after talking to Dave Zeckhausen yesterday, I decided to get the modified CDV from him instead of doing the CDV delete. I bought it for $37.50 shipped. It should be here next week.

Dave said the benefits of the modified CDV is that your car will look stock. Where as if the CDV was deleted it may be noticed by the BMW machanic and may cause some warranty issues.

Now I just have to find a shop that knows how to do this and for a reasonable price. So far, I got a quote from BPM in Mass. for $190, for 2 hours of labor. From doing a bit of research and asking folks on other boards, it's a simple procedure that should take 30 minutes - 1hour tops.

I'll keep the board posted on how it goes.

[wish1]

I had the install done at Mr MCar in Farmingdale, NJ. He ordered the part from Dave and installed it and 4 mudflaps which I supplied. The tab was less than $150 with the CDV. He was recommended by Zeckhausen, and I give him high approval. It took me longer to drive there from NYC than the car was on the lift.

[rkg]

I just sent two CDV valves to Dave to receive back a modified one. The e46 looks like an easy swap but am wondering if anyone has tried it on their e90. Just wondering if anyone had any issues trying to pull the old one out.

Thanks.

[urnuts]

Did you try Concord Motorsport in Chichester?
Turner Motorsport in Amesbury, MA- probably a bit "below" them.
3-D BMW in Hudson, I think.