[Len_Beach]

Originally Posted by Mboon

If it was me. I would be aiming for an LCI N57 with the newer flappy paddles. Engine is sharp, efficient and powerful. The box blips up through the gears nicely and feels better to me than the paddles which go up and down on each side. Engine will map to over 300bhp. You also get the cic which is much better

That's the car I was searching for and ultimately bought.

It was a toss up between an easily sourced 335d that would remap to 340ish BHP but would return low to mid 30's or hunt down a 330d LCI which would remap to 310ish BHP but would return low to mid 40's.

The newer, more economical engine won through. The stock 0-60 is in theory 0.1 seconds slower than the 335d. I'd predict low to mid 5's to 60 now with the gearbox flash and remap.

My driving has changed quite a lot since I've had the car from 25-30 mile each way trips daily to 200 miles each way twice a week. I'm now returning 44mpg on the on board computer on a long term average. This is steadily increasing.

The gearbox flash is not a reset, it's an actual flash/remap of the gearbox calibration. I had the gearbox oil flushed with a ZF spec oil then replaced the next day with ZF oil and the filter changed about a year ago. I reset the adaptations at this point and this smoothed out the shifts.

The xHP flash made a world of difference as the box is now in the gear I'd expect it to be in. Previously, a light touch on the throttle would lead to a down shift and the engine revving highly. Now, the box holds the gear until there's a firm stamp on the pedal which allows the torque band to do its work.

[ekuLUKEkul]

LCI is definitely what I am after, I had a chance to drive a LCI manual saloon yesterday. Not a car I'm after but it was fairly close by with the right engine so I thought I would test it. It was rush hour so I didn't get a chance to open it up completely.

Saloon is much smaller than I expected so it has to be a touring now, no questions!! Manual gearbox seemed really smooth and nice, I do understand what people mean by it being quite "mechanical"? The gears felt weighty to change but not in a bad way, very satisfying and the power is immense! I've never driven diesel before but the engine seemed very smooth! I don't think I went above 2.5k rpm and it was flying! Clutch didn't seem bad even in traffic, that's either a complement to the car or my Golf's clutch isn't the best in its old age and made the 30d's seem very nice.

Was supposed to try an auto straight after but sadly it has been reserved so I couldn't I'm still keeping an open mind to the auto but I did enjoy the manual, however, as the torque is always available no matter the gear maybe an auto would be nice!

For now I will keep looking but the test drive has just made me want one even more. Still haven't tried Idrive as the test one didn't have it.

[smuler]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

LCI is definitely what I am after, I had a chance to drive a LCI manual saloon yesterday. Not a car I'm after but it was fairly close by with the right engine so I thought I would test it. It was rush hour so I didn't get a chance to open it up completely.

Saloon is much smaller than I expected so it has to be a touring now, no questions!! Manual gearbox seemed really smooth and nice, I do understand what people mean by it being quite "mechanical"? The gears felt weighty to change but not in a bad way, very satisfying and the power is immense! I've never driven diesel before but the engine seemed very smooth! I don't think I went above 2.5k rpm and it was flying! Clutch didn't seem bad even in traffic, that's either a complement to the car or my Golf's clutch isn't the best in its old age and made the 30d's seem very nice.

Was supposed to try an auto straight after but sadly it has been reserved so I couldn't I'm still keeping an open mind to the auto but I did enjoy the manual, however, as the torque is always available no matter the gear maybe an auto would be nice!

For now I will keep looking but the test drive has just made me want one even more. Still haven't tried Idrive as the test one didn't have it.

Sadly this is sold, but it may give you an (a rough) idea of prices for a 330d manual touring which I guess is what you're now going for?
Probably not LCI, as I think I've only seen a few late 58's as LCI.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...rt-5dr/6522495

There used to be a BMW mod for the manual, I think it was called a performance short shifter. I drove a 335i with it. Much better than standard. May be available, still?
Certainly scope for making a manual better.

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by smuler

Sadly this is sold, but it may give you an (a rough) idea of prices for a 330d manual touring which I guess is what you're now going for?
Probably not LCI, as I think I've only seen a few late 58's as LCI.

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifi...rt-5dr/6522495

There used to be a BMW mod for the manual, I think it was called a performance short shifter. I drove a 335i with it. Much better than standard. May be available, still?
Certainly scope for making a manual better.

That's what I'm going for yeah. I will try auto and possibly go for that if it seems like a good option (as many say it is)
Didn't look like that one is LCI, think I'm definitely after LCI as the prices on them are very fair these days.
That's something I'd definitely look into if I end up with a manual, the standard was still very nice to use though.

[smuler]

Picture 12 here is what the newer CIC I drive controller looks like, by the way.
Based on this, autos are in budget.
Yes, try one. I did on 335i, didn't like it. Luckily on coupe, they did the DCT which was a lot better, tho still not a manual.




http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...at_cars&page=1

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by smuler

Picture 12 here is what the newer CIC I drive controller looks like, by the way.
Based on this, autos are in budget.
Yes, try one. I did on 335i, didn't like it. Luckily on coupe, they did the DCT which was a lot better, tho still not a manual.




http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...at_cars&page=1

I actually emailed the guy about that one as it looks like a bargain! Sadly he says someone has paid a deposit however if that falls through he will let me know. I definitely will try auto. With paddles/manual mode and the amount of torque every gear produces I think it would still be a lot of fun! Are they much worse on fuel? And do the autos tend to develop and problems do you know? I read about some people changing the oil in the box although it's supposed to be sealed for life?

[smuler]

You get threads on forums about people changing oil, I'd speak to a BMW Specialist garage and see what they say.
330 auto box ought to be strong because it can take remapping.
I hope the guy's sale falls through and you get a chance at it

[rasa bmw]

Originally Posted by smuler

You get threads on forums about people changing oil, I'd speak to a BMW Specialist garage and see what they say.
330 auto box ought to be strong because it can take remapping.
I hope the guy's sale falls through and you get a chance at it

it is strong,but get it serviced ie the zf sleeve/sump and oil change.it was supposed to be a lifetime fill,but even bmw say it should be done between 70-100k miles..any oil/filter will deteriorate over time.and if you buy it from a arage,factor that service into the deal.

[ekuLUKEkul]

I will definitely look into that then. And good point if it's from a garage! Does it tend to be an expensive job normally?

That would be good Smuler haha! Only problem is it's close to 300 miles away! So I'd have to be sure if I were to travel that far!

[smuler]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

I will definitely look into that then. And good point if it's from a garage! Does it tend to be an expensive job normally?

That would be good Smuler haha! Only problem is it's close to 300 miles away! So I'd have to be sure if I were to travel that far!

when I sold my E46 last Feb, had interest from all over.
To show it off, and help them decide, I did a video to show condition etc.

Get any prospective seller to do that for you, if you're thinking of travelling??

[ekuLUKEkul]

That's a great idea! I'll keep that in mind for when any come up, because I'm almost certain that any that do pop up won't be local

What's the main stuff you video'd for people? Just the interior and bodywork condition etc?

[smuler]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

That's a great idea! I'll keep that in mind for when any come up, because I'm almost certain that any that do pop up won't be local

What's the main stuff you video'd for people? Just the interior and bodywork condition etc?

Body work exterior was most popular
Also interior
then started engine and let it idle with bonnet open
also starting it videoing it from exhausts

I have a dash-cam, so they also saw it in action POV

The eventual buyer said he'd seen some absolute dogs that looked great in photos, so thought it was a great idea.

Have you tried this one, in Leeds? I forget your budget, but it would tick your LCI and new I Drive and Auto need to try??

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...istance&page=1

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by smuler

Body work exterior was most popular
Also interior
then started engine and let it idle with bonnet open
also starting it videoing it from exhausts

I have a dash-cam, so they also saw it in action POV

The eventual buyer said he'd seen some absolute dogs that looked great in photos, so thought it was a great idea.

Have you tried this one, in Leeds? I forget your budget, but it would tick your LCI and new I Drive and Auto need to try??

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...istance&page=1

Great idea to video, I never thought of that so thanks a lot!

I was aiming for around 10k pushing up to 11k if it looked nice enough... that one looks nice but it seems a little high miles for the price? I don't know though haha and of course buy on condition not mileage. Properly serviced I'm sure these will run well above 200k!

[smuler]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

Great idea to video, I never thought of that so thanks a lot!

I was aiming for around 10k pushing up to 11k if it looked nice enough... that one looks nice but it seems a little high miles for the price? I don't know though haha and of course buy on condition not mileage. Properly serviced I'm sure these will run well above 200k!

A/trader valued it at 12-13k

I think dealer's value will take into account age, it's one of the newest as in 2012 the series ended, the high spec and a bit of bullshit around owners; they say, on the one hand, it's 1 owner then earlier, 1 owner plus BMW.

Possibly a demo, or mgmt car.
A cheap HPI check 1.99£ should determine who had it the longest. To be fair, it's still low (2) number of owners.

19k average miles p/a suggests motorway use, so possibly an easy life.

I've read lots of good stories about high milers diesels.

An average mile 2012, say 50k miles, would be way out of your budget.

An average miles 2009 (earliest you'd get LCI and new I Drive) would be on 70k miles, so that's what you have to weigh up.

There were probably further improvements made during the series, since 2009 so at 2012 you should be getting the very latest.

My main suggestion, was to try this one. so you'll know about auto mainly.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by smuler

A/trader valued it at 12-13k

I think dealer's value will take into account age, it's one of the newest as in 2012 the series ended, the high spec and a bit of bullshit around owners; they say, on the one hand, it's 1 owner then earlier, 1 owner plus BMW.

Possibly a demo, or mgmt car.
A cheap HPI check 1.99£ should determine who had it the longest. To be fair, it's still low (2) number of owners.

19k average miles p/a suggests motorway use, so possibly an easy life.

I've read lots of good stories about high milers diesels.

An average mile 2012, say 50k miles, would be way out of your budget.

An average miles 2009 (earliest you'd get LCI and new I Drive) would be on 70k miles, so that's what you have to weigh up.

There were probably further improvements made during the series, since 2009 so at 2012 you should be getting the very latest.

My main suggestion, was to try this one. so you'll know about auto mainly.

Strangely there seems to be little mot history with this car (edit: I forgot no mots needed for the first 3 years) & currently has had no mot since June, so it would seem the dealers had it a little while.

I don't get why tourers are so expensive

[smuler]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

Strangely there seems to be little mot history with this car & currently has had no mot since June, so it would seem the dealers had it a little while.

I don't get why tourers are so expensive

First MOT was due by 29 June 2015, I can find that, the 2016 one (fail and pass) and then, as you say it's now out of MOT.

I only found it on the official site and not the free/cheapo HPI site I use, when this has happened before it's meant the car's been on a private plate and has been transferred back.

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

I suppose they could have bought it from auction, somewhere else within trade that explains the lost month or so?

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by smuler

A/trader valued it at 12-13k

I think dealer's value will take into account age, it's one of the newest as in 2012 the series ended, the high spec and a bit of bullshit around owners; they say, on the one hand, it's 1 owner then earlier, 1 owner plus BMW.

Possibly a demo, or mgmt car.
A cheap HPI check 1.99£ should determine who had it the longest. To be fair, it's still low (2) number of owners.

19k average miles p/a suggests motorway use, so possibly an easy life.

I've read lots of good stories about high milers diesels.

An average mile 2012, say 50k miles, would be way out of your budget.

An average miles 2009 (earliest you'd get LCI and new I Drive) would be on 70k miles, so that's what you have to weigh up.

There were probably further improvements made during the series, since 2009 so at 2012 you should be getting the very latest.

My main suggestion, was to try this one. so you'll know about auto mainly.

Great point on the age actually. I don't mind one with about 70/80k on, I'm not fussed if they're higher really.

Yeah a HPI check is always worth buying I think!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...sc&fromSA=true
Another nice example there.

I've found a coupe at a garage really close by with the auto box. I've emailed about giving it a go, although it's a coupe I'm still thinking it will give me a good idea on what they're like to drive? The manual I tried was a saloon so I'm still yet to be in a touring!

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by smuler

First MOT was due by 29 June 2015, I can find that, the 2016 one (fail and pass) and then, as you say it's now out of MOT.

I only found it on the official site and not the free/cheapo HPI site I use, when this has happened before it's meant the car's been on a private plate and has been transferred back.

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

I suppose they could have bought it from auction, somewhere else within trade that explains the lost month or so?

My bad, I forgot there's no mot for the first 3 years

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by Chappers 71

Strangely there seems to be little mot history with this car (edit: I forgot no mots needed for the first 3 years) & currently has had no mot since June, so it would seem the dealers had it a little while.

I don't get why tourers are so expensive

Agree. Tourers cost so much compared with equivalent saloons. I wonder why the dealers had it for a while? Not a fan when they're out of MOT either.

[smuler]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

Great point on the age actually. I don't mind one with about 70/80k on, I'm not fussed if they're higher really.

Yeah a HPI check is always worth buying I think!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...sc&fromSA=true
Another nice example there.

I've found a coupe at a garage really close by with the auto box. I've emailed about giving it a go, although it's a coupe I'm still thinking it will give me a good idea on what they're like to drive? The manual I tried was a saloon so I'm still yet to be in a touring!

Seems touring auto's are about then, so if you like the auto you're odds on to get one.

The coupe will definitely give you a feel for the auto. Good idea.

I remember subtle differences on 335s, sportier feel with coupe over saloon. Never driven touring. But I don't think it's sufficiently different to sway you one way or the other.

What engine coupe is it?

In any event, try and test as many of these cars as possible before buying. You'll pick up on subtleties which may help you determine if something's not quite right that way.

And bear in mind, if they're on run flats ride/handling is worse. That's not just my opinion.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by ekuLUKEkul

Agree. Tourers cost so much compared with equivalent saloons. I wonder why the dealers had it for a while? Not a fan when they're out of MOT either.

I paid £11000 for my 2006 e92 335i in 2012 it had done 52k. When I was looking for a e 91 335i there were 2006/7 ones with 120+k & asking prices of 9k+

You can get a lot more for your money if you go non bmw estates or get a e90 & buy a trailer

[ekuLUKEkul]

Originally Posted by smuler

Seems touring auto's are about then, so if you like the auto you're odds on to get one.

The coupe will definitely give you a feel for the auto. Good idea.

I remember subtle differences on 335s, sportier feel with coupe over saloon. Never driven touring. But I don't think it's sufficiently different to sway you one way or the other.

What engine coupe is it?

In any event, try and test as many of these cars as possible before buying. You'll pick up on subtleties which may help you determine if something's not quite right that way.

And bear in mind, if they're on run flats ride/handling is worse. That's not just my opinion.

They definitely are about now I've opened my search to auto as well.

The coupe is a 330d. My main test is just to see how they feel in auto, I was worried that after the manual I would only want manual but the power available at any given time/revs made it seem like you never had to shift down to get moving so I can see how an auto would be nice! And paddles for if I want to get more involved.

Yeah the more I can try the better, I have no experience of anything even close to these so I'm worried I could miss something glaringly obvious because of the inexperience.