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      10-05-2018, 07:38 AM   #1
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blueh88 Build Thread!

Hello All.

I thought it would be a great time for me to start my own build thread! Had the car for nearly 3 years and overall, it has been a great experience.
I’ll use the first few posts to catch up with all the work that has been done so far and then hopefully keep it up to date as and when.
First purchased in early 2016. This was an exciting/interesting time for me. First ever BMW so was anxious and excited at the same time. I came from a Mk7 Golf GTD on lease and I decided to purchase outright an older car is more suited to me. Don’t get me wrong, the GTD was fantastic in every way. It was just that I couldn’t do anything to it as it was a lease, so I got bored.

Prior to the Golf I had an FN2 Type R. That was great fun. Although not the most “hardcore” R, I loved it and do miss it at times!

The decision for purchasing an E90 330d was that there was nothing else at the same price level which gives this much performance and reliability. I was very hesitant at buying such an old car, relative to what I have had before, and, in some ways, the age does show. Namely, the audio system, the worry of having to spend on extra maintenance etc. However, I still went ahead with a view to renew anything required.

Anyway, I bought a 2006 model, auto which already had the DPF/EGR/swirl flaps removed and a remap. The cosmetics were fairly standard apart from some 19” E46 M3 alloys on the outside and some hideously wrapped interior trim. What was a nice addition being a custom alcantara steering wheel.

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Last edited by blueh88; 10-05-2018 at 08:42 AM..
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      10-05-2018, 07:39 AM   #2
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The first thing I did was rewrap the interior trim panels in a matt carbon. Much better and subtler than that blue!

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Last edited by blueh88; 10-05-2018 at 08:49 AM..
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      10-05-2018, 07:40 AM   #3
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Next up was an allow refurb/colour change and blue callipers:

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      10-05-2018, 07:41 AM   #4
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Something didn’t really feel right with the current map. It was really sluggish/lazy at low speeds, so I decided on getting a custom map done. Prior to the remap, I had it dyno tested, and it read 237bhp and 374lb/ft. I was really annoyed but not surprised. After the map, it was dyno tested again and it read a much better 285bhp and 494lb/ft. Happy!

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      10-05-2018, 07:41 AM   #5
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I had the audio upgraded next. It started off with just the base audio with an aftermarket Kenwood head unit. Sound was s***. So, I installed a Pioneer 4 channel amp, with Match 8” subs under the seats and Focal 100KRS components. Instantly much better sound! However, I had a pain trying to sort out some alternator whine coming through the tweeters. I turned the gains down to live with it but that didn’t let the Focal speakers show their true potential. Eventually, the Focals gave up on me and just failed to work. So, I was left with a nice, thumping low end and only the stock rear shelf speakers working. I have no idea what happened to these speakers, but I didn’t buy them new and also, the underlying issue of alternator whine might have messed them up. I installed some cheap Pioneer door speakers temporarily and still had the whine. It was only until very recently I realised that because the door speakers are wired in parallel to the subs, the OEM connectors needed to be modified so a clean signal was getting to the doors. Anyhow, I think it will be easier to just simply run new wire into the doors instead of using the OEM wiring. That is still a work in progress whilst I try and source some new speakers.

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Whilst we are on the subject of entertainment, I changed the Kenwood head unit out for an 9” Xtrons Android unit made specifically for the E90. This was a great transformation from a user-friendliness point of view. The capacitive touch screen is much better than the dated resistive tech on the Kenwood and it has made the interior look much more modern. The sound quality is still there too which I am pleased about. My only gripe is the DAB signal is rubbish. That is another work in progress with running a new wire from the OEM diversity antenna. Someone else has already tried this with some success so fingers crossed!

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Last edited by blueh88; 10-05-2018 at 11:52 AM..
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      10-05-2018, 07:42 AM   #6
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The wheels were changed for a smaller, 18” Axe CS Lite in Hyper Black, which is more of a shadow chrome. I wanted to go smaller for ride comfort and they are lighter than the E46 M3 wheels. I’ve added spacers to the rears which now I think look good. I just need to do the front. Unfortunately, since having them installed, I have had some dire luck with kerbs and pot holes so are in need of a refurb. This is on my growing to do list along with the front spacers. I also need new centre caps!
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      10-05-2018, 07:43 AM   #7
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The gearbox has been mapped using xHP Flashtool. I went for the super license, so I could try all three stages. This has to be one of my fave mods so far. It has completely transformed the way the car drives. Much more of a modern feeling auto now.
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      10-05-2018, 07:44 AM   #8
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More recently, I have been trying to chase some leaks which has been a bit of a pain. First, I noticed the vacuum pump was leaking oil. New O-rings sorted this and was a quick fix. I then noticed the EGR thermostat leaking. The O-ring had gone so that was replaced. I know I know, I have an EGR delete so no real need for this cooler. I will remove it at some point, but it isn’t a priority for me at the moment. I then started noticing drops of oil on the drive. After a quick check, it was obvious the red boost pipe to the turbo was leaking terribly. The whole of the under tray was covered in oil. That is a work in progress with parts ordered to be replaced very soon.

Also, I am not confident the swirl flap delete was done properly or at least, whilst the manifold was off at that time, other leaks were not seen to. There is a lot of leakage seen on the right hand side (looking into the engine bay from the front of car) which I have read is common to be leaking from where the manifold meets the block. So, another bit of work to be done is to take the manifold off, clean it out and seal it properly with new gaskets. Also, to check whether the swirl flap blanks were installed correctly before I bought the car.
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      10-05-2018, 11:29 AM   #9
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Could you give me any more info on the xHP gearbox remap? , I’ve contacted a few tuners who can’t be bothered to reply!

What was the cost to do?
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      10-05-2018, 11:41 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw330 View Post
Could you give me any more info on the xHP gearbox remap? , I’ve contacted a few tuners who can’t be bothered to reply!

What was the cost to do?
It is easiest to do it yourself if you have an Android phone. You just download the app, buy the licence and then buy a map you want. You need to connect your phone to your car using an OBD cable. You will need a converter too to convert the USB side of the cable to a micro usb connector to connect to your phone. As long as your gearbox is supported, it will work. It is extremely fool proof so very hard to get it wrong!
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      10-05-2018, 03:22 PM   #11
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Do the shifts feel as crisp as they describe in D?, on light throttle when does the box generally shift (std it seems to be about 2000rpm).

Just looking for some slick smooth changes, and not needing the car to rev up high on light throttle before it changes up.

Is stage 3 ok for a daily driver?
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      10-05-2018, 03:55 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bmw330 View Post
Do the shifts feel as crisp as they describe in D?, on light throttle when does the box generally shift (std it seems to be about 2000rpm).

Just looking for some slick smooth changes, and not needing the car to rev up high on light throttle before it changes up.

Is stage 3 ok for a daily driver?
In D, on light throttle, it feels much much smoother than normal and changes gears I would say at a much more optimised time. Before, it was probably at set rpm. Now it is even more dependent on throttle travel. Next time I'm in my car I'll note the rpm when it changes as tbh, I've never really paid attention and get back to you.

Yes stage 3 in D is perfectly fine for daily driving. It is the S mode which is really aggressive and definitely only for spirited driving. Very Jekyll and Hyde sort of personality between D and S Stage 3.
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      10-05-2018, 11:17 PM   #13
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mines getting gearbox service next friday 335d,,also all vac lines/swirl flaps/remap and what ever else the bmw tech finds,,maybe manifold gasket as this car has the right side leaks..my fist auto since 1990 ha ha,,on th eodd occasion when coming to a stop i sometimes left foot the brake pedal ha ah,,but my daily is a manual e90 330d..anyway i am also considering the xhp download,,not getting a xhp dealer to do it,,one lad on facebook was charged £370 for stage 3..and thats it,,no lifetime update etc etc my current phone is android,,but its windows so will not accept the app,anyway ill call back for some tips when i eventually get it
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      10-06-2018, 03:37 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rasa bmw View Post
mines getting gearbox service next friday 335d,,also all vac lines/swirl flaps/remap and what ever else the bmw tech finds,,maybe manifold gasket as this car has the right side leaks..my fist auto since 1990 ha ha,,on th eodd occasion when coming to a stop i sometimes left foot the brake pedal ha ah,,but my daily is a manual e90 330d..anyway i am also considering the xhp download,,not getting a xhp dealer to do it,,one lad on facebook was charged £370 for stage 3..and thats it,,no lifetime update etc etc my current phone is android,,but its windows so will not accept the app,anyway ill call back for some tips when i eventually get it
Yeah I am pointing towards the gaskets too. Will see!
That is a rip off! Suppose they have to make their markup on it but even still...cheaper to get a cheap android phone and do it yourself! yeah sure not an issue.
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      10-06-2018, 09:14 AM   #15
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one dealer is doing the xhp flash for £250 but again you would ahve to go back to them to get updates etc and you only have the one stage on your car,,whereas you can chop and change if you buy the license and cables.
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      10-06-2018, 04:34 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rasa bmw View Post
one dealer is doing the xhp flash for £250 but again you would ahve to go back to them to get updates etc and you only have the one stage on your car,,whereas you can chop and change if you buy the license and cables.
Yeah, exactly. It's defo worth the effort to do it yourself.
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      10-09-2018, 09:33 AM   #17
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I still haven't received the red boost pipe from eBay! I have escalated to see where it is. Annoyed as I really wanted this fixed ASAP.

In parallel, I have ordered the gasket kit for the intake manifold so once they arrive, I plan on getting the manifold off, cleaned and re-installed.
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      10-09-2018, 09:56 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blueh88 View Post
I still haven't received the red boost pipe from eBay! I have escalated to see where it is. Annoyed as I really wanted this fixed ASAP.

In parallel, I have ordered the gasket kit for the intake manifold so once they arrive, I plan on getting the manifold off, cleaned and re-installed.
are your falps still in...ooohhh errr..if yes then just gett he whole kit,,ive just ordered the kit for my 335d,,gearbox service on friday also
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      10-09-2018, 09:59 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rasa bmw View Post
are your falps still in...ooohhh errr..if yes then just gett he whole kit,,ive just ordered the kit for my 335d,,gearbox service on friday also
No, it currently has swirl flap blanks in place fitted by previous owner. I have in fact ordered a kit which comes with the blanks too just in case these weren't fitted properly as I have my suspicions.

I'm guessing it is the same kit for the 335d? 33mm plugs? 22 quid on eBay with all the gaskets etc.
Good stuff, let us know how you get on!
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      10-09-2018, 11:05 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blueh88 View Post
There is a lot of leakage seen on the right hand side (looking into the engine bay from the front of car) which I have read is common to be leaking from where the manifold meets the block. So, another bit of work to be done is to take the manifold off, clean it out and seal it properly with new gaskets. Also, to check whether the swirl flap blanks were installed correctly before I bought the car.
My RH side leak wasn't from the manifold gaskets but from the swirl flap seals (yes, original swirl flaps still in place) and they were all leaking loads. Cleaned them up, resealed them with high temp silicone, all good now.

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      10-09-2018, 11:55 AM   #21
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Hey, how easy/difficult is it to install that entertainment unit? My 320d is stock with the radio and looking to get a good screen in there instead, do you get all the parts/instructions when you order?
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      10-09-2018, 12:35 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blueh88 View Post
No, it currently has swirl flap blanks in place fitted by previous owner. I have in fact ordered a kit which comes with the blanks too just in case these weren't fitted properly as I have my suspicions.

I'm guessing it is the same kit for the 335d? 33mm plugs? 22 quid on eBay with all the gaskets etc.
Good stuff, let us know how you get on!
didnt trust the cheaper ones,,i paid £40...and the blanks etc are getting fitted by a mechanic you does remaps for gbw tuning,,gets data logged etc and sent to gbw..cannot wait for the remap,,and this is why im also getting box serviced,,hes also doing all vac lines and dpf for £400 he works offshore so its 4 weeks until i get this work done,,he was a full time ,echanic and agent for glen wilding of gbw tuning,,he is very well respected on facebook forums,,i was going to get this done with my gearbox service,but the guy doinbg it uses celtic tuning remaps,,and i wasnt keen on getting one from them,,this is the kit i got..have a read in description of the gaskets,,these are reinz or elring originalhttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6X-33MM-FO...872.m2749.l264

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