Build Log: E91 Touring - Competition package

ryan stewart · 11-09-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryGuy11

BULL SHIT

Why do you suppose there's so few in the U.S.
Because people do not like Station Wagons PERIOD. Are you going for the Faux wood paneling stickers on the doors as a mod ? How about the big tow hitch ? Or mud flaps & rain guards ? I'm sure Ferrari owners come up to you all the time and ask where's all the Kids and the giant net bag full of girls soccer balls.
Aston Martin, Vette, Porsche, Ferrari, routinely asking to see a wagon.... OK put down the pipe !!!

"Car people love wagons"
"Car people love wagons"
"Car people love wagons"
"Car people love wagons"

They do, the reason there arent many is because there arent many "car people."

nsjames · 11-09-2018, 10:30 AM

https://jalopnik.com/why-are-car-ent...ons-1688416665

the internet has spoken.

also, super lame to shit up dudes build thread.

Barrique91 · 11-09-2018, 11:01 AM

In for more updates and less pointless "arguing" over something that can't be argued! People love wagons period. Great wagon love all of the mods.

Andy7777 · 11-09-2018, 11:02 AM

Hey, I've got pretty much a twin of yours, '10 Alpine 328x1, M-Sport package, beige leather, adaptive headlights and nav. I've kept mine stock except for a couple of doodads here and there. It has 43K miles. I was thinking about doing the 3 stage manifold, but honestly don't want to fool around with getting the tuning right.

I like your project, look forward to seeing how it turns out.

I can add to the story you shared, I'm a long time PCA member, track a Porsche Cayman R, before that a Lotus Elise. Porsche folks love the wagon, it's just a cool car. Doesn't need to be very fast for my taste, what it has that the new BMWs don't have is nearly perfect haptics.

A

tetsuo111 · 11-09-2018, 12:51 PM

Good morning, BryGuy11.

It's been the case in my experience. These random encounters happen at race tracks, car shows, HPDEs, cars and coffee, the Shop, and other places where car people socialize. Usually, it's the drivers of the more exotic cars who strike up a conversation about cool wagons. No hyperbole whatsoever.

I think you need to be a real car person to get it. Some people never will. Maybe your experience differs? Try a different setting. Friday nights at the local Burger King probably isn't the place

P.S. Yes, most definitely on Ferrari drivers...

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryGuy11

BULL SHIT

Why do you suppose there's so few in the U.S.
Because people do not like Station Wagons PERIOD. Are you going for the Faux wood paneling stickers on the doors as a mod ? How about the big tow hitch ? Or mud flaps & rain guards ? I'm sure Ferrari owners come up to you all the time and ask where's all the Kids and the giant net bag full of girls soccer balls.
Aston Martin, Vette, Porsche, Ferrari, routinely asking to see a wagon.... OK put down the pipe !!!

tetsuo111 · 11-09-2018, 02:07 PM

Cool - I'll be coaching tomorrow at a PCA event.

Would love to bend your ear about your experiences with your Cayman and Elise. Those are both a ton of fun on the track. Last month a student showed up in a 718 Spyder. That was a first for me and a visceral experience behind the wheel.

I think the appeal of the E91 is sport coupe / sedan handling dynamics in an aesthetic, long-roof package. I take the wagon on the track and love how she dances.

P.S. - Haptics - great vocabulary word of the day!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy7777

I can add to the story you shared, I'm a long time PCA member, track a Porsche Cayman R, before that a Lotus Elise. Porsche folks love the wagon, it's just a cool car. Doesn't need to be very fast for my taste, what it has that the new BMWs don't have is nearly perfect haptics.

A

nsjames · 11-09-2018, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryGuy11

Oh no, not the BK hangout thing. Explain the demand for station wagons in America ??? You can't because there is NO DEMAND. Keyboard warrior. YOU'RE A PUNK.

just because american consumers are sheep being lead by manufacturer profits on SUVs, doesn't mean wagons suck.

it means the rest of you are dumb.

k thx bye

redEYEjedi · 11-09-2018, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsjames

just because american consumers are sheep being lead by manufacturer profits on SUVs, doesn't mean wagons suck.

it means the rest of you are dumb.

k thx bye

Haha just ignore him. There's no point even validating his nonsense by acknowledging anything he says. He's already had 1 thread deleted so far today. Pretty hilarious since he just get's angrier for no reason.

Back to the topic at hand!

@Quart are you considering a transmission swap? I've owned 1 E91 that was eventually swapped out with the S64 engine and 6MT. Currently own another E91 that has the N54 and 6MT swapped in. Unfortunately I've never swapped just the transmission, but I've researched parts and it's doable to swap plus it will require coding.

PostModernHero · 11-09-2018, 05:40 PM

Awesome Project! Here's mine:

Ordered it myself from the factory. 2011. No roof-rails, RWD, NAV, Oyster interior. It is an automatic though. Just about to crack 60k miles. I had ordered it with the 18" wheels, but got a screamin' deal on the 19" 335is wheels from the dealership last year, so couldn't pass those up!

K9Leader · 11-09-2018, 08:37 PM

Really liking this thread (well, except for the troll) . . . 'cause, well, I'm a car guy who appreciates wagons. I have a 2010 E91 that I picked up earlier this year. It is X-Drive and automatic but it has to do DD duty (wanted to keep both my Corvette and my mini-truck Subaru Baja so had to keep the price point within the wife's tolerance levels) which includes hauling three dogs and occasional camping gear (Scouts). Auto because at 57 my knees no longer appreciate the extra work.

Yes, to all the reasons car guys appreciate wagons - car-like handling, low COG, cargo room/dog-hauling room, some rarity/exclusivity, perhaps enjoying the irony of driving a hot rod station wagon. While BMW purists turn noses up at 328's measly 230hp, it is peppy for a daily driver in the suburbs (I guess it helps that I had driven 4-cyl Subarus - Outback and Baja - for the 15 years before the BMW). I would like to do the 3-stage intake, although blowing the transmission on my Corvette this summer put that off for a year or two.

Since buying it nine months ago I've done the suspension (Bilstein B4 all around), wheels/tires, pads and rotors and lines (stainless steel), oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, plugs and coil packs, Valvetronic motor gasket, cleaned the VANOS, and assorted cosmetic interior and exterior mods. Anyway, following this thread for ideas and inspiration. Thanks for sharing!

nsjames · 11-10-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K9Leader

While BMW purists turn noses up at 328's measly 230hp, it is peppy for a daily driver in the suburbs

3 stage intake manifold gets you to 330 power levels. I just picked one up for $150. Bimmerlabs hooks up the software for free.

and no purist can ever claim that the last of the NA straight 6's is wrong.

TechieCarGuy · 11-10-2018, 03:07 PM

Thanks for all the kind words and interest in this build, I realize it and the car won't appeal to everyone's taste, but when does everyone like the same thing?

It's doubtful I'll ever do any sort of transplant or swap for the transmission, or the engine unless I see a major change in my tax bracket. As it is today, this is a daily driver that I decided to have a little fun with and upgrade to a slightly higher standard than would've been possible to order through the regular option sheets.

My next project will be the suspension, coilovers are in hand and I had intended to start doing bushings, but am rethinking some of that since we discovered it is a lot more involved to install just the rear subframe inserts and rear sway-bar bushings... Since it appears the whole subframe has to be dropped to do the rear sway bar bushings, I am rethinking the inserts and may do the full subframe bushings and an M3 rear sway bar along with M3 upper control arm kit when we do the coilovers, albeit that will make it hard to figure out which upgrade is making certain differences in handling and ride.

After the coilovers I am still planning on wheels and this is turning in to the hardest decision. I had actually planned on doing BMW Style 313 in 19-inch just like PostModernHero has on his car, but just like I found with the BMW Performance exhaust for this car, BMW either has stopped production all together, or there is a major hole in the inventory in the US. Every source I have is showing back ordered... I can get the fronts, but don't want to order and be stuck with them.

I have some time, but am torn between using OEM BMW or BMW style wheels or going with a full aftermarket solution like Forgestar or Apex, etc. that will allow me to order custom offsets just for this car... I'm also having a hard time deciding on 19's or keeping 18's... I really like this car with the M4's style 513M wheels, but they are pricey. (below top), my wife likes the style 437M's but I still dig the style 313M. Alzor makes a replica, but they do not look as concaved.

Anyway, thanks for all the kind words. there is a lot more to come from this build.

nsjames · 11-10-2018, 03:17 PM

which coilovers did you go with?

I had ahard time finding IX e91 coil overs that weren't a gajillion dollars.

I was going to go with springs/sruts.

TechieCarGuy · 11-10-2018, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsjames

which coilovers did you go with?

I had ahard time finding IX e91 coil overs that weren't a gajillion dollars.

I was going to go with springs/sruts.

Not the highest end coilovers, but I decides to give the ISC Adjustable Coilover Kit a try, mainley b/c they had camber plates at a sub $1k price point and allowed me to choose the stiffness of my shocks, they do comfort, track and race. I had intended on doing Bilsteins and Eibachs but read a lot about that solution and found bilsteins hard to find.

https://www.bavauto.com/bmw-coil-over-kit-b0056

nsjames · 11-10-2018, 04:40 PM

hell, I'm just happy that you found for less than a grand.

which stiffness did you go for?

do let us know how they look/install/perform. I'm in the market soon. I'm also struggling to get anything bilstein. I think they're having NA importer issues or soemthing. out of stock errrrrywhere with no ETA.

redEYEjedi · 11-10-2018, 05:29 PM

Quite the inspiring thread. Almost makes me want to go and buy an e91 rwd 6MT I know of. 130k miles... but only catch is that it has a salvage title, but only $2500...

nsjames · 11-10-2018, 05:42 PM

buy it.

they are rare enough that if it were fixed properly someone looking for one is still going to pay significantly more than that.

GoDores · 11-11-2018, 05:14 PM

Great build thread. I love my E91.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsjames

3 stage intake manifold gets you to 330 power levels. I just picked one up for $150. Bimmerlabs hooks up the software for free.

Wow, where? When I looked at this mod, the usual sites I buy parts from wanted ten times that.

nsjames · 11-11-2018, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoDores

Great build thread. I love my E91.

Wow, where? When I looked at this mod, the usual sites I buy parts from wanted ten times that.

used, from a guy on facebook parting out a 330.

buying new is absurd.

there's a list in the NA engine section under the sticky thread of where you can get one from. It's a pretty common part, so scoring one from a wrecked x5 or someting is the cheapest option.

redEYEjedi · 11-11-2018, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quart

Thanks for all the kind words and interest in this build, I realize it and the car won't appeal to everyone's taste, but when does everyone like the same thing?

It's doubtful I'll ever do any sort of transplant or swap for the transmission, or the engine unless I see a major change in my tax bracket. As it is today, this is a daily driver that I decided to have a little fun with and upgrade to a slightly higher standard than would've been possible to order through the regular option sheets.

My next project will be the suspension, coilovers are in hand and I had intended to start doing bushings, but am rethinking some of that since we discovered it is a lot more involved to install just the rear subframe inserts and rear sway-bar bushings... Since it appears the whole subframe has to be dropped to do the rear sway bar bushings, I am rethinking the inserts and may do the full subframe bushings and an M3 rear sway bar along with M3 upper control arm kit when we do the coilovers, albeit that will make it hard to figure out which upgrade is making certain differences in handling and ride.

After the coilovers I am still planning on wheels and this is turning in to the hardest decision. I had actually planned on doing BMW Style 313 in 19-inch just like PostModernHero has on his car, but just like I found with the BMW Performance exhaust for this car, BMW either has stopped production all together, or there is a major hole in the inventory in the US. Every source I have is showing back ordered... I can get the fronts, but don't want to order and be stuck with them.

I have some time, but am torn between using OEM BMW or BMW style wheels or going with a full aftermarket solution like Forgestar or Apex, etc. that will allow me to order custom offsets just for this car... I'm also having a hard time deciding on 19's or keeping 18's... I really like this car with the M4's style 513M wheels, but they are pricey. (below top), my wife likes the style 437M's but I still dig the style 313M. Alzor makes a replica, but they do not look as concaved.

Anyway, thanks for all the kind words. there is a lot more to come from this build.

I LOVE the 513m and have them on my F31. You're correct, it's odd but the 513m go for more than the 437m. There's actually a decent following of the 513m.

With that said, with the direction of your car, I think something period correct would go very nicely.

tlow98 · 11-11-2018, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redEYEjedi

I LOVE the 513m and have them on my F31. You're correct, it's odd but the 513m go for more than the 437m. There's actually a decent following of the 513m.

With that said, with the direction of your car, I think something period correct would go very nicely.

Forged. Lightweight. Good looking. Cheap(er) tires. I’d say they may be the best OE wheel that BMW has ever made - from a utility standpoint.

Andy7777 · 11-12-2018, 07:29 AM

I think 19s look too big on the car. Personally I use the original 194 wheels that came with the M package cars, and they are 17s. In the winter I go to 18s in 193 style that I got from someone here. The 194s in person have a great look, they are painted a slightly darker silver I think, than some other BMW wheels.

The 313s are gorgeous, had them on a 135i but I wouldn't put them on the wagon.

11-09-2018, 10:30 AM	#24
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	https://jalopnik.com/why-are-car-ent...ons-1688416665 the internet has spoken. also, super lame to shit up dudes build thread.
	Appreciate 5 Barrique91395.50 redEYEjedi768.50 tetsuo1111227.00 Thorin117.50 lab_rat394.50 Quote

11-09-2018, 11:01 AM	#25
Barrique91 First Lieutenant 396 Rep 307 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Touring 6MT Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Idaho, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00]	In for more updates and less pointless "arguing" over something that can't be argued! People love wagons period. Great wagon love all of the mods. __________________ 325xi Touring - 6MT - Sport Package
	Appreciate 1 Raakhuga4.50 Quote

11-09-2018, 11:02 AM	#26
Andy7777 Enlisted Member 39 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 3281X Wagon M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Hey, I've got pretty much a twin of yours, '10 Alpine 328x1, M-Sport package, beige leather, adaptive headlights and nav. I've kept mine stock except for a couple of doodads here and there. It has 43K miles. I was thinking about doing the 3 stage manifold, but honestly don't want to fool around with getting the tuning right. I like your project, look forward to seeing how it turns out. I can add to the story you shared, I'm a long time PCA member, track a Porsche Cayman R, before that a Lotus Elise. Porsche folks love the wagon, it's just a cool car. Doesn't need to be very fast for my taste, what it has that the new BMWs don't have is nearly perfect haptics. A
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11-09-2018, 05:40 PM	#31
PostModernHero Second Lieutenant 144 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Renton WA iTrader: (0)	MSport E91 Awesome Project! Here's mine: Ordered it myself from the factory. 2011. No roof-rails, RWD, NAV, Oyster interior. It is an automatic though. Just about to crack 60k miles. I had ordered it with the 18" wheels, but got a screamin' deal on the 19" 335is wheels from the dealership last year, so couldn't pass those up!
	Appreciate 6 tcphoto3534.00 Barrique91395.50 tetsuo1111227.00 CSBM52721.00 Raakhuga4.50 tlow982188.00 Quote

11-09-2018, 08:37 PM	#32
K9Leader Captain 1048 Rep 782 Posts Drives: 2010 328ix E91, 2011 128i E82 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Delaware iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i [10.00] 2010 BMW 328i [10.00]	Really liking this thread (well, except for the troll) . . . 'cause, well, I'm a car guy who appreciates wagons. I have a 2010 E91 that I picked up earlier this year. It is X-Drive and automatic but it has to do DD duty (wanted to keep both my Corvette and my mini-truck Subaru Baja so had to keep the price point within the wife's tolerance levels) which includes hauling three dogs and occasional camping gear (Scouts). Auto because at 57 my knees no longer appreciate the extra work. Yes, to all the reasons car guys appreciate wagons - car-like handling, low COG, cargo room/dog-hauling room, some rarity/exclusivity, perhaps enjoying the irony of driving a hot rod station wagon. While BMW purists turn noses up at 328's measly 230hp, it is peppy for a daily driver in the suburbs (I guess it helps that I had driven 4-cyl Subarus - Outback and Baja - for the 15 years before the BMW). I would like to do the 3-stage intake, although blowing the transmission on my Corvette this summer put that off for a year or two. Since buying it nine months ago I've done the suspension (Bilstein B4 all around), wheels/tires, pads and rotors and lines (stainless steel), oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, plugs and coil packs, Valvetronic motor gasket, cleaned the VANOS, and assorted cosmetic interior and exterior mods. Anyway, following this thread for ideas and inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
	Appreciate 1 Raakhuga4.50 Quote

11-10-2018, 03:07 PM	#34
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the kind words and interest in this build, I realize it and the car won't appeal to everyone's taste, but when does everyone like the same thing? It's doubtful I'll ever do any sort of transplant or swap for the transmission, or the engine unless I see a major change in my tax bracket. As it is today, this is a daily driver that I decided to have a little fun with and upgrade to a slightly higher standard than would've been possible to order through the regular option sheets. My next project will be the suspension, coilovers are in hand and I had intended to start doing bushings, but am rethinking some of that since we discovered it is a lot more involved to install just the rear subframe inserts and rear sway-bar bushings... Since it appears the whole subframe has to be dropped to do the rear sway bar bushings, I am rethinking the inserts and may do the full subframe bushings and an M3 rear sway bar along with M3 upper control arm kit when we do the coilovers, albeit that will make it hard to figure out which upgrade is making certain differences in handling and ride. After the coilovers I am still planning on wheels and this is turning in to the hardest decision. I had actually planned on doing BMW Style 313 in 19-inch just like PostModernHero has on his car, but just like I found with the BMW Performance exhaust for this car, BMW either has stopped production all together, or there is a major hole in the inventory in the US. Every source I have is showing back ordered... I can get the fronts, but don't want to order and be stuck with them. I have some time, but am torn between using OEM BMW or BMW style wheels or going with a full aftermarket solution like Forgestar or Apex, etc. that will allow me to order custom offsets just for this car... I'm also having a hard time deciding on 19's or keeping 18's... I really like this car with the M4's style 513M wheels, but they are pricey. (below top), my wife likes the style 437M's but I still dig the style 313M. Alzor makes a replica, but they do not look as concaved. Anyway, thanks for all the kind words. there is a lot more to come from this build. Attached Images Last edited by TechieCarGuy; 11-10-2018 at 03:37 PM..
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11-10-2018, 03:17 PM	#35
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	which coilovers did you go with? I had ahard time finding IX e91 coil overs that weren't a gajillion dollars. I was going to go with springs/sruts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2018, 04:40 PM	#37
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	hell, I'm just happy that you found for less than a grand. which stiffness did you go for? do let us know how they look/install/perform. I'm in the market soon. I'm also struggling to get anything bilstein. I think they're having NA importer issues or soemthing. out of stock errrrrywhere with no ETA.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2018, 05:29 PM	#38
redEYEjedi Lieutenant Colonel 769 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: G05 / F31 / E91 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (11)	Quite the inspiring thread. Almost makes me want to go and buy an e91 rwd 6MT I know of. 130k miles... but only catch is that it has a salvage title, but only $2500... __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2018, 05:42 PM	#39
nsjames Brigadier General 2440 Rep 4,330 Posts Drives: 08 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2017 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	buy it. they are rare enough that if it were fixed properly someone looking for one is still going to pay significantly more than that.
	Appreciate 1 Raakhuga4.50 Quote

11-12-2018, 07:29 AM	#44
Andy7777 Enlisted Member 39 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 3281X Wagon M-Sport Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I think 19s look too big on the car. Personally I use the original 194 wheels that came with the M package cars, and they are 17s. In the winter I go to 18s in 193 style that I got from someone here. The 194s in person have a great look, they are painted a slightly darker silver I think, than some other BMW wheels. The 313s are gorgeous, had them on a 135i but I wouldn't put them on the wagon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote