[xlr88r]

We've just had a bit of a flurry sweep through the UK. Sadly no snow tyres for mine but *hopefully* it'll clear soon.

P.S. nice colour alfazrus!

[AdroJS83]

Long time member, first time post. Not sure if anyone still reads this thread, but thought I would try to keep it alive. So here I go...

I purchased my first BMW back in 2011, which was the '06 330i. It was exactly what I was looking for, titanium silver metallic with black leather, 6 speed manual, sport package, premium package, and upgraded Logic 7 speakers. I have logged about 183,000 miles and it has been reliable thus far. I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, battery, starter, Xenon bulbs, wheel bearings, control arms, and upgraded to LED angel eyes (all DIY). Still need to change out the valve cover gasket and replace the windshield (got a rock chip last year that has developed into a larger crack).

This past December I wanted to upgrade to a newer car since the 330i was paid off and I was getting tired of replacing/installing parts that were breaking down or about to fail. I wanted to spend my money on a newer vehicle instead of on replacing parts on an older car. I am pretty particular about my car selection, and wanted titanium silver metallic again, and it had to have the sport, premium, and upgraded speaker packages. I also wanted a standard transmission, but found out that it is very hard to find on the newer e90 LCI models. So unfortunately I had to settle for the automatic. I found a '11 335i at CarMax with about 60,000 miles. It pretty much had everything I wanted, with the exception of the interior color, which I have grown to love. But as an added plus, it had the M-sport package (which is basically a cosmetic upgrade to the regular sport package). I inquired about trade-in, but they low balled me on the 330i for $1500, so I ended up keeping it and am currently using it as a company vehicle when I travel.

The '11 335i is also titanium silver metallic but with oyster leather/anthracite headliner, M-sport package, premium package, heated seats, iDrive controller, comfort access, and upgraded H/K Logic 7 speakers. I have already replaced the angel eyes to LED from Weisslicht and plan to install the Premium Performance Package within the year. The only thing is that the car came with mismatched run-flats, Pirelli P Zero Nero at the rears, and Pirelli Cinturato at the fronts; I hate these tires. (I currently have Michelin Pilot SS for the 330i). As soon as I run down the rubber, I will be upgrading to Pilot SS or the new 4S. I did have to replace a charge pipe a few months ago which was pretty disappointing, but fortunately it wasn't too expensive to replace and install.

Two similar BMW's, but very different characteristics. I love the NA engine and linear performance of the 330i's N52, very much what you expect from a classic BMW. The manual transmission is still pretty notchy and there is no better driver engagement than rowing through the gears. But the N55 engine of the 335i is a completely different game, much more torque at earlier revs. The response of the turbo is refined with unnoticeable lag. The automatic transmission is surprisingly pretty responsive, and the paddle shifters are fun to use.

I am pretty fortunate to have both E90's: the first year the pre-LCI came out and the last year the LCI was manufactured. I love both cars, can't quite decide which one I like better. Both offer very different driving experiences. I'll probably keep both E90's for a long time. It has also been pretty convenient having a 3rd car anyway (my wife drives a 2013 X5). Maybe add an E90 M3 to the mix, perhaps? J/k...

[Bimmer_Engineer]

Sweet pics bud...they look good next to each other. In 2006 I was about to buy a 330i right around st pats day and I went out that night and met my future wife. I decided to hold off on the bimmer and used the money for a down payment on a house instead. A dozen years, 2 houses, 2 kids, 4 dogs, and a cavalcade of domestic and Korean sensible automobiles later I finally got a 2007 335. I still remember test driving that 330 though...what a fine machine...

[AdroJS83]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Engineer

Sweet pics bud...they look good next to each other. In 2006 I was about to buy a 330i right around st pats day and I went out that night and met my future wife. I decided to hold off on the bimmer and used the money for a down payment on a house instead. A dozen years, 2 houses, 2 kids, 4 dogs, and a cavalcade of domestic and Korean sensible automobiles later I finally got a 2007 335. I still remember test driving that 330 though...what a fine machine...

Thanks! That was a smart move and wise decision on your part. That N54 engine on your 335i though is one of a kind. Don't see anymore twin turbos unless it's an M.

[Aj6543]

Just picked up a 2006 330i silver with idrive. The car literally mint condition. I loved this car so much this is the second time buying the same exact car.

[Jashan90]

I purchased a 2006 BMW 330i 6 speed manual

Options:
Monaco blue
Premium Package
Sports Package
Navigation / iDrive
6 speed manual transmission

PERFORMANCE MODIFICATIONS
-Corsa Exhaust + custom exhaust tips
-K&N drop in filter + additional intake tube from bumper
-Stop tech rotors
-Portierfield brake pads


VISUAL MODIFICATIONS
-Bmw M bumper
-Upgrades color changing DTM angel eyes with custom painted interior shrouds
-M pedals
-Euro taillights
-Boot lid spoiler
-Auto Vox front and rear camera
-Fox brown alcantara interior trim pieces
-M steering wheel
-M tech speedometer needles
-JL audio system
-Color changing interior footwell lighting
-20mm spacers(rear)
-15mm spacers(front)
-20% tint in all windows
-35% on front + windshield

[Echoninety]

Car is slowly coming together.

Just a few pieces I've added lately.

[Jashan90]

Originally Posted by Echoninety

Car is slowly coming together.

Just a few pieces I've added lately.

Beautiful car! You'll get there, slowly but surely.

[Jashan90]

Originally Posted by Echoninety

Car is slowly coming together.

Just a few pieces I've added lately.

Where did you find the wheels?

[CTrink]

Anyone still under 100k miles? I just hit the mark.

[Echoninety]

Originally Posted by Jashan90

Where did you find the wheels?

Got them from an M3 that was originally bought in Europe. 260m's - really wanted 219m gunmetal wheels (still do) but I love how the offsets work perfect for our car. Et29 and et23 are just about perfect in my opinion.

[Jashan90]

Originally Posted by Echoninety

Got them from an M3 that was originally bought in Europe. 260m's - really wanted 219m gunmetal wheels (still do) but I love how the offsets work perfect for our car. Et29 and et23 are just about perfect in my opinion.

There are no spacers? Wheels fill that gap perfect!!

[Echoninety]

No spacers-just a perfect fit and the MPSS are just the best tires I've ever owned.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by AdroJS83

Long time member, first time post. Not sure if anyone still reads this thread, but thought I would try to keep it alive. So here I go...

I purchased my first BMW back in 2011, which was the '06 330i. It was exactly what I was looking for, titanium silver metallic with black leather, 6 speed manual, sport package, premium package, and upgraded Logic 7 speakers. I have logged about 183,000 miles and it has been reliable thus far. I have replaced the water pump, thermostat, battery, starter, Xenon bulbs, wheel bearings, control arms, and upgraded to LED angel eyes (all DIY). Still need to change out the valve cover gasket and replace the windshield (got a rock chip last year that has developed into a larger crack).

This past December I wanted to upgrade to a newer car since the 330i was paid off and I was getting tired of replacing/installing parts that were breaking down or about to fail. I wanted to spend my money on a newer vehicle instead of on replacing parts on an older car. I am pretty particular about my car selection, and wanted titanium silver metallic again, and it had to have the sport, premium, and upgraded speaker packages. I also wanted a standard transmission, but found out that it is very hard to find on the newer e90 LCI models. So unfortunately I had to settle for the automatic. I found a '11 335i at CarMax with about 60,000 miles. It pretty much had everything I wanted, with the exception of the interior color, which I have grown to love. But as an added plus, it had the M-sport package (which is basically a cosmetic upgrade to the regular sport package). I inquired about trade-in, but they low balled me on the 330i for $1500, so I ended up keeping it and am currently using it as a company vehicle when I travel.

The '11 335i is also titanium silver metallic but with oyster leather/anthracite headliner, M-sport package, premium package, heated seats, iDrive controller, comfort access, and upgraded H/K Logic 7 speakers. I have already replaced the angel eyes to LED from Weisslicht and plan to install the Premium Performance Package within the year. The only thing is that the car came with mismatched run-flats, Pirelli P Zero Nero at the rears, and Pirelli Cinturato at the fronts; I hate these tires. (I currently have Michelin Pilot SS for the 330i). As soon as I run down the rubber, I will be upgrading to Pilot SS or the new 4S. I did have to replace a charge pipe a few months ago which was pretty disappointing, but fortunately it wasn't too expensive to replace and install.

Two similar BMW's, but very different characteristics. I love the NA engine and linear performance of the 330i's N52, very much what you expect from a classic BMW. The manual transmission is still pretty notchy and there is no better driver engagement than rowing through the gears. But the N55 engine of the 335i is a completely different game, much more torque at earlier revs. The response of the turbo is refined with unnoticeable lag. The automatic transmission is surprisingly pretty responsive, and the paddle shifters are fun to use.

I am pretty fortunate to have both E90's: the first year the pre-LCI came out and the last year the LCI was manufactured. I love both cars, can't quite decide which one I like better. Both offer very different driving experiences. I'll probably keep both E90's for a long time. It has also been pretty convenient having a 3rd car anyway (my wife drives a 2013 X5). Maybe add an E90 M3 to the mix, perhaps? J/k...

YES!!! ADD AN E9X M3!!!

Sell wife's X5, make wife drive the 330i or a Hyundai Accent. Buy M3 with money from X5 sale. Then come back on here and post pics of your M3. It's a win win win!

[Echoninety]

Love seeing all of these 330i

[jdd]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2014 X5d but still drive my 2006 Alpine White 330xi with 275,000 miles. Only issue I have is a whizzing noise from 4th to 5th gear, but everything is else is perfect.

words cant describe how much I love my 330, lol

[Aj6543]

Originally Posted by jdd

Hey everyone,

I have a 2014 X5d but still drive my 2006 Alpine White 330xi with 275,000 miles. Only issue I have is a whizzing noise from 4th to 5th gear, but everything is else is perfect.

words cant describe how much I love my 330, lol

275K?? Awesome! I am at 83K miles.

[GoRomeo]

Keep it up guys!

[cheeseforlunch]

Anyone here have aftermarket headers on their 330(x)i? Thinking about AA...

[Aj6543]

Has anyone managed to get another 28 Hp to get these cars to 300 hp? If so, what mods did you use?

[cheeseforlunch]

Originally Posted by Aj6543

Has anyone managed to get another 28 Hp to get these cars to 300 hp? If so, what mods did you use?

I heard it's been done by scraping up some hp with a supercharger kit... but if you're looking to do power mods without the supercharger, fastest way to get to 300 (or close) is cold air intake, headers/exhaust, and a tune. I know of a few companies working on developing a tune for the N52 for E85/E50 compatibility.

[TassieBMW]

After owning an 06 M Sport E90 320i for the past 5 or so years I just bought a 05 330i M Sport in the exact same spec as my 320. From a driving point of view, although the 330 obviously pulls much harder I feel like its handling can't compare to the 320, which you can throw into corners at any speed you fancy.

Also, the steering feel of the 330 is considerably different to the 320 (It's not active steering, I've checked). On the power steering reservoir the 320 specifies ATF however the 330 uses CHF 11S, so I'm guessing a totally different rack?