Build Log: E91 Touring - Competition package

Thorin · 12-17-2018, 05:49 PM

17s should be OK:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158305

1and1 · 03-09-2019, 05:38 PM

Love euro-wagons in general, and your e91 is really coming together well! It's become one of my favorites, tho Audi does a pretty sweet wagon also. Do you ever tinker with the 135 anymore?

Doesn't look like you ever got build numbers for either your e91 or e82... Take a look at this l o n g thread over on MaxBimmer- There's a guy posting build data based on the last 7 of your VIN.

http://www.maxbimmer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157862

Below is what I learned about my 135 (Only 65 in my combination) and The Wife's X1 (124 with her combination)-

Quote:

Originally Posted by SickFinga

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1and1

Would love to learn anything you can share about VK94796

65 - 2008-2010 BMW 135i Coupe (UC73) - NA painted in Black Sapphire Metallic (475) with Savanna Beige Boston Leather (LWB4) interior were built for the US market. 27 manual, 38 automatic.

7 were built for the Canadian market. 3 manual, 4 automatic.

The most rare option in this car is the option S615A - Expanded BMW Online Information. It was installed on 903 out of 8,007 cars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1and1

and VW43702
Thanks!

124 - 2013-2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i Automatic (VM13) - US painted in Mineral Grey Metallic (B39) with Beige Vinyl (KCB4) interior were built.

The most rare option in this car is the option P7H8A - Mobile phone preps with USB interface. It was installed on 524 out of 26,114 cars.

Efthreeoh · 03-10-2019, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quart

I also got some new tools (flattop jack stands) which facilitated the replacement of the jack points on the car. Like many of us, years of not using the correct inserts when we jack the car had destroyed my jack points. Now with these flat top stands, I'll have a billet jack stand puck as I call them to fit the new inserts on the car. Making the car more stable when working on.

....more to come.

I know this post is 3 months old, but you hit on a pet peeve of mine. Now that you have the correct flat-top stands, you don't need to fool with the hockey puck insert crap. The E90 will sit on its lift points (the plastic blocks in your pic) forever and a day on the Esco stands you bought. I have a lift, which has cast iron lift arm feet (i.e. no rubber). I've left my car on the lift literally for weeks at a time with zero (0) damage to the lifting blocks. The lifting blocks have that cavity for the purpose of breaking away if the lifting block contacts road debris, or a curb, etc. The walls are meant to break under side loading, but they do not break under compression loads (i.e. sitting on a lift or flat-top jackstands).

The lifting blocks only get messed up when the improper jackstand is used under them, or a floor jack is used incorrectly under the lifting block.

TechieCarGuy · 03-11-2019, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I know this post is 3 months old, but you hit on a pet peeve of mine. Now that you have the correct flat-top stands, you don't need to fool with the hockey puck insert crap. The E90 will sit on its lift points (the plastic blocks in your pic) forever and a day on the Esco stands you bought. I have a lift, which has cast iron lift arm feet (i.e. no rubber). I've left my car on the lift literally for weeks at a time with zero (0) damage to the lifting blocks. The lifting blocks have that cavity for the purpose of breaking away if the lifting block contacts road debris, or a curb, etc. The walls are meant to break under side loading, but they do not break under compression loads (i.e. sitting on a lift or flat-top jackstands).

The lifting blocks only get messed up when the improper jackstand is used under them, or a floor jack is used incorrectly under the lifting block.

Thanks this is good information, I just went this route since I replaced the original plastic jack points that were destroyed. Obviously now I know, but I've done whole projects since and no harm no foul.

TechieCarGuy · 03-11-2019, 11:08 AM

It's been a while since I updated this thread. Unfortunately the beginning of January I lost my job and have had the task of finding a new one in my chosen field and projects like this have fallen to the side lines. However after a month of staring at the parts in my extra room, I decided I had time so why not try and tackle my suspension.

Doing coilovers and related parts was not that hard of a DIY for me, however with no previous experience getting the setup correct was the biggest challenge and one I am still tweaking. Thus my recommendation is, if you're not experienced with suspension setup...don't do it your self, unless you have ample time for trail and error. I obviously have nothing but time right no, so I've patiently worked on it until it feels right, but I probably won't do it again and would choose to pay a professional.

That being said, the ISC coilovers I used are for the Xdrive model cars, but whether it was something on mine or an oversight in other peoples DIY's the front shocks will not seat all the way in to the spindle due to a raised lip at the bottom of the hole. As seen in the below pictures. I apologize for the orientation, but I took most with a cell phone and am working with limited computer access and can't edit them properly.

Additionally, the threads on the front shocks only go down so far and believe it or not in the picture with the tape measure they are down as far as they will go into the bottom mount, so take note if you're looking to slam an e90/e91 xdrive... it's not as easy as one would hope.

Due to the issue up front, they are as low as is possible on this car and the rear as set to near the highest possible setting. Until I test fit my wheels and tires I do not want the car any lower, albeit I would've liked another 1/2inch upfront.

As you can see the stance, which is not what I really cared about is about to a stock, RWD with sport package. The handling however is something else, it dopes handle like its on rails, enough so I plan on doing an autox with her in another couple of weeks.

I'll offer more detail in a future post....

TechieCarGuy · 03-11-2019, 11:45 AM

...today I got a free used tire mounted on one of my wheels for testing purposes. I won't have the budget for a while, nor can I justify the $grand to buy four new tires, so this will just be an exercise to know what fits. I hope to do 255/35/18 squared but may not be able to.

stay tuned

TechieCarGuy · 03-12-2019, 06:47 AM

OMG, thanks to 1and1 and sickfinga's thread on production #'s I've found that this car maybe far rarer than I ever thought. Which gives me pause momentarily to change anything, albeit so far everything is reversible. The way I read the below info is its one of 3 white on oyster auto Msport in that combination in north america but possibly even rarer with the style 193M wheels. I think I will store up all the removed parts for posterity....

---------------------------------------------

"2009-2012 BMW 328xi Touring (UU33) - NA painted in Alpine White 3 (300) with Oyster/Black Dakota Leather (LCCX) interior were built for the US market. 6 manual (1 is M Sport), 38 automatic (3 are M Sport)

3 were built for the Canadian market. All are automatic. None are M Sport.

The most rare option in this car is the option S2MFA - BMW alloy wheel, M spider spoke 193. It was installed on 68 out of 5,181 cars”.

VVVROOMTX · 03-12-2019, 09:15 AM

subscribed

BReif61 · 03-12-2019, 12:08 PM

OP, any plans to delete the roof rails? They're really the last bit holding it back from looking like a full-on M Sport.

TechieCarGuy · 03-15-2019, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BReif61

OP, any plans to delete the roof rails? They're really the last bit holding it back from looking like a full-on M Sport.

Based on the confirmation of the rarity of this car, I will probably leave the rails as they are. Not just for any day dream of future collectible value, but more not to screw anything else up by attempting it myself. I've pulled headliners in other cars before and something always goes wrong. Inevitably it may need recovering in the future, but I don't want to do anything to speed that process along.

TechieCarGuy · 04-19-2019, 07:04 AM

UPDATE: For multiple reason, biggest being ride quality and a mishap with a Semi retread on a road trip. The coilovers are off the car... For the way I use this car and considering the rarity of it, coilovers just didn't make since. I am far happier now; after sourcing Euro Xi Eibachs and Koni shocks the ride is far better and the ride height only came up 1/4" or 12mm from where I had it on the coil overs. I can drive with much more confidence and not play the game of dodging every bump or road imperfection.

If you are considering going with coilovers and aren't planning on dedicating your car to be a track car, I wouldn't do it. Mine may have not been setup completely right, but I had no roll or movement in the body on coilovers and these cars actually need some movement to keep a civilized ride. Even though I ordered street version of the coilovers they were way to hard for my taste, but everyone is different.

TechieCarGuy · 03-15-2020, 05:42 PM

I just realized its been a long while since I updated this post. A lot has changed, but also a lot as progressed. Here are a few images of where we are now with the Competition build... I went after market on the wheels so some purist may not see the Competition label as I originally planned, but its a hobby right?

1and1 · 03-15-2020, 07:46 PM

Nice to see you still posting!

How is the Koni/Eibach combo treating you after almost a year?

I tend to be a Koni fan, on the basis that the valving is easier on the subtle real world street variations, and their street offerings overall lend themselves better to the daily driver environment than the others... If properly matched & sprung they'll even handle the random AX without embarrassment.

Alas, if you fancy yourself to be a fast(er) driver you may want firmer damping...

tlow98 · 03-16-2020, 09:10 PM

Nice wagon!

What wheels/tires did you settle on? Looks good. Konis haven’t steered me wrong as of yet...

oVeRdOsE. · 03-17-2020, 08:56 AM

damn you thread make me realized how dumb I was not bying this gem. I though it wasn't so rare. It was dirt cheap. back in 2015, 2011 model with 76k km, 23k$ cad. And it was one of 10 of truly fully equipped E91 in canada. Of course I knew it after.

Thorin · 03-17-2020, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlow98

Nice wagon!

What wheels/tires did you settle on? Looks good. Konis haven’t steered me wrong as of yet...

Those look like Apex SM10s.

unrulyteach · 03-22-2020, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quart

...today I got a free used tire mounted on one of my wheels for testing purposes. I won't have the budget for a while, nor can I justify the $grand to buy four new tires, so this will just be an exercise to know what fits. I hope to do 255/35/18 squared but may not be able to.

stay tuned

How much those wheels run u if u don't mind

86Zed · 03-24-2020, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorin

Those look like Apex SM10s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by unrulyteach

How much those wheels run u if u don't mind

Check out https://www.apexraceparts.com/ for the wheels, definitely SM10s. Apex does a lot of Group Buys here on the forums and is very helpful finding a wheel/tire size to match your application and goals.

GA328iT · 03-05-2022, 02:20 PM

Thread resurrection. Jon, where did you get the BMW Performance stickers for the wheels, and how are they holding up?

Also, you initially thought about painting or powder coating the calipers thinking the gold wouldn't go with the white. How'd you end up on that, you still like it?

I am building my AW E91 and will be a near twin of yours. I'm on stock sport springs, so perhaps an inch higher. And my SM10's are silver.

I have the brakes ordered/shipped, and am thinking of painting them, but not sure which color.

GA328iT · 03-05-2022, 07:36 PM

And with silver wheels. I think think Silver/silver or silver/yellow for me.

Sparkles · 03-05-2022, 10:58 PM

Love this thread. I tried hard to find a touring after my e46 vert got totaled after Halloween. I wanted more cargo room, but refused to give up the handling and lower center of gravity of a car. By Christmas I was paying out of pocket for the sucky rav4 rental and had to get something, so had to give up finding a touring. Anyone that likes to drive, especially in turns/twisty roads (me!), would want one over an suv every day of the week. Not to mention better gas mileage than an suv*. I like my e93, but still want a touring in the worst way.

*I filled up at $5.05 per gallon moments before my car was hit, back in November. At the cheap gas station.

I’m looking foreword to reading all your updates!

TechieCarGuy · 03-06-2022, 05:17 PM

I've been away for a while, thanks for all the kind words and inquiries.
To answer the most recent, the stickers have held up well. The BMW Performance ones on wheels were right off of ebay and nothing special. I would recommend clearcoating wheels though after and using an epoxy clear. I used the Sp*****x 3680061 2K Urethane Glamour Clear Coat... Nasty stuff, but I but holds up well.
As far as caliper color, I think I bought the BMW Performance brakes painted in BMW Phoenix yellow and didn't like at first, but I but now love them. As a matter fact I have a second set waiting on an e86 Z4 coupe, and I if I can find one in Alpine white with options I want. I'm looking to build a baby brother for my Touring. Same color, but I same wheels, and etc....

12-17-2018, 05:49 PM	#67
Thorin Second Lieutenant 118 Rep 272 Posts Drives: e91 6MT ZSP Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	17s should be OK: https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158305
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03-11-2019, 11:08 AM	#71
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	It's been a while since I updated this thread. Unfortunately the beginning of January I lost my job and have had the task of finding a new one in my chosen field and projects like this have fallen to the side lines. However after a month of staring at the parts in my extra room, I decided I had time so why not try and tackle my suspension. Doing coilovers and related parts was not that hard of a DIY for me, however with no previous experience getting the setup correct was the biggest challenge and one I am still tweaking. Thus my recommendation is, if you're not experienced with suspension setup...don't do it your self, unless you have ample time for trail and error. I obviously have nothing but time right no, so I've patiently worked on it until it feels right, but I probably won't do it again and would choose to pay a professional. That being said, the ISC coilovers I used are for the Xdrive model cars, but whether it was something on mine or an oversight in other peoples DIY's the front shocks will not seat all the way in to the spindle due to a raised lip at the bottom of the hole. As seen in the below pictures. I apologize for the orientation, but I took most with a cell phone and am working with limited computer access and can't edit them properly. Additionally, the threads on the front shocks only go down so far and believe it or not in the picture with the tape measure they are down as far as they will go into the bottom mount, so take note if you're looking to slam an e90/e91 xdrive... it's not as easy as one would hope. Due to the issue up front, they are as low as is possible on this car and the rear as set to near the highest possible setting. Until I test fit my wheels and tires I do not want the car any lower, albeit I would've liked another 1/2inch upfront. As you can see the stance, which is not what I really cared about is about to a stock, RWD with sport package. The handling however is something else, it dopes handle like its on rails, enough so I plan on doing an autox with her in another couple of weeks. I'll offer more detail in a future post.... Attached Images
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03-11-2019, 11:45 AM	#72
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	...today I got a free used tire mounted on one of my wheels for testing purposes. I won't have the budget for a while, nor can I justify the $grand to buy four new tires, so this will just be an exercise to know what fits. I hope to do 255/35/18 squared but may not be able to. stay tuned Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-12-2019, 06:47 AM	#73
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	OMG, thanks to 1and1 and sickfinga's thread on production #'s I've found that this car maybe far rarer than I ever thought. Which gives me pause momentarily to change anything, albeit so far everything is reversible. The way I read the below info is its one of 3 white on oyster auto Msport in that combination in north america but possibly even rarer with the style 193M wheels. I think I will store up all the removed parts for posterity.... --------------------------------------------- "2009-2012 BMW 328xi Touring (UU33) - NA painted in Alpine White 3 (300) with Oyster/Black Dakota Leather (LCCX) interior were built for the US market. 6 manual (1 is M Sport), 38 automatic (3 are M Sport) 3 were built for the Canadian market. All are automatic. None are M Sport. The most rare option in this car is the option S2MFA - BMW alloy wheel, M spider spoke 193. It was installed on 68 out of 5,181 cars”.
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03-12-2019, 09:15 AM	#74
VVVROOMTX New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 328i Touring Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	subscribed
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03-12-2019, 12:08 PM	#75
BReif61 Private 38 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 E83 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Bel Air, MD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i E91 [0.00]	OP, any plans to delete the roof rails? They're really the last bit holding it back from looking like a full-on M Sport. __________________ 2011 Unicorn
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04-19-2019, 07:04 AM	#77
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	UPDATE: For multiple reason, biggest being ride quality and a mishap with a Semi retread on a road trip. The coilovers are off the car... For the way I use this car and considering the rarity of it, coilovers just didn't make since. I am far happier now; after sourcing Euro Xi Eibachs and Koni shocks the ride is far better and the ride height only came up 1/4" or 12mm from where I had it on the coil overs. I can drive with much more confidence and not play the game of dodging every bump or road imperfection. If you are considering going with coilovers and aren't planning on dedicating your car to be a track car, I wouldn't do it. Mine may have not been setup completely right, but I had no roll or movement in the body on coilovers and these cars actually need some movement to keep a civilized ride. Even though I ordered street version of the coilovers they were way to hard for my taste, but everyone is different. Attached Images
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03-15-2020, 05:42 PM	#78
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I just realized its been a long while since I updated this post. A lot has changed, but also a lot as progressed. Here are a few images of where we are now with the Competition build... I went after market on the wheels so some purist may not see the Competition label as I originally planned, but its a hobby right? Attached Images Last edited by TechieCarGuy; 03-15-2020 at 05:48 PM..
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03-15-2020, 07:46 PM	#79
1and1 Loves me some MHD! 1857 Rep 1,718 Posts Drives: faster than he should... Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tally, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List '09 135i [10.00]	Nice to see you still posting! How is the Koni/Eibach combo treating you after almost a year? I tend to be a Koni fan, on the basis that the valving is easier on the subtle real world street variations, and their street offerings overall lend themselves better to the daily driver environment than the others... If properly matched & sprung they'll even handle the random AX without embarrassment. Alas, if you fancy yourself to be a fast(er) driver you may want firmer damping... __________________ 1and1 135i - E82.N54 2009 BSM - MHD / xHP / DCI, PR CP & 7.5" Race IC / N55 mid & Borla . . WL RSFI, Koni, Eibach & Dinan CP's, M3 CA's / EBC Red's & Firehawk 500's X1 - E84.N20 2013 MGM - JB4 - The Wife's, now with new turbo & ewg
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03-16-2020, 09:10 PM	#80
tlow98 Brigadier General 2179 Rep 4,997 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Nice wagon! What wheels/tires did you settle on? Looks good. Konis haven’t steered me wrong as of yet...
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03-17-2020, 08:56 AM	#81
oVeRdOsE. Lieutenant Colonel 2704 Rep 1,532 Posts Drives: F25 E91 Audi Avnt E90 Cayenne Join Date: May 2018 Location: mtl iTrader: (0)	damn you thread make me realized how dumb I was not bying this gem. I though it wasn't so rare. It was dirt cheap. back in 2015, 2011 model with 76k km, 23k$ cad. And it was one of 10 of truly fully equipped E91 in canada. Of course I knew it after.
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03-05-2022, 02:20 PM	#85
GA328iT First Lieutenant 672 Rep 320 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 RWD M Sport 6MT swap Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Thread resurrection. Jon, where did you get the BMW Performance stickers for the wheels, and how are they holding up? Also, you initially thought about painting or powder coating the calipers thinking the gold wouldn't go with the white. How'd you end up on that, you still like it? I am building my AW E91 and will be a near twin of yours. I'm on stock sport springs, so perhaps an inch higher. And my SM10's are silver. I have the brakes ordered/shipped, and am thinking of painting them, but not sure which color. Attached Images __________________ 2009 BMW 328i E91 Touring RWD /// M Sport \| 6MT Swap\| Alpine White \| Beige Dakota \| Apex SM-10 18X9 ET30 square \| BMW Performance BBK Bilstein B8 \| 3 SIM \| Euro airbox \| AA Headers and tune \| Paint correction and 5-yr ceramic coating \| LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes BimmerTech: Alpha One amp+10 speakers \| Backup camera \| CarPlay Last edited by GA328iT; 03-06-2022 at 02:52 PM..
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03-05-2022, 07:36 PM	#86
GA328iT First Lieutenant 672 Rep 320 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 RWD M Sport 6MT swap Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	And with silver wheels. I think think Silver/silver or silver/yellow for me. Attached Images __________________ 2009 BMW 328i E91 Touring RWD /// M Sport \| 6MT Swap\| Alpine White \| Beige Dakota \| Apex SM-10 18X9 ET30 square \| BMW Performance BBK Bilstein B8 \| 3 SIM \| Euro airbox \| AA Headers and tune \| Paint correction and 5-yr ceramic coating \| LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes BimmerTech: Alpha One amp+10 speakers \| Backup camera \| CarPlay
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03-05-2022, 10:58 PM	#87
Sparkles Enlisted Member 56 Rep 37 Posts Drives: BMW 2010 328i e93 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Love this thread. I tried hard to find a touring after my e46 vert got totaled after Halloween. I wanted more cargo room, but refused to give up the handling and lower center of gravity of a car. By Christmas I was paying out of pocket for the sucky rav4 rental and had to get something, so had to give up finding a touring. Anyone that likes to drive, especially in turns/twisty roads (me!), would want one over an suv every day of the week. Not to mention better gas mileage than an suv. I like my e93, but still want a touring in the worst way. I filled up at $5.05 per gallon moments before my car was hit, back in November. At the cheap gas station. I’m looking foreword to reading all your updates!
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03-06-2022, 05:17 PM	#88
TechieCarGuy Private First Class 134 Rep 170 Posts Drives: 2011 E91, 2008 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I've been away for a while, thanks for all the kind words and inquiries. To answer the most recent, the stickers have held up well. The BMW Performance ones on wheels were right off of ebay and nothing special. I would recommend clearcoating wheels though after and using an epoxy clear. I used the Sp*****x 3680061 2K Urethane Glamour Clear Coat... Nasty stuff, but I but holds up well. As far as caliper color, I think I bought the BMW Performance brakes painted in BMW Phoenix yellow and didn't like at first, but I but now love them. As a matter fact I have a second set waiting on an e86 Z4 coupe, and I if I can find one in Alpine white with options I want. I'm looking to build a baby brother for my Touring. Same color, but I same wheels, and etc....
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