[Sivo]

Thread really to record my ownership an occasionally drop in some photos.

Second time owning a MT 3.0 petrol 07 E91, first time with turbos.

Bought car from Arch Stanton who looked after it meticulously with a BMW Warranty up until 2022. Car was purchased in December knowing a few minor things needed sorting.

On start up, left main beam would flash three times. Error would show for left main beam not working and right high beam not working. However both working fine.

Popped by BM Passion in Stoke to get the FRM checked out. Also showed rear high position senor not working. Resetting module no help so decided to start cheap and work up in cost. Ended up going all the way! Replaced main and highbeam bulbs, then left ballast (was full of water), then rear position sensor and arm. Still throwing errors, although now whilst driving rather than start-up. New FRM fillet by Hughes Brothers in Derby sorted it!

Hose split near tailgate hinge for rear washer. Spliced in new hose, new motor needed too. Fresh Bosch wipers all round.

Onto Cotswold BMW for some treats. Needed replacement guard on tailgate latch. Replacement grab handle for front passenger door. Also went for the BMW stainless pedal set. All now fitted, although Clutch and Brake pedal covers feel loose so might need a revisit.

Pervious owner has fitted F-Series style front grill. Sold this and bought second-hand OEM chrome kidneys. One set with chrome slats, one without. Full chrome at the moment but might change in future. Not sure what car would have originally come with. Also replaced the missing glovebox torch.

Having got a couple thousands miles in over the past months, a few things are lined up before servicing in October.

Booked in for full stock suspension refresh at Marcs Independent BMW in Aldridge. Back in the day I'd have done this myself but no garage access or flat off road parking space has stopped that. Given the mileage also considering a walnut blast at PMP Cars in Nuneaton.

The big decision for me is how far I go with ICE. Get Android Auto working through existing screen.. or through to full NBT Evo retrofit. I do like the idea of a rear reserving camera and trying out front PDC too.

[Andy198712]

Nice that’s gonna be a great car! Deffo recommend the stock refresh for daily driving.
I went B4 and eibach and regret it every drive I have

[pmorg4]

Sounds like a keeper! What's the going rate for a walnut blast these days? I'm thinking about getting one for my N54 335i.

I had the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in my E91 330i (now for sale, and I'm leaving the screen in for the new buyer) and it was a fantastic upgrade. It would wirelessly connect to my iPhone shortly after starting the car, and of course the apps are far superior to CCC/CIC and I'd say even NBT. The quality and continuous development of what Apple and Google are doing is just well ahead of anything I've seen on an OE car manufacturer system (with the possible exclusion of those that basically integrate Google from the factory). The other advantage is that everything is seamlessly synchronised with your phone, so you can set up your destination, music playlists, etc from home and just step into the car and get going.

I'll definitely be getting a similar upgrade for my 335i to replace the CIC screen. I think an NBT upgrade would be far more work, far more expensive, and for an inferior end product.

[pmorg4]

Originally Posted by Andy198712

Nice that’s gonna be a great car! Deffo recommend the stock refresh for daily driving.
I went B4 and eibach and regret it every drive I have

What's the issue with yours? I understood that B4 is Bilstein's OE-equivalent damper so shouldn't be harsh. I had a B12 setup on my E46 330Ci and whilst that handled superbly on fast country roads, it was rather too harsh on lower speed roads and around town.

[Sivo]

Originally Posted by Andy198712

Nice that’s gonna be a great car! Deffo recommend the stock refresh for daily driving.
I went B4 and eibach and regret it every drive I have

Going for SACHS OE equivalent all round on shocks and springs. Was tempted by the black Bilstein OE B4's for shocks read a few people going for the SACHS over them so being a sheep.

The rear shocks and springs were replaced in 2021 but unfortunately the shocks are failing and the springs were the incorrect ones.

Hopefully once done will be a nice smooth ride for a while. Will get 4 wheel alignment at the same time. Expensive, so hopefully worth it!

[Sivo]

Originally Posted by pmorg4

Sounds like a keeper! What's the going rate for a walnut blast these days? I'm thinking about getting one for my N54 335i.

I had the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in my E91 330i (now for sale, and I'm leaving the screen in for the new buyer) and it was a fantastic upgrade. It would wirelessly connect to my iPhone shortly after starting the car, and of course the apps are far superior to CCC/CIC and I'd say even NBT. The quality and continuous development of what Apple and Google are doing is just well ahead of anything I've seen on an OE car manufacturer system (with the possible exclusion of those that basically integrate Google from the factory). The other advantage is that everything is seamlessly synchronised with your phone, so you can set up your destination, music playlists, etc from home and just step into the car and get going.

I'll definitely be getting a similar upgrade for my 335i to replace the CIC screen. I think an NBT upgrade would be far more work, far more expensive, and for an inferior end product.

PMP Cars quote £250, others like Birds BMW quote £650. Most places seem to be that higher end. Hence why I'm a little cautious of PMP Cars. However, they seem to have primarily good reviews and are a N54 specialist, so maybe they know the procedure like the back of their hand? Will see how it goes.

What system did you go for? I'm normally an OEM+ person but as you say, the hassle could easily make me go elsewhere.

[Sivo]

Originally Posted by pmorg4

What's the issue with yours? I understood that B4 is Bilstein's OE-equivalent damper so shouldn't be harsh. I had a B12 setup on my E46 330Ci and whilst that handled superbly on fast country roads, it was rather too harsh on lower speed roads and around town.

I've had B6's and B8's on previous cars and loved them. Never myself gone too far down the adjustable route.

Was tempted by the Birds BMW custom Bilstien kit but pocket couldn't stretch that far, especially as this will just be a daily.

I think the B4's for OE level are value engineered, so perhaps not the same quality as the rest of eth line up? I can't speak from experience, just speculating.

[Andy198712]

Originally Posted by pmorg4

What's the issue with yours? I understood that B4 is Bilstein's OE-equivalent damper so shouldn't be harsh. I had a B12 setup on my E46 330Ci and whilst that handled superbly on fast country roads, it was rather too harsh on lower speed roads and around town.

I have the m sport version of B4’s but the issue is the miss match between the shock travel and the eibach pro spring I think.
At rest the car is sat hard on its front bump stops.

So slow speed stuff is harsh and crashy and vibrated the car badly over things like slowing lines at round abouts ect

(All new tops mounts and arm bushings ect)


I’ve just today fitted E30 spring hats and 10mm thicker upper spring pads and Mini Cooper bump stops to give me back some shock travel.

It’s better but if I had my time again I would go stock springs and sach

[Andy198712]

Originally Posted by Sivo

Going for SACHS OE equivalent all round on shocks and springs. Was tempted by the black Bilstein OE B4's for shocks read a few people going for the SACHS over them so being a sheep.

The rear shocks and springs were replaced in 2021 but unfortunately the shocks are failing and the springs were the incorrect ones.

Hopefully once done will be a nice smooth ride for a while. Will get 4 wheel alignment at the same time. Expensive, so hopefully worth it!

Yes be the sheep. Should then be as you wish

[vester86]

Originally Posted by Andy198712

Nice that’s gonna be a great car! Deffo recommend the stock refresh for daily driving.
I went B4 and eibach and regret it every drive I have

that's funny, i have B4 (sport) with OEM lowering springs and it's a very good & complient suspension. is it possible that you have B4 for stock ride height, paired with lowering springs and now driving on the bump stops all the time?

edit: more or less answered the question a few posts down the thread. still crazy that despite having the right shocks it doesn't match the springs.

[Tambohamilton]

Originally Posted by Andy198712

I have the m sport version of B4’s but the issue is the miss match between the shock travel and the eibach pro spring I think.
At rest the car is sat hard on its front bump stops.

So slow speed stuff is harsh and crashy and vibrated the car badly over things like slowing lines at round abouts ect

(All new tops mounts and arm bushings ect)


I’ve just today fitted E30 spring hats and 10mm thicker upper spring pads and Mini Cooper bump stops to give me back some shock travel.

It’s better but if I had my time again I would go stock springs and sach

Eibach pro and the equivalent h&r (I forget what they're called) are barely any stiffer than the stock M-sport springs, but much shorter. So unless you use funny spring perches etc as you have done, you're left just riding deep into the 'auxiliary springs'...never useful to have that little bump travel available!

[pmorg4]

Originally Posted by Sivo

PMP Cars quote £250, others like Birds BMW quote £650. Most places seem to be that higher end. Hence why I'm a little cautious of PMP Cars. However, they seem to have primarily good reviews and are a N54 specialist, so maybe they know the procedure like the back of their hand? Will see how it goes.

What system did you go for? I'm normally an OEM+ person but as you say, the hassle could easily make me go elsewhere.

£250 does seem like very good value if they're doing it properly. I doubt I'll get near that price in the South East.

I got my CarPlay system from Andream. There are countless resellers and they are probably selling the same underlying product, but I've been very happy with mine which is backed up by the fact I'm going to buy effectively the same product (only difference is the CCC vs CIC uses a different LVDS video signal connection).

[x77md]

Originally Posted by Sivo

PMP Cars quote £250, others like Birds BMW quote £650. Most places seem to be that higher end. Hence why I'm a little cautious of PMP Cars. However, they seem to have primarily good reviews and are a N54 specialist, so maybe they know the procedure like the back of their hand? Will see how it goes.

What system did you go for? I'm normally an OEM+ person but as you say, the hassle could easily make me go elsewhere.

Did the walnut blast with PMP. Flawless job cannot fault them. The chap sent pics before and after and the car felt a lot better since then no more rough idle.

[Andy198712]

Originally Posted by Tambohamilton

Eibach pro and the equivalent h&r (I forget what they're called) are barely any stiffer than the stock M-sport springs, but much shorter. So unless you use funny spring perches etc as you have done, you're left just riding deep into the 'auxiliary springs'...never useful to have that little bump travel available!

Exactly this!

[Tambohamilton]

BMW performance springs are probably a great upgrade for most people. Not sure if they're available for e91 though, or e93.

[Sivo]

Originally Posted by pmorg4

£250 does seem like very good value if they're doing it properly. I doubt I'll get near that price in the South East.

I got my CarPlay system from Andream. There are countless resellers and they are probably selling the same underlying product, but I've been very happy with mine which is backed up by the fact I'm going to buy effectively the same product (only difference is the CCC vs CIC uses a different LVDS video signal connection).

Thank you. Once I know I'm happy mechanically I'll start thinking about ICE.

I always fancied retrofitting Front PDC, ACC, Comfort Access as well. Never done any electrical based modes in the past but fancy a hobby.. although likely one I'd regret taking up.

[Sivo]

Originally Posted by x77md

Did the walnut blast with PMP. Flawless job cannot fault them. The chap sent pics before and after and the car felt a lot better since then no more rough idle.

That's exactly what I wanted to hear! I get white smoke at idle too regardless of how warm and long the engine has been running too. Car seems to pull well and is tight.. just a lumpy idle.

[Sivo]

So, full suspension refresh at MIB Aldridge. Rubbish pictures but

Before:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NEU4ie7ZjKXMdBQt6

After:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GnZv9Qre5CLHrBrN6

A reminder that the old rear shocks and springs were 'OE', less than 2 years old and non-branded. The ride was transformed, not an overstatement. Alignment was way out so full works done at Trade Tyre Service Shenstone, very happy with the service. They did also let me know that the wheels were pretty well buckled beyond balancing, something the crashy ride had been hiding but was now clear as day.

As mentioned, PMP Cars for Walnut blast later in the week.

Before:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8kHgZzzGU3f4CkiZ7

After:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fpRPxeHCHvvYJz6UA

Unsurprisingly, as you can guess from the photos, the lumpy idle is no more.

A trip 2 hours solid along the M1 confirmed how buckled the wheels were. As I was in London for the week dropped the wheels off at JR Auto Centre in Wembley for straightening and refurbishment. Happy with the outcome and service. Three of the four were severely buckled. Ride is so much better now but something still doesn't feel right. Wonder if I need to check balancing again or if I should have done control arms. One garage said control arms needed doing, other said they were fine so..

Also bought some second-hand goodies:

BMW metal dog divider
BMW heavy duty plastic rear boot tray
BMW All weather rubber floor mats

Also the length of the clutch pedal was getting to me. Bought one of those deeper stops that pop into the firewall to reduce dead travel. Worth it in my opinion. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230519560074

Noticed that the passenger rear window regulator needs replacing as the anti-pinch on close is kicking in when fully down stopping it from raising.

Once I'm happy with some of the mechanicals, a full detail will happen. 4k in 4 months doesn't look great: https://photos.app.goo.gl/v9kPu5v9Xf6X8jUt6