[SUHleen]

I thought Brian with TFT also owned skunkworks?

[iamjamen]

Have you ever thought about getting a clever vanity plate to make those ass shots pop?

[FRMTL2_335i]

how did you do the MARS taillight mod the first time?

[sirdaft1]

It pains me to say this, but the 335 is gone. I've been in touch offline with a number of you, but for those that I haven't yet spoken to; she was involved in an fender bender a few weeks ago and insurance has decided to total her out. The damage really wasn't all that bad, but for a 155k mile, 10 year old BMW, insurance was set on totaling her out.

That said, I was extremely fortunate on my payout. And because of the strong payout, the buy back price just didn't make any financial sense (yup, farewell MMP3 turbos, AD-E 1000hp FMIC, LSD, and everything else that I've spent the past three years perfecting ). I'll start a few other threads, one for the left over parts that I have remaining (18" CSL's w/ PSS's, VRSF FMIC, etc.) and another thread to share a few insights on the insurance process that other enthusiasts may not be aware of with their extensively upgraded 335's.

Going forward, I refused to let all of my knowledge about this platform go to waste. Irionically my wife and I have been searching for a larger vehicle that can haul around my son in and that can tow the e30 track car around with. So last week we picked up an absolutely gorgeous fully loaded 2012 E70 LCI X5 35i Sport/Premium with 20" 214's/Conti DWS06's, paddle shifters and the N55 engine. While it is nowhere close to the power of the 335, I LOVE the feel. It's a larger, classier version of the 335 that can tow 6,000lbs. And while it's no N54, the N55 has plenty of tuning capability and it will be only a matter of time until it has an MHD tune, goes FBO and maybe even gets an upgraded Pure S2 turbo .

Despite the change, I'll still be hanging around on these forums (a bit more on the x5 section). Who knows, maybe I'll be back in the market for a fully upgraded 335 in the future!

And here's a pic of the new wheels :-)

[Mellow Yellow]

Holy crap dude. That sucks man

[DaZuc]

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

It pains me to say this, but the 335 is gone. I've been in touch offline with a number of you, but for those that I haven't yet spoken to; she was involved in an fender bender a few weeks ago and insurance has decided to total her out. The damage really wasn't all that bad, but for a 155k mile, 10 year old BMW, insurance was set on totaling her out.

Sorry for your loss

I would've most definitely purchased the 18" AG's, but unfortunately I just picked up a set locally.

[iamjamen]

Bummer, brochacho. I am glad to hear you are okay both physically and after your insurance experience. That's a lot of work to just have it taken away from you but I've been there as well. Sometimes you just have to let go.

The wife and I are actually in the market for an LCI E70 as well. You found a great example. Mind sharing the price you paid?

[Torgus]

Shame to hear about your car. I love my x5, I'm sure it will treat you well.

Can't you at least visit the car to get personal belongings etc? Usually where they keep the wrecked cars, from my experience, don't give a crap what you do. I've basically parted a car out once. And as long as you replaced parts with stock and the insurance company did not pay you for the aftermarket parts I would think you would be fine legally. Of course you will want to do this while you still legally own the car and before you sign it over to them and accept the payout. I will keep a look out for your thread. Most people don't know they can argue the value of their car etc. And to not accept the 1st offer unless it's fair of course.

[RCOLEMAN545]

Noooooooooo! Sorry to hear that. Good luck with the X5.

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by Mellow Yellow

Holy crap dude. That sucks man

Originally Posted by DaZuc

Sorry for your loss

I would've most definitely purchased the 18" AG's, but unfortunately I just picked up a set locally.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Originally Posted by iamjamen

Bummer, brochacho. I am glad to here you are okay both physically and after your insurance experience. That's a lot of work to just have it taken away from you but I've been there as well. Sometimes you just have to let go.

The wife and I are actually in the market for an LCI E70 as well. You found a great example. Mind sharing the price you paid?

Well said man, I appreciate it.

As for the X5, I scoured the interwebs for 3 weeks straight after the accident looking for the right X5. I considered going with the twin turbo v8 x5 50i but I read up on some nightmare experiences being out of warranty with that engine. Which is why I landed on the 35i. Mine is a 2012 35i from down south. Had 90k miles and is fully loaded (sport seats, paddles, pano roof, navi/dvd, cold weather pkg, 20" style 214's, etc) and picked it up for just under $19k. It was by far the best deal I found on the market for the options and the year. Generally I think it's safe to say $20-25k for an LCI E70 is what I most commonly found in the market.

Originally Posted by Torgus

Shame to hear about your car. I love my x5, I'm sure it will treat you well.

Can't you at least visit the car to get personal belongings etc? Usually where they keep the wrecked cars, from my experience, don't give a crap what you do. I've basically parted a car out once. And as long as you replaced parts with stock and the insurance company did not pay you for the aftermarket parts I would think you would be fine legally. Of course you will want to do this while you still legally own the car and before you sign it over to them and accept the payout. I will keep a look out for your thread. Most people don't know they can argue the value of their car etc. And to not accept the 1st offer unless it's fair of course.

Thanks brother. I was able to grab all of my personal belongings from the car after the wreck. A good amount of the parts I had installed were the kinds that you would never attempt to remove while laying on your back in a wet, dirty tow yard covered in broken glass (LSD, turbos, etc). That said, the negotiated value that I wound up getting for the vehicle was extremely fair and included all of my upgraded parts, so it would have been a bit shady to convert back to stock. But I hear you man, it was a really, really hard pill to swallow that first week post-accident; especially given how much time, effort and $$$ went into her.

Originally Posted by RCOLEMAN545

Noooooooooo! Sorry to hear that. Good luck with the X5.

I know, I know.

[BQTuning]

Sad

I know the feeling too well....... but I honestly don't think you will miss it for what you have now though.

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by ********

Sad

I know the feeling too well....... but I honestly don't think you will miss it for what you have now though.

Thanks brother. I will say, it is a great feeling not having to constantly log and keep a spare parts bin in the trunk like I did with the 335!!

BTW- HUGE props to you and your help with getting these MMP3's dialed in. You were absolutely top notch to work with. Thank you brother

[iamjamen]

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

Well said man, I appreciate it.

As for the X5, I scoured the interwebs for 3 weeks straight after the accident looking for the right X5. I considered going with the twin turbo v8 x5 50i but I read up on some nightmare experiences being out of warranty with that engine. Which is why I landed on the 35i. Mine is a 2012 35i from down south. Had 90k miles and is fully loaded (sport seats, paddles, pano roof, navi/dvd, cold weather pkg, 20" style 214's, etc) and picked it up for just under $19k. It was by far the best deal I found on the market for the options and the year. Generally I think it's safe to say $20-25k for an LCI E70 is what I most commonly found in the market.

That is a really nice price on the E70. I came to the same conclusion as you in that the 35i with the ZF 8-speed is the only way to go in E70 land.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by iamjamen

That is a really nice price on the E70. I came to the same conclusion as you in that the 35i with the ZF 8-speed is the only way to go in E70 land.

The N57 is no slouch either . Modable and tunable with aftermarket turbo options available as well.

N57S
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp)@4000-4400, 740 N·m (550 lb·ft)@2000-3000

N57D30T1
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp)@4400, 630 N·m (460 lb·ft)@1500-2500

[iamjamen]

Originally Posted by Torgus

The N57 is no slouch either . Modable and tunable with aftermarket turbo options available as well.

N57S
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp)@4000-4400, 740 N·m (550 lb·ft)@2000-3000

N57D30T1
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp)@4400, 630 N·m (460 lb·ft)@1500-2500

I completely agree. It's just hard to find a 35d at a price that is realistic. If I could find the right priced 35d I would jump.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by iamjamen

I completely agree. It's just hard to find a 35d at a price that is realistic. If I could find the right priced 35d I would jump.

Yeah, I had to look for a month before I found the right one at the right price. I drove an x5 with the N52 and what a joke. I can't believe they even offer it.

My wife drives the X5. I like it so much I may sell my E90 for one...

[iamjamen]

Originally Posted by Torgus

Yeah, I had to look for a month before I found the right one at the right price. I drove an x5 with the N52 and what a joke. I can't believe they even offer it.

My wife drives the X5. I like it so much I may sell my E90 for one...

For a daily driver with kids and all their crap it would be ideal. Plus I need something to tow my track and water toys.

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by iamjamen

For a daily driver with kids and all their crap it would be ideal. Plus I need something to tow my track and water toys.

Not sure how tall you and your wife are, but we're both taller (I'm 6'3" and she's 5'10") and we needed the extra legroom; especially with a 14 month old still in a rear facing seat. So much more legroom now with the X5 that was lacking in the e90.

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by Torgus

The N57 is no slouch either . Modable and tunable with aftermarket turbo options available as well.

N57S
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp)@4000-4400, 740 N·m (550 lb·ft)@2000-3000

N57D30T1
2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in)
313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp)@4400, 630 N·m (460 lb·ft)@1500-2500

I really considered the D as well, but I read up on a bunch of maintenance issues that those tend to be prone to. Great great reviews of the D, but I preferred the lower maintenance costs with the I.

[iamjamen]

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

Not sure how tall you and your wife are, but we're both taller (I'm 6'3" and she's 5'10") and we needed the extra legroom; especially with a 14 month old still in a rear facing seat. So much more legroom now with the X5 that was lacking in the e90.

That's the idea. The X5 is an anticipatory purchase as the E83 X3 that she is currently driving will prove to be too small for my future hellspawn. The X3 will become my daily driver so I can get rid of the VW Passat wagon I am subjected to currently.

Did those 20" wheels have some decent rubber on them to deal with the midwest winter weather or did you have to buy something new?

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

Not sure how tall you and your wife are, but we're both taller (I'm 6'3" and she's 5'10") and we needed the extra legroom; especially with a 14 month old still in a rear facing seat. So much more legroom now with the X5 that was lacking in the e90.

This. I could sit in the passenger seat with my son in the back. had to upgrade.

As we are on X5 and decently priced tow kits available that you guys have found? I need one so I can buy a boat

[sirdaft1]

Originally Posted by iamjamen

That's the idea. The X5 is an anticipatory purchase as the E83 X3 that she is currently driving will prove to be too small for my future hellspawn. The X3 will become my daily driver so I can get rid of the VW Passat wagon I am subjected to currently.

Did those 20" wheels have some decent rubber on them to deal with the midwest winter weather or did you have to buy something new?

Funny you ask. I didn't realize it at the time of purchase but it had high performance summer tires. Last night we saw some flurries come down here in Chicago and the last thing I wanted to do was be stuck in snow with AWD and summer tires. So last night I had some new Conti ExtremeContact DWS06's installed and I kept the summers. Thinking I may sell them to someone needing a decent set of summers for cheap.