₦airaland Forum

Needing little repainting

7er

HARDEYEBER:
i dont know how familiar you are with BMWs generally or the E9x platform. but the 335i is my thrid BMW and my 3rd E90.
I bought it on IAAI and before the car even got here i already ordered the parts i knew were common failure points. The N54 engine itself is bulletproof, its just the accessories and other parts around it that fail. I plan to keep this car for a while so i was willing to put the money into it.
here are a list of things i did immediately i received the car
-changed valve cover gasket
-oil pan gasket
-all turbo seals and drain lines
-Front crankshaft seal
-Surprisingly the car came with index one injectors and were running just fine but i took all 6 out and put in refurbished index 12s and coded them to the DME with ISTA D
-Cleaned intake valves
-changed water pump and thermostat with brand new OEM ones
-changed all spark plugs
later this year i intend to change all my cooling hoses and coils. My car runs like its brand new and i have had it for almost a year and intend to keep it for many more. but i have been driving e90s for about 4 years.
I ll attach pictures of the car as i bought it on IAAI and when i took delivery.

True to your passion!

chukel:
a user says his is problem free. Someone who never owned one says it's not true. Who sounds real.

Exactly what I thought too.
This arguement will forever be inconclusive. The wrong picture has been captured in the mind, it has nullified every good thing thereof.
I suggest you don't try explaining. Let everyone drive whatever suits them.
The Benz section is the most entertaining, lots of vain arguements over nothing lol.

chukel:
yea. It's the LCI N54 with twin turbo. I was scared when purchasing cos of the kind of reviews I got. But was determined. Today, all fears are gone. I never used the pre LCI, so I can't compare. In fact this is my first BMW and it's great. Wonderful, I must say.

I'm impressed. Same passion I have, i don't get scared over hearsays...once I think it's what I can handle, I handle it the way I can...
Whoever immerses themselves in scotty kilmer's videos will drive no other car but his recommendations.
The internet is vast, resourceful and engaging, why shouldn't I be able to handle routine maintenance?

chukel:
you have been doubting those who said they have a problem free BMW. Do you have any sour experiences. No car is problem free. I still insist that good maintenance is key to enjoying any car.

People stereotype Mercedes, BMW and other cars too easily as problem-ridden on Nairaland, sometimes I wonder if it's the same cars we drive that are demonized. Funnily enough, I see lots of calls from owners of Toyota, lexus and other cars, seeking help over one thing or the other...I own a Toyota Matrix, it's basically trouble free besides the rusty suspension (I failed in proper PPI) issues I'm still contending with.
I have replaced both rear hubs/bearings, front brake pads twice, rear shocks, brake shoes and just replaced one of the hubs again. I have replaced the thermostat. I can't even complain because these cars are being used and meant to develop issues over time. It's just a 1.8L 4wd 123 or so horsepower vehicle, nothing interesting about it.
It surprises me how someone would make a comparison between a 335i BMW and a Toyota Camry or a Corolla...
In my opinion, people should understand the inherent peculiarities in a car before jumping to purchase.
If one thinks BMW, Mercedes, Porsche,Audi and VW are not reliable or too complex it's best they steer clear and stick to what suits them.
Owners of these cars like to have them and deal with them the way they are...

In summary:
Toyota gives what BMW doesn't and BMW gives what Toyota doesn't. That's where their philosophies differ.

After fighting on here, who buys the new heavily influenced-BMW supra?

chukel:
I own Toyotas, Lexus, Infiniti and a 2008 BMW 535i sports. The BMW in my own opinion is reliable. I enjoy it most followed by GX470. I don't know what issues people refer to when BMW is mentioned. I bought it tokunbo and will urge you to buy a tokunbo. Mine has not a single malfunction light on the dashboard. It's a joy to drive. People usually buy badly maintained Nigerian used BMW and complain. Maintenance is key and doesn't cost much in my own opinion. Most of the parts are cheap too when compared with Toyota parts.

Add: BMW isn't a car you just dump for mechanics to fix and walk away. You must have interest in it and know how to fix some parts. You must really have interest to look up problems and solutions on YouTube and guide your mechanic. I was very happy changing my rear brake pads and the sensor by myself. YouTube is always more than helpful

Nice, how is the 535i, that's the LCI. I guess it's the twin scroll turbo...

alphaNomega:
Your last sentence dey pain me



LCI E46 comes with N engines too, they are not the EXACT same as the N series on the E90. One notable difference is the absence of the engine oil dipstick in the E90 and a few extra horses, but every other component is similar; water pump, alternator, belts.

True, good observation.

okoligee:
I removed the two terminals of my c320 battery and touch them together for about five seconds then later connected the terminals to the battery. When I insert the ignition key and turned in on, I saw many signs on the display and the engine refused to start again. It will want to start and go off each time I want to start. Pls want do I do?

But why would you do such? Have you checked the fuses?

HARDEYEBER:
I have not been privileged to drive as many BMWs as you have but my BMW adventure is not going to end anytime soon.
these cars handle like they are on rails, i find my self always having to check my speedometer cause you cant tell how fast you are going from the feel of the car.
my previous car was a 2007 328i non ZSP. I had serious fun in it and was really attached to that car., i used to hit the speed limiter without trying which made sense cause the ZSP package 328i had the exact same engine but a higher speed limit of 250kph.
The car felt like a caged beast to me, i eventually sold it and was going to buy a ZSP 328I from the same year but got a deal on a fully loaded 335I i couldnt pass on. Its a rocket ship
Now I have made a hobby of embarrassing merc, infiniti and lexus drivers

The 335i is very quick, I wouldn't mind owning one soon. I haven't driven the e90 series. They truly feel caged, going fast is very easy.

Paperlin:
Nice recommendations
I actually meant increasing the height of the ride (some few inch)
Want to use the car for long travels (can't ascertain my terrain) just want to play safe


But you havent given me your recommendation on the fuelling
I can see 4/6cyl if you can throw more light I'll appreciate

I used to have 18-22mpg on my e46. Fuel consumption was quite good for the 3.0l i-6. Fuel consumption depends on your driving style. So i can't really say much about it as it is subjective. The 4cyl would save more I guess I haven't driven them. Generally they are good on fuel, nothing unusual about consumption.

Paperlin:
Nice recommendations
I actually meant increasing the height of the ride (some few inch)
Want to use the car for long travels (can't ascertain my terrain) just want to play safe


But you havent given me your recommendation on the fuelling
I can see 4/6cyl if you can throw more light I'll appreciate

Sorry i meant i dont like increasing ride heights

Paperlin:
Yeap you're right
Is the 2009 model available with an E46 engine?


I think the engine is more of a concern now to me
People say E46 is "refined" version of E39 dont know what that mean but I do hope it's cool


Another thing a juggling with is should I go for
manual or auto (i think that personal preference)

Like Manual for the sense of "control" it gives
But again heard the Auto is faster/swift

How true is it?

The e90 didn't share engine with the e46.
The e90 had the N series engine while the e46 had the M designated engine codes.
The e39 and e46 are two different vehicles, 5 and 3 series respectively and they have the inline-6 engines in common.
Manual or auto would be fine. Auto might be easier for you to drive if you live in a crowded city.

Paperlin:
I'll go for the E46 engine
But hope it's not fuel guzzling?


Again is it advisable I lift the shocks you know Nigeria roads or increase the rim size?

E46 is fine...alot of trims...from 4cyl to 6cyl engines.

I am never a fan of increasing ride heights. My e39 has eibach spring system. I use stock 17s. I think you should Leave the car stock and manage your terrain...someone else could have a different advise.

HARDEYEBER:
I am on my 3rd BMW and I can tell you they are well built and are really fun to drive. my current car is a twin turbo charged 2007 335i.
i source most of my parts from ladipo market and they are not as expensive as a lot of people claim. I work on my cars myself, once in a while i invite my mechanic to come and assist if the work requires heavy lifting or getting dirty. I can boldly tell you that i am yet to meet a good BMW mechanic that is familiar with the e90 platform. I am in Ibadan BTW
I am not trying to scare you but you should know what you are getting into if you decide to buy a e90 BMW.

True. Good to see a 335i owner
I have used e46 330ci, e36 328is (coupe) and e36 320i. Currently own a 540i and a 750li e66. In all, i prefer the 540i for its unassuming power. I used to enjoy driving fast, really fast I.e.
I once had an outing with a friend of mine, in his e90 330i 6 speed, from Benin to Warri under the sultry midday harmattan sun. I didn't ease off throttling until I clocked 225km/h whilst he did an irredeemable 230km/h or thereabouts...was fun...I still have the dashcam vid.
Here is my list of preference in descending order:

1. E39 540i 6speed man.. You could easily be on 180-200km/h and think the car isn't still fast enough. Very torquey V8.

2. E46 330ci. 5speed man. Had man fun- a Honda crosstour once tried racing the little car in front of him, he couldn't match my speed...couldn't keep up. I used to Always anticipate races on highways lol.

3. E36 328is 1994, 5 speed man. First day I drove it, I felt it was easily faster than the 330ci. It felt raw, masculin and coarse, not as refined as the e46...with louder exhaust. Had fun in it too with the e90 330i mentioned above, a camry V6 couldn't keep up at 200km/h, i knew it wasn't a 4cylinder with the way it kept trying to get close, it had no chance, no traffic.

1995 E36 320i 5 speed auto. 1996cc 150hp, 6cyl. Not a quick car but was fast enough to get me up to 200km/h.

E66 750li. Large sedan, heavy (over 2tonne I guess). Goes as fast as big as it looks. A complex car...lots of electronic modules, maintenance a bit high up the shelf, only reason it's coming last. It's a very fast car, rapid acceleration through the gears with its superb 4.8l V8 engine..I haven't gone really fast in it and I don't intend to. The days of driving fast are no more.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Ln7827S-c

HARDEYEBER:
a 2007 and a 2008 328I are exactly the same car. BMW didnt change anything on these two model years. So I guess its safe to to say theres nothing to compare.
the red 328i you posted is a 2009, 2010 or 2011 e90 328i
the other car you posted is a 2004/2005 e46 3 series. 2 totally diffrent platforms.

The first one is perhaps a 320i. 328i has twin outlets

Jacksolo4me:
Been a while Nairaland,
It's a Spark Plug mod.
Did it back in the day
12v Power source.
Drill a hole about An inch and Half from the muffler.
Allow fuel trims to do the rest(Hot exhaust gases ) and you've got flames.

Flames coming out of an exhaust either via ;

1.Forced Induction with a tune(Re--tard timing/increase fuel injection duration) timing lower RPM

2. Run Rich with a straight through(No cats)

3. Spark plugs contraption

4. Attach a flame thrower to your car.��

Long time bro, howdy?

foolbuster:
Truth is that the harsh economic realities have subconsciously pushed people to survival mode. Now for 90% of car buyers the deciding factor is maintenance cost and reliability. Gone are the days of buying a car because of its looks, or performance or even brand prestige. The last 2 reasons are arguable thou.

Deep inside someone yearns for a particular car that is within his budget but finally ends up choosing another car that has better reliability and easy maintenance. Yet whenever he drives by his first and original choice he wishes he had bought it instead.

The fact of the matter is no vehicle is an investment unless it makes you money, no matter how reliable it is you must periodically spend on them especially in this part of our world where almost all the imported cars are out of warranty and parts are starting to fall apart. Its just a matter of which you spend more on.

I couldn't agree more.

Fentanyl:
when you start to hear or read compromising statements like the bolded, lol run for your life

Yes, just me saying no need for the Op to be scared, the cars are common, the 525 and 530 are some of the common 5 series in the e60 line up, 2005 is 15years ago, the engine is durable and electronic system not very complex. It's not the same as your everyday Toyota Camry, the latter which is a good car basically known for its reliability.
So if outright reliability is what he seeks, camry is his go-to car.

foolbuster:
Buy which ever you desire afterall its people that own them. You'll have no shortage of owners of both cars that'll swear to you that it is the best car they have ever bought.

Having said this. Now based on your focus(durable and standing taste of time) it has been proven that bmw's breakdown more often than toyotas and as they age they get worse and its not as if they are cheap to fix anyway. So only buy the bmw If you are very passionate about the bimmer such that caring for it comes naturally and you are blessed to have the financial capacity to do so without stress. Only then can i promise you that you'll enjoy the car.

But to answer your question the toyota is no doubt more durable and will withstand the test of time.

One objective comment at least. People that drive them don't have two heads. If the Op is so scared, let him get the Toyota, no drama.

HeavenlyBang:
This nonsense is exactly why we don't recommend Bimmers.

Interesting. Such 'reliable' stats. Diligently reliable information

kellystech:
yes o

Lol. Cool, I sensed it.

kellystech:
BMW>>>> endless money pit

Are you a fan of Scotty?

One of the greatest four-door saloon cars ever produced.

luxy44:
Buy the E60, there's no 350i of the e60. It is 550i. Buy the 530i. You are good to go. As for the Camry, the gear would pack up. And robbers can make it disappear

Lol.

My pick- BMW without much thoughts. The e60 530 is reliable enough for any purpose. The 3litre engine in that MY 530 was used in the e46. No major issues, make sure the water pump and plumbing system in the engine are okay. The e60 transmission isn't known to be faulty.
In my opinion, BMW cars are some of the best cars ever built, in terms of luxury and performance

alphaNomega:
Nope, it's bigger engine

Lol, if you say so. True though, by the key parameters.
But you can sense from the 7gtronic transmission in the benz, that it doesn't want aggressive/sporty shifting. Even in S setting, it is slower than the bmw's.

alphaNomega:
Oh my chest


Speaking of oil changes, what type of engine oil do you use and how often do you change it?

I used last, stallion 5w30. Approx. 8 litres

Yea really fast, to put it in perspective, it is faster than my c350 mercedes (2009 MY)..manual advantage over the MB I guess.

drakeskull:
Would be my 5th BMW if I'm to get it. Used an 07 530i for close to 2 years. Very reliable engine, never broke down. Just want to know if the 550i would be reliable and the fuel usage won't be worlds apart from a 3.5L

Good you have experience with BMWs, I too have used quite a few. You basically know what to expect. Fuel consumption is more than your average 3.5l V6 or 3 litre Inline 6. But its got good punch...tested, capable of mid 13s in the quarter mile...

drakeskull:
Is 2009 / 2010 550i a good buy

Its a good buy, that 4.8l V8 is a gem...but it doesn't come cheap. It could also be a maintenance nightmare if due dilligence isn't observed during or before purchase. From my experience, it's got a great reliable engine. Observe healthy oil change intervals, you ll be fine basically. I guess both the e60 and e66 V8s use the same ZF 6speed auto transmission. For transmission fluid, you can check Amazon or eBay or get someone to send the appropriate one to you for the car, I think it requires about 7 to 8 litres, someone got mine (ZF fluid) so I haven't yet sought for tranny fluid locally.

alphaNomega:
Damn, I'm jealous. I hope this car has enough asphalt to express himself.

Really quick car, unassuming...

xerotop:
Nice collection bro. I refuse this temptation �

why sir?