ste sti spec d

Any one got a Beemer ? Which are the best forums regarding 320 - 330d models,
Cheers
Ste

Matteeboy

The UK bit of E90Post.com is worth a look although it's getting drowned out by chavs now. And the BMW section of Pistonheads.

Any specific questions or just a general ask?

SRSport

Is that because the E90 is getting cheaper or because the marque is attracting them?

ste sti spec d

I'm after an e90 330d m sport. Trouble is my budget,I'm after a manual and they seem thin on the ground and high millage models.just wanted to know if its worth getting a 325 or even a 320 and getting them mapped ? . I ve never owned a diesel so unsure if there's that much difference.

SRSport

Isnt the 325 engine supposedly more the most reliable of all e90s? Dont know if that would change with a remap.

ste sti spec d

I thought the 325 was a de tuned version of the 330 engine ? So with a remap maybe just the same ? You seem to be able to get a little bit more for your money with the 325.

SRSport

I should perhaps leave it to Matteeboy or others who know more than me but as far as I know it is a detuned version but its not as simple as just a remap. I think the 330 has other parts to utilise the BHP hike. Perhaps the reason its more reliable is because its less stressed.
Anyway over to them.

ste sti spec d

Nice one, ill see if anyone has anymore info.
Ste

Matteeboy

Yep the 325d is more or less a detuned 330d and does seem very reliable. But a 330d and 335d is also a good choice if looked after.

I'd get a 325d over a 320d any day; six pot motor vs four and an unburstable engine. But you'll wish you got a 330d; possibly the best combination of mpg and power/torque of any car. My more powerful 335d is great too but its definitely a lot more thirsty than a 330d.

M Sport is just cosmetic tarting up; I'd always choose a better engine over a few faux M division add ons.

SRSport

Is this the same for the petrols as well, the 325 is just a detuned 330i? Which has better reliability the 325d or the 325i?

Doesnt the M sport include a sportier suspension set ups so should drive differently or is it purely cosmetic?

bighead

iTrader: (1)

hey...speak for yourself , not seen any chavs on the Uk M3 section lately

Matteeboy

Seen a fair few chavs in E36 and E46 M3s. E90s/92s aren't quite within reach yet. £15k seem to be about the level when quick cars get chav accessible.

Matteeboy

That is the one actual difference (and I have it on my SE). Apart from that its body kit, interior tweaks and and different (mostly fragile) wheels. None of it makes the car go faster though...;-)

maff125

iTrader: (1)

Bmwland or bimmerforums

Matteeboy

Mind you, there are plenty of well off chavs with serious motors....

ste sti spec d

Is the suspension that bad on the SE ?, I was more worried about the seats. They look awfull compared to the m spec ones ?
Ste

Matteeboy

Depends on the model. Our 335d is the same height as an M Sport, a lesser model rides much higher. Many people think M Sports have a crap ride quality.

I can lean on mine heavily with no worries.

ste sti spec d

Yeh that was another thing, I ve heard people say the m sport suspension was too harsh,each to there own I suppose but I did here one bloke say his 05 sti ppp was more comfy , surly that can't be right ?
Ste.

Matteeboy

A 3series M Sport on 19" run flats does ride pretty badly. Your mate might be right!

ste sti spec d

For me it's gotta be a lot better than my 06 hawk sti on standard shocks ( which is shocking) . What model and wheel spec would you suggest ? Maybe an m sport model with 18s and normal sports tyres ?

Fleetster

try edirty6.com

Matteeboy

I prefer SEs on 17s but your suggestion would be okay.

ste sti spec d

What's your opinion on the auto or manual debate ?

Matteeboy

Both are very good but auto only for our model so no choice!

For the smaller engines, I'd go manual, for the bigger diesels, auto. It's a six speed ZF box which works well. The 330i and 335i with manuals are rare but pretty special.

SRSport

Why do you think most people specified autos? I would always want a manual with something like a petrol 330/335.
Out of interest which are the more reliable, the petrol 325/330 or the diesel 325/330?

SRSport

Why do you think most people specified autos? I would always want a manual with something like a petrol 330/335.
Out of interest which are the more reliable, the petrol 325/330 or the diesel 325/330?

Matteeboy

Diesel without question.

Not sure on the auto popularity thing but they definitely suit the bigger diesels.

SRSport

Thats interesting as most other cars find that the petrol versions are the more reliable as they dont have injector egr issues etc. What is it the petrol version have issues with?

hodgy0_2

But they have ignition issues, coil packs, sparkplugs, plug leads, much less tolerant of crap fuel, susceptible to damp conditions, high dependacy on batteries - the list goes on

Diesel any day

Matteeboy

This.