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      08-20-2019, 05:51 AM   #1
Alscoob
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My old F31 330d

Just spotted my old car on autotrader for sale I P/X'd a couple of weeks ago to BMW.

Interesting, it now has black wheels and they painted/changed the aluminium roof rails black. Apparently it is only 1 former keeper (actually 2 as BMW were the first) and a full BMW history & was last serviced by BMW......errr no it was serviced at a specialist in the time I had it.

Anyway if anyone is considering a used F31 330d with 80K on the clock and comes across this, it is a very good car mechanically & happy to give info on it even down to where the stone chips are!

Last edited by Alscoob; 08-20-2019 at 06:11 AM..
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      08-20-2019, 06:10 AM   #2
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Pre P/X...

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      08-20-2019, 01:44 PM   #3
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Technically, it is still 'one former keeper', as you are still listed on the V5 as the current keeper, so there is one 'former keeper' listed on the legal documents

A little nasty trick that used car sales people use.
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      08-21-2019, 03:10 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by robbiep View Post
Technically, it is still 'one former keeper', as you are still listed on the V5 as the current keeper, so there is one 'former keeper' listed on the legal documents

A little nasty trick that used car sales people use.
Hadn't realised that, I'll keep that in mind for the future, thanks.
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      08-21-2019, 12:10 PM   #5
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Was a nice looking car. Is it a 14 plate?

I have a 14 plate F31 330d (mapped), and can't stop thinking about an F31 LCI 340i. Other than the engine, which I believe to be epic, did you notice much difference, like did it feel a worthy upgrade (presuming it's an LCI)?

I'm just wondering, if I got over the initial thrill of having a much nicer engine sound, but not much more pace than my mapped 330d, would I appreciate the newer car, and the LCI? Some better options like merino leather and leather dash would help I suppose!
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      08-22-2019, 04:03 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by G50 View Post
Was a nice looking car. Is it a 14 plate?

I have a 14 plate F31 330d (mapped), and can't stop thinking about an F31 LCI 340i. Other than the engine, which I believe to be epic, did you notice much difference, like did it feel a worthy upgrade (presuming it's an LCI)?

I'm just wondering, if I got over the initial thrill of having a much nicer engine sound, but not much more pace than my mapped 330d, would I appreciate the newer car, and the LCI? Some better options like merino leather and leather dash would help I suppose!
Yes it was a 14 plate, had it from 9k miles. I too tweaked it, with the Steinbauer kit, so guess a bit like yours. It took me a long time to decide to change as that tuned diesel was so quick with so much torque and was very reliable, but always in the back of my mind was the fact that I didn't like the diesel clatter and it was at 80k miles. Although that's nothing for an oil burner much more would likely affect the resale value.

So to cut the long story short, I now have what looks like the same car it's a 2017 LCi car with 9k miles and the only significant change is the 340i engine, it's even the same colour.

Have to say the engine is fantastic along with the exhaust note and the driving experience is far more engaging, it feels sharper, more dynamic and eager to go than the last one. The suspension is far better together with the steering feel even though its currently on run flats, so guess this was improved for the LCi, if anything the car sits higher than the previous.

Is it worth the swop and a worthy upgrade, I would say yes it is, I find it a nicer car to drive, easy to cruse along in a relaxed mode and it is noticeably much quieter than my 2014 F31 and that was on non run flats, odd that. Mid range grunt for overtaking is good too although whereas in the diesel I might drop 2 gears and short shift, in the 340 it will be 3 and use the revs, but it will reach speeds at which you will loose your license... quickly.

As for the other bits of the car as LCi, although nicer it really makes no difference to me. I have oyster details in the black seats, door trim etc now which lifts it a bit, the i drive is the later version, but really does the same as previous but with a few extras. Sliding armrest, well ok if the missus drives it but not high on my list of priorities, heated steering wheel is a nice touch though, LCi rear lights and led fronts, nothing wrong with the other cars lights and.. although I haven't driven this one in the dark yet the xenon lights of the old were fantastic and are reputed to be better than led's, but we'll see.
Head up display is a positive, reversing camera, pointless, just look out the back window.

So I suspect that if your like me you would appreciate the new car and if you were to find one with decent leather it would make the cockpit just that bit better. One option I was specific about was electric memory seats and mirrors, that will limit your choice if buying used. I would also have liked a pan roof but not many around with the seat option.

You also have the choice to remap or add the MPPSK to it, then that would help your appreciation !!

I haven't mentioned economy because you don't buy a 340i for that, but will say that its around 10mpg less than my 330d overall, where my life average was 42mpg which could go as low as 37 or a high of 51mpg (once hahaha!)

Go test drive one, you'll like it
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      08-22-2019, 05:17 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alscoob View Post
Yes it was a 14 plate, had it from 9k miles. I too tweaked it, with the Steinbauer kit, so guess a bit like yours. It took me a long time to decide to change as that tuned diesel was so quick with so much torque and was very reliable, but always in the back of my mind was the fact that I didn't like the diesel clatter and it was at 80k miles. Although that's nothing for an oil burner much more would likely affect the resale value.

So to cut the long story short, I now have what looks like the same car it's a 2017 LCi car with 9k miles and the only significant change is the 340i engine, it's even the same colour.

Have to say the engine is fantastic along with the exhaust note and the driving experience is far more engaging, it feels sharper, more dynamic and eager to go than the last one. The suspension is far better together with the steering feel even though its currently on run flats, so guess this was improved for the LCi, if anything the car sits higher than the previous.

Is it worth the swop and a worthy upgrade, I would say yes it is, I find it a nicer car to drive, easy to cruse along in a relaxed mode and it is noticeably much quieter than my 2014 F31 and that was on non run flats, odd that. Mid range grunt for overtaking is good too although whereas in the diesel I might drop 2 gears and short shift, in the 340 it will be 3 and use the revs, but it will reach speeds at which you will loose your license... quickly.

As for the other bits of the car as LCi, although nicer it really makes no difference to me. I have oyster details in the black seats, door trim etc now which lifts it a bit, the i drive is the later version, but really does the same as previous but with a few extras. Sliding armrest, well ok if the missus drives it but not high on my list of priorities, heated steering wheel is a nice touch though, LCi rear lights and led fronts, nothing wrong with the other cars lights and.. although I haven't driven this one in the dark yet the xenon lights of the old were fantastic and are reputed to be better than led's, but we'll see.
Head up display is a positive, reversing camera, pointless, just look out the back window.

So I suspect that if your like me you would appreciate the new car and if you were to find one with decent leather it would make the cockpit just that bit better. One option I was specific about was electric memory seats and mirrors, that will limit your choice if buying used. I would also have liked a pan roof but not many around with the seat option.

You also have the choice to remap or add the MPPSK to it, then that would help your appreciation !!

I haven't mentioned economy because you don't buy a 340i for that, but will say that its around 10mpg less than my 330d overall, where my life average was 42mpg which could go as low as 37 or a high of 51mpg (once hahaha!)

Go test drive one, you'll like it
Thanks Alscoob, that's some really great info, very helpful. I think I definitely need to go test drive one, though I reckon if I like it, it will take a while to find one with the spec i want!

I've gone round in circles this morning on the quest for both/either a step up in engine(40i) or a step up in refinement (x3, g20 5 series) and just ended up thinking I need to keep mine longer, but after your comments I'm back on the F31 340i.

Did you notice any change insurance wise?
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      08-22-2019, 06:00 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by G50 View Post
Thanks Alscoob, that's some really great info, very helpful. I think I definitely need to go test drive one, though I reckon if I like it, it will take a while to find one with the spec i want!

I've gone round in circles this morning on the quest for both/either a step up in engine(40i) or a step up in refinement (x3, g20 5 series) and just ended up thinking I need to keep mine longer, but after your comments I'm back on the F31 340i.

Did you notice any change insurance wise?
I too thought on the 5 series nice in refinement but huge and for a decent spec engine quite expensive. 540i touring would be nice but too pricey for me. X3 OK but if you're going for an X? then it should be the X5 in my book, if you want a 4x4, have a proper size one

I came back to the concept of the F31 being an ideal car, mostly only me or me & the missus in it, seems bigger inside than the F30 saloon due to the flat roof and not far off the 5 series saloon, its sporty and can be driven hard if needed and you can also chuck a load of stuff in it, best of all worlds.

Insurance wise I paid £390 PA Fully comp for the 330d with all mods declared (tuning, spacers MP bodykit) 340i was £410 with same modifications. Haven't done any yet but it was easier to transfer policy from one car to the other for the sake of £20.

Interestingly I took the 7 day free insurance from BMW they offered me a 12 month policy at £295 for the car as a standard car no mods, so as it is at the moment. I also heard that if you have the MPPSK fitted BMW insurance cover that as well as it is an approved modification, not sure on that but I may check it out.

Extended test drive is the way forward, not just 10 mins around the block, if you're spending the hard earned, make them work for it !!
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      09-01-2019, 02:55 AM   #9
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Hi there, did you fit the m performance kit to your car? I have a black F31 and can't decide whether to paint parts saffire black/gloss black or leave unfinished. Any advice greatly appreciated!
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      09-01-2019, 03:11 AM   #10
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There are still a few pre reg 340i f31 cars in the system. I reckon with some haggling, and if you take finance, you could get it for a shade over £30k. Bargain!
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      09-01-2019, 03:54 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattGregson View Post
Hi there, did you fit the m performance kit to your car? I have a black F31 and can't decide whether to paint parts saffire black/gloss black or leave unfinished. Any advice greatly appreciated!
Yes fitted it all, easy really especially the rear diffuser.

I had the wings on the front splitter painted to match the car but left the lip un painted, the rear difuser was left unpainted as well, thought it looked better like that.

If you don't paint the wing bits I feel that it just looks odd especially on a black car and just looks like something has been stuck on, as the fronts of standard car are all painted. It's nice to be subtle and just show he lower lip.

Rear is different and the who piece is a different colour on a standard car so you can get away with it being unpainted.

Bit of advice though, if you are keeping the car and do a decent mileage wrap the painted wing sections with a paint protection film, it's a vertical surface and is susceptible to stone chips.
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      09-01-2019, 05:26 AM   #12
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Thumbs up

Thanks for the info, I really don't want to fit the kit then regret painting or not painting a section.
BMW are supplying and fitting for 1k inc vat. At that price I'm happy and means I'll have a BMW for supply and fit.
Do you have any photos of your old car with the kit fitted (I've been trawling through 116 pages on the thread!)

I'm sure I've seen a photo of yours with the boot spoiler fitted, did you paint that sapphire black to match the car?

My options currently are:

1-paint wings sapphire black on front lip and rear spoiler, leave everything else unpainted, fit side decals
2- paint all parts gloss black (fit or not fit side decals?)
3- paint wings sapphire black and lower lip gloss black. All other parts gloss black (again do I fit or not fit the side decals?)

What do you think? I know it's down to personal preference but experience counts ;-)

Currently my wheels are graphite so 'may' consider going black, depends what I decide as above

Point noted about protecting the front wings, good shout, thank you!

Any advise greatly appreciated
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      09-01-2019, 06:12 AM   #13
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I would paint the side sills and front lower lip the same colour as the car......blends in really nicely in my opinion. Thats what i did on my 330d and worked really well imho
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      09-01-2019, 06:30 AM   #14
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Any photos?
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      09-02-2019, 04:25 AM   #15
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Front lip..

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Fitted..

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Painted kit (daftasabrush car)..

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Black unpainted kit from forum search ...

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Hope it helps
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      09-02-2019, 04:40 AM   #16
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Thanks Alscoop!
The blue all painted looks amazing but I think it would be too much on the black. Works great in the blue.
I knows it's all down to individual taste but i think I'm going to paint the wings on the front splitter and rear boot spoiler then leave the rest unfinished.

Also not going to apply the sill decals and will debadge the rear, keep people guessing.

Thank you again for all the advise
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      09-02-2019, 06:35 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattGregson View Post
Thanks Alscoop!
The blue all painted looks amazing but I think it would be too much on the black. Works great in the blue.
I knows it's all down to individual taste but i think I'm going to paint the wings on the front splitter and rear boot spoiler then leave the rest unfinished.

Also not going to apply the sill decals and will debadge the rear, keep people guessing.

Thank you again for all the advise
No problem.

I would also do exactly what you are thinking, the roof spoiler really does need to be the same colour as the car to blend in and not look like some Halfords stick on IMO. Don't think this looks quite as good.

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