[clemsonf31]

Figured I would put together a thread to log the progress of my 2015 F31 328d xDrive. I purchased this car last year to use as my pavement pounder for work. This car will see 35-40k miles annually for work and having the ability to drive onto production and construction sites (within reason) is a necessity. My previous BMW's (E46's and E30's) have typically been rather low to the ground and always manual, so this moderate height automatic car is a definite change for me. That being said, I've really enjoyed the car with only a few gripes.

July 2019:
Car purchased through CarMax and transferred from one of their locations in CA. Car had ~40k miles on it and checked out well mechanically, however I could certainly tell there was an issue with the transfer case.

Car Specs:
2015 328d xDrive Sports Wagon
Alpine White exterior
Black Dakota Leather interior
M Sport package
Lighting package
Technology package
Comfort Access package
M Performance Side sill decals (removed 8/2019)
Cold Weather package

Transfer case replaced and AC freezing issues fixed shortly after purchase. Once the TC was replaced, I utilized Enabled method with Loctite and a rubber guibo to potentially quell the need for another replacement after ~40k miles.

Maintenance Schedule:

Oil change with Mahle filter and Liqui-Moly 5w30 – 8k miles
Differential oil changes with Klubersynth GE 4 75w90 – 40k miles
Mahle engine and cabin air filters – 30k miles
Mahle fuel filter – 30k miles
Transmission pan and ZF fluid replacement – 60k miles

Added Thule Aeroblade roofrack and Rockymounts fork mount trays to transport my bikes to Western NC and back.

Tires were worn on 400m wheels, so took the opportunity to replace with 351m wheels with 245/40/19 Pirelli Cinturato RF’s. As I spend a lot of time in very remote areas, not having a spare tire is not an option. However, the poor ride quality of these tires has convinced me to switch to go-flat Michelin’s and carry a plug kit for my next setup.


Max

[clemsonf31]

Next up was suspension; decided to go with Koni Active Sport red dampers paired with Eibach Pro Kit springs coupled with F80 bump stops. These get rid of the xDrive ‘reverse rake’ while still keeping the car streetable and a moderate height. Tried to get an accurate before and after with the same background

During this time, the turbo lag of the N47 was wearing on me. My last vehicle was a supercharged 2nd gen Tacoma that felt much quicker than my F31. KermaTDI tuning provided me with a Stage 1 tune that really improved overall drivability and behavior of the car. I would recommend the Kerma tune to anyone that wants the best performance without compromising emissions or reliability.

Interior upgrades:

Bimmertech MMI Wireless CarPlay interface
Carbon fiber/alcantara wrapped interior trim
LCI climate control surround
Alcantara wrapped MSport wheel by CobyWheel
Weathertech floormats (a must)
20% black ceramic tint


Max

[clemsonf31]

As this car came from CA, it was outfitted with a front license plate that was installed by a construction worker. The plate fasteners were drilled directly through the poly bumper cover and into the bumper support, 6 holes in total… Sourced another MSport bumper with no side reflectors and added a M Performance style lip.

Most recently, the car was due for a brake pad and rotor replacement. As this is simply a daily driver and not going to see any track time or auto-x’s, the MPerformance brake setup couldn’t be justified. I sourced a 335i brake setup from a member that advertised the calipers to have been newly painted with G2 caliper paint. Although I intended to remove this paint anyways, the quality of the paint job was extremely poor. I’ve always liked the orange MPerformance color against white, so I stripped the calipers, had them sandblasted and powder coated with a powder color of my choice (purchased from powderbythepound.com). Utilized Zimmerman blank rotors and Hawk pads while also doing a full caliper rebuild.

Max

[clemsonf31]

First day of fall weather in Western NC

Max

[Onizukachan]

Really nice. I did the 340/330 conversion a few weeks ago as well. Lovely work on the powder coat and color choice.
Mine was a Cali car as well so I know what you mean about the holes. Had mine shaved and resprayed then tinted the reflectors. Wish I could have gotten the euro bumper, it looks great.

How’s the KermaTDI when you are leaving a stop sign and turning right? Like joining traffic. That’s where the lag to me is excessive To the point of being dangerous.

[clemsonf31]

Originally Posted by Onizukachan

Really nice. I did the 340/330 conversion a few weeks ago as well. Lovely work on the powder coat and color choice.
Mine was a Cali car as well so I know what you mean about the holes. Had mine shaved and resprayed then tinted the reflectors. Wish I could have gotten the euro bumper, it looks great.

How’s the KermaTDI when you are leaving a stop sign and turning right? Like joining traffic. That’s where the lag to me is excessive To the point of being dangerous.

Thanks for the kind words. With regards to the Kerma tune, it certainly doesn’t eliminate the lag, but vastly reduces it. As it was without the tune, it also depends on what driving ‘mode’ you’re in; if the car is in Sport or Sport+, taking off from a stop in either direction is improved. I couldn’t say specifically about left or right turns however.

Another suggestion that I tried before the tune was ‘resetting’ the throttle limits. I can’t remember specifically how it was done but I found it on these forums. It’s done with the car off and results in minimal improvements in throttle ‘response’

Max

[Moupe]

Clean looking F31 bruh! Ride height looks proper and definitely got rid of the reverse rake =)
Yeeeeehaaaa!

[clemsonf31]

Washed the car today in preparation for a new wheel/tire setup. Details to follow once I get everything mounted

Max

[clemsonf31]

Got my new wheel and tire setup completed today

18x9 et31 APEX EC-7 race silver
255/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3+ tires

Happy with how it turned out, highlights the 335 brakes more so than the 19’s did

Also, have my 351m’s up for sale:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1762541

Max

[clemsonf31]

Couple more pictures of the new wheels

Max

[clemsonf31]

Haven't updated the thread in a while. I've been working through HPFP issues and have replaced the injectors, pressure sensors, quantity control valve, LP supply pump and the HPFP. All of those issues seem to be rectified. Next up is thrust arms as the passengers side is beginning to leak oil.

Additionally, my annual wheel change landed me with some APEX ARC-8's in 19x9 et28 with 245/40/19 General GMAX AS-05 tires. As with my EC-7's, this was against the APEX recommendations but as I drive on changing surfaces, a 35 series tire doesn't cut it. There is no interference or rubbing at all with these and they look good. Although they are not as light as the EC-7's, still lighter than most of the OEM BMW wheels.

EC-7's are also for sale, they are like new!
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1825094

Max

[clemsonf31]

Decided to dump the muffler and have a dual tip welded on. Purchased an OEM rear diffuser from a 328i to accommodate the new tips. Sound is marginally louder without the muffler, I would say it’s hardly noticeable at all.

Max

[cfm56d7b]

Such a great F31 after all the modifications. Eibach Pro springs with Koni Special Active shocks was an excellent decision based on how the wheel fills the fender space.

[clemsonf31]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Such a great F31 after all the modifications. Eibach Pro springs with Koni Special Active shocks was an excellent decision based on how the wheel fills the fender space.

Thanks for the kind words!

Max

[shiftdnb]

Originally Posted by clemsonf31

Decided to dump the muffler and have a dual tip welded on. Purchased an OEM rear diffuser from a 328i to accommodate the new tips. Sound is marginally louder without the muffler, I would say it’s hardly noticeable at all.

Max

If you were going to leave the muffler on but go for the dual tips with that diffuser what would be better, a Y version or one that's straight and the 2nd comes off to the side.

[clemsonf31]

Originally Posted by shiftdnb

If you were going to leave the muffler on but go for the dual tips with that diffuser what would be better, a Y version or one that's straight and the 2nd comes off to the side.

Not sure I understand your question; what’s the second configuration you’re referencing?

Max

[shiftdnb]

Originally Posted by clemsonf31

what’s the second configuration you’re referencing?

Max

like this just one obviously...

[clemsonf31]

Originally Posted by shiftdnb

like this just one obviously...

I think the single tip of the stock muffler was offset to one side, meaning you would need one of the tips you posted as opposed to the centered, y-tip that I used

Max

[AndrewC1989]

Lip damage?

[clemsonf31]

Originally Posted by AndrewC1989

Lip damage?

Corner mount on lip broke. I have it secured with safety wire as opposed to the trim pins

Max