F31 330D xDrive

[JP83]

I’m still on a spending embargo whilst the other half is on maternity, but whilst driving the other day I developed a sudden, massive dislike for the brushed aluminium interior trims. Found a used set for a decent price, not sure what colour they are, they looked darker in the photos which I preferred, may bite the bullet and get piano black eventually, but good enough for now.

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View attachment 1788731

Im hoping it’s a subtle enough change she won’t even notice…

A man after my own heart, keeping Extra chewing gum in the car.

 

[Whitetac]

Well that was very easy, 10 minutes out the front of the house and the oil & filter is changed. Now running 5W40 as it approaches 100k miles.

£30 oil extractor definitely worthwhile as I don’t have access to ramps for a year or so. Will try and alternate changes through extractor and sump to avoid sludge collecting but it seemed to get the majority out anyway.

 

[Whitetac]

Played around with ChatGPT and it’s made me realise I need (want) some springs and spacers…not as low as this but couldn’t finesse the chat prompts. Think eibach do some decent springs but need to do some research as I think xdrive is slightly different. And then there’s the whilst you’re there jobs like Meyle HD control arms, tie rod ends etc..,

 

[Matt Cup]

Played around with ChatGPT and it’s made me realise I need (want) some springs and spacers…not as low as this but couldn’t finesse the chat prompts. Think eibach do some decent springs but need to do some research as I think xdrive is slightly different. And then there’s the whilst you’re there jobs like Meyle HD control arms, tie rod ends etc..,
View attachment 1790125

That looks like a coilover job there to dial in that fitment

 

[Whitetac]

That looks like a coilover job there to dial in that fitment

That’s too much lowz for me, would want a more subtle drop, spaced well, to keep as a useable daily, but ChatGPT would only drop it on its arse

 

[Whitetac]

Couldn’t resist a subtle mod…

Used OEM part but I’d say £50 well spent.

Have done about 2,000 miles in 3 family trips and it eats the miles comfortably and effortlessly.

I still want to do a refresh of the front end with either a Meyle HD or Lemforder kit at some point, hoping the in-law has a 2 post again soon and then I’ll do it myself (with his assistance I’m sure), if not I’ll have to pay. It had an advisory last year for worn front lower susp arm so hopefully will be worthwhile. MOT is next month so see how that goes first.

 

[-Jamie-]

Get some solid uniballs to replace the big fluid filled bush in the front arm while you are at. Goes a little way at sorting the crap F series steering feel

 

[YorkshireKyle]

Get some solid uniballs to replace the big fluid filled bush in the front arm while you are at. Goes a little way at sorting the crap F series steering feel

Will that make him quicker on the way to work?

 

[-Jamie-]

Obviously not


That's only when you turn DSC off, duh

 

[Whitetac]

4x new Meyle/Meyle HD front arms (and driveshaft bolts, hopefully) arriving today, would like to change them myself but just not possible at the moment. Is it acceptable to ask that they ensure the bolts are torqued at ride height or is it condescending and teaching them to suck eggs? Just read so many horror stories…

Also think I have the common worn steering rack bush symptoms, has anyone changed it for the updated part? OEM replacement is £140, eBay special £30 or so, any ideas if it’s worth the extra for OEM or much the same and anything better than what’s in there now.

 

[Flat Eric]

Get some solid uniballs to replace the big fluid filled bush in the front arm while you are at. Goes a little way at sorting the crap F series steering feel

I have just had those oil filled bushes/control arms replaced on mine. Didn't realise there was an alternative to the oil filled bushes though

 

[Dave LM]

I have an F30 335d which started off with the original front control arms that I updated first for polybushed items. Those arms were an improvement, but for the last year I have had VAC monoball front upper control arms. I had them delivered from the USA, and they have made an incredible difference to how the car turns into a corner. They take away all the vagueness from the setup of the x-drive cars, and make the steering really responsive. Expensive items, but definitely worth the money.

Regarding the steering rack bush, I swapped my original bush for an eBay replacement to start with. This item was fine, however I was for a long while chasing a front end suspension rattle, and after a year I eventually fitted the BMW bush as I was working through possible causes of the noise. (Turned out to be anti-roll bar bushes as the cause of my rattle). In short, both bushes were up to the job, the eBay item obviously being a lot less money.