[KiwiRD]

One more positive story to offset the bad news that tends to crop up. I've just returned from a 600 mile winter round trip to the snow in my '07 BSM E90 M Sport manual with 95K on the clock. No, it isn't a massive distance, but 300 miles is still far enough from home to be a nightmare if something let go on me. There was a good variety of roads and elevation changes along the way, from freeways to flowing valley roads, tight twisty mountain sections, all the way to alpine passes in sub zero temps.

Leading up to the trip, I'd had a number of bits and pieces replaced to trace a couple of mystery noises - upper and lower idler pulleys, A/C pulley bearing, alternator clutch pulley and internal bearings, serpentine belt, and tensioner. I also had an oil and filter replacement with OEM Castrol Edge and filter. Other recent maintenance includes an OEM air filter 5,000 miles ago and spark plugs 10,000 miles ago. I also had a set of Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 fitted on the stock M193 wheels a few thousand miles ago and had a 4 wheel alignment and balance before leaving.

I should note that the car had both turbos and injectors replaced at 60K under warranty, and I replaced the waterpump at 80K. Despite this, I must admit the thought did cross my mind that something still might let me down when I least needed it.

I have to say the car performed flawlessly, and, despite the 95K on the clock it still drove like new. No rattles, squeaks or any notion of being 'loose'. The car just inspires so much confidence (if not always in the reliability sense) in the driving sense. It feels well-built, solid and capable whether you're in tight twisty sections with mid corner bumps, or sitting on the highway knowing that a feathering of the throttle even in sixth gear will take you well over the limit. The steering is perfectly weighted and tight, and the suspension so well designed that even at 8 years of age, the car just devours corners and makes short work of any straights in-between. The gearshift is still tight and precise, and like the rest of of the car it feels indestructible.

Even the cabin, while not as upmarket as many new cars, is solid and well designed in the ergonomic sense, and I will never tire of the perforated leather M Sport wheel and shifter. The roads here in NZ are not what I would call billiard table smooth - but the cabin still isolates you well from the road noise.

Anyway, it's trips like this one that reinforce what many of us probably think - that short of a new M3 or M4 or whatever, there isn't a lot out there that offers as much for the money. Mine is still stock, and I am planning on a reflash either with MHD or Cobb, and I will do coils and the CP while I'm at it - and I cannot wait for the power. There really is just something quite special about having a big BMW twin turbo straight six up front and an M5 gearbox to row through. The engine has so much torque available in any gear that hills are no issue even in sixth. It just pulls like a train. Love it! Some old photos attached.

[smuler]

Excellent read, during breakfast, here on the other side of the world, where it is summer; kind of.
Why MHD or Cobb, I know very little about tuning; but most people here seem to be JB4?

[KiwiRD]

Originally Posted by smuler

Excellent read, during breakfast, here on the other side of the world, where it is summer; kind of.
Why MHD or Cobb, I know very little about tuning; but most people here seem to be JB4?

Happy to provide a bit of breakfast entertainment! I guess I'm just more keen on the idea of a reflash over a piggyback but I'm open to suggestions!

[bloppitybloop]

I just took a 1200 mile round trip road trip and everything worked as it was supposed to.

[jt335i]

Good to hear about your trip. Bought my 2010 new. Been on several long 6+ to 10+ hour long road trips with it and not once did I have any doubts I would have any issues.
Just enjoyment of the ride and the driving experience.

[AWDBooSTIn90]

Good read! Goad to hear everything went good.

Just curious, what made you say "M5 gearbox?"

[XM_Rocks]

I occasionally will do 450 mile days in my 2007 early build w/ 89k on the clock.

OP, Post this in the all is fine N54 check-in thread.

[KiwiRD]

Originally Posted by AWDBooSTIn90

Good read! Goad to hear everything went good.

Just curious, what made you say "M5 gearbox?"

The 6MT 335 uses the same gearbox as the 6MT version of the E60 M5. same part number.

[thefrog1394]

I've put about 10k miles on my '07 335i (122k at the moment) since I bought it in April. So far I've had literally zero issues. Haven't even changed the oil yet. Included a 2k mile road-trip through areas of New York without any cell service.

Anyways, I've been happy with my N54 so far (knock on wood). Planning to get it up in the air sometime in the next month or two for transmission & oil change and to see if there is any other preventative maintenance I should be taking care of. Glad to hear yours is working out for you as well!

[924er]

Take care of it and it will take care of you. I've had to do the usual things like injectors, HPFP, water pump. Valve cover cool filter housing gasket, plugs, boost solenoid, and expansion tank. And I'm only at 45k miles. Thank god for CPO.

[perezr10]

Nice pictures. They make me want to buy some of those clear turn signal headlights now.