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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: pscocoa on 25 September 2013, 07:56:22

Title: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 25 September 2013, 07:56:22
The son of a friend is selling his 2009 335i coupe which has only 12000 miles on it. He has had it from new. He works in the production teams on tour with Roger Waters, Justin Bieber etc and so is always away hence the low mileage.

He is away at present and his father doesn't know much about the power upgrade done when new and just says there is a black box on it. My son is interested in the car as BMW have only offered him £12000 for it.

Anyone have any ideas what is most likely power upgrade to have been fitted and what that will do to insurance.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 25 September 2013, 09:00:06
those are turbo cars so easy to add some measurable power..
 
http://www.burgertuning.com/products.html (http://www.burgertuning.com/products.html)
 
but my question is will he really need that sort of power as its already a fast car.. :-\
 
he can rarely use this much power in daily use..  and can loose the license (unless he drives here) ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: mantahatch on 25 September 2013, 09:13:32
The son of a friend is selling his 2009 335i coupe which has only 12000 miles on it. He has had it from new. He works in the production teams on tour with Roger Waters, Justin Bieber etc and so is always away hence the low mileage.

He is away at present and his father doesn't know much about the power upgrade done when new and just says there is a black box on it. My son is interested in the car as BMW have only offered him £12000 for it.

Anyone have any ideas what is most likely power upgrade to have been fitted and what that will do to insurance.

There is no way I would buy a car that has anything to do with JB. Even such a remote link is way to much for me.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D  Sorry could not resist.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: bigboykarl on 25 September 2013, 09:19:21
my next door neighbour had his on autotrader i'm sure he wanted about £17.5k
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: AndyRoid on 25 September 2013, 09:48:30
The son of a friend is selling his 2009 335i coupe which has only 12000 miles on it. He has had it from new. He works in the production teams on tour with Roger Waters, Justin Bieber etc and so is always away hence the low mileage.

He is away at present and his father doesn't know much about the power upgrade done when new and just says there is a black box on it. My son is interested in the car as BMW have only offered him £12000 for it.

Anyone have any ideas what is most likely power upgrade to have been fitted and what that will do to insurance.
I can only think it's either a tracking device of some description (eg, Tracker), or it's a reference to the ECU having been remapped (for more power/torque).
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 25 September 2013, 14:38:24
those are turbo cars so easy to add some measurable power..
 
http://www.burgertuning.com/products.html (http://www.burgertuning.com/products.html)
 
but my question is will he really need that sort of power as its already a fast car.. :-\
 
he can rarely use this much power in daily use..  and can loose the license (unless he drives here) ;D


If memory serves the 335i has maximum torque of about 300 ft lb at just 1300 RPM. This makes it quicker in 'the real world' than the peaky M3.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 25 September 2013, 14:40:11
306 BHP standard, a remap can generally take them to 370 BHP or thereabouts, they are actually quite detuned from the factory so as not to compete with the M3.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 25 September 2013, 15:22:47
Thanks for all the input. It is definitely a power upgrade of some description. He did not order this upgrade but after they took his order back in2009 someone messed up and when he asked what was going on some weeks later this car was offered. So the unit was fitted from new but obviously to someone else's spec. I need to see if the insurance company will mess about with premiums. I suppose you could disconnect it but would not like to get into this if avoidable. Garage offered £12k seller wants around £14k and my son was thinking £13k so maybe a deal to be done.

Interesting comment Del.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: mantahatch on 25 September 2013, 16:05:10
I allways thought if an item was fitted from new then the insurance should cover it. My sons Astra came from the factory with the full Irmscher body kit and it is no more exoensive to insure than a standard one. But if you retro fit these bit then it is a modification and insurance goes up.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 September 2013, 16:32:23
I cant ever see BMW fitting or warranting a tuning box.

Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: mantahatch on 25 September 2013, 16:40:33
May be a dealer fitted item item which again should be covered. There are many instances of dealer specials which are no more to insure. That said it is usually just a boot spoiler or similar.
As we all know trying to find 2 identical bmw is quite hard, so how do the insurance companies deal with them ?
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 25 September 2013, 17:59:38
Are indicators a mod?
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 September 2013, 18:03:31
Are indicators a mod?
Only if they work :P
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 25 September 2013, 18:37:34
Are indicators a mod?
Only if they work :P
A young woman in a bmw (I know....scary) indicated to pull into my lane today. I thought 'that makes a nice change' and let her in. I then followed her for a while with her indicator flashing away. She must have hit the stalk by accident and didn't know how to cancel it. ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 25 September 2013, 20:54:35
I bet you were hoping she would hit your stalk :D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 25 September 2013, 20:55:47
I bet you were hoping she would hit your stalk :D
My stalk is all dry and withered I'm afraid. ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 September 2013, 21:03:54
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 September 2013, 21:23:47
That might be what withered it :-\
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 25 September 2013, 21:29:16
Are you two a double act? ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: chrisgixer on 25 September 2013, 21:31:59
Are you two a double act? ;D

Are you a stalker? :P
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 25 September 2013, 21:42:39
Are you two a double act? ;D

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 25 September 2013, 21:45:39
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: TheBoy on 25 September 2013, 21:46:36
I allways thought if an item was fitted from new then the insurance should cover it. My sons Astra came from the factory with the full Irmscher body kit and it is no more exoensive to insure than a standard one. But if you retro fit these bit then it is a modification and insurance goes up.
I believe all Irmscher kit was fitted at dealer, not factory.

All modifications, even if a factory option, need to be declared.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: 05omegav6 on 25 September 2013, 21:47:34
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.
I misread that question... ::)
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: aaronjb on 26 September 2013, 08:55:37
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.

Ah, Del.. Speaking of BMWs, a question for you - two guys at work are both looking at 320d's (F30 and F31); any glaring issues to worry about off the top of your head? One of them (F31) is looking at buying brand new from the dealer so not much of an issue for him - the other is looking at an 80,000 mile 2010 car..
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 September 2013, 09:44:49
Timing chains....oh yes, also timing chains.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 September 2013, 09:46:15
May be a dealer fitted item item which again should be covered. There are many instances of dealer specials which are no more to insure. That said it is usually just a boot spoiler or similar.
As we all know trying to find 2 identical bmw is quite hard, so how do the insurance companies deal with them ?

Never

The manufacturer wont warrant that, if there was an approved upgrade of this type it would be a remap and not some dodgy compromised tuning box.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 26 September 2013, 10:22:27
Googling reveals that BMW were offering a factory fit power upgrade back in 2009. Hopefully it is one of these with the extra radiator and dual chrome exhaust. Hope to see the car this weekend. Seller's father does not know.

If it is factory fit then maybe reg number check will give details. Will try and get this today.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2013, 10:23:30
Were 335i all autos or was that 335d?  :-\
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 September 2013, 10:38:24
Googling reveals that BMW were offering a factory fit power upgrade back in 2009. Hopefully it is one of these with the extra radiator and dual chrome exhaust. Hope to see the car this weekend. Seller's father does not know.

If it is factory fit then maybe reg number check will give details. Will try and get this today.

As above, BMW would not utilise a compromised tuning box for a power upgrade option.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2013, 10:42:47
Looks like it was a "full pack" type thing, intake, engine cover, and oooo rocker cover decals  ::)

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=820511 (http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=820511)
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2013, 10:46:02
Actually, hummm that's 2012, but Americans always like year ahead, so assume it's same shape  :-\
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: mantahatch on 26 September 2013, 11:16:52
May be a dealer fitted item item which again should be covered. There are many instances of dealer specials which are no more to insure. That said it is usually just a boot spoiler or similar.
As we all know trying to find 2 identical bmw is quite hard, so how do the insurance companies deal with them ?

Never

The manufacturer wont warrant that, if there was an approved upgrade of this type it would be a remap and not some dodgy compromised tuning box.


 ??? Ok so when you buy a new car you have options, say leather or cloth seats. Do you have to tell your insurance company which options are fitted ? same with different radios from the factory etc. What do you do with cars which have an option of chrome or black headlights ? the list could be very long depending on the car.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 September 2013, 11:18:53
Further digging shows two options, a mild upgrade and a slightly more full on.

The mild upgrade is a software remap

The fuller upgrade is a software remap plus some cooling mods.

Both are based on new ECU software and not a 'tuning box'

Its an inference but I wouldn't mind betting that somebody wanted one with the factory upgrade and the dealer screwed up and bodged it with a box.......warranty beware! (and a BMW of that age with no warranty is worth much less than the book price.....and that may possibly be why its much cheaper)
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 September 2013, 11:21:28
May be a dealer fitted item item which again should be covered. There are many instances of dealer specials which are no more to insure. That said it is usually just a boot spoiler or similar.
As we all know trying to find 2 identical bmw is quite hard, so how do the insurance companies deal with them ?

Never

The manufacturer wont warrant that, if there was an approved upgrade of this type it would be a remap and not some dodgy compromised tuning box.


 ??? Ok so when you buy a new car you have options, say leather or cloth seats. Do you have to tell your insurance company which options are fitted ? same with different radios from the factory etc. What do you do with cars which have an option of chrome or black headlights ? the list could be very long depending on the car.

Its the difference between a manufacturer supplied/approved mod and a non approved mod (note I am not refering to insurance simply the warranty side).

Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Kevin Wood on 26 September 2013, 11:23:38
Quote
produces a signature, highly-emotional “exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions

Oh, dear. ::)

As said, a proper factory upgrade would be tuned via a different ECU config, since the only reason for "bodge box" is that you don't have access to the ECU config.

I would check for anything non-standard around the engine electronics and walk away if I found anything.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 26 September 2013, 13:30:51
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.

Ah, Del.. Speaking of BMWs, a question for you - two guys at work are both looking at 320d's (F30 and F31); any glaring issues to worry about off the top of your head? One of them (F31) is looking at buying brand new from the dealer so not much of an issue for him - the other is looking at an 80,000 mile 2010 car..

Timing chains, don't have a 2.0 diesel BMW, unless it's got warranty! Personally I wouldn't get a new 3 Series, I'd push and have the new 5 if he can stretch.

Were 335i all autos or was that 335d?  :-\

The 335i was also available as a 6 Speed manual, and towards the end of production the DCT dual clutch box.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 26 September 2013, 13:36:13
I should point out BMW do, do various 'BMW Performance' line upgrades from the factory (but to be fitted at the dealer), however as previously said they would definitely not use a box, and they tend to give an ECU remap, alter cooling systems slightly and on petrol models usually an exhaust system. For example if you go to order a new F10 520d, they could well ask if you'd like the performance pack for a bit extra, which will give you an extra 20 or so BHP :y.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2013, 13:37:55
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.

Ah, Del.. Speaking of BMWs, a question for you - two guys at work are both looking at 320d's (F30 and F31); any glaring issues to worry about off the top of your head? One of them (F31) is looking at buying brand new from the dealer so not much of an issue for him - the other is looking at an 80,000 mile 2010 car..

Timing chains, don't have a 2.0 diesel BMW, unless it's got warranty! Personally I wouldn't get a new 3 Series, I'd push and have the new 5 if he can stretch.

Were 335i all autos or was that 335d?  :-\

The 335i was also available as a 6 Speed manual, and towards the end of production the DCT dual clutch box.

Ahh proper gearbox  :y
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 26 September 2013, 13:38:43
As traffic increases and accidents/holdups become more frequent, I'm beginning to wonder if there's any point at all in having a performance car.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: tunnie on 26 September 2013, 13:40:17
As traffic increases and accidents/holdups become more frequent, I'm beginning to wonder if there's any point at all in having a performance car.

Course there is, people need to pass old farts like you  :y :y  ;D ;D
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: MR MISTER on 26 September 2013, 13:44:44
As traffic increases and accidents/holdups become more frequent, I'm beginning to wonder if there's any point at all in having a performance car.

Course there is, people need to pass old farts like you  :y :y  ;D ;D
All that's in front of me, Mark, is more of me, going nowhere.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: 05omegav6 on 26 September 2013, 13:51:07
As traffic increases and accidents/holdups become more frequent, I'm beginning to wonder if there's any point at all in having a performance car.

Course there is, people need to pass old farts like you  :y :y  ;D ;D
All that's in front of me, Mark, is more of me, going nowhere, straight down the middle of the road at 25 mph...
But as the gaps get smaller you need more power to exploit them :y
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: aaronjb on 26 September 2013, 14:53:56
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.

Ah, Del.. Speaking of BMWs, a question for you - two guys at work are both looking at 320d's (F30 and F31); any glaring issues to worry about off the top of your head? One of them (F31) is looking at buying brand new from the dealer so not much of an issue for him - the other is looking at an 80,000 mile 2010 car..

Timing chains, don't have a 2.0 diesel BMW, unless it's got warranty! Personally I wouldn't get a new 3 Series, I'd push and have the new 5 if he can stretch.

Ta :) I thought the 3 & 5 series had the same 2.0d engine though, the N47? (Which a quick google does indeed show is plagued by timing chain failures); or are you saying get a 525/530/etc diesel rather than any 2.0d BMW?
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: 05omegav6 on 26 September 2013, 15:01:33
My understanding is to avoid the four cylinder diesels.  :-\

Current 2.5 is a four pot, so go 3.0 or 3.5 :-\
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 26 September 2013, 15:32:10
And car tax on the 335 is £475 a year. Just got reg number and it is a 57 not a 59 but it was serviced and mot'd today and genuine mileage is 13200.

I am straight off to Berlin after I get back from t'north so will not be able to get to it for a few days. No point asking any more questions from seller's dad I think.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 26 September 2013, 15:51:02
Manual or auto? If auto will it shag the box?

It won't knacker the box, auto boxes on those are pretty strong.

Ah, Del.. Speaking of BMWs, a question for you - two guys at work are both looking at 320d's (F30 and F31); any glaring issues to worry about off the top of your head? One of them (F31) is looking at buying brand new from the dealer so not much of an issue for him - the other is looking at an 80,000 mile 2010 car..

Timing chains, don't have a 2.0 diesel BMW, unless it's got warranty! Personally I wouldn't get a new 3 Series, I'd push and have the new 5 if he can stretch.

Ta :) I thought the 3 & 5 series had the same 2.0d engine though, the N47? (Which a quick google does indeed show is plagued by timing chain failures); or are you saying get a 525/530/etc diesel rather than any 2.0d BMW?

They are the same unit, however the 5 Series is a lot more refined than the new 3 Series.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: aaronjb on 26 September 2013, 17:09:26
They are the same unit, however the 5 Series is a lot more refined than the new 3 Series.

Cheers Del.. I have now completely ruined at least one person's day as he has no clue what to buy now ;D  :-[
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: Del Boy on 26 September 2013, 18:03:54
They are the same unit, however the 5 Series is a lot more refined than the new 3 Series.

Cheers Del.. I have now completely ruined at least one person's day as he has no clue what to buy now ;D  :-[

Thing you've also got to bear in mind is, the new 5 comes as standard with Nav, Bluetooth, Xenons, heated seats, leather, the lot. If you spec up a 3 Series you pay pretty much the price of a standard 5 Series which has more than enough kit that you'll ever need.
Title: Re: BMW 335i power upgrade
Post by: pscocoa on 27 September 2013, 15:55:10
Thanks Del - you seem to be right also for older 5 series in having better spec than the 3 for similar money. Must take closer look.