Riaad
Events Organiser
Maybe at the next meet 🤞
-
Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
Riaad's 330d
- Thread starter Riaad
- Start date
Big_L
Member
Not sure how I missed this thread but your car looks amazing bud! Perfection is the best word to describe it.Looks like I missed the annual post for 2023, Just ticked past 3 years of ownership...so its prudent to post an update on how things have been going.
I'll start by saying the parts collection has grown, but 'mostly' haven't been fitted
Since the last post in 2022, She has been moving along nicely and attended what must be the last BMWfanatics KZN event
Can't not post a pic of a M4 CSL
Over the December (2022) holidays, I took the time to pull off the intake (as my new job was a mere 3kms journey, and although I drove around aimlessly most days to get in a decent heat cycle, on occasion this was not possible). Too my surprise, the intake had minimal soot, which was cleaned off and refitted.
As Christmas gift to myself, I managed to find a set of ACS springs - Not many people have these locally given the price point vs H&R or Eibach alternatives. From my reviews, the ACS springs offer the smallest drop vs the alternatives, but in return they don't compromise comfort and shock deterioration whilst significantly improving the handling over stock.
2023 left zero time for anything car related, SO had taken up a job in JHB, and with my project commitments, resulted in a lot of travel between DBN/JHB. Her job also came along with a Car Allowance/Benefit, which meant the 330d and X1 lived in Durban, and the X1 becoming my daily commuter.
Feeling like the 330d wasn't getting the love it deserved, I sourced a Carbon Fiber Mperformance diffuser, but unfortunitely I could not get it to fit, and did not want to risk breaking it, so I opted to swap that out for a plastic 'more aggressive' mperformance style diffuser and side sills...The Carbon did look great - a mod I may go back to at some point.
Closing out 2023, we moved up full time to JHB, which meant the 330d made the trip up in December, and the X1 was left behind in DBN (taken over by my Dad).
On to 2024...A random issue that was present at time of purchase was starting to bug me, and that was the AC shutting down when the car was stationary. The codes suggested that the refrigerant was either low or over filled. Had the AC regassed at BMW, however the issue persisted. Fortunately this 'issue' did not give any issues in performance, or cooling of the engine whilst in Durban. However given that JHB is prone to far worse traffic and higher ambient temperatures, I could not run the risk of running into any over heating issues. It was therefore a top priority of mine, I started off by replacing the electric fan relay - a relatively inexpensive exercise which took a few mins to swap in, however no success - this left me with no choice but to replace the electric fan itself ...a relatively expensive exercise. Fortunately this has remedied the issue and Aircon works as it should ...which was much needed with the heat JHB experienced earlier this year.
Random Pic alongside the newly acquired F10 from a fellow fanatic (will hopefully get down to creating a new thread for this)...
And now...the highlight...
After having the ACS springs boxed for well over a year, I finally got down to getting them installed!
A common mistake when lowering springs are fitted to f3x model is that the original bump stops are retained (when paired with stock shocks), given that lowering springs are shorter than the stock springs, the bump stops are engaged at most times, therefore rendering the springs useless - this leads to complaints that the comfort is lost. A quick fix is to cut a section off the original bump stop, these bump stops are progressive by design, and given the years of wear and tear they would experience on our roads, I opted to do things the right way...which is replacing them with F8x M bump stops, these are shorter than the f3x version and work perfectly with lowering springs. At under R1k for the set, this was a no brainer imo. As seen below, the rears were is rough shape...after a mere 80k kms. Happy to report, the original shocks are still good.
...and I am rather pleased to say, that she is sitting perfectly especially with the OEM 788m wheels!
Handling has improved significantly, cornering is much more composed and 'flat', and the front end no longer gets 'loose' on harder acceleration. In terms of comfort, I'd say it feels slightly stiffer (that said, I don't normally drive on poor roads with this car), if I had to draw a comparison, the F30 with ACS springs is still more comfortable than the stock e90 msport suspension.
Some pics taken at a recent Rennzport breakfast run...Its rather difficult to walk away without turning back these days 😍
Hopefully I have some more time on my hands in the near future and can dive into my parts collections...
Things to fit: F8x steering wheel and paddles, Mperf Carbon trims, Colour matched Mperf Side Sills
Things to source: F8x M Calipers - if anyone happens to have a lead on a set of these in good condition...please drop me a PM
And that brings this update to a close...with this milestone.
Finally seen this car in the flesh and man it's a beaut. Sits perfect and condition is brilliant with tasteful mods.
Well done bro.
Sent from my SM-S928B using Tapatalk
Well done bro.
Sent from my SM-S928B using Tapatalk
StrollingCoal
Active member
Man, this car is so perfect in person. I drove behind you at Polofields on Saturday in the blue 420d and all I can say is wow 🤌
Riaad
Events Organiser
haha thanks bud, I recall a f32 pulling up next to me....should have said Hi.
I was randomly driving up and down the R55 as my steering was slightly off center post the alignment ...so they guys at were trying to dial that back in (took a couple of attempts).
Camiel Singh
Member
Try Tyremart Fourways if your alignment is still off. I have used them a few times and no issues so far.
Riaad
Events Organiser
It's gone🫣...and the bumper was looking rather sad without anything, so put on a set of temporary GB splitters...these aren't touching (with the necessary precautions).
Likely will change to CF splitters.
It's unlikely to source ACS springs now, they were around 10k though when bmw used to supply them.
Holiman
Well-known member
Lovely lovely thread. Throw on the CD and m3 mirrors and you have yourself a looker.Looks like I missed the annual post for 2023
I'll start by saying the parts collection has grown, but 'mostly' haven't been fitted
Since the last post in 2022, She has been moving along nicely and attended what must be the last BMWfanatics KZN event
Can't not post a pic of a M4 CSL
Over the December (2022) holidays, I took the time to pull off the intake (as my new job was a mere 3kms journey, and although I drove around aimlessly most days to get in a decent heat cycle, on occasion this was not possible). Too my surprise, the intake had minimal soot, which was cleaned off and refitted.
As Christmas gift to myself, I managed to find a set of ACS springs - Not many people have these locally given the price point vs H&R or Eibach alternatives. From my reviews, the ACS springs offer the smallest drop vs the alternatives, but in return they don't compromise comfort and shock deterioration whilst significantly improving the handling over stock.
2023 left zero time for anything car related, SO had taken up a job in JHB, and with my project commitments, resulted in a lot of travel between DBN/JHB. Her job also came along with a Car Allowance/Benefit, which meant the 330d and X1 lived in Durban, and the X1 becoming my daily commuter.
Feeling like the 330d wasn't getting the love it deserved, I sourced a Carbon Fiber Mperformance diffuser, but unfortunitely I could not get it to fit, and did not want to risk breaking it, so I opted to swap that out for a plastic 'more aggressive' mperformance style diffuser and side sills...The Carbon did look great - a mod I may go back to at some point.
Closing out 2023, we moved up full time to JHB, which meant the 330d made the trip up in December, and the X1 was left behind in DBN (taken over by my Dad).
On to 2024...A random issue that was present at time of purchase was starting to bug me, and that was the AC shutting down when the car was stationary. The codes suggested that the refrigerant was either low or over filled. Had the AC regassed at BMW, however the issue persisted. Fortunately this 'issue' did not give any issues in performance, or cooling of the engine whilst in Durban. However given that JHB is prone to far worse traffic and higher ambient temperatures, I could not run the risk of running into any over heating issues. It was therefore a top priority of mine, I started off by replacing the electric fan relay - a relatively inexpensive exercise which took a few mins to swap in, however no success - this left me with no choice but to replace the electric fan itself ...a relatively expensive exercise. Fortunately this has remedied the issue and Aircon works as it should ...which was much needed with the heat JHB experienced earlier this year.
Random Pic alongside the newly acquired F10 from a fellow fanatic (will hopefully get down to creating a new thread for this)...
And now...the highlight...
After having the ACS springs boxed for well over a year, I finally got down to getting them installed!
A common mistake when lowering springs are fitted to f3x model is that the original bump stops are retained (when paired with stock shocks), given that lowering springs are shorter than the stock springs, the bump stops are engaged at most times, therefore rendering the springs useless - this leads to complaints that the comfort is lost. A quick fix is to cut a section off the original bump stop, these bump stops are progressive by design, and given the years of wear and tear they would experience on our roads, I opted to do things the right way...which is replacing them with F8x M bump stops, these are shorter than the f3x version and work perfectly with lowering springs. At under R1k for the set, this was a no brainer imo. As seen below, the rears were is rough shape...after a mere 80k kms. Happy to report, the original shocks are still good.
...and I am rather pleased to say, that she is sitting perfectly especially with the OEM 788m wheels!
Handling has improved significantly, cornering is much more composed and 'flat', and the front end no longer gets 'loose' on harder acceleration. In terms of comfort, I'd say it feels slightly stiffer (that said, I don't normally drive on poor roads with this car), if I had to draw a comparison, the F30 with ACS springs is still more comfortable than the stock e90 msport suspension.
Some pics taken at a recent Rennzport breakfast run...Its rather difficult to walk away without turning back these days
Hopefully I have some more time on my hands in the near future and can dive into my parts collections...
Things to fit: F8x steering wheel and paddles, Mperf Carbon trims, Colour matched Mperf Side Sills
Things to source: F8x M Calipers - if anyone happens to have a lead on a set of these in good condition...please drop me a PM
And that brings this update to a close...with this milestone.
Quick question, the shorter m3 bump stops for the rears, how much shorter are they as compared to stock? Do you have a picture.
Having the same issue in the rear of the f20 and thinking of fitting the same.
Sent from my SM-S921B using Tapatalk
Riaad
Events Organiser
Thanks bud.
Everything you need to know about bump stops is here : https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1621134
Rear stops, f30 on the left, f8x in the middle.
Riaad
Events Organiser
Yep.
Fender : 20mm front, 15mm rear.
*middle of splitter went from 120mm of the ground to 100mm. The corners are 10mm higher.
Riaad
Events Organiser
Time to bring this thread back up to speed, picking up where we left off in mid 2024...
This F30 has always been pampered for, and presented really well. Since I took ownership, I had been meaning to get the car detailed and ceramic coated - but never got down to it. @Kyle recommended I try Sbo from Detail Logic. I had him detail the F10 as well as the F25 and was impressed.
I opted to get the F30 done, but this was going to get the FULL treatment. Took us a while to align our schedules, but eventually it was done in November 2024.
The wheels off detail took about 5 days, the car and wheels were polished and ceramic coated with Naisol ZR53. The car did have partial front VPS which, which was replaced with PPF.
Love the fact that these headlights have been protected since new, this pic is just after the VPS was removed, and they are in pristine condition !
This was the perfect time to remove the aftermarket carbon spoiler and fit on the OEM Mperf Carbon Spoiler I had in my parts collection🫣.
* quite liked the no spoiler look + aggressive diffuser
The aftermarket GB grills were looking tired, and as luck would have it, a brand new set of OEM Mperf grills appeared on FB marketplace...Did not realise the Mperf grills had fewer slats, they definitely make the front end look more aggressive.
The full carbon splitter was hanging on for dear life, I decided to remove this so that the bumper could be PPFd fully. The no splitter look lasted a few days, opted to fit a set of GB splitters as a temporary solution...these are still on the car, and have not scraped yet. So I think the time to order some Carbon Splitters is near (but contemplating some other options)
Extremely happy with the outcome, The Minerals in Mineral Grey really do pop and one can only appreciate this in person.
Some pics towards the end of the year.
This brings us to the December break, and I had some items lined up
First up (with the objective of reducing the parts collection) was to fit the "New" F8x steering wheel and Paddles. I opted to DIY as there are countless YouTube videos with step by step instructions...needless to say, its not as straight forward. Took many pics on how the wiring within the wheel is done, and replicated it.
I highly recommend the F8x wheel to F3x owners, something I have not seen mentioned before is that the F8x steering wheel is a lot firmer than the F3x. F3x feels very spongey in comparison (I also checked against the F10 and F25). Overall it feels much better in the hands, coupled with the F8x paddles ...its a winner.
Next up...was bringing the interior to current times - Android Auto/Apple Carplay.
This is pretty much essential in GP as Waze is a must have. Mobile cameras and roadblocks occur daily, and its just a frustration to deal with. German cars are pretty much guaranteed to be stopped.
As usual, I did extensive research into the various MMI units available, being a tech guy, I simply can not deal with laggy interfaces or dodgy connections and having HK, I did not want to compromise on the sound quality.
Stumbled across Mr12Volt, they make various units for premium brands (BMW, Merc, Porsche, etc), with extensive R&D to integrate with the OEM setup as best as possible, and best of all, its not an auxiliary sound connection. These units are not availably locally so I knew I would need to import.
Around mid 2024 I noticed Evolve Automotive started releasing videos on these units, turns out they were now retailers. Evolve does offer worldwide shipping, coupled with the Black November sale...I pulled the trigger (total landed cost worked out to just under R8k).
For the F series, these units are only compatible with NBT ID4/5, and require the TV function to be enabled, this is easily done with Bimmercode.
I opted to DIY this as well. As most of the trims were never removed in my car, things were tight and required some patience, took my time and did the install. However when I turned things on, everything was blank on the idrive which caused a feel skips of my heart 🫣 . There were no errors on the dash and the unit did have power. Therefore I redid the install but still had the black screen of death.
Contacted Evolve, and they were happy to refund, however I was set on using the Mr12volt unit, so requested a new unit. This was shipped at their cost (I had to pay for customs). Installed the new unit and Success !
Very happy with this, its lag free, works like OEM as it has its own dedicated input (tv mode), the SQ is perfect as these tap into the optical network
And that brings us to 2025 ...coming up is a gearbox and diff service.
This F30 has always been pampered for, and presented really well. Since I took ownership, I had been meaning to get the car detailed and ceramic coated - but never got down to it. @Kyle recommended I try Sbo from Detail Logic. I had him detail the F10 as well as the F25 and was impressed.
I opted to get the F30 done, but this was going to get the FULL treatment. Took us a while to align our schedules, but eventually it was done in November 2024.
The wheels off detail took about 5 days, the car and wheels were polished and ceramic coated with Naisol ZR53. The car did have partial front VPS which, which was replaced with PPF.
Love the fact that these headlights have been protected since new, this pic is just after the VPS was removed, and they are in pristine condition !
This was the perfect time to remove the aftermarket carbon spoiler and fit on the OEM Mperf Carbon Spoiler I had in my parts collection🫣.
* quite liked the no spoiler look + aggressive diffuser
The aftermarket GB grills were looking tired, and as luck would have it, a brand new set of OEM Mperf grills appeared on FB marketplace...Did not realise the Mperf grills had fewer slats, they definitely make the front end look more aggressive.
The full carbon splitter was hanging on for dear life, I decided to remove this so that the bumper could be PPFd fully. The no splitter look lasted a few days, opted to fit a set of GB splitters as a temporary solution...these are still on the car, and have not scraped yet. So I think the time to order some Carbon Splitters is near (but contemplating some other options)
Extremely happy with the outcome, The Minerals in Mineral Grey really do pop and one can only appreciate this in person.
Some pics towards the end of the year.
This brings us to the December break, and I had some items lined up
First up (with the objective of reducing the parts collection) was to fit the "New" F8x steering wheel and Paddles. I opted to DIY as there are countless YouTube videos with step by step instructions...needless to say, its not as straight forward. Took many pics on how the wiring within the wheel is done, and replicated it.
I highly recommend the F8x wheel to F3x owners, something I have not seen mentioned before is that the F8x steering wheel is a lot firmer than the F3x. F3x feels very spongey in comparison (I also checked against the F10 and F25). Overall it feels much better in the hands, coupled with the F8x paddles ...its a winner.
Next up...was bringing the interior to current times - Android Auto/Apple Carplay.
This is pretty much essential in GP as Waze is a must have. Mobile cameras and roadblocks occur daily, and its just a frustration to deal with. German cars are pretty much guaranteed to be stopped.
As usual, I did extensive research into the various MMI units available, being a tech guy, I simply can not deal with laggy interfaces or dodgy connections and having HK, I did not want to compromise on the sound quality.
Stumbled across Mr12Volt, they make various units for premium brands (BMW, Merc, Porsche, etc), with extensive R&D to integrate with the OEM setup as best as possible, and best of all, its not an auxiliary sound connection. These units are not availably locally so I knew I would need to import.
Around mid 2024 I noticed Evolve Automotive started releasing videos on these units, turns out they were now retailers. Evolve does offer worldwide shipping, coupled with the Black November sale...I pulled the trigger (total landed cost worked out to just under R8k).
For the F series, these units are only compatible with NBT ID4/5, and require the TV function to be enabled, this is easily done with Bimmercode.
I opted to DIY this as well. As most of the trims were never removed in my car, things were tight and required some patience, took my time and did the install. However when I turned things on, everything was blank on the idrive which caused a feel skips of my heart 🫣 . There were no errors on the dash and the unit did have power. Therefore I redid the install but still had the black screen of death.
Contacted Evolve, and they were happy to refund, however I was set on using the Mr12volt unit, so requested a new unit. This was shipped at their cost (I had to pay for customs). Installed the new unit and Success !
Very happy with this, its lag free, works like OEM as it has its own dedicated input (tv mode), the SQ is perfect as these tap into the optical network
And that brings us to 2025 ...coming up is a gearbox and diff service.
momo1
Well-known member
Awesome upgrade! I've been wanting to do the same for a while but other things have always came up that took priority, hopefully this year.Time to bring this thread back up to speed, picking up where we left off in mid 2024...
This F30 has always been pampered for, and presented really well. Since I took ownership, I had been meaning to get the car detailed and ceramic coated - but never got down to it. @Kyle recommended I try Sbo from Detail Logic. I had him detail the F10 as well as the F25 and was impressed.
I opted to get the F30 done, but this was going to get the FULL treatment. Took us a while to align our schedules, but eventually it was done in November 2024.
The wheels off detail took about 5 days, the car and wheels were polished and ceramic coated with Naisol ZR53. The car did have partial front VPS which, which was replaced with PPF.
Love the fact that these headlights have been protected since new, this pic is just after the VPS was removed, and they are in pristine condition !
This was the perfect time to remove the aftermarket carbon spoiler and fit on the OEM Mperf Carbon Spoiler I had in my parts collection🫣.
* quite liked the no spoiler look + aggressive diffuser
The aftermarket GB grills were looking tired, and as luck would have it, a brand new set of OEM Mperf grills appeared on FB marketplace...Did not realise the Mperf grills had fewer slats, they definitely make the front end look more aggressive.
The full carbon splitter was hanging on for dear life, I decided to remove this so that the bumper could be PPFd fully. The no splitter look lasted a few days, opted to fit a set of GB splitters as a temporary solution...these are still on the car, and have not scraped yet. So I think the time to order some Carbon Splitters is near (but contemplating some other options)
Extremely happy with the outcome, The Minerals in Mineral Grey really do pop and one can only appreciate this in person.
Some pics towards the end of the year.
This brings us to the December break, and I had some items lined up
First up (with the objective of reducing the parts collection) was to fit the "New" F8x steering wheel and Paddles. I opted to DIY as there are countless YouTube videos with step by step instructions...needless to say, its not as straight forward. Took many pics on how the wiring within the wheel is done, and replicated it.
I highly recommend the F8x wheel to F3x owners, something I have not seen mentioned before is that the F8x steering wheel is a lot firmer than the F3x. F3x feels very spongey in comparison (I also checked against the F10 and F25). Overall it feels much better in the hands, coupled with the F8x paddles ...its a winner.
Next up...was bringing the interior to current times - Android Auto/Apple Carplay.
This is pretty much essential in GP as Waze is a must have. Mobile cameras and roadblocks occur daily, and its just a frustration to deal with. German cars are pretty much guaranteed to be stopped.
As usual, I did extensive research into the various MMI units available, being a tech guy, I simply can not deal with laggy interfaces or dodgy connections and having HK, I did not want to compromise on the sound quality.
Stumbled across Mr12Volt, they make various units for premium brands (BMW, Merc, Porsche, etc), with extensive R&D to integrate with the OEM setup as best as possible, and best of all, its not an auxiliary sound connection. These units are not availably locally so I knew I would need to import.
Around mid 2024 I noticed Evolve Automotive started releasing videos on these units, turns out they were now retailers. Evolve does offer worldwide shipping, coupled with the Black November sale...I pulled the trigger (total landed cost worked out to just under R8k).
For the F series, these units are only compatible with NBT ID4/5, and require the TV function to be enabled, this is easily done with Bimmercode.
I opted to DIY this as well. As most of the trims were never removed in my car, things were tight and required some patience, took my time and did the install. However when I turned things on, everything was blank on the idrive which caused a feel skips of my heart 🫣 . There were no errors on the dash and the unit did have power. Therefore I redid the install but still had the black screen of death.
Contacted Evolve, and they were happy to refund, however I was set on using the Mr12volt unit, so requested a new unit. This was shipped at their cost (I had to pay for customs). Installed the new unit and Success !
Very happy with this, its lag free, works like OEM as it has its own dedicated input (tv mode), the SQ is perfect as these tap into the optical network
And that brings us to 2025 ...coming up is a gearbox and diff service.
Riaad
Events Organiser
Yep, hard to go back once you get used to having AA or CP, and it really does make the car feel modern (not that its that old in the first place)
