[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by mecheng77

What’s so special about pre LCI wiper arms?

Pre-LCI (specifically, pre-2010) wiper arms are slightly beefier and look more "premium" compared to the LCI arms which basically look like they came off a Ford Transit. They also move the arms lower into the hood/cowl while keeping the same mounting position for the blades so they are less visible/intrusive while driving. This really only effects sedans as coupe arms are completely hidden from the cabin, LCI or not. It's a minor "upgrade" but a upgrade to me none the less.

Originally Posted by Cpet

Never heard others' opinions on this before, but I prefer the look of LCI wiper arms. They are much sleeker due to the thinness and straight design. The blades are extremely easy to swap, not sure if the old style is also that quick.

Interesting that the sedan retained the old style for 09, the first year of the facelift, before changing over in 2010.

Correct
2010 (prod 2009) was one of the hardest years hit by BMW cost cutting due to the global recession/market crash at the time. There are a lot of features missing or changed on 2010s that came standard on MY2009 and earlier. They are not huge features/changes and coincidently fly under the radar to consumers, but they are differences nonetheless and are noticed by enthusiasts. Most notable is the removal of factory prewiring for retrofits. MY2010+ basically have to create their own wiring or splice harnesses into existing factory wiring for small retrofits like factory alarms, front ashtray lights, and a few others while 2009 come prewired for many things.

Like I said, all minor differences and "Pre-LCI"/LCI wiper arms are just one of many. I guess if you were to pick one year to target on the used market when looking for a new e9x that had minimal cost cutting and had all previous features and upgrades to years prior it would be 2009 but 2010 also introduced a lot of minor improvements so it is really a double-edged sword, pick-your-poison kind of debate; let's not bring 2011 into this however

In regards to blade servicing on Pre-LCI arms, it is possibly equally as easy if not, just a hair more inconvenient than LCI arms. LCI arms use a "button" and clip system that slide the blade off when pressed while Pre-LCI arms use a cover that unclips from the arms, which retains the wipers, otherwise they would slide off just as easily. However, we are talking about maybe 15 seconds to service Pre-LCI arms vs 12 to service LCIs. The worst you fear servicing Pre-LCI arms are maybe a chipped thumbnail and 10 extra seconds of your time
A trade-off I will gladly pay for distinctly designed arms that "look" more premium and "fit" a $50k luxury sport sedan

As stated previously, the Pre-LCI arms sit lower into the hood and are less intrusive while driving. The LCI arms are indeed sleeker/thinner but are basically 100% visible from the cabin which was unacceptable to me if there is an alternative. To 99% of the population, this doesn't matter but I have too much time on my hands and live in the first world so I reserve my entitlement to care about such things

Originally Posted by fazm

Let's see some pics!!!

I was about to go snap a pic of my new arms for you but the storms picked up and it dark out now and unfortunately it is too cozy inside to go outside now



I did however service my OCC in the rain today about an hours prior
It was about half full; working as intended

[FimbulWinter]

Originally Posted by GnomeChild

I was about to go snap a pic of my new arms for you but the storms picked up and it dark out now and unfortunately it is too cozy inside to go outside now



I did however service my OCC in the rain today about an hours prior
It was about half full; working as intended

Wait I didn’t notice that the wiper is that visible in my lci from the driver seat, tho I notice the passanger side is too high for my preference when looking from outside

[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by FimbulWinter

Wait I didn’t notice that the wiper is that visible in my lci from the driver seat, tho I notice the passanger side is too high for my preference when looking from outside

It is really subjective

The LCI arms are thin and sleek and are less intrusive so even though they are visible they don't obstruct anything. Pre-LCI arms are completely invisible from the cabin and all you see/notice is the wiper blade/arm cap. I may have to adjust my driver's arm down a spline as it seems a little high in resting position but my passenger position is pretty much perfect. Really the "retrofit" was everything I could have asked for in regards to my wiper preferences. I am a little embarrassed that last sentence was something that I've ever pieced together and verbally admitted but like I said before:

I live in the first world and reserve the right to have these preferences

[Karlos20945]

Had a dipped headlight bulb blow the other night, so changed them both today for a pair of Phillips Racing Vision GT200 bulbs. When I took the old ones out, I saw that one was another Phillips upgrade bulb (although not as bright) and the other was a Bosch long life. Yet to go out in the dark yet, but I’m sure the difference will be noticeable.

[E91_AKD]

Car has been garaged this past month and enjoying the daily gas saver Camry. Picked up some rubbers, let’s see how these Proxes Sports play. Waiting on Turner Motorsport resonator and muffler delete kit, SPL front adjustable arms and rear subframe & diff solid bushings.

[jsunma]

Originally Posted by E91_AKD

rear subframe & diff solid bushings.

It's been pretty widely reported that non-OEM bushings for the E91 rear subframe are too harsh. Curious to hear your report on that.

[E91_AKD]

Originally Posted by jsunma

It's been pretty widely reported that non-OEM bushings for the E91 rear subframe are too harsh. Curious to hear your report on that.

Yeah I’m curious as heck now based off your reply. I guess if I deem it necessary from the drive I’ll create reinforcement plates for critical areas if at all possible or do a rear end swap.

[E91_AKD]

Originally Posted by jsunma

It's been pretty widely reported that non-OEM bushings for the E91 rear subframe are too harsh. Curious to hear your report on that.

Also now that you mention it. Just having the adjustable solid bushing rear arms and links, it almost feels too rigid with not enough give when needed or when expected and I admit I do get scared for longevity of my rear end’s integrity with these stiffer parts.

[fazm]

I drove to Houston and some of the way back with the whole family, our luggage, and the car box on top. Post MILVs install, the car is definitely stronger earlier and faster through the rev range. I can't wait to do the tune with 22rpd.

The car was a joy on the interstate today and I'm looking forward to finishing the drive home tomorrow. I'll get started pulling together images for the install.

Wagon Pic for reference:

[CornerGorillaPit]

Originally Posted by jsunma

It's been pretty widely reported that non-OEM bushings for the E91 rear subframe are too harsh. Curious to hear your report on that.

I am curious as well. I have aluminum on my E46 touring and it's like a band saw at different pitch for each gear I want this one to be civilized.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by GnomeChild

That being said, my HVAC panel/trim seems to be a little loose now after reinstall and I don't believe it ever was before...
I tried removing and refitting multiple times but it was loose everytime; it uses a pretty primitive mount on each side and doesn't appear like any clips are broken so I'm kinda stumped

Replace those square hard rubber pieces where the pins go into. Same happens with the trim on the door. I wish I new that you are looking for RPS button. I have it. Also,on that trim you can ad or removed switches. They all use one cable that plugs into the hvac controller. I have done few CIC retrofits while ago and that’s what I remember.

[GnomeChild]

Originally Posted by feuer

Replace those square hard rubber pieces where the pins go into. Same happens with the trim on the door.

To clarify, I'm talking about the trim/bezel circled below, not the woodgrain trim or lower radio trim/bezel (I did already have to replace a few of those square plastic "bushings" that the trim spikes go into since a few were broken; mine were blue in the dash and white/opaque on the doors)



I don't know if it was loose before and I never previously deliberately intended to test if it was like I did post installation so I'm unsure if it's normally supposed to be a little loose/jiggle around or not. A little electrical tape to act as a buffer/"bushing" inside the clip cavity where the HVAC panel mounts seems to have fixed it but it's just left me wondering if that panel was loose from the factory or if I damaged something upon removal/reinstallation. Kinda busted if it's factory loose, you wouldn't expect that on a $50k (luxury) sport sedan

I wish I new that you are looking for RPS button. I have it. Also,on that trim you can ad or removed switches. They all use one cable that plugs into the hvac controller. I have done few CIC retrofits while ago and that’s what I remember.

I was previously tempted to buy the button kit brand new to make my own button stack but I noticed that even on those, there will be provisions for the green LEDs even if the button is false/black. The only way to get a clean lower button stack without any extra LEDs is to source it from a vehicle without the other options and strictly only including the Rear Sunshade button. That means no Euro vehicles (no front PDC, Hill decent assist) or Pre-LCIs (Heated seats in the corners). I'm a retrofit fanatic but I don't ever see myself installing any of those other functions

Wish I knew you had the button panel as I always prefer supporting forum members when I can but I also doubt you could have beat the $20 shipped that I managed to get my stack for

[Tommb]

Sorry, nothing today, washed it three days ago

[E92only]

I was about to change out my fuel pressure regulator for a new one when I noticed this. I’m in socal and we had some good rainfall this past month. I think my sunroof drains are all clogged because I’m getting water in the driver side and passenger front as well. I joined the Apex group buy for some SM-10RS wheels and will inspect the drains once my style 193 come off. Speaking of which, they will be for sale shortly! Any input as to how to remove this whole fungi ecosystem would be appreciated.

[E92only]

Originally Posted by E92only

I was about to change out my fuel pressure regulator for a new one when I noticed this. I’m in socal and we had some good rainfall this past month. I think my sunroof drains are all clogged because I’m getting water in the driver side and passenger front as well. I joined the Apex group buy for some SM-10RS wheels and will inspect the drains once my style 193 come off. Speaking of which, they will be for sale shortly! Any input as to how to remove this whole fungi ecosystem would be appreciated.

yuck

[P14kle]

Replaced both driveshafts (CV axle shafts for you USA members) along with new Propshaft Centre Bearing.

Chasing a horrible vibration on acceleration in 2nd and 3rd Gears. (6speed Manual)

Culprit was Centre Bearing, (16yrs old!) And had torn around the rubber surround in 3x places.



Horrible set of jobs to do with just axle stands lying on your back on driveway. Muscle ache this evening, relieved with a few beers in celebration.

*also managed to pop a new fuel filter on whilst under there* 👍

07' 320d e91

[Hoody007]

Picked up an oil pan for the E90 - $100!
Next week it goes in for the oil pan and rod bearing replacement.

[tcphoto]

I installed the aftermarket Sport bumper on the E92, I had to fight it in order to fit reasonably well. Those two top screws on the sides that go into the fender were a pain, it nearly beat me into submission. I'll have to do some pictures next week but will post a quick snapshot.

[GnomeChild]

Opened the trunk to throw more retrofit parts in there

This time I have rear backup camera and 4G Combox on the agenda

[Karlos20945]

Experienced the dreaded DSC light flashing away and cutting all the power. Research suggested the reluctor rings were probably to blame. Car jacked up and both rear ABS sensors removed. A quick spin of each driveshaft showed shiny spots on both left and right rings. Small penny washers applied to each sensor to buy me some more time before getting the rings replaced.

[GnomeChild]

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by E92only

I was about to change out my fuel pressure regulator for a new one when I noticed this. I’m in socal and we had some good rainfall this past month. I think my sunroof drains are all clogged because I’m getting water in the driver side and passenger front as well. I joined the Apex group buy for some SM-10RS wheels and will inspect the drains once my style 193 come off. Speaking of which, they will be for sale shortly! Any input as to how to remove this whole fungi ecosystem would be appreciated.

You should check your battery compartment at the trunk too. Water accumulates there eventually corroding the pass through connections to the wheel well.

A mold remover/preventer spray for fabrics may help with cleanup. The red stains looks like rust, but it could be the picture colors. It would be good to peel of the trunk to back seat coverings and see what is the real damage.