Need your honest feedback - 335i BMW

[psi_klops]

...how bad are they :)


(Elaboration) : I'm looking to purchase an 07/08 335i, but I have heard horror stories about their reliability, parts failing, and warranty committments.

Just wanted to know from all the Bimmer owners what their experience is.

Thanks!

[AMFH403]

I think they are fun to drive and they look pretty good. However, they do not like Husky 94 octane gas and fuel injectors/pumps fail a lot. They had a recall regarding the fuel pumps and the new updated one is supposed to be much better. BMW gallery is usually pretty good at warranty work and very reasonable to deal with. Anyways, good luck with your new vehicle search.

[Xtrema]

CPO or buy one with warranty left. You should have read enough HPFP issues up to 2010 and some 2011 model years.

While we are on the topic, stay away from all Audi vehicles with 3.0T engines made in 2010 or 2011 model years (S4, Q5, A6 etc).

Thermostat issues are stranding tons of people and causing doubts on reliability of these engines in the long run.

[R-Audi]

Originally posted by Xtrema

While we are on the topic, stay away from all Audi vehicles with 3.0T engines made in 2010 or 2011 model years (S4, Q5, A6 etc).

Thermostat issues are stranding tons of people and causing doubts on reliability of these engines in the long run.

Arent the pumps and thermostats being replaced with higher quality metal units? (Getting rid of the problem?)

[max_boost]

Beware the exploding sunroof! lol

[dimi]

Engine was great when it first came out, press gas -> instant boost -> instant go. Then wastegates and fuel pumps started to fail, so how does BMW solver the issue?

Reflash the ECU and make boost come on slower. I remember when the BMW was new, boost hit hard and full boost came by 1500 as advertised. Now its 2000+ rpm, really fucking annoys me.

Its a totally different car now for the worse. The instantness of the response is not there anymore. Automatic tranny is really good, I would get it over the manual. I've tried the manual and I am not a fan. Very long throws and not as precise, though I guess that is always the case when you are used to an S2000 shifting action.

Otherwise its a great car and its still very fast. I have raced a 6spd V8 S4, in an auto 335xi. It was close but still managed 1 car length.

Now install a GIAC reflash, and things change, DRAMATICALLY! But remember, the more boost you run, the more that fuel pump is gonna let go.

After about 40,000 km moms 335xi has been problem free. Tire sensor is very sensitive so its gone off a few times.

[psi_klops]

Good thing to know about the Audi's! Thanks Extrema.

..Exploding sunroofs ...Lol *sigh*

Are the fuel pumps/ injector issue a perminant fix once replaced or does the replacement simply reset the clock until the next failure?

The car I'm looking at has about 75K km... Is this car like lots of turboed cars....turbo's good to 100K then :dunno:

[psi_klops]

On a side note... this is what the problem is i am juggling.

I want a sports car but don't want to sacrifice the luxury.
...its seem the only cars/ brands that offer this well are too expensive. IE porsche.

I found the STI's too plain...A4 S4 not really sporty looking enough.

I like the 335 (maybe get a Dinan reflash).

What are your thoughts on an Evo X. I could get a newer one, and yes I know they are not in the same class, but your thoughts?

[rage2]

Evo X doesn't feel "luxurious" to me at all. Feels pretty cheap to be honest. Great car, but if you don't want to sacrifice luxury, Evo X definately isn't the way to go.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Why would an STi be too plain and an Evo X not? I'm just curious.

[redline]

I not going to say HPFP is not a problem... but i know a lot of people that have these cars that have never had a problem...

one friend had a 07 335i and he had intake, exhaust, and chipped and had 80km of trouble free use.

But as it has been said in this thread already.... dont own one with out warranty, any of the euro cars.... they all cost an arm and leg to fix.

[uptown.]

Be prepared to change the fuel pump 10 times a year

And how is a s4 not sporty enough?? What do you think the "S" in "S4" stands for

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by R-Audi


Arent the pumps and thermostats being replaced with higher quality metal units? (Getting rid of the problem?)

Pumps wasn't a recall and it only affected 2010 model before Jan 2010 build date. Mine showed up with higher quality metal unit from day 1.

Thermostat is an actual recall on all 3.0T engines regardless of build date. AoA will provide an extra year of warranty to original owner. AoC will only replace the thermostat.


Originally posted by uptown.
And how is a s4 not sporty enough?? What do you think the "S" in "S4" stands for

Its understated look isn't everyone's cup of tea.

[benyl]

Wastegates rattle.

Injectors fail.

Fuel pump fails.

If you are ok with those issues, then you should get one.

The E9X 3 series has lost a lot of the luxury factor IMO.

Auto is a great transmission, but you can get the DCT in the 335is. Plus the 335is comes with the N54 over the N55.

I kinda miss mine.

[Sorath]

great car... easily best car ive ever owned. just expensive to mod and fix if there are problems, havent had anything yet so far. they are pretty good on gas too, its the same if not better than my old rsx

[Speed_RaSiR]

Originally posted by psi_klops
...how bad are they :)


(Elaboration) : I'm looking to purchase an 07/08 335i, but I have heard horror stories about their reliability, parts failing, and warranty committments.

Just wanted to know from all the Bimmer owners what their experience is.

Thanks!

I've owned an E90 335, stupid fast car, however if you like traction don't get it. Moved to Audi for quattro for that reason.

The 335 handles great in the summer, but winter is like an icy death even with snow tires.

Can't really speak to any of the other issues as I had mine in warranty.

[psi_klops]

Hey Uptown, I'm not questioning the S4's performance in any respect, just the the body style (sedan) doesn't really ooze sports car to me..and an S5 is out of my league.

To Twin Cam, i think the interior of an evo is slightly better finished than an STI, but not by much ...just a few more buttons and leather/suede etc.

*sigh* why isn't there a car with Honda like reliability and Ferrari like performance with a Kia like price

[sneek]

I used to drive an E90 335i and it was a fantastic car to blast around the city with. It even gets reasonable fuel economy in the city. I had an 08 and the power comes on rather quickly. That said I had to have the turbo replaced (JB3), and the driver seat started to rip, but it was replaced on warranty. Also the clock was never right, other than all of that it is a pretty fun car. I would try to find a certified preowned.

[redline]

Originally posted by psi_klops
Hey Uptown, I'm not questioning the S4's performance in any respect, just the the body style (sedan) doesn't really ooze sports car to me..and an S5 is out of my league.



how is the S5 out of your league ? btw the 335, S4 and s5 are all a couple grand of each other?

[civic_rida]

I drove the 335i all winter no issues.
I was debating doing the flash in my car but dont see the need to just did the bmw performance exhaust instead to give it a different sound.
I love the look of the 335is so nice. Driven the s5 its nice but revs
high on the highway.

[psi_klops]

Originally posted by redline


how is the S5 out of your league ? btw the 335, S4 and s5 are all a couple grand of each other?

There are quite a few 335's for sale in the low $30K range. A comparable s4 /s5 is in the high $40-50k range.
I guess it's probably b/c there are a ton more 335's out there than audi's :dunno:

[dingmah]

Originally posted by psi_klops
I guess it's probably b/c there are a ton more 335's out there than audi's :dunno:
Understatement of the year, haha.

As far as HPFP issues goes, even some MY2011 (N55) owners have had their HPFPs fail on E90post.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by uptown.


And how is a s4 not sporty enough?? What do you think the "S" in "S4" stands for

Second to BMW?

:poosie:

[Manhattan]

Bumping an old thread. Any updates on reliability issues on E92? I'm thinking of getting one around the 50-70K mark.

How much would it cost to replace fuel injector? HPFP? Turbo?

[killramos]

Originally posted by Manhattan
Bumping an old thread. Any updates on reliability issues on E92? I'm thinking of getting one around the 50-70K mark.

How much would it cost to replace fuel injector? HPFP? Turbo?

The big question is N54 or N55 motor.

N55 is relatively solid, the N54 is a time bomb.

50-70k isn't going to be a problem for N55 for sure. probably not for an N54 either that has had the recalls done.

cant comment on repair prices but i believe $$$

[KRyn]

Originally posted by Manhattan
Bumping an old thread. Any updates on reliability issues on E92? I'm thinking of getting one around the 50-70K mark.

How much would it cost to replace fuel injector? HPFP? Turbo?


Injectors can be found for around $200-250 apiece. It is suggested you replace three at a time (although guys have done only one with no problems).

Turbos (the N54 is twin turbo) can be had for as little $800-1000 each. Lots of options on the market (aftermarket) to make big power. However, BMW quotes 17 hours to replace both. A good indy shop mechanic who has done this before should be able to do it in significantly less time.

I believe a HPFP only costs around $400-500 here in Canada?

Like killramos said, the N54 will likely require more maintenance and has the potential to fall apart. That said, if you are looking to make power the N54 is a better choice.

[SR54RNR]

if you're looking for a fun car, RELIABLE, luxury, 400+ horsepower, and to use as a 4-season daily driver, I'd suggest taking a look at the Lexus ISF
Used 2008-10 can be had in 30-40K range
(I have one and drive it daily year round)

[Manhattan]

Just to be clear N55 is 2009 and newer?

[KRyn]

Originally posted by Manhattan
Just to be clear N55 is 2009 and newer?


Incorrect, for the cars you are looking at see below, or THIS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N55) link.

2010-2013 E92 335i Coupé (2011 model year)
2010-2011 E90 335i Sedan (2011 model year)

[03ozwhip]

I just picked up an e90 N55 on Saturday and I love it, I have no comments on reliability yet, but I know that the car is awesome so far lol.

[Manhattan]

Originally posted by KRyn



Incorrect, for the cars you are looking at see below, or THIS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_N55) link.

2010-2013 E92 335i Coupé (2011 model year)
2010-2011 E90 335i Sedan (2011 model year)

Dang. With my budget I was considering 2007-2009 models.

[killramos]

It really is going to depend on your stomache for problems. Half of the BMW community swears the N55 is the inferior engine ( particularly for the reasons Kryn has mentioned). If you are ok with putting a few G aside for the eventual meltdown then the N54 could be ok for you. Or if you are interested in tuning the N54 will fair you better.

but if you just want a nice car to drive around stock i would look at something else. N54 is not for everyone, there is a reason it was discontinued.

[italianstylez]

i have an 07 E92, HPFP was done at 110ishkm in vancouver, before i got it at 122 i did water pump pump, thermostat and boost pressure converter, and spark plugs.
aside from WP and boost pressure converter ive had zero issues, and i am running 19psi daily, have JB4 stage 2 tuner, catless downpipes, full catless exhaust and muffler delete, nothing left but aftermarket resonators, and AFE intake, i drive mine hard day after day, only issue i have is blow by but meh.. maintain it, warm it up properly and cool it down properly and you should be good, i have also done about 12k since the mods and nothing has showed up, aside from misfire under WOT at 16psi, quick change of coil packs and all was good again,
all things replaced were common failure points along with mileage, and the HPFP is extended to 180 or 160k cant remember,
132k on it now and still runs great, get one you wont regret it:thumbsup:

[KRyn]

Originally posted by italianstylez
only issue i have is blow by but meh..


Can you explain how you confirmed this? I would assume you have low compression in a few cylinders? Or is your car burning oil so you are just assuming this is the problem?

[Manhattan]

I'm not interested in aftermarket mods at all. N55 seems to be the less complicated, more reliable engine.

EDIT: Might just downgrade to 328i to sacrifice power for $$$ and headaches.

[gpomp]

Originally posted by SR54RNR
if you're looking for a fun car, RELIABLE, luxury, 400+ horsepower, and to use as a 4-season daily driver, I'd suggest taking a look at the Lexus ISF
Used 2008-10 can be had in 30-40K range
(I have one and drive it daily year round) I had an IS F for 2 years and it was the most boring car I've ever owned. Even my Honda Fit was more fun to drive.

If I had to choose betwen the 08-10 IS F and a 335, I would take the 335 every time.

[ineedmoney]

I have an 09 E92, with the Dinan software installed in 2012. I haven't had any major mechanical breakdowns but a number of little electrical gremlins.

Over a period of 2-3 years i went through 4 batteries, apparently there is a recall out for the battery cable connector that should address the battery drain issues...

I absolutely LOVE how the car drives, but there is always that nagging feeling in the back of my mind worrying about something breaking down. It may just be my own paranoia but it actually makes me think twice about taking long road trips or extended drives... This is why I'll be replacing it in the near future.

[03ozwhip]

Originally posted by Manhattan
I'm not interested in aftermarket mods at all. N55 seems to be the less complicated, more reliable engine.

EDIT: Might just downgrade to 328i to sacrifice power for $$$ and headaches.

You are going to regret that decision. If you're gonna get an N52 and you don't need an e90, go with a 128i. I have both the 128 and the 335, believe me, I don't even want to drive my 128 anymore after driving my 335.

[Manhattan]

Originally posted by ineedmoney
I have an 09 E92, with the Dinan software installed in 2012. I haven't had any major mechanical breakdowns but a number of little electrical gremlins.

Over a period of 2-3 years i went through 4 batteries, apparently there is a recall out for the battery cable connector that should address the battery drain issues...

I absolutely LOVE how the car drives, but there is always that nagging feeling in the back of my mind worrying about something breaking down. It may just be my own paranoia but it actually makes me think twice about taking long road trips or extended drives... This is why I'll be replacing it in the near future.

How many Km's on yours?

[ineedmoney]

Just creeping up to 62K. the majority of my issues occurred in the early years of ownership and everything was covered under warranty.

[italianstylez]

Originally posted by KRyn



Can you explain how you confirmed this? I would assume you have low compression in a few cylinders? Or is your car burning oil so you are just assuming this is the problem?

its just an n54 thing the pcv allows oil to get into the intake pipes because of the shitty stock diverter valves, i burn a bit as well maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a liter every 5k or so