BMW 328xi vs BMW 335xi used

[jabjab]

I'm in the market for a two door AWD in a manual transmission and at first I liked the BMW 328xi due to its used price point (2008 to 2010)

When searching for the 328xi I've noticed that the 335xi isnt' too far out of reach in price. Does anyone know why this might be? You got so much more performance with the 335xi but my first thought is that it has to be the high maintaince on them that lowers the price on them used?

Thoughts?

[realazy]

Common problems on a 335:

high pressure fuel pump - it's mostly been rectified with warranty and updated pump

misfires caused by spark plugs/coil packs/injectors

turbo waste gate rattle - dealerships will opt to replace turbos - $$$$

valve cover gasket leak/cracked valve cover - this happens on the 328's too

oil filter housing gasket leak

carbon buildup on intake valves because of direct injection - 328's are not direct injection, so they do not have this problem

With all that said, the tuning potential of the 335 is 10x more than the 328, if you're into that kinda thing...

[BavarianBeast]

I owned a 135i with an N54 engine for 40,000km. Drove the shit out of the thing and never had any issues. HPFP was replaced early in its life, and according to service records, this was the only thing that went wrong with the car in 75,000km.

The 335xi would be way more fun to drive. No questions. But if you want something overly slow, why would you consider a small car with 300hp?

[Nitron88]

If you want something sluggish 328 would be the way to go cause that's exactly what you'll get. The 428 feels the exact same way!

These 335 engines are built pretty solid if you don't do an aftermarket tune and bang the crap out of it at every chance you get.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Nitron88
If you want something sluggish 328 would be the way to go cause that's exactly what you'll get. The 428 feels the exact same way!

Isn't the 428 a turbo 4 with better specs than the old NA I6 of 2008-2010 328?

I can understand the old 328 is slow. But I thought the new 328 is pretty good.

[jabjab]

I'm somewhat leaning towards the 335xi now. I'd rather pay a few more thousand and get a fun car.

How long do turbo's usually last for? I've heard that is a 5,000 repair bill...

[KRyn]

Originally posted by jabjab
I'm somewhat leaning towards the 335xi now. I'd rather pay a few more thousand and get a fun car.

How long do turbo's usually last for? I've heard that is a 5,000 repair bill...

Tricky question to answer. Some people get lucky and have no trouble with their turbos despite being tuned with FBO. Other people have had their turbos fail after 50,000 kms and their cars have been stock. Note that turbos have failed due to either janky wastegates or crappy seals. Shops will quote 10-15 (on average) hours of labour to replace the turbos. OEM replacements are about $1500.00 (for N54 powered cars). If your turbos do fail you are better off getting a set of Vargas Stage 1 turbos (with the thrust bearing upgrade) as they are only slightly more expensive than OEM replacements.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by jabjab
I'm somewhat leaning towards the 335xi now. I'd rather pay a few more thousand and get a fun car.

How long do turbo's usually last for? I've heard that is a 5,000 repair bill...

My N54 was at 71000km with no turbo or waste gate problems when I sold it, about half those km were chipped.

Parents N54 is the same way so far and they will be keeping theirs for the foreseeable future.

[EK69]

This thread makes no sense. U want a 2 door manual car that's overly slow?? Why are u considering the 335 then even?

[jabjab]

Originally posted by EK69
This thread makes no sense. U want a 2 door manual car that's overly slow?? Why are u considering the 335 then even?

I think it makes a lot of sense. I was shopping for a 328xi coupe and noticed that the 335xi isn't that much more expensive so why not get a more fun car with only a marginal amount more?

where is the confusion??

[J.M.]

Originally posted by jabjab


I think it makes a lot of sense. I was shopping for a 328xi coupe and noticed that the 335xi isn't that much more expensive so why not get a more fun car with only a marginal amount more?

where is the confusion??

You just answered your own question

[A790]

Originally posted by jabjab


I think it makes a lot of sense. I was shopping for a 328xi coupe and noticed that the 335xi isn't that much more expensive so why not get a more fun car with only a marginal amount more?

where is the confusion??

Because in your original post you said you LIKED that the 328xi was slow...

[jabjab]

my bad, I re read my first post. Not sure why it said overly slow.

Anyways, I was just worried about paying an extra few grand for the 335 but having to pay thousands more after more maintaince.

[A790]

Originally posted by jabjab
my bad, I re read my first post. Not sure why it said overly slow.

Anyways, I was just worried about paying an extra few grand for the 335 but having to pay thousands more after more maintaince.

Well the 335 is a twin turbo. That comes with maintenance. No engine is perfect, especially FI motors.

In the end, dude, you live once. Enjoy it.

[jabjab]

Might as well get a G37x coupe instead of a 328xi cause they consume the exact same gas but far apart peformance wise and you'd get a more reliable car than the 335xi

[bjstare]

Unless you really want the coupe, look for a G37xS sedan. The sedan is actually lighter, and obviously more practical.