335i or...

jaws104 · 23 Oct 2013 at 18:45

E46 M3 written off last week and looking to replace. Budget is up to 15k. Have been looking at 2007 335i's but they are few and far between here (dublin) and most have heavy mileage.

Anything else anyone would recommend? Or is 80k + miles on one of these a big deal?

Gaygle · 23 Oct 2013 at 18:47

The 335i is a thoroughly good car.

Is there anything stopping you from buying another E46 M3 though?

scratch · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:01

The problem with anything over 60k miles is that you have to pay silly money (£80/month) to put the BMW warranty on it, and you really want to be owning a warranty on one of these.

Having just picked up an 08 E92 335i, I would thoroughly recommend them, but if they're hard to source for sensible money over there then you may be best off looking elsewhere..or increasing your budget

Akagi · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:14

80K on a lump of german engineering such as a 2007 335i is nothing. Buy carefully and enjoy.

Do be wary of parts cost though, and of course get one with lower mileage if you can, but if you can't... pfft

[TW]Fox · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:15

acme15 said:
80K on a lump of german engineering such as a 2007 335i is nothing. Buy carefully and enjoy.

Is it now

Akagi · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:17

[TW]Fox;25168544 said:
Is it now

We were talking about mileage rather than pounds sterling right?

I wish I could say that about moneyz. :rolleyes:

I drive a 2002 VW with 120K miles on the clock and it is still going strong, that is not a car which is built to the exacting standards that an '07 335i would be either. They are designed to be driven up and down the autobahn at high speed day in day out for many years after all.

jaws104 · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:42

Ok i will have a look at some of the higher mileage ones so... i've heard about wastegate issues, anything else i should keep an eye out for?

Akagi · 23 Oct 2013 at 19:44

jaws104 said:
Ok i will have a look at some of the higher mileage ones so... i've heard about wastegate issues, anything else i should keep an eye out for?

This is where i'll wait for someone who knows more about this specific model to chip in.

You can usually search online for common issues relating to specific cars.

Sparky · 23 Oct 2013 at 20:41

Wastegate rattle, turbo's, injectors are the usual culprits.

Sparky · 23 Oct 2013 at 20:42

Oh and boost solenoids and vacuum leaks. Most of the leaks are easily sorted and quite a cheap DIY.

Dr House · 23 Oct 2013 at 22:11

Amazing cars, I have had one in the past and really enjoyed it. A remap will take it to 370 to 380 bhp with is stupidly fast.

Rotty · 23 Oct 2013 at 22:17

get another E46 M3, 15k will buy a beautiful one

or if you can cope with the practicality a Cayman

jaws104 · 23 Oct 2013 at 22:31

The back after an X5 had it's way with me. Then went into car in front. Thankfully golf clubs in the boot were ok

Akagi · 23 Oct 2013 at 22:34

Did the X5 and the M3 then bring life to a little 1 series?

PMKeates · 23 Oct 2013 at 22:51

A 335i will not feel like an M3. Good, but not an M3.

Sparky · 24 Oct 2013 at 07:16

PMKeates said:
A 335i will not feel like an M3. Good, but not an M3.

Not on the twisties that's for sure [ well without a little work ] Birds suspension kit can sort that out though. Will show it a clean pair of heels on the straights though.

[TW]Fox · 24 Oct 2013 at 08:21

Sparky-F1 said:
Will show it a clean pair of heels on the straights though.

No it won't - not unless its modified. It's almost 40bhp down for a start, and weighs more.

Sparky · 24 Oct 2013 at 08:43

[TW]Fox;25171215 said:
No it won't - not unless its modified. It's almost 40bhp down for a start, and weighs more.

Agreed the 335i will need a remap but benefits from a lot more torque even in standard form.

Myshra · 24 Oct 2013 at 08:48

High Pressure Fuel Pumps (HPFP) were recalled in america on N54 engines but not in Europe. It's not something you can really check for apart from the noise. There is some noise on startup from the pump pressurisation which isn't a problem, it's the whine it creates while running IIRC that indicates the problem.

Sparky · 24 Oct 2013 at 08:50

Myshra said:
High Pressure Fuel Pumps (HPFP) were recalled in america on N54 engines but not in Europe. It's not something you can really check for apart from the noise. There is some noise on startup from the pump pressurisation which isn't a problem, it's the whine it creates while running IIRC that indicates the problem.

HPFP is not so much of a problem here, the US had to extend the warranties on them owing to a lot of states selling low octane fuel which is apparently what was causing the issues.