E90/92 335i

[digitalwolf]

After significantly reducing my commute to around 8 miles a day, I no longer need a diesel so it’s time to replace my trusty E90 320d.

I want something quick and want to stay with a BMW if possible so obviously the 335i is the standout candidate.

Budget is around 10k but I’ll stretch, I want an M Sport which command a higher price.

A mate of mine had an E92 56 plate 335i and he paid for BMW warranty he was that paranoid about it breaking. He JB4’d it and it was a very quick car but it had little niggles like the oil pressure light constantly coming on and it used to go into limp home mode after he gave it a big blast.

Is there a certain revision of 335 I should look at in terms of reliability? The Tax on them seems to vary massively too.

 

[digitalwolf]

I'd definitely have BMW warranty on it - so looking at cars with below 50,000 miles if possible.

Seen mentioned on 335i threads on various forums that it's best to find an 09> as BMW resolved the wastegate issue?

I've seen the kind of bills mentioned with these and running one without warranty is an absolute no go. I was considering E46 M3's but the rear subframe issue on those puts me off a bit.

 

[digitalwolf]

That 50k miles sounds a bit optimistic for an E91, can't imagine there's a lot at that mileage now.
To reduce risk, could go with a non-turbo. FAR less to go wrong, retains that six smoothness, but clearly not as fast.
If you don't mind the mileage, pre-March 2006 are on a lower tax bracket.

Not interested in an E91, only want an E92 really, E90 possibly.

For not much more there is the E46 M3 which i'd love, it's just the VANOS and rear sub frame that's put me off.

 

[digitalwolf]

I've had my E92 335i for almost a year now and I've not had any major problems. It's had the following warranty work done since I've bought it:

Replaced seat belt handover mechanism.
Replaced ball joint
Replaced geabox sump tray (I have an auto DCT)

What year is it?

When did they switch from twin to single turbo?

 

[digitalwolf]

Had no idea the SE’s have the same suspension as the M Sports. That’s interesting.

For around 13k M135i’s come into budget. Are these more reliable?

 

[digitalwolf]

Are they more reliable?

 

[digitalwolf]

You need to decide on what you want really, as you've gone from a saloon -> coupe -> hatchback.

When I was looking 335is, the only other car I was interested in was the E46 M3. Warranty and newer technology was one of the main factors I opted for the E92 335i.

Without trying to sound like i'm being short, which i'm not, I just want a fast BMW - petrol.

I have no really requirements in terms of doors, luggage capacity etc.

One thing I want though is some kind of reliability. Coming from a car i've put nearly 90k on in 4 years and only really had basic wear and tear, I don't want to be on the back of a tow truck every day!

 

[digitalwolf]

If you want a 100% reliable fast petrol BMW you need to either buy a much newer one or accept that fast cars are a compromise - they either cost lots to buy or they cost lots to run unless you get lucky

You won't put 90k trouble free miles on an old 335i.

That's fair enough.

Seen a few 135i's for £15-17k, are they more reliable than 335's ?