Purchasing a 2009 335i. Questions for the experts...

[34dean]

I am in the market for my second Bimmer and have decided on a 2009 335i or 335i xDrive. I also considered a 2011 328i xDrive but decided on the extra oomph of the 335.

I would appreciate any input and opinions from all of you as I am still a BMW newbie. :help

Here are my questions:

1. Are there any issues with the 2009 335i/335i xDrive I need to be aware of and ask the dealer about?
2. Are the seats in this car leatherette (like my previous 2006 330i) or real leather?
3. Which performance mods are easy and essential?


Thank you all for your help! :cool

[Ian1973]

Well the big thing with these cars is the high pressure fuel pump for the direct injection. There is a recall and will be free to you if it needs to be replaced. Other than that there are no significant issues.

Cars came standard with leatherette and optional "dakota" leather. You will have to check the VIN for what the car you want has.

Hard to say what mods would be "essential", but a remap will give you significant gains... Expect like 60rwhp and 70 ft-lbs. To get more than that you'll need an intake, a downpipe, perhaps an upgraded intercooler and exhaust, though the exhaust is more for sound if you have the downpipe.

[34dean]

Well the big thing with these cars is the high pressure fuel pump for the direct injection. There is a recall and will be free to you if it needs to be replaced. Other than that there are no significant issues.

Cars came standard with leatherette and optional "dakota" leather. You will have to check the VIN for what the car you want has.

Hard to say what mods would be "essential", but a remap will give you significant gains... Expect like 60rwhp and 70 ft-lbs. To get more than that you'll need an intake, a downpipe, perhaps an upgraded intercooler and exhaust, though the exhaust is more for sound if you have the downpipe.



Thank you. :)

Can you explain what a "remap" is and if it is something I can do or do I bring to someone to do?

[34dean]

Anyone else with any opinions or input?

Thank you! :)

[Ian1973]

I would go learn a bit more before you go doing things to it.

Cars have maps, as in fuel curves, ignition timing, all sorts of things that control what the car does, when to and why. BMW "maps" or controls the car to be rather conservative, for various, obvious reasons. A "remap" simply does away with that conservative thinking and beefs up the way the car runs, ie, different fuel injection settings, modifies the ignition timing, modifies the amount of pressure the turbos are producing, etc..

I'm not saying you need to be an expert, but go read up a bit for yourself, and also so shops don't take advantage of you as easily.

[34dean]

Thanks, Ian. Can I "remap" the car or does a "BMW guy" need to do it?

[Ian1973]

Well not a dealer as if you ever have an issue with the car, the tune may void the leftover warranty.

It does depend on the type of tuner you buy, whether a programmer or piggyback type. The programmer plugs into your ECU and remaps, the piggyback actually interrupts the signal to the ECU and changes parameters. The piggyback type is harder to deal with because of install time, but typically cheaper.

[34dean]

I have a private guy that works on my BMW that knows his stuff. I will inquire if he knows how to do this. Otherwise, perhaps I will find a forum member in the Connecticut area that can do it.

[LuvMyE92]

Anyone else with any opinions or input?

Yes. Don't trust the dealer to tell you about any issues with any of their cars. You'll probably not get an answer.

If you want to mod the car, I suggest that you do a lot more research on it before making that plunge.

[TRSNate]

I would stay away from the X-drive cars. Or at least drive it before you buy it. I have had a few loners that are x-drive and there is a lot of noticeable lag in the drive train. even with the 335 you get way into the pedal before anything starts to happen. Go rear wheel with a good set of snow tires