Time to upgrade from E39 540

[Franundrum]

Hey folks, this is my first post in the E9x 3-series section. I currently have a 540 sport with manual tranny.

Thinking it's time to upgrade but I am having trouble making a decision. I am hoping you guys can help with some sound advice.

Basically, my question is 2006 330 or 07-08 335 for a DD? I know the difference in power is significant but I am also seeing questionable reliability from 07-08 335. Turbos mean higher compression which means a lot more possibly maintenance issues down the line.

Are the extra HP's worth it? Go big or play it safe?

Thanks in advance!!

[floydr]

Coming from a 540, you'll be happier with the torque of the 335i.
The '06 N52 engine with 255hp is a screamer, but the experience will be different than you're used to.

[gliding serpent]

I had a similar decision to you.

Do you need the power of the 335i? Drive both in the way you normally drive and see what your emotions think. The 335i has the power to make your hair stand on end, but it is lost if you are not in an area to really use it due to bad roads/traffic/cops/etc. The 330i is no chump (all the fun is in the corners anyway, anyone can drive fast in a straight line), and sometimes having to work a bit harder for your power is more satisfying. Plus, some people quickly bore of Turbo cars with flat torque curves because the power delivery becomes uninspiring over time (as opposed to having to work for your power in NA engines).

As far as cost of upkeep goes, the Turbo will be higher than the 330i but issues are far less than the internet would have you believe. People don't go on forums to report how flawless their car has run. A lot of BMWs are sold every year. Most are solid as a rock. Don't worry about the HPFP as it has a 125,000 miles extended warranty.

I personally went with a near mint, low mile, 09 328xi with one year on warranty over a cheaper, off warranty, high mile, well cared for 335i as a DD since we wanted reliability piece of mind, have lots of snow, poor quality roads, and I am a sucker for the classic naturally aspirated straight 6.

You can't go too far with either choice, so buy the car that seems to be most loved and feels right.

[95325i]

I came from a E39 540i w/ sports pack. I have a 330i that I am very happy with. I went with the NA motor just because I did not want to deal with the problems that the turbo motors where dealing. At this point I am seeing less and less posts about failing injectors, and fuel pumps because BMW is now replacing the units that are less problematic then the original units. The I6 motors deliver power differently from the V8. The V8 has a ton to torque down low while the I6 builds more.

My biggest change is that the E90 is quite a bit smaller then the E39 and less comfortable on long trips that's my own issues with the E90's.

[marine24]

I've had my 07 335i for about 6 months now with 63k on it and it's been a dream. No problems whatsoever, and trust me I did my homework for about 4 months on forums and talking to dealer techs before I bought mine. Great for DD and swear when you open it up. I do agree that most if the time the extra power is not used just due to traffic and speed laws buy fir me it was what I wanted and I didn't want to compromise on the side of gas pr reliability; which as stated has not been a problem. Just remember that it's up to you to know what "you" want and either way you'll get a great car

[Beakmoney]

funny, i feel like i've been reading more and more posts with people moving from E39 540 to E9x 328/330/335. Personally, once i get rid of my E39, I'll be buying an LCI E90, N54 powered car, just can't seem to decide on RWD or Xdrive. certainly don't NEED xdrive, but I don't know if it really matters.

[Ian1973]

FYI, turbos do not mean higher compression per say. The compression ratio is typically lower for FI cars, but the pressures being sent to the cylinders are higher.
Personally I would go with a 335, but a newer one than you are looking at.

[95325i]

funny, i feel like i've been reading more and more posts with people moving from E39 540 to E9x 328/330/335. Personally, once i get rid of my E39, I'll be buying an LCI E90, N54 powered car, just can't seem to decide on RWD or Xdrive. certainly don't NEED xdrive, but I don't know if it really matters.


When you look at the numbers both in performance, and as well as the interior and outside space the numbers are very close to a E39.

More people are switching just because the V8 powered E39 gets to be a little costly for a car that is at its newest 10 years of age. Plus the E90 gets much better fuel economy as well.

Do not get me wrong I miss my E39 in many ways that the E90 just can not fulfill.

I miss the way my E39 drove on long road trips and the way it handled the road. The E90 rides so hard in comparison, but I think this is due to the horrible run-flats my car has on it now. Plus I miss the power head rests & the power tilt steering wheel, and the extra trunk light that my 5er had that the 3er lacks. Small things like that really remind me of how much more up scale the E39 was then even the E90 is. Yes, these are small issues and can be easily over looked, and not a deal breaker in the least just things I have noticed. In the end the E90 is a great car and just as enjoyable to drive every day.

[Archer28]

I just went through the same thing- and chose the 330i sport 6sp. I test drove the 335i (ok, it was an auto) and honestly the 330i fills my needs perfectly and is a little less demanding to own. Doing 90% of my own wrenching, made the 330i the more logical choice.

Coming from an e36 325, the 330's power is thrilling to me.

[huff]

Hey folks, this is my first post in the E9x 3-series section. I currently have a 540 sport with manual tranny.

Thinking it's time to upgrade but I am having trouble making a decision. I am hoping you guys can help with some sound advice.

Basically, my question is 2006 330 or 07-08 335 for a DD? I know the difference in power is significant but I am also seeing questionable reliability from 07-08 335. Turbos mean higher compression which means a lot more possibly maintenance issues down the line.

Are the extra HP's worth it? Go big or play it safe?

Thanks in advance!!

I just moved from a e39 540 M sport 6 spd to a 335 6 spd sport. Initial impressions are, obviously the weight difference, 335 is lighter more nimble and easier to drive. Exhaust note is most noticeable - I miss the V8 rumble. Both engine are powerful, but with distinct characteristic. Seats feel different. Good luck!

[Joe F]

I just changed out of a 740i sport E38. I drive a lot on interstate highways and the E38 was a true autobahn panzer. I just got a new (one of the last) 2012 E92 Coupe 335i and I love it. Yes you give up a few of the luxury touches like the power steering wheel and the like, but I sure like the throttle response of the 335i. I test drove the 328 model and I prefer the 335i. I have had it a month now and coming to the end of the break-in period. Can't wait :alright :alright

I think no matter which you choose, you'll be getting a great car.
Good Luck.
JF

[Franundrum]

Thanks for the information folks. I haven't driven a 330 yet however, i did drive an 07 335. It was an auto though but had those awful paddles on the steering wheel which was awkward. Using my thumbs to push forward for downshifting? argghh...didn't like it. Naturally, I would go for proper manual. Anyhow, I loved the ergonomics of the 335. Great lateral support. I am not very big, 5'10, 155 so the car fit well. I am going to drive a 330 asap.

On a seperate note, the wife threw me for a loop when she said she would love to have a Z4 M-Coupe in the garage and have me drive my 540 till wheels fall off. I was so proud of her I may have cried just a little bit.

[Luis costa]

335 and the 330 are 2 total different cars one is turbo and goes like a Ferrari lol the 330 is nice comfy I hope this helps

Sent from my iPhone using BF.com

[NoTempoLimit]

I'm yet another E39 to E9x guy, in this case from a 2000 528i sport/manual to a 2009 335i Coupe sport/manual without Nav/iDrive.

There are some things that I miss about the E39. I think the E39's steering had more feel. It also had a "real M" steering wheel. I had the M Sport II rear sway bar on top of the stock sport package. I think the E39 had slightly less body roll. I miss the engine sound from under the hood, it was like a "mechanical symphony".

I just did the first road trip in the E92 335i going from LA to Monterey for "car Mecca weekend". For me the E92 is comfortable on long trips. The E39's comfort seats were more comfortable, but the E92 sport seats have much more support and are still comfy. The N54 engine is a dream on the highway. Right in the middle of its power band at 80 mph in 6th gear. No need to downshift. The Dynamic Cruise Control would make it hard to go back to regular cruise control. I love the exhaust note - wish I could hear it more. The E92 has a useful oil temperature gage instead of the useless MPG gage.

I got between 27 and 29 mpg indicated at 70 - 80 mph cruise on flat ground. That's actually better than what the E39 could do (it lacked a 6th gear).

I'm not disappointed... Don't think you'll be either.

[RXWLLMSS]

This thread just made me miss my e39 so much. :'( I too am switching to the 335/330 soon. I miss that BMW low, smooth, aggressive feel. I hope the 3 can give me that.

[huff]

This thread just made me miss my e39 so much. :'( I too am switching to the 335/330 soon. I miss that BMW low, smooth, aggressive feel. I hope the 3 can give me that.

You might discover something in the 3 that'll make you forget the e39 ;).

[Ashton540]

Hey folks, this is my first post in the E9x 3-series section. I currently have a 540 sport with manual tranny.

Thinking it's time to upgrade but I am having trouble making a decision. I am hoping you guys can help with some sound advice.

Basically, my question is 2006 330 or 07-08 335 for a DD? I know the difference in power is significant but I am also seeing questionable reliability from 07-08 335. Turbos mean higher compression which means a lot more possibly maintenance issues down the line.

Are the extra HP's worth it? Go big or play it safe?

Thanks in advance!!

Just made the switch from my e39 540i.. Great car.. I picked up an 07 328i. Also, great little car. You'll like the mpg gain.. Also, as far as I've heard they're a little better on maintenance.. At least the 328-330.. Not sure bout the 335.