Reliability 335 vs 328

[02 330xi 10 128]

Alright so just when I thought I made my decision to buy an E46 M3 I've now decided I'm going E92 328/335. The M3 is an excellent car but I'm starting up class soon and don't want the increase maintenance of an ///M car over a normal 3 series. So I'm looking at an E92 335i for $15,200 with 91k on it and an E92 328i for $13,980 with 82k on it. I'm now looking for a solid DD that's fun. I love my 330xi for DD use other than it being an autotragic which is the only reason I'm selling. So the real question is 9k miles I'm not too worried about but as far as maintenance between the 328i and 335i seems like a considerable difference due to the turbos, I've spent hours researching and talking to owners and don't know what to do.

[Bavarian Black]

Alright so just when I thought I made my decision to buy an E46 M3 I've now decided I'm going E92 328/335. The M3 is an excellent car but I'm starting up class soon and don't want the increase maintenance of an ///M car over a normal 3 series. So I'm looking at an E92 335i for $15,200 with 91k on it and an E92 328i for $13,980 with 82k on it. I'm now looking for a solid DD that's fun. I love my 330xi for DD use other than it being an autotragic which is the only reason I'm selling. So the real question is 9k miles I'm not too worried about but as far as maintenance between the 328i and 335i seems like a considerable difference due to the turbos, I've spent hours researching and talking to owners and don't know what to do.

Hey man, I own a 08 335i. I will list the most common problems depending on age and. Mileage.
HP Fuel Pump (failes by luck r bad luck)

Electronic water pump including thermostat and pipe ( failed after 100k)

Turbo rattle due to the solenoids failing.

Coolant issues incl leaking if not maintained properly.

Luckily, I've got 100k on my 335i and I love it and it's super torque that at times can thrash an M 3. Issues I have encountered- failed EWP at 100k Which is the norm, changed a few hoses, changed coolant drain plug as it snapped, and had an oil leak due to the transmission cooler.

Don't let you put this off, the 335i ESP mine with the premium and sports package works like a charm. It just need TLC as its twin turbos put a lot,of stress on the engine.
5o
My recommendation- if you bye a 335i MAKE SURE it's post made after July 08 and has the Oil cooler which is visible from the front passengers wheel. Thus will protect your car and turbos. Also the N 54 engine is highly tununable- DCI I recommend aFe dry stage 2 with the heat shield, a Active autoworker blow of valve not just for sound but also for extra waste gauge protection for the twin turbos. And
Laslty a good exhaust...AE or BMW performance exhaust.

When buying any car, check all of the above and make sure you use Motul 8100 x-cess 5w-40 oil if the car has 50plus K on it. 5-30 will be ok if it's brand new. All of this is in the manual.

Don't go for the 328 as depreciation is higher and you will enjoy the 335i much more given its super torque.

Best of luck

BB

[AmazingJr]

Well alot more can go wrong with the 335. Make sure you see if the HPFP has been replaced and look at the maintanance history of the vehicle. If the turbos have already been replaced as well as the hpfp then you shouldnt have anything else over the 328 to worry about. The 335 also produces alot more heat so the cooling system may need a bit of work depending on how the previous owner treated the car. 335 will definantly put a bigger smile on your face though. Im currently trying to trade my 2008 328i Coupe with 168,xxx kms in for a 335 coupe.

[Bavarian Black]

Well alot more can go wrong with the 335. Make sure you see if the HPFP has been replaced and look at the maintanance history of the vehicle. If the turbos have already been replaced as well as the hpfp then you shouldnt have anything else over the 328 to worry about. The 335 also produces alot more heat so the cooling system may need a bit of work depending on how the previous owner treated the car. 335 will definantly put a bigger smile on your face though. Im currently trying to trade my 2008 328i Coupe with 168,xxx kms in for a 335 coupe.

Amazing... I posted all the same issues about my 335i 08 but for some reason it's not showing up....Maybe bc im a newbie?

[Bavarian Black]

Amazing... I posted all the same issues about my 335i 08 but for some reason it's not showing up....Maybe bc im a newbie?

Now it has I believe new members need to make a few posts to prove themselves worthy ok.

Point 3 . Make sure it's post July 08 model and has the Oil cooler which can be seen from the right front passengers wheel.

Point 4- watch out for the transmission cooler as it can begin leaking at 80K including the electronic water pump which has a life span of 80-100k. That also includes the thermostats clips and U hose.

Lastly, make sure you choose the right oil for your car. Over 60k you need 5w 40 under you will be ok with 5w 30....don't worry about the engine ticking unless it's still audible when your oil temp reaches its optimal temp (230-240 F)

Good luck.

BB

Amazing I tried to post again but still no luck bro- I'm using my iPad

[AmazingJr]

I've had the same issue my friend! Are you using the mobile app?

[Bavarian Black]

I've had the same issue my friend! Are you using the mobile app?

I'm using my iPad bro

[AmazingJr]

Nevermind... It just showed up hahaha.

Oil cooler is an excellent point! An oil cooler is really going to help on those "spirited driving" days. Or if you plan to track the car at all.

[Bavarian Black]

I've had the same issue my friend! Are you using the mobile app?

I'm using my iPad

[Bavarian Black]

Nevermind... It just showed up hahaha.

Oil cooler is an excellent point! An oil cooler is really going to help on those "spirited driving" days. Or if you plan to track the car at all.

This is so annoying! I post and nothing appears

[Bavarian Black]

Nevermind... It just showed up hahaha.

Oil cooler is an excellent point! An oil cooler is really going to help on those "spirited driving" days. Or if you plan to track the car at all.

Using my iPad bro

[AmazingJr]

Yeah my iphone app does the same sometime as well. Or it will post the same thing 4 times lol your not the only one! :)

[ndog14]

What BB said.

BB, why build date 7/08-on, is it for the fuel injectors? I thought that issue was solved for 4/08 builds.

[02 330xi 10 128]

Ok if I have to go 08 year model then I'm looking at only being able to get a 4 door. If anything I'll just raise the price $1,500 and I can get the right car. So if I can't find any maintenance history on the car I'm better off right away just buying the water pump, thermostat and is the transmission cooler a gasket?

[02 330xi 10 128]

Ok if I have to go 08 year model then I'm looking at only being able to get a 4 door. If anything I'll just raise the price $1,500 and I can get the right car. So if I can't find any maintenance history on the car I'm better off right away just buying the water pump, thermostat and is the transmission cooler a gasket? And as far as the solenoids are they preventative or fix it when it goes bad?

[Ian1973]

If you are starting up class and need extra money, then why bother with high mileage BMW's? That just seems ridiculous to me. Any higher mileage BMW is going to cost more than other cars, it was a 40-70k dollar car, and it's maintenance/repair costs show that, through the life of the vehicle.
I don't know your situation, nor do I really care, just seems odd to me to look at these cars when you are concerned with costs and frustration of realiability. Buy an Accord or something, then when you graduate or get on with the next phase of your life, go play with these cars.

[02 330xi 10 128]

If you are starting up class and need extra money, then why bother with high mileage BMW's? That just seems ridiculous to me. Any higher mileage BMW is going to cost more than other cars, it was a 40-70k dollar car, and it's maintenance/repair costs show that, through the life of the vehicle.
I don't know your situation, nor do I really care, just seems odd to me to look at these cars when you are concerned with costs and frustration of realiability. Buy an Accord or something, then when you graduate or get on with the next phase of your life, go play with these cars.

I'm not annoyed etc by it. My 330xi while it requires more maintenance than a jap econobox I've had very good luck with and don't put too much money into it that's it's ridiculous. I make a decent living even with me now switching my hours and pay and can afford to drive a BMW and my 330xi now is about to cross 147k. I know what it is to own a BMW. I was simply inquiring how much more maintenance will be required if I go with the 335i and it seems that I'm going to go with the 328i because I'm looking at it that my 330xi (autotragic) makes me a very happy man DD and autox (not the fastest I know that, I do it for the fun aspect) so a 6 speed 328i with the same power of my 330xi without a second differential should also keep me happy.

[ndog14]

The only actual additional maintenance a 335 has over any of the NA I6 E90s is more frequent oil and spark plug intervals.

It's the unexpected maintenance items that get you, mostly the water pump as the cars in your price range are at that mileage. And then the turbos at ~120k.

The E90 is a new breed of 3 series than the E46. The dinosaurs in the general forum like to say the E36 was the last good 3 series but the E46 suffers from planned obsolescence in old BMW fasion, the E90 has proven that isn't the case so far. Yes, they are not as hardcore as the old bimmers, but they are faster and will be less inexpensive in the long term and more comfortable. It's win-win-win in my book.

[02 330xi 10 128]

I'm looking at anywhere from 75k to 90k. And it looks like the turbos are pricey even if I do it myself which I actually did a turbo job on a 535xit when I was working at a shop so it's not too too bad of a job but that puts me two years from now right when I'm heading into law school so not sure if I'm going to go with it

[ndog14]

If the turbos go, which would be in a few years, you can use it as an opportunity to upgrade to an RB single turbo. It's the only way to get close to 600whp.

[Ian1973]

Going into law school, the last thing I would want is headaches of broken down cars. Granted the BMW's I have had have been relatively trouble free, but maintenance is not like Japanese or US cars and of course the stress that the shoe is going to drop at any moment can be intense. I owned an E46 M3, trust me, I know. lol

[02 330xi 10 128]

That's why I'd love the 335i but in two years having to drop 2-3k on turbos is probably not too good of an idea so to pretty much stick with the maintenance schedule I have now with the 330xi I can handle. I can't drive a jap car I'd lose it, I'm too much of a gear head and can't justify buying an accord when a 328i is in my price range at half the mileage of my 330xi. I just feel like the car makes sense, I was going to do the E46 M3, that was my original purchase but the highway practicality nice tech and the maintenance and mpg have gotten me to go to the E92. And for me (I know most don't agree) I love the E92 look over the E46.

[ndog14]

What about an Infiniti G35/7? They are suppose to be great driving cars.

[02 330xi 10 128]

What about an Infiniti G35/7? They are suppose to be great driving cars.

Just drove a G37 coupe pretty much fully loaded from what I could tell, the car just felt like a slob to me for some reason, the steering response was nothing like the E92 to me. It's the same mileage as the E92 and to be honest I've never worked on a G37 and just looking at that engine bay scares the crap out of me.

[Ian1973]

Electrical gremlins in German cars scare the crap out of me. How about something like a Lexus IS350? Tank like build and reliability and way more performance over a 328. Hell I'd look into a low mileage E36 M3, they seem to be fairly reliable.

[AmazingJr]

Lexus makes the most boring, bland and unattractive vehicles out of all the luxury brands in my opinion. That would be my last choice. But to each their own!

[02 330xi 10 128]

Lexus makes the most boring, bland and unattractive vehicles out of all the luxury brands in my opinion. That would be my last choice. But to each their own!

+1 I've been a BMW owner since I got my drivers license and either luck or smart buying I've never had a huge repair on any BMW. I'm on my 6th BMW. About to be #7 once I pick up the E92 328i

[ndog14]

Lexi (latin plural) are a different breed of car. You want sporty and Lexus up until now have not offered that, even the IS has been wishy-washy on the sport front. The new one has high hopes but it is fat, 3700lbs fat. But the interior is gorgeous, http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1304_2014_lexus_is_350_sport_first_drive/photo_04.html. Of course none of this matters to your decision. Anyway, the E92 328 sounds like a great choice for you after everything you have brought up.

I would recommend driving one with and without the sport package, just to test the seats.

AWD or RWD?

All rwd E92/3s have the lowered suspension from the sport package regardless of having the package. And all the awd E9Xs have the same suspension no matter the packaging.

[02 330xi 10 128]

Today drove a 328xi coupe 6 speed non sport and a 328i coupe with sport. I pretty much made my decision it's going to be a 328i sport. Seats + rims is just the perfect combo. It's black with the cinnamon color interior. My only plans for now is a cat back exhaust (mostly for sound not performance as its a 328i) and tinted windows and might powdercoat the rims and calipers and maybe black kidneys. The only thing I can't make up my mind on is idrive or not. It is an 08 so it's not the updated one but I would use it a lot if I keep my current sales job and kind of tired of the 5" garmin GPS. And Cleveland BMW is going to give me a discount on the bumper mounted radar detector for something like $350-400 looks like I'll be paying compared to $1,200. I'm excited. Now just waiting for the right car, the one I drove today was an 11 with around 8k miles and they were asking 35k. I might have to have one located at an auction and pay $175 to get it shipped in.

[AmazingJr]

I have an 08 328i with Sport Package myself and i will never buy a car without the sport pkg. It is the selling feature of the car for me personally compared to the model without it.

[02 330xi 10 128]

I have an 08 328i with Sport Package myself and i will never buy a car without the sport pkg. It is the selling feature of the car for me personally compared to the model without it.

Any chance so you have idrive? But I agree for me the sport package is going to be a must. Mostly the seats, rims I'll probably switch to either in the picture if they don't come with or style 44.

[AmazingJr]

I do not have idrive but i would have liked to. I thought i didnt need it at the time but i should have opted for it.

[ndog14]

I don't have iDrive but the 3rd gen isn't suppose to be good. 4th gen, 2009+ is good.

[02 330xi 10 128]

I don't have iDrive but the 3rd gen isn't suppose to be good. 4th gen, 2009+ is good.

That's what I keep hearing but I don't think 09 will drop into my price range unless I'm lucky or high mileage. It won't have all those buttons and etc. I'm going to talk to the service manager from Cain and see if he has a lot of issues with them in the service department.

[Ian1973]

Lexus makes the most boring, bland and unattractive vehicles out of all the luxury brands in my opinion. That would be my last choice. But to each their own!

Read the latest Car and Driver, the 335 has been pipped and by a Lexus IS.


I have the idrive, and I personally wouldn't want it without. Unfortunately I haven't messed around with an '08 to tell you the difference. I can't imagine it being that much worse, but who knows. But there is certainly nothing to fault the '09+'s.

[02 330xi 10 128]

Read the latest Car and Driver, the 335 has been pipped and by a Lexus IS.


I have the idrive, and I personally wouldn't want it without. Unfortunately I haven't messed around with an '08 to tell you the difference. I can't imagine it being that much worse, but who knows. But there is certainly nothing to fault the '09+'s.
Personally to me how they analyze cars is completely different to what I look in a car. I've driven even the IS F and was not impressed. Interior just looked disorganized to me and not well thought out even though it was great build quality and materials. And ok good to know thank you. I think I'm going to get a sport with the premium, comfort access and nav would be awesome to have.

[AmazingJr]

I have also driven the IS F. Good engine but man was that interior terrible. At least the seats were comfortable. I generally try not to listen to what magazines or other reviewers have to say to be honest, alot of it is just a bunch of bullcrap to try and make it interesting. No Lexus is worth my time or money.

But back to the topic, sport pkg, comfort access and Nav are the only option i really would want also. If thats what you end up with im sure you will be more than happy with your new wheels! Good luck and let us know what you find!

[02 330xi 10 128]

Thanks man and I will. If you guys see anything my max is around $17k.

[ndog14]

C&D was testing the new IS, not the ones you guys drove. And yeah, you won't find a 2009 E92 328 6mt with sport and nav for under $17k that doesn't have 100k on it. Get an 08 without idrive and call it. It's just one more thing to break really.

[02 330xi 10 128]

C&D was testing the new IS, not the ones you guys drove. And yeah, you won't find a 2009 E92 328 6mt with sport and nav for under $17k that doesn't have 100k on it. Get an 08 without idrive and call it. It's just one more thing to break really.

Yea I agree that's why I wasn't sure what to do with idrive because I can find an E92 328i 6mt sport with 70-80k for 17k actually more around low 16s but not idrive.

[Push1201]

I was in the same boat looking at 335i and 328i. Found a super clean 09 328i 6 speed with everything but idrive. I love the car and most of the time I can get 28ish mpg. 328i is a great car.