e93 335i question

[low.key.hp]

Hey all,


I've been reading these forums for a while – it's seems like there's a lot of expertise floating around here so I thought I'd pose a question to the group.


I recently moved to Los Angeles from New York, and it's got me wanting a weekend car. Since I was a teenager I've wanted a standard transmission European driver’s car (my friend's dad owned the only Euro body shop in our small town, so his son always had interesting stick shift loaners)


I enjoy California's national parks (especially Sequoia and Kings Canyon) and have seen quite a few Mustang convertibles (rented automatics) rolling through having a great time. I love the experience of driving a convertible, especially in California nature, but hate the look of rag tops. So to me, the best balance of performance and driving experience would be –


• 2014 m4 hardtop convertible (~$65K / twin turbo 6 / 17 city, 26 highway)
• 2008-2012 m3 hardtop convertible (~$32K / v8 / 14 city, 20 highway)
• 2008-2012 335i hardtop convertible (~$15k-$25K / turbo 6 / 18 city, 28 highway / m-tech rear bumper, m3-style front fenders, maybe a mild tune, new intercooler)


Convertibles seem counter to the idea of an M car, I don’t have $65K to spend, I don’t want to drive 190 miles to Sequoia getting 20 mpg, so it seems like an e93 335i is the way to go. (maybe someday I’ll get a e39 m5 for the real deal…)


Long story short – I found a 2008 e93 335i for $16,000 with 77,000 miles. That seems like high milage for a car that was probably driven hard by an enthusiast. Is it worth spending another $6k to get something with fewer miles? What issues should I keep my eyes open when shopping for a used e93 335i?


Thanks, excited to get a new car.


- Jesse

[Pelican Parts]

Welcome to the forums man! 2008 with 77k isn't much at all; but you're right about it may have been 'abused' by an enthusiast. Having a 135i myself, I can tell you that owning a BMW, esp a twin turbo one is not going to be cheap. If you're able to work on the car yourself, you'll save a lot of money; but are immensely fun to drive and tend to be reliable if serviced regularly. Let us know what you end up with. I've attached a link to our site's tech articles; they'll be a life saver for you.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/tech_main_e90.htm


-Dmitry

[low.key.hp]

Thanks Dmitry. What's the difference between the m2/m235i/135i? Are they different names for different markets? All the reviews I've read said they're amazing driving machines.

Thanks for the tech article link, I'll spend some time digging.



Welcome to the forums man! 2008 with 77k isn't much at all; but you're right about it may have been 'abused' by an enthusiast. Having a 135i myself, I can tell you that owning a BMW, esp a twin turbo one is not going to be cheap. If you're able to work on the car yourself, you'll save a lot of money; but are immensely fun to drive and tend to be reliable if serviced regularly. Let us know what you end up with. I've attached a link to our site's tech articles; they'll be a life saver for you.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/tech_main_e90.htm


-Dmitry

[fun2drive]

77K mi;e is LOW mileage not high mileage. That is a 9 year old car. Average driving for the US is between 12-15K miles so educate yourself more before looking at miles. By the way I would and have bought high mileage BMWs over garage queens anytime. BMWs don't do well sitting in a garage. The most problems I have had with my 335 E93 was when I would let it sit for months at a time. I drive mine at least 2-3 times per week now and have had zero issues for close to a year.

Consider this the E93 is very quiet with the top up like a coupe and you have protection. The soft tops none anyone with a utility knife or pocket knife can have anything in the car. I have owned countless E30 and E36's rag tops and let me tell you there is NO comparison between a retractable hard top and a soft top for a long distance run. Noise level makes all the difference. Trunk space with all of them suck..

That said the 135 is a great car knod of small and the 228 and 235 are both outstanding cars. If I had not blown so much remodeling my house right now I would have traded or sold my E93 and bought the 235 convertible. It is a very reliable car according to Consumer Reports. Don't overlook the 228's with some mild tuning they can be very fast cars.

These cars are not low maintenance cars so be prepared to spend the time or money or both to keep yours running well. If you buy from a BMW dealer strongly suggest trying to get one CPO or get an extended aftermarket warranty for as long as you can get one.
I am handy can rebuild BMW engines and have but my time is valuable to me so I will do somethings myself but others a good shop.
Everything tends to be more expensive in CA but coming from NY that might not be the case.
Hope this helps. By the way I have owned a number of M3's and unless you want to spend the money the 228 135 335 235 will put a smile on your face. It is a convertible not a boy racer so it isn't how fast you get there but the ride there that counts with a convertible...

[floydr]

Thanks Dmitry. What's the difference between the m2/m235i/135i? Are they different names for different markets? All the reviews I've read said they're amazing driving machines.

The 2-series coupes replaced the 1-series coupes (BMW marketing/naming.) All 1-series are now used (unless you want an X1) in the USA/CA.

[Pelican Parts]

Floydr is absolutely correct. The M2 is the just the high performance version of the 2-series; like the 1M was for the 1-series. From everything I've heard and read about the 2-series; the car is phenomenal.


-Dmitry

[Reyhan335]

Honestly it all depends on how many owners and who was the last owner on it. They get the shit beaten out of them. Its hard to find a nice 335i.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[low.key.hp]

Hey all, I bought that 335i! (https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/677301479/overview/)

The car is a ways away from home, so I sent a local independent mechanic to the dealership to give the car a once over, and it came back with a clean bill of health. Two owners, one in Florida, one in Southern California. Pristine interior and exterior, no mechanical issues to speak of. Rear tires at about 50% life remaining, brand new front tires. Both the turbos were repaired last year, so that looming cost has already been dealt with. I'm super excited about this car (picking it up on Saturday and driving up to Sequoia National Park) and I have a few questions –


• with 77,000 miles, it seems like a good idea to get a warranty. I've heard good thinks about Mercury, does anyone have any warranty recommendations?

• I really dislike the stock wheels on this car, but I don't want to spent $2,000 on m3 competition wheels. Any wheel recommendations in this style (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=4678801232HS&wheelMake=Enkei+Tuning&wheelModel=Raijin&wheelFinish=Hyper+Silver&showRear=yes&selectedRear=4678951235HS&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=335i+Cabriolet&autoYear=2008&autoModClar=Base+Model)?

• The rear tires will need to be replaced in the near future. I live in Southern California (not much precipitation, but lots of potholes), any tire recommendations?

• I'd like to add spacers to the rear (and maybe the front?) Does anyone experience with this? Any handling improvements, or just cosmetic?


Eventually I'd like to get sportier side skirts, an m-tech rear bumper, maybe a tune, and on and on and, but I have to let the bank account cool off...


thanks for any recommendations,

- Jesse

[Pilgrim]

My thoughts:

- At 77K miles with rebuilt turbos, I'm not sure why you want to pay thousands for an insurance policy (it's not a warranty, it's insurance)
- Consider what you are likely to spend in repairs during the term of the policy, and unless you think you'll spend more, don't buy.
- I doubt you will spend more if the car is in good shape. If you can DIY basic mechanics, it's even less likely that you need insurance.

Tires? If you don't change all four, buy the same make and model tires that are on the front!! Mixing tire types and brands can result in VERY odd and potentially dangerous handling behavior. If you change all four, read the forums, and check the tire reports at Discount Tire and Tire rack.

Why spacers??? No need. Want wheels? Check Ebay but make sure they are a match. If you have the sport wheels, be aware they are two different sizes front & rear.

[low.key.hp]

Thanks Pilgrim. I also asked my mechanic about warranty/insurance, and he said 3rd party insurers look for any excuse to avoid paying out, and I should not bother with one.

RE: tires, that makes sense that they need to be the same front and back.

RE: spacers, I just think they look good (http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=498731&stc=1&d=1300578142) and wondered if a slightly wider stance would improve handling.

RE: wheel size, it looks like the front and back are the same size. (http://www.wheel-size.com/size/bmw/3-series/2008/#trim-335i) I would guess that the stock wheels are higher quality than these $225 things (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&wheelMake=Enkei+Tuning&wheelModel=Raijin&wheelFinish=Hyper+Silver&initialPartNumber=4678801232HS&GCID=C13674x012-wheel&KEYWORD=wheels_Enkei_Tuning_Raijin_Hyper_Silver_Wh eels&code=yes&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=X4+M40i&autoYear=2017&autoModClar=245%2F45-19F+275%2F40-19R+Runflat&checkVehicle=&szredirectid=14788071242903041205410090301008005#s urvey) from Tire Rack, but I really don't like how the stock wheels look. It seems foolish to downgrade functionality to improve looks and that's why I inquired about a m3 competition style wheel that's better quality than these (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&wheelMake=Enkei+Tuning&wheelModel=Raijin&wheelFinish=Hyper+Silver&initialPartNumber=4678801232HS&GCID=C13674x012-wheel&KEYWORD=wheels_Enkei_Tuning_Raijin_Hyper_Silver_Wh eels&code=yes&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=X4+M40i&autoYear=2017&autoModClar=245%2F45-19F+275%2F40-19R+Runflat&checkVehicle=&szredirectid=14788071242903041205410090301008005#s urvey), but not as pricey as the real deal.
(http://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=36%2011%202%20282%20999&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=36112282999-M3-2004-168542&gclid=CjwKEAiA0pDBBRCFtoPyguTh8AUSJADNWeux8VyBK_Jr J_dNeaSckJJF5nORHmDG-luSVjDyEG3WfBoCSEnw_wcB)

[low.key.hp]

Thanks Pilgrim.

RE: warranty/insurance, I spoke with my mechanic who said insurers will almost always find a way to avoid paying out, and I shouldn't bother getting one. And he clarified that the turbos weren't just repaired, but completely replaced.

RE: spacers. I just think they look good (http://www.e90post.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=498731&stc=1&d=1300578142), and wondered if that slight increase in wheel base would improve handling.

RE: wheels. I assume the stock wheels are higher quality than these things (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&wheelMake=Enkei+Tuning&wheelModel=Raijin&wheelFinish=Hyper+Silver&initialPartNumber=4678801232HS&GCID=C13674x012-wheel&KEYWORD=wheels_Enkei_Tuning_Raijin_Hyper_Silver_Wh eels&code=yes&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=X4+M40i&autoYear=2017&autoModClar=245%2F45-19F+275%2F40-19R+Runflat&checkVehicle=&szredirectid=14788071242903041205410090301008005#s urvey). I really dislike the look of the stock wheels, but it seems foolish to spend money on a functionality down grade for a cosmetic boost. That's why I asked about an m3 competition style wheel that was higher quality than these (http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&wheelMake=Enkei+Tuning&wheelModel=Raijin&wheelFinish=Hyper+Silver&initialPartNumber=4678801232HS&GCID=C13674x012-wheel&KEYWORD=wheels_Enkei_Tuning_Raijin_Hyper_Silver_Wh eels&code=yes&autoMake=BMW&autoModel=X4+M40i&autoYear=2017&autoModClar=245%2F45-19F+275%2F40-19R+Runflat&checkVehicle=&szredirectid=14788071242903041205410090301008005#s urvey), but not as expensive as the real deal. (http://www.bavauto.com/fland.asp?part=36%2011%202%20282%20999&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=36112282999-M3-2004-168542&gclid=CjwKEAiA0pDBBRCFtoPyguTh8AUSJADNWeuxmFbKiqED EOf7VTUi99MJRoODen42YbRb91egw6vuJBoCbsXw_wcB)

[fun2drive]

I disagree about the extended warranty, get one. I can think of two repairs alone that will pay for it and in all likelihood you will need it. Water pump tstat failure and repair and the ABS system failure. The top itself is pretty reliable but a hydraulic pump failure is pretty expensive too. Unless you are handy those two repairs alone will pay for most extended warranty costs. I have heard Route 66 to be highly regarded. I have no first hand knowledge just what I read in some BMW warranty threads.
Its not that this is an unreliable car it is just it does take maintenance and it isn't an Asian car so Germans expect more time and effort spent to keep it running...

[low.key.hp]

Hey all, I bought that 335i and I love it. I've got a tire question over here (http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2325914-335i-touring-setup) if anyone has advice.

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