Want to Buy a 2011 Coupe: What's better? 328 or 335???

[sptfr78]

Hello! First time, long time....

Looking for some input. I have a 2006 325CI and want to get something newer that will be my daily driver but also must be AWD (I live in Michigan... GO BLUE!).
I found locally two 2011 3 series with X-Drive. One is a 328i and the other is a 335i; both are used.

What is everyone's opinion considering it will be a DD and plan to have for a number of years. The 328 or the 335? Should I go with the naturally aspirated with bullet proof reliability, or am I opening myself up with issues if I go turbo.

Thanks!

[Pelican Parts]

Both are great options, but maintenance cost should be taken into account. As I'm sure you're already aware, a turbo platform will be much more to maintain over the long haul. If you're looking for a dedicated DD than go with the 328i - if you're looking for a car that you can enjoy in a 'spirited' manner as well, then go with the 335. Most importantly, get a full PPI report done before committing to either one. Best of luck and let us know what you decide to go with.


-Dmitry

[AsifLicious]

The 328i will be much more reliable. However, if you care at all about performance, get the 335i. I had a 128i for less than a year before I traded it on for a 335i because the lack of power really started to get to me. Also, since you're looking at a 2011 335i you won't have as many issues because it has the N55 engine as compared to the N54. I'd get the 335i if I were you.

[TonyAngel]

Your question is tough to answer, considering that we are talking about two used cars. If I was getting a brand spanking new car and both were similarly equipped, I'd probably go for the 335i. Since we're talking used, there are considerations to be made. I mean, if the 335 was adult owned and driven, but the 328 was driven by an 18 y.o., odds are that the 335 was treated better. Of course, there is always the way the cars are equipped that you have to consider as well. What I'd do is look at both cars on equal ground without consideration of the added horsepower of the 335 and figure out which car would be more to you liking, then throw in the horsepower and see if that sways you. Personally, for a daily driver (especially if you don't have a second car) I'd go for the 328. Odds are that it will be more dependable. I'm not saying that turbo engines are inherently more unreliable, I'm just saying that turbo engines have more parts and therefore more to go wrong.

[sptfr78]

Thanks for all of the input and suggestions. I ended up buying a 2013 328 Coupe Xdrive. Couldn't beat the deal and really couldn't find a 330 for the same price/mileage.

27k miles for $20,700 total. Great car.


BMW 328 XDrive Coupe.jpg
Here it is with my other BMW - 2003 Z4.
328 and Z4 driveway.jpg

[NoPwr328]

Awesome. I just bought the same car. Is yours a N51 or N52?

P.S. I'm a newb to the BMW world.

[Pilgrim]

Good choice! That's going to be a great long-term car.

[shiftmygears]

335 is much funner, but more maintenance overtime being a more complicated vehicle. I've owned both.

[mike@XPH]

If you are after power get the 335, if not the 328

[mike the snake]

I would look into getting a warranty as well. It'll save you when anything goes wrong with either car!

[E90crazy]

You bought good o relaible! Good buy Congrats

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Nyc Dito]

Thanks for all of the input and suggestions. I ended up buying a 2013 328 Coupe Xdrive. Couldn't beat the deal and really couldn't find a 330 for the same price/mileage.

27k miles for $20,700 total. Great car.


BMW 328 XDrive Coupe.jpg
Here it is with my other BMW - 2003 Z4.
328 and Z4 driveway.jpg

Very nice!

Make sure you use excellent engine oil. Although you have low mileage, it will only greatly benefit using the good stuff in the long run. I wish the PO of my LCI E90 did that ....