I'm looking at buying a 2011 335i with 80k miles on it. just wanted some input on the reliability as this will most likely be a daily driver for the next 4-5 years. also considering a 2011 328xi with 60k miles on it. any help in the decision will be greatly appreciated.
also considering a 2009 c300 with only 47k miles
The 2011 335i has the N55 engine, unless it's a 335is. The N55 engine is more reliable than the n54, though it is less tunable. I wouldn't really characterize the 335i as a reliable car, but they aren't terrible if the maintenance is kept up. The problems tend to be really expensive though. I would really suggest doing as much of your own maintenance as possible if you want the BMW. With BMW, things WILL break, and shops are very expensive. If you are willing to do work yourself, you can save a ton. The 328 is generally regarded as more reliable than the 335i, but expensive issues like water pump or camshaft bearing ledges can occur.
The c300 is a pretty solid car, statistically about half as likely to have a problem compared to the 3-series. I prefer the styling and interior of the BMW, but the C300 is a solid car. If you don't work on cars, I would suggest the Mercedes.
I have a E93 2011 335i manual. I bought it when it has 72k miles on it. Since then, I have replaced most of the parts as preventative measures.
I had warranty so I remember following repairs were required
- intake valve cover gasket
-oil filter housing gasket
-drive belt ( gasket leak saturated that)
- Noise from timing chain area
These are the major ones. Apart from that, mostly DIY maintenance( spark plug and coils, all the fluids, intake valve cleaning etc.). I have driven almost 25k miles and I mostly do long road trips. I feel and realized they are heavily dependable hence I drive my own car for road trips. I recently completed Route 66 trip( 4.5k miles) without any problem.
As they say, you take care of it, and it will take care of you.
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I would not say the 335 is reliable, on my wife’s car I have had to do valvetronic motor, dme (under warranty), valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and yesterday the water pump went out. Left her stranded twice! But when it is running right it is a fantastic car and she wants to keep it. At just over 60k miles way more work into that I anticipated.
My girl has a 2011 335i N55 with 73,000 miles. Just replaced oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket and Starting the oil pan gasket because they were all leaking. Also replaced the thermostat and hose going from the thermostat to oil filter housing, the fitting that goes into the block fell apart when I took it out. So if none of those gaskets where replaced, they will probably need it.
No one will tell you the 335i is more reliable than the 328i, but everyone will tell you it’s a lot faster. We have an 08 535xi with the N54 and have owned it for 100k of its 130k miles. I do the maintenance and repairs and it’s taken some time but really been that expensive. I would have zero interest in driving a 328i (or 528i).
Engine and transmission are very reliable.
You will need to keep an eye on water pump, fuel pumps and radiator lines
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