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Thread: Thinking about a 2011 335d. Any advice?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
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    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    1998 328I

    Thinking about a 2011 335d. Any advice?

    I saw a good looking 2011 335d with 80k miles on it for $8,600. I was thinking of jumping on it but thought I would come here and ask the experts if this is indeed a good deal and what I should look for before buying. I have never owned a diesel before so I don't know what to look out for or if I should even make the plunge and get it. I currently have a 2000 323i so this would be a big jump for me I imagine.
    2009 328i
    2009 G8 GXP

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Do they have emissions on diesels where you live? Deleting all the emissions garbage and tuning it is the best thing you can do for them.

    If not be ready for check engine lights (some parts have extended warranties), carbon buildup, SCR issues, etc. I've seen several of them where the front crank pulley comes apart and doesn't spin the belt, causing a loss of power steering, alternator, A/C, etc.

    Overall, good cars if well maintained.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
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    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    Personally I would not get one the systems involved to make it work make the engine a lot more complicated. Given that I don't see any benefit in owning one. Get a gas engine

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Location
    Twin Falls, Idaho
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    13
    My Cars
    1998 328I
    Thank you guys for the reply. I thankfully do live in an area that does not impose diesel emissions so I would be able to delete everything.

    I did read a little something about the balancer doing that while I did a search on here. I wonder how difficult that is to replace myself.

    I would like a 335i but since they are all severely overpriced and the 335 d slightly underpriced around here I'm wondering if I want to tackle these difficulties. I might be able to talk the price down even more due to these problems. I wonder if I should take it to a BMW shop to get inspected and then have them quote me to do all these repairs even though they would be something I would like to do myself if I can. I would then see if I can use this to get the price even lower to make it worth it.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Upstate NY
    Posts
    85
    My Cars
    Honda S2000, VW Jetta TD
    Diesels are not quite as responsive but offer great torque down low.
    We enjoyed our Jetta tdi stick. I believe that BMW licenses the technology from MB that makes diesel cars “driveable”
    VW couldn’t roll the licensing fees into a low priced car and cheated instead
    My BIL moved from a 535i to a 535d and loves it

  6. #6
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    You're not going to be able to do the front crank pulley yourself unless you buy the special tools. One tool to install the A/C belt, and another tool to turn the crank several times over to get the belt all the way onto all of the ribs of the pulleys. It never goes on perfectly the first time with the tool.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Boston, MA
    Posts
    31
    My Cars
    09 335xi Man

    Thinking about a 2011 335d. Any advice?

    That’s a great price for a 2011 335d. That engine is a beast with twin turbos and tons of torque. I’d go for it in a heartbeat assuming no lights and it drives fine. All bmws that are 7-8 years old will require some maintenance that will not be cheap. That being said, my 2009 335xi has been great and trouble free. I do have only 71.5k miles. My biggest issue with the diesel was that it only came with an automatic transmission. I love my stick shift

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    colorado
    Posts
    252
    My Cars
    2009 335XI coupe
    Look harder for a 335i if you really prefer them. I'm not sure why you think they are overpriced. Prices have plummeted last few years to $10k and under.
    2009 E92 335xi
    2002 R1150GS Adventure
    1995 E36 M3

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    MI
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    4,369
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    M Coupe
    If your daily driving duty cycle is a high percentage at cruise control on the freeway, the diesel mpg will be a noticeable improvement over a gas car. If that's not your daily routine, then a gas car will be more responsive and less complicated.
    - Ian
    2000 M Coupe, stripped and DE prepped

    46mm wheel bearing socket for rent - $30 deposit + $10 fee. PM for details.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Irvine, CA. USA
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    2011 335d M sport
    I have a 2011 335d M Sport with 60,000 miles. I have had to only take the car into the shop a few times for minor maintenance issues. FYI BMW has prolonged the warranty for the Turbo's and Catalytic converter to 100,000 miles. The car dives like it has a 500 horse power engine in the city because of the torque but gets approx. 26 mpg and 36 to 40 mgp. on the freeway. I was sorry to see BMW not use the 6 cylinder D in the 3 series after 2011, but glad I got one of the last ones made for America. This car has been overlooked by everyone in America because it is a diesel, don't let it happen to you.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2016
    Location
    Austin, TExas
    Posts
    71
    My Cars
    1983 BMW E21 320i
    Not sure if you're even still looking but I figured I'd add my 2 cents for future eyes. I've owned a 335d for almost a year now (1yr in dec) and I'm pretty happy with it. 96k miles, sport package, lowered on springs (still a comfy ride). The car has been very reliable thus far. I've had to replace one warped rotor, one of my daytime running lights are out, and my damn cupholder won't close all the way. But that's about it. I love the way it drives and delivers power. I commute in the city but frequently make 2-4 hour trips and it's kind of the best of both worlds. I've installed a JDB (plug and play tuner) and although I don't really test the cars limits all too often, I definitely notice the car being more lively. I'd highly recommend it, keeping in mind the downsides of a tun of course. Power delivery is pretty smooth and unless I'm in the "sport" setting for the transmission, shifts are often unnoticeable. 8k is a pretty good deal considering what I paid for mine, albeit relatively mint condition.

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