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Thread: Considering a 335i, need some advice from you e90 experts

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    e34,e38,e39,e46,e70,e90

    Considering a 335i, need some advice from you e90 experts

    Hey all, the e34 in the pic below is getting long in the tooth and is away at college with my daughter. Before anything bad happens, I知 looking to get her a e90 facelift 328i with low miles. I値l be replacing the cooling system and do all the regular items (plugs, coils, brakes, etc) before I ship it off to her and recover the e34.

    However, I致e seen some good examples of 335s out there too. I have the same twin turbo engine in our X5 and enjoy it, but with her being away, I知 concerned about the turbos giving us problems.

    Do the 09-11 335 have a history of turbo problems? Are they relatively easy to replace? What is the usual cost to replace them (I do my own work)

    Thanks

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  2. #2
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    Well, plenty of stuff on Google, just looking for opinions. I assume they start failing about 150k miles for mom and pop driven cars?

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
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    Vancouver Isl, BC, Canada
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    98 Euro M3, 04 M3, 06 M5
    2009 and early 2010 cars are N54 powered. This engine is the king of tune-ability(its becoming known as the german 2jz), but isnt known for its reliability(there is running joke threads on many 335 forums with pictures of these cars on tow trucks). The N54 is a twin turbo and they typically last about 160k miles before they become problematic(burning oil). Replacing them is a large job, and not for the faint of heart. Expect to spend at least $1000 for reman turbos unless you want to gamble on used units. Theres a pile of other seals, gaskets and bolts you will need to complete the job as well. Lots of people take this opportunity to install upgraded turbos.

    late 2010+ are N55 powered. This is a single twin scroll turbo engine. I have little experiance with them but the consensus is they are quite reliable. No where near the same aftermarket tuning support for them though.

    Both engines are direct injected and have issues with carbon buildup and injector issues(especially early N54 cars.. not as much issue in the years your looking at)

    I Love my N54. I do all my own work as well and it hasnt been too bad. If you want to be able to play with it and get some more power id go N54. IF your just looking for a sporty commuter the N55 might be a better choice.
    Last edited by legoman67; 02-14-2019 at 04:37 PM.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  4. #4
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    e34,e38,e39,e46,e70,e90
    ^ Great synopses, Thanks.

    I was told the early turbos had issues, but had no idea what “early” meant. Yep, my X5 has the N55. I’ll look for one of those then.
    Last edited by kouks; 02-15-2019 at 02:06 PM.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  5. #5
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    2001 525it
    Injector issues more than turbos issues

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2017
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    Ontario, Canada
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    335i E93 N54
    Quote Originally Posted by kouks View Post
    Hey all, the e34 in the pic below is getting long in the tooth and is away at college with my daughter. Before anything bad happens, I’m looking to get her a e90 facelift 328i with low miles. I’ll be replacing the cooling system and do all the regular items (plugs, coils, brakes, etc) before I ship it off to her and recover the e34.

    However, I’ve seen some good examples of 335s out there too. I have the same twin turbo engine in our X5 and enjoy it, but with her being away, I’m concerned about the turbos giving us problems.

    Do the 09-11 335 have a history of turbo problems? Are they relatively easy to replace? What is the usual cost to replace them (I do my own work)

    Thanks

    The 328 is quite reliable in my experience.
    After 10 years or 200,000km you start getting into Valve Cover Gasket, Injectors, Coils, etc. regardless of 328 or 335i.
    She may get into less trouble in a 328, and for sure, you'll get less calls regarding issues.

  7. #7
    Join Date
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    e34,e38,e39,e46,e70,e90
    And the winner is...

    09 328i, Barbera Red, Beige leather, navigation, premium package

    Last edited by kouks; 02-21-2019 at 10:14 AM.

    02 e39 540i Sport (Son), 01 DINAN 7 (Me), 12 e70 X5 x35i (Mrs), 95 e34 525i (Daughter 2), 01 e46 325Ci vert (Daughter 1)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2017
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    Ontario, Canada
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    335i E93 N54
    Classy. I love the blinkers on that model. So visible.

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