F10 535i vs. E90/92 335i

[MP525i]

Hi Guys,

It's been a while since I've posted, but my search results keep ending up with videos of novices who don't know what they're talking about. So, I'm at a point where I need another car and decided to step away from the trusty Honda brand. With the whole COVID situation, I could find myself working from home a lot more than usual, so my 125 mile-per-day commute could be more manageable. Also, after driving a Honda for the past 11 years, I have the need to race (as my kids are very much into racing (track, auto-x, etc.)).

At first I was looking at E90/92 335's. They would be perfect to whip around a course with the kids in back. Since I don't need car seats, coupe's were in my future as well. However, as I was searching, I noticed that the F10 535i were going for the same price (for the most part). That popped a few questions in my head that I need help on..

1. Why am I finding 2011-2013 535i for the same, if not less, than 2010-2012 335's? Is there something wrong with the F10? My guess was the first production year or two cars might have issues... but odd to see 2013's going for $13-$15k.

2. I'm reading up (heavily) about the maintenance on the N55's. They don't seem so bad, as long as you stay on top of the oil changes, spark plugs, ignition coils, etc. How about the transmission though? Since most are automatic, it looks like I won't have too much of a choice of a manual.

3. Any other maintenance issues that really stand out for the 535i's?

I'm in no rush to move on a car. I'm still looking. Besides the F10 being bigger and a little slower, I'm sure it can handle the track just fine. And I'd like to avoid the endless topic of 5er vs 3er... I'd like to move on a 5er, but something just isn't sitting right with these cars being in the same price range....

Thanks in advance guys!

-Mike

[dewana421]

Good questions. I was in the same boat few years ago and did a LOT of research. Decided to choose 2012 model. 2011 had some issues example alignment and whistling noise due to bad PCV etc.
2013 I read about and found that they had some issues also. Forgot what those were. 2012 however had a great track record so decided to go with that. I’m have owned mine for a while and still going strong. No transmission issues on these. Just one thing on N55. Buy one where the valve cover gasket and oil filter gasket has been replaced. I had to recently do mine. If they have changed the valve cover that’s a plus plus.
Rest it’s a good engine and transmission.
For cosmetics Check on inside handles. They are common on melting and being sticky. So do check for those. I just got all mine replaced. It’s expensive at dealer.
Non RFT is better in my opinion. Michelin tires a plus.
Blacked out trim looks amazing and black top inside liner gives it a sleek look.
Check for premium sound package. Makes a big difference.
Some models had issues with heads up display so I’m not a big fan of that.
HID lights is amazing.
You get alot with premium package.
I suggest stay away from dynamic driving package. I know some folks who had issues and it’s expensive as hell to get air suspension issues resolved.
Again everyone have their own experiences so these are just some of my tips and suggestions.
No offense to anyone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MP525i]

Thanks for the insight.

I just inquired about a 2012. We'll see how it goes.

[dewana421]

Thanks for the insight.

I just inquired about a 2012. We'll see how it goes.

Keep us posted what you endup getting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alaeeq]

Hi new to this forum....
I am selling my 2012 535i if anyone is interested PM me...mine is fully loaded...we moving to get a new tesla.

[MP525i]

So, picked up a 2014 535i with the M-sport package earlier this week. Very fun car. However, the guy advertised it being a 535i X-drive, but there is nothing that indicates that it is X-drive. Would anybody know if there are specific VIN numbers for the 535 and the 535 x-drive? As of now, I have no way of telling.

Typically, the e46 "xi" always sat a little higher than the regular RWD models. Not sure if that's still the case for newer models, but this thing seems like a normal height.

Thanks!

-Mike

[trian]

Enter your vehicle VIN at any BMW ViN decoder site such as this one https://www.mdecoder.com/

or https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/BMW

[MP525i]

Thanks! Looks like it's a 535i.