[waffl3]

So I’ve been doing a lot of research on 335i’s recently as I want a daily that I can build and work on while not breaking the bank (at least initially) and I came across one that seems to be somewhat well priced but I’m not sure if there’s something up with it.

In terms of understanding what to look out for with maintenance and things that can go wrong, I know a lot about the common issues (I’ll be going to look at the car soon) but what I’m most curious about is someone else’s input who has a little more knowledge on these cars than I do.

The 335i that I’m looking at costs around 17 grand, has 65,000 miles, has been garage kept, and has (supposedly, we’ll find out if it’s true or not soon) a good service and maintenance record. The thing has been taken good care of, or at least according to the owner. What I’m worried about is the list of modifications done to it, and whether or not it should be a deal breaker.

The current list of mods he has on it is:
Upgraded charge pipe and forged diverter valves, DCI vrsf Catless downpipes, Ngk 1 step colder spark plugs, new coil packs, MHD wireless tuning dongle

Is there anything I should look out for? Should be mods be a deal breaker or a red flag? Is there anything else I should know? Any help would be greatly appreciated :’)

Edit: also is the reliability on these really that bad? I just want to know if I’d be good (assuming it has a good maintenance record) to push it a little bit after it warms up without being scared out of my mind that something’s going to go wrong.

[Chappers 71]

A 35i is always going to cost you money no matter how good the maintenance history is, I've owned by 2006 e92 since 2011 @ 52,000 miles, has now done 126,000 only 'common' issue it hasn't had is the injectors, still on original index 1. Then there's tyres & general servicing & maintaince & of course mods
Mrs Chappers used my 35i as a dd doing around 70 miles a day until 2015 & it was quite expensive for me to run as daily for her. It now only gets used by me a couple of times on weekends when the weather's nice

maybe have a read of the 'how much has your 335i cost this month' thread on the UK technical forum for an idea of running costs.

If you're just planning on running it for 6 months or a year you may get lucky & nothing breaks...or at least nothing to expensive..but if you are going to keep it long term then you will need deep pockets

[whyzee125]

Service records will make or break the deal IMO.

These cars have been out long enough, that most things there are to know at this point, are known which is a plus. Bad news is, they've been out long enough that a lot of them have been abused.

You run a certain risk buying or owning a modified car in that you're running all the hardware closer to their limits and things will happen.

That being said, those mods wouldn't scare me if it's from a responsible owner.

Green flags:
All gaskets done (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan)
Water pump / tstat done
No wastegate rattle
Index 11 or 12 injectors

Red flags:
Sold by an idiot
Sold on FB marketplace
Any claims of maintenance being done without proof
Any lights on the dash without proof of the codes causing them

Good luck! These cars are nothing to be afraid of if you're a responsible, working adult. That said, don't expect Toyota reliability. These make more sense for a toy than an A to B car but that's not to say you can't do both with it. Just don't look at every dime you put into it as an investment, because it's not. You'll have a blast with it if you get it.

[Hoody007]

Including consumables (eg. tires, brakes) I’ve averaged 3K a year to keep my 335i in top shape. I’ve driven it 70K miles since purchasing it in January of 2018.

My car is entirely stock, my turbos are original (no waste gate rattle), and while I drive it like a BMW, I’m also kind to it (eg. not flooring it while the engine’s cold). I have all service records from mile 9, prior to me the car was only serviced through BMW (and was a low mileage car too, so oil changes every ~ 7000 miles).

You’re looking at a modified car, I’d budget for turbos at some point, and to replace injectors if they haven’t already.

I’m running 3 index 12s, 2 index 7s and 1 index 9. The non-12s have been in the car for at least 140K miles, with no issues. But I’m stock, use Techron every few months, and service it meticulously. Your mileage may vary, as the saying goes…

FYI I found the index 7s to be extremely reliable. The 1 index 7 I replaced turned out to be fine, I misdiagnosed a dying coil pack…

Can you work on the car yourself? At 65K you’ll be doing control arms soon, not to mention any other bushings / gaskets, so be aware of that as well.

I’ve also found it to be extremely reliable, and before the pandemic used to do 20K miles a year in it. Would not hesitate to take it cross country tomorrow (well maybe next week as my tires need to be rebalanced…)

[Suvorovo]

I'd pay up quite a bit extra to have a fully sorted out 335i.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by Suvorovo

I'd pay up quite a bit extra to have a fully sorted out 335i.

Indeed. Especially when index 12s are $450 each…

[Aria971]

and if i`m looking for a preowned car online, which sites do u recommend?

[HondaRC51]

I just picked up my 09 335xi w/39k miles for $11k otd from Carmax wholesale. Ive seen some good deals on Autotrader but you need to check it daily to find them before they're gone. Good Luck!