[Jon D]

With a view to replacing my March '08 E92 330d M Sport, I took a 335d for a test run and was impressed by the extra mid-range punch, so I thought the decision was over until I saw the Z4 sDrive 35i M Sport with the 7 speed DCT...
Naturally, I couldn't resist a drive and within minutes my heart was convinced; however, the road noise is a bit intrusive with the roof up and there's the overriding problem of such limited space which, I think, would soon become significant issues.
What is now clear to me is that I shall go for the 335i combined with the DCT. Certainly the 6 cylinder diesel is an awesome engine, but the extra pace, glorious sound and free revving nature of the petrol unit has won me over.
I'm now seriously considering the convertible E93 as a good compromise and hope to test one very soon. However, I do have slight concerns about the handling compared to the extremely competent E92 and reliability and weather sealing properties of that very complex roof.
Therefore, I'd really appreciate the advice of any E93 owners, especially anyone who also has the 335i and DCT.
Many thanks,
Jon D.

[creepy coupe]

I know what you mean about the looks of the Z435i, I saw a space grey one at Stephen James in Sidcup on Saturday and it stopped me in my tracks, what a fabulous looking thing.

[pjs]

Jon

After having spent 3 years in a 330d I really fancied a petrol E92 or E93 and test drove quite a few 335i's before buying an E92. I cant comment on the DCT box, but I too was tempted by the convertible.

After only a few minutes in a testdrive it was clear to me that it would be too much of a compromise to have the e93. Clearly a good car, but straight away you feel the extra weight and flex. Far better than most cabs, but still affects the drive to much for me. It was a consistent comparison to the e92's I tested as it was on 19" wheels.

Enjoy the search

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Therefore, I'd really appreciate the advice of any E93 owners, especially anyone who also has the 335i and DCT.
Many thanks,
Jon D.

The engine is why I got my wallet out, the noise, the revs, the mid range punch that just keeps onnnnn going, Brilliant - more than brilliant in fact.

After 16k miles it's loosened up beautifully now and just seems to get even better.

I've only had E90 and now E91, personally the E90 is the best looker IMO. I test drove an E93 once and the flex / shake really just put me straight off. Just watch in the rear view mirror - it wobbles over every cats eye or bump.

I'm a manual man, so no DCT for me.

[creepy coupe]

I've owned a 335i with DCT since last August and I'm still impressed just how good the DCT is, in fact after test driving another BMW on Saturday with a manual, it reaffirmed just how much I like the DCT, can’t comment the feel of an E93 but can’t imagine extra weight over the 335 as being a welcome thing, if dynamics is your thing.

If a four seat vert is important to you, you could do a whole like worse.

[themetz]

335i E92 with DCT

no brainer

[a1reader]

Originally Posted by Jon D

With a view to replacing my March '08 E92 330d M Sport, I took a 335d for a test run and was impressed by the extra mid-range punch, so I thought the decision was over until I saw the Z4 sDrive 35i M Sport with the 7 speed DCT...
Naturally, I couldn't resist a drive and within minutes my heart was convinced; however, the road noise is a bit intrusive with the roof up and there's the overriding problem of such limited space which, I think, would soon become significant issues.
What is now clear to me is that I shall go for the 335i combined with the DCT. Certainly the 6 cylinder diesel is an awesome engine, but the extra pace, glorious sound and free revving nature of the petrol unit has won me over.
I'm now seriously considering the convertible E93 as a good compromise and hope to test one very soon. However, I do have slight concerns about the handling compared to the extremely competent E92 and reliability and weather sealing properties of that very complex roof.
Therefore, I'd really appreciate the advice of any E93 owners, especially anyone who also has the 335i and DCT.
Many thanks,
Jon D.

I went through a very similar thought process last summer starting with a Z4 35i DCT and then finding the space shortage a real problem. I tested an E92 Coupe and for me there was not really much of a compromise with the convertible. The E93 is obviously not as good as the coupe but the difference is not as big as some people make it. With regards to the extra weight, a quick remap should sort that out . Admittedly, I don't track my car (I have another dedicated car for that purpose), but I do enjoy quite a lot of "spirited" driving and the E93 is dynamically very very good. Combine that with top down driving on a sunny day (even when cold as you can keep it really toasty inside) and for me it was an unbeatable combination. All I would say is drive one and i think you might be pleasantly surprised

[rsmallwo]

after experiencing the 335d I have I would only go back to petrol if I had a convertable. I'd want to hear the noise of the engine as much as possible.

Do you really need the space of the e93? the new z4 is really nice.

actually, move to a warm country then get an open top

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by rsmallwo

actually, move to a warm country then get an open top

The irony of that is we buy more ragtops in the UK than anywhere.

People in properly warm countries know its best with a proper roof, windows up and aircon on

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by themetz

335i E92 with DCT

no brainer

335i E93 with DCT = no brainer!

Seriously though, I suggest you take an E93 out for a good test run, you might be pleasantly surprised

[themetz]

Originally Posted by dar2008

335i E93 with DCT = no brainer!

Seriously though, I suggest you take an E93 out for a good test run, you might be pleasantly surprised

drop tops are for ladies

[dar2008]

Originally Posted by themetz

drop tops are for ladies

Yes, I can confirm the ladies love my topless ride

[dxb335d]

Doughboy, ever had any engine parts or ancillieries replaced?!

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Doughboy, ever had any engine parts or ancillieries replaced?!

Due to failure?

Nope not a thing. touch wood.

[chris330D]

FWIW if you want a drop-top its got to be the Z4, just looks so much better IMHO

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Due to failure?

Nope not a thing. touch wood.

No Injectors, turbo's, fuel pump or coil packs? Any wastegate rattle?

Wow thats impressive.

[zltm089]

e92 335i....wonderful car....great handling....excellent smooth power delivery across the rev range...good torque aswell...plus high reving.....not many cars going to give you 306bhp for that kind of price...unless u go for an old e46 M3...but then again...its an "old" version...

whereas the e92s is the "current" model kickin ass!... (when the engine works!!!)

[dxb335d]

What has been on the ''issue list'' with yours Kev?