[Ryan_M]

Hi guys, I am new around here and am looking forward to owning my first BMW (ideally the 335i coupe).

I have just sold my GTI recently and have begun looking for a used hardtop 335i. I have done some preliminary research and have noticed the following (and would like your response on the same):

• There seems to be 2 types of E92 335s, one being the 335ia and the other being a 335ci, can someone please explain the difference between the two?

• In respect of reliability, what are the main issues relating to the 335? I do not plan on any major modding but I have heard of HPFP issues and other minor electronic glitches. Is there anything else that I should be aware of?

• Is there a certain year of the E92 335 which I should be extra worried about, i.e. whether a certain manufacturing year is particularly plagued i.e. 2007 make?

• I understand that the 335 comes in an "M' and non "M" package, is it worthwhile for me to look for the "M" package given that I am not looking to mod a lot and that I DO appreciate "out-of-the-box" performance?

• Is it worthwhile to get a "water" / parrallel import? I ask because it seems that the "water" cars have the i-drive system installed.

• What kind of mileage/gas consumption can I expect out of the 335?

• What are the approximate insurance rates you are paying for your 335?

I can't think of any other questions at the moment but I do appreciate all your help, especially with this being my first post.

I hope I can find the right 335 soon so I can join you guys on your events.

Many thanks in advance for your help!
Ryan

[alexckma]

1) Ci: connotates coupe/cabriolet (but i think the new ones don't have this anymore... they are all called 335iA) so no difference
2) not really, hpfp can be big or small depending on your luck. Seatbelt hook (the thing that gives you the seatbelt is pretty fragile and useless in my opinion). runflats (in all bmws) are harder and easily deformed... I would change to regular tires.
But otherwise, I haven't found major problems... other than minor electrical problems

3) bingo, if you can, get 2008 and on (LCI which means mid-cycle refresh) offers a new engine, N55.. you can read up on it in the main forum. Basically different engine but APPARENTLY less cases of HPFP failure. But there were still some cases. HK however has not been particularly plagued by the HPFP issue (though i only know like 5-6 people with 335s)

4) Good luck in finding a used 335 with M sport... (if you find one go for it) if you want to add it later on at bmw that's possible too, just costs way too much. Mostly cosmetic differences, no real power difference. It comes with bumpers, steering wheel, seats, door sills and I think that's about it...

5) water goods... well depending where it's from you need to check the VIN to see whether it has problems. Might also want to know whether it is salvage title or stolen. Lastly, the price for water goods are usually lower on buying and selling.. many people steer clear from these.

6) 25-30 mpg in the States, not sure in HK... other members can help you here

7) depends on your discount

[trekker]

I suggest you dont go for a water good, better stick with Hong ones with service history. It can cost you alot just for maintenance if its not in good conditions.

[firefox_E92]

Ryan, I guess u r the one who just sold your white GTI, btw it's a nice car. I like the black top

[Ryan_M]

Originally Posted by firefox_E92

Ryan, I guess u r the one who just sold your white GTI, btw it's a nice car. I like the black top

Wow excellent guess!

I do miss the GTI but I am looking onward to greener pastures!

I haven't found anything that i like so far though.

[Ryan_M]

Originally Posted by alexckma

1) Ci: connotates coupe/cabriolet (but i think the new ones don't have this anymore... they are all called 335iA) so no difference
2) not really, hpfp can be big or small depending on your luck. Seatbelt hook (the thing that gives you the seatbelt is pretty fragile and useless in my opinion). runflats (in all bmws) are harder and easily deformed... I would change to regular tires.
But otherwise, I haven't found major problems... other than minor electrical problems

3) bingo, if you can, get 2008 and on (LCI which means mid-cycle refresh) offers a new engine, N55.. you can read up on it in the main forum. Basically different engine but APPARENTLY less cases of HPFP failure. But there were still some cases. HK however has not been particularly plagued by the HPFP issue (though i only know like 5-6 people with 335s)

4) Good luck in finding a used 335 with M sport... (if you find one go for it) if you want to add it later on at bmw that's possible too, just costs way too much. Mostly cosmetic differences, no real power difference. It comes with bumpers, steering wheel, seats, door sills and I think that's about it...

5) water goods... well depending where it's from you need to check the VIN to see whether it has problems. Might also want to know whether it is salvage title or stolen. Lastly, the price for water goods are usually lower on buying and selling.. many people steer clear from these.

6) 25-30 mpg in the States, not sure in HK... other members can help you here

7) depends on your discount

Thanks very much for the information. It seems like there aren't too many 2008's out there for sale at the moment. Will just have to wait and see I guess.

[335 Freak]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Thanks very much for the information. It seems like there aren't too many 2008's out there for sale at the moment. Will just have to wait and see I guess.

Hey Ryan,

If you are performance driven nerd like me.....I strongly recommend you to save some money to purchase those 2007 made of N54 engine 335 E92!! The N55 engine is more of gas consumption friendly rather than performance...I have couple friends whose aimed for N54 real twin turbo E92/93 whereby, they windup searching the car in second hand market rather than buying brand new!!

Good luck for sourcing the right 335 E92.......jumping from GTI to 335 is definitely a big step up!! Cheers....

[Ryan_M]

Thanks guys, I am looking forward to getting the 335, now I just gotta find the right one.

Any comments on getting an 2006, I didn't even know they were already out then. I came across : http://car8.com/2cardetails.php?id=166929, nice colour and all.

[css]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Thanks guys, I am looking forward to getting the 335, now I just gotta find the right one.

Any comments on getting an 2006, I didn't even know they were already out then. I came across : http://car8.com/2cardetails.php?id=166929, nice colour and all.

do you mind a high mileage one? my car sales have 2 for sale, i can see how the car is first and tell you about it? pm me your phone number

[Ryan_M]

Oda, thanks in advance for your help, I will PM you my number as soon as I can. It seems that this forum has placed restrictions on new-joiners.

[firefox_E92]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Thanks guys, I am looking forward to getting the 335, now I just gotta find the right one.

Any comments on getting an 2006, I didn't even know they were already out then. I came across : http://car8.com/2cardetails.php?id=166929, nice colour and all.

IMO, the price is on the high side for 06...

[ny911]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Wow excellent guess!

I do miss the GTI but I am looking onward to greener pastures!

I haven't found anything that i like so far though.

Welcome to this board. You would miss your GTI even after getting a nice 335i Coupe.

[Ryan_M]

Sorry to be a bother guys, anyone know of any issues with this car http://www.28car.com/sell_dsp.php?h_id=464327&h_vw=y - your help is greatly appreciated!

[sleepergm]

Someone has modded that car ... its got a M steering wheel, M kit, M3 spoiler and Vorsteiner Hood I think ... I myself dont like buying upgraded cars since that means the last owner prob drove it hard and had a chip. Face it we all drive our cars faster than most ... haha

[Ryan_M]

Too late ahha, its pretty much a done deal

[sleepergm]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Too late ahha, its pretty much a done deal

How much did you end up getting it for? And how many miles on the motor just out of curiousity ...?

Welcome to the team ...

[alexckma]

tuned cars...if done properly can be great with some power gains as well... but if not... then what awaits you is a million problems, and a million more dollars.

[RR80]

Congrats on your new car~~~ I saw that car before and it look really nice, save you lots for the exterior mods~~

[335 Freak]

Originally Posted by Ryan_M

Too late ahha, its pretty much a done deal

Hey Bro, Look at the bright side....purchasing a car with mod may not be as worst as we thought it should be!! There are many mod freak out there such as myself having the car mod whilst, giving the car very good treatment in performing its best shot at all time!!

I have seen many "See Nine" driving the 335 without proper maintenance whilst didn't mod the car but torturing the car day after day until their husband buying her a new toy for cheering her up !!

[little_croco]

Originally Posted by 335 Freak

Hey Bro, Look at the bright side....purchasing a car with mod may not be as worst as we thought it should be!! There are many mod freak out there such as myself having the car mod whilst, giving the car very good treatment in performing its best shot at all time!!

I have seen many "See Nine" driving the 335 without proper maintenance whilst didn't mod the car but torturing the car day after day until their husband buying her a new toy for cheering her up !!

Very good point!

[Ryan_M]

Originally Posted by sleepergm

How much did you end up getting it for? And how many miles on the motor just out of curiousity ...?

Welcome to the team ...

Hey guys, thanks for the welcoming - I got it for around 430K, it has around 22,000 kms on it. The car checked out alright at the inspection yesterday, should be picking her up tomorrow night after work yay!

[Ryan_M]

Just a silly question, I didn't really have much time to inspect the car myself and to understand what options are availble with the car. I was what are the standard interior equipment of a 2007 335i (i.e. bluetooth, ipod connectivity)?