[cschang]

that should read "Advice"

New to the forum...first post.

I am considering buying a used 335d. I have a couple of specific questions, and also looking for any general advice.

First, upon looking in my area, all I can find available for the 335d are 2011 models. I know they were imported to the USA for 2009 to 2011 model years. Why can I only find 2011? I am thinking that for the 2011 model year, the cars that are available came off of 3 year leases. For 2009-2010...are owners extremely happy and holding on to them?

Does the 335d have any problem areas that I should be aware of, and make sure I have that area inspected before I purchase anything I find.

Any other advice?

thanks,
-curtis

[335dFan]

I'll let the other fellows give you the most advice and warnings. But, I would get the latest model 2011 you can find. Some issues with earlier model years may have been addressed by 2011. I love mine, but I have only 28.5k miles. On a side note, I lived in Redondo Beach long ago, and my brother lived in Manhattan. He now lives near Marina/Playa del Rey.

[Poosik]

I have learned a lot from reading these forums and would like to contribute back with my experiences.

Recently bought my 2009 335D base (sunroof only), 23k miles, CPO warranty for $27,000 out the door price (tax&fees included)
20days and 230miles later- check engine light comes on.. i was NOT happy..
bring it back to the dealer- they install new urea tank no ques asked.
What else will fail next? i duno
but better believe that a warranty is MANDATORY for this vehicle, or else the ownership experience has the potential to be rather PAINFUL $$

For the driving experience: pleasant. i drove a g37 coupe before the 335d and without a doubt the D provides a better driving experience.
It is a tad quieter, definitely smoother, better gas mileage and feels faster.
Aside from this, the REAL selling point to me was the power delivery. Unlike the g37 that i had to rag out past 5kRPM to get power out, the D hits you with that solid torque right at 2K RPM. This is especially evident when exiting turn. In my opinion, the power is most impressive from say 30mph - 80mph or during passing maneuvers where the thrust comes on immediately and does not let up until you are deep into illegal speeds.
That being said, i have a JBD piggyback sitting on my desk waiting to be installed. Why? because my brain is still not fully developed

CONS: telescoping steering wheel does not telescope enough, and the wheel's position just doesn't quite come down enough for my desired position.
(if anyone has or heard of a solution please share!- maybe a "kit" or "spacer")



Final word- make sure the car you choose has a warranty and go into it understanding the financial consequences and random inconveniences of owning this vehicle.
That being said, i would buy it over again because no other car for the $$ delivers this experience.

good luck

[FormerRotor]

Take warnings with a grain of salt. I would say to make sure to get the complete history to ensure that all recalls have been performed. also check for injector issues as these seem to be indicative of larger problems (DDE or carbon). As far as visual inspection, there's not a lot you can look for outside of the usual. Drive a couple so you know the one you're getting is putting you in the seat like it should.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by Poosik

CONS: telescoping steering wheel does not telescope enough, and the wheel's position just doesn't quite come down enough for my desired position. (if anyone has or heard of a solution please share!- maybe a "kit" or "spacer

I'm disappointed by the lack of telescoping steering too. A last gen IS250 has one yet I have to at least get a 5-series to have one? Lame.

As for closing up your wheel gap, get a set of 12mm (front) and 15mm (rear) wheel spacers from BMS. They closed mine up nicely with no rubbing.

[Poosik]

Yeah the steering wheel just doesn't telescope "enough" outward for my comfort and i must move the seat closer to compensate.
its not a big deal but enough to mention and search for a solution.

Regarding the wheel spacer... i meant a steering wheel spacer (if that even exists) that would elongate the steering column and bring the steering wheel closer in.

after driving the 2013/14? 320xi loaner i began to notice the slight ergonomic imperfections of my 2009 335D

[Timujin]

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

I'm disappointed by the lack of telescoping steering too. A last gen IS250 has one yet I have to at least get a 5-series to have one? Lame.

As for closing up your wheel gap, get a set of 12mm (front) and 15mm (rear) wheel spacers from BMS. They closed mine up nicely with no rubbing.

I find myself tweaking the seat in order to get the wheel right. My Golf TDI did it great.

If you can get a 335d in warranty with maintenance you will be glad. The window trim on the left rear door began lifting on my car. It was replaced under warranty.

Test drive as many as you can. 2011s have the better base sound system too.

Your thread starts with "Adice for buying a used 335d"...yes it is a gamble with these cars no doubt.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by Poosik

Regarding the wheel spacer... i meant a steering wheel spacer (if that even exists) that would elongate the steering column and bring the steering wheel closer in.

Oh, my bad. Yeah I don't think anything like that exists.

[cschang]

Thanks for the advice so far...much appreciated.

Any guesses as to why there are not any used 2009/2010's? I am curious about this, even though I will aim for a 2011.

335dFan...I love the area. I grew up in Palos Verdes. The downsides to living around here...traffic if you have to leave the South Bay, and costs. Know of any good BMW mechanics in the area?

[GreekboyD]

I'd go with the fuzzy ones.

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by cschang

Thanks for the advice so far...much appreciated.

Any guesses as to why there are not any used 2009/2010's? I am curious about this, even though I will aim for a 2011.

335dFan...I love the area. I grew up in Palos Verdes. The downsides to living around here...traffic if you have to leave the South Bay, and costs. Know of any good BMW mechanics in the area?

Sorry cschang, when I said a long time ago, I really meant it. I left the South Bay in 1960 for Sacramento. That means I am really an old feller. The only BMW shop I have dealt with in that area was on a test drive at at South Bay BMW, and I was majorly unimpressed with the sales guy there. Can't speak for their service department nor do I know of any indys. Sorry. Some of the L.A. forum members can chime in for sure.

My brother graduated from P.V. High, but like me that was back during the last ice age.

[bvanlieu]

Originally Posted by cschang

Thanks for the advice so far...much appreciated.

Any guesses as to why there are not any used 2009/2010's? I am curious about this, even though I will aim for a 2011.

335dFan...I love the area. I grew up in Palos Verdes. The downsides to living around here...traffic if you have to leave the South Bay, and costs. Know of any good BMW mechanics in the area?

There are older cars. Numbers may be higher for the 11. 2-3 year leases like you mention are coming up. M sport was only an option in 11 so you may see sme of those too as dealers like to deck cars out.

Read the forum. EGV recalls easy to check for. Carbon is not. I got a 2 year off lease and extended 100k warranty aftermarket. Rolling the dice a bit but you do that with most German cars.

- b

[dixy2k]

Originally Posted by cschang

Thanks for the advice so far...much appreciated.

Any guesses as to why there are not any used 2009/2010's? I am curious about this, even though I will aim for a 2011.

335dFan...I love the area. I grew up in Palos Verdes. The downsides to living around here...traffic if you have to leave the South Bay, and costs. Know of any good BMW mechanics in the area?

I know a good one in Artesia. However, talking about a diesel (a modern one) is a complicated issue.

Even the dealer has a lot of trouble diagnosing the problems with our cars. Most of the time they end up replacing countless parts to get to the root of the problem and spend many weeks in the process.

You really need to understand this car comes with many potential problems. It's no guarantee either way that your car will be problem free or plagued by a number of issues (mostly emission related stuff).

[cschang]

Everyone...thanks for words of wisdom.

I'm still on the fence, but I have some good info to chew on.

[cwbiii]

I've owned one (2009) for 2+ years and 60k miles. Bought it as a CPO with 20k on the odo. It has seen a lot of service. The CPO warranty and the extended maintenance agreement were good choices. In my biased opinion the Certified Pre-owned Warranty is a must... and if you can get one where the prior owner bought the 100k extended policy even better... though the CPO 100k warranty is still pretty good. I've only had to pay one service over $50 and that was for the replacement intake manifold that was all gummed up with carbon deposits. A technical detail I probably could have argued but I like to pick my arguments carefully so that I keep the upper hand. Its currently in the shop with the head off and being sent out to clean the accumulated carbon off of that... I've had a loaner every time I've had it in for major service... currently I have an x3 2.8... and maybe they'll add a couple of the new 2.8d's to their loaner fleet and I'llbe able to feel more at home.
I lowered mine with BMW's performance suspension and it really improved the handling and driving experience... though it is as stiff as hell and I dodge imperfections in the road. It hurts when I can't miss them... and low flying obstructions are no fun either... I ate a piece of truck tire a few weeks ago and have a nice blemish on my clear bra and a cracked kidney grille. This car still amazes and awe's me with its prowess.
You can't miss that its a diesel when I pass you either... it says SMOKEDBYADIESEL.COM in big black letters on my white car on the back.
At any speed I'm willing to go it is more than willing to take me. I like to smile a lot when I'm driving.

[cainebourne]

The one I am looking at has 49k miles its a 2011 335d almost completely fully loaded original value 52k. Premium, nav cold weather ect. Black on Black excellent condition Certified preowned from a BMW lot. It has 1 year and 3 months left on the factory warranty with maitanence prepaid until the same time. asking was 24k i countered got to 23500 but wanted more warranty time. They offered another year wrap around for 1900 and I negotiated another 500 off car. so basically 25000 with 2 and a half year warranty and 1 year free maitenance. Does this sound like a resonable deal. I am generally a mercedes owner so not sure. Thanks in advance. here is window sticker info
1181 335d USD 43,950.00
Color 475 Black Sapphire Metallic 550.00
Upholstery LCSW Black Dakota Leather N/C
Options ZCW Cold Weather Package 1,150.00
465 Fold down rear seats N/C
494 Heated front seats N/C
502 Retractable headlight washers N/C
ZPP Premium Package 2,650.00
319 Universal garage-door opener N/C
430 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors N/C
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror N/C
488 Lumbar support N/C
4NA Digital compass mirror N/C
639 BMW Assist with Bluetooth N/C
248 Heated Steering Wheel N/C
4AB Dark Burl Walnut wood trim N/C
609 Navigation system 2,100.00
615 Online Information Services N/C
620 Voice-command N/C
655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription 350.00
6AA BMW TeleServices N/C
6AB TeleService Control N/C
6FL iPod and USB adapter 400.00
6UH Real Time Traffic Information N/C
Net Total 51,150.00
Destination Charge 875.00
Gas Guzzler Tax N/C
Total Suggested Price 52,025.00

[demon]

Originally Posted by cainebourne

The one I am looking at has 49k miles its a 2011 335d almost completely fully loaded original value 52k. Premium, nav cold weather ect. Black on Black excellent condition Certified preowned from a BMW lot. It has 1 year and 3 months left on the factory warranty with maitanence prepaid until the same time. asking was 24k i countered got to 23500 but wanted more warranty time. They offered another year wrap around for 1900 and I negotiated another 500 off car. so basically 25000 with 2 and a half year warranty and 1 year free maitenance. Does this sound like a resonable deal. I am generally a mercedes owner so not sure. Thanks in advance. here is window sticker info
1181 335d USD 43,950.00
Color 475 Black Sapphire Metallic 550.00
Upholstery LCSW Black Dakota Leather N/C
Options ZCW Cold Weather Package 1,150.00
465 Fold down rear seats N/C
494 Heated front seats N/C
502 Retractable headlight washers N/C
ZPP Premium Package 2,650.00
319 Universal garage-door opener N/C
430 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors N/C
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror N/C
488 Lumbar support N/C
4NA Digital compass mirror N/C
639 BMW Assist with Bluetooth N/C
248 Heated Steering Wheel N/C
4AB Dark Burl Walnut wood trim N/C
609 Navigation system 2,100.00
615 Online Information Services N/C
620 Voice-command N/C
655 Satellite radio with 1 year subscription 350.00
6AA BMW TeleServices N/C
6AB TeleService Control N/C
6FL iPod and USB adapter 400.00
6UH Real Time Traffic Information N/C
Net Total 51,150.00
Destination Charge 875.00
Gas Guzzler Tax N/C
Total Suggested Price 52,025.00

I drove 5 or 6 D's before selecting one. With BMW everything is an add on. I drove a car with premium package and no sport package, I liked the Lumbar support. I drove a D with the sport package and no deluxe - I wanted those seats but had to have Lumbar support. Lumbar support only comes with the premium package. So I made up my mind I needed sport package and premium package. The car I ended up buying has all options available - except split rear seat. Included MSport, premium, nav, sun roof etc etc. Nicest car I have ever owned and the most fun to drive car to boot.
The dealership would not bargain with me, adding on paint sealer and 100k warranty which included the electronics it was $35000.

I took it to novice autocross school WHAT A BLAST. Torque out of the corners is just amazing.

My suggestion drive a couple until you find exactly what you want - unless you are already in love.....

[cainebourne]

thanks alot for the feedback!

[ranthum]

The prices are highly variable. I've seen decked out m sports with less than 50k miles and CPO go for as little as $24k. Shop around and if they won't negotiate go somewhere else. Also, I've heard good things about some credit union warranties that are on par with CPO so dont be afraid of getting non CPO (but do get an extended warranty).

[rogerdiaz]

Get it with bmw gold extended warranty 100,000.

confirm all maintenance done for appropriate mileage.

Fuel filter, brake flush, etc... if there is no record. It never happened.

[mefferso]

Originally Posted by cainebourne

The one I am looking at has 49k miles its a 2011 335d almost completely fully loaded original value 52k. Premium, nav cold weather ect. Black on Black excellent condition Certified preowned from a BMW lot. It has 1 year and 3 months left on the factory warranty with maitanence prepaid until the same time. asking was 24k i countered got to 23500 but wanted more warranty time. They offered another year wrap around for 1900 and I negotiated another 500 off car. so basically 25000 with 2 and a half year warranty and 1 year free maitenance. Does this sound like a resonable deal. I am generally a mercedes owner so not sure. Thanks in advance.

Based on other similar 335d's on autotrader and that dealer going for 23.5k, that doesn't seem that bad of a deal although I probably wouldn't have offered that close to the asking price right off the bat. My guess is they paid 18k-20k on trade in + another 2k for the CPO part of it. I think the real question is it really worth the 2k for just 1 additional year of warranty. The 2 most common and most expensive repairs for these cars are either carbon buildup cleaning and the urea tank system. Each repair cost is somewhere in the 1k-2k range. Is it worth the gamble? I'd say so, especially if you can set aside the $$$ for potential repairs. Also consider the service history. Have any of those problem areas been dealt with previously?

I was lucky when I bought my 2010 a year ago because my CPO will last me through Feb 2016 based on original purchase date of Feb 2010. So i'll a right at 2 years of CPO and with my yearly mileage will be almost at 100k miles by the time that expires. I didn't event consider any additional warranty for that reason.

[gavronm]

I'll jump in to add another data point. I purchased a fully loaded CPO 2011 m-sport with 55K for $24,700. CPO runs to 100K miles or September 2016, whichever comes first, and covers just about everything except body and interior panels. I don't think there's an option it doesn't have.

I absolutely love the car. I had one service engine light at around 56K when temps here got down to about negative 15 that was traced to a leaky seal in the EGR system, which was replaced under the CPO warranty. I just added about 2 gallons of diesel exhaust fluid myself after the "no start" warning got down to about 400 miles - easy-peasy

Your's sounds like a decent deal, particularly with the pre-paid maintenance, which I don't have. I probably wouldn't spring for the extra warranty but that's just me, because...

One thing to consider is that the major issues with these cars are mostly emission-related. The exhaust gas recirculating (EGR) system leads to carbon build up and the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tanks can have issues. You may not be able to do this depending on emissions regs where you live, but the day my car comes off warranty I will be blocking the EGR, adding meth injection, disabling the DEF system, and getting an ECU flash that eliminates service engine codes for all those items. Probably looking at around $1000 doing most of it myself. Once that is done the sources of the most common and costly issues will be eliminated and I can hopefully run the car trouble free off warranty well into 100K+ miles.