What to look for when buying a 335i

[PearlJam]

Hi, I am new here and are looking to buy my first BMW. I know this must be the worst kind of thread to start, but hope to get some good info.

I am looking at the 335i or possibly the 135i. I have read a good few threads on different forums, but don't feel quite comfortable yet.

My budget being roundabout R350k puts me in a 2008, possibly 2009 x35i. What should I look out for when buying? Are there specific "packs" etc that is more popular that I should try and find. How bad is the cost of maintenance once out of warranty? It appears there were a few things on the N54 that caused some issues, but assume all has been sorted in general.

I am not in a huge hurry, and can wait for the right one to come along. But it will be nice to do the transaction early in the new year.

 

[riaanvw]

Hi, I am new here and are looking to buy my first BMW. I know this must be the worst kind of thread to start, but hope to get some good info.

I am looking at the 335i or possibly the 135i. I have read a good few threads on different forums, but don't feel quite comfortable yet.

My budget being roundabout R350k puts me in a 2008, possibly 2009 x35i. What should I look out for when buying? Are there specific "packs" etc that is more popular that I should try and find. How bad is the cost of maintenance once out of warranty? It appears there were a few things on the N54 that caused some issues, but assume all has been sorted in general.

I am not in a huge hurry, and can wait for the right one to come along. But it will be nice to do the transaction early in the new year.

135i awesome car, nippy, handles awesome! Shop around. Don't hurry. Drive some. Sportpack cool, bmw hifi of logic 7 sound if available, idrive nice. Too many options to list. Enjoy!

 

[George Smooth]

Hi, I am new here and are looking to buy my first BMW. I know this must be the worst kind of thread to start, but hope to get some good info.

I am looking at the 335i or possibly the 135i. I have read a good few threads on different forums, but don't feel quite comfortable yet.

My budget being roundabout R350k puts me in a 2008, possibly 2009 x35i. What should I look out for when buying? Are there specific "packs" etc that is more popular that I should try and find. How bad is the cost of maintenance once out of warranty? It appears there were a few things on the N54 that caused some issues, but assume all has been sorted in general.

I am not in a huge hurry, and can wait for the right one to come along. But it will be nice to do the transaction early in the new year.

I might be selling my 2008 Auto in the new year for below your budget price so will give you a shout closer to the time.
In my books having the car with Xenon lights is a must. The rest is more of a personal preference.
Sport pack in a lot of peoples books is a must look wise with the 18 inch wheels. Others prefer exclusive pack which gives electric seats. Some like both. Its better to buy the car with as many options as you can find for future resale.
In terms of maintenance its a matter of the luck of the draw. Some guys have endless problems and some have none. With my fully modded car the only thing that has packed up is the water pump at 30,000km. Car is sitting at 48,000km and nothing else to really report beside a problem with the vehicle angle sensor on the rear axle which is a easy and not costly fix.
Other guys have had to change turbos due to waiste gate rattle or failure which is mostly caused by driving with boost leaks.
Carbon build up starts becoming a problem with higher mileage cars but there is a cheap fix in the pipeline.

 

[PearlJam]

Ah, that monster of yours!

Thanks for the feedback guys

 

[///M Individual]

@PearlJam, have you seen Dmonic's 335i in the for sale section? That is a very good buy and within your budget as well.

 

[Chavoos]

Check bmw motorplan history for service history any comments. Avoid cars with big accidents.
Check if the High pressure fuel pump has been changed.

You have a high budget, look around , you can a decent one for about R250k .
Then spend R25k on mods :rollsmile:

 

[PearlJam]

@PearlJam, have you seen Dmonic's 335i in the for sale section? That is a very good buy and within your budget as well.

Yeah, unfortunately it is just too quick for me now as his is going in on Monday. I will only be able to do it in the new year

Check bmw motorplan history for service history any comments. Avoid cars with big accidents.
Check if the High pressure fuel pump has been changed.

You have a high budget, look around , you can a decent one for about R250k .
Then spend R25k on mods :rollsmile:

Thx!

 

[Philip Foglar]

One other thing, if you want full benefit of mods for ultimate performance, then you are going to be better off with the automatic gearbox rather than manual. Basically the automatics have only a 2% drivetrain loss compared to the manuals, but keep the turbo on boost during changes which makes a huge difference! :thumbs:

 

[PearlJam]

I googled about the various AT transmissions that was available, AT, Step, DCT.

Is the DCT the only one with paddle shifters?

 

[Dmonic1]

Auto = Steptronic, some come with paddle shifters.... like mine!!!:rollsmile:
DCT = Dual clutch.... very quick shifting... Paddles are standard on these

 

[Philip Foglar]

DCT is obviously the nicer of the two being newer technology, but the normal automatic gearbox is still really good for the 335i!!

 

[kabal]

bear in mind that E90 335i doesnt come with DCT.
this is an option on E92 335i LCI however

 

[akash]

bear in mind that E90 335i doesnt come with DCT.
this is an option on E92 335i LCI however

I never knew that, useful info:idea: