£10-13k hero.....335/535 - is there anything else?
Discussion
Zero7 said:
I'm looking at 2009 models, will probably go for a vert as regardless of performance of the 335i it's not going to be an M3 for me and I've had a coupe of these in DCT variants, plus I like open top motoring, I too only do around 10 miles each way and would no way having another Diesel, takes too bloody long to warm up and it;s souless (A6 3.0tdi Le Mans).
Ok I think they had a newer auto box in 2009, not as good as say the VAG DCT but prob alot better than the old one 
.I think they STILL had the older (cr*ppy looking) giear leaver though, so it's hard to tell what box it has.
siross said:
I've got almost identical requirements OP but would settle for a little less speed I think. I'm also favouring a 330/335i estate. Cannot see past it.
That Passat CC is interesting though, what would the running costs be like in comparison to the BMW? The consumption isn't great but what about reliability, servicing etc?
Also, I've read in a few places that the 3.2 doesn't offer too much above the 2.0 4 cylinder engine because of the extra weight? Not sure how true that is?
The CC is as frugal as the BMW 130i I replaced it with(27-mpg) only the Bimmer was slightly better on a run at 39mpg (vw34mpg)That Passat CC is interesting though, what would the running costs be like in comparison to the BMW? The consumption isn't great but what about reliability, servicing etc?
Also, I've read in a few places that the 3.2 doesn't offer too much above the 2.0 4 cylinder engine because of the extra weight? Not sure how true that is?
3.6l v6 in the R36/passat cc vr6 is more powerful and economical than the older 3.2(R32) unit, and should prove more reliable in the long term than a blown bimmer as its N/A,
I considered the 335i before I bought my CC, it was the interior that swayed me, as the 1 series and 3series are practically the same old design
mrdanbartlett said:
I just took cue from EVO magazines '10k hero's' articles.
Agree re the Alfa, they are nice but I've had mates with them and they generally are always trouble, I v v nearly bought a 147 GTA once, my mate got one and sold it to another mate - wasn't the best! They have prob had 5 alfas between them and they just are a little flakey, I had a Fiat coupe 20v turbo years ago and although it was nice it was the same 'worrying' feeling you get with the Alfa, generally needs a fair bit of TLC.
They do look/sound lovely though! I'd just not be keen on that v6 engine, its SO old in design, terrible on fuel, and will only be alot worse due to the SC.
I have both a 335 (convertible) and a 159 all be it a 2.4d and the Alfa has been far, FAR more reliable than the BMW. BMW has spent 3 weeks plus in the last 12 months at the dealer. A 120d loan car is not a fair substitute!Agree re the Alfa, they are nice but I've had mates with them and they generally are always trouble, I v v nearly bought a 147 GTA once, my mate got one and sold it to another mate - wasn't the best! They have prob had 5 alfas between them and they just are a little flakey, I had a Fiat coupe 20v turbo years ago and although it was nice it was the same 'worrying' feeling you get with the Alfa, generally needs a fair bit of TLC.
They do look/sound lovely though! I'd just not be keen on that v6 engine, its SO old in design, terrible on fuel, and will only be alot worse due to the SC.
Owned the Alfa for 5 years with no issues. I genuinely did not expect that with an Alfa, a Tvr and a BMW in the fleet, it would be the German car that's constantly being fixed. Just goes to show how wrong internet gossip can be! Previous E46 330i was no better.
The 335 is great mostly due to the folding metal roof. In auto form, its not especially fun or quick (subjectively) so for a 5-door, I'd choose Alfa 156 or Jag XFR over the BM.
For the money the 335i is very hard to beat. I considered a B8 S4 when I bought my 335i, but there was nearly a £10k price gap between the ones I was a few years back, and there's no way a S4 is £10k better than a 335i.
If you've read up on 335i ownership I'm sure your aware of the reliability issues. As long as you buy one prepared it's no big problem, I've had mine for 3.5 years, and it's cost me £2.5k on repair bills during my ownership, which given the performance of the car I find expectable.
The best thing about the 335i is the number of modifications available, am not just talking about remaps, but also suspension, LSD options etc.
I've spent a fair bit on modifications on my 335i (mostly on engine and suspension stuff so not much to see on the outside), it's just as quick as my mates old E90 M3 on the straight and 90% as good on the twisty stuff, with much cheaper running costs. So short of dropping £50k on a new M3 or M5 I cannot think of anything else that comes close for the combination of speed/fun/economy/day to day usability. Infact I would consider a new M3 to be a sideways step for me, not really an upgrade in car terms.
On a recent blast across Europe that totalled 2000miles, including chasing a RS5 on the autobahn, and been stuck in grid lock traffic during the Spa GP the car averaged 29 mpg. I also love the fact it looks like a just another
320d, no unwanted attention. I find the standard auto box on my 08 car more than adequate.
Essentially the 335i has far exceeded my expectations, it leagues better than my old Nissan 350Z, and modfied it's close to been as fun to drive as my old DC 2 Integra Type R, but whilst been x100 more refined. In short it's the best car I've owned to date, and even with reliability concerns it's going to take some thing very special to tempt my out of mine....most likely a Tesla S or a M5/RS6
....oh It also doesn't sound half bad, find me a diesel that sound like this at idle
http://youtu.be/gLSrhdSRUoE
If you've read up on 335i ownership I'm sure your aware of the reliability issues. As long as you buy one prepared it's no big problem, I've had mine for 3.5 years, and it's cost me £2.5k on repair bills during my ownership, which given the performance of the car I find expectable.
The best thing about the 335i is the number of modifications available, am not just talking about remaps, but also suspension, LSD options etc.
I've spent a fair bit on modifications on my 335i (mostly on engine and suspension stuff so not much to see on the outside), it's just as quick as my mates old E90 M3 on the straight and 90% as good on the twisty stuff, with much cheaper running costs. So short of dropping £50k on a new M3 or M5 I cannot think of anything else that comes close for the combination of speed/fun/economy/day to day usability. Infact I would consider a new M3 to be a sideways step for me, not really an upgrade in car terms.
On a recent blast across Europe that totalled 2000miles, including chasing a RS5 on the autobahn, and been stuck in grid lock traffic during the Spa GP the car averaged 29 mpg. I also love the fact it looks like a just another
320d, no unwanted attention. I find the standard auto box on my 08 car more than adequate.
Essentially the 335i has far exceeded my expectations, it leagues better than my old Nissan 350Z, and modfied it's close to been as fun to drive as my old DC 2 Integra Type R, but whilst been x100 more refined. In short it's the best car I've owned to date, and even with reliability concerns it's going to take some thing very special to tempt my out of mine....most likely a Tesla S or a M5/RS6
....oh It also doesn't sound half bad, find me a diesel that sound like this at idle
http://youtu.be/gLSrhdSRUoE
Edited by gangzoom on Wednesday 10th December 18:35
St John Smythe said:
Much as I love Alfas (had a V6 GTV), I'd pick the 335i over the 159 without question.
But an Autodelta 159 Q4? That's about as good as Alfas get in the past 15 years. It's also been owned by the service manager of Veloces, the main Alfa agent in the London area. That car will have had every problem already sorted. Hell, I'm tempted by it and I don't need another car!Edited by Ali_T on Wednesday 10th December 18:03
gangzoom said:
For the money the 335i is very hard to beat.+
Essentially the 335i has far exceeded my expectations, it leagues better than my old Nissan 350Z, and modfied it's close to been as fun to drive as my old DC 2 Integra Type R, but whilst been x100 more refined. In short it's the best car I've owned to date, and even with reliability concerns it's going to take some thing very special to tempt my out of mine....most likely a Tesla S or a M5/RS6
....oh It also doesn't sound half bad, find me a diesel that sound like this at idle
Completely agree having previously been running things like DC-2, EVO 8/9, Impreza T25 and 944T the 335i has been a great all-rounder for me, its not a track car but a very grown up quick / cheap to run (relatively for 300 bhp) all rounder. When we got this one was only going to be a short term car and 3 yrs later its still here.Essentially the 335i has far exceeded my expectations, it leagues better than my old Nissan 350Z, and modfied it's close to been as fun to drive as my old DC 2 Integra Type R, but whilst been x100 more refined. In short it's the best car I've owned to date, and even with reliability concerns it's going to take some thing very special to tempt my out of mine....most likely a Tesla S or a M5/RS6
....oh It also doesn't sound half bad, find me a diesel that sound like this at idle
One of my old 335i is coming up for sale if anyone is interested pm me, its a 2007 335i SE 4 door manual he wants £7k.
Hi
I've been in a 335i with some fancy kit on it. A USA kit I think they have since stopped making. Was putting out 400bhp n simlar torque figure.
Also got a mate with a 335D standard. I prefer the 335D, the 335i did not feel that fast or torquey? I duno if its the 335D's big surge as oppsed to progressive power.
My mates mate has a 335D dpf removed, uprated fuel pump and intercooler (I think) Mapped to 350bhp and tons of torque. Extremely fast.
It runs rubbish at 350 bhp cuts out n stuff. (Probs with dpf delete I think) Ran alot nicer at 320bhp, that was just a single map I think.
I duno what roads you drive, but I'd personally have the diesel. The torque just feels brilliant. 335i just did not appeal to me. Diesel cheaper to tax also I think.
I've been in a 335i with some fancy kit on it. A USA kit I think they have since stopped making. Was putting out 400bhp n simlar torque figure.
Also got a mate with a 335D standard. I prefer the 335D, the 335i did not feel that fast or torquey? I duno if its the 335D's big surge as oppsed to progressive power.
My mates mate has a 335D dpf removed, uprated fuel pump and intercooler (I think) Mapped to 350bhp and tons of torque. Extremely fast.
It runs rubbish at 350 bhp cuts out n stuff. (Probs with dpf delete I think) Ran alot nicer at 320bhp, that was just a single map I think.
I duno what roads you drive, but I'd personally have the diesel. The torque just feels brilliant. 335i just did not appeal to me. Diesel cheaper to tax also I think.
texasjohn said:
How about:
390hp/390lbft V8, 0-60 in 5.3s, 32-33mpg on a run and mid-high 20s commuting if you're not silly with it? Variable damping, practical four door. 36,000 miles on the clock and for £12k.
Have a guess what it is?
No idea ,please do tell.390hp/390lbft V8, 0-60 in 5.3s, 32-33mpg on a run and mid-high 20s commuting if you're not silly with it? Variable damping, practical four door. 36,000 miles on the clock and for £12k.
Have a guess what it is?
I do like something a little different, and that alpha is just that
babo456 said:
Hi
I've been in a 335i with some fancy kit on it. A USA kit I think they have since stopped making. Was putting out 400bhp n simlar torque figure.
Also got a mate with a 335D standard. I prefer the 335D, the 335i did not feel that fast or torquey? I duno if its the 335D's big surge as oppsed to progressive power.
My mates mate has a 335D dpf removed, uprated fuel pump and intercooler (I think) Mapped to 350bhp and tons of torque. Extremely fast.
It runs rubbish at 350 bhp cuts out n stuff. (Probs with dpf delete I think) Ran alot nicer at 320bhp, that was just a single map I think.
I duno what roads you drive, but I'd personally have the diesel. The torque just feels brilliant. 335i just did not appeal to me. Diesel cheaper to tax also I think.
You don't need any fancy kit on the 335i to reach 400bhp, it will do that with a remap and nothing else.I've been in a 335i with some fancy kit on it. A USA kit I think they have since stopped making. Was putting out 400bhp n simlar torque figure.
Also got a mate with a 335D standard. I prefer the 335D, the 335i did not feel that fast or torquey? I duno if its the 335D's big surge as oppsed to progressive power.
My mates mate has a 335D dpf removed, uprated fuel pump and intercooler (I think) Mapped to 350bhp and tons of torque. Extremely fast.
It runs rubbish at 350 bhp cuts out n stuff. (Probs with dpf delete I think) Ran alot nicer at 320bhp, that was just a single map I think.
I duno what roads you drive, but I'd personally have the diesel. The torque just feels brilliant. 335i just did not appeal to me. Diesel cheaper to tax also I think.
There's plenty of other mods available for the car so you can take it anywhere up to 550bhp on the stock automatic gearbox. After that things get expensive and the power gets hard to put down.
Thanks to the active tuning scene for the N54 engine you can even remap the 335i to 400bhp yourself with a laptop and a £50 cable.
The 335d is a lot more limited if tuning is your intention. It also lacks the nice noise a petrol makes.
texasjohn said:
1735kg I think, but yes it is barge unless in sport suspension mode.
Oh that is much better, for some reason alot of Merc's get reported as 2.2 ton in the specs via the PH classifieds. What is the E class coupe?http://www.autoevolution.com/cars/mercedes-benz-e-...
I assume gross weight = when maxxed out with fuel/people/fluids
The newer W212 are a bit heavier. They are also £20k+ for anything with sensible miles.
There was a W212 E500 Sport for sale recently at £14k but it had 97k on the clock so priced for the mileage I guess.
The CLK500 is the lightest car with the 5.5 but there are very few of them about. Lots of 5.0 but they are 306hp. Still pretty quick though, I would imagine.
There was a W212 E500 Sport for sale recently at £14k but it had 97k on the clock so priced for the mileage I guess.
The CLK500 is the lightest car with the 5.5 but there are very few of them about. Lots of 5.0 but they are 306hp. Still pretty quick though, I would imagine.
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