2006 335i Touring
Discussion
Hi,
I currently own an E46 330ci, however an impending baby means an estate is necessary. I have found a 2006 335i Touring with 66K miles that i am pretty keen on. Couple of things that i'd welcome any feedback on, 1) its had the Turbo(s) replaced, by a BMW dealership. Should i take comfort in this or walk away? 2) Ideally i would like a manual but the one i am looking at is an Auto (with Paddles i believe), is this a good auto box? 3) There is a 330i with half the miles for similar money - is the 335 uplift in performance noticeable?
Lastly (and probably shouldn't ask here) has anyone any experience of the B6 S4 Avant (V8), thats my other option.
Thanks all,
PHHB
I currently own an E46 330ci, however an impending baby means an estate is necessary. I have found a 2006 335i Touring with 66K miles that i am pretty keen on. Couple of things that i'd welcome any feedback on, 1) its had the Turbo(s) replaced, by a BMW dealership. Should i take comfort in this or walk away? 2) Ideally i would like a manual but the one i am looking at is an Auto (with Paddles i believe), is this a good auto box? 3) There is a 330i with half the miles for similar money - is the 335 uplift in performance noticeable?
Lastly (and probably shouldn't ask here) has anyone any experience of the B6 S4 Avant (V8), thats my other option.
Thanks all,
PHHB
Hi mate, not sure how much use I can be however, I used to have a b6 s4 but a vert I loved that car, but a new baby forced me to sell, I then got a 330d which is superb. I had wanted a 335i but the ones I could afford were on original turbos, so I would say it's a good thing to buy with them replaced, as I believe they can go from 50k onwards so prob not a cause for concern.
I think loads of 335i's of that age have had replacement turbos ... also worth a watch for is high pressure fuel pump issues, injectors and coil packs. These are the main things that go along with the turbos (which were probably replaced due to wastegate rattle).
Google N54 issues to get the full picture.
Stunning engine though !!
06 is twin turbo N54. The later single turbo was around 2011 maybe ?? The code for that engine is N55.
The autos are actually very good - I would not be concerned about using one or their reliability.
Google N54 issues to get the full picture.
Stunning engine though !!
06 is twin turbo N54. The later single turbo was around 2011 maybe ?? The code for that engine is N55.
The autos are actually very good - I would not be concerned about using one or their reliability.
PHHB said:
Hi,
I currently own an E46 330ci, however an impending baby means an estate is necessary. I have found a 2006 335i Touring with 66K miles that i am pretty keen on. Couple of things that i'd welcome any feedback on, 1) its had the Turbo(s) replaced, by a BMW dealership. Should i take comfort in this or walk away? 2) Ideally i would like a manual but the one i am looking at is an Auto (with Paddles i believe), is this a good auto box? 3) There is a 330i with half the miles for similar money - is the 335 uplift in performance noticeable?
Lastly (and probably shouldn't ask here) has anyone any experience of the B6 S4 Avant (V8), thats my other option.
Thanks all,
PHHB
Turbos are a known fault, so I wouldn't walk away because a dealer has replaced them; could always mean you don't have to, so possibly a good thing. I currently own an E46 330ci, however an impending baby means an estate is necessary. I have found a 2006 335i Touring with 66K miles that i am pretty keen on. Couple of things that i'd welcome any feedback on, 1) its had the Turbo(s) replaced, by a BMW dealership. Should i take comfort in this or walk away? 2) Ideally i would like a manual but the one i am looking at is an Auto (with Paddles i believe), is this a good auto box? 3) There is a 330i with half the miles for similar money - is the 335 uplift in performance noticeable?
Lastly (and probably shouldn't ask here) has anyone any experience of the B6 S4 Avant (V8), thats my other option.
Thanks all,
PHHB
First 335i I drove was a manual (I had a E46 like you at the time) and although a sweet box - actually modified with short shift BMW performance gear box - I found myself thinking this car would suit an auto, because of the way power is delivered. so I wouldn't let auto put me off. you should have paddle shift if you want to change??
anyway, AFAIK the steptronic six speed auto is a good box, I actually have a coupe so I have a DCT which I prefer, but not an option for you in touring.
Yes, I find the 335i another level in performance from the 330; hence we see many posts considering E46M3 v 335i
Thank you, very helpful replies. It looks like i will be buying from a Trade seller / used car garage. Do you think it would be prudent to have an AA inspection before purchasing? I'm told it has a full BMW Service History and the Turbo's were replaced by BMW which gives me a lot of comfort, but i doubt i will be offered any type of warranty.
Lastly, is the idrive in an 06 car any good? From memory this was one of the first and people found it pretty tricky to use?
Thanks again
Lastly, is the idrive in an 06 car any good? From memory this was one of the first and people found it pretty tricky to use?
Thanks again
I have owned a V8 S4 Avant, hand on heart worst car I have ever owned, hated the the thing.
Swapped for a 335i sport touring, one of the best cars I have ever owned.
Personally though I preferred the 330i, less difference in auto form, but the 330i I had for 2 days reminded me that a nice NA engine you have to work is far more rewarding.
Also, the running coats on a later 272bhp 330i was dramatic, it was getting 25% better mpg than the 335i, if that matters?
My S4 averaged 18mpg, my 335i averaged 27mpg, and the 330i was seeing 33mpg no problem and over 500 miles on bombing round the UK saw 38mpg.
Swapped for a 335i sport touring, one of the best cars I have ever owned.
Personally though I preferred the 330i, less difference in auto form, but the 330i I had for 2 days reminded me that a nice NA engine you have to work is far more rewarding.
Also, the running coats on a later 272bhp 330i was dramatic, it was getting 25% better mpg than the 335i, if that matters?
My S4 averaged 18mpg, my 335i averaged 27mpg, and the 330i was seeing 33mpg no problem and over 500 miles on bombing round the UK saw 38mpg.
Interesting re. running costs. My annual mileage is pretty low so i'm slightly less concerned about MPG. What year did the 330i get the upgrade to the 272hp engine? I know what you mean re. NA engine, i love my E46 330ci engine. Although, the slug of torque the 335i no doubt offers does appeal greatly and i read it pulls well at the top end. My only experience with Auto's are ancient ones, so thats my only fear, can i really take advantage of that engine with an Auto, but from what you guys (and gals) are telling me the Auto is a pretty good unit.
PHHB said:
Interesting re. running costs. My annual mileage is pretty low so i'm slightly less concerned about MPG. What year did the 330i get the upgrade to the 272hp engine? I know what you mean re. NA engine, i love my E46 330ci engine. Although, the slug of torque the 335i no doubt offers does appeal greatly and i read it pulls well at the top end. My only experience with Auto's are ancient ones, so thats my only fear, can i really take advantage of that engine with an Auto, but from what you guys (and gals) are telling me the Auto is a pretty good unit.
Just forget the S4, it is a pig. Actually, I have driven an Auto S4 since and that is better, it just wafts round, the manual set up is horrid.
Sits at 85mph doing 3500rpm (its a 4.2 V8 FFS, could be doing 1000rpm in 6th) and 18mpg, the gears are so close together you are constantly swapping cogs, with pedals that are all different heights you get shin cramp, and you are fighting that heavy front end all the time.
An absolute pig of a car.
335i is fine, juts a bit dull, doesn't matter what gear you're in, what revs you are at, the power is there, all very effortless. but ultimately also what makes it a bit boring too.
Even in auto guise the 330i was more fun, you have to work it a bit, you have to be in the right gear when exiting a corner and the sense of reward is far more satisfying.
57 plate I think got the 272bhp direct injection engine, but do some homework.
PHHB said:
Thank you, very helpful replies. It looks like i will be buying from a Trade seller / used car garage. Do you think it would be prudent to have an AA inspection before purchasing? I'm told it has a full BMW Service History and the Turbo's were replaced by BMW which gives me a lot of comfort, but i doubt i will be offered any type of warranty.
Lastly, is the idrive in an 06 car any good? From memory this was one of the first and people found it pretty tricky to use?
Thanks again
Do you know a good independent BMW garage to inspect it, I don't know the detail AA go into, so I would prefer someone who works on these cars. Lastly, is the idrive in an 06 car any good? From memory this was one of the first and people found it pretty tricky to use?
Thanks again
If you mean it has full BMW service history, you can get the vin number and check out what work it has done with those or other BMW dealers. You can buy a warranty from BMW, commonly viewed as the most robust, but it will probably be expensive if the car is over 60k miles.
Don't know how many iterations of i drive there were, I have a pre facelift one (2009) and it's very easy to use.
In general, if you have a E46 330ci, I don't how much of a performance step forward the E91 330i would be? Which is why, I would, in your position, go top of the range and get 335i.
Once again, I really do appreciate the feedback. There is an 07 330i that I am pondering as well which I believe has the 268hp engine so that is a serious option (it's also done significantly less miles). I'll see how much I can dig into its history. In all honesty though this is going to be a family wagon with the new baby so whether I am going to be able to explore the upper echelons of the Rev range in an N/A car is questionable, Hence maybe the more "relaxed" turbo unit would be a better bet.
We have an 06 330 saloon that is used as baby transport.
The autobox in it is pretty good - its seems happier cruising around than being pushed (it seems to get a bit confused at times). The engine is a peach and sounds lovely and feels reasonably swift - the 'box will hang on to the red line in sport mode.
Fuel economy is OK bearing in mind that it does lots of short trips - usually around 25mpg but this climbs to 30+ on a good run. The ride is a bit ropey around down but I'm putting that doen to 18 inch run flats.
My biggest annoyance is that BMW did away with the ISOFIX covers that the E46 had. Getting to the fixings with the base is a pain in the bum. I often wish that I'd hung on for a touring because saloons are rubbish for carrying stuff (the boot looks bog until you try and put stuff in it).
It is however a really good car and I'm not sure what we'll get to replace it (I'm guessing that an F30 335 will be rarer than rocking horse poo).
The autobox in it is pretty good - its seems happier cruising around than being pushed (it seems to get a bit confused at times). The engine is a peach and sounds lovely and feels reasonably swift - the 'box will hang on to the red line in sport mode.
Fuel economy is OK bearing in mind that it does lots of short trips - usually around 25mpg but this climbs to 30+ on a good run. The ride is a bit ropey around down but I'm putting that doen to 18 inch run flats.
My biggest annoyance is that BMW did away with the ISOFIX covers that the E46 had. Getting to the fixings with the base is a pain in the bum. I often wish that I'd hung on for a touring because saloons are rubbish for carrying stuff (the boot looks bog until you try and put stuff in it).
It is however a really good car and I'm not sure what we'll get to replace it (I'm guessing that an F30 335 will be rarer than rocking horse poo).
Court_S said:
We have an 06 330 saloon that is used as baby transport.
The autobox in it is pretty good - its seems happier cruising around than being pushed (it seems to get a bit confused at times). The engine is a peach and sounds lovely and feels reasonably swift - the 'box will hang on to the red line in sport mode.
Fuel economy is OK bearing in mind that it does lots of short trips - usually around 25mpg but this climbs to 30+ on a good run. The ride is a bit ropey around down but I'm putting that doen to 18 inch run flats.
My biggest annoyance is that BMW did away with the ISOFIX covers that the E46 had. Getting to the fixings with the base is a pain in the bum. I often wish that I'd hung on for a touring because saloons are rubbish for carrying stuff (the boot looks bog until you try and put stuff in it).
It is however a really good car and I'm not sure what we'll get to replace it (I'm guessing that an F30 335 will be rarer than rocking horse poo).
Agree they do make a good all rounder, had mine a year now and it flew through the MOT today without any advisories which I was pleased about, fuel computer is showing 24.5 mpg and like you I do sometimes think I should have gone for the touring.The autobox in it is pretty good - its seems happier cruising around than being pushed (it seems to get a bit confused at times). The engine is a peach and sounds lovely and feels reasonably swift - the 'box will hang on to the red line in sport mode.
Fuel economy is OK bearing in mind that it does lots of short trips - usually around 25mpg but this climbs to 30+ on a good run. The ride is a bit ropey around down but I'm putting that doen to 18 inch run flats.
My biggest annoyance is that BMW did away with the ISOFIX covers that the E46 had. Getting to the fixings with the base is a pain in the bum. I often wish that I'd hung on for a touring because saloons are rubbish for carrying stuff (the boot looks bog until you try and put stuff in it).
It is however a really good car and I'm not sure what we'll get to replace it (I'm guessing that an F30 335 will be rarer than rocking horse poo).
Accepting the autobox now and enjoyed a little hoon around the back roads in manual mode coming back from the MOT.
I have the auto in mine, I'll not put you off petrol but my 330d is pretty good all round. It suits my current driving (baby transport) needs as I am not really ever out for a proper drive theses days. If you have auto in the e46 the 6sp auto in the e90 is a lot better, very smooth in comparison. I recall my e46 330 being clunky, but that may have just been mine. I don't know what I would replace mine with, maybe a x5, or 535d e60. 335 will be nice though.
lewis328 said:
I have the auto in mine, I'll not put you off petrol but my 330d is pretty good all round. It suits my current driving (baby transport) needs as I am not really ever out for a proper drive theses days. If you have auto in the e46 the 6sp auto in the e90 is a lot better, very smooth in comparison.
I thought the auto suited the 330d very well but its not as good a match for the 330i, having owned both E90 330d and E90 330i the 330d is the better car imo but I am not really doing enough miles to warrant the diesel so I thought I would go petrol instead. The 330i engine is sweet and I give it very high praise but it feels pretty gutless low down when compared to the 330d but it does rev out well when you thrash the 330i and trust me you have to do if you want decent progress whereas with the 330d you only have to touch the throttle and its off!
I have a 2007 335i M Sport touring with 50K on it and all the options available.
Whats it like? Well its Leman blue with cream leather and walnut so just fabulous!
The engine is a peach, really strong just about everywhere, and the auto gearbox with paddles perfect.
I bought mine from BMW and got 2 years AUC BMW warranty with it, so I (or the next owner) has peace of mind for some while.
Unfortunately due to personal reasons its not up for sale on the pistonheads website. I genuinely don't think you will find another in this condition, spec and with utter peace of mind warranty.
I only run on V Power and so far have achieved around 25.6mpg average (usually around 25mpg town/mixed with upto 34mpg on a motorway run at sensible speeds).
A truly fantastic car (even moreso without run flats!).
Whats it like? Well its Leman blue with cream leather and walnut so just fabulous!
The engine is a peach, really strong just about everywhere, and the auto gearbox with paddles perfect.
I bought mine from BMW and got 2 years AUC BMW warranty with it, so I (or the next owner) has peace of mind for some while.
Unfortunately due to personal reasons its not up for sale on the pistonheads website. I genuinely don't think you will find another in this condition, spec and with utter peace of mind warranty.
I only run on V Power and so far have achieved around 25.6mpg average (usually around 25mpg town/mixed with upto 34mpg on a motorway run at sensible speeds).
A truly fantastic car (even moreso without run flats!).
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