2006 BMW 335i - an odd but very competent beast

[GroundEffect]

Picked her up on Saturday. A low mileage SE manual and she is very fast, very comfortable, very refined but at the same time quick extreme on a B road.

I have tended to buy the 'ultimate' car in any line; Integra Type R DC2 (twice), Clio 172 Cup, Z4 M...but this time I wanted to get something that would do 9/10 of the crazy stuff but with much better all-round usability.

So far it's sublime. Around 30mpg on mainly A-road use; much louder exhaust note than expected; great chassis control; good steering; good brakes and nice comfort.







(ignore the fact the bonnet isn't flush in the front photo - it was the latch needing lubricating, all fixed now)

Given it's half the price of an E9x M3, I think I got a bargain. Definitely a keeper.

[anonymous-user]

i do prefer m sport to se spec on the outside, but i am sure it makes little difference in driving, still looks nice thou.

[rallycross]

The Spruce goose said:

i do prefer m sport to se spec on the outside, but i am sure it makes little difference in driving.

It doesn't make any difference to how they drive the 335 coupe is the same car in SE or sport form, just cosmetic differences ( mainly just the bumpers).

[TheLordJohn]

Looks the business and much better as an SE.

[Quhet]

Why is it odd?

[Amirhussain]

Very handsome looking car, especially with the SE alloys.

[GroundEffect]

Quhet said:

Why is it odd?

Turbo-charged BMW. I've owned a 3.0si Z4 Coupe before and it's vaguely similar engine-wise but with so much more mid-range. From 3,000rpm to 6,000rpm it's quite ridiculous. It's a bit hesitant on the throttle but keep the turbos spooled and whooooosh.

And waste-gate/blow off noise is lovely.

[okie592]

Lovely things these. Don't know why someone wouldn't spec I drive though!

[GroundEffect]

okie592 said:

Lovely things these. Don't know why someone wouldn't spec I drive though!

My only gripe with the car, really. My mate has a 330d E92 and the iDrive is good but I don't really miss anything - it's got iPod connection so all is OK for me.

[thatguy11]

Fantastic car, great colour and looks better in SE trim I think, it's more understated. IMHO only M cars should be at all showy, other BMWs should be nice and restrained.

GroundEffect said:

I have tended to buy the 'ultimate' car in any line; Integra Type R DC2 (twice)

Is that white DC2 in the background one of yours?

[TheLordJohn]

thatguy11 said:

Is that white DC2 in the background one of yours?

And is it JDM or UK?

[Crowds]

I was considering one of these but ended up with the v8, very capable cars and with a little remap make great power! nice car

Paul.

[Bungleaio]

GroundEffect said:

My only gripe with the car, really. My mate has a 330d E92 and the iDrive is good but I don't really miss anything - it's got iPod connection so all is OK for me.

They are retrofitable, I had the guy in the post below install a combox to my car and he did a very good job

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=870...

[Prawnboy]

no M spec?
no I Drive?
no rear Tints?
no resale black or silver?


well done sir.
his equals a huge win in my books.

That is a good looking, quick, classy car.

[b14]

Lovely. Yours is pretty much the blue version of mine (except mine has iDrive, sorry).

Still in love with it although it's going soon due to baby on the way...

[PorkRind]

Lovely

[crxdave]

TheLordJohn said:

And is it JDM or UK?

Looks like UKDM to me...

[TheLordJohn]

crxdave said:

Looks like UKDM to me...

Well pointed out. Didn't think to look at the rear no. plate! Lol.

[ccr32]

That's a rare beasty that, an SE with a manual 'box.

Very nice it is too. Enjoy

[wilbo83]

A great all rounder, prefer the looks of the SE too. If these can achieve an average of 30mpg, it may be a serious contender to my Z4 replacement. Let us know how you get on after a few weeks of ownership.