335i Purchasing Help
Discussion
Hi all,
Just wondering about peoples x35i experiences, specifically the N54. I have found a 335i Coupe on eBay with 83k miles and good service history from BMW and BMW specialists. Its also had two of the major issues resolved being the water pump and HPFP. However, there is no mention of the turbos being replaced or reconditioned in this time. How likely is it the turbos are going to be needed doing and what are peoples mileage with the stock turbos?
Also, due to the current Covid situation it will be unlikely I will be able to view it any time soon but I can ask to get a video walk-around of the car, are their any noises I should be concerned about except for waste-gate rattle?
The car in question:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-BMW-335I-M-SPORT-C...
Stay safe and many thanks!
Just wondering about peoples x35i experiences, specifically the N54. I have found a 335i Coupe on eBay with 83k miles and good service history from BMW and BMW specialists. Its also had two of the major issues resolved being the water pump and HPFP. However, there is no mention of the turbos being replaced or reconditioned in this time. How likely is it the turbos are going to be needed doing and what are peoples mileage with the stock turbos?
Also, due to the current Covid situation it will be unlikely I will be able to view it any time soon but I can ask to get a video walk-around of the car, are their any noises I should be concerned about except for waste-gate rattle?
The car in question:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-BMW-335I-M-SPORT-C...
Stay safe and many thanks!
jacoblb_ said:
Hi all,
Just wondering about peoples x35i experiences, specifically the N54. I have found a 335i Coupe on eBay with 83k miles and good service history from BMW and BMW specialists. Its also had two of the major issues resolved being the water pump and HPFP. However, there is no mention of the turbos being replaced or reconditioned in this time. How likely is it the turbos are going to be needed doing and what are peoples mileage with the stock turbos?
Also, due to the current Covid situation it will be unlikely I will be able to view it any time soon but I can ask to get a video walk-around of the car, are their any noises I should be concerned about except for waste-gate rattle?
The car in question:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-BMW-335I-M-SPORT-C...
Stay safe and many thanks!
I sold mine at 85k with the only issue, fuel injectors circa 75kJust wondering about peoples x35i experiences, specifically the N54. I have found a 335i Coupe on eBay with 83k miles and good service history from BMW and BMW specialists. Its also had two of the major issues resolved being the water pump and HPFP. However, there is no mention of the turbos being replaced or reconditioned in this time. How likely is it the turbos are going to be needed doing and what are peoples mileage with the stock turbos?
Also, due to the current Covid situation it will be unlikely I will be able to view it any time soon but I can ask to get a video walk-around of the car, are their any noises I should be concerned about except for waste-gate rattle?
The car in question:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-BMW-335I-M-SPORT-C...
Stay safe and many thanks!
Next two owners are on here and I believe it continued with no turbo problems since, though I don't know the mileage. It's on a personal plate so I can't check.
Your example is a modified car, so I'm not sure how apples for apples a comparison it is with entirely stock?
Wastegate was the only noise I recall from researching.
Mine was 2009 and when I researched, the year did seem a sweet spot. But often issues are made to seem more prevalent by the Internet.
You really need sight of that folder of what jobs have been done. Check with BMW for the occasions it spent in the dealer network, they may know of issues that aren't in the file.
~I've had mine for 11 years, had most, if not all of the n54 issues and it hasn't put me off, great cars, great engine, 150k on mine and is almost run/bedded in- loads of life left in it. Mine is maintained under the extended BMW warranty so mine has gone back in whenever there has been the slightest issue but if you find yourself a trusted garage locally that will keep bills down to manageable levels. Buy it.
Between me and my lad we have been running a 335i 2006 manual saloon.
The car was purchased in 2014 with 54k on the clock coming with FMDSH and BMW warranty. The car is now on 106k and the turbos are still as fitted when purchased. The car has not been without issue but all rectified under warranty which is still in place as I write.
The car was purchased in 2014 with 54k on the clock coming with FMDSH and BMW warranty. The car is now on 106k and the turbos are still as fitted when purchased. The car has not been without issue but all rectified under warranty which is still in place as I write.
Same. Had mine (08 cab) for coming up to 11 years. I don’t do a lot of miles, got it on 6k and now it’s about 76k and has BMW comp. warranty. Had a few claims on warranty, always paid no hassle, for injectors, turbos and something to do with the rear differential. Turbos were actually ok but wastegates were rattling - but BMW approved the claim and I got a pair of new turbos for the £100 Xs - at around 60k Miles.
Personally I love it, and can’t really justify changing it for the miles I do - however hard I try! Although a 911 is calling sometime...
Personally I love it, and can’t really justify changing it for the miles I do - however hard I try! Although a 911 is calling sometime...
Smuler said:
I sold mine at 85k with the only issue, fuel injectors circa 75k
Next two owners are on here and I believe it continued with no turbo problems since, though I don't know the mileage. It's on a personal plate so I can't check.
Your example is a modified car, so I'm not sure how apples for apples a comparison it is with entirely stock?
Wastegate was the only noise I recall from researching.
Mine was 2009 and when I researched, the year did seem a sweet spot. But often issues are made to seem more prevalent by the Internet.
You really need sight of that folder of what jobs have been done. Check with BMW for the occasions it spent in the dealer network, they may know of issues that aren't in the file.
Still going absolutely perfectly on 115k now. Other than the above it had the water pump and thermostat done under warranty late last year, and a suspension refresh on the rear recently. Otherwise it's still faultless Next two owners are on here and I believe it continued with no turbo problems since, though I don't know the mileage. It's on a personal plate so I can't check.
Your example is a modified car, so I'm not sure how apples for apples a comparison it is with entirely stock?
Wastegate was the only noise I recall from researching.
Mine was 2009 and when I researched, the year did seem a sweet spot. But often issues are made to seem more prevalent by the Internet.
You really need sight of that folder of what jobs have been done. Check with BMW for the occasions it spent in the dealer network, they may know of issues that aren't in the file.
.I bought my 2006 manual in July 2019. It had lots of history from BMW and BMW specialists, like yours and it has a big book of receipts. I went through every single receipt while the salesman sat there and waited. I did my research beforehand so I knew what the common failures were. Since 2006 the car has had:
I bought the car for £5000. I got a discount of £1000 knowing the car needed the oil pan gasket done and that was a big time consuming job and the dealer wanted the space on his forecourt as he sold supercars mostly.
I've since replaced the alternator, water pump and had a walnut blast done. The voltage regulator on alternator had gone and I was quick to replace the alternator completely but I could've just tried to replace regulator but the garage, a long standing family friend, assured me the alternator was shot and it needed replacing.
All in all, I've spent £6500 and I'm really happy with it. Maybe that walnut blast was a bit overkill but at least I know it's clear now and not always wondering anymore. I don't have any issue with the turbos and based on the receipts, they've never been replaced.
| Date | Part | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oct-09 | Oil | Replaced |
| Oct-09 | Spark Plugs | Replaced |
| Aug-11 | Fuel Injector | x4 |
| Aug-11 | HPFP | |
| Oct-11 | Spark Plugs | x2 |
| Oct-11 | Ignition Coils | x2 |
| Oct-11 | Fuel Injectors | Remove and install or replace all injectors |
| Oct-11 | Engine misfire tests | |
| Sep-13 | Brake Discs (Rear) | |
| Sep-13 | Brake Pads (Rear) | |
| Sep-13 | Brake Sensor (Rear) | |
| Sep-13 | Brake Shoes (Rear) | |
| Sep-13 | Tyres (Rear) | |
| Sep-14 | Handbrake | Adjusted |
| Nov-14 | Oil and Filter | Replaced |
| Nov-14 | Micro Filter | Replaced |
| Nov-14 | Brake Fluid | Bled and Changed |
| Feb-15 | Coolant | Replaced |
| Feb-15 | Water Pump | Replaced |
| Feb-15 | Thermostat and Housing | Replaced |
| Mar-15 | Valve Cover Gasket | Replaced |
| Mar-15 | Ignition Coils | x6 (All replaced) |
| Mar-15 | Spark Plugs | All replaced |
| Mar-15 | Fuel Tank Vent Valve + Hose | Replaced |
| Jan-18 | Brake Discs (Front) | |
| Jan-18 | Brake Pads (Front) | |
| Jan-18 | Brake Sensor (Front) | |
| Sep-18 | Brake Pads (Rear) | |
| Sep-18 | N/S Shock Absorber (Rear) | |
| Sep-18 | Tyres | Michel Pilot Sport 4 |
| Jul-19 | Vanos Solenoids | Cleaned |
| Aug-19 | Oil Pan Gasket | Replaced |
| Aug-19 | Alternator | Replaced |
| Dec-19 | Water Pump | Replaced |
| Jan-20 | Walnut blast |
I bought the car for £5000. I got a discount of £1000 knowing the car needed the oil pan gasket done and that was a big time consuming job and the dealer wanted the space on his forecourt as he sold supercars mostly.
I've since replaced the alternator, water pump and had a walnut blast done. The voltage regulator on alternator had gone and I was quick to replace the alternator completely but I could've just tried to replace regulator but the garage, a long standing family friend, assured me the alternator was shot and it needed replacing.
All in all, I've spent £6500 and I'm really happy with it. Maybe that walnut blast was a bit overkill but at least I know it's clear now and not always wondering anymore. I don't have any issue with the turbos and based on the receipts, they've never been replaced.
I had a manual coupe, 56 plate, did 40k miles in 3 years (from 42k to 82k miles, bought in December 2010). Low pressure fuel sensor went, water pump went.
Other than those, it was faultless mechanically although I did get the odd limp mode here and there, for no obvious reason. Was on its original turbos when I sold it, with no wastegate rattle etc, and original HPFP as well.
Other than those, it was faultless mechanically although I did get the odd limp mode here and there, for no obvious reason. Was on its original turbos when I sold it, with no wastegate rattle etc, and original HPFP as well.
I bought my e93 auto 3 years ago at 54k, full BMW service history and had been maintained meticulously, completely stock.
In 3 years and 12k miles I've had:
2 x water pumps
Thermostat
Boost solenoids
Alternator (wasnt actually faulty BMW were just being dim)
AC compressor
New drivebelt (Again BMW being dim, didnt need changing)
Belt tensioner (problem still isnt rectified, but then Corona came along)
All bar the drivebelt were covered under BMW comp warranty so it wasn't bad financially, but still.. quite shocking so much went wrong.
Would never dream of running it without a warranty. There are too many fanboys out there that defend the 335i's reliability, in my opinion it is a ticking bomb till something goes wrong.
The one you posted OP is modded so even more stress on components, I'd avoid to be honest.
In 3 years and 12k miles I've had:
2 x water pumps
Thermostat
Boost solenoids
Alternator (wasnt actually faulty BMW were just being dim)
AC compressor
New drivebelt (Again BMW being dim, didnt need changing)
Belt tensioner (problem still isnt rectified, but then Corona came along)
All bar the drivebelt were covered under BMW comp warranty so it wasn't bad financially, but still.. quite shocking so much went wrong.
Would never dream of running it without a warranty. There are too many fanboys out there that defend the 335i's reliability, in my opinion it is a ticking bomb till something goes wrong.
The one you posted OP is modded so even more stress on components, I'd avoid to be honest.
Sohaib-ijiiv said:
I bought my e93 auto 3 years ago at 54k, full BMW service history and had been maintained meticulously, completely stock.
Would never dream of running it without a warranty. There are too many fanboys out there that defend the 335i's reliability, in my opinion it is a ticking bomb till something goes wrong.
It's an interesting one. I think you were particularly unlucky it sounds like, but the 335i does have more than its share of regular problems. A lot of the issues can be done DIY if you are up for it - parts aren't that expensive, but depends if you've got the time to do that. I'm considering one as a track car, because I can DIY and wouldn't be relying on it for daily transport. Would never dream of running it without a warranty. There are too many fanboys out there that defend the 335i's reliability, in my opinion it is a ticking bomb till something goes wrong.
I didn't have a warranty and mine was broadly ok in 40k miles (my 530i with the N52 was way more trouble) but I think equally I was one of the luckier ones.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff