335i Touring from VW R36...
Discussion
Yeah, you still have the pre-lci/lci thingy on the e9*'s. LCI gives you different front/rear end, different nav and a bit more chrome on the interior fittings. LCI front/rear ends are easy to retrofit though if thats your thing - was my intention for mine until the new one appeared. Front end is essentially bumper/bonnet/grill/lights and the rear is bootlid/lights. e90 is saloon, e91 is estate.
My saloon is a manual e90 pre-lci (but i retrofitted the lci/facelift CIC iDrive to it) and my new one is an auto lci e91 Touring
My saloon is a manual e90 pre-lci (but i retrofitted the lci/facelift CIC iDrive to it) and my new one is an auto lci e91 Touring
MattOz said:
I've owned an E91 335i (N54) E90 335i (N55) and an F31 335i (N55). All manuals.
I had an E91 330i, and it was OK, but lacked shove and wringing a car out for every last drop isn't my thing. I want to make decent progress without ragging a car, so the 335i was better in my opinion. The E91 335i is probably one of those that I shouldn't have sold. It was fun and did everything well. It was also an LCI car, so one of approx 19 in the UK.
I had to laugh when I read that as I bought an E91 325i early last year, and even as a replacement for an E46 325ti it felt like you had to rev it towards the red-line to get any decent progress! I had an E91 330i, and it was OK, but lacked shove and wringing a car out for every last drop isn't my thing. I want to make decent progress without ragging a car, so the 335i was better in my opinion. The E91 335i is probably one of those that I shouldn't have sold. It was fun and did everything well. It was also an LCI car, so one of approx 19 in the UK.
So earlier this year I started looking for a 330i, but E91's were hard to find, sold quickly and were much more expensive. So I talked myself into an E90 330i that had the split/fold rear seats! It's just so much more responsive. While I suppose a 335i would be even better I'd rather avoid having a daily that performed better than the Z4 Coupe that is my fun car. (All of mine also manual).
One interesting thing I read about the E9* models is that the LCI models don't have the cooling function for the cup-holder in the central armrest that pre-LCIs had.
While I realise mine isn't a 335i, if you'd like to sample a 330i "teepot" I'm in the Surrey/Berkshire/Hampshire border area.
Teepot said:
Evening all!
My current daily is a Passat R36 estate which is undoubtedly a keeper and an excellent one at that, but I recently had my head turned by yet another impossibly attractive bit of Q car goodness in the shape of an E91 which recently sold nearby.
Annoyingly I didn’t get the opportunity to go for a look at it so I’m here to ask how these things drive. Anybody have one with experiences they’d like to share, good and bad?
The thought of rear wheel drive as well as the possibility of a manual too is becoming all too tempting
Does this mean the R36 might be up for sale soon?!My current daily is a Passat R36 estate which is undoubtedly a keeper and an excellent one at that, but I recently had my head turned by yet another impossibly attractive bit of Q car goodness in the shape of an E91 which recently sold nearby.
Annoyingly I didn’t get the opportunity to go for a look at it so I’m here to ask how these things drive. Anybody have one with experiences they’d like to share, good and bad?
The thought of rear wheel drive as well as the possibility of a manual too is becoming all too tempting
Mr Tidy said:
I had to laugh when I read that as I bought an E91 325i early last year, and even as a replacement for an E46 325ti it felt like you had to rev it towards the red-line to get any decent progress!
So earlier this year I started looking for a 330i, but E91's were hard to find, sold quickly and were much more expensive. So I talked myself into an E90 330i that had the split/fold rear seats! It's just so much more responsive. While I suppose a 335i would be even better I'd rather avoid having a daily that performed better than the Z4 Coupe that is my fun car. (All of mine also manual).
One interesting thing I read about the E9* models is that the LCI models don't have the cooling function for the cup-holder in the central armrest that pre-LCIs had.
While I realise mine isn't a 335i, if you'd like to sample a 330i "teepot" I'm in the Surrey/Berkshire/Hampshire border area.
Thanks so much Mr T, might be in touch in the new year then So earlier this year I started looking for a 330i, but E91's were hard to find, sold quickly and were much more expensive. So I talked myself into an E90 330i that had the split/fold rear seats! It's just so much more responsive. While I suppose a 335i would be even better I'd rather avoid having a daily that performed better than the Z4 Coupe that is my fun car. (All of mine also manual).
One interesting thing I read about the E9* models is that the LCI models don't have the cooling function for the cup-holder in the central armrest that pre-LCIs had.
While I realise mine isn't a 335i, if you'd like to sample a 330i "teepot" I'm in the Surrey/Berkshire/Hampshire border area.
Teepot said:
BUG4LIFE said:
Does this mean the R36 might be up for sale soon?!
If I have a go in a 335i and it blows me away then yes! Gona be have to be bloody good though as the R really is outstanding I must say. I have an E91 335i Manual.
It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
joe1145 said:
I have an E91 335i Manual.
It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
To be honest, I would not call the torque on a 335i ‘monstrous’, I would not even call the torque monstrous on a 335d. To paraphrase Rolls Royce when asked what the power output on one of their cars was “Adequate, Sir, adequate” was the response.It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
joe1145 said:
I have an E91 335i Manual.
It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
Thanks Joe. You’re right in saying the smaller size might be a downside, but I can’t quite agree with lack of grip being so! It is a lovely car, the N54 engine is fantastic, and the torque is monstrous from low down. Really is a very fast car, and very practical. I would go for a manual if you can, while the box is a bit notchy (like most BMWs), once warmed up it's not to bad, and the throw is quite good (could be shorter), and it feels nice and direct. I don't think the touring ever got the DCT box so if you go for auto you are stuck with the slushbox which isn't the fastest.
The clutch is heavy, and the steering is too, there is a bit of feel but not huge amounts, still better than any electric system i've used.
Due to the low down torque, you do need to put good tyres on these, I've found the PS4 to be the best. You have to be a bit restrained in the corners in the wet, but you can choose to grip or slide, I don't think I've ever had a slide when I wasn't intending to. I've found the traction control is also very good, and when in DTC mode it does let you get a bit sideways and brings it back in if you go a bit too far.
Really a brilliant car for everyday, practical and a lot of fun to drive, especially on a lovely twisty road, on a sunny day.
The only potential downsides I can see is the E91 will be a lot smaller than the Passat, and the potential lack of grip.
No idea what I will replace mine with, I wish BMW did an M3 estate, as an F31 estate would amazing.
I happen to be on the same Michelin’s - quality tyre.
I imagine the steering to feel equally heavy. Relative to today’s standards at least.
Thanks again for the input Joe. My eyes are peeled for one to crop up!
Just buy this one? Lci, manual, 335i touring with xenons and the rare alcantara interior. Id have bought it if i hadn't already bought the 14k miler.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Sir_Dave said:
Haha, no problemo. BMW geek speek is all acronyms 
Bought this a couple of weeks back. Only 14k miles and 1 previous owner!! Also need to sell my M135i if you want one of those lol.
Does your 335i feel much slower than the m135i? Just wondering if the slight drop in power and increased weight adds up to much in the real world? Bought this a couple of weeks back. Only 14k miles and 1 previous owner!! Also need to sell my M135i if you want one of those lol.
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