Another 335i query...

[disco1]

Hi guys,
I known there are a zillion threads relating to the 335s straight line performance & remaps but what are they like for day to day living? I've seen a few 335 Coupe SEs for pretty good money and they're quite tempting, nice shape, low'ish insurance, usually spec'd right up..etc

Are they reliable? good build quality? handling ok? space in back for family? Anything to look out for? what's servicing like?

I'd love to line up a few test drives for a 335, 645, E46 M3, 996 and S4, that would pretty much settle things.

thanks
D1

[M888SXY]

I've had mine one year exactly from new, 335iSe coupe. Done just 1600 miles but without problem except the rear cup-holders (option) not functioning, hwich of course was replaced under warranty.

[Crackie]

disco1 said:

Hi guys,
I known there are a zillion threads relating to the 335s straight line performance & remaps but what are they like for day to day living? I've seen a few 335 Coupe SEs for pretty good money and they're quite tempting, nice shape, low'ish insurance, usually spec'd right up..etc

Are they reliable? good build quality? handling ok? space in back for family? Anything to look out for? what's servicing like?

I'd love to line up a few test drives for a 335, 645, E46 M3, 996 and S4, that would pretty much settle things.

thanks
D1

Hi D1, I've had my 335i coupe for 6 months now; its a great 'do-it-all' but one which is leans towards GT in character. The 645 & S4 are similar in this respect whereas the E46 M3 and 996 were developed for a different market. It depends what you're looking for really.

Reliability ~ good so far with mine but there are well documented weak points ie HPFP (Fuel pump) & injectors; check for poor starting i.e. multiple cranks of the starter motor before the engine fires up. Check DSC & ABS sensors too.

Build quality ~ Overall its fine but IMHO dashboard and some interior trim not as good as E46.

Handling ~ when you've binned the run flat rubber it is good for a 1600 kg machine but can be made great by fitting a Quaife LSD and H&R anti roll bars. The articles in is link http://www.birdsauto.com/quaife/default.aspx?make=... show what's possible when you optimise springs & shocks too.

Space in the back ~ Plenty of room for 2 adults but only 2. More legroom than an E46 coupe and huge in the back relative to 996 and 645.

Engine ~ N54 with a remap & larger intercooler 385hp & 420lb/ft .

Fuel consumption ~ Thirsty round town but OK on long runs ~ 25.9mpg average so far on mine. My remapped E36 EVO averaged 27.7 over 3 years when doing the same 'daily driver' duties.

Servicing ~ Can't comment, sorry ~ not needed on mine yet.

My 2P worth.....
996 ~ Pros. Quick & classy. Cons. Very small in the back & potentially very expensive engine issues.
645 ~ Pros. Rarity. Cons. Small in the back & potentially very expensive engine issues.
M3 ~ Pros. Great engine & chassis. Cons. ???
S4 ~ Pros. Traction & build quality. Cons. Heavy, thirsty, notchy gearchange, not very quick, lifeless steering, uncomfortable ride, dull chassis.

Edited by Crackie on Friday 3rd June 15:52

[kiethton]

I've had mine nearly 6 months now and love it. I got an E92 07 M-sport and have put 6k on it, from 20-26k.

I have only had problems with the HPFP (done under warranty) and the battery (again done under warranty) so all is good. The only other issue is i can't seem to get the DAB radio to pick up anything other than BBC stations....is this normal?

I regularly have 4 people (fully grown 6"4 adults) in it and it copes admirably, everybody has loads of room. It goes like something else and doesn't handle too badly either. The one criticism is that with the 19" alloys, runflats and firm suspension potholes/speed bumps are a major problem although this will be true to an extent with any car in your shortlist.

I average 24 mpg, (i don't drive like a saint) in the london suburbs but on a run i have seen upwards of 35mpg which isn't too bad