335i selection
Discussion
Definitely the newer one if it has the newer idrive. Either example is older now and so should have had all the weaknesses addressed (injectors, hpfp etc)
The DCT box would be better to me than the old 6 speed ZF, although I'm not convinced by either really. I'm used to manual boxes though so if you are used the ZF on the d then your experience may differ.
Buy on condition though, it could be utterly ruined by 80k through neglect and abuse, or run as sweetly as new at 120k if lovingly cared for. Service history evidence of at least annual / 10k oil changes and remedial work done is much more valuable than low mileage.
The DCT box would be better to me than the old 6 speed ZF, although I'm not convinced by either really. I'm used to manual boxes though so if you are used the ZF on the d then your experience may differ.
Buy on condition though, it could be utterly ruined by 80k through neglect and abuse, or run as sweetly as new at 120k if lovingly cared for. Service history evidence of at least annual / 10k oil changes and remedial work done is much more valuable than low mileage.
M511 said:
Hi all after 3 years and plenty of effortless driving it's time to move on from the 335d. My reduced mileage has forced me to part with this workhorse. One of the best cars I've ever owned!
I'm now in the market for a 335i convertible and I've finally found 2 cars I like. The first is a 2007 model has 135k miles but has just had 2 new turbos fitted. The other is a 2008 model with the updated interior with 80k miles and has dct (also in the lower tax band). The second car is £2000 more expensive. Which one would you go for?
You don't say what trans is on the older car, but DCT is far superior to the step auto.I'm now in the market for a 335i convertible and I've finally found 2 cars I like. The first is a 2007 model has 135k miles but has just had 2 new turbos fitted. The other is a 2008 model with the updated interior with 80k miles and has dct (also in the lower tax band). The second car is £2000 more expensive. Which one would you go for?
I don't know what "updated interior" means, but if you mean CIC from 30/9/2008 build that is also far superior to the old CCC
Both these plus age / lower miles are well worth 2k£ inmho. Plus, as you say, some of that would be saved on lower tax.
If, as I assume, it's a late 2008 then that's the beginning of the pre-LCI sweetspot at least from my research for greater reliability.
I had a 2009 335i DCT and to 85k miles when I sold it, all it ever need doing was injectors.
On the limited info, I'd go for the newer car but there are other caveats such as does it have full and fully documented service history plus it's overall condition.
Suppose the turbos depend how long you're planning on keeping it and how many miles you do. You can only assume to get 55k out of the newer one all other things being equal (which they probably aren't, but there you go).
I would go for the newer one, as a driver of a 2007 335i e93 - I love it to bits but it would be nice to have the newer systems. You may buy the older one and have to spend much more than a set of turbos on traction control ECUs and other ridiculously expensive items (yes - experience).
I would go for the newer one, as a driver of a 2007 335i e93 - I love it to bits but it would be nice to have the newer systems. You may buy the older one and have to spend much more than a set of turbos on traction control ECUs and other ridiculously expensive items (yes - experience).
M511 said:
Thanks sounds like you've been burned before so will definitely consider this and get the newer one. The dealer said he had the new car air con regassed and when he took the car out he could hear a funny fan noise. Does that sound like a problem you had?
Brand new cars have problems, you should get the one you like most rather than trying to work out which one is more likely to break down in future, you'll only resent any small issues more.I don't have any funny fan noises - depends whether it was an engine fan noise, or a climate control fan noise, or a turbo whine noise, or a wheel bearing noise, or a rubbing disc noise.... etc. etc.
The fan can make some funny noises from time to time, mostly after switching on initially and after switching air con on or off.
Turbos can last a a long time if looked after. Wastegate rattle can now be cured without new turbos (I think).
Do either come with a decent warranty or are they private sale?
Turbos can last a a long time if looked after. Wastegate rattle can now be cured without new turbos (I think).
Do either come with a decent warranty or are they private sale?
The DCT gearbox is fantastic and suits the engine well imo.
The newer iDrive is miles better than the older system and still holds well today.
We have a one in our family and it's surprising been trouble free apart from a charge pipe crack which was difficult to diagnose.
I have read that the N55 335i is more reliable generally and only has one turbo, maybe also take that into consideration?
The newer iDrive is miles better than the older system and still holds well today.
We have a one in our family and it's surprising been trouble free apart from a charge pipe crack which was difficult to diagnose.
I have read that the N55 335i is more reliable generally and only has one turbo, maybe also take that into consideration?
Congratulations on the car! We will need some pictures!
Car might feel slower if you drive it in the same way as the diesel and as the power is delivered across the rev range, but the speed is very deceptive!
I was initially unsure about it coming from a turbo hot hatch that made more torque than power as that had the almost diesel like kick low down, but after I adjusted to lower delivery it now feels really odd when I get in a boosty petrol or diesel car again.
Car might feel slower if you drive it in the same way as the diesel and as the power is delivered across the rev range, but the speed is very deceptive!
I was initially unsure about it coming from a turbo hot hatch that made more torque than power as that had the almost diesel like kick low down, but after I adjusted to lower delivery it now feels really odd when I get in a boosty petrol or diesel car again.
M511 said:
I might try to see if there are 17, or 18in msport variants? I had 17in rfts on my 335d and I thought the harder sidewall actually made the car a bit stable and ride was so comfortable!
These were mine, they don't look as good but besides the ride/handling benefits it's a lot cheaper to replace tires. Square set up. 
M511 said:
I don't want to insult anyone but the car feels slower? The 19s don't make for a comfy ride.
I've got a X5 4.0d now, but I had a 135i with DCT before, so can understand why you think it may 'feel' slower because of the lower torque at very low revs.........The trouble is the 335d torque is so much more useful at urban speeds, whereas the N54 or N55 is better away from urban roads.........and that's why I really don't miss the 135i that much, despite me thinking I would after owing it for 6 years!!
I do miss that DCT gearbox though
Yes, the combination of 19" rims on a 'vert will be not very comfy, as the 'vert body is lacking stiffness and the rubber band 19" RFT's (if still fitted) are horrific in combination with the awful M-Sport damper/spring rates.
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