BMW F31 330D / 335D - would it be a ticking time bomb?
Discussion
Hi,
I am looking at options (either spend on existing car and run for a bit longer or change now), and the replacement could be an F31 330/335D.
To give a bit of background when the F31 330D was only a couple years into production I had the opportunity to use one occasionally for going up and down the country. It was typical fleet spec M-Sport with halogen lights but pro nav (strange combination if you ask me). I really liked using it, even when just cruising on the motorway. Since then I have owned a variety of cars including a fun Renaultsport Clio 182. I have also driven a friend's F11 530D on and off which is without a doubt a nice place to be but also felt very "grown up".
Just recently another friend has got a F31 320D LCI (which had M-Sport trim but a non-M Sport steering wheel?). Even as passenger it reminded me that I do like these cars.
I am now thinking about getting an F31 but the dilemma is I have been spooked by horror stories that the 3 litre engines (particularly in 335D guise) are ticking time bombs, spinning bearings or snapping chains or lunching turbos. I also have no idea what difference the X-Drive really makes to reliability or running cost (and most late LCI examples appear X-Drive irrespective of being 330D or 335D ?).
The age of car would preferably be in the final year or two of production and <60k miles as I do around 15-20k miles a year.
Comments and experiences welcome.
I am looking at options (either spend on existing car and run for a bit longer or change now), and the replacement could be an F31 330/335D.
To give a bit of background when the F31 330D was only a couple years into production I had the opportunity to use one occasionally for going up and down the country. It was typical fleet spec M-Sport with halogen lights but pro nav (strange combination if you ask me). I really liked using it, even when just cruising on the motorway. Since then I have owned a variety of cars including a fun Renaultsport Clio 182. I have also driven a friend's F11 530D on and off which is without a doubt a nice place to be but also felt very "grown up".
Just recently another friend has got a F31 320D LCI (which had M-Sport trim but a non-M Sport steering wheel?). Even as passenger it reminded me that I do like these cars.
I am now thinking about getting an F31 but the dilemma is I have been spooked by horror stories that the 3 litre engines (particularly in 335D guise) are ticking time bombs, spinning bearings or snapping chains or lunching turbos. I also have no idea what difference the X-Drive really makes to reliability or running cost (and most late LCI examples appear X-Drive irrespective of being 330D or 335D ?).
The age of car would preferably be in the final year or two of production and <60k miles as I do around 15-20k miles a year.
Comments and experiences welcome.
I drive an F30 335d. MY2014. X-drive, M sport etc etc.
Got it a couple of years ago from a BMW dealer.
Was on 23k miles when purchased. Now on 47k miles.
No issues to report. A bit dull to drive but totally reliable.
When the BMW warranty expired after a year, I simply renewed it, and pay £58 p/m for comprehensive cover.
(BMW Insured Warranty Services). Hopefully if anything did go wrong, I won't have a really nasty bill.
Got it a couple of years ago from a BMW dealer.
Was on 23k miles when purchased. Now on 47k miles.
No issues to report. A bit dull to drive but totally reliable.
When the BMW warranty expired after a year, I simply renewed it, and pay £58 p/m for comprehensive cover.
(BMW Insured Warranty Services). Hopefully if anything did go wrong, I won't have a really nasty bill.
I had a 430d for nearly 3 years, thrashed the life out of it, put about 35k miles on it, never skipped a beat.
I can't speak for the 35d's reliability, the only thing I recall reading about is how they have to sit a bit higher to avoid catching the transfer box with speed bumps, probably a myth, in fact, I heard about it here on pistonheads
I can't speak for the 35d's reliability, the only thing I recall reading about is how they have to sit a bit higher to avoid catching the transfer box with speed bumps, probably a myth, in fact, I heard about it here on pistonheads
If you’re looking at post 2015 models then you don’t really have much to worry about, the LCI models use the N57 engines which have an improved timing chain set up.
Although that said, the N57 (pre LCI) is still known to be very reliable but can suffer from timing chain weakness.
Can’t go wrong with either imo, I used to own a 430dx and loved it. Potentially looking at getting an M340d soon.
Although that said, the N57 (pre LCI) is still known to be very reliable but can suffer from timing chain weakness.
Can’t go wrong with either imo, I used to own a 430dx and loved it. Potentially looking at getting an M340d soon.
Edited by Timoo on Thursday 21st August 15:21
DickP said:
Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. I thought the newer B57 only got fitted to the model after (G20 I think?) not the F30/31.
Will see what cars are out there, though distinct lack of RWD
models with under 70k miles from my initial browsing.
Yes sorry you are correct, I got mixed up, B57 only used on G series! Though I do believe the LCI N57 engines still had an improved timing chain design over pre LCI so definitely worth going for a later one. Thanks for the replies. I thought the newer B57 only got fitted to the model after (G20 I think?) not the F30/31.
Will see what cars are out there, though distinct lack of RWD
models with under 70k miles from my initial browsing.
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