335d/535d and a few questions?

[leemarkadams]

Hello all, currently have an E46 330D Sport as my everyday hack , which has now clocked up over 180K miles and still going well! Anyway, looking to upgrade that for a newer car and was thinking of an M3 (E46 shape) but the fuel costs will hurt as I do about 18K per annum.

Anyway, will have about £15K to spend so been looking at 335D/535D BMWs as a replacement but have a few questions:

1. I know the 335D has the paddle shift system, does the 535D?
2. I have read a few reports that the 535D is better built than the 335D, is this correct?
3. I would want to get the car chipped but would be looking at a car with almost 100K miles on the clock, as the mileage does not bother me as long as the car is right, so is that advisable?
4. Is there a noticeable difference in performance between the 2?

Thanks

Lee

[martin mrt]

The paddle shift is an option on the 535d I think it's called the sport gearbox.

I remapped mine when I had it, and will do when I get my next one in a few weeks, but they only had 17k and 43k miles respectively, I can't see it being an issue as long as it's been looked after properly

The early 5 series (pre LCI) were criticised for poorer quality interior than the previous E39 model, but this was improved after the LCI in 2007, whether either are better built than the 3. Series is debatable, I found my E91 touring far better put together with less squeaks/rattles than the (apparently) better screwed together E46 M3 I had previously. Our new 335 was faultless and rattle free on the test drive

Performance, 335d has the edge, not much in it though

[M-J-B]

leemarkadams said:

Hello all, currently have an E46 330D Sport as my everyday hack , which has now clocked up over 180K miles and still going well! Anyway, looking to upgrade that for a newer car and was thinking of an M3 (E46 shape) but the fuel costs will hurt as I do about 18K per annum.

Anyway, will have about £15K to spend so been looking at 335D/535D BMWs as a replacement but have a few questions:

1. I know the 335D has the paddle shift system, does the 535D?
2. I have read a few reports that the 535D is better built than the 335D, is this correct?
3. I would want to get the car chipped but would be looking at a car with almost 100K miles on the clock, as the mileage does not bother me as long as the car is right, so is that advisable?
4. Is there a noticeable difference in performance between the 2?

Thanks

Lee

The 335D and 535D gearbox (with paddles) is totally different. The 'SAT' (as it's known) was introduced in June 07. The 535D has a Sport button which when pressed, maps the throttle, makes the steering heavier and allows almost instant changes of gears using the paddles, much like the VW double clutch system.

535D Built is very good - can't comment on 335D

My car has 66,000 trouble free miles so far

I'd say little or no performance. I am currently selling mine and I had a viewer who has a 335D and wants a 535D with comfort seats and he suggested my car was every bit as fast as his.

Unfortunately mine is over your budget and you may have trouble sourcing an LCI, even with stella mileage (LCI = mid term facelift).

[BlueProp]

martin mrt said:

The early 5 series (pre LCI) were criticised for poorer quality interior than the previous E39 model, but this was improved after the LCI in 2007,

I have a pre LCI 2006 520D and I can't fault the build quality. The LCI must be good to better it.

[Fox-]

We have a 2007 E60 and a 2001 E39.

The E60 has 3 times less mileage than the E39.

The E60 rattles. The E39 doesnt