SeCsTaC

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a 2011 335i or a 335is. I've been researching and the 335i is the N55 single turbo engine vs the 335is twin turbo. From what I gather, the N55 should be a little more reliable, but the N54 has more power and would be easier to make more power.

I know some of you guys have had the 335i and I guess I'm just looking for some opinions and feedback from your ownership experience. 335is seems to be a lot more rare especially in 6 speed form. Any thoughts and opinions would be welcomed. Thanks guys

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

N54 = easier to make more power, and also more maintenance costs.

N55 = last year of the E90, generally more reliable, a bit less mod friendly.

*BTW, there are 1M + threads on this topic in any Bimmer forum. I'd suggest searching any/all of those for the best & most informed info.

ttribe

My '09 335i has the same engine as the 335is you are talking about (N54). I've had very few issues to note and love the amount of power I am getting out of it with a mild tune.

alex2364

You mentioned 6 speed, but you can get a DCT in 335is. 335i has the regular auto.

coco

I still don't fully trust BMW and their turbo engines. History of fuel pump issues. They just announced another recall for the fuel pumps on 2, 3, and 4 series models.

I've had buddies who've had both the N54 and N55 3 series and the ones that modded definitely preferred the N54 so if you'll be tuning then that's the one you'll want.

SuperTrooper169

iTrader: (2)

What kind of power numbers are you making, T?

ttribe

~360HP and 400tq (at the crank).

SuperTrooper169

iTrader: (2)

Wow very nice! I didn't know it was that much.

ttribe

Here's a link to the dyno chart:

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-tal.../#post14218760

oonowindoo

N54 is definitely stronger than N55, in both stock and tuned forms.

But it is also definitely less reliable than N55, in both stock and tuned forms.

While there are lucky ones like ttribe, but everyone I know that had/has N55 all had some kind of major surgery done at BMW and I know a lot of them being Asian living in LA.

Don't want to scare you but just make sure to buy a good extended warranty with the N54.
Actually, not just N54, you need to buy a good extended warranty with any BMW.....

SeCsTaC

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I love the 335is because it theoretically should be the most reliable N54 since its a later build 2011-2013 so BMW should have fixed their kinks but it doesn't seem so.

oonowindoo - did you mean everyone you know that has/had the N54 has had some major surgery?

I'm holding out for an E92 M Sport 335i Manual w/ NAV & Harmon Kardon in only a couple color combinations so it's been really hard to find one. AW/CR or BSM/CR...

After doing more research, I'm leaning towards the N55, unless I stumble across a 335is at a decent price with a warranty left.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Save up a little more and get the E9X M3.

oonowindoo

Yes i meant N54

You can't go wrong with either. If i probably would get E92 335i too over F30 335i if they were still available brand new.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

This.

coco

Those have issues too. Search "S65 rod bearing"

oonowindoo

Fixed

MTEAZY

Like you did?

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

OK? So? Every BMW has their own problems. What's your point?

Uh yeah, Meathead.

SeCsTaC

Hah M3 would be nice but I can't afford that. I think I'll just buy whichever pops up on my radar first that has what I want and is in my price range.

Btw anyone have any experience with S5s? Mostly concerned with how they drive. Could be a potential candidate too.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Audi's interior alone makes them a contender. Honestly, Bimmer interiors are the worst.

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

+1, Audi's interior & exterior styling is just

I have not driven an S5 but they're quite heavy for a coupe. I would think the 335i / 335is would be more of a drivers car

2012wagon

You think the CPO m3 sedan is better r the carmax 125 k mile warranty ?

The v8 manual trans m3 sedan is mouth watering

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

If you can get one for decent price at Carmax, it's one of the best buys you can get these days!

2012wagon

Well at carmax you pay higher purchase price but you get the 125 k warranty

I don't know enough about bmw CPO warranty

In 20 months I want to replace my wagon. Used ctsv manual wagon or used amg e class estate are what I want

But a colleague who has Alpina b7 brought his wife's m3 sedan the other day (not he newest model but a 2012) and wow it was amazing