TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

So basically I seen used 2007-2008 BMW 335i for 30k-40k around where I live. Some with CPO Warranty (extended 100k warranty) and was wondering if anyone can tell me about the car in general. What chip does it need to boost the "100 HP", which one is more reliable? Overall, how much you think I'd be spending on the car in maintenance over a long period of time? I know they use Synthetic, but thats what I put in my TL all the time. Any cars similar to the 335I with better quality, performance, and appearance? My semi-dream car is a 335i or M3. My Uncle is about to buy a 335i and will trade it for my TL (hopefully/possibly) and wanted to know if this is a good car overall or anything close (I already X'ed out the IS350 and C Class due to Uncle and I personal dislikes) The G series Lexus is hot, but I'm not sure. No (American) Muscle cars please, he has plenty!

Thanks for your time!

Gfaze

Have you looked into Audi? They have some very nice cars you might want to look into.

GIBSON6594

Here is your chip info to get your horsepower up.

http://www.burgertuning.com/

The real issue you need to worry about is the fuel pump, it will fail eventually, but BMW has extended the warranty on it to 10 years, 120K miles. Otherwise, it's an amazing car, and mine has been very solid.

Oh, and you should still have a couple years of free maintenance on the car.

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

^ Any turbo issues? I've heard something like that on this forum, not too sure about it though.

Legend2TL

I think the oil cooler issues has been solved by the 2008's, but I'm not so sure about the 2007 335i's. The early engines had oil overheating problems due to smaller oil coolers.

GIBSON6594

it was solved in the 2007's if you had a 335 with the sport package (I think). i know my 2007 has the oil cooler.

But the truth is, the oil cooler isn't really needed unless you are tracking the car.

GIBSON6594

The Drive train has been fairly bulletproof from what I've read and experienced. Although I'm sure chipping increases risks.

iTimmy

The 335i is a great car and most are super dependable, however some people have had some odd problems. Any manufacturer can produce a few bad apples, the E90's have been around long enough to know they are very solid and reliable cars, I would not hesitate to purchase one based reliability.

As for other cars you should look into, I really liked my Infiniti, the G37 addresses most of the complaints I had with my 07 Sedan(the current body style). If I were to buy a car in that category I honestly don't know which I would go with, I like both even though they are very different. If you really have a thing for the BMW I wouldn't let the price difference prevent you from being happy, the few times I have cheaped myself out at the last second I regretted it almost immediately.

umcp

The 335i's n54 engine has HPFP (fuel pump) failing issues.

BMW recognized the faulty part and has extended the warranty to 100k miles on 07/08's.

The issue is hit or miss, some people have no issues and some have had theirs replaced like 2/3 times. Some people think its the low quality gas in the U.S., ethanol percentages etc. The issue is resolved by replacing the HPFP and dealers usually have 1 day turnaround on those replacements.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

Well thanks for the replies.

The fuel pump issue was supposed to be solved in 08? Than I will get a 08 or higher. Does chipping void warranty?

And I always liked Audi, but performance wise BMW surpasses them (I believe). I liked the new looks of the Audi's, but the biggest problem is the performance. Performance and somewhat exterior is why I'm buying a car. I want performance at the end of the day, but don't want a POS looking car also.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Which model from Audi have you driven so far?

Performance-wise, they are not bad at all compare to Bimmers.

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

The new Audi S4 should be awesome!! A used Audi RS4 is also an amazing car!

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

I've driven the A4, not the S4 though. S4 seems nice, but I'm not sure. BMW is so much more moddable thats the only why I like it also. If one day I have money and want it to be a 425+HP car than I can do that.

Anyways, AlexSU you stole my A SPEC wheels damnit I was about to buy those when you bought them awhile back

WillrunifChased

Just get the Plug and Play chip so you can take it out before going to the dealer.

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

Sorry man , that deal was way too good to pass up! He didn't want to ship but I found out all the details just so he would. They are in pretty bad shape but I'll get them fixed right They look awesome though

If I decide to sell them, I'll make sure to let you know.

Scrib

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

they looking good

GIBSON6594

It CAN still generate codes that the dealer will be able to identify as tune codes. You need to get a BT scanner to clear the codes to be really safe.

GIBSON6594

HPFP was not fixed and is still not fixed. 135s, Z4s, 535s are all getting the pump failures. Even 2009s.

Like anything else, warranty is only voided if the dealer can show that the modification caused the part failure. So if you have a chip and your suspension gets screwed up, they most likely can't void your warranty. But if you have a chip and your turbo's die and they can prove you were tuned, then yes they can void the warranty. Warranties apply to several sections of the car.

Infamous425

even the new 7 series owners getting their hpfp replaced. sounds like they'll never get it fixed right.

Saleen S7 TT

They sound and perform amazingly. Maybe by the time you have all the parts fixed, your warranty will be out and it will be reliable!

cM3go

This thread will tell you everything you need to know

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/official-bmw-3-series-discussion-thread-380170/

achenator

An 08 is not the answer. I had an 08 with fuel pump problems.

lifetimeofwar

is there any alternative (aftermarket) company that makes the HPFP?

SCS15

iTrader: (3)

My boy has a 09 135i (i know its not a 335 but they are essentially the same) and to be honest with you other than the ridiculous power it has its a pos. Its already been to the dealer 4 times in not even a year to have the windshield replaced twice, the exhaust system had cracked and the fuel pump died. This car hasn't even cracked 8k miles yet. Im sorry but imo if your dropping 40k on a BMW it shouldn't be in the shop 4 times already for repairs. Not including it doesn't even have real leather seats or navi. If im dropping that kinda of $$ on a car it damn well better come stock with leather or navi - not be an option for a few more grand. I'll give it though the car is damn quick. On top of that modding them isnt cheap. An axleback exhaust from eisenmann is almost 2g. Just to do exhaust, the chip and an intake your way over 4g but it will smoke new m3s.

GIBSON6594

Hey man, I'm in Yonkers too

It sounds like your friend got a bad one. Any it's known that BMWs are expensive so things like navi and leather are gonna cost you, but you are really paying for the thrill of the drive with these kind of cars with additional luxury. Can you think of any other car that gives you that kind of power and luxury for under 60K?

Also, the exhaust performance benefits are not very substantial. You can get much more of of just a tune for around $300 and then if you want to get more intense get a front mounted intercooler and downpipes and you will be screaming at over 400 horsepower very quickly.

JD23

New S4?

SCS15

iTrader: (3)

Thing is that when I'm paying over 40k I expect leather seats to be standard and not receive some shit leatherette they give you. I can understand navi being an option.

I only showed the exhaust mod as a comparison. Almost every mod on that car will void the warranty especially downpipes and intercoolers. At least an exhaust you can take off with a few bolts.

Not many stock cars give you the same power as a 135 or 335 from the factory but that is why there is an aftermarket. And my TL is far more luxurious than his bimmer and I paid 13k hahaha

Brandon24pdx

I seriously considered a 135i before I got the Z, but the reliability issues with the N54 and the overall price of the car drove me off. Wasn't sold on the styling either...kinda nothing-special looking compared to a 370 or TT-S.

GIBSON6594

N54 has been extremely reliable, other than the HPFP.

GIBSON6594

All mods void the warranty respective to what the mod effects. A tune won't void your warranty if your suspension has problems. An exhaust will void your emissions warranty if that has problems. Any mod will void warranty if the dealer reads that the mod caused the problem in some way. You will have to do more than much exhaust mods to your TL to keep up with a N54 car, all voiding parts of the warranty.

GIBSON6594

A 335xi sedan is $3,000 dollars less than the new S4. Just saying.

JD23

Where do you get that the 335xi sedan is $3,000 less? I just equipped both of them as identically as possible, and the 335xi comes out to be almost $2,000 more. For this comparison, I am comparing a base S4, which is $45,900, to a 335xi with cold weather package, sport package, and premium package. You can't compare a base 335xi to a base S4 because the 335xi is missing some of the S4's standard features.

DanL

iTrader: (2)

Perhaps it's different in your area, but around here, a 335xi w/ cold weather, sport, and premium is just a hair over $44K and that includes destination charges.

JD23

I'm going with MSRP. It gets too difficult to make a comparison if we use negotiated prices.

DanL

iTrader: (2)

Fair enough. However, I have a feeling you won't be able to drive away with an S4 for less than $50K -- at least until after all of the hype has subsided. Guess we'll find out later this year...

SCS15

iTrader: (3)

I dont believe I said anything about keeping up with his car haha, I tried once and it aint happen unless I turbo this car.

My point is that on a BMW some features should be standard that are not and you are paying more than ever before. On top of the fact the reliability and quality just isnt there. I'm not pulling it out my ass, this is a car I see and ride in every single week since last winter. Motor wise this thing rocks. But if we are talking power for power dollar for dollar I can think of a handful of cars that make ALOT more power more cheaply.

JD23

I think you're correct. After the early adopters have bought their cars, the demand and average transaction price should drop. Even now, I've read about some people getting their S4s quite a bit below MSRP, so it doesn't seem like current demand is strong enough to allow price gouging. I didn't want to hijack this thread with S4 talk, but someone asked if any other cars in the 335's price range are comparable in performance and luxury, and I think the S4 definitely qualifies.

GIBSON6594

My point was under 60K. There aren't that many cars, if any, that give you 135 performance and luxury for under 60K, let alone 40K.

GIBSON6594

My 335 has been very reliable and the quality is top notch. Power wise, you're right, you can get more power for less money, but you're not going to get the luxury that you get with the BMW, unless you spend around the same amount. Of course, you are paying for name as well, but you get something with that name, some of the best driving cars on the road.

I know it sounds corny, I just get a huge grin on my face every time I floor my 335 around a nice curvy road.