Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General BMW News and Cars Discussion is the 335is worth it?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-10-2024, 05:47 PM   #1
MayanRosales
Enlisted Member
MayanRosales's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: BMW 2011 e92 335I
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Question is the 335is worth it?

I currently drive a 2011 335i m sport with the n55 engine(currently 152k miles). While i love the car i am just ready for a new car/engine as i want to be able to tune a car that has more potential then the n55, aswell as i kinda rushed into this car and didnt get the engine/spec that i fully wanted. aswell as so much has gone wrong with this car that putting more money into it is not something i want to do. I have been looking at f8x m3/m4, f10 m5, or 540i as my next car(leaning towards the Ms) but these are currently out of my budget and would only be a viable option within the next year to year and half. I love the e92 generation cars and have the budget to sell my car and get a somewhat low mileage(80k) 335is in the spec i orginally wanted. Is the 335is worth it? how bad is the n54 really? should i just wait for a car?
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 06:20 PM   #2
DrFerry
Field Marshal
DrFerry's Avatar
United_States
7003
Rep
1,916
Posts

Drives: '08 E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Greenville, SC

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [5.25]
2015 BMW X5  [4.50]
Suggest instead you consider a 2016+ BMW M2.
.
https://www.carfax.com/Used-2016-BMW-M2_z150
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS1H9C35HV888226
https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WBS1H9C58HV886925
.
__________________
'08 E92 M3 DCT Melbourne Red/Bamboo Beige Leather/EDC/SSP Spec-R DCT clutch discs/SSP Pro-Gold DCT Fluid/Quaife LSD/3:45 Final Drive by Diffs Online/BE Bearings & ARP Bolts/Vibra Technics Engine Mounts/LUX H8 180/DCT Tune by BPM Sport/PFC Z-Rated Pads/ECS Brass Brake Caliper Bushings/Alex Shop Solid Sub-frame Bushings/Motul 600/Tint

Last edited by DrFerry; 11-10-2024 at 06:29 PM..
Appreciate 1
      11-10-2024, 07:01 PM   #3
MayanRosales
Enlisted Member
MayanRosales's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: BMW 2011 e92 335I
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [0.00]
i LOVE the n55 m2 but for around the same price as a f8X i dont find it worth it for an n55. i understand that it is a drivers car tho, and i havent driven one yet so cant speak on it too much
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 08:28 PM   #4
BlkGS
Colonel
BlkGS's Avatar
3442
Rep
2,702
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M50i
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Both engines are kinda shit. If you're already happy with the N55 from a reliability perspective, and you want the 335is, make yourself happy. It's two versions of the same hell. At least be in the version of hell that's the spec you wanted.
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 08:35 PM   #5
MayanRosales
Enlisted Member
MayanRosales's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: BMW 2011 e92 335I
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlkGS View Post
Both engines are kinda shit. If you're already happy with the N55 from a reliability perspective, and you want the 335is, make yourself happy. It's two versions of the same hell. At least be in the version of hell that's the spec you wanted.
yea the n55 has been a hell for me, thats why im sceptical if the Is is even worth it
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 10:59 PM   #6
BlkGS
Colonel
BlkGS's Avatar
3442
Rep
2,702
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M50i
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayanRosales View Post
yea the n55 has been a hell for me, thats why im sceptical if the Is is even worth it
A wise man once told me that regrets are the hardest most expensive issue to fix.

If your options are "keep an N55" or "buy an N54", both engines can and likely will have issues. Even if you've already gone through some of it on the N55, it'll just do it more. So you may as well get it in the car you want.

You're comparing two unreliable motors, and then talking about a handful of vastly more expensive vehicles "in a year". A bunch of which are also incredibly unreliable. IMO, the decision is easy, get what you want and enjoy the hell you're putting yourself through.

Worth it is all a question of what you value most. The 335is has the cool factor over a regular 335i. The one you're looking at is your dream spec. That doesn't come up often. Maybe it sucks and you find out you didn't really love the 335is as much as you thought you did. Or maybe it doesn't suck and your only regret is not doing it earlier. Most of it is gonna depend on your outlook on it.

I say if it's really your dream spec car, then absolutely do it.
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 11:20 PM   #7
MayanRosales
Enlisted Member
MayanRosales's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: BMW 2011 e92 335I
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlkGS View Post
A wise man once told me that regrets are the hardest most expensive issue to fix.

If your options are "keep an N55" or "buy an N54", both engines can and likely will have issues. Even if you've already gone through some of it on the N55, it'll just do it more. So you may as well get it in the car you want.

You're comparing two unreliable motors, and then talking about a handful of vastly more expensive vehicles "in a year". A bunch of which are also incredibly unreliable. IMO, the decision is easy, get what you want and enjoy the hell you're putting yourself through.

Worth it is all a question of what you value most. The 335is has the cool factor over a regular 335i. The one you're looking at is your dream spec. That doesn't come up often. Maybe it sucks and you find out you didn't really love the 335is as much as you thought you did. Or maybe it doesn't suck and your only regret is not doing it earlier. Most of it is gonna depend on your outlook on it.

I say if it's really your dream spec car, then absolutely do it.
I really like this perspective. thank you for help!
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2024, 11:59 PM   #8
pbonsalb
Lieutenant General
5786
Rep
11,311
Posts

Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (4)

I had an N54 (08 E61 535xi) for 10 years and still maintain it for the friend I gave it to. I did a lot of preventative maintenance on it — rod bearings, turbos and lines, water pump and thermostat, all fluids, suspension parts, etc. Mine was modded with only a JB4 since it was for my wife. I DIY, but labor would have been more than the parts, which were about $2500. I recommend a B58 car instead — highly tuneable.

An M would be even better. I had an E90 M3 for 10 years and it was fun and a bit exotic. Did the rod bearings on that as well. If you are a speed freak, a well modded 330/340 will beat it. The I6 turbo or twin turbo is easier to get substantially more power out of. My S65B40 was nicely modded but still probably would not have done better than about 116-117 mph in the quarter.

I changed to AWD a few years ago to put the power down under more circumstances. F90 M5 prices are coming down if you could go up on price. Mine is modded and probably a 135 mph car in the quarter.

Last edited by pbonsalb; 11-11-2024 at 11:43 PM..
Appreciate 1
DrFerry7002.50
      11-11-2024, 11:40 AM   #9
BlkGS
Colonel
BlkGS's Avatar
3442
Rep
2,702
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M50i
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
One other thing I'm gonna mention. If your goal is "make power for little money", don't bother with these N5x BMWs. For what you're gonna spend in upkeep alone, you can get a supercharger kit for an LS, LT, or Coyote motor and make way more power, way more reliably, and be way faster. You can get into one of those for likely the same or less money as the 3 series, and destroy the 3 in every performance metric if you're in the US/Canada.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2024, 12:46 PM   #10
ppointer
Major
United_States
863
Rep
1,187
Posts

Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: FLL

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2012 BMW 335i  [5.25]
2012 BMW 335is  [5.00]
2008 Infiniti QX56  [0.00]
1967 Chevrolet Corv ...  [10.00]
2001 M Roadster  [10.00]
2022 BMW 540i  [0.75]
2009 528i  [9.50]
For unimportant reasons I have a 2012 335i m-sport MT and a 2012 335is DCT. Both have no additional engine mods thus far, and probably never will. I like them both quite a lot.

Of all the cars I own, my favorite is the 335i, as it is the most fun to drive with the MT.

The 335is is a bit more raucous, as it has the performance exhaust direct from the factory. The way it comes tuned from BMW, it is the hyperactive brother to a regular 335i m-sport, whether MT or DCT. My wife doesn't enjoy driving it (and never drives the MT cars we own). The 335is definitely has more acceleration, as it has an over-boost function that the 335i does not have. I believe the 335is has better oil cooling, but that really isn't important to me because I don't drive the car that hard.

There were 3,000 of the 335is for all three years brought into the US, and it is a US-only car. Finding one with few modifications is really tough. If you really like the e92 like I do, then yes, the 335is is worth the up-charge over a regular 335i.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2024, 01:47 PM   #11
zx10guy
Brigadier General
5521
Rep
3,331
Posts

Drives: 2013 135i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: DC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ppointer View Post
For unimportant reasons I have a 2012 335i m-sport MT and a 2012 335is DCT. Both have no additional engine mods thus far, and probably never will. I like them both quite a lot.

Of all the cars I own, my favorite is the 335i, as it is the most fun to drive with the MT.

The 335is is a bit more raucous, as it has the performance exhaust direct from the factory. The way it comes tuned from BMW, it is the hyperactive brother to a regular 335i m-sport, whether MT or DCT. My wife doesn't enjoy driving it (and never drives the MT cars we own). The 335is definitely has more acceleration, as it has an over-boost function that the 335i does not have. I believe the 335is has better oil cooling, but that really isn't important to me because I don't drive the car that hard.

There were 3,000 of the 335is for all three years brought into the US, and it is a US-only car. Finding one with few modifications is really tough. If you really like the e92 like I do, then yes, the 335is is worth the up-charge over a regular 335i.
I'm pretty sure the IS for the 335 is the same as the 135 and the corresponding PPK levels. The IS is just a port installed PPK Stage 2. This includes the DME tune for slighty more horsepower and torque along with some cooling hardware upgrades. The cooling hardware consists of a heavier duty radiator fan and an additional auxiliary radiator that's mounted in the front driver's side wheel well right behind the bumper vent grill.

I got the PPK2 kit and installed it in my 2013 135i. The only things that make my car not an IS are the wheels, performance exhaust and the small placard on the dash/external badging.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lups View Post
We might not be in an agreement on Trump, but I'll be the first penis chaser here to say I'll rather take it up in the ass than to argue with you on this.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2024, 02:09 PM   #12
tturedraider
Major General
tturedraider's Avatar
United_States
5713
Rep
6,622
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I’m going to give a different perspective. I’ve been a fan of the 335is. I like its coolness factor. But, I wouldn’t get an N54 if it was me. Obviously the F32 is a different beast than the E92, but the B58 is quite sublime and knowing it is out there (and having owned three of them) I could not be happy with an N54.
__________________
https://youtu.be/-ay-8p2p29w
www.bmwcca.org
member #388003 - Use me as a referral
& you could win a one day ///M Driving School!!

___________________________________________
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2024, 02:29 PM   #13
pikkagtr
Go Spurs Go
pikkagtr's Avatar
3987
Rep
2,917
Posts

Drives: '22 GR Z4 Coup '06 Z4M Rdster
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (-1)

The hydraulic rack on the e92 makes it worth it over a gen 1 M2 with the n55.
Id find a MT 335is over the DCT
The non M N55 doesn't even come with aa forged crank for crying out loud.
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2024, 02:32 PM   #14
brianeck
Part Time Firetruck Crash Barrier
brianeck's Avatar
882
Rep
1,652
Posts

Drives: 2022 M340ix Mineral Grey
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Nyack NY

iTrader: (0)

I don't think its enough of a "jump" for you, and I agree with just about every other poster on the reliability. You also have to figure the IS's all get driven HARD, since that's what they are.

I'm gonna go out there and agree the B58 would be a wonderful upgrade for you. Plenty of factory power (a nice jump for you) but then once you tune even just a stage 1 the engine comes alive!
__________________

m340ix Mineral Grey/Tacora Red
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2024, 01:22 AM   #15
MayanRosales
Enlisted Member
MayanRosales's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: BMW 2011 e92 335I
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Louisiana

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by pikkagtr View Post
The hydraulic rack on the e92 makes it worth it over a gen 1 M2 with the n55.
Id find a MT 335is over the DCT
The non M N55 doesn't even come with aa forged crank for crying out loud.
i would love a MT car as i have never owned one, but wouldnt a MT on the 335is be pointless over a n54 335i as the main drive for it being the DCT with the n54? my plan for the n54 let alone any car i would get would be to modify it at some point. if i were to go the F8x route id rock it stock for a min then look into modding just to experience it first, but if i were to go n54 or b58 my plan would most likley be to go big single. thanks for the reply!
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2024, 02:23 AM   #16
pbonsalb
Lieutenant General
5786
Rep
11,311
Posts

Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: New England

iTrader: (4)

DCT can be expensive to mod to hold the torque of a big single. The GS6-53 of the earlier manuals seems to hold better. At some point, BMW started using a lighter duty 6 speed — maybe GS6-45? — but I don’t know exactly what year that started or whether it has failed on highly modded cars.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2024, 03:21 AM   #17
MJBO
Lieutenant Colonel
MJBO's Avatar
Australia
3527
Rep
1,776
Posts

Drives: 2023 G81 M3 Touring
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by MayanRosales View Post
i LOVE the n55 m2 but for around the same price as a f8X i dont find it worth it for an n55. i understand that it is a drivers car tho, and i havent driven one yet so cant speak on it too much
This is why I bought the F82 M4 a few years back instead of an F87 M2 OG.

For the same money, you got the better car with a nicer interior, and the S55 is a great engine.

A cheap BM3 tune to 500hp, and it was an incredible performance bargain.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
335i, 335is, 540i, e92, f10 m5, f80 m3, f82 m4

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:44 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST