[gangzoom]

I’ve had my 335i for coming up to 2 months now, and thought I do a mini-review.

Engine: The first thing to say is just how amazing the power unit is. At 306BHP the engine isn't short on power, but can return 30mpg+ when driven sensibly. I've driven and owned a long line of NA cars, and previously been dubious of turboed cars due to the fear of turbo lag. But the 335i really has no or very minimal turbo lag, certainly anything above 2k rpm and she just pulls all the way to the 7k red line like a NA unit. There is talk that BMW actually underrated the engine in the official specs, I don't find that hard to believe since the 335i seems to pull much better than the 350Z (rated at 278 Bhp) ever did at speeds of 60mph+.

There does seem to be issues around engine cooling, but there's plenty of info about how to improve this. Getting more air into the engine bay seems the key.

Drivetrain: My 335i is the first auto car I’ve driven. In daily use there’s nothing to fault, just stick into D and away you go. If you really want to make progress just stick into DS mode or use the full manual mode with the paddles. The auto box shifts flawlessly, and even blips the throttle on down shifts.

Handling: I’ve never driven any BMWs before the 335i and use to make fun of the 'we bring joy' BMW adverts, but I have to admit the steering feel and general handling of the car is fantastic. Though turn in is not quite pinpoint it's certainty much better than alot of other cars I've driven. My car has the M sport suspension and run-flat tyres, personally I find the ride fine, but that may be because I'm use to driving cars with hard suspension set ups and more than willing to trade comfort for better handling. My only gripe with handling was the lack of a true LSD.

Differential: When I first found out BMW only fitted their M cars with a mechanical LSD i was shocked. After all how could BMW claim to care about 'driving joy' if they are too tight to fit a LSD to a 300bhp+ car, even my previous 11 years old 180bhp Honda had a factory standard LSD. Luckily for only £1300 Birds down in London with install a LSD for you. I had this done within 10 days of taking ownership of my 335i, and couldn't be happier. No longer does the car bog down mid corner due to the TC kicking in, and the feeling of the backend squatting down as the LSD transfer power from one wheel to another is fab. It truly transforms the cars handling and an absolute 'must' buy for any 335i owner.



Mods: I love modifying my cars and it's seems like so does BMW!! There's not many manufactures who offer power kits, extra spoiler kits routinely. On top of this there seems to be countless after market support for the car. As well as the LSD I’ve fitted a lip spoiler, window spoiler, debaged and carbon effect diffuser…all cheap copies off ebay but paint matches actually perfect and lets me save a few £££



Practicality: The main reason I bought my 335i was the fact I wanted some thing more grown up and practical than my old 350z. The interior of the 335i is better than the 350z, the iDrive system is actually quite easy to use when you get use to it. Its got a reasonable boot and plenty of space in the back.

I've also been pleasantly surprised at how many positive comments I've had from people about the car, and contrary to popular believe have even been let out of junctions by other drivers despite driving a BMW. Mpg wise I'm getting about 20 around town, and on long runs 35+, which for the performance on offer is simply amazing.

Value for money: I paid £20k for mine from a main dealer, and she is just over 3 years old. I plan to spend £5k on performance mods at the end of which I think I'll have a car which is close to M3 pace but much more subtle, and with lower running costs. Obviously I would love an M3/M5 but that's going to have to wait another 5 years when the mortgage is smaller!!

Overall: I been lucky enough to own some fabulously cars in the last 7 years, but without a doubt the 335i is the best to date. I still find it hard to believe BMW has produced a 4-door saloon that handles better, and is faster than many dedicated sports cars. 2 months on and still find my self laughing out loud every time I find a empty stretch of road and put my foot down.

One happy 335i owner

Previous wheels…

[zltm089]

Very good review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ....Helen's style!!! .....

My frend has the dc2 aswell.....

[zltm089]

When you say, it blips the throttle on downshifts, do you have the dct gearbox?!....don't think my one does....

I think that the auto gearbox isn't that great...i drove a mate's M3 e93 with the dct gearbox....and i found it to be more responsive and better on downshifts....although it was a bit jerky....and not as smooth as the auto gearbox on the 335i....

[gangzoom]

Standard auto box on mine...not sure its truly rev matching for the down shifts, but certainly makes a nice noise I've got no complaints about the auto box, shift much quicker and smoother than I could ever manage. Not sure if i want a DCT box, replacing a single clutch is expensive enough

[zltm089]

You should test drive an M3 with dct then....the downshift noise is pure porn!... ;-)

[zltm089]

Did you do only the lsd? or u've done the suspension aswell?

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by zltm089

You should test drive an M3 with dct then....the downshift noise is pure porn!... ;-)

Would have loved too, but was trying to be sensible. I would have been perfectly happy to have spent £30K on a M3 rather than £20K on a 335i but the wife wouldn't approve it

Originally Posted by zltm089

Did you do only the lsd? or u've done the suspension aswell?

Just did the LSD, when the stock suspension starts going I'll get it replaced by the Birds set up

[BIGTIME]

What are the differences between the dct in the 335 and the M3?