[Walker16]

i previously had a '10 335 and did the usual fbo with tune and got 420bhp out of it! long story short... it was totaled...

now im looking at getting a '11 n55 and just wondering what i should look and listen for during a test drive on something that might have between 30-50k miles on it..

[Johnny Boost]

I'm not sure what to look and listen for but I would request a car fax to see how many owners the car had and if it's been in any accidents. Also look at the repair history from the dealership to see what work has been done. Overall, the N55 has proven to be a strong platform and more reliable than the N54.

See here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755057

[norsairius]

I'd go CPO if the slight markup isn't a big deal to you. That way you have an extended warranty IF something should go wrong.

I just picked up a CPO 2011 w/35k miles earlier this week. Really enjoying it so far!

[Whateva]

I thought n55's came out in 2012. Maybe ask them for a deeper discount for purchasing a beta version. And you're ready for that electronic steering?

[Johnny Boost]

Originally Posted by Whateva

I thought n55's came out in 2012. Maybe ask them for a deeper discount for purchasing a beta version. And you're ready for that electronic steering?

N55 is in the 2011 E90 and E92. They do not have electronic steering.

[brewnami]

Originally Posted by Walker16

i previously had a '10 335 and did the usual fbo with tune and got 420bhp out of it! long story short... it was totaled...

now im looking at getting a '11 n55 and just wondering what i should look and listen for during a test drive on something that might have between 30-50k miles on it..

If you're OK with not attaining the same power levels with your 2011 as you did with your 2010, the 2011 is the LCI for the E92 so that's pretty sweet.

As far as what to look for, I would check Carfax to make sure there were no major accidents. For instance, a 335is in the classified thread right now advertises "minor front end damage," yet it has a salvage title and the air bags blew. Service records are also a great selling point. Other than that, maybe check the VIN with BMW and see if there are any open campaigns for recalls.

[Desert_Fox]

If you want the LCI body style but dont want the N55, check out the 335is maybe? They're coming down in price, although tuning with them seems a little more tricky than usual. Atleast Adman didn't seem to enjoy any of the tunes he tried with his.

[GMe90]

A manual transmission.

[335m]

Do not get the AT, I have it and really wish I would have waited for the DCT or Manual.

You aren't going to hear much from the turbo until you swap the intake out so diagnosing any possible issues won't be easy. Just listen for wastegate rattle on cold start, make sure they let you cold start it.

Make sure the work is done for the Vanos recall, oil changes have been done at the correct intervals, and that the tires and brakes are in good condition.

Other than that I highly recommend comfort access and m-sport.

[Bdifferent]

Ask them if the VANOS bolt recall issue have been fixed. Def get CPO if you can. Ask if the vehicle has ever been inspected for frame damage. Carfax and autocheck are great resources but not always accurate.

[Walker16]

Thanks guys. The car I'm looking at has a clean car fax comfort access, full m sport package, navigation, 6at and it's post 4/11 build so it has all the combox and bmw apps which was what I wanted. Car fax says nothing about any recall or vanos bolt. Thanks for all the replys

[335m]

Originally Posted by Walker16

Thanks guys. The car I'm looking at has a clean car fax comfort access, full m sport package, navigation, 6at and it's post 4/11 build so it has all the combox and bmw apps which was what I wanted. Car fax says nothing about any recall or vanos bolt. Thanks for all the replys

Just remember that there are hundreds of n55 6ATs out there, if you do end up deciding that is the transmission you want then make sure you do not compromise on any other features. You will easily be able to find a 6AT fully optioned in the color combo you want, you might have to take a one way ticket to pick it up though haha.

[Walker16]

Yeah. There's not a lot out here that are fully optioned and after having my '10 I've gotten pretty picky on what I want but for the right price a one way ticket is a option.

[335m]

Originally Posted by Walker16

Yeah. There's not a lot out here that are fully optioned and after having my '10 I've gotten pretty picky on what I want but for the right price a one way ticket is a option.

Flying definitely adds a little more stress to purchasing a car, but what is a few days of stress to make sure you have the exact car you were looking for?

Better than writing a "Ill swap my interior for yours" or "How much to vinyl wrap my car white/black" threads from people who jumped on a car because it was good deal at the time. (I'm in that boat, haha)

[Johnny Boost]

Originally Posted by 335m

Flying definitely adds a little more stress to purchasing a car, but what is a few days of stress to make sure you have the exact car you were looking for?

Better than writing a "Ill swap my interior for yours" or "How much to vinyl wrap my car white/black" threads from people who jumped on a car because it was good deal at the time. (I'm in that boat, haha)

Ya this is true. Better to be patient than to be trying to retrofit parts into the car. Especially since you're in Cali, I'm sure you'll find what you want if you're patient enough.

[talyler]

I've flown to pick up my last 2 cars (including the 335) mainly because i'm picky and found better deals outside of the state. It's a fun experience taking your new car on an immediate road-trip. Very enjoyable

Good luck with the car! I would definately reccomend all the options you chose, msport, comfort access, nav, etc.

[wren57]

Clunks, ticks, thumbs, all weird noises etc. Anything dripping or evidence of anything dripping in engine bay or under car. Check to see if all the clips/screws around the cowl are in place (if not might have been tuned).

[335iAP]

Make sure the windows work

[Fillyo75]

look for a warranty, you will need it.

[Walker16]

well here she is.... pretty sure its every option that bmw offered minus cold weather package which is not needed. got it for 29,500 plus 3500 for a 3 year 18000 mile warranty. 52000 miles but on the 45 mile drive home i heard no weird noises or felt anything weird. I guess only time will tell but the warranty gives me piece of mind. Not sure what i want to do first but the plan is to keep her stock for a while before i start dumping money into it but we all know how that goes!

[Antetokounmpo]

PPI. Can't stress it enough.