picking up '11 335i coupe next week in Munich - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

DaveinSF · 04-09-2010, 04:54 PM

Hey Guys,

Great forum! I've been reading through the threads researching the new N55 engine and other changes slated for the new model.

I registered so that I can start posting here. I am picking up the car on the Euro Delivery program. It will be a 2011 335i coupe with the sport package and presumably the new N55 engine. I will be sure to let you know my impressions of the new car.

For the past 3 years I've been driving a 2007 335i sedan with the N54 engine, and it's been a great car. It is indeed very fast.

Before that, I had the 2006 330i with the 255hp valvetronic, non-turbo engine. It was a nice car and got great gas mileage (24.5 combined), but it did lack a certain amount of torque down low. It was quick enough.

Prior to that, I've had a 2003 Audi A6 2.7T, a 2000 A6 2.7T, and a 1997 328i. In some ways, that 328i was one of the best cars I've ever had. It was about as fast as the big Audis despite having significantly less horsepower. It was less plush, but handled better.

Of course, the fastest by far has been the 335i with the N54 engine. I hope that the new N55 isn't too disappointing in terms of performance. Very soon, I hope that I will have a better idea what it's like.

I almost got a 2010 135i with an N54 engine, and I hope that I don't regret not having gotten it.

Cheers,

Dave in SF

DaveinSF · 04-18-2010, 08:31 AM

We picked up the car on Thursday at the BMW Welt in Munich and I got to drive the car about 15 km to the dropoff point.

First off, European Delivery is SUCH a great experience, I would recommend it to anybody. It was easily the highlight of the trip, even for my wife. The Welt is amazing, and it was such an experience to pick up the car with a personal attendant.

My first question was if the N55 engine was less powerful than the N54, and if this 2011 335i would be as fast as my 2007 with the N54. The BMW representative assured us that it would be *faster*, with better mileage and better emissions...

... then she backtracked and stressed the better mileage and emissions. I got the impression that everyone at BMW is instructed to stress the efficiency and emissions over relative performance. At any rate, she wanted to assure me that the car is still fast.

It was my first and only time driving in Germany or the Autobahn, so I couldn't really open it up... besides, we had strict instructions to keep the RPMs below 4,500. Still, I was able to determine:

1. Even with the windows closed, the exhaust note seemsto be a LOT lower and grumblier than the N54. I don't think this engine is at all quieter than the N54, at least at idle and low RPMs. Since it was totally new, the idle was a bit rough, and it even stalled out on its own a couple times while driving down the ramp in the showroom. Yes, you literally drive the car out of the showroom on a special ramp yourself. Very cool.

2. On the road, the car does have significant torque, though I don't think that the thrust and oomph is as strong as in the N54. But the throttle response is better in that it has a instantaneous, immediate jump upon throttle input. It definitely must be the valvetronic, because that part feels a lot like the N52 engine that was in the 2006 330i (255hp). It feels jumpier and a bit revvier than the N54, at least upon initial throttle input. I really liked the N52 engine too, but felt that you had to flog it through the rev band somewhat to get really rapid acceleration.

3. Overall, the new N55 engine is definitely powerful enough. I wouldn't be surprised the new N55 cars aren't quite as fast as the N54s, but I wouldn't expect them to be too far behind. Since my engine was so new, it could still be a bit stiff, and I wouldn't be surprised if it limbers up and starts to perform better after several hundred miles. If I remember correctly, the same thing happened with the N54 when I first got it.

The interior features are almost exactly the same as before. I really like the new rims on mine (18" 342 rims on the non-M sport package). It was the first time that even our BMW associate had seen the rims. Otherwise, most exterior features and the entire interior remains almost exactly the same. The new LED eyebrow parking lights and rear LED brake lights are very subtle and nothing like the eyebrows on the new Audis. A lot of people don't like the new, wide front airdam on the new 335i coupes, and I can't say I'm wild about it either. But this body style is still one of the most attractive in BMW's lineup IMHO.

daixloxbmw · 04-18-2010, 10:59 AM

congrats on your european delivery 2011 335i. so you just picked the car up and dropped it off immediately? how long did you stay? did you go anywhere else?

i had my 2008 335i european delivery as well. however, i drove the car for 8 days and over 1000 miles before i dropped it off in rome, italy. i would highly recommend keeping the car longer to drive through some of the european countrysides. i drove from munich on the autobahn, to zurich, to interlaken, through the swiss alps, to florence, then finally to rome. it was an awesome experience and i am looking forward to doing it again when i make up my mind on the 2011 335i.

right now, the debate between N54 and N55 is still inconclusive. i need cold hard numbers on a dyno. plus, i want to see what tuners can do with the N55 before making a decision. i need to know its tuning potential before i go with the N55.

dr335is · 04-19-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveinSF

We picked up the car on Thursday at the BMW Welt in Munich and I got to drive the car about 15 km to the dropoff point.

First off, European Delivery is SUCH a great experience, I would recommend it to anybody. It was easily the highlight of the trip, even for my wife. The Welt is amazing, and it was such an experience to pick up the car with a personal attendant.

My first question was if the N55 engine was less powerful than the N54, and if this 2011 335i would be as fast as my 2007 with the N54. The BMW representative assured us that it would be *faster*, with better mileage and better emissions...

... then she backtracked and stressed the better mileage and emissions. I got the impression that everyone at BMW is instructed to stress the efficiency and emissions over relative performance. At any rate, she wanted to assure me that the car is still fast.

It was my first and only time driving in Germany or the Autobahn, so I couldn't really open it up... besides, we had strict instructions to keep the RPMs below 4,500. Still, I was able to determine:

1. Even with the windows closed, the exhaust note seemsto be a LOT lower and grumblier than the N54. I don't think this engine is at all quieter than the N54, at least at idle and low RPMs. Since it was totally new, the idle was a bit rough, and it even stalled out on its own a couple times while driving down the ramp in the showroom. Yes, you literally drive the car out of the showroom on a special ramp yourself. Very cool.

2. On the road, the car does have significant torque, though I don't think that the thrust and oomph is as strong as in the N54. But the throttle response is better in that it has a instantaneous, immediate jump upon throttle input. It definitely must be the valvetronic, because that part feels a lot like the N52 engine that was in the 2006 330i (255hp). It feels jumpier and a bit revvier than the N54, at least upon initial throttle input. I really liked the N52 engine too, but felt that you had to flog it through the rev band somewhat to get really rapid acceleration.

3. Overall, the new N55 engine is definitely powerful enough. I wouldn't be surprised the new N55 cars aren't quite as fast as the N54s, but I wouldn't expect them to be too far behind. Since my engine was so new, it could still be a bit stiff, and I wouldn't be surprised if it limbers up and starts to perform better after several hundred miles. If I remember correctly, the same thing happened with the N54 when I first got it.

The interior features are almost exactly the same as before. I really like the new rims on mine (18" 342 rims on the non-M sport package). It was the first time that even our BMW associate had seen the rims. Otherwise, most exterior features and the entire interior remains almost exactly the same. The new LED eyebrow parking lights and rear LED brake lights are very subtle and nothing like the eyebrows on the new Audis. A lot of people don't like the new, wide front airdam on the new 335i coupes, and I can't say I'm wild about it either. But this body style is still one of the most attractive in BMW's lineup IMHO.

Good luck going back home

I am stuck in Munich for past 4 days, no idea when I will see my home...

DaveinSF · 04-20-2010, 10:19 AM

Thanks... yes, we are also STILL stuck in Munich. It is Tuesday the 20th and Lufthansa just started some flights today.

As you may have also found out, there is a major construction equipment convention in town today. All of the hotels around Hauptbanhof and Marienplatz are BOOKED solid. We've had to book night-to-night the past four nights and are grateful to find a hotel that would take us, even at 340 euros a night...

MB330 · 04-20-2010, 10:47 AM

Congratulation on your first ED. Be prepare - it's addictive!

I start planing next ED first weekend after we return from Europe.

And this:

Chill72 · 04-20-2010, 11:42 AM

I'm stuck in NJ and can't get back to Germany :LOL:

dr335is · 04-20-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveinSF

Thanks... yes, we are also STILL stuck in Munich. It is Tuesday the 20th and Lufthansa just started some flights today.

As you may have also found out, there is a major construction equipment convention in town today. All of the hotels around Hauptbanhof and Marienplatz are BOOKED solid. We've had to book night-to-night the past four nights and are grateful to find a hotel that would take us, even at 340 euros a night...

yep, same here, pack the suitcase in the evening and hope I can extend the stay in the morning. Luckily, no in-bound flights either so, the reservations opened up, I was lucky to stay in the same room all this time...

I am also confirmed on the LH flight from MUC to Charlotte Thursday morning.

Good luck with your return!

dr335is · 04-20-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

I'm stuck in NJ and can't get back to Germany :LOL:

ouch, I'd rather be stuck in Munich

Chill72 · 04-20-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr325i

ouch, I'd rather be stuck in Munich

Yep I got pushed back again...here till 29th

dr335is · 04-21-2010, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chill72

Yep I got pushed back again...here till 29th

That sucks. I should be out of here tomorrow morning (knock on a wood!).
Good luck with your situation!

Trojan4evr · 04-21-2010, 02:53 AM

thanx for review and congrats. Enjoy it in great health.

10beers · 04-21-2010, 02:07 PM

Rather be stuck following delivery of the car than awaiting delivery because of the ash cloud. Awaiting title paperwork from the states for my military order or so they say.

DaveinSF · 04-22-2010, 03:59 PM

Yes, we drove to the nearest dropoff point from the Welt, which is about 15km away. At least much of that distance is on the Autobahn. If you are going to get a car without iDrive navigation like I did, it would help greatly to have another person in the car to navigate like I did. BMW Welt does give a decent printout of driving directions to that dropoff point, and no dropoff reservations were required. I did it mainly because I wanted to try out the car immediately, and because if you don't drive it to a dropoff point yourself, BMW charges 60 Euros (cash only) to have someone drive it to the dropoff point for you.

I got back to the states last night and got to drive my N54 again last night and today. I didn't get to drive the new N55 enough to know for sure, but my first guess would be that the new N55s aren't quite as fast as the outgoing N54. I would also love to get some dynamometer test results for the new engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daixloxbmw

congrats on your european delivery 2011 335i. so you just picked the car up and dropped it off immediately? how long did you stay? did you go anywhere else?

i had my 2008 335i european delivery as well. however, i drove the car for 8 days and over 1000 miles before i dropped it off in rome, italy. i would highly recommend keeping the car longer to drive through some of the european countrysides. i drove from munich on the autobahn, to zurich, to interlaken, through the swiss alps, to florence, then finally to rome. it was an awesome experience and i am looking forward to doing it again when i make up my mind on the 2011 335i.

right now, the debate between N54 and N55 is still inconclusive. i need cold hard numbers on a dyno. plus, i want to see what tuners can do with the N55 before making a decision. i need to know its tuning potential before i go with the N55.

faz · 04-23-2010, 01:38 AM

Congrats on the car and european delivery. How much are the savings of going with the ED? (ball parkish, say for a car that costs $50k here?)

As far as comparing the two together, first I would wait until the new car has loosened up a bit. Also, remember that your throttle in your existing car has adapted to your driving habits, while the new car didn't have that adaptation yet, so it is bound to feel a bit faster/jumpier to respond.

dr335is · 04-23-2010, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faz

Congrats on the car and european delivery. How much are the savings of going with the ED? (ball parkish, say for a car that costs $50k here?)

As far as comparing the two together, first I would wait until the new car has loosened up a bit. Also, remember that your throttle in your existing car has adapted to your driving habits, while the new car didn't have that adaptation yet, so it is bound to feel a bit faster/jumpier to respond.

Go on BMWUSA site and you can find that out -- ballpark...

daixloxbmw · 04-23-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveinSF

Yes, we drove to the nearest dropoff point from the Welt, which is about 15km away. At least much of that distance is on the Autobahn. If you are going to get a car without iDrive navigation like I did, it would help greatly to have another person in the car to navigate like I did. BMW Welt does give a decent printout of driving directions to that dropoff point, and no dropoff reservations were required. I did it mainly because I wanted to try out the car immediately, and because if you don't drive it to a dropoff point yourself, BMW charges 60 Euros (cash only) to have someone drive it to the dropoff point for you.

I got back to the states last night and got to drive my N54 again last night and today. I didn't get to drive the new N55 enough to know for sure, but my first guess would be that the new N55s aren't quite as fast as the outgoing N54. I would also love to get some dynamometer test results for the new engine.

i did not have idrive on my last european delivery trip either. i did have a passenger with a GPS equipped laptop who was responsible for the navigation. i dropped off my car in rome, italy and i did not pay any fee for this. so that 60 euro fee must be new.

after my test drive of the N55, i thought the 335i x-drive that test drove was a tiny bit slower than my 335i rwd but i blame the x-drive for the difference in power delivery.

i agree with you that i would love to see some dyno numbers to put this debate to rest.

5soko · 04-23-2010, 08:30 AM

Dont forget, the engine is new, it needs 5K+ miles to loosen up and put out its full potential IMO.

DaveinSF · 04-24-2010, 06:27 PM

No, the 60 Euro fee is if you opt to NOT drive the car and instead have someone from BMW drive it to the dropoff point for you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by daixloxbmw

i did not have idrive on my last european delivery trip either. i did have a passenger with a GPS equipped laptop who was responsible for the navigation. i dropped off my car in rome, italy and i did not pay any fee for this. so that 60 euro fee must be new.

after my test drive of the N55, i thought the 335i x-drive that test drove was a tiny bit slower than my 335i rwd but i blame the x-drive for the difference in power delivery.

i agree with you that i would love to see some dyno numbers to put this debate to rest.

faz · 04-24-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dr325i

Go on BMWUSA site and you can find that out -- ballpark...

Thanks.

To save some time for others who are simply looking for a quick answer, it seems to be about $2500-$3000 for a 3 series.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...erYourBMW.aspx

DaveinSF · 04-26-2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faz

Thanks.

To save some time for others who are simply looking for a quick answer, it seems to be about $2500-$3000 for a 3 series.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...erYourBMW.aspx

That sounds about right. Mine's a 3 year lease, and I figured that the difference between the monthly payments on ED versus non-ED would be enough to cover most of the cost of the trip to Munich for two.

Interestingly, I had put in an order for Euro Delivery (ED) on a 135i. That order got botched by my dealership, so I ended up switching to another dealership and got quoted a monthly payment on a 335i coupe that was *lower* than what I was about to pay for the 135i!

As others have said on here, the financing deals on 1-series leases is not very good at all. 1ers are a LOT less common around here, maybe because of that reason... or is it because the resale value supposedly isn't as good as on a 3 series coupe?

Oulixes · 04-26-2010, 10:41 PM

Congratulations on your new car and thanks for the report. I hope you make it home safely and with no unreasonable delays, in spite of the Iceland affair.

04-09-2010, 04:54 PM	#1
DaveinSF Private Drives: 2011 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 65 iTrader: (0)	picking up '11 335i coupe next week in Munich Hey Guys, Great forum! I've been reading through the threads researching the new N55 engine and other changes slated for the new model. I registered so that I can start posting here. I am picking up the car on the Euro Delivery program. It will be a 2011 335i coupe with the sport package and presumably the new N55 engine. I will be sure to let you know my impressions of the new car. For the past 3 years I've been driving a 2007 335i sedan with the N54 engine, and it's been a great car. It is indeed very fast. Before that, I had the 2006 330i with the 255hp valvetronic, non-turbo engine. It was a nice car and got great gas mileage (24.5 combined), but it did lack a certain amount of torque down low. It was quick enough. Prior to that, I've had a 2003 Audi A6 2.7T, a 2000 A6 2.7T, and a 1997 328i. In some ways, that 328i was one of the best cars I've ever had. It was about as fast as the big Audis despite having significantly less horsepower. It was less plush, but handled better. Of course, the fastest by far has been the 335i with the N54 engine. I hope that the new N55 isn't too disappointing in terms of performance. Very soon, I hope that I will have a better idea what it's like. I almost got a 2010 135i with an N54 engine, and I hope that I don't regret not having gotten it. Cheers, Dave in SF
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04-18-2010, 08:31 AM	#2
DaveinSF Private Drives: 2011 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 65 iTrader: (0)	picked up 2011 335i (N55 engine) We picked up the car on Thursday at the BMW Welt in Munich and I got to drive the car about 15 km to the dropoff point. First off, European Delivery is SUCH a great experience, I would recommend it to anybody. It was easily the highlight of the trip, even for my wife. The Welt is amazing, and it was such an experience to pick up the car with a personal attendant. My first question was if the N55 engine was less powerful than the N54, and if this 2011 335i would be as fast as my 2007 with the N54. The BMW representative assured us that it would be faster, with better mileage and better emissions... ... then she backtracked and stressed the better mileage and emissions. I got the impression that everyone at BMW is instructed to stress the efficiency and emissions over relative performance. At any rate, she wanted to assure me that the car is still fast. It was my first and only time driving in Germany or the Autobahn, so I couldn't really open it up... besides, we had strict instructions to keep the RPMs below 4,500. Still, I was able to determine: 1. Even with the windows closed, the exhaust note seemsto be a LOT lower and grumblier than the N54. I don't think this engine is at all quieter than the N54, at least at idle and low RPMs. Since it was totally new, the idle was a bit rough, and it even stalled out on its own a couple times while driving down the ramp in the showroom. Yes, you literally drive the car out of the showroom on a special ramp yourself. Very cool. 2. On the road, the car does have significant torque, though I don't think that the thrust and oomph is as strong as in the N54. But the throttle response is better in that it has a instantaneous, immediate jump upon throttle input. It definitely must be the valvetronic, because that part feels a lot like the N52 engine that was in the 2006 330i (255hp). It feels jumpier and a bit revvier than the N54, at least upon initial throttle input. I really liked the N52 engine too, but felt that you had to flog it through the rev band somewhat to get really rapid acceleration. 3. Overall, the new N55 engine is definitely powerful enough. I wouldn't be surprised the new N55 cars aren't quite as fast as the N54s, but I wouldn't expect them to be too far behind. Since my engine was so new, it could still be a bit stiff, and I wouldn't be surprised if it limbers up and starts to perform better after several hundred miles. If I remember correctly, the same thing happened with the N54 when I first got it. The interior features are almost exactly the same as before. I really like the new rims on mine (18" 342 rims on the non-M sport package). It was the first time that even our BMW associate had seen the rims. Otherwise, most exterior features and the entire interior remains almost exactly the same. The new LED eyebrow parking lights and rear LED brake lights are very subtle and nothing like the eyebrows on the new Audis. A lot of people don't like the new, wide front airdam on the new 335i coupes, and I can't say I'm wild about it either. But this body style is still one of the most attractive in BMW's lineup IMHO. Last edited by DaveinSF; 04-18-2010 at 08:39 AM.

04-20-2010, 10:47 AM	#6
MB330 Major Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 1,274 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [5.00]	Congratulation on your first ED. Be prepare - it's addictive! I start planing next ED first weekend after we return from Europe. And this: __________________ '06 330i Monaco Blue/Gray/Walnut/ZPP/Navi/CA/AT -->ED 2006

04-21-2010, 02:53 AM	#12
Trojan4evr BMW Collector Drives: '07 E90 335i/ '11 E82 DCT 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 1,586 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [0.50] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [2.75]	thanx for review and congrats. Enjoy it in great health. __________________ 1. 2011 E82 135i DCT M-tec 2. 2007 E90 335i JB Step(Gone but not forgotten---> grad school fund)

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04-18-2010, 10:59 AM	#3
daixloxbmw Lieutenant Drives: 2011 e82 135i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 575 iTrader: (0)	congrats on your european delivery 2011 335i. so you just picked the car up and dropped it off immediately? how long did you stay? did you go anywhere else? i had my 2008 335i european delivery as well. however, i drove the car for 8 days and over 1000 miles before i dropped it off in rome, italy. i would highly recommend keeping the car longer to drive through some of the european countrysides. i drove from munich on the autobahn, to zurich, to interlaken, through the swiss alps, to florence, then finally to rome. it was an awesome experience and i am looking forward to doing it again when i make up my mind on the 2011 335i. right now, the debate between N54 and N55 is still inconclusive. i need cold hard numbers on a dyno. plus, i want to see what tuners can do with the N55 before making a decision. i need to know its tuning potential before i go with the N55.

04-20-2010, 10:19 AM	#5
DaveinSF Private Drives: 2011 335i coupe Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 65 iTrader: (0)	Thanks... yes, we are also STILL stuck in Munich. It is Tuesday the 20th and Lufthansa just started some flights today. As you may have also found out, there is a major construction equipment convention in town today. All of the hotels around Hauptbanhof and Marienplatz are BOOKED solid. We've had to book night-to-night the past four nights and are grateful to find a hotel that would take us, even at 340 euros a night...

04-20-2010, 11:42 AM	#7
Chill72 First Lieutenant Drives: 10 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Germany Posts: 308 iTrader: (0)	I'm stuck in NJ and can't get back to Germany :LOL:

04-21-2010, 02:07 PM	#13
10beers '12 535xi, old '11 335xi, '95 320i Drives: '12 535xi Ti Ag Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Hohenfels, Germany Posts: 97 iTrader: (0)	Rather be stuck following delivery of the car than awaiting delivery because of the ash cloud. Awaiting title paperwork from the states for my military order or so they say.

04-23-2010, 01:38 AM	#15
faz Second Lieutenant Drives: 07 328i sedan, 11 535i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sunnyvale, ca Posts: 236 iTrader: (0)	Congrats on the car and european delivery. How much are the savings of going with the ED? (ball parkish, say for a car that costs $50k here?) As far as comparing the two together, first I would wait until the new car has loosened up a bit. Also, remember that your throttle in your existing car has adapted to your driving habits, while the new car didn't have that adaptation yet, so it is bound to feel a bit faster/jumpier to respond.

04-23-2010, 08:30 AM	#18
5soko Brigadier General Drives: ///M5 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CALI \|\| NYC Posts: 3,984 iTrader: (4)	Dont forget, the engine is new, it needs 5K+ miles to loosen up and put out its full potential IMO.

04-26-2010, 10:41 PM	#22
Oulixes Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 330xi, 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Terra Borealis Posts: 1,942 iTrader: (0)	Congratulations on your new car and thanks for the report. I hope you make it home safely and with no unreasonable delays, in spite of the Iceland affair.