[Lambobimmer]

I have owned many BMW's E46M3, 135i, Z435i and I basically tuned them all with FBO. My current dd is a 2006 Jetta TDI and it is a great car but I think that I am ready to switch back to BMW and buy a 335d. They are becoming very reasonably priced and it seems like a good time to make the switch.

In my state, NC, we don't test emissions on diesel automobiles so I will certainly replace the downpipe and tune the car.

What should I look out for in my search? Are their common failure items that I would want to consider when shopping.

Thanks

[atwal187]

Read the stickys

[PerfectAce]

Originally Posted by Lambobimmer

I have owned many BMW's E46M3, 135i, Z435i and I basically tuned them all with FBO. My current dd is a 2006 Jetta TDI and it is a great car but I think that I am ready to switch back to BMW and buy a 335d. They are becoming very reasonably priced and it seems like a good time to make the switch.

In my state, NC, we don't test emissions on diesel automobiles so I will certainly replace the downpipe and tune the car.

What should I look out for in my search? Are their common failure items that I would want to consider when shopping.

Thanks

The one thing that is definitely a common failure on the 335d / M57 motor is the crankshaft dampener pulley / harmonic balancer. It's not a matter of "if" but "when". You can DIY it for about $300-400. There's really no way to inspect the car to tell if failure is imminent. There are plenty of threads regarding the issue on this sub-forum.

Other items that commonly fail on the m57 are the boost pipe on the inlet side of the intercooler. Sub-$200 DIY. You know yours has failed if the front-lower-left side of your engine bay looks like the inside of a chimney. The crank case breather hose also likes to disintegrate and make a mess of things on the top side. A fairly cheap fix. Vacuum hoses tend break from time to time. Not an expensive fix, but can be a pain to diagnose/locate leak/access part.

I've also noticed a lot of folks have issues with the glow plug controller. I haven't had an issue with it and am not really well versed in the causes/symptoms to say much about it, but it's definitely something worth searching for on the forum. Apparently it can be replaced without removing the intake -- so that's good news.

Injector failure can happen as well. I need to do more reading on the causes and symptoms myself, but I bring it up because replacement is expensive. Regular replacement of the fuel filter would be a logical first line of defense here.

The other issue with this car is the EGR and exhaust aftertreatment system. Check out the alphabet soup sticky regarding your options. I would say this is the biggest issue with the car and the one you should familiarize yourself with the most before buying one. You seem like you've already done a fair amount of reading about the issue, but fully exploring the rabbit hole is well worth the time.

As with any used car buy, a well-documented service history is extremely valuable. Pass on anything with service history that is unknown or shows neglect.

[Lambobimmer]

I am curious about the reliability of the turbos and the M57 longblock. I realize that most of the issues with the 335d are emission, boost pipe or balancer related. I live in a state (NC) that doesn't test emissions on diesel cars so I plan to just remove anything emission related. How have the OEM turbos held up and are there any know failures of the short block or long block?

[rbreding]

Sans emissions taking care of the maintenance items they are usually rock solid. Transmission fluid IS NOT Lifetime. Change the thermostat if the temp does not go above 175f.