A Buyer/Owners Guide to the N54 engine & the E9X 335i

tgreer · 01-27-2017, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonDre

Is your charge pipe stock or aftermarket

Stock, whole thing is stock.

DonDre · 01-27-2017, 08:26 AM

The stock chargepipe is known to crack from cheaply made plastic and oil degradation. Mines was cracked and my car was stock.

09Monaco335i · 01-28-2017, 07:26 AM

Excellent write up! You might want to mention under the section on the water pump, that the pump can sometimes fail without warning and can strand you on the side of the road requiring a tow. Happened to me last year at ~70K miles. So it is best to be proactive about replacing the pump, and not wait for it to fail.

ATRannals · 01-29-2017, 01:12 PM

What, if any, of the identified issues are different for the '11-'13 run of the 335is with the N54?

Corno_Baldwin · 01-29-2017, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 09Monaco335i

Excellent write up! You might want to mention under the section on the water pump, that the pump can sometimes fail without warning and can strand you on the side of the road requiring a tow. Happened to me last year at ~70K miles. So it is best to be proactive about replacing the pump, and not wait for it to fail.

This is what I am debating now.

Car has 80K - dealer did T-stat around 60K or so - I have to go back and look at records. I am contemplating doing the water pump this spring.

It's tough - you read some that got 120K on the water pump, no problem. I have a friend with a 2012 E92 and his failed at 47K.

But, like you said, it is a pre-emptive maintenance item. It's not a question of if it fails but when it fails.

n55jb4 · 01-29-2017, 06:26 PM

DonDre - well done! I would love to see extra section added to that guide that will explain how to check for most of these faults on the spot to at least sort out obviously faulty cars from the ones worth looking into further. For example wastegate rattle - should be easy to hear, but I and other noobs need to know if we need to hear it on idle or when pressing gas pedal slightly? Does it happen on cold only?
I also read somewhere that you can quickly and relatively easily pull off hose from oil cooler and see if it's dirty inside with grime, supposedly indicating turbo failures or something - I have no idea how to do it, but noobs and me would like to know about it.
I know dealers don't allow you to take the car to a mechnic for inspection, but would it help to bring your own scanner (something like Carly) and scan on the spot for any possible issues (I suspect dealer would reset all faults, but who knows)
Also, going by the extended warranty from BMW on HPFP and turbos - as I understand it makes sense to purchase 2010 model with less than 80K miles - so after a thourough mechanical inspection if there is something wrong with HPFP or turbos - you get a chance to replace it under warranty by BMW?
I can also imagine myself bringing a cheap $20 boroscope with my cellphone to quickly check something - but I'm not sure if I'll b able to check intake condition or check something through the open oil lid? I suspect I won't be able to see much, but I'm not sure
Any other hints to look for - should we look for signs of jb4/mhd installation - if at all possible? Should we stay away from such cars - as I understand higher boost may shorten life of turbos?
What about other n54 related issues: like the issues with stock chargepipe cracking - anything else not mentioned yet that is common with n54?

ZeeVaughn · 01-29-2017, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corno_Baldwin

This is what I am debating now.

Car has 80K - dealer did T-stat around 60K or so - I have to go back and look at records. I am contemplating doing the water pump this spring.

It's tough - you read some that got 120K on the water pump, no problem. I have a friend with a 2012 E92 and his failed at 47K.

But, like you said, it is a pre-emptive maintenance item. It's not a question of if it fails but when it fails.

Yeah mine just failed last week. No electrical issue, but a cracked housing. Many people on here are on their 2nd and 3rd water pump already from these terrible water pumps.

DonDre · 02-21-2017, 03:13 PM

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't updated the guide yet. I've been swamped at work and recently caught this flu going around. I will hopefully have it finished up by the end of next week.

n55jb4 · 02-21-2017, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonDre

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't updated the guide yet. I've been swamped at work and recently caught this flu going around. I will hopefully have it finished up by the end of next week.

Looking forward - because this is very timely guide - lots of people looking to buy 335 as prices finally came down to very affordable $10-14K on average

Especially part about how to do a quick and easy pre purchase inspection - to at least eliminate major issues like wastegate rattle and oil leaks

dominancex · 02-24-2017, 11:53 AM

sticky thread! good work on the write-up.

6ixSpd · 02-25-2017, 11:28 PM

Bumping this because many dumbass noobs are asking these same questions every day.

DonDre · 03-04-2017, 04:05 PM

Guys and Gals. I have just updated the guide with some tips on looking for a 335i

twinship · 03-04-2017, 05:53 PM

Great work, thanks!

TwinTurboTime · 03-12-2017, 10:11 PM

Literally signed up just to thank you for writing this. I'm in the market for one of my dream cars and doing as much research as I can to make sure I get a good one. One question that i don't think was touched on. How long do the turbos usually last? A clean 09 335i with 155,000km just went up in my area and I'm considering making an offer on it. Turbos and hpfp were replaced under warranty at about 65k.

unrealii · 03-13-2017, 12:30 PM

Its about time someone created this. Great job

e36power · 03-13-2017, 03:45 PM

Excellent write up.

Sums up the major issues perfectly. Unfortunately, I speak from experience. In 100k I have had two new turbos, two new water pumps, a new oil pan gasket, a new HPFP and a walnut cleaning.

csu87 · 03-13-2017, 04:02 PM

solid writeup but inb4 noobs make new threads titled "need help buying a 335"

Someone get a mod to sticky this.

6ixSpd · 03-13-2017, 05:56 PM

This should be Sticky'd ASAP!

CULL THE NOOBS!

captain_slow · 03-14-2017, 11:46 PM

Great work, really well done and comprehensive explanation for people looking at n54 cars. Would make a great sticky

iamjamen · 03-15-2017, 04:05 PM

another vote for a sticky

n55jb4 · 03-15-2017, 07:39 PM

Stick it!

Also, it's probably worth adding to the guide that - there is a free BMW turbo replacement program (extended warranty) on cars less than 8 years or 82k miles. I feel this is important info - buyer can aim at a 335 falling into this category to avoid big repair bill in case if turbos fail soon after purchase

SurfsideBUddha · 03-15-2017, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKL

To the OP, I would super appreciate a section that specifies which issues might have been corrected over time? Like what years have specific issues, and what years might those issues be less likely to happen? Hope that makes sense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by n55jb4

Stick it!

Also, it's probably worth adding to the guide that - there is a free BMW turbo replacement program (extended warranty) on cars less than 8 years or 82k miles. I feel this is important info - buyer can aim at a 335 falling into this category to avoid big repair bill in case if turbos fail soon after purchase

01-27-2017, 08:26 AM	#24
DonDre Private 81 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2010 TSM E92 335I M SPORT Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: South Subs of Chicago iTrader: (0)	The stock chargepipe is known to crack from cheaply made plastic and oil degradation. Mines was cracked and my car was stock. Last edited by DonDre; 01-27-2017 at 08:26 AM.. Reason: dribble44
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01-28-2017, 07:26 AM	#25
09Monaco335i Private First Class 25 Rep 129 Posts Drives: Monaco 335i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [0.00]	Excellent write up! You might want to mention under the section on the water pump, that the pump can sometimes fail without warning and can strand you on the side of the road requiring a tow. Happened to me last year at ~70K miles. So it is best to be proactive about replacing the pump, and not wait for it to fail. __________________ 2009 E90 335i xDrive / Monaco Blue / Beige / 6-speed Manual / Premium / Sport / Cold / iDrive / iPod
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01-29-2017, 01:12 PM	#26
ATRannals Private 6 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2013 335is - 6MT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Damascus, MD iTrader: (1)	What, if any, of the identified issues are different for the '11-'13 run of the 335is with the N54?
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01-29-2017, 06:26 PM	#28
n55jb4 Lieutenant 131 Rep 535 Posts Drives: 328xi 2007 Auto Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	DonDre - well done! I would love to see extra section added to that guide that will explain how to check for most of these faults on the spot to at least sort out obviously faulty cars from the ones worth looking into further. For example wastegate rattle - should be easy to hear, but I and other noobs need to know if we need to hear it on idle or when pressing gas pedal slightly? Does it happen on cold only? I also read somewhere that you can quickly and relatively easily pull off hose from oil cooler and see if it's dirty inside with grime, supposedly indicating turbo failures or something - I have no idea how to do it, but noobs and me would like to know about it. I know dealers don't allow you to take the car to a mechnic for inspection, but would it help to bring your own scanner (something like Carly) and scan on the spot for any possible issues (I suspect dealer would reset all faults, but who knows) Also, going by the extended warranty from BMW on HPFP and turbos - as I understand it makes sense to purchase 2010 model with less than 80K miles - so after a thourough mechanical inspection if there is something wrong with HPFP or turbos - you get a chance to replace it under warranty by BMW? I can also imagine myself bringing a cheap $20 boroscope with my cellphone to quickly check something - but I'm not sure if I'll b able to check intake condition or check something through the open oil lid? I suspect I won't be able to see much, but I'm not sure Any other hints to look for - should we look for signs of jb4/mhd installation - if at all possible? Should we stay away from such cars - as I understand higher boost may shorten life of turbos? What about other n54 related issues: like the issues with stock chargepipe cracking - anything else not mentioned yet that is common with n54?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2017, 03:13 PM	#30
DonDre Private 81 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2010 TSM E92 335I M SPORT Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: South Subs of Chicago iTrader: (0)	Hey guys. Sorry I haven't updated the guide yet. I've been swamped at work and recently caught this flu going around. I will hopefully have it finished up by the end of next week.
	Appreciate 1 n55jb4130.50 Quote

02-24-2017, 11:53 AM	#32
dominancex What Can Brown Do For You? 41 Rep 2,662 Posts Drives: E90 LCI 335i & F30 335iX Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Downingtown, PA iTrader: (0)	sticky thread! good work on the write-up.
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02-25-2017, 11:28 PM	#33
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6015 Rep 6,746 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	Bumping this because many dumbass noobs are asking these same questions every day. __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
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03-04-2017, 04:05 PM	#34
DonDre Private 81 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2010 TSM E92 335I M SPORT Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: South Subs of Chicago iTrader: (0)	Guys and Gals. I have just updated the guide with some tips on looking for a 335i
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03-04-2017, 05:53 PM	#35
twinship Booosted 44 Rep 832 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	Great work, thanks! __________________ 2008 BMW 335i//Jet Black on Black Dakota Leather//Steptronic, Sport Package, Premium Package, Logic7 Sound, Aluminum Trim, iPOD & USB, Cobb S1+ Sport, ER FMIC, ER CP, K&N Filter, H&R Sport Springs, Koni Yellows, ECS Tuning spacers (F-10mm/R-15mm), Akebono pads, OEM Rear Aero Spoiler, OEM Sport Diffusor, Cyba 3.8" Tips, OEM Aluminum Pedals, M-tech Steering Wheel, Clear Reflectors
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03-12-2017, 10:11 PM	#36
TwinTurboTime New Member 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: N/A Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: N/A iTrader: (0)	Literally signed up just to thank you for writing this. I'm in the market for one of my dream cars and doing as much research as I can to make sure I get a good one. One question that i don't think was touched on. How long do the turbos usually last? A clean 09 335i with 155,000km just went up in my area and I'm considering making an offer on it. Turbos and hpfp were replaced under warranty at about 65k.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2017, 12:30 PM	#37
unrealii Captain 75 Rep 630 Posts Drives: '09 335 E93 6MT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Socal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2002 Toyota 4Runner [0.00] 2009 BMW 335I [10.00]	Its about time someone created this. Great job __________________ Convertible \| Manual \| M-Sport \| MHD Stage 1 + FMIC \| 335is Clutch \| ER CP \| RB Inlets \| VRSF 5" Stepped FMIC \| M3 F/R Control Arms \| KW V3 \| Hawk HPS Pads \| Stoptech Slotted Rotors \| Blackvue DR650-2CH Dash Cam \| LCI Taillights
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03-13-2017, 03:45 PM	#38
e36power Private First Class 43 Rep 175 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	Excellent write up. Sums up the major issues perfectly. Unfortunately, I speak from experience. In 100k I have had two new turbos, two new water pumps, a new oil pan gasket, a new HPFP and a walnut cleaning.
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03-13-2017, 04:02 PM	#39
csu87 Banned 2134 Rep 3,554 Posts Drives: 09 335xi Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Colorado iTrader: (0)	solid writeup but inb4 noobs make new threads titled "need help buying a 335" Someone get a mod to sticky this.
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03-13-2017, 05:56 PM	#40
6ixSpd Save the manuals! 6015 Rep 6,746 Posts Drives: '16 M3, '23 718 Spyder Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 416 iTrader: (4)	This should be Sticky'd ASAP! CULL THE NOOBS! __________________ '16 M3 \| '23 718 Spyder Past: E92 M3, F87 M2, E39 M5, etc
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03-14-2017, 11:46 PM	#41
captain_slow Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 328IS Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Great work, really well done and comprehensive explanation for people looking at n54 cars. Would make a great sticky
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03-15-2017, 04:05 PM	#42
iamjamen First Lieutenant 132 Rep 319 Posts Drives: E90 335i, E70 35i, E83 3.0i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: America's High Five (MI) iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [10.00]	another vote for a sticky __________________ \| 2009 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT \|
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03-15-2017, 07:39 PM	#43
n55jb4 Lieutenant 131 Rep 535 Posts Drives: 328xi 2007 Auto Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	Stick it! Also, it's probably worth adding to the guide that - there is a free BMW turbo replacement program (extended warranty) on cars less than 8 years or 82k miles. I feel this is important info - buyer can aim at a 335 falling into this category to avoid big repair bill in case if turbos fail soon after purchase
	Appreciate 0 Quote