[Kbturbo01]

Back in 2014 I bought a 2010 335d with 25k miles still under warranty. I absolutely loved that car but unfortunately only had it a year. I’m looking for a new daily and am seeing some 11’s pop up with 100k miles for $6-$9k. I remember how fun that car was to drive. My concern with one that has higher mileage is the maintenance or repair costs I might run into because of the mileage. I’m looking for some advice from you guys. What to look for? What to shy away from. I’m a classic car and performance tech by trade so I would hope I can do most if not all of the repairs. My 2010 was one of the top cars I’ve ever owned as far as enjoyment. I’m just afraid to buy a car for $6k and it cost me a few more thousand dollars to repair a short time later. Thanks for any and all advice and opinions.

[9mmkungfu]

Common failure items:

Thermostat
Glow plug module
Injectors
Harmonic balancer/crank pulley
Vacuum lines
RDC module
SCR system

If these have all been recently replaced, you'll probably be fine for a long time to come.

This is coming from someone who bought a 2010 w/ 111k miles back in 2014, and am now at 195k.

[PURE340i]

I just hit 189k miles.... still runs like a champ! My DEF tank needs to be replaced and I just got one, but haven't replaced it yet.

[RED-d]

By far the biggest issue with these cars are the emission systems. You should move forward with the thought of deleting yourself or getting one already deleted. If I was in your shoes I'd buy one already deleted and tuned from an enthusiast. Much cheaper than paying retail for everything. Even if you do your own labor. As a bonus, most of the items listed by 9mmkungfu might have already be taken care of.

[cozzyman]

I'm at 168,000mls on mine, 380bhp TC performance map egr delete, dpf delete, 6 speed manual conversion. runs sweet as a nut, zero issues in 3yrs.

[Kbturbo01]

Thanks guys. The problem i am seeing with the cheaper ones in my area is they are at these small used dealerships who probably picked them up at an auction and have no service records. From what I’m reading, I should be prepared to invest some money when I purchase.

[9mmkungfu]

Service records would certainly be helpful. BMW has also extended the warranty on several items now (SCR, FRM) but I believe they were only to 10 years / 100k, which the cars will be aging out of soon, if not already.

[apexit4]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

Service records would certainly be helpful. BMW has also extended the warranty on several items now (SCR, FRM) but I believe they were only to 10 years / 100k, which the cars will be aging out of soon, if not already.

For clarification, it's 10 years or 120k miles (NOx sensors included)

[CokeZeroRocks]

Originally Posted by Kbturbo01

Thanks guys. The problem i am seeing with the cheaper ones in my area is they are at these small used dealerships who probably picked them up at an auction and have no service records. From what I’m reading, I should be prepared to invest some money when I purchase.

That's going to be the case for almost all of them. They're getting to long in tooth for bmw dealerships to take on and may be harder to move privately than 335i. I just picked up a 2011 from a small dealer local to me. The car was locally owned and maintained at local bmw, and according to car fax had just 2 owners. If I see 4-5 owners, that to me indicates the vehicle may have some issues.

[Spyro235]

I see you're in florida. Deletes are possible there, so if you budget to assume you'll need deletes at some point in the next 50-70k, then I see no issue she wont keep thrummin along.

I bought my X5d at 203k miles and I'm about to roll over 250k. If it's current on maintenance, then you shouldnt have any major issues anytime soon.

[cm335d]

Be aware that anything made out of rubber will start failing around 100k (if not before). Suspension (control arm bushings), window seals, door seals, vacuum lines, harmonic balancer, motor mounts, turbo solenoids (pain in the ass to replace btw), trunk handle rubber covering... anything rubber. BMW did a shitty job specifying Likely more natural rubber content that just doesn’t last. Also be aware of connectors in the e-box that can and will give intermittent faults if dirty, slightly loose, or just plain don’t like you, lol.
I have a love/hate for my 2011. Bought it at 51k, and now have 135k 5Yrs later. It’s the true unicorn car. Great power, great fuel mileage, good handling, fits a family of 4...however, it’s a high maintenance bitch that will require time, money, and patience as you accumulate miles. More than any car I’ve ever owned.
Hope that helps.

[crowbarsteel]

Bought mine with 97k last July. In 6k miles I have done the vacuum lines, full deletes, tune, trans tune, full trans service with mechatronics seals, rear diff fluid, oil change, thermostat with new coolant and am about to replace all the dampers with mounts/bushings, front M3 control arms, diff bushings and rear subframe bushings. I love the car but you gotta pay to play with the higher miles. Maintenance will likely need caught up and then repairs will need done due to wear from 100k. That being said, I love it. BRR tuned to about 360whp (vdynos no real dyno) with gobs of torque and 40+mpg to boot. It really is the ultimate daily driver imo.

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

Common failure items:

Thermostat
Glow plug module
Injectors
Harmonic balancer/crank pulley
Vacuum lines
RDC module
SCR system

If these have all been recently replaced, you'll probably be fine for a long time to come.

This is coming from someone who bought a 2010 w/ 111k miles back in 2014, and am now at 195k.

I'd remove injectors off this list. Not a common problem IMO.

[mefferso]

In 2014, I bought a 2010 335d and still have it. It had 30k miles back then and now I'm close to 150k miles. It's been as reliable as any Toyota or Ford Diesel i've ever owned.

For you, I think you can either buy one on the cheap and plan to put in some money and/or time to replace common wear items. Or you can buy one for $10k-$12k thats up to date on all maintenance. Check out the M57/N57 facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NABDOG/) I see for sale listings almost daily. You could also post a WTB thread there too.

[grotto]

I'm at 102k owned it since 2013 (2011 M sport) and only had carbon cleaning and def tank replacement under warranty at around 50k. Replaced all rotors and pads once, shocks and struts (Sach's), glow plug module. Car has been beyond reliable, smooth, luxury, great mileage and power/efficiency on long distance drives. Will replace motor mounts (feel vibration and squeal while turning left). Using T6 and Startron diesel additive.. Most reliable BMW and I've had since1990 - owned M3's, M5's, 325is, 545i, 2002. Used 335d these days is beyond cheap even if you have to fix few things considering price of new cars and what you get. E90 still old BMW feel.