The time for me to get a 335i

[The Convert]

imo, anyone who wants to keep/own an N54 powered car long term should just LS/LT swap it. I wish this would pick up some real traction because a 660 horse LT4 stock motor drop in would be the ultimate everyday beater that you could hammer on and just change the oil every now and again and be fine. Big up front cost, but basically zero maintenance and would fix every issue this platform suffers from engine wise.

 

[Heyfred]

What are your goals with the car, Street/Strip/Corner Carver or daily? I bought a 2007 335i With 78,000 miles and ended up buying the wife a 2008 328xi with 62,000 miles. If you can turn wrenches, inexpensive and easy to work on. Also, good support for parts availability, parts interchangeability between models and years is good. Just do your research and weed out the the BS. All my cars are old, all fun to drive and each offers a different driving experience.

 

[Subwoofer]

Thank you all for your wonderful replies, I have now found one which has 46,000 miles. Im going to be looking at it soon, is there anything that this low mileage will suffer from except the normal turbo and water pump ?

Thanks

 

[typedRew]

Thank you all for your wonderful replies, I have now found one which has 46,000 miles. Im going to be looking at it soon, is there anything that this low mileage will suffer from except the normal turbo and water pump ?

Thanks

At this age, regardless of miles, it’s going to be all the same stuff to look out for or change anyway.

 

[Subwoofer]

At this age, regardless of miles, it’s going to be all the same stuff to look out for or change anyway.

I know, its been kept in the garage for the last 6 years and driven about 10k miles. so Im looking for lots of problems

 

[typedRew]

I know, its been kept in the garage for the last 6 years and driven about 10k miles. so Im looking for lots of problems

I’d imagine a walnut blast will be first order, but I’d recommend that regardless.

 

[Heyfred]

Do the external PCV low side with catch can at a minimum. With the car you are looking at with 46,000 miles, you will be marginal for oil leaks. Check for oil leaks at, Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket , pull the belly pan and check oil pan for seeping. Flush brake fluid and pull calipers, check brake pads. Water pump is electronic, so you wait for it to give you an issue. The car should be rock solid. I did all the gaskets listed above, changed the water pump at around 80,000 miles. On the red car, did high and low catch cans on the PCV system. Cars are rock solid and no oil leaks.

 

[langsbr]

I'll be the odd man out and say that I love this platform. It has one of the most affordable ways to 600whp. Above that, sure just go LS based. But the car is light enough that 600whp is very fast. They aren't Hondas, but they aren't THAT unreliable. The problem is when you come from a platform where you don't have to do anything for maintenance, these seem expensive.

I have less than $5K in mods, and maybe a grand in maintenance and my car runs pretty well in my opinion. It looks newer than it's 14 years, it looks more expensive than it's $6,000 book value, and it's fun to drive.

If you want 800whp, yes - just LS Turbo it and be done. Personally, I've had v8s and I am tired of the noise. I LOVE having my stock sounding (except for the whistle of hybrids and BOV) car blow past loud obnoxious v8s. I've gapped new ZL1s and Hellcat redeyes. From a dig, sure they'll probably take me just because of better gearing and an LSD, but I don't go to the track but once or twice a year and this is a street car so who cares? You shouldn't buy this car at all if you're drag racing. You shouldn't buy this car if you're doing 1/2 mile events. If you want a cheap, fast, value packed street car that has a YUGE aftermarket support that isn't a Mustang or Camaro or Corvette? Hell yeah. I think you learn the enthusiasts vs the 'want a fast car crowd' is by the desire to mod. My wife has a 2008 Escalade - is it stock? Far from it - wheels, 5/6 drop, longtubes, custom headlights, taillights, custom interior etc. Sure she could have just bought a newer body style, but then it's still just a stock car and no personality.