Matteeboy

Anyone had/have one of these? Noticed 2nd hand prices are now sensible and I think it's all the car I could ever need. Even Mrs Matt is keen.

Anything to look out for problem wise? Any must have options?

GrantyBoy

indicators

Brun

TopBanana

Check how much it weighs compared to the 330d.

Andy M3

My mate has a 535d M-Sport - it has averaged 27mpg over 70k miles. I hope fuel economy isn't your main priority

Matteeboy

The inlaws had a 535d Touring and managed high 30s to the gallon.

Anyway, looks like I need to ask elsewhere...

weasel_uk

I've owned a 335D E92 for the last 2 years.

Recently returned to the UK for Christmas and then back to Switzerland. Averaged just over 40mpg. That was including some brisk Autobahn driving. If you don't drive like a teenager you should easily average over 30 mpg on mixed driving.

No real problems on these cars. Suspension with the run flat tyres is slightly crashy. More so with the M Sport suspension - which is standard on the E92 335D, not sure about the touring.

If you get it with the inbuilt iDrive/SatNav (which works fine, ignore what the more easily distracted have to say about that - i.e. journalists, goldfish etc.) there is a modified DVD that has all the speed cameras for Europe on as points of interest

The 335D only comes with Automatic. The latest TU version of the ZF box which is excellent, no stodge. I even have the paddles though never use them as the torque is just always there. It certainly suits the car, but if you love changing cogs manually and stirring it along it may not suit you.

I know quite a few who have had them chipped to stunning results. Here is the link to a PDF of a 335i - 335D comparison. Standard and chipped. http://vivekk.bimmerpost.com//pics/BMW%20final.pdf

Perfect blend for me. Discrete, simply thundering torque (more torque at 1700rpm than a V10 M5 has anywhere), good economy and everything works. Indicators also have a nice "nudge in the direction and it flashes for 3 before switching off", often used on the Motorway

D.

Matteeboy

Cheers Weasel! That's the sort of info I was after!

Hate to say it but my Astra has that indicator function too...

After stealth power and decent range between fill ups.

Janspeed

iTrader: (1)

Wheels, windows, seats, steering wheel etc etc

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

These the same power as the 535d? I know sometimes companies deliberately rein the motor in for the smaller models even if it is the same engine.

We were looking at the 535d Touring as the next car (won't be for a bit yet though, goign to drive the wheels off the Scooby i think)

5t.

Matteeboy

Fivetide - same power. A notch over 280bhp and about 420lbs/ft.
Enough to punt one along nicely.

I prefer them over the 535d as they are a bit more compact and slightly quicker. My inlaws had a 535d Touring and the computer completely died 3 months from new - they sent it back. I'm sure it was a rare duffer but it does slightly worry me - it's also too "i-drived" for me. The 3 series is less dependent on it.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Cheers was expecting slightly less power. Didn't think BMW liked it when the smaller model was quicker!

5t.

Matteeboy

Definitely the same power (just checked) - 286bhp.
335d Touring 0-60 - 6.1
535d Touring - 6.5.

Although BMW are claiming 6.1 for the latest 330d in ads so this may be slightly out. Insane power for the piffling emissions.

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Spooky Mulder

The 0-60 time hides what is an extremely quick car. I have owned a 530d E39 for four years and that is brisk. Driven the new 530d and that moves it on to quick. Then had a 535d for two days that is geniunely fast.

In a 3 series package it can only be better. Fantastic cars, fabulous auto boxes and you just ride a wave of torque right up to silly speeds. And they handle to, the faster you go they just shrink wrap around you.

TopBanana

My 530d (new shape) has been chipped. Makes a bit less power now than a 535d but weighs 50kg less too. So pretty much identical performance, but better economy. (So much so that the BMW technician who drove thought it was a 535d!). The x35ds also used to carry a heavy price premium, not sure if they still do.

Matteeboy

Top - best 335d I have found so far is around 30k miles at under £22k from a dealer. Which sounds pretty good to me.

Having driven both "engines" in different cars, I do prefer the twin turbo version. Not just the extra power - it's the way it's delivered that I prefer.

billyray911

iTrader: (4)

Use a 330d at work-great car but with a load in the boot and with a combination of the lowered suspension and run flats,its very skittish and its amazing how often warning lights illuminate for loss of traction.
However,i love these cars.I recently drove a different 330d saloon and estate complete with three large blokes through some great roads in and around wales on a driving course .Preferred the saloon overall but was amazed how much confidence it gave you at high speed.
I'd definitely buy one if the funds would allow-ditching the run-flats.can only imagine what the 335 is like to drive.
Still going to wait for the STi diesel to see how it compares.

corradoboy

This is often the case for most 2WD diesels. My little Fabia with 180/312 probably does the 0-60 sprint in 7.5-8s due to traction, but 30-70 is confirmed (Racelogic Driftbox) as 6.1s. Not bad for a scabby little Czech hatchback.
335D's however dispatch 30-70 in about 3.3s which is faster than the M5. Alan C from the WYIOC chopped his T20 in for one and hasn't looked back. Well, except to see Scoobs disappearing behind him On the clubs trip to Stelvio last spring he outdragged Sticky Stuff's 400bhp 03 STi embarrassingly on the autobahn. However, on the mountain passes he was handed his @$$ back. IIRC he averaged 42mpg throughout the whole 2000 mile trip.

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Don't forget his hyper-active traction control/warning light problem in the North Pennines...

LOL

dunx

Spooky Mulder

...well my Spec C has gone today. I am waving goodbye to Scoobs after ten years of ownership!

My next car will either be a Scirocco or a 330/335d BMW depending on the deal and whether I decide to spend the extra money!

markymark34

you cant go wrong with a 535d or 335d, standard they are quick remapped they are properly fast. I was so depressed when i had my STI and had a drive in a 335d couldnt believe how quick it was, was praying from rain so he wouldnt dissapear on the way home. 330d or 530d are good options as well. Dotn rule them out, miles better than the 2l engine in the sirocco.

Mark

Devildog

Matt,

My mate sold his 997 C4S recently and now has a 335D touring. He loves it to bits, gets up to 40 mpg in general running.

Wheels and good exterior/imterior colour combos important, no naff brown wood, or example.

335's quite well specced to begin with.

Matteeboy

Devil - good to hear.

I'd want:
A sunroof (if possible)
Black, silver or dark grey
Black or dark leather
Five spoke alloys (if possible) - easy to clean!
M Sport kit if possible but SE is fine.

If your ex 997 owning mate likes his, they must be good!

Devildog

Yup,

He says that to all intents and purposes its just as quick day to day. No, its not a 997 (and never will be) but he doesn't miss the Porsche. Goes on track days if he fancies a real blast.

Another mate has a 335D M sport coupe in black metallic with black leather and the charcoal wood, and the big 5 spokes. Looks great, goes really well. He's an ex saloon car class winner at sprints and hillclimbs so is pretty handy behind the wheel and he rates it extremely highly for a road car.

I'd have a touring without hesitation if we didn't spend so much time off the beaten track and we get a lot of snow where I live on an annual basis. Beemers on big wheels are not exactly great in the snow ..lol...