BMW 335i 2007+

dan12

Thanks!

Yes, it feels really fast and smooth although I have been fairly gentle on the throttle so far.

I did opt for the SP and I am hoping to avoid most of the RFT fun that people have experienced.

I thought about getting the xi version too so I can take the car to the mountains, but realistically this will not be my ski car. Btw, I saw some posts saying that you shouldn't test drive the 335i unless you plan to buy it. I have to agree. I had only considered other SUVs because I was looking for something practical that I could use for driving, surfing, mountains, etc. But I was blown away by the 335, so now I have a little car and I will be borrowing my wife's car for the snow.

circlew

Dan, great stuff. I have the xi and its a "snow stopper"!! (minus 55 HP). I am glad your are pleased but it'll only get better from here!

Regards,
OW

kdshapiro

All the Vette is for is a showcase for a large displacement engine. It's a one trick pony as far as I'm concerned. At least in an M5 I can carry 4 passengers and golf clubs.

And even my lowly 330 could be driven in 2 feet of snow.

dan12

I have little doubt that the xi would do fine in snow. However, up in Lake Tahoe it seem like 90% of the cars are large SUVs. Someone might run right over me and not even notice if I am in a 3. I say that jokingly; I used to go up there in a little 2 door front wheel drive Acura Integra. But it sure is nicer to go up in an SUV and be at eye level with everyone else. That's why I will be using my wife's car for that and my 335 for zipping around town at home.

The 335 feels so solid. Not even a hint of the tramlining I experienced when I test drove a 328. It makes me wish I had a longer commute. Btw, I know there are a lot of complaints about iDrive being complicated. Maybe it's because I spend every day in front of a computer, but I think it took me about 20 minutes to get the hang of it. I don't know every single function, but I know enough to do what I need.

fedlawman

"It's a one trick pony"

So basically, you think any car with no back seat is a one trick pony...

kdshapiro

Well, yes! The 'Vette is more useless than most, because it's not a 365 day a year daily driver, at least in areas where there are sufficient snow accumlations. The low profile contributes to non-drivability in snow. Specifically thinking that I've seen Porsche AWD out in snow and at ski resorts.

fedlawman

Most what?

Most Ferrari's? Lamborghini's? Porsche 911 GT3s? Lotus Exige's?

circlew

You can't or shouldn't drive any of them in even light rain and I read recently that even a slight mist on the road and limp home with the GT3 or look out!

I am of the opinion that for daily driving, why not get the best sport for any condition?

And for fun on weekends/days off, M3, Vette, or whatever pure sporter. You ultimately can't get pure anything every day, can you?

So, for me 335 daily, Vette or Porsche but a year or 2 away on the fun stuff (maybe M3) for SERIOUS fun.

On the weekends, one-trick is just fine!

Regards,
OW

roadburner

If I didn't need a usable back seat, the 2008 Corvette would have been on my short list, along with the 993 and the current M Coupe. Any of them are an absolute ball to drive. They each have different strengths and weaknesses, but I would have no qualms whatsoever about using any of the three as my daily commuter sled.

fedlawman

Yup, your list looks a lot like mine - Corvette, 993/996, Z4 M Coupe, Exige S, Cayman S, and S2000). The Vette isn't my favorite on the list, but because of GM Employee pricing (my mom is retired Hughes/Raytheon) it's hard to dismiss the C6 Coupe for $39,000.

Circle - You know, when I first started frequenting these forums back in 2003, I was looking at the E46 - a compact RWD sport sedan with 184 HP for less than $30,000. Now I feel like a stranger discussing this $45,000 leviathan. It's a shame what the 3-series has become.

I'm years away from a new car though, so I can wait for BMW to get it right again - Small, light, fast, and room for 4. Oh well, I suppose my E30 M3 is hardly a penalty box.

habitat1

You can't or shouldn't drive any of them in even light rain and I read recently that even a slight mist on the road and limp home with the GT3 or look out!

My 911S is very stable in medium rain at highway speeds. Way more so than my former Honda S2000 and at least equal to, if not better than my Acura TL. Remember, in the 911, 62% of the static weight is over the rear drive wheels and with a dynamic weight shift to the rear, it tends to "hunker down" at speed. I do not think the GT3 would be worse in the rain, unless it is equiped with special track tires. The standard GT3 I saw recently (not the RS track model) had exactly the same tires I have on my car. That is not to say that it wouldn't be possible to hydroplane any of these cars, including a 335i, if your speed exceeds the tires ability to channel water.

Snow performance is a different matter, with two issues to contend with: (1) high performance summer compound tires get very hard in cold/freezing weather and traction in snow is greatly diminished and (2) ground clearance of any of these cars is limited.

roadburner

Oh well, I suppose my E30 M3 is hardly a penalty box.

Far from it! I have fond memories of tearing around Sears Point(now Infineon) Raceway in a Conforti-chipped and Dinan suspended 1988 M3. I got passed exactly twice; once by a 911 Turbo and once by an ex-IMSA 325i club racer. What a fantastic car.

roadburner

The issue with snow performance is two-fold: (1) high performance summer compound tires get very hard in cold/freezing weather and traction in snow is greatly diminished and (2) ground clearance of any of these cars is limited.

I've got a spare set of wheels for the Club Sport, but I've decided against fitting winter tires. With it's "old school" LSD it does fine in the nasty stuff. I'm more worried about the brain dead morons sharing the road with me. If one of them takes out my Wrangler or the X3 it's no big deal, but I think I'd maim or kill anyone who damaged my ti.

nyccarguy

fedlawman: I know you gave up an Acura TSX to get into your E30. Is your M3 a daily driver or strictly a weekend/track car?

fedlawman

nyccarguy - My M3 is basically a weekend car, but I do drive it to work once in a while (my company car is a Taurus and I simply have to get in the Bimmer once in a while). It's not an uncomfortable car (to me), but it is pretty stiff-riding (J Stock suspension) and noisy - plus I removed the A/C last year so it can get warm in the summertime.

I have 17" E39 Sport wheels and all-season Pirelli PZero's installed most of the time, but for track days, I pop on a set of OE 15" wheels with 225/50-15 Toyo RA-1's.

Here she is in the paddock...

shipo

"Circle - You know, when I first started frequenting these forums back in 2003, I was looking at the E46 - a compact RWD sport sedan with 184 HP for less than $30,000. Now I feel like a stranger discussing this $45,000 leviathan. It's a shame what the 3-series has become."

While your statement is true as far as it goes, it is also true that a base 328i can be gotten via the ED program for about $29,000. Not too shabby. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

kdshapiro

Right now a 500K Ferrari is out of the question. But if my life ever changes, I wouldn't want it anyway. Nor would I want the Lambo, Porsche, Lotus, Honda S2000, 350Z, Z4 etc. I like the ability to carry 4 adults and golf clubs in any of my cars.

My needs in cars are very simple, yet hard to satisfy. I'd be happy with this over the Ferrari or Lotus...any day of the week.

circlew

Great taste...for me, the F430 does it and my Bentley would be the GT. Since the wait list on the Ferrari has caused over 100% increase in price, no rush for me.

I like the ability to carry 4 adults sometimes...the rest of the time, it's about the drive and 2 seats are more than enough. So, I progress towards my goals...in the meantime a 335 is very appealing and one of the top sedans around today.

fedlawman - I had the same feeling back in the '70's after the Firebird and Camaro were butchered... 38 years later, we now have a resurrection. I hope the 1-series is that resurrection for you. OTOH, the '09 M would be great car for you if you could swing it since I know it will end up a much better car after you federalize it! Your current weekender is the bomb.

BTW, the Vette/Mustang are lonely examples of US Auto lasting heritage.

I applaud Porsche for both their business model and passion for the drive! The Ferrari and Bentley are pure sensuality, in their respective classes, to me

Regards,
OW

Mr_Shiftright

You can often estimate the practicality and day to day drivability of any exotic car by what mileages you see on used ones. You'll find, I think, that mainline Porsche and BMW M Series cars rack up way more driver miles per year than Vettes or Vipers or Ferraris (especially the latter). This doesn't reflect on the car's merit or engineering, or even the ability to reach high miles, but rather on how people tend to use them.

roadburner

You'll find, I think, that mainline Porsche and BMW M Series cars rack up way more driver miles per year than Vettes or Vipers or Ferraris (especially the latter).

I'd say that Vettes tend to be daily driven much more than Vipers or Italian exotics. They aren't all that impractical for a two seater.

habitat1

Having just returned from back to back soccer games with my wife and two daughters, I can honestly say that the 911S Cab with it's top down makes for a hell of a lot more enjoyable ride than a more "practical" soccer mom minivan or SUV. It was interesting to see that at the first game, the parking lot was dominated by such vehicles with at least 70% carrying only one parent and one child.

Two adults and two kids, or two adults, two sets of golf clubs in the back and enough overnight baggage (for guys) to handle a 4 day golf weekend in the front trunk make the 911 a pretty versitile car. And just a tad bit more fun to drive to and from that golf weekend than the 2.5 ton Bentley Love Boat. You would never find me in one of those. I'd much rather have the 911 and a back up sedan/winter car at about 1/3 the price. Money notwithstanding. But then again, I like to drive. The Bentley can really only be appreciated if you have a chauffer.

roadburner

It was interesting to see that at the first game, the parking lot was dominated by such vehicles with at least 70% carrying only one parent and one child.

Once our son was walking we almost always drove our two tis. Our old Pathfinder was then relegated to duty as my commuter sled as well as the go-to vehicle when the snow on our old farm road was deeper than @8". I'm a big believer in Chapman's philosophy - "Simplify by adding lightness."
For my driving style I much prefer a car that weighs less than 3000 pounds- preferably much less...

xeye

Habitat1,

I think you should do a little more homework before you trash the Bentleys. See below, and the larger sedans have similar, if not quite so dramatic, performance numbers. Of all the vehicles available today, these are certainly in my top 5. Chauffeur? NO WAY!

Bentley has a distinguished racing history as well. Check it out some time.

For the price of 5 (or so) 335xi's, though, I'll stick with the one xi I own for now. I do find it interesting that the GT Speed has the same number of turbo-chargers and twice the number of cylinders (as compared to the 335xi) to deliver exactly twice the horsepower, but less than twice the torque. Hmmm, bolt 2 335xi engines together and race for pinks?

I N D I V I D UA L DYNAMICS
CONTINENTAL GT
DYNAMIC
Engine: 12-cylinder, 6-litre, twin-turbocharged engine
Power: 552bhp / 560PS / 412kW @ 6100rpm
Torque: 650Nm / 479 lb-ft @ 1600rpm
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Performance: Acceleration -
0-60mph in 4.6 seconds
(0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds)
Max. Speed – 198mph / 318km/h
Suspension: Independent, automatic air suspension that
constantly monitors and adjusts ride height and
damping according to road conditions. Manual
driver adjustment facility via infotainment system.

CONTINENTAL GT SPEED
DYNAMIC
Engine: 12-cylinder, 6-litre, twin-turbocharged engine
Power: 600bhp / 610PS / 449kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 750Nm / 553 lb-ft @ 1750rpm
Driveline: Continuous all-wheel drive
Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission
Performance: Acceleration -
0-60mph in 4.3 seconds
(0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds)
Max. Speed – 202mph / 326km/h
Suspension: Independent, automatic air suspension that
constantly monitors and adjusts ride height and
damping according to road conditions. Manual
driver adjustment facility via infotainment system

circlew

xeye, thanks for the numbers. I can't wait until the 6 and 7 series get the AWD and post numbers like that! I'll take the 335 for now.

I understand the drive is much different in feel but the M6 can not possibly catch a BGT in the straights while listening to a nice concerto!

Regards,
OW

habitat1

xeye,

I should do a little more homework? Maybe you should get your butt in one of these cars before you foam at the mouth over its paper performance. I drove a 2006 Bentley GT owned by my architect from DC to south of Pittsburgh (Nemacolin Woodlans Resort) and half the way back last fall for a golf outing. That's roughly 400 miles behind the wheel and another 150 in the passenger seat. I would have preferred taking my 911S Cab, but given that he is 6'3" and 300+/- it would have been a little tight for him.

The GT, while certainly "quick enough" is not as quick as the 911S. And in order to get it to move quickly, you have to really stomp on the gas to use all 479 ft. lbs of torque to move its 5,300 lbs. A 911S gets to 60 in about 4.2 seconds with far less drama. But the huge difference is how the car handles winding curves. You just can't expect a 2.7 ton "GT" to feel nimble, no matter how good the suspension or how impressive the horsepower. And given that the Bentley GT is tuned for luxury, the body roll on this car is significant and noticable. It was challenging keeping it in its own lane on winding two lane roads at 40 mph that my 911 would have happily taken at 60+.

The Bentley certainly has its strengths. It cruises on a straight highway at 80 without hardley any interior noise. It has an interior befitting a custom yacht or New York penthouse. It certainly turns a lot of heads. But fun to drive? You have got to be kidding. My architect slept half the time I was driving. And I think I caught quite a few winks myself.

Stop fantasizing. An SL65 or S65 will give you another 250 ft.lbs of torque, if that's what really turns you on. And better handling to boot. Now if you do have a chauffer, the GT is hard to beat.

nyccarguy

I think I found the perfect car for you: type in "Smart Diablo" on youtube :shades:

roadburner

Very cool! Still sits a bit high for my tastes, though. I'd really like to try one of these:


It's a Caparo T1. 575hp. 0-100-0 in 7.2 seconds. @$422,000.

If you are really bored, check out my CarSpace. I recently uploaded a rally/music video entitled "We Suck Less". Somehow I wind up in the Navigator's seat every now and then. Still haven't had a big off.
Yet.

dan12

After 260 miles in the 335...

Gas mileage was 19 mpg in mixed city/highway driving and I'm being fairly gentle with the lead foot. Not great, but it's supposed to get better with time.

Tramlining with the sport package... yes, there is some faint tramlining. I feel it sway back and forth just slightly in certain situations, but only because I'm paying really, really close attention. It can also get bumpy on bad freeways which could get to me if it happened a lot. Luckily most roads aren't like that. When the road is smooth, the car couldn't feel more solid. The handling is unreal.

Overall, the car is fantastic.

circlew

Makes an F430 a bargain, although probably a boring one in comparison!

Regards,
OW

nkeen

Edging along, dark suit and pearls, one hand cradling cellphone to ear, the other gesturing excitedly, sometimes with cigarette as baton poked dartingly through a cracked window into the passing breeze, looking for the traffic opportunity...multitasking. I'd say that around 40 to 60% of 3-series are sold to such in this area.

shipo

Agreed, but a 335i SP? Yikes. Folks like that should stick with a 328i Step. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

nkeen

Caught me mid-edit Cheers.

leelynn11

I purchased a 328i convertible with the ipod option...when I use it, the system only displays/plays those songs that I downloaded myself - not songs that I purchased via iTunes?? What did the dealer do to resolve?

getz

Are you using the dealer supplied usb port/aux cable? If so, you should have no problems. I am assuming you have the 6FL option Ipod setup.
-Getz

ilbmw

Hi,

Needless to say, I am BMW fan. I was hoping the experts here would give me some advise. I am interested in the 335i sedan. But my biggest dilemma has been the lease or buy option. Economically which of the two is better? I believe I will want a change of car once every 3 years. Considering this, will I leak more on a lease option? I also have a good credit score ~750, which I hope will get me good financing. Also, would anyone know if there are major differnece between the 07 and 08 models for the 335i? I would appreciate your valuable inputs.

kyfdx

The lease program on the '07 335i sedan is pretty good.

.00175 MF
61% residual for 3yr/45K

You'll have to find one on the lot, as an order would be an '08, and I don't think numbers are out yet for the '08 3-series models.

If I knew that I was going to trade in 3 years, I'd lease this model.. with the usual caveats about where you live, local lease taxation, etc, etc..

regards,
kyfdx
visiting host

nyccarguy

The '08 numbers are just awful. My parents ordered an '08 328xiA last week and the dealer (guy who we bought an X3 from in July and an X5 2 weeks later in August) wouldn't even quote them a price. He said if he gave them the standard deal that he gave on the 2 trucks ($1K over invoice + MACO fees) their 36 month/15K per year lease ($0 cap cost reduction) payments would amount to around $750 per month!!!!!!!!!

He said the lease rates would be in effect until at least Halloween. They've got plenty of time, my Mom's lease on her '05 530iA isn't up until the end of December.

andrew20

I am about to make the final decision on what options to choose for my 335i, but I have a few questions in mind.
I will definitely have it w/ the Steptronic AT, here's the question: does the shift pattern/points/speed/rev matching differ under different situation below:

(1) with vs. without sport package
(2) with sport package, but with vs. without paddle shifter

I assume the answer to both is NO, but I just want to be sure... thanks!

nyccarguy

a 6 speed manual and YOU control the shift points/speed/rev matching...

spiritinthesky

I try my best to avoid advocating a manual transmission to someone who has already stated their preference for an automatic.

However, for you, in this case, for this car, I'm going to make an exception. You are asking questions about shift patterns, points and "rev matching", suggesting that you actually know more than a little about optimum shifting. Why, pray tell, would somebody who even knows the concept of rev-matching get an automatic in a sports sedan? Arguably the very best sports sedan in its segment?

Let me be as kind as I can be. The BMW automatic in the 335i is "O.K".. But, compared to my nephew's 335i 6-speed manual, it was not nearly as enjoyable to drive. Downshifts still transmit a large amount of torque converter "slus" as others call it. Rev-matched or not, it can hardly be called precise and direct, in the same way that BMW's class leading braking, handling and steering are.

At some point in the next 2-3 years, I am certain that BMW will have a full DSG option for those that want an automatic worthy of being in a class leading sports sedan. But until then, in order to fully appreciate the 335i, the 6-speed manual is the only choice.

andrew20

Thanks, everyone. The reason I have to make the compromise now is because my wife needs to be able to drive the new car, albeit occassionally. She injured her achilles and depressing a (BMW) clutch is out of the question (I'm not sure if it's still true w/ new BMWs, but depressing the clutch in my 1995 530i was like stepping on a brick.)

I "almost" purchased a 330i w/ SMG 3 years ago but I had to change priority due to a life event... so I've waited 3 years now, can't wait another 2-3 years.

So going back to the original question...does it make any difference if I order a sport package or not? will the shift response time be different, w/ or w/o the sport package? the salesman said no, but I don't take his word

kdshapiro

Personally, I wouldn't order the SP, don't need to track the car.

dan12

If you order the SP with AT you get the paddle shifters. I don't think you get to choose.

I personally have the SP on my 335 and would not buy this car without it. I drove it without the SP and it feels very plain in comparison, not to mention that the seats with the SP are much more comfortable.

nyccarguy

Clutches have evolved since 1995 I can assure you. Your wife's achilles will get better. Go for a 6 - speed manual with Sports Package and you won't be disapointed.

How often will she have to drive your car?

If you're a car guy, life's too short to drive slushboxes.

getz

I have owned almost exclusively manuals in the past, bmw included, however recently picked up a 335xi with the auto. I must say, that the auto tranny is very very very nice. Especially in sport mode, up and down shifts are quick, precise, and most of all smooth. And the shift points are very aggressive as well. The throttle even blips to match the downshifts when you use the steptronic mode. Car and driver recently reviewed the auto, and found it to have quicker acceleration numbers when compared to the manual. I am very glad I picked the automatic.
-Getz

circlew

Ditto on the 330xi except less power. Best car all around I have experienced. I was always a "slusher" but appreciate the control you get with the MT.

Regards,
OW

habitat1

I sincerely respect this is a highly subjective choice, so take my comments in good nature.

The day I personally get an automatic transmissioned "sports" car or "sport" sedan and brag about its performance is the day I brag to my golfing buddies about breaking 80 - from the senior tees. I'd rather take my score from the tips (or at least the men's tees) and be happy with it, than have only played half of the course.

P.S. Three of my favorite cars don't even tempt the automatic demographic: the Honda S2000, the previous generation M5 and the new 911 GT3. Of course, then there is AMG without a single manual transmission in their line-up - part of the reason why I'll likely never own one.

tayl0rd

I thought the SLK55 could be had with a manual? Or is that only the SLK350 Sport? :confuse:

circlew

Buy BMW's high-performance M5 sedan or M6 coupe and you get the seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) in the bargain whether you like it or not. Porsche promises that its latest version of the 911 Turbo will run from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds when the driver has a six-speed manual transmission to stir — but only takes 3.4 seconds when there's a five-speed Tiptronic automatic aboard. Somewhere between 75 and 80 percent of the Ferrari F430s that come to America have the "F1-inspired" electronically triggered and hydraulically actuated transmission installed. Every Mercedes SLR McLaren comes with a five-speed automatic. Where the high end goes, the rest of the industry eventually follows. And the way this is going, the clutch pedal is doomed. :mad:

As previously posted, the story is the same with the 335i AT.

Regards,
OW

andrew20

I'm a little relieved to hear a positive comment from someone w/ similar past - I've owned manual cars all my life as well.

I guess I'll take the plunge with the AT, and with a set expectation that the feel won't be as direct as the real manual...