Which BMW 335i Years To Avoid & Why?(Problems Explained)
The BMW 335i from the series-3 gained trust from the users from its launching date yet failed in consistency due to some major issues. This resulted in the discontinuation of the model in 2016.
Thus if you are planning to get one of the used BMW 335i, you must ensure the vehicle’s reliability by performing thorough research. Generally, the BMW 335i years to avoid are 2007-2009, 2011, and 2013. Other years of this car also had minor problems, but the severity is comparatively lesser.
Worry not; we made the long work short. Thus you should go through this article till the end to know in depth about the years of BMW 335i to avoid and why.
Contents
BMW 335i Model Years at A Glance
The BMW 335i was a popular commuter and sports car produced by BMW from 2006 to 2013. It was available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible and was powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine.
However, the BMW 335i started from the N54 engine from 2007 to 2010. Afterward, it changed to N55, the official successor of the N54, with some major updates.
The BMW 335i was known for its features, engine upgradability, and luxury. But this series failed to confirm the overall reliability of the vehicle.
However, the later model years of the BMW 335i lessened the issues offered in the earlier models. But losing the trust in the first place caused the company to discontinue the model and shift to a newer model with many upgrades.
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Which Model Years of BMW 335i To Avoid and Why?
The problems in the BMW 335i started with the engines and continued with the electrical systems also. However, BMW tried to fix the potential issues in the later models but could not diminish those perfectly. Here are the years of the BMW 335i you should avoid buying.
2007-2009 BMW 335i
The launch model of any car from any company comes with many technical issues that the consumers can only observe. Similarly, the BMW 335i was launched in 2007 with an N54 engine with a vision of luxury, power, and comfort.
In the 2007-2010 BMW 335i, the major drawbacks were observed in the engine itself. The N54 occasionally caused much damage to important components such as the fuel injectors, different gaskets, coolant hoses, radiator, etc.
Importantly, as luxury cars, the maintenance charge of these vehicles are skyrocketing. The official solution to the engine issues is replacing the part rather than repairing it.
For example, if your engine misfires, then the official dealership of the BMW would suggest you swap the injectors, which is worth $4000, including the labor charge. Most owners cannot afford this huge maintenance charge causing swift depreciation of the vehicle over time.
Lack of aftermarket support is a major reason to avoid the 2007-2010 BMW 335i. The availability of major body, engine, and electrical parts is negligible in the marketplace compared to Japanese cars.
Especially for the E90, you cannot get perfectly fitted body parts for upgrading or a simple replacement. This convertible is deprived of most aftermarket support causing huge depreciation as a domino effect.
2011 And 2013 BMW 335i
After getting a huge report on the negative aspects of the N54, BMW shifted to a slightly upgraded N55 in the later model years. The prevailing issues were diminished, but the N55 focused on limited performance.
Unlike the N54, you cannot tune in to the N55 to get more power and performance. Besides, other issues, such as the turbo wastegates failing to thermostat, the water pump failing, and steering issues, were common in the 2011 BMW 335i.
Additionally, all these issues were extremely expensive to repair and, if left alone, would cause other issues to trigger and damage the engine.
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BMW 335i Best And Worst Years To Buy
For beginners, the following table would be helpful to decide which year of BMW 335i is suitable by looking at a glance.
| Worst BMW 335i Years | Best BMW 335i Years |
| 2007 | 2010 |
| 2008 | 2012 |
| 2009 | 2014 |
| 2011 | 2015 |
| 2013 | 2016 |
Common Problems With BMW 335i
Here are some common issues that existed in most years of the BMW 335i. However, these issues were aggressively active in earlier models of the BMW 335i, such as 2007, 2008, 2011, and 2012.
Engine Issues
Owners of the BMW 335i have frequently complained about turbocharger failure, water pump failure, and high-pressure fuel pump failure. Moreover, rough idling, power loss, and engine misfires are some further engine-related problems observed.
Several things, such as worn-out parts, poor maintenance, and wear and tear, may bring on these problems. To avoid further damage, it is always a good idea to have any problems with the engine of your BMW 335i quickly fixed by a skilled mechanic.
However, the labor and part costs discourage many consumers from fixing the problem, so they opt to trade in their cars instead.
Engine Cooling System Failure
Coolant leaks, damaged water pumps, broken thermostats, and clogged radiators are typical problems with the BMW 335i engine cooling system.
Besides, users have reported a lot of carbon buildup, which blocks the heat generated inside the engine. These problems may result in engine overheating and possible engine damage.
Electrical System failure
There have been multiple complaints of the electrical systems in BMW 335i cars failing, with issues extending from the alternator and battery to the electrical wiring and sensors.
These malfunctions can result in several problems, such as a dead battery and trouble starting the vehicle. Besides, issues with the electronics and dashboard display cause the warning signs o pop up randomly.
FAQs
To know more about the reliability of the BMW 335i over the years, the following answered questions could help you get acknowledged about it.
What Year Was The Best BMW 335i?
The 335i has been using two engine types: the N54 and N55. The late N54 used in the 2009 and 2010 BMW 335i is more reliable than the earlier models. Apart from that, the later years of the BMW 335i, such as 2013-2016, were the best in the list.
What To Look For When Buying A Used 335i?
The important aspects to consider before buying an old BMW 335i are the vehicle maintenance history and engine condition. Due to expensive maintenance costs, owners often didn’t address the engine issues and wanted to trade off the vehicle.
How Long Will A BMW 335i Last?
The BMW 335i was designed to last around 200,000-250,000 miles. However, due to heavy maintenance costs and random N54 and N55 engine issues, the lasting period of this vehicle can vary from user to user. A poorly maintained 335i can last up to 100,000 miles.
Are BMW 07 335i Reliable?
The 2007 BMW 335i is the most issue-filled model year in the BMW 3 series. According to consumer reviews, the vehicle’s engine, cooling, and interior electrical systems are unreliable. Besides, the lack of aftermarket support and excessive maintenance charge makes it less reliable.
Conclusion
BMWs are one of the most expensive brands of four-wheelers globally. But not being able to utilize the full potential of a 335i due to different integrated issues can be upsetting.
But if you avoid the years of the BMW 335i with the most problems, it is possible to get hands on the years with decent performance and lesser problems. The model years after 2010 are noteworthy due to some major upgrades in the N55 engine.
Hopefully, you find this article informative and instructive enough to guide you about which BMW 335i years to avoid and save your hard-earned money.
