[AndrewPage]

I bought an E92 335i recently, and so far it has been great. I know that this car is notorious for mechanical issues (which I can afford). However, I'm worried that a mechanical issue will pop up when I'm on a long drive/road trip and I'll be left stranded.

Is this an irrational fear? I have 80k miles. If nothing is wrong with the car right now, is it irrational to fear being stranded by a mechanical issue?

[bmwmsport]

Yes

Can't live life worried all the time

[Lshaw]

I've driven cross country and back (Pa to Ca). I've had no issues. Have a set of tools, clamps, towels, extra fluids etc. in your trunk just in case. If you are tuned, make sure there are no leaks, issues as well. Depending on where i go. I sometimes carry my stock parts just in case something happens (cp, intake)



AAA is your best friend in case anything goes wrong.

[CarFan]

How many miles are own your 335i? Since getting my first BMW in 2004 I've never been stranded by one and I never give a thought to whether reliability will be a factor in the decision to take one on a road trip.

Perhaps if I were over 100k and it was heavily modded I might have a different perspective.

[AndrewPage]

Originally Posted by CarFan

How many miles are own your 335i? Since getting my first BMW in 2004 I've never been stranded by one and I never give a thought to whether reliability will be a factor in the decision to take one on a road trip.

Perhaps if I were over 100k and it was heavily modded I might have a different perspective.

80k miles, no mods (yet).

Does modding decrease the reliability significantly? I've been considering a JB4 tune since that seems like the go-to first mod for these cars.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by AndrewPage

80k miles, no mods (yet).

Does modding decrease the reliability significantly? I've been considering a JB4 tune since that seems like the go-to first mod for these cars.

There are millions of threads on this

A tune doesn't necessarily break parts. It will show weak spots if everything isn't optimal because you're reprogramming parts to run harder/faster/higher than they were designed for.

[Lshaw]

Technically yes, lol more boost, more stress on components. BUT in my opinion, its how you drive it. As long as you don't abuse it, floor it all day, and stay in boost constantly, you are fine. I get better mileage while FBO opposed to stock bc i get up to speed quick and just cruise.

A tune will expose the weak links on your car however, i.e. plugs, coils, dirty intake valves and anything else that isn't happy on your car.

[crzylildude]

You gonna be ok... just make sure your tires are good... all fluids are top-up... extra cash in your pocket... and say a little prayer before departure

[lichtgelb]

There's millions of cars out there on the interstates...probably thousands just like yours. Just do the routine maintenance and be prepared for anything and drive.

[Antetokounmpo]

Has the water pump and t-stat been replaced?

If yes, no need to worry, bring extra fluids and a spare if you have non-rft.
If not, then get it replaced before going long distance at 80k.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by bk335

Has the water pump and t-stat been replaced?

If yes, no need to worry, bring extra fluids and a spare if you have non-rft.
If not, then get it replaced before going long distance at 80k.

Theres a fine line there though... some pumps last 170k+ miles, some fail at 40k.

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by bmwmsport

Theres a fine line there though... some pumps last 170k+ miles, some fail at 40k.

If he's on the stock pump at 80k, he's on borrowed time. <2% of pumps go past 120k I bet. Many (maybe 50% can't remember what the poll said) fail before 80k anyways.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by bk335

If he's on the stock pump at 80k, he's on borrowed time. <2% of pumps go past 120k I bet. Many (maybe 50% can't remember what the poll said) fail before 80k anyways.

Point taken. It's really a hit or miss.

[AndrewPage]

Originally Posted by bk335

If he's on the stock pump at 80k, he's on borrowed time. <2% of pumps go past 120k I bet. Many (maybe 50% can't remember what the poll said) fail before 80k anyways.

Just called up my shop and they said that I shouldn't really worry about the water pump and they don't see them frequently. It's a BMW specific independent shop, so I think they'd have a good idea? They advised me not to preemptively replace, but to get roadside assistance just in case.

[bmwmsport]

Originally Posted by AndrewPage

Just called up my shop and they said that I shouldn't really worry about the water pump and they don't see them frequently. It's a BMW specific independent shop, so I think they'd have a good idea? They advised me not to preemptively replace, but to get roadside assistance just in case.

Probably fine. It will go at some point. I wouldn't worry too much about it though.

[KiwiRD]

I started a post like this a few months back for the same reasons. But in the end, no one really thinks twice about driving hundreds of stop-start miles through traffic expecting their car to shit itself. It's the distance from home that you're worried about. But if the car will run fine in traffic, then it will sure as anything run fine sitting in sixth gear on the freeway with plenty of airflow and a constant RPM. I have a 600 mile round trip starting tomorrow and ending on Sunday - it's a trip to the Tongariro National Park in the middle of the North Island of NZ (it's winter here right now) so I'll take a few pics and let you know how it goes.

[924er]

The only thing that can keep you stranded is the water pump but that can happen on any BMW.

I once had my FMIC hose pop off and went into limp mode but still drivable. I can't think of something popping and causing u to be stranded just like that. Unless ur running from the cops

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by AndrewPage

Just called up my shop and they said that I shouldn't really worry about the water pump and they don't see them frequently. It's a BMW specific independent shop, so I think they'd have a good idea? They advised me not to preemptively replace, but to get roadside assistance just in case.

Lol you sure that shop knows anything about E90s? The water pump is basically guaranteed to fail between 30k and 100k miles (with a few exceptions past 100k). It's really the only thing that can leave you with the car un-drive-able, get it replaced if it hasn't been already and you're planning on driving long distances.

[Underground6t9]

My water pump went out exactly at 80k

[n54gte]

only thing to worry is waterpump...other than that ur fine. JUST DO IT

[Herakles]

if i get this e90 and it ever gets me stuck, its going right to the damn honda dealerhsip where i will trade in for a TLX

its bullshit if reliability is so bad to be afraid to travel with the car- rediculous..

[ThatRWD]

Get a bluetooth code reader and get BMWWhat on your phone. Live in peace.