[nobznss]

Let the flaming begin... I currently drive a C300 4-matic and am looking to get into a 335i. That said, I've read a lot about the problems with the 335's and the N54 engine which is kind of making me question the switch. I've dropped quite a bit of $$ modding my C and would likely do the same to a 335, but I don't want to be investing that much in getting it fixed if it's constantly in the shop. My Benz has treated me well and would hope BMW would do the same. I should probably also put out there that I'm looking at an 07 or 08 coming from my 08.

[e90David335i]

Originally Posted by nobznss

Let the flaming begin... I currently drive a C300 4-matic and am looking to get into a 335i. That said, I've read a lot about the problems with the 335's and the N54 engine which is kind of making me question the switch. I've dropped quite a bit of $$ modding my C and would likely do the same to a 335, but I don't want to be investing that much in getting it fixed if it's constantly in the shop. My Benz has treated me well and would hope BMW would do the same. I should probably also put out there that I'm looking at an 07 or 08 coming from my 08.

As far as performance is concerned, the BMW is in an entirely different league.
Primarily in the handling and feel department.

The N54 is an AWESOME engine!
Endless performance upgrades.

Beware of the evil HPFP.

Overall, I wouldn't let a few horror stories stop you from experiencing this amazing car!

[jopa489]

Welcome!

HPFP is the big thing, and it's covered for 120k miles by BMW. Wouldn't worry about it too much, don't let the overly-dramatic forum stories turn you away. The 335 is in a completely different league than the C300, you'll enjoy it.

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by jopa489

Welcome!

HPFP is the big thing, and it's covered for 120k miles by BMW. Wouldn't worry about it too much, don't let the overly-dramatic forum stories turn you away. The 335 is in a completely different league than the C300, you'll enjoy it.

Word. 50k with zero issues. knock on wood.

[hubble bubble]

Very different cars. C-=series is more of a highway cruiser, 3-series more of a sports sedan/coupe. Both have that german-solid feeling. Drive one and you'll know if you are a BMW guy.

Reliability - some people have had multiple HPFP issues, some have never had it. I haven't, yet. Statistically (JD Powers, Consumers Reports, etc) 3-series has fewer issues on average than C-series.

2007 vs 2008. I'd recommend 2008. Most likely has original warranty still (4 years from original in service date). Plus, BMW driving instructor told me once to avoid 2007 model year and wait for 2008s. Traditional "1st year" issues with the new engine.

[Alexander]

Mercedes sucks, BMW rules.


/thread

[positiveions]

what the E90 335 (assuming you are getting a 4 door) needs is a true "BMW" driver. Meaning, you drive it like it meant to be driven.

[nobznss]

I did test drive one. It's the second funnest car I've ever driven. The first was the SLK55. I don't know why, but I love that car and the way it drives. The 335 definately has a stiffer ride than the C, but is MUCH more fun. As far as power there's really no compairison. The C300's are a joke as far as power goes. The 350's are the same IMO. One thing that has killed me is how much I've lost on the C. I paid almost 40K for it and I'm looking at getting around 27-28 out of it. I guess the cost of luxery cars, right?

[nobznss]

I should probably put out there I'm looking at a coupe, not the sedan. I have a sedan. Time for something different.

[galahad05]

Cars are money pits. Period.

[Verbiage]

Good luck on your purchase, OP.

[TheBoomerM3]

OP - C300 isn't anything closely comparable to the N54 platform. Yeah, a C63 is a whole different beast, but hte C300??

[hjernazian]

Originally Posted by nobznss

That said, I've read a lot about the problems with the 335's and the N54 engine which is kind of making me question the switch. I've dropped quite a bit of $$ modding my C and would likely do the same to a 335, but I don't want to be investing that much in getting it fixed if it's constantly in the shop.

Sorry OP, but you can't be any more wrong, but what can we expect from a guy who got a C300? KIDDING! just had to throw that in there. In all seriousness though, it is not the ENGINE that gives problems, BMW engines are fantastic, it is the FUEL PUMP. Turbos might give out sure, but that's not that common, and you can expect it with almost any turbo car in that price range. Also, it is not a given that the HPFP will fail despite what you read on these forums, I had my first fuel pump replaced last month on my 2007 335i at 56k miles... And even if you are out of warranty, BMW covers the fuel pump for 10 years/120k miles.

[wwjbd24]

i would change. the potential risks are soooo worth it. that grin after touching the accelerator for the first time... yea it doesnt go away.

[JoeyBananaz18]

OP, this car is an absolute blast to drive. almost every aspect is near perfect. not one time has gone by where i've gotten into my car, started it up, and immediately had a smile from ear to ear.
when it comes to some of the more common mechanical issues, theres always a fix. and because the N54 has been around now for 3-4 years, most of the fixes (like the HPFP) are simple stops at the dealer. some of the rarer issues may require a bit more time to have sorted out (such as wastegate, and turbo related issues). but i can assure you those are few and far between. there is no reason why a semi-educated car guy can't drive a 335 as a DD.
as far as modding goes, i dont know what you've done to your C-class but the potential the N54 engine (and E92 body) have is off the friggin charts...

[gizmo335i]

I have a C350 and I love it. But it's more the wife's and of course the 335 is mine. You guys sure are quick to dog Benz's for some reason, lol.

I've been driving both for almost a year. I wouldn't go so far to say the 335 is in a different league as far as overall feel. I like the Benz interior better and I like the ride for daily driving. But yeah, as far as power...no comparison...espcially for a few $$$...the 335 is amazing....

There are problems that I think are not exaggerated with this car tho. If you read the stats...I guess BMW reports that only 5-10% or something of HPFP's go out...but every owner I know where I'm at have had their's go out (that's only 5 but still). I've had a couple minor problems as well (pressure sensor, driver's side window and a couple other minor things). But that's to be expected with any car I guess.

Either way, like most said above, there's no doubt it's a great motor but the lingering High pressure fuel pump would definately have had me thinking twice about buying this car had I read a little more on here about it. So here's the faq....read the whole thread and make sure you understand it is a serious problem..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333519

[Reggie-335i]

Originally Posted by galahad05

Cars are money pits. Period.

+1
and we all know this!!

[Alpine Whiteboy]

This should sum things up for u OP...

I bought my 2008 C300 4-Matic Sport, Arctic white w/Black MB Tex, in the summer of 2008. I test drove a 335i coupe a year later. I no longer have a C300...

The end.


LOL but seriously, I did love the MB. It was very comfy and despite what people say here, it does handle pretty damn good for a 4 door sedan. But I'm guessing you are feeling how I felt OP, you invested all that money to make your car look so nice, but it's still not fun smashing on the gas peddle and slowly over taking somebody on the highway when u need to. The power is just not there at all... Before my MB I had an 06 Scion tC (flame on), i had slapped a GReddy stage 2 turbo in that car and was pushing 272 lb torque to the wheels. THAT car was WAY more fun to drive then my MB. I missed the power and the raw feeling of a turbo pushing your neck into the seat. And every time I saw an e90/92 drive by, I kicked myself for not getting one.

Although I did hear about the HPFP issue. I thought eh, that's probably not going to happen to me because it's supposedly a small % of people who actually go thru it. 500 miles on my 2010 e92, and my HPFP went... 2 days later she was good to go. The car is so fun to drive and had such a HUGE aftermarket that I really don't care WTF breaks on her, because I know when I get her back, it's well worth it...

[gizmo335i]

^^That's VERY well put from a previous 300 owner...

[Chriztofor]

[gizmo335i]

Who is the troll on this one? I'm confused...

[Olagüe]

welcome