[N 5 4]

Hello,

The goal is to trade in the troublesome 2008 MKV GTI for either the 335i or 335is in July 2012 (RDX will be paid off). Approximately a year of ownership, I have gotten quite a few costly (if it wasn’t CPO), crucial items replaced. I can only imagine how the picture will be when CPO warranty is out.

I’ve read of the Bosch HPFP failing at a high failure rate, and the current solution is provided by Conti. Is this still a lingering problem?

1. What are the known and ongoing failures on the 335i platform?
2. Is it really worth the money for the “IS” model? I like the aesthetics and enhanced performance. ”IS” model is roughly $4,000 MSRP increase over (based on options)
3. Will the 3 Series F30 design get implemented on the Coupes (or is it already and I just haven’t seen it)?

MKV GTI - Ongoing List of replaced parts:
Camshaft & Cam Follower
HPFP
Coil Packs
Rack and Pinion
Shock Mounts
*Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on its way

Thanks

[Kris 335i]

The main advantage the 335is has over a 335i of the same year is that it has the N54 motor, which is key if you plan on tunning it. However, the main advantage the "is" has over a 07-10 335i is a more aggressive tune from the factory. That advantage goes away if you put a tune on both vehicles.

[N 5 4]

Originally Posted by Kris 335i

The main advantage the 335is has over a 335i of the same year is that it has the N54 motor, which is key if you plan on tunning it. However, the main advantage the "is" has over a 07-10 335i is a more aggressive tune from the factory. That advantage goes away if you put a tune on both vehicles.

Thanks. I live minutes away from Dinan. I don't plan on immediately tuning a brand new car, but factory tune does sound nice and for potentially warranty issues.

Any known quality issues on the 335 platform? This is probably the most important.

[blacknbean]

i would only buy the 335is if I wanted the DCT. other than that the 335i is the better value. when tuned they are equal.

[335is2012]

335is for sure. body kit looks way better. performance exhaust sounds awesome as well

[N 5 4]

Thanks guys. I think I will lean towards the 335is for performance reasons.

Still no responses for known failures (I.e hpfp).

[slider86]

the forums, please. There is a good amount of info already on the forums relating to this issue.

The hpfp issues will be recurring - there have a few been incidents on this forum about the hpfp on the 335is and the n55 335i's crapping out on them. Many folks that used to post about their hpfp problems have become jaded with issue and have stopped posting, or it could be that the pumps actually do last a lot longer, but in any case, trying to figure out the failure rate with the new conti pumps is going to be a VERY inexact science, and my guess is that the problem will carry into the F32, since they are going to be carrying the n55 over.

[Syndicategt]

Originally Posted by BA335i

1. What are the known and ongoing failures on the 335i platform?
2. Is it really worth the money for the “IS” model? I like the aesthetics and enhanced performance. ”IS” model is roughly $4,000 MSRP increase over (based on options)
3. Will the 3 Series F30 design get implemented on the Coupes (or is it already and I just haven’t seen it)?

*Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on its way

Thanks

1 - Same as the regular 3 series. Oil housing gasket, water pump, transmission pan gasket, steering wheel sensor are all known frequently replaced items. The 335i also has the HPFP issue you know about, ocasional fail turbo bearing seals (standard to any turbo car), and Coils/Injectors.

2 - I would say no, the added cost of the IS (to me) is not worth it if you plan on modding the car. For $1800 in aftermarket mods, you can have a much more powerful car but could break the warranty.

3 - There will be a next generation coupe soon. I will probably carry the "4 Series" tag instead of a 3 series.

4 - Carbon buildup in the intake manifold still happens to the 335i due to direct injection. You will probably need to clean it out every 50K or so.

[N 5 4]

Originally Posted by slider86

the forums, please. There is a good amount of info already on the forums relating to this issue.

The hpfp issues will be recurring - there have a few been incidents on this forum about the hpfp on the 335is and the n55 335i's crapping out on them. Many folks that used to post about their hpfp problems have become jaded with issue and have stopped posting, or it could be that the pumps actually do last a lot longer, but in any case, trying to figure out the failure rate with the new conti pumps is going to be a VERY inexact science, and my guess is that the problem will carry into the F32, since they are going to be carrying the n55 over.

I agree about the search. I'm at work and using the iPhone app and I'm new to this program. Hopefully, there are discussions that are relevant to latest models.

Additionally, I wasn't looking for a failure rate of how many units per year but wanted to get the gist of whether this was still a problem of has been replaced with a superior product. There's always that batch of items to keep in mind for.

I'll search for info tonight.

[BQTuning]

The 335is of course, especially IF it is DCT.

Will take an N54 over N55 anytime

[Syndicategt]

Originally Posted by BuraQ

Will take an N54 over N55 anytime

Great point, I wasn't even thinking about that.

[N 5 4]

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

1 - Same as the regular 3 series. Oil housing gasket, water pump, transmission pan gasket, steering wheel sensor are all known frequently replaced items. The 335i also has the HPFP issue you know about and ocasional fail turbo bearing seals (standard to any turbo car).

2 - I would say no, the added cost of the IS (to me) is not worth it if you plan on modding the car. For $1800 in aftermarket mods, you can have a much more powerful car but could break the warranty.

3 - There will be a next generation coupe soon. I will probably carry the "4 Series" tag instead of a 3 series.

4 - Carbon buildup in the intake manifold still happens to the 335i due to direct injection. You will probably need to clean it out every 50K or so.

Thank you. Although these items are not the deal breaker, it is helpful information that provides direction for my decision to purchase.

Having to replace a camshaft and cam follower every 20-30k miles, due to excessive wear and poor design, simply gives me the jitters when owning a new vehicle. I'm just doing homework this time.