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View Full Version : Anyone own a BMW 135i/335i/535i?


Jazzbass
08-01-2011, 01:20 AM
I'm looking at a replacement for my old Honda Accord. The leading candidate so far has been a CPO BMW 535i (2008s are the current ones available, I expect 2009s to start coming off lease soon). I love pretty much everything about the car, but the fuel pump issues have a bit concerned. Reading any of the 10,000 BMW forums and you're led to believe that every 535i made is ready to explode from a bad HPFP at any minute.

So my question is - does anyone here have real ownership experience with a BMW w/ the N54 engine? This would be either a 135i, 335i, or a 535i. If so, four questions: what year/model, how long did you have it, how many miles, and did you have any HPFP/injector issues? Looking for positive experiences as well and "what a POS" anecdotes.

As Lane pointed out to me, the most of the people who go to those web car forums do so to bitch about problems with their car. So, there's an inherent selection bias in polling them for info on these cars.

Lucky
08-01-2011, 07:53 AM
Jazz, I bought a 2008 535i in Jan. It was a lease return. CPO warranty to 100K. I, too, worried about the HPFP issue. But I tell you one drive and you won't care about that. This engine is so smooth, torquey, and powerful that it erases any reliability concerns. I've put 10K issue free miles on it since picking it up.

The concerns are way overblown at this point. Yes, if you bought one of the -35 cars new and experienced problems I think you would be justified in being pissed. But it is nowhere close to Porsche's IMS/RMS issues, since a fuel pump is an easy swap with no major engine bay surgery or risk of internal engine damage.

The recalls done last Winter to replace pump, check/replace injectors, and reprogram the ECU seem to be a good fix. Since recall only one person has posted to Bimmerfest with a problem related to fuel delivery.

If you get a 535i, make sure you get the sport package with its amazing seats and active roll control. Other options to look for: Logic 7 stereo, navi, folding rear seats, cold weather pachage.

Idrive is improved in the '09s, so you may want to wait for a deal on one of those.

One more thing... At the time I bought my 535, BMW Financial was offering several incentives one of which was the Extended Maintenance plan -- BMW pays for all wear/tear/maintenance items until 100K. I don't usually do car loans, but this was too good of an incentive and I only need to keep the loan open for 6 payments.

Good luck with the search.

smdubovsky
08-01-2011, 08:31 AM
I had two friends buy them new - same two friends shortly sold them due to problems (1 & 3 series). Granted, they both tracked them some but that just roots out inherent problems right? :) FWIW, both traded them in on Ms that have been trouble free AFAIK.

Wongers sister recently bought a CPO 335i I think. No problems yet.

jbailey930
08-01-2011, 09:39 AM
co-worker is on his second 535i (x) version. He got one of the first (2008) which was lemon return due trans selector switch issue and HPFP. The replacement, '09, has only been in once with fuel pump issue which they replaced. He as 20k on it now. Also, originally had run flats that sucked.

hokie1969
08-01-2011, 09:42 AM
My son has a couple year old 135; quick; good handling; etc., but has had problems w/ fuel pump.
Known defect that may leave him stranded. Dealership won't replace under warranty until it fails.
Probably worth researching this issue.

David in VA
08-01-2011, 10:25 AM
We bought an '08 335i new which has been a great car. Got the dealer installed Dinan software upgrade which raises power to 385 I think. No problems at all, sport package is definitely worth it for the seats alone. I'd have to check but think we have around 27-30K miles on it.

BlackTalon
08-01-2011, 10:28 AM
Might want to contact Alan H as well, as he's had a 135i for a few years now, and has used it as a track car a bit.

racer
08-01-2011, 05:40 PM
My dad leased (and subsequently bought out) his 535i with sport package. Loves the car. Recently (around 40K miles on the car) his too needed a HPFP.

Given my folks are not tech savy, they haven't embraced the i-drive system and my dad was completely annoyed when "somehow" the car started making a "chiming" sound when he exceeded 90mph.

Other than that, they've had no issues with the car. Great highway cruiser (from FL to MA they average mid-upper 20s and usually cruise at 75+mph (at least south of richmond ))

Great tq/hp and brakes was my impression. Ride is a little harsh at times due to the runflats.

LPM911
08-01-2011, 05:46 PM
My dad leased (and subsequently bought out) his 535i with sport package. Loves the car. Recently (around 40K miles on the car) his too needed a HPFP.

OP might be curious about the year if you happen to know it...

racer
08-01-2011, 05:50 PM
OP might be curious about the year if you happen to know it...

I *think* an 08.. 3 year lease was up in '11. Sorry for the oversight ;)

Fritz
08-01-2011, 06:31 PM
I loved my '99 328is. So did Karl (briefly), and now Tito's son. Very reliable and a blast to drive. The '03 745iL has also been fantastic. All the BMWs have their own set of known issues, but they only manifest in a few numbers from what I've seen. The 745 was suppose to die monthly due to electrical glitches and general maintenance needs, but that certainly hasn't been the case. Some services are crazy expensive though. The AFT fluid was $600 for the bucket, and that was far less then what the dealer wanted to charge for it.

Post your detailed findings when you are done with your search cause I've been contemplating another one if I have to start commuting again.

hokie1969
08-04-2011, 09:18 AM
My son just put his 135 on Craigslist. Very low miles, white w/ black interior, always garaged, he's a fanactic motorhead.
But, it's in Spokane - fly out -drive home.

Jazzbass
08-04-2011, 11:38 AM
Thanks for the recommendation, but with two teenagers (one of who is 6' 1"), I don't think a 135 is going to be big enough for my needs. The N54 engine in a small car like that has to be a blast, though.

roundel
08-04-2011, 11:40 AM
The N54 engine in a small car like that has to be a blast, though.

Too bad it is not really much lighter than a 3 series. :cry:

Geoff Daniels
08-04-2011, 09:22 PM
I have an 09 335i with 14K miles on it. I bought it new and it has been trouble free. I also went with the Dinan software update and it really woke up the motor, ask Lane how it runs. Who wouldn't like 384 HP and 420 ft lbs of torque!

Although I don't have a lot of miles on it I have no concerns about the HPFP. BMW recognized that there was a problem and extended the warranty to 100K miles on all the HPFPs for the N54 engines. Sure it would be a pain if it failed on you but at least BMW will fix it under warranty.

Geoff

Trak Ratt
08-04-2011, 09:50 PM
I have an 09 335i with 14K miles on it.
GeoffGezzz guy, where the hell have you been???!!!??? 1st post in over 2 years!!!

BlackTalon
08-05-2011, 09:29 AM
Who wouldn't like 384 HP and 420 ft lbs of torque!

In Jeopardy format: "Who is Tony P.?"

LPM911
08-05-2011, 09:58 AM
I have an 09 335i with 14K miles on it. I bought it new and it has been trouble free. I also went with the Dinan software update and it really woke up the motor, ask Lane how it runs. Who wouldn't like 384 HP and 420 ft lbs of torque!

Although I don't have a lot of miles on it I have no concerns about the HPFP. BMW recognized that there was a problem and extended the warranty to 100K miles on all the HPFPs for the N54 engines. Sure it would be a pain if it failed on you but at least BMW will fix it under warranty.

Geoff

i've driven said 335i before Dinan and after, although they were a few months apart. powerband more street friendly than my e46 m3, even before the Dinan upgrade. in fact, i may need to head down to Geoff's one day to give it another test...:twisted:

Geoff Daniels
08-05-2011, 11:42 AM
Gezzz guy, where the hell have you been???!!!??? 1st post in over 2 years!!!

Hello David!
I have been traveling way too much for work and focusing on the homefront as much as I can. Having said that, I am dusting off the 951 and hope to have it ready for prime time in a couple of months. I need to move over all the nice suspension and brake items from the deceased 951 as well as a few other goodies. :)

How have you been?

Geoff

Alan Herod
10-24-2012, 02:48 PM
The chip is definitely apparent on Geoff's car -- I have had a 135I since they were introduced -- HPFP replaced by recall. Never had a problem with it.