[Kolyan2k]

So I had 2007 335i e92 6-speed like 5 years ago, and now looking into getting another car. I am mainly looking at 2011+ ISF, but since they are pain in the ass to find I was thinking maybe getting like m235i or e92 M3. My number #1 priority is reliability and I know that BMW is hit or miss usually....but perhaps someone could advice on pros and cons with current n55 2014 m235i vs say 2011 M3. Any HPFP and turbo issues currently etc ? (my 335i got new turbos at 40k miles already)....carbon build-up ?

I've been driving my S2000 with zero issues now, and it had zero issues ever since 2006....so it feels good to drive a solid car not designed by idiots that wont leave you stranded and that wont cost you $$$ to repair. Hence looking at ISF....

[joshe92]

I have a N55 and it's much more reliable than the N54. The N54 can churn out some more power, but I'd take the N55's reliability and maintenance over the N54.

Go with the 2011 E92 M3. Not many issues, I've heard of. Naturally asp. and it's a lot better than the ISF in terms of handling, speed, and looks IMO

Test drive the M3 and ISF. The M3 DCT and exhaust note may win you over

[Kevinl]

Just had the hpfp replaced on the n55 in the x5 at 102k

I would say the n55 is pretty reliable I would be worried about rod bearings on the s65

[NotQuickEnough]

Do all n55 come with electronic waste gates or is this a fairly late model addition?

[dauble2k5]

I have an N55, I'm curious as to everyone's reliability issues too. I'm at 70k and haven't had any issues yet.

[CantCatchMe]

N55 isn't as reliable as most think. However, only statistic I have is proof from two friends who are techs at two different dealerships. The word from both of them were that N55's seem to pop often lately within the last year, mainly. I've had issues with my E92 N55. The list is long but it's plain bad luck.

I'd go with the E92 M3 if I know the rods weren't an issue. If you're looking for more power down the road, the M235 is a great choice. Especially with 400-410whp on a JB4 and some corn. The carbon buildup isn't as much of an issue on the N55 but driving conditions depend on that. I haven't heard of too many people with the HPFP issue on the newer revised N55, but who knows until it goes out on you lol.

Good luck, let us know what you choose.

[B.M.W.]

You can also find a M235 in AWD/RWD with an LSD so that's a good option.
I'd say the E9x M3 is going to hold it's value better than the M235 especially with the M2 out now.

However I actually prefer the IS-F if you want 4-doors. It has more torque, better reliability, lower maintenance costs, & higher resale value. Find a later model year with the updated transmission & you'll be more than happy.

[kaybat]

0 problems on my '11 E92. vanos and battery cable recall,that's it.

[Kolyan2k]

I think its safe to say that all those cost roughly the same too by the way....m235, m3, and isf, maybe also 2008+ cayman s

ISF is my top choice but its hard to find one without overpaying a ton

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by B.M.W.

You can also find a M235 in AWD/RWD with an LSD so that's a good option.
I'd say the E9x M3 is going to hold it's value better than the M235 especially with the M2 out now.

However I actually prefer the IS-F if you want 4-doors. It has more torque, better reliability, lower maintenance costs, & higher resale value. Find a later model year with the updated transmission & you'll be more than happy.

LSD is rare too, i think that option was alot of money

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by CantCatchMe

N55 isn't as reliable as most think. However, only statistic I have is proof from two friends who are techs at two different dealerships. The word from both of them were that N55's seem to pop often lately within the last year, mainly. I've had issues with my E92 N55. The list is long but it's plain bad luck.

I'd go with the E92 M3 if I know the rods weren't an issue. If you're looking for more power down the road, the M235 is a great choice. Especially with 400-410whp on a JB4 and some corn. The carbon buildup isn't as much of an issue on the N55 but driving conditions depend on that. I haven't heard of too many people with the HPFP issue on the newer revised N55, but who knows until it goes out on you lol.

Good luck, let us know what you choose.

yeah, thats what i mean. all those BMW seem to be reliable and then you get some people with many issues. i personally never replaced famous HPFP on my 2007, but like i said turbos were dead at 40k

cars like isf and s2000 are almost zero maintenance aside from brakes and tires

[robthewrench]

My 2011 e90 335i is at 55K miles. The only engine related issue has been the waterpump going at ~50K miles.

The other things that have gone bad are not engine related, here's the list:
- Driver muffler start-up muffler flap made ugly noise, replaced under warranty.
- Passenger sport seat airbag sensor got faulty, replaced under warranty.

So, not too many problems. I did also have a windshield water leak issue, but that was due to an improperly replaced windshield.

[EuropeanStandard]

64k miles on the n55 not a single major problem yet

[007_e350]

Damn N54!
wait,
when those snails churn, n55s in the dust

anything for that matter, srt8, 370z, 997 carrera s ... tell me one car under 18 grand that can do this yet ppl complain and bi**h

[CantCatchMe]

Originally Posted by 007_e350

Damn N54!
wait,
when those snails churn, n55s in the dust

anything for that matter, srt8, 370z, 997 carrera s ... tell me one car under 18 grand that can do this yet ppl complain and bi**h

Not everyone is looking to race lol. We are glad your happy with your car.

[Ravenseal]

E92 M3 over IS F, any day.

[924er]

N55 is reliable compared to the n54. Less moving parts, common sense. N54 is more fun for a tuner but preferred for the average joe

[The Chaddening]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

The N54 guys seems to love to talk about power potential over the N55 yet most are making less than what you can make with an N55 so I don't see why they love talking about it so much since 99% of 335i owners are probably making less than 400WHP.

It makes them feel better about being on the side of the road half the time for wastegate, misfire, hpfp, etc. etc. problems

[BKBMW335I]

Being totally honest; this is about the worst car I've ever owned in my life-even worse than when I owned my old Buick Skyhawk and Chrysler LeBaron back in the day.

Those cars stayed in the shop but at least they were well worn/driven for tens of thousands of miles before they both went kaput, whereas the 335i has been a total letdown.

I don't believe in bad luck but I do believe in poor manufacturing or cheaply designed parts which these cars seems to have plenty of.

Turbos going out at 40K (not on my car but just read that above), HPFP issues (too many people to name on this forum), chargepipes breaking (again too many people to name on this forum), wastegate rattle, running too hot in need of higher quality FMICs just to keep temps down, stock plastic DVs breaking under boost and how can I ever forget about the engines that blow up by throwing rod(s) through the block.

After this experience I will never buy another BMW (Beats My Wallet) because this has been the most unreliable car ever, I came over from Nissan and I've owned 3 Altimas, 3 Maximas, a Juke, and a Rogue and combined I've never had as many problems as I've had in the 335 in just this short period.

These cars aren't cheap to fix but damn they have so many issues, my word of advice is for you to buy that Lexus and find it at all costs, atleast you know you won't be breaking down on the highway anytime soon.

[9krpmrx8]

Originally Posted by BKBMW335I

Being totally honest; this is about the worst car I've ever owned in my life-even worse than when I owned my old Buick Skyhawk and Chrysler LeBaron back in the day.

Those cars stayed in the shop but at least they were well worn/driven for tens of thousands of miles before they both went kaput, whereas the 335i has been a total letdown.

I don't believe in bad luck but I do believe in poor manufacturing or cheaply designed parts which these cars seems to have plenty of.

Turbos going out at 40K (not on my car but just read that above), HPFP issues (too many people to name on this forum), chargepipes breaking (again too many people to name on this forum), wastegate rattle, running too hot in need of higher quality FMICs just to keep temps down, stock plastic DVs breaking under boost and how can I ever forget about the engines that blow up by throwing rod(s) through the block.

After this experience I will never buy another BMW (Beats My Wallet) because this has been the most unreliable car ever, I came over from Nissan and I've owned 3 Altimas, 3 Maximas, a Juke, and a Rogue and combined I've never had as many problems as I've had in the 335 in just this short period.

These cars aren't cheap to fix but damn they have so many issues, my word of advice is for you to buy that Lexus and find it at all costs, atleast you know you won't be breaking down on the highway anytime soon.

Every car on the planet has it's issues, you just have to be informed when buying and know what you are getting into. Sure it's no Honda but even some really reliable cars break down and I still think based on the crap ton of reading that I did and looking at the changes made to the N55, that it is the better option. I too have owned three Maximas, a few Acura's, couple of Honda's, Mazda's, etc. and all have had some issues, my RX-8 more than others,

A lot of the problems you mention aside from the HPFP issue, is due to mods so you can't blame the car. A better intercooler is not going to help with engine cooling, I don't think you quite understand how things work. And I have never really heard of stock guys blowing their engines in any significant numbers.

Remember, on forums you will hear about more problems because generally people get to forums by having a problem so the people that don't have any problems, that are not enthusiasts, generally don't visit forums.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

My N55 has been problem free. I love it.

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by BKBMW335I

Being totally honest; this is about the worst car I've ever owned in my life-even worse than when I owned my old Buick Skyhawk and Chrysler LeBaron back in the day.

Those cars stayed in the shop but at least they were well worn/driven for tens of thousands of miles before they both went kaput, whereas the 335i has been a total letdown.

I don't believe in bad luck but I do believe in poor manufacturing or cheaply designed parts which these cars seems to have plenty of.

Turbos going out at 40K (not on my car but just read that above), HPFP issues (too many people to name on this forum), chargepipes breaking (again too many people to name on this forum), wastegate rattle, running too hot in need of higher quality FMICs just to keep temps down, stock plastic DVs breaking under boost and how can I ever forget about the engines that blow up by throwing rod(s) through the block.

After this experience I will never buy another BMW (Beats My Wallet) because this has been the most unreliable car ever, I came over from Nissan and I've owned 3 Altimas, 3 Maximas, a Juke, and a Rogue and combined I've never had as many problems as I've had in the 335 in just this short period.

These cars aren't cheap to fix but damn they have so many issues, my word of advice is for you to buy that Lexus and find it at all costs, atleast you know you won't be breaking down on the highway anytime soon.

Have not had as many problems as you but when they happen they freaking cost. I pretty much agree with you and my next car is going to be a Japanese one. Friends I know that have acrua or lexus just don't have the problems. They run to 200k pretty much free of problems and cheap to fix when they happen.