[Datsun770]

Hello all

Viewing one of these tomorrow. The car was traded in to a local trusted dealer who specialise in performance cars so they don't know a great deal about the car. It's got a good service history in terms of normal maintenence bit not for records of any major known issue repairs that have been done.

What would be your advice on main things to look for and to be mindful of? All advice most welcome.

Thanks

[iqraceworks]

If it was me, and I was looking at that car......the first thing I would do it take it on a decent drive. Get it all warmed up first, then on the gas hard, make sure it doesn't throw any codes. Make sure it shifts good with no issues. These cars will give you a code for damn near anything....so if there is a problem, it will tell you.

Once you get back to the dealer, scan it for codes......if there are codes, make sure you take that into account because you are going to have to dump more money into the car to fix those issues. Maintenance on these cars is not cheap, especially if you can't do the work yourself. Also look for oil leaks....the oil pan and the oil filter housing on the front of the motor are both common places to find leaks. If there are leaks, you are going to need to spend some time and money to fix them.

One thing to realize is that these aren't the most reliable cars.....so unless you have a reliable daily driver, I would not get a 335i as your primary mode of transportation. And make sure you have a couple grand in the bank for unplanned maintenance.....injectors, fuel pumps, turbos, water pump, thermostat, etc, etc....can, and will fail on you without notice.

Also, have them pull a carfax and make sure it's not been in any wrecks or crashes.

Do as much research on the web as you can, there is lots of great info out there on common problems and issues these things have.

[Wolf 335]

How much is it, and how many kilometers are on it?

It should have 6 new index 12 injectors.
If should have relatively new turbos.
It should have had a high pressure fuel pump replaced in the past.

If the above 3 items have not been addressed, then have a look at how much it would costs to have all 3 things addressed. I bet it will exceed the value of the car.

No one trades in a 2007 335, unless its got problems.
It's an amazing car and i will drive mine into the ground, unless of course someting major goes, then i'll trade it in.

[Datsun770]

Thanks folks.

The dealer sells a lot of high end and import cars so I'll not read too much into it being traded in as it's an old car now and some people like the comforts of newer cars I guess.


The car is a UK auto. Has done 109k miles and they've stated its been remapped bit no idea what to. The engine bay looks fairly standard to be so don't think it's been molested too much.

It's 6k to clear so not overly expensive. It would be a daily driver but I don't do many miles. Maybe 10 a day so I don't imagine my ownership would be too punishing.

I myself plan on a new car in around 18 to 24 months so it would only have to last me that long. But by the looks of it whoever had had it has looked after it although it has had 8 keepers from new and has only done around 1.5k miles in the last two years. I wonder if that's due to the car being in the mechanics getting fixed all the time.

Thanks for the help.

I'll certainly not jump feet first into anything.

Here is the link for anyone interested.

https://www.wcmotors.co.uk/used-bmw-3-series-west-kilbride-ayrshire-4747048

[Serf27]

Turbos may have waste gate rattle if not replaced.
Not a deal breaker but noisy and annoying.

Look for oil leaks near the accessory belt, common sign of leaking oil filter housing that should be addressed asap.
Look for oil leak on the top left (passenger firewall) of the engine/valve cover.
Will cause smoke to come out of the engine bay at idle and stink up the cabin.
Oil leak on the underside may indicate a leaking oil pan gasket.
Not the worst, but can leave oil stains on driveway if it is a bad leak.

Water pump and thermostat would be the biggest costs if those were to fail.
The turbos should still last you 2 years.

Don’t be afraid to floor it once it’s warmed up.
You want to see if there’s any boost leaks or something that triggers limp mode.

Injector index is also a factor to look into, but ok if they’re not index12.

8 owners and 1.5k miles in 2 years might be something to worry about.

[Datsun770]

Thanks fella.

The more I look into these the more frightened I get

If something were to go wrong within the first 6 months I'd be screwed. After that I'd have a few grand saved to spend on it if need be but I'd really hope that aside from a service or two I'd not need to spend too much if I'm only keeping it a few years.

A couple of grand cheaper and it'd be a no brainer

[Cloverdale]

As an owner of 2 of these currently I agree with all of the previous contributors, but would advise against any turbo charged vehicle purchase for those not inclined to perform their own maintenance and repairs. The 335's are far more complex and difficult than the naturally aspirated and not a suitable choice for the majority beyond their warranty period. As appealing as the opportunity appears (the grey's my favorite color) from what you've described as to your aptitude and intentions you'll quite possibly come to regret the purchase at some point. PS I've come to believe there's no such entity as a 'trusted dealer' particularly in respect to the used vehicle market beyond the mfg warranty.

[Datsun770]

So. I loved the car. There were no signs of any oil leaks that I could see with a torch and a good look over, and no waste rattle could be heard when warm and under load. The engine bay and engine cover had a few dirty smudges and wasn't particularly clean but no signs of any major leaks or anything i would be worried about. The inside of the engine housing looked a bit stained (brown) on inspection but it was serviced not so long ago. Since the dealer have had it they've spent around 1k prepping it but nothing in the turbo area or engine specific, all to do with wheel Barings, crankshaft and other bits.

Havnt bought it yet but put a deposit down and I have downloaded ISTA and I intend on scanning it if it works....

Couldn't get to see what index the injectors are sadly which is a worry but they were ticking away fine and few car as I said drove really nicely.

The car pulled like a monster. It's most definitely stage 2 and not stage 1 judging by the power and over drive pops and bangs. Looks standard to me.other than blue fuel lines but I'm no expert and a few bits might be upgraded. Who knows.

Brake warning light is on, breaks seem fine so maybe sensor needs replaced? Again hope a scan will reveal all.

Negotiated the price as such that I have saved 1k as trading in my old car and got a bettwr price than expexted, which can remain In the emergency fund. I've also saved myself 600 as I needed 4 tyres imminently on my old car. So that can go in the pot for any repairs.

I'd like to think if I serviced it, put some Injector cleaner through it, 1600 should cover me for a year or so in repairs given nothing appears to be majorly wrong for now. (Famour last words) however a scan and another inspection remains to be done.

Thanks for your help.

As you owners would have predicted the drive of the car is swaying me maybe more by heart than head as these cars are amazing machines. 💪💪💪

[Serf27]

The wastegate rattle is noticeable when the engine is revving down.

Sounds like a good car. The n54 can be reliable, despite the issues that come up for others.

I wouldn’t put injector cleaner in it if there’s no issues. Just normal maintenance and be prepared for any issues that may pop up here and there. Good luck!

[Datsun770]

Thanks serf. Life is too short for regrets. Enjoy yourself I say. If something happens it happens. I could spend 30k on a car and face issues at least with this if need be I just go and take finance out on a new car if all were to go pear shaped. Ad it stands I'm only parting with less than 2k of my own money which minimises the risk. Think its worth taking a chance on but any major codes and I'll walk away.

Thanks again

[Serf27]

I agree. The best time to enjoy a car is during ownership.
I remember the first one I got my n54.
Ticking louder than any other car I had owned. Within a few minutes I thought it was rod knock and I was screwed. A friend told me it was normal and it’s been nothing but great! Besides common issues.


The blue vacuum lines may have just been a cosmetic choice on the previous owner.
A choice which may have been due to normal maintenance. Eventually those hoses crack and start leaking. I changed mine with similar black hoses.

The brakes are usually still good for a little bit longer once the light turns on.
OR
The brakes were serviced and the sensor was not replaced/reset.

Think of the average person with a 335i. Odds are they don’t know about the injectors and not every 335i owner is upgrading to index12 injectors. I’m sure there are owners with original injectors.
I believe I had index6, which worked with 0 issues. I did find index 11/12 for almost no cost, so I swapped them in.

[Datsun770]

Thanks again for the info Serf.

If its a lemon, it has to be worth 2 k to break so ill at least get my cash back.

But being positive its fine. I'll find out this week for sure. I can't get ISTA or INPA to work for whatever reason with my K+DCAN CABLE. I briefly got INPA working and got all my 520 codes but when I cleared them and went for a drive and went to re scan I got a strange home screen eith only 2 options and neither were cars. 1. Notes and 2. Info. Or something like that. So doesn't look like I'll be able to scan the 335i.... oh and the codes came out in German. Had to use Google translate. 😄