[LastLong]

Hi,

Whould you buy a 2009 335i today?

With 97 000 miles on it. A lot of stuff is replaced but the owner didn't know if these are replaced or not:
-High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)
-Turbocharger
-Injectors
-Water Pump

I think these points are the most commun issue on the N54 engine..

Or should we look for a 2009 C350 of Mercedes-Benz.

We are looking for a third car for daily drive for work. A little sedan like a 335 or C350.

Thank you !

[Soden82]

Definitely not a good DD. With close to 100k those are the major wear items that come up that need to be replaced.

[Fredo]

Yes. Last year I bought a 2009 335i sedan in similar conditions with 137k miles. I would buy the same car again today if the price was right.

[tsuintx]

Kind of hard to say since you didn't list a price. If cheap enough, sure. If priced same as cars with those things at least mostly taken care of, then no.

[tcphoto]

I bought mine over three years ago with 107K on it and have no regrets. It has cost me under $100 a month for maintenance and repairs, so I'm content.

[Volasko]

Man if its a DD just get a 328i. That engine will last forever with basic maintenance.

[Hoody007]

Originally Posted by LastLong

Hi,

Whould you buy a 2009 335i today?

With 97 000 miles on it. A lot of stuff is replaced but the owner didn't know if these are replaced or not:
-High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)
-Turbocharger
-Injectors
-Water Pump

I think these points are the most commun issue on the N54 engine..

Or should we look for a 2009 C350 of Mercedes-Benz.

We are looking for a third car for daily drive for work. A little sedan like a 335 or C350.

Thank you !

I did! (Well, last year, and with 81K miles, but still…)

I looked @ the 328i, and it was my first choice because of the N52, but I couldn’t find one with heated seats, iDrive, the sport package and xenons in a color other than white, hence the 335i. This is my daily 90% of the time. My backup is an ’88 560SL.

I’m attaching an Excel spreadsheet with all the maintenance on my car to date. Bought with 81K, currently have 119K. I’m the 3rd owner, PO and the original owner only had it serviced @ BMW Centers prior to my ownership.

Make sure the turbos boost properly w. minimal if any rattles. Mine were fine when I bought it (and still are). Assuming you treat it properly (don’t rev it over 3K until oil temp is above 160ºF) you should be fine.

I’ve not replaced my water pump, although I’m expecting I will have to in the next year. Keep in mind that if its an auto you’ll need to do a transmission service when you buy it or soon thereafter. It ran my $800 @ an indy, YMMV. Also note that I overpaid for some items either because I was unaware of cheaper options for newer BMWs (I came out of driving an E46) or because of convenience (eg. alternator and control arms).

Hope that helps!

Hoody

[mweisdorfer]

The HPFP was absolutely changed under recall. 90-95% chance the water pump was changed in the last 25,000 miles. Injectors probably not. Turbos probably not.

As long as it wasn't tuned, the injectors should last another 25-50,000 miles. The turbos maybe another 50,000 miles with proper wastegate adjustments.

Your biggest $$ is probably a complete fluid change, belts & pulleys, spark plugs & coils. Your brakes are probably good. Suspension, if it hasn't been changed should be.

[ricx]

You've listed the big ticket items that could go bad. Sounds like the seller knows it and wants to unload before it happens. Nothing worse than being broke down on the side of the road. Before I bought it, I'd make them get a stem to stern inspection from bmw. That way I can make an informed decision based on the facts. Tranny fluid is a biggie. If its original fluid, you need to know.

[blown07]

Originally Posted by Volasko

Man if its a DD just get a 328i. That engine will last forever with basic maintenance.

Might as well get a civic instead of a 328i...but yes I would buy a 2009 335i today.

[tcphoto]

Originally Posted by blown07

Might as well get a civic instead...

Seriously?

[blown07]

Originally Posted by tcphoto

Seriously?

Instead of a 2009 328i ..yes

[phillycx]

Originally Posted by Volasko

Man if its a DD just get a 328i. That engine will last forever with basic maintenance.

Yes to this. I can speak from personal experience.

[zipstic]

Were there records for the valve cover and oil stand gaskets? Those can be higher cost items unless you're going to DIY.

As others have mentioned the HPFP was almost certainly replaced and the thermostat probably went at some point.

I'd consider buying it if the price was right. Just know it will cost money to maintain a 10 year old car.

[fastboatster]

Yes, yes and yes. Would buy an 09 335i. Now, I didn't read about any caveats of the car you are looking at, but I am very enthusiastic about this idea)

[mweisdorfer]

I can pretty much DYI almost anything on the n54 with the exception of the internals. So, I'd have no issues buying an 09' 335 with the N54

[Gamb1t]

You can have a wonderful E90 for DD with a 328i or better yet 330i and go on vacation with your wife.
Do you like paying for someone's vacation or college tuition? Or glued to forums posting issues on this car...enjoying no life. If so the 335i is your ticket!

If I want a troublesome attention heavy 3rd car I'd just buy a boxster or an FD RX7.

[blown07]

Well...not everyone is poor...or can't work on their own cars as a hobby.

[fastboatster]

I don't think that 335i will need constant attention after you resolve common issues. Imo, you need to buy a broken one, with blown turbos and it needs to be very cheap. After getting the turbos replaced (yourself), you nip most of the problems in the bud.

[PourBoi-Jay]

The reported issues with these cars is totally overblown.....They're not ALL duds. I have an 09 that's treated me very well for several years, and I have no intention of getting rid of it anytime soon.

If this car doesn't meet your requirements for maintenance records (those are obviously critical.....ANY neglected car should be avoided, not just the N54) then move on and find another. There are plenty of fish in the sea.

The N54 is a great motor, but you should always buy from a good owner. If you select the right one, it'll treat you well.

[Balr14]

I guess I lucked out. I found a one owner 2009 335i X drive with 62k miles and the driver actually was a little old lady (she's a friend). This was my first BMW and I bought it on a whim... wasn't looking for a car, but it looked so good and the price was right. It has turned into my daily driver, I really like it. I have only had to replace a tail light. But, I'd be willing to spend a couple thousand a year on maintenance if needed. It's just a nice little car!

[Aceway]

Should be fine once you get all the maintenance done. Just don't for the love of god modify it.