E92 335i (finally back in a turbo)

Joined
27 October 2004
Messages
2,837
Location
CA
2008 E92 335i 6spd Steptronic (automatic). I did a lot of homework prior to the purchase. Here is my brief review or you prefer the one from Car and Driver:

Engine: I only have 142 miles on the clock so far. It is so hard for me to keep it below 4500rpm. This is Euro Supra with NSX built quality. It is very ironic that a turbocharged car can drives and be way more respondsive than a NA car.

Transmission: In my opinion, the ZF 6spd automatic in the 335i is the highlight of this car (328i use a completely different tranny). In manual mode it rev match during downshifts, the shifts are fluid and rapid. Shift require 100 milliseconds response time. Ask any of the E46 SMG owner's opinion on this. The ZF unit in 335i is rated to handle 637lb ft of torque.

Gadgets: Too many to mention. on board computer, engine start, USB/Ipod/Auxiliary input port, active curise control, dual zone climate control, etc.

Sound system: Logic 7 (standard on 335i, optional on 328i). 13 speakers, adjustable surround sound.

Lights: Just incredible, look at first pics, the car is like a light show, inside and out. The soft white ambiance interior/exterior lighting is one of my favorite feature.

Handling: I am quite impressed with the handling overall.

The car have FMIC behind the lower center BBQ grill, and oil cooler in the right front opening (came with sports package). The unit is not big but it looks way better than the Supra's tiny SMIC.

Some pics I took before it got soaked in the rain:frown:. Next time I take pics, it should have some exterior items installed and maybe even weight shaved. -40~60lbs of rotating mass possible by going with lighter, better looking wheels, and replace the heavy run flat tires.
9.jpg

5.jpg

8.jpg

7.jpg

11.jpg
 
Last edited:
I seriously do hope this info will help others. Those who considering 328i, IS250, C300, should really think hard. Try to save a relatively small amount of $5k, and you have to take off 100hp, smaller brake, etc. Similar to what NA Supra and Turbo Supra was. Doesn't make sense unless you really just want it for comfort and get you from point a to b. For relatively little more, you get almost a different car.

I got a loaner 328i to drive for 2 days, didn't know the tranny was different at the time, it really made me worried, I was like what happened to rev matching, and the pause after command is not what I remembered. Came home very concerned and did some reading on E90 forum, sure enough the unit was completely different. It was still fun car to drive, I drove it a lot, but what you don't get for small price difference are:

Turbo
Different Steptronic tranny
Smaller brakes
Logic 7 audio system.
Different gear ratio
ETC
Exhaust (dual vs single)

For those buying outright it doesn't make any sense at all to go with 328i or IS250s. Leasing it on the other hand, maybe.

What is odd is that people add premium package and all that not so useful stuff to 328i or IS250 and ended up costing more than 335i/IS350.
 
Last edited:
that's awesome, J! Congrats.

That is the one I said I'd choose in your other thread. It looks beautiful, and that's the color I would have chosen too.

Are you sure it is 100th of a ms? That is 1/100,000 of one second. I think it is 100ms or 1/10 of one second.

Anyways, awesome purchase. Gotta take me for a spin sometime.
 
Sweet! It should be embarrassing to BMW that the 335i looks better than the M3 which it does. Good choice:biggrin:
 
that's awesome, J! Congrats.

That is the one I said I'd choose in your other thread. It looks beautiful, and that's the color I would have chosen too.

Are you sure it is 100th of a ms? That is 1/100,000 of one second. I think it is 100ms or 1/10 of one second.

Anyways, awesome purchase. Gotta take me for a spin sometime.

Thanks, Chris and Perry
I will take you out for a spin sometime. Yes, this is the old thread. I have to say the feedbacks I got from that thread helped me a lot:
http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100873&highlight=evolution+x

This is from the press release:
A mere 100 milliseconds response time.
Responding at such unprecedented speed, BMW’s new six-speed automatic transmission sets new standards, the dynamic gearshift leaving behind
not only conventional automatic transmissions, but even the manual gearbox: The new six-speed automatic transmission completes every gearshift process faster than even the vast majority of sporting drivers experienced in shifting gears manually. This is borne out particularly clearly by the extreme demand made by BMW’s development engineers in defining a kick-down signal at a speed of 70 km/h or 50 mph in sixth gear. The requirement even in this case is to ensure maximum acceleration – and precisely that is what the new six-speed automatic transmission provides, responding in just 100 milliseconds to the driver’s commands. At the same time the automatic transmission sends a positive force pulse to the engine, which immediately increases its speed from approximately 1,400 to more than 5,000 rpm while the transmission itself shifts back from sixth to second gear.
 
hey jason,

sweet car... i talked to someone from STERLING, and even he was tryign to talk me against the new e92 m3's. saying a 335 with a dinan chip (i think) would be just as powerful/if not better for a LOT less $$$.

anyways, can i ask how much this ran you?
 
That car is down right awesome!!!!! However, I don't understand how BMW can build a car with all that power and not give the option of an LSD? Am I the only one that thinks a sports car should have a LSD? That is a lot of torque down low to only send it to one wheel.

Enjoy!!!
 
That's a beautiful car, but judging by the quickness in which you got it, you didn't order it. Every time I see a 3 series coupe I admire the lines. Chris Bangle is a genius, or maybe an idiot savant... but I think the Z series are too much. LSD is available in the M3 which costs considerably more right now.

The 335 motor has more torque down low than the M3 but is slower. The thing that scares me off from the 335 is that it is a turbocharged car and it has overheated in some tests. Whether or not to choose one over a 328, I know some 328 owners and I understand their reasoning. They wanted NA and better gas mileage while saving money.

If you want to talk about a handsome car the E92 coupes are the first thing that comes to my mind. Alpine white is also my favorite color. I disagree about the comment about the M3 not looking as good. See picture below, you just be an E46 M3 owner. :) Whatever, we can't all agree on everything... The CF top is reminiscent of the white NSXs with black painted tops. I like this color combo, but maybe I'm biased. :rolleyes:

attachment.php

attachment.php

attachment.php
 
hey jason,

sweet car... i talked to someone from STERLING, and even he was tryign to talk me against the new e92 m3's. saying a 335 with a dinan chip (i think) would be just as powerful/if not better for a LOT less $$$.

anyways, can i ask how much this ran you?
He is right, but that is apple to orange comparison. I say get the E92 M3.

The M3 is not just about power, it is the overall package. Yes, you can easily mod the 335i to match or beat the E92 M3 in straight line. Advantage end there. E92 M3 is a special car that you don't buy it just for the power. The buyers of E92 M3 can easily pick up the C6 Z06.

All these 335i have really basic mods:
335i vs E92 M3
335i vs SL55
335i vs C6 Corvette
E55 vs 335i

I paid $47K out the door. There were two cars that they located near the configuration I wanted, 1 stick, 1 steptronic. 0 cars available with exact interior color themes and options I wanted. Dealers have a few on the lot, and the the ones they do have are so heavily loaded with what I felt are useless over priced options and more things to break. To really get exactly everything I want, I have to go custom order. 6~8 weeks wait.

One big plus about the E92 is the factory/aftermarket parts. Wow! so many things available compare to NSX. It is going to be really fun car to mod. Even though it is not a Japanese car, there are tons of Japanese tuners and books available for this car.

This is my most wanted wheels at the moment. BBS CH, LM are also highest on list:
attachment.php
 
Last edited:
If you want to talk about a handsome car the E92 coupes are the first thing that comes to my mind. Alpine white is also my favorite color.
You have good taste, the E92 M3 is my favorite car of the moment, more so than GTR. The look is amazingly cutting edge gorgeous IMO.

I told other nsx owners that when I watch the E92 M3 in motions, it look like a car from anime in best way possible. My GF told me to pay the extra to get it, but the line is too long. There no way I will be able to take delivery until much later time. If the M3 had the N54 motor, it would had been a no brainer for me. I love the black/white theme. I am going with similar theme for my E92, the kidney gril, front grills, window trims will all be replaced with black or carbon fiber ones.

The 328i is still a great car, but I would recommend 6spd manual for the performance type of buyer. The steptronic auto is not very respondsive in this 328i, the delay is too noticeable. For casual buyer, either one is great choice and more than plenty enough performance.
 
Congratulations!! The 335i cp is a great car, when I sold BMWs we could never keep them in stock. It is one of those sleeper kind of cars you never really take seriously until you drive it. Enjoy it in good health:wink:
 
those RS's look sick... but i think the BBS would be more proper! great car J!
 
Some M3 noise for you...

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WwpFD1mYKuw&rel=1&border=0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WwpFD1mYKuw&rel=1&border=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"width="425" height="355"></embed></object>
 
Congrats white on tan chrome inside xenons.

Black roof on the new M3:smile: . I prefer the looks of the E46 over new M3.
 
Wow, congrats on the great choice!

I am actually shopping for an E46 M3, but now the 335i must be put on the list. Time to call my buddy at BMW again for a looksee...
 
Grats man. You have the stock exhaust on your right? Cause I saw someone with a white one with the Crevier signs the other night in Aliso and he had aftermarket exhaust on it and was showing off a little. Three lights in a row he gunned it, only to get stuck at the next light lol. :wink: :tongue: :biggrin:
 
Back
Top