German engineering combines sports performance with luxury.
The BMW 3 Series has always seamlessly combined sports performance with luxury and practicality in the way that German engineering does so well.
The 335i has been extremely popular in Australia for exactly these reasons. Not only that, but it's become very popular for tuning as well.
If you're interested in combining performance and luxury, then the 335i could be exactly what you're looking for.
German engineering for German performance
The 335i Series has some impressive stats. Pre-2009 models have BMW's N54 engine while post-2009 models have the N55 engine.
Both engines are turbocharged 3L, 6 cylinder monsters which produce 225 kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The N55 cuts a tenth of a second off the N54's 0-100km/h time, giving it a time of just 4.7 seconds.
Overs the years that 335i has been in production, the other performance areas such as handling, gearbox, and breaking have all had positive reviews from both professional critics and consumers alike.
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Tuning potential
What's even more exciting than the engine's base stats is the fact it has some great tuning potential. Pre-2009 models with the N54 engine are even more sought after by tuning enthusiasts.
In their project car review, Turner Motorsport was able to add 63 kW and 136 Nm to their 335i's output. Not only that, but they were able to push more power out of the engine at lower RPMs.
With a few mods, you can give your 335i very similar performance to that of a BMW M3 for a much lower price tag, while still keeping the refined, daily driver attitude.
How does it look?
The 335i Series has always been sleek and stylish, as you'd expect from a luxury German car. Not only that, but they don't look like they'd be a slouch when it's time to put your foot down.
The bodywork does a good job of balancing the look of a sophisticated luxury car with enough strong lines to make it clear that there's a beast under the bonnet.
The newer models especially look strong, almost mean, from the front. Of course, if you want to make it look even meaner to match any mods you've installed, you could always add some custom body work as well.
Image courtesy of caradvice.com.au
Before you buy
As with buying any used car, you need to do a lot of research, shop around, and thoroughly check the car before you buy it.
The 335i should be fairly reliable since it comes with the quality of BMW's manufacturing. However, the BMW badge also means that any repairs you do have get will come with a hefty price tag.
There was also a recall on some models which had High Pressure Fuel Pump failures. Any 335i that still on the road should be safe from this issue, but add it to your list of things check just the same.
How much will it cost?
You can pick up an older model for around $20,000, which is a bargain when you consider that it has almost the same engine as the more recent models. Speaking of which, newer models sell for around the $50,000 mark or more.
There are plenty of variations and optional features in the 335i range that will impact the price, so shop around until you find one you like that's going for a reasonable price.
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In closing
The 335i is much loved for its on-road performance, and it's everyday practical luxury. But it's even more loved by gearheads with a with a passion for tuning and modding.
Whichever camp you're in, the 335i offers plenty of bang for your buck. Especially since it's got you covered for everyday driving and going to track days.