Perhaps you’re a newcomer to the BMW model. Perhaps you simply received — or are about to get — your driver’s license. Maybe you’re lusting after a shiny new M340i or M3 — however merely don’t need to half with the scratch required to get one. Whatever the scenario, there’s an incredibly good various: the BMW 335i. Notably, the F30 technology. It’s flying a bit underneath the radar proper now, however it’s the proper BMW 3 Sequence for a brand new fanatic.
Like the fashionable M3 and M4, you will get the F30 BMW 335i in a number of completely different configurations. Your use case will decide which is correct. Want xDrive and an automated transmission? The F30 can accommodate. Traditional BMW dynamics by way of a six-speed handbook and rear-drive? Examine. The F30 truly permits for barely extra flexibility right here; the odd xDrive handbook automobile exists. And underneath the hood of the 335i beats a coronary heart shared with up to date BMW M automobiles: the N55 engine, a turbocharged inline-six that additionally discovered its manner into the primary iteration of the BMW M2. Later examples — badged the 340i — obtained the B58 engine, however that’s a story for a unique day.
By the Numbers, the F30 335i is Fast (and Low cost) Sufficient
Whereas efficiency of those N55-powered 335i automobiles falls barely in need of the N55 stuffed into the OG M2, there’s nonetheless so much to speak about. The N55 B30M0 develops 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque for those who hearken to BMW; real-world information suggests these numbers to be fairly conservative estimates. Zero to 60 mph occurs in nicely underneath 5 seconds based on most sources, and we’d wager xDrive helps reduce the time down even additional. The ZF-sourced six-speed handbook — although not similar to the one within the F80 M3 — is nice enjoyable, however even the automated in these automobiles is stable. It’s none aside from ZF’s eight-speed automated, which in reality was the unit’s debut in a 3 Sequence. Just like the F80 and G80 M3, what it would lack in driver engagement it definitely picks up in velocity. Even over a decade in the past, the ZF offered crisp shifts that offered an uninterrupted stream of energy to the wheels — assuming, after all, you had traction management disabled. It’s one of many first events that getting the automated in a BMW can safely be thought-about a “sidegrade.”
Maybe essentially the most endearing high quality of the F30 335i? Worth. Within the U.S., the place we’re in some methods extraordinarily spoiled, you’ll be able to choose up a 335i for underneath $10,000. Actually serviceable examples appear to hover round and above the $12,000 mark or so, and also you’ll seemingly pay extra for an M Sport instance. Nonetheless, it’s a fraction of what you’ll pay for both an F80 or G80 M3. Moreover, sustaining an N55 isn’t half the headache you would possibly count on it to be; BMW made tons of those engines, so components are plentiful. And normally comparatively cheap — though paying for labor could be one other story.
Commerce-Offs Make the F30 BMW 335i Excellent
The F30 335i is a superb performer in its personal proper. And also you definitely can’t beat the worth. The bizarre factor is: these are solely minor causes it’s the proper funds various to a contemporary M3. Its shortcomings, too, make it precisely the proper introduction to the BMW model as it’s right this moment. Earlier E90 335i fashions — and even the up to date 135i — are arguably higher automobiles from the motive force’s seat, because of their wonderful steering really feel. However the F30 335i depends on a extra trendy electrical steering system. It isn’t as communicative because the outdated stuff, and it’s not as exact as later iterations, however it’s so much nearer to a brand new BMW than something with a mechanical rack. Aspect be aware: a mechanical rack was obtainable as an possibility on these automobiles. It’s fairly good — however for various causes.
One other factor new BMW followers would possibly go years with out experiencing is the linear awesomeness that was BMW’s naturally-aspirated engines. The N55 right here serves as a terrific introduction to the model, showcasing the superb energy turbocharged BMWs are identified for whereas additionally avoiding lots of the pitfalls — equivalent to reliability, the place the in any other case superior N54 engine stumbles. I contend that the B58 and N54 are each extra thrilling mills. However why pay N54 and B58 premiums when the N55 is such a balanced various? In all instances, the engines do a stable imitation of the fashionable S58 (and S55) energy crops when you think about the worth delta. With out sounding like spoons in a blender in addition. One other aspect be aware for the report: I truly take pleasure in how the S55 and S58 sound. Their distinctive voices additional amplify the “specialness” of their respective M automobiles. However I perceive it isn’t most individuals’s cup of tea.
Ought to You Purchase an F30 335i?
I believe the F30 335i continues to be significantly underappreciated, which suggests it’s proper on schedule. The standard fanatic lifecycle for a BMW is new, used, forgotten about for a decade, then again within the fanatic highlight. The N55 being so drastically overshadowed by the B58 makes these automobiles simple to miss. In the meantime, classic BMW followers (learn: the individuals searching for hydraulic steering automobiles) are endlessly trying elsewhere. I believe the N55-powered F30 BMW 3 Sequence will stay a relative cut price for some time. Which is ok by me: it’s the proper automobile for fanatics to fulfill trendy BMW.
