[bahasad]

Please excuse me if a thread like this exists.

I am very familiar with BMWs, especially E90s since I have one. I am however looking to upgrade to a 335I or D. Today I went to my local dealer and they had a 2011 335I and 2011 335D. I was very interested in the D and it was about $1000 cheaper than the 335I, but ultimately didn't buy either cause the dealer didn't negotiate the price to a point I wanted. However it has opened my eyes to the consideration of the D model. It is one i know little about - So a few questions:

1) As I know the N55 335I has fairly minimal problems, what are common problems of the N57 335D? What should I be aware of in a low-mileage (20-40K miles) example?

2) Is there any additional maintenance or things I should be aware of inherent to diesel engines (i.e. I have to add DEF every certain interval?)

3) Are diesel stations common in the Northeast and Michigan, Ohio, areas?

4) What kind of upgrades are available for it? If I was going to get a 335I, I was immediately going to buy a Cobb tune, DCI, and an Intercooler. Possibly run E85. Does the diesel model have similar mods?

[DieselRacer]

All you have to worry about with the D is carbon build up, and not getting a speeding ticket from all the tq...for $300 you can get a JBD that will outrun any 335i or some M3's for that matter, diesel pumps are at every station, the diesel has every mod you need to go fast, its already fast from BMW with 425tq, remember tq wins races hp sells cars, Enzo Ferrari said that, he knows a little about cars...

[skychismo]

For similar miles and only a $1k difference I'd try to talk them down on the i. There are a lot of issues with the D. Unless you really want a diesel. It's a great and fun car and gets high 30s on the highway, but the CBU issues cause a lot of problems.

[stevers314]

Based on recent attempts to trade out of my car, BMW dealers don't want shit to do with the 335d. They know what's coming with it and want it off their lot.

[DieselRacer]

Originally Posted by stevers314

Based on recent attempts to trade out of my car, BMW dealers don't want shit to do with the 335d. They know what's coming with it and want it off their lot.

Then why wont they deal with him on the 335D??? seems they would want to give it to him...

[temporaptor]

Make sure you have a CPO warranty and you will at least have that to cover any problems.

[bvanlieu]

Just read the forum. Lots of threads on CBU and a few others fun things. The emissions system is complex, so there is added risk there. But there is risk in anything you do in life: a 335i that has pump/injector and other issues is no picnic either.

Maintenance is not all that different in all honestly: the oil is LL04 so a bit more expensive per change. Fuel filter every other OC. DEF is much cheaper to DIY using AdBlue or VW sourced stuff vs the very high markup at BMW (VW/MB/BMW use the same OEM for their DEF).

Hey, no spark plugs :P

I have a non-BMW extended warranty and will see what happens. Its a fun car to drive especially if you have some decent HWY seat time. I have averaged 33 or so for the past 15K I have had the car (second owner) and don't baby it accelerating in the open. No JBD for me either: its got more then enough to spin the open diff, especially in the winter with snow tires

- b

[DbLog]

I see your in the east coast/mid-west. Don't buy from Yark BMW is my only advice.

[BMW1983]

Honestly can say this is the most mind blowing car to drive when I factor in the amount of power/performance with the fuel economy and handling and control and comfort - it is fabulous fun. Mine is paid off and I could afford to purchase really any south of 100K but I won't part with this wonderful machine.

YOU MUST be aware of the CBU issue, however, but make note this is germane to many other types of engines and now that there is a way to correct (walnut shell blasting) and prevent (block the EGS circuit) I am not concerned.

What I would lose on trying to sell at this point is much more than what I expect my costs to be long term when I add together the loss of selling with cost of buying new especially when I factor in lack of fun/pleasure that I can't find in another car which matches what I get in mine.

Study up on the CBU issue and use it as your bargaining strength for a better price or for an excellent extended warranty.

Good luck and enjoy.

[doc5339]

Carbon Build-Up and emissions related issues are probably the most common.

Make no mistake, the 335d is nothing short of an AWESOME car!
Now is a great time to buy as you can pick one up at a GREAT price $20k ish, depending on year, options, and CPO or Extended BMW Warranty/Maintenance.

It has it's pitfalls, but does more exceptionally well than any of its common problems do to detract from it.

[bahasad]

Can someone explain exactly what the carbon build up is specific to the 335d? As I understand, it can affect all turbo engines after a lot of mileage accumulates, and walnut blasting/injector cleaning can solve that.

What is BMW's response to this issue?

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by DbLog

I see your in the east coast/mid-west. Don't buy from Yark BMW is my only advice.

I am actually buying the car at my parent's home in the east coast. But I am going to drive the car to my apartment in Oakland county, so I was wondering whether Diesel stations are available enough.

[TrAcK TRaP]

stay away and don't buy any bmw at all

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by N54CherryHill

stay away and don't buy any bmw at all

Haha I bought 2 so far...I'm addicted to them.

Refuse to go into an Audi dealership

[TrAcK TRaP]

Originally Posted by bahasad

Haha I bought 2 so far...I'm addicted to them.

Refuse to go into an Audi dealership

well don't spend your money on a dealer and come and get my car for 25K tune ready rescue me from this piece of shit I beg you

[TrAcK TRaP]

by the way if you close to mt laurel bmw and like any of their cars I'll go with you and knock the price another 3-4K down I know how to fight with them When they see me they will start shaking and maybe give you the car for free

[skychismo]

Originally Posted by bahasad

Can someone explain exactly what the carbon build up is specific to the 335d? As I understand, it can affect all turbo engines after a lot of mileage accumulates, and walnut blasting/injector cleaning can solve that.

What is BMW's response to this issue?

The EGR on these cars cause the intake and cylinder head to become caked in carbon. This causes all sorts of problems from swirl flaps to stick to injector failure. It doesn't necessarily take a long time to happen. I bought a CPO with 34k miles and two days later the SES light came on. It spent close to three weeks in service and ended up having the swirl flaps, intake, EGR, EGR cooler, MAF, and various other sensors replaced. They also walnut blasted the head. I have four pages of work that was performed. I had everything covered under warranty, but some people have had trouble getting BMW to cover repairs, as BMW says it's because of the US diesel and not their EGR design. Definitely don't buy one out of warranty unless you don't mind paying for the top end to be replaced. There also seems to be some issues with the DDE in these cars, as lots of people have had injector failures related to DDE failure.

[GadgetBMW]

I'd say take your time and read this forum for related info about the 335d before doing a purchase.

I started a similar thread on this forum and I got a lot of good feedback prior to my 335d purchase, http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=931605

I strongly recommend getting a car with a warranty plan OR buying a warranty plan soon after a 335d purchase if possible for peace of mind. I purchased my car from a private owner with the transferable BMW factory warranty plan still in effect and a BMW extended vehicle protection plan that kicks in when I hit 50,000 miles. If you can, make sure that you test drive both a sport and non-sport 335d model. I researched the 335d for about 6 months before purchasing it. I patiently waited until I found the right one with the options that I wanted.

The 335d is my 1st BMW car and my 2nd diesel car. I knew about the carbon buildup issues and I've dealt with carbon buildup in my old 2003 VW Jetta TDI. Being that I'm a tinkerer and I'm comfortable diagnosing and working on my own vehicles, the carbon buildup and related issues didn't deter me from buying a 335d. I was drawn to the 335d because of the unique setup, twin turbo diesel and the fact that the car responds so well to tuning! So far, I'm glad that I got the 335d, the car is truly amazing with a unique combination of effortless performance and exceptional fuel economy!

Being that your are very familiar with BMWs, especially E90s, I think that you are already ahead of the curve in terms of knowing the merits, quirks and flaws of the BMW cars, especially the E90. You will find a lot of good 335d info and support on this forum, including how to possibly prevent carbon buildup in the 335d. Best wishes with your decision!

[BayE30]

kinda amusing that people are so scared of the CBU. i just bought my 335d with 50K miles, so no warranty. i have spoken to multiple BMW dealer tech friends, and while they admit the walnut blasting is more of a PITA on the 335d vs 335i, its not death to the car, and can be performed for around $1000.

i plan on driving the 335D in stock config until i start having issues with CBU, then getting the cleaning done and immediately blocking off the EGR afterwards. Then the tuning fun begins.

[skychismo]

Originally Posted by SF335DIESEL

kinda amusing that people are so scared of the CBU. i just bought my 335d with 50K miles, so no warranty. i have spoken to multiple BMW dealer tech friends, and while they admit the walnut blasting is more of a PITA on the 335d vs 335i, its not death to the car, and can be performed for around $1000.

i plan on driving the 335D in stock config until i start having issues with CBU, then getting the cleaning done and immediately blocking off the EGR afterwards. Then the tuning fun begins.

I had close to $10k in repairs done as a result of CBU. Walnut blasting only gets rid of the carbon, it doesn't fix the stuff that been ruined by it. I had the intake, EGR, EGR cooler, MAF, swirl flaps, swirl flap actuator, and various other parts and sensors replaced. Many other people have had to have their injectors replaced as well. Often times it takes several weeks for BMW to figure out how to fix these cars. In addition, the DDE's tend to crap out which cost a few grand. It's not a scared thing, it's an educated thing. My service department had three other 335d's in for CBU at the same time as mine. One had been there for a month already. Mine took three weeks to get sorted out.

[BayE30]

being in the industry and having built more than a few cars by hand may be contributing to my lack of regard for your dealership warranty price tags. either way, its a hell of a car to drive.

[grzes]

Originally Posted by skychismo

I had close to $10k in repairs done as a result of CBU. Walnut blasting only gets rid of the carbon, it doesn't fix the stuff that been ruined by it. I had the intake, EGR, EGR cooler, MAF, swirl flaps, swirl flap actuator, and various other parts and sensors replaced. Many other people have had to have their injectors replaced as well. Often times it takes several weeks for BMW to figure out how to fix these cars. In addition, the DDE's tend to crap out which cost a few grand. It's not a scared thing, it's an educated thing. My service department had three other 335d's in for CBU at the same time as mine. One had been there for a month already. Mine took three weeks to get sorted out.

well said and I can confirm that it is true, when CBU creeps on us it costs thousands in parts and weeks without car. Walnut blasting was done in few days but figuring out what else went wrong took them forever, waited for over 4 months to get my car back.