[mightbaal]

Hello everyone. I am looking for some information on a car i am probably buying for 20k it is a 2010 BMW 335i xdrive. I currently drive a 2007 infiniti G35x and want to upgrade. I have loveed bmw cars for a long time i owned a 2002 loaded bmw 330i years ago. The bmw I am buying is an automatic with awd (i live in wisconsin) sedan (kids now lol) and I was wondering.
1. The 2010's still had the N54 engines?
2. How does the drivetrain take mods? (like a jb4 tune)
3. How reliable are these cars? (my infiniti has been a nightmare)
4. Is there anything special i need to look for on this 2010 bmw 335i xdrive?
5. What is max HP stock turbos transmission and engine can handle?
6. What are the most common problems on these cars?
7. Estimated cost to hit 450 crank hp?
8. What are stock 0-60 times and qtr mile on the automatic awd models?

Any information would be great thanks! Looking at the car this Wednesday. Looking forward to switching back cause my infiniti sucks haha.

[csu87]

Typing those questions into Google is easier.

Yes, good, decent, nah, lots, hpfp/lpfp/wastegates, 1-2k, slower than the rwd

[mightbaal]

Would this be a decent upgrade to my Infiniti G35x? Do they come with some form of radar or what infiniti calls intelligent cruise control? How do the audio systems compare if anyone knows? My Infiniti is stacked with every option avail. My infiniti is 306 hp stock nothing done to it but I know these BMW have crazy tq at low end vs my infiniti

[YouAreMyWorld]

Originally Posted by mightbaal

Hello everyone. I am looking for some information on a car i am probably buying for 20k it is a 2010 BMW 335i xdrive. I currently drive a 2007 infiniti G35x and want to upgrade. I have loveed bmw cars for a long time i owned a 2002 loaded bmw 330i years ago. The bmw I am buying is an automatic with awd (i live in wisconsin) sedan (kids now lol) and I was wondering.
1. The 2010's still had the N54 engines?
2. How does the drivetrain take mods? (like a jb4 tune)
3. How reliable are these cars? (my infiniti has been a nightmare)
4. Is there anything special i need to look for on this 2010 bmw 335i xdrive?
5. What is max HP stock turbos transmission and engine can handle?
6. What are the most common problems on these cars?
7. Estimated cost to hit 450 crank hp?
8. What are stock 0-60 times and qtr mile on the automatic awd models?

Any information would be great thanks! Looking at the car this Wednesday. Looking forward to switching back cause my infiniti sucks haha.

1) Yes, the 2010's have the N54. 2011+ = N55
2) Tens of thousands upon thousands of miles from countless members have put/ran said miles with a tune (JB4, Cobb, etc.) ranging from relative stock, to FBO with nigh any issues with the exception of the occasional, HPFP (which were fixed via redesign), Water Pump, Turbo Waste gates, and other normal wear and tear items.
3) These cars, for the most part are pretty bullet proof, provided adequate maintenance and care. However if you're looking for Honda/Toyota reliability, look else wear. As aforementioned, usual "problem" items tend to be, the Water Pump, HPFP, OFHG, Injectors (generally when tuning long term), Spark Plugs/Coils (when tuning) and maybe another item or two--perhaps a more veteran member can chime in.
4) You'll want Premium Package (a must in my opinion), Sport Package (a must for spirited driving/sport suspension)
5) Stock turbo's can reliably pull 400 with a simple tune and a few bolt-ons easily. I'd put it at about $1,000 with a tune and a few necessary bolt ons (FMIC, Charepipe, DCI, etc.), and about $2,000 with some more bolt-ons/tuning for 450hp. To reach 450+whp on pump gas, without the need for Meth, etc., you'll need to upgrade stock snails (I believe) to either a larger single turbo, or upgraded twins--all dependent on your budget and power wants. Ranging from $5,000-$9,000 with most expenses covered depending on whichever route you take. And you're looking at anywhere from 500whp/wtq-600whp/wtq on pump gas (91, 93), depending on your upgraded turbo of choice.
6) Read above
7) Read above
8) Faster than your current car, by a good amount.

The N54, as a whole, is shaping up to be an extremely bulletproof engine. With the redesign of the HPFP, it has made most issues involving it non-existent. Since the platform is still extremely new, it seems as if every other day someone is breaking the previous barrier set-forth for power gains. Some people are running around with 700whp/wtq via converted single turbo kits as reliable DD's. Solid engine, but requires more upkeep and care than the likes of Honda's, Toyota's, etc.

[Aashenfox]

It's faster, BMW figures are underestimated, 335 makes about 320-330hp stock. BMWs can be specced with active cruise control, audio systems is a long topic, there is a whole forum section for ICE, suffice it to say bmws aren't the easiest cars to upgrade the sound on.

To your original questions...

1) N54
2) Drivetrain is good to 600whp I understand.
3) Its an expensive car to maintain, if you think a Nissan was finicky, I highly doubt you'd find the experience any better, at least when its working, its simply a more refined and better driving car.
4) Depends how many miles its done. Take someone with you who knows the cars and can listen for squeaks rattles and general behavior that might indicate current or future problems, there are many things to prepare for, particularly HPFP failure, but you guys in the US have extended warranty for that (we don't in europe ) and water pump failure.
5) Stock turbos can do 400whp-ish safely on pump gas, more with the right mods and fuel. Tranny is bulletproof.
6) HPFP failure, squeaking brakes, water pump failure, misfiring cylinders (could be plugs, coils or injectors)
7) no more than 2 grand including tuning and dyno. Aim for 500 crank.
8) 4.8s

[mightbaal]

2 more questions
1. Is it worth it to get an extended warranty? (I would have to revert back to stock everytime its in)
2. Whats the speed limiter on a stock 08 bmw 335xi with sport package?

[csu87]

Depends on how much you want to mod and how handy you are with tools

Probably higher than you will ever get

[mightbaal]

I want to mod to at least 450 crank hp idk what whp that would be 375-380? As far as tools and working on cars iI've done alot of stuff from ball joints to fully rebuilding and modify a 383 stroker lt1 in my friends kitchen lol. But most was done ehen i lived l lived with my parents now my home only has a 1 car garage (barely) vs an insanely oversized 4 car garage when i lived at home. As far as faster than i would ever go... Thats debateable lol been at 180 mph in my 2004 gto (modded to bypass the limiter set at 158-162 i think)

[Aashenfox]

Originally Posted by mightbaal

2 more questions
1. Is it worth it to get an extended warranty? (I would have to revert back to stock everytime its in)
2. Whats the speed limiter on a stock 08 bmw 335xi with sport package?

1. Yes, absolutely.
2. Any tune will get rid of it anyway, but it's 155mph if the Euro cars are anything to go by.

400whp is what to go for. That's basically what you get for FBO status on pump gas. You could claim bragging rights of 480 at the crank.

You will need...

An oil catch can (BMS - 200)
A chargepipe and bov (VRSF - 450)
Downpipes (VRSF - 500ish?? can't remember)
A dual cone intake (100-400 bucks, depends if you care how it looks, the 100 buck one is as functional as any other for 400whp, but the 400 buck aFe ones are beautiful as well)
A bigger intercooler (VRSF 500ish bucks again I think)
An android device for MHD tuner
MHD tuner app
A K+DCAN cable
A map
Better tires.

[mightbaal]

What could I get out of it just plain stock with a good tune hp wise?

[Aashenfox]

ROUGHLY (your mileage may vary as they say) 80whp, 90wtq from the stage 1 programs offered by JB4, COBB, MHD, absolutely no mods required, fully stock car.

Personally, I will be doing the stage 1 MHD tune this weekend, as all it requires is a K+DCANN cable, an android device with a USB on the go cable and a $50 map. The JB4 and Cobb alternatives require expensive hardware. Check out this thread...it's really been a revolution for this platform. See how people turn from skepticism to wonderment in just a few pages...lol

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1096247

Also be aware that if you have an AT gearbox, you can tune that as well. The Alpina gearbox program from the B3 bi-turbo is easy (ish) to install at home with a laptop and aK+DCANN cable and features quite a few nice toys including a much more aggressive sport and manual mode (paddles) gearbox map, much faster shifting and better rev matching, some say that this is as big an improvement as a stage 1 tune, however, it turns regular D mode into granny mode (but hey that's what D is for, no?? ).

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by mightbaal

2 more questions
1. Is it worth it to get an extended warranty? (I would have to revert back to stock everytime its in)
2. Whats the speed limiter on a stock 08 bmw 335xi with sport package?

1. Absolutely!! Unless you have a good mechanic friend (I'm lucky there) or are very good at working on cars.

2. 155mph

I see you also asked for a comparison. Well the G35 is not in the same league as the 335. Performance wise you would compare it with a 328/330. The 335 is a different beast, it will blow right past the G35. The 335 compares more to the G37 but it is still the faster car.

[mightbaal]

Originally Posted by Aashenfox

ROUGHLY (your mileage may vary as they say) 80whp, 90wtq from the stage 1 programs offered by JB4, COBB, MHD, absolutely no mods required, fully stock car.

Personally, I will be doing the stage 1 MHD tune this weekend, as all it requires is a K+DCANN cable, an android device with a USB on the go cable and a $50 map. The JB4 and Cobb alternatives require expensive hardware. Check out this thread...it's really been a revolution for this platform. See how people turn from skepticism to wonderment in just a few pages...lol

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1096247

Also be aware that if you have an AT gearbox, you can tune that as well. The Alpina gearbox program from the B3 bi-turbo is easy (ish) to install at home with a laptop and aK+DCANN cable and features quite a few nice toys including a much more aggressive sport and manual mode (paddles) gearbox map, much faster shifting and better rev matching, some say that this is as big an improvement as a stage 1 tune, however, it turns regular D mode into granny mode (but hey that's what D is for, no?? ).

Wow just wow 80 whp n 90 wtq from just a tune really crazy bmw has this car so dogged lol Those numbers for the MHD?

[Aashenfox]

Those are top end of the numbers, maybe you'll get a little less (maybe even a touch more), but yeh that's where it's at. BMW didn't want the 335 interfering with the M3 market. check out the threads on mhd. It's a lot of reading but important to read, pricing is covered in recent posts, it's SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than any other tuning solution out there at the moment.

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by Aashenfox

1. Yes, absolutely.
2. Any tune will get rid of it anyway, but it's 155mph if the Euro cars are anything to go by.

400whp is what to go for. That's basically what you get for FBO status on pump gas. You could claim bragging rights of 480 at the crank.

You will need...

An oil catch can (BMS - 200)
A chargepipe and bov (VRSF - 450)
Downpipes (VRSF - 500ish?? can't remember)
A dual cone intake (100-400 bucks, depends if you care how it looks, the 100 buck one is as functional as any other for 400whp, but the 400 buck aFe ones are beautiful as well)
A bigger intercooler (VRSF 500ish bucks again I think)
An android device for MHD tuner
MHD tuner app
A K+DCAN cable
A map
Better tires.

Originally Posted by Delta0311

1. Absolutely!! Unless you have a good mechanic friend (I'm lucky there) or are very good at working on cars.

2. 155mph

I see you also asked for a comparison. Well the G35 is not in the same league as the 335. Performance wise you would compare it with a 328/330. The 335 is a different beast, it will blow right past the G35. The 335 compares more to the G37 but it is still the faster car.

The speed limiter isn't always 155 with the sport package and xDrive. If the car came with 17'' wheels it's 130mph, 18'' wheels it's 155mph. A lot of xDrive cars came with 17'' factory wheels because they came with all seasons instead of summers. And JB4 doesn't remove the limiter, you need to buy a separate module. Procede does, however.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by bk335

The speed limiter isn't always 155 with the sport package and xDrive. If the car came with 17'' wheels it's 130mph, 18'' wheels it's 155mph. A lot of xDrive cars came with 17'' factory wheels because they came with all seasons instead of summers. And JB4 doesn't remove the limiter, you need to buy a separate module. Procede does, however.

Yup you are right. Know this for a fact because my XI had 17s.

[BMRSEB]

Originally Posted by YouAreMyWorld

1) Yes, the 2010's have the N54. 2011+ = N55
2) Tens of thousands upon thousands of miles from countless members have put/ran said miles with a tune (JB4, Cobb, etc.) ranging from relative stock, to FBO with nigh any issues with the exception of the occasional, HPFP (which were fixed via redesign), Water Pump, Turbo Waste gates, and other normal wear and tear items.
3) These cars, for the most part are pretty bullet proof, provided adequate maintenance and care. However if you're looking for Honda/Toyota reliability, look else wear. As aforementioned, usual "problem" items tend to be, the Water Pump, HPFP, OFHG, Injectors (generally when tuning long term), Spark Plugs/Coils (when tuning) and maybe another item or two--perhaps a more veteran member can chime in.
4) You'll want Premium Package (a must in my opinion), Sport Package (a must for spirited driving/sport suspension)
5) Stock turbo's can reliably pull 400 with a simple tune and a few bolt-ons easily. I'd put it at about $1,000 with a tune and a few necessary bolt ons (FMIC, Charepipe, DCI, etc.), and about $2,000 with some more bolt-ons/tuning for 450hp. To reach 450+whp on pump gas, without the need for Meth, etc., you'll need to upgrade stock snails (I believe) to either a larger single turbo, or upgraded twins--all dependent on your budget and power wants. Ranging from $5,000-$9,000 with most expenses covered depending on whichever route you take. And you're looking at anywhere from 500whp/wtq-600whp/wtq on pump gas (91, 93), depending on your upgraded turbo of choice.
6) Read above
7) Read above
8) Faster than your current car, by a good amount.

The N54, as a whole, is shaping up to be an extremely bulletproof engine. With the redesign of the HPFP, it has made most issues involving it non-existent. Since the platform is still extremely new, it seems as if every other day someone is breaking the previous barrier set-forth for power gains. Some people are running around with 700whp/wtq via converted single turbo kits as reliable DD's. Solid engine, but requires more upkeep and care than the likes of Honda's, Toyota's, etc.

Originally Posted by Aashenfox

It's faster, BMW figures are underestimated, 335 makes about 320-330hp stock. BMWs can be specced with active cruise control, audio systems is a long topic, there is a whole forum section for ICE, suffice it to say bmws aren't the easiest cars to upgrade the sound on.

To your original questions...

1) N54
2) Drivetrain is good to 600whp I understand.
3) Its an expensive car to maintain, if you think a Nissan was finicky, I highly doubt you'd find the experience any better, at least when its working, its simply a more refined and better driving car.
4) Depends how many miles its done. Take someone with you who knows the cars and can listen for squeaks rattles and general behavior that might indicate current or future problems, there are many things to prepare for, particularly HPFP failure, but you guys in the US have extended warranty for that (we don't in europe ) and water pump failure.
5) Stock turbos can do 400whp-ish safely on pump gas, more with the right mods and fuel. Tranny is bulletproof.
6) HPFP failure, squeaking brakes, water pump failure, misfiring cylinders (could be plugs, coils or injectors)
7) no more than 2 grand including tuning and dyno. Aim for 500 crank.
8) 4.8s

Great help to the newbie, guys!!

I vote for these 2 posts above especially to be combined and Stickied.. These same questions are asked on a quite regular basis, easier to just refer them to the posts. Of course if this already exists say in the Performance/engine section then disregard..

[Aashenfox]

Originally Posted by bk335

The speed limiter isn't always 155 with the sport package and xDrive. If the car came with 17'' wheels it's 130mph, 18'' wheels it's 155mph. A lot of xDrive cars came with 17'' factory wheels because they came with all seasons instead of summers. And JB4 doesn't remove the limiter, you need to buy a separate module. Procede does, however.

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Yup you are right. Know this for a fact because my XI had 17s.

Thanks for the correction guys, I didn't know that. I wonder if its the same for euro cars.... hmmm.

I don't know what wheels mine came with stock, that's a thought...130 in kmh is 209. I've been close to that a couple times already, I'll go for an airport trip to McDs on Saturday morning (only McDs in all Greece that serves breakfast menu is at airport, real glad I live near the airport, lol), and give it the beans down a long straight highway downhill stretch, it's mental how quick this car gets to 200kph going downhill, I can do it and slow down again before anyone notices lol.

[mike5809]

Originally Posted by bk335

The speed limiter isn't always 155 with the sport package and xDrive. If the car came with 17'' wheels it's 130mph, 18'' wheels it's 155mph. A lot of xDrive cars came with 17'' factory wheels because they came with all seasons instead of summers..

This is mostly the case - but not always. There are a number of forum members (myself included) that have an xDrive with Sport/M-Sport and 18in summer wheel/tire package without high-speed rev limiter and oil cooler. There are a few threads on this - there was a big issue with BMWs systems where some production cars did not get those options even though they should have. A member on the forum even went as far as filing a lawsuit against BMW and lost.

OP - I would just check to make sure you have an oil cooler (easy to check - look at wheel well / Oil Filter Housing) and if you do you will have high speed rev limiter. Or do a VIN decoder.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by mike5809

This is mostly the case - but not always. There are a number of forum members (myself included) that have an xDrive with Sport/M-Sport and 18in summer wheel/tire package without high-speed rev limiter and oil cooler. There are a few threads on this - there was a big issue with BMWs systems where some production cars did not get those options even though they should have. A member on the forum even went as far as filing a lawsuit against BMW and lost.

OP - I would just check to make sure you have an oil cooler (easy to check - look at wheel well / Oil Filter Housing) and if you do you will have high speed rev limiter. Or do a VIN decoder.

Another good point
For the 155mph limiter you will need
Sports package
18in wheels
oil cooler

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by Aashenfox

Thanks for the correction guys, I didn't know that. I wonder if its the same for euro cars.... hmmm.

I don't know what wheels mine came with stock, that's a thought...130 in kmh is 209. I've been close to that a couple times already, I'll go for an airport trip to McDs on Saturday morning (only McDs in all Greece that serves breakfast menu is at airport, real glad I live near the airport, lol), and give it the beans down a long straight highway downhill stretch, it's mental how quick this car gets to 200kph going downhill, I can do it and slow down again before anyone notices lol.

Probably the same. The 17s came with all season tires which had a lower speed rating than the summer tires that came on the 18s, so it's probably the same over the pond.

[paco89]

You are lucky, you found some great people that provided great answers to you.