Some diesel questions from across the pond

maswastage · 08-18-2009, 04:52 AM

Hello UK brethren. I'm about to order a 2009 335d and was told to direct my questions here, since the car's been available in Europe for some time. My main concern is reliability. I know that the 335i is notorious for its fuel pump failure, so are there any any similar wide spread problems with its diesel twin? I know diesels engines are generally bulletproof, but what about all of the soft plastic bits around the engine? Any problems with the (what I assume is) complicated 2-stage turbo system?

Thanks in advance!

JLR1969 · 08-18-2009, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maswastage

Hello UK brethren. I'm about to order a 2009 335d and was told to direct my questions here, since the car's been available in Europe for some time. My main concern is reliability. I know that the 335i is notorious for its fuel pump failure, so are there any any similar wide spread problems with its diesel twin? I know diesels engines are generally bulletproof, but what about all of the soft plastic bits around the engine? Any problems with the (what I assume is) complicated 2-stage turbo system?

Thanks in advance!

I am sure the 335D owners will be along soon.

As I am aware they are awesome engines which re-map to 345BHP with good reliability, am trying to buy one myself but its hard to find the right colour and spec at the moment due to the popularity.

Em135eye · 08-18-2009, 05:07 AM

Mine has been fine so far - for the three weeks I've had it!

JLR1969 · 08-18-2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Mine has been fine so far - for the three weeks I've had it!

What fuel consumption are you getting?

Em135eye · 08-18-2009, 05:10 AM

Low to mid 30s to the gallon - but I'm driving it like a loon on country roads. It settles to 40ish when cruising on dual carriageways (no motorways in Cornwall)!

AlanQS · 08-18-2009, 06:01 AM

maswastage: the engine you get will be slightly different to the diesels in Europe. Firstly, it will be a few bhp down in power, it will be significantly quieter and smoother (and we thing the big D in Europe is already very refined), and it will be much cleaner than European versions since your car will have an NO cleaner built in.

There have been no reported common faults with the 335D as far as I know and all you must do is look forward to driving on a wall of torque.

trixman · 08-18-2009, 07:08 AM

You are in uncharted territory maswastage, as the 335d as Alan said are slightly different, what with your cars chucking piss all over the exhaust and most importantly the availability of decent quality diesel. I'm sure most 335d owners in Europe use the higher quality diesel available from the pumps.

You guys also get the very latest hardware and software which is proving a bit of a beyatch to the tuners so it'll take a while for you to receive the full 'remap' experience.

Dave_3 · 08-18-2009, 11:51 AM

Had mine for more than 2 1/2 years - no faults. Never read about any sytematic faults here either.

The US model is subtley different with more emissions control, but basics are the same - Alloy block, sequential turbo setup, etc.

The upcoming European 335Ds will have improved turbo delivery to give more immediate low down torque and further refinement improvements.

The only real problem you will have is listening to all the utter pish that will be spouted by US kids using ancient Diesel Myths, looking at a few paper perfromance figures whilst never actually driving one .... Every discussion from them will start at looking at how long it will take to pay any difference between a 335i and 335D - thank god for the "cash for clunkers" subsidy you get now as that knocks that drivel on the head

But I am glad that the 335D is finally being driven and experienced ... and enjoyed now in the US. You will enjoy it.

The only Mod I would add in the US is a little switch to illuminate the D on the boot (trunk) bright red as I rocket past.

D.

lilalleykatt · 08-18-2009, 12:15 PM

I put 6000 miles on mine the first week of ownership on a trip to Oregon. Top speed in the Nevada desert is 146 mph before the electronic governor interfered with a vengence. I have averaged 30 mpg @ 80-82 mph. the mpg's increase to 34 mpg @ 75mph.MPG's continue to improve as miles accure. The first trip down the 1/4 mile drag strip yielded a 14.063 @ 98.98mph. I installed a cold air intake off of another vehicle which made it a little snappier in the mid range. The next morning it was surging upon cold start and I opened the hood only to discover the CAI had been melted by the turbos. Its real hot after shutdown. I am about to have the reprogram and the exhaust upgraded. I think high 12's are easily attainable in the 1/4 mi.

maswastage · 08-18-2009, 12:17 PM

Thanks for the input. I am very excited about finalizing this purchase. I test drove the 335d earlier this summer and fell in love. There's something intoxicating about a car that gets from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, and can still return upwards of 30 (US) mpg.

As for any potential d vs i debates, allow me to just say that my own personal decision was always between the 328i and the 335d. The 335i fell out of contention early because of it's reliability problems.

Neil McRae · 08-18-2009, 12:25 PM

youll be fine with the d

dxb335d · 08-18-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilalleykatt

I put 6000 miles on mine the first week of ownership on a trip to Oregon. Top speed in the Nevada desert is 146 mph before the electronic governor interfered with a vengence. I have averaged 30 mpg @ 80-82 mph. the mpg's increase to 34 mpg @ 75mph.MPG's continue to improve as miles accure. The first trip down the 1/4 mile drag strip yielded a 14.063 @ 98.98mph. I installed a cold air intake off of another vehicle which made it a little snappier in the mid range. The next morning it was surging upon cold start and I opened the hood only to discover the CAI had been melted by the turbos. Its real hot after shutdown. I am about to have the reprogram and the exhaust upgraded. I think high 12's are easily attainable in the 1/4 mi.

I did a 13.9@101.5mph standard.

best now 13.0@106mph.

Hotcoupe · 08-18-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_3

The only Mod I would add in the US is a little switch to illuminate the D on the boot (trunk) bright red as I rocket past.

D.

Cracking idea Dave, let me know when you have it patented,and you can have a crack on Dragon's Den, Bannatyne will love it!

As others have stated, the emission situation in the US is far stricter than in Europe hence the lower output of the engine, but someone soon will crack the ECU.

Makes sense really, what with the American Govt leading the rest of the world with their policies in regards saving the planet against global warming!

I've had mine (335D) since Oct 2007, 37,000 mls later, and not one problem to date

JLR1969 · 08-18-2009, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilalleykatt

I put 6000 miles on mine the first week of ownership on a trip to Oregon. Top speed in the Nevada desert is 146 mph before the electronic governor interfered with a vengence. I have averaged 30 mpg @ 80-82 mph. the mpg's increase to 34 mpg @ 75mph.MPG's continue to improve as miles accure. The first trip down the 1/4 mile drag strip yielded a 14.063 @ 98.98mph. I installed a cold air intake off of another vehicle which made it a little snappier in the mid range. The next morning it was surging upon cold start and I opened the hood only to discover the CAI had been melted by the turbos. Its real hot after shutdown. I am about to have the reprogram and the exhaust upgraded. I think high 12's are easily attainable in the 1/4 mi.

6,000 miles in a week!!! Dont you mean 600

Twilight1 · 08-18-2009, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilalleykatt

I put 6000 miles on mine the first week of ownership on a trip to Oregon. Top speed in the Nevada desert is 146 mph before the electronic governor interfered with a vengence. I have averaged 30 mpg @ 80-82 mph. the mpg's increase to 34 mpg @ 75mph.MPG's continue to improve as miles accure. The first trip down the 1/4 mile drag strip yielded a 14.063 @ 98.98mph. I installed a cold air intake off of another vehicle which made it a little snappier in the mid range. The next morning it was surging upon cold start and I opened the hood only to discover the CAI had been melted by the turbos. Its real hot after shutdown. I am about to have the reprogram and the exhaust upgraded. I think high 12's are easily attainable in the 1/4 mi.

Weren't you talking about dropping the cats? And what program are you looking at? Evolve will soon have something available for our cars.

R1200RT · 08-18-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twilight1

Weren't you talking about dropping the cats? And what program are you looking at? Evolve will soon have something available for our cars.

Does this suggest that the ECU unit is different in Europe as well? Because my 335d is from July 2009 and I have Evolve.

I am running 20.3 MPG US / 24,4MPG EUR / 11,58 KML. Don't know how other people claiming to have a heavy foot do better! Maybe it is going to improve when I have done more milage with it.

misterS3 · 08-20-2009, 07:14 PM

I get between 26-30mpg in my car, but i do 6 miles to and from work urban driving with a quick country road blast for a mile.

I've had mine for a year. Only issue i have is with the gearbox changing up automatically. But for all the torque, i'll live with it.

Put it this way. I am getting a weekend car and don't really need a 335d, and have been thinking of a 5 series or even Chrysler hearse, as more load space would be nice. But i know for a fact that i'd miss the driving experience, and so when i'm behind the wheel all thoughts of changing disappear.

You'll love it!

Jude1 · 08-21-2009, 04:14 AM

Back on topic - 335d issues

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281232

Jude1 · 08-21-2009, 04:16 AM

More -

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283544

Jude1 · 08-21-2009, 04:17 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282255

maswastage · 10-28-2009, 08:30 AM

Hello all, I just wanted to update everyone that I received my 335d this past friday and I am loving every single minute of it. It had been a while since I test drove a 335d and I had forgotten how amazing that tidal wave of torque feels. It's like having a freight train strapped to my arse

There is a question that just recently popped into my head- are diesel DI engines susceptible to carbon build up like gasoline DI engines are? I was told that the properties of diesel fuel make diesel engines immune to this problem, but maybe I have the wrong information. And if so, is there some kind of fuel system cleaner that can wash out the gunk if it does build up? I'm using cetane booster (because US diesel sucks) but I don't think that would do much to eliminate carbon build up.

Thanks!

robbie99 · 10-28-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLR1969

6,000 miles in a week!!! Dont you mean 600

Birmingham Alabama to Oregon is 2,500 miles one way. That's a lot of driving!

08-18-2009, 04:52 AM	#1
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie 56 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Some diesel questions from across the pond Hello UK brethren. I'm about to order a 2009 335d and was told to direct my questions here, since the car's been available in Europe for some time. My main concern is reliability. I know that the 335i is notorious for its fuel pump failure, so are there any any similar wide spread problems with its diesel twin? I know diesels engines are generally bulletproof, but what about all of the soft plastic bits around the engine? Any problems with the (what I assume is) complicated 2-stage turbo system? Thanks in advance!
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08-18-2009, 05:07 AM	#3
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Mine has been fine so far - for the three weeks I've had it!
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08-18-2009, 05:10 AM	#5
Em135eye Banned 175 Rep 4,302 Posts Drives: M135i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South West iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW M135i 5 door [0.00]	Low to mid 30s to the gallon - but I'm driving it like a loon on country roads. It settles to 40ish when cruising on dual carriageways (no motorways in Cornwall)!
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08-18-2009, 06:01 AM	#6
AlanQS Colonel 243 Rep 2,811 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	maswastage: the engine you get will be slightly different to the diesels in Europe. Firstly, it will be a few bhp down in power, it will be significantly quieter and smoother (and we thing the big D in Europe is already very refined), and it will be much cleaner than European versions since your car will have an NO cleaner built in. There have been no reported common faults with the 335D as far as I know and all you must do is look forward to driving on a wall of torque.
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08-18-2009, 07:08 AM	#7
trixman Major 33 Rep 1,269 Posts Drives: A Rental Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Creepy Crawley iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 335d [0.00] 2003 M3 CSL [0.00] 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	You are in uncharted territory maswastage, as the 335d as Alan said are slightly different, what with your cars chucking piss all over the exhaust and most importantly the availability of decent quality diesel. I'm sure most 335d owners in Europe use the higher quality diesel available from the pumps. You guys also get the very latest hardware and software which is proving a bit of a beyatch to the tuners so it'll take a while for you to receive the full 'remap' experience.
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08-18-2009, 11:51 AM	#8
Dave_3 Brigadier General 652 Rep 3,445 Posts Drives: G22 M440D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: CH / SCO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1973 Escort RS2000 MK1 [10.00]	Had mine for more than 2 1/2 years - no faults. Never read about any sytematic faults here either. The US model is subtley different with more emissions control, but basics are the same - Alloy block, sequential turbo setup, etc. The upcoming European 335Ds will have improved turbo delivery to give more immediate low down torque and further refinement improvements. The only real problem you will have is listening to all the utter pish that will be spouted by US kids using ancient Diesel Myths, looking at a few paper perfromance figures whilst never actually driving one .... Every discussion from them will start at looking at how long it will take to pay any difference between a 335i and 335D - thank god for the "cash for clunkers" subsidy you get now as that knocks that drivel on the head But I am glad that the 335D is finally being driven and experienced ... and enjoyed now in the US. You will enjoy it. The only Mod I would add in the US is a little switch to illuminate the D on the boot (trunk) bright red as I rocket past. D. __________________ Escort Mk1 RS2000 (2.1 2x44IDFS, BVH, Kent FR32, 5spd, 180 BHP) : M440D ¦ Previously : F32 435D : F32 430D M Sport sDrive, 335D E92 2006
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08-18-2009, 12:15 PM	#9
lilalleykatt New Member 2 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 335d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Birmingham, Alabama iTrader: (0)	I put 6000 miles on mine the first week of ownership on a trip to Oregon. Top speed in the Nevada desert is 146 mph before the electronic governor interfered with a vengence. I have averaged 30 mpg @ 80-82 mph. the mpg's increase to 34 mpg @ 75mph.MPG's continue to improve as miles accure. The first trip down the 1/4 mile drag strip yielded a 14.063 @ 98.98mph. I installed a cold air intake off of another vehicle which made it a little snappier in the mid range. The next morning it was surging upon cold start and I opened the hood only to discover the CAI had been melted by the turbos. Its real hot after shutdown. I am about to have the reprogram and the exhaust upgraded. I think high 12's are easily attainable in the 1/4 mi.
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08-18-2009, 12:17 PM	#10
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie 56 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input. I am very excited about finalizing this purchase. I test drove the 335d earlier this summer and fell in love. There's something intoxicating about a car that gets from 0-60 in less than 6 seconds, and can still return upwards of 30 (US) mpg. As for any potential d vs i debates, allow me to just say that my own personal decision was always between the 328i and the 335d. The 335i fell out of contention early because of it's reliability problems.
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08-18-2009, 12:25 PM	#11
Neil McRae BMW Motorsport 235 Rep 2,225 Posts Drives: BMW ///M4 F82 / BMW ///M5 F10 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surrey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 CP [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 [10.00]	youll be fine with the d __________________ -- Neil J. //McRae -- Alive and Kicking -- neil at DOMINO.ORG --///M ARMY M5 CP Alpine White -- M2 LBB -- M4 DCT CP Alpine White
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08-20-2009, 07:14 PM	#17
misterS3 Lieutenant Colonel 70 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: X70 on the way Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	I get between 26-30mpg in my car, but i do 6 miles to and from work urban driving with a quick country road blast for a mile. I've had mine for a year. Only issue i have is with the gearbox changing up automatically. But for all the torque, i'll live with it. Put it this way. I am getting a weekend car and don't really need a 335d, and have been thinking of a 5 series or even Chrysler hearse, as more load space would be nice. But i know for a fact that i'd miss the driving experience, and so when i'm behind the wheel all thoughts of changing disappear. You'll love it!
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08-21-2009, 04:14 AM	#18
Jude1 Captain 29 Rep 690 Posts Drives: 3 Series Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everywhere iTrader: (1)	Back on topic - 335d issues http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281232
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08-21-2009, 04:16 AM	#19
Jude1 Captain 29 Rep 690 Posts Drives: 3 Series Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everywhere iTrader: (1)	More - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=283544
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08-21-2009, 04:17 AM	#20
Jude1 Captain 29 Rep 690 Posts Drives: 3 Series Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everywhere iTrader: (1)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282255
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10-28-2009, 08:30 AM	#21
maswastage Resident Diesel Junkie 56 Rep 1,070 Posts Drives: 2010 AW 335d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Hello all, I just wanted to update everyone that I received my 335d this past friday and I am loving every single minute of it. It had been a while since I test drove a 335d and I had forgotten how amazing that tidal wave of torque feels. It's like having a freight train strapped to my arse There is a question that just recently popped into my head- are diesel DI engines susceptible to carbon build up like gasoline DI engines are? I was told that the properties of diesel fuel make diesel engines immune to this problem, but maybe I have the wrong information. And if so, is there some kind of fuel system cleaner that can wash out the gunk if it does build up? I'm using cetane booster (because US diesel sucks) but I don't think that would do much to eliminate carbon build up. Thanks!
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