[suspenceful]

Well, this is my first post so I should probably have some sort of introduction.

I've owned a Miata for 4 years now, but am looking to get into something more luxurious. Looking at a 335i because it will be almost as fast as I've made my Miata: 240whp and 250wtq.


Fresh by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr

Smokey by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr

I also have a 5-speed 328is for a beater. With rust and 250k miles, it isn't worth much. However, I can't leave cars alone so I did a few exterior mods to it after cleaning it up.


Trainhouse by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr

Eat Snow by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr

Since I was 16 (now 21), I've have a thing for BMWs. After owning my E36, I noticed how different they feel. Something about them is just... nice. This year my friend picked up a brand new 435xi. I took a few pictures of it and I was sold.


4 Series by Jake Spence Photography, on Flickr

I knew I needed a 335i. So, that's why I am here. Sorry for the long intro. I am not new to cars or forums, just unfamiliar with these newer BMWs.

I am looking for a 2008 6MT coupe, but I have a few questions:

1. Do any come with an LSD, or is that only an aftermarket option?
2. Do they all come with the adaptive Xenons?
3. What exactly is Comfort Access? Is remote start an option?
4. What is iDrive and BMW Assist?
5. Are there any M-Sport models? What do these include?
6. What are things to look for when buying one? Things to stay away from?

Sorry for all the questions, I've searched to the best of my ability and was able to really trim down the list. I want to make sure I get exactly what I want!

[datbimmer]

Most of these questions are also covered.
1. Aftermarket only
2. I have no idea.
3. Open the doors and start the car without ever touching your key fob (which has to be in your pocket )
4. I drive is the screen you have on the inside for you entertainment and to change car settings. BMW Assist is only on the models which have Bluetooth. Google it.
5. I think M-Sport models started in 2009.
6. There are a shitload of threads on this.

[MARZPOPS]

Hey look buy a 2010 335 or 2011 335is you should have some type of cpo no matter what car because if the past owner has not done any maintenance you could be looking at 1500+ after first 3-4 months, the 335is is more $ but 100% worth it and still has factory 4 year maintenance look into it better to spend more money buying the car right with low miles then having to go through dealer visits

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by datbimmer

Most of these questions are also covered.
1. Aftermarket only
2. I have no idea.
3. Open the doors and start the car without ever touching your key fob (which has to be in your pocket )
4. I drive is the screen you have on the inside for you entertainment and to change car settings. BMW Assist is only on the models which have Bluetooth. Google it.
5. I think M-Sport models started in 2009.
6. There are a shitload of threads on this.

Thank you.

1. Do M3's come with an LSD? What do most 335er's do that want an LSD?
3. Is remote start an option?

Still open to input/answers.

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by Spaceegrayy

Hey look buy a 2010 335 or 2011 335is you should have some type of cpo no matter what car because if the past owner has not done any maintenance you could be looking at 1500+ after first 3-4 months, the 335is is more $ but 100% worth it and still has factory 4 year maintenance look into it better to spend more money buying the car right with low miles then having to go through dealer visits

Thanks, but I've already decided on what I'm looking for. 335is is out my budget and I'd like to stick with an 08. Maybe 2007-2009, but it all depends on the car/price.

[datbimmer]

Yes M3 comes with LSD. Install aftermarket LSD. There's a lot of options.
No I don't think so.

[flip4335]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

Thank you.

1. Do M3's come with an LSD? What do most 335er's do that want an LSD?
3. Is remote start an option?

Still open to input/answers.

1. Buy one. It also depends upon how you want to use your LSD. I bought a Quaife because it doesn't need to be serviced or parts changed because of its worm gear construction. Plus, it is a mechanical, vice an e-differential.

The Quaife automatic torque biasing (ATB) helical gear limited slip differential is a unique, patented traction-enhancing product, which has been manufactured continuously since the 1980s. It senses slippage and sends torque to the wheel with traction, so it doesn't require the car to apply brakes to the rear in order to mitigate the lack of traction. Bottom line, I bought and installed it so that my rear brake pads would last a bit longer, especially when all the nanny controls are turned off.





Mine was a bolted diff, so all I had to do was switch out the innards. You may have to buy the entire pumpkin and swap out the open diff. Then you can do this:



2. Bi-xenons only come with the performance package, so check if it was an included option before purchasing your ride.

3. Remote start is an option, I believe. If not, you could get one of the forum members to code it into your key FOB.

Good luck with your purchase. I like sedans.

[drunkenup]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

Thank you.

1. Do M3's come with an LSD? What do most 335er's do that want an LSD?
3. Is remote start an option?

Still open to input/answers.

1. M3's have a electronically controlled mechanical LSD, 335 peeps can add one, Quaife and Wavetrac seem to be the most popular options.
2. Remote start.. its possible I never see it on the forums so..

about your earlier questions..
2. Adaptive Xenons are standard on all E9x 335i's, coupe or sedan.
4. iDrive is your complete infotainment suite complete with a controller and large screen. 2009 cars get the CIC iDrive which is much much better than the previous CCC. BMW Assist is an emergency telematics service, it'll call the authorities in an accident and allow you to remotely unlock your car only if the service has an active prescription.
5. M Sport is 2009+ only, includes a body kit, wheels, M sport steering wheel, increased top speed limiter, m sport door sills, black headliner.
6. Always try to get service records.. turbos, injectors, fuel pumps, water pumps are all concerns so try to find out if those have been replaced.

Getting a 2009+ would be ideal because they get the new iDrive, availability of M sport, revised turbocharger wastegate acutators that might not rattle (as much), and a revised front subframe that doesn't rub on the engine pulley and belt.

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by flip4335

1. Buy one. It also depends upon how you want to use your LSD. I bought a Quaife because it doesn't need to be serviced or parts changed because of its worm gear construction. Plus, it is a mechanical, vice an e-differential.

The Quaife automatic torque biasing (ATB) helical gear limited slip differential is a unique, patented traction-enhancing product, which has been manufactured continuously since the 1980s. It senses slippage and sends torque to the wheel with traction, so it doesn't require the car to apply brakes to the rear in order to mitigate the lack of traction. Bottom line, I bought and installed it so that my rear brake pads would last a bit longer, especially when all the nanny controls are turned off.

Mine was a bolted diff, so all I had to do was switch out the innards. You may have to buy the entire pumpkin and swap out the open diff. Then you can do this:

2. Bi-xenons only come with the performance package, so check if it was an included option before purchasing your ride.

3. Remote start is an option, I believe. If not, you could get one of the forum members to code it into your key FOB.

Good luck with your purchase. I like sedans.

Awesome! Good looking sedan.

1. I swapped the out the open diff pumpkin in my Miata and put in a Torsen diff. I love it. I'll have to see what options are out there.

2. As far as the Bi-xenons, what is the Performance Package? I thought there was only Cold Weather Package, Sport Package, and Premium Package...

3. So it can be coded into any key? Does it need to have Comfort Access? I don't understand how remote start could be coded into any key, because I'm not sure what button would be pressed to activate it. However, I don't know what the keys look like.

[datbimmer]

flip4335, Is there a way to know for sure if mine is a diff with bolts ? Mine is a 03/07. How much is the conversion if it's with bolts ?

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by drunkenup

1. M3's have a electronically controlled mechanical LSD, 335 peeps can add one, Quaife and Wavetrac seem to be the most popular options.
2. Remote start.. its possible I never see it on the forums so..

about your earlier questions..
2. Adaptive Xenons are standard on all E9x 335i's, coupe or sedan.
4. iDrive is your complete infotainment suite complete with a controller and large screen. 2009 cars get the CIC iDrive which is much much better than the previous CCC. BMW Assist is an emergency telematics service, it'll call the authorities in an accident and allow you to remotely unlock your car only if the service has an active prescription.
5. M Sport is 2009+ only, includes a body kit, wheels, M sport steering wheel, increased top speed limiter, m sport door sills, black headliner.
6. Always try to get service records.. turbos, injectors, fuel pumps, water pumps are all concerns so try to find out if those have been replaced.

Getting a 2009+ would be ideal because they get the new iDrive, availability of M sport, revised turbocharger wastegate acutators that might not rattle (as much), and a revised front subframe that doesn't rub on the engine pulley and belt.

I appreciate all of the input!

I definitely want the iDrive then. However, I don't think I'll need the BMW assist.

I really wanted the M-sport steering wheel, so along with your other reasons, it sounds like 09+ is the way to go. We'll see.

That reminds me, are heated steering wheels an option? If so, starting in what year?

[drunkenup]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

I appreciate all of the input!

I definitely want the iDrive then. However, I don't think I'll need the BMW assist.

I really wanted the M-sport steering wheel, so along with your other reasons, it sounds like 09+ is the way to go. We'll see.

That reminds me, are heated steering wheels an option? If so, starting in what year?

I believe heated steering wheels were available from 2009 on but I think you can't get it with the M sport pack and M sport wheel.

[Miller335]

I thought all coupes have the adaptive bi-xenon's?

[djjasper]

Do not buy one without the Sport Package. The seats on the non-sport are crap. This is the deal-breaker more than all of the other options.

[X5-User]

LSD is a must for 300+ hp ...not sure why BMW didn't have as an option at least

[paddy335]

Originally Posted by datbimmer

flip4335, Is there a way to know for sure if mine is a diff with bolts ? Mine is a 03/07. How much is the conversion if it's with bolts ?

This from WaveTrac's site:

335i with manual transmission (up to 2/2007) [BOLTED]
335i with manual transmission (3/2007 to present) [WELDED]
335i with automatic transmission (up to 2/2007) [BOLTED]
335i with automatic transmission (3/2007 to 9/2007) ]WELDED]
335i with automatic transmission (10/2007 to present [BOLTED]
135i with manual tranmission (all) [WELDED]
135i with automatic transmission (all) [BOLTED]

If you are welded you need to select the install kit + core option. Install Kit is 699.00 and the REFUNDABLE core is 800.00 (Total 1499.00) (800.00 core is refunded once your stock pumpkin is sent back) USD

[trikat]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

I appreciate all of the input!

I definitely want the iDrive then. However, I don't think I'll need the BMW assist.

I really wanted the M-sport steering wheel, so along with your other reasons, it sounds like 09+ is the way to go. We'll see.

That reminds me, are heated steering wheels an option? If so, starting in what year?

Since you want iDrive / Nav definitely go with the 09+.
I think all 09+ E92 have sport package + xenon by default.
M-Sport 6MT is rare and you will pay more.
Xdrive does not have the sport suspension (also called M-sport suspension).
Heated steering comes with the cold package, but you cannot have M-sport steering wheel w/ heat.

[suspenceful]

Originally Posted by trikat

Since you want iDrive / Nav definitely go with the 09+.
I think all 09+ E92 have sport package + xenon by default.
M-Sport 6MT is rare and you will pay more.
Xdrive does not have the sport suspension (also called M-sport suspension).
Heated steering comes with the cold package, but you cannot have M-sport steering wheel w/ heat.

Is this true? Heated steering wheel comes with cold weather package?

[TokyoCarGuy]

Definitely go with past 2009 LCI model. There was another change in 2010, when they went for twin scroll turbo instead of twin turbo giving you a bit better fuel economy and more torque at lower rpm.

LSD is after market only. I can't comment much on other items because they configure cars differently in Japan.

BTW, those photos are awesome, did you shoot them?

[Antetokounmpo]

Originally Posted by suspenceful

Is this true? Heated steering wheel comes with cold weather package?

I know this isn't true for pre LCI models. Can't say for LCI models, I think it was an option, not included in the ZCP. I think he maybe meant heated seats.

[AlpineSwift]

Research, research, research. Treat it like a damn history project for college credit. The more you know about the 335, the better. This board and a few others are gold mines for information on these cars. Don't buy one unless its absolutely the one you want. I knew as soon as I saw mine in person that I had to have it, and I absolutely love it now.

[ronmeister]

Originally Posted by djjasper

Do not buy one without the Sport Package. The seats on the non-sport are crap. This is the deal-breaker more than all of the other options.

BMW has two seat options...you WANT the full sport seats...DO NOT COMPROMISE here. The power lumbar, side bolsters, and seat extensions are awesome comfort options. If you do any amount of driving you will thank me. Additionally...if you occasionally track (or love sharp corners) they will make you smile.

They probably come standard with the sport package BUT they are still an option on cars without that package --- look for them and note the difference. You can immediately tell the difference by looking at the seat: the sport seats have an extension just behind where where your knees are. (I'm sure someone here knows the technical name)