Upgrading to a 335i but need help!!!!

Hi, i'm new to Bimmerfest, i currently have a BMW 330ci convertible and am going to buy a 2007-2011 BMW 335i coupe/convertible. what can i expect in terms of performance difference? i find my bimmer a tad slow and a bit behind in today's technology. regarding the N54/N55 engines in the 335i's which one is more reliable and which one would be easier to get the most performance at a budget. thank

Originally Posted by QuahMan

Hi, i'm new to Bimmerfest, i currently have a BMW 330ci convertible and am going to buy a 2007-2011 BMW 335i coupe/convertible. what can i expect in terms of performance difference? i find my bimmer a tad slow and a bit behind in today's technology. regarding the N54/N55 engines in the 335i's which one is more reliable and which one would be easier to get the most performance at a budget. thank

Can't comment on the 330, never rode in one.

N54 is less reliable (since older), and less fuel efficient. But is also cheaper (since older) and has a higher performance ceiling.

In most ways, the N54 and N55 are roughly equivalent in the "performance can buy per dollar" category. That's because most performance isn't engine tuning. All that stuff costs the same for both (LSD, meth, CAI, sway, tires, brakes, coilovers).

If you just care about engine tuning, then the N54 is better because it has more tuning headroom. Just make sure you don't buy a N54 with the original HPFP. Or if you do, get it replaced.

Final disclaimer: the 3 series has never been a good quarter-mile car, quite by design. If you want that, probably won't like the 335 any more than the 330.

thank you for reply back to me, i was considering the N54 engine with the HPFP replaced or at least one with extended warrently, but i heard that there is a eco mode for the newer n55s which would really benefit me. i've seen many videos of bmw 335i's with a simple JB4 and FBO that pull very similar to the E92 m3s?

The 335i is hands down much faster, it has near M3(E46) levels of acceleration. I suggest you test drive a few and see for yourself.

i have test driven 335i not too long ago but because i wasn't financally ready i didn't want to fall in love and then be dead broke lol so i didn't really get to experience the performance of the engine. i was just wondering on how much difference i will feel. i've been in my buds nissan 350Z and it is faster than my 330 but i dont really notice a difference unless i do a pull. and since you have a n55 engine how reliable is the engine?