I'm thinking of getting a 2007 BMW 335i. I've got 4 kids now and it's become an issue and I'm look for a sedan.

Broad question ... But how long should a BMW last me? Number of years? Miles?

Please chime in.
THANKS

 

BMWs are pretty solid, IMO. With the exception of window regulator in some 3 series, I can't think of anything much with the 3 series. I have also heard of crankcase issues, but not sure exactly what specifically goes wrong. Also, it depends on the year. What I find out is that most Gen BMWs have specific issues, depending on the year. For example, I have a 2000 528I with 155k miles and still going. I knew that the issue with these was the ABS module and water pump going bad. After those fixes, no issues.

 

335i is a great car. I have an E28 M5 with 170,000 miles, and if I buy another one, it will probably be the 335i model.

 

that fuel pump issue on the N54/N55 engines is really irritating, though. had a car qualify for lemon buyback because of it, and there are literally hundreds of cases since they introduced the N54

 

At about 60k you should look into replacing the electric water pump and thermostat. Fuel pump issue is quite common the the N54 engine. Other than that it is a solid BMW just lacks a LSD for putting that power to the ground.

At work I mainly work with the new turbo BMWs. You might want to look into the new F10 5 series as it will be a lot more roomier than a 3 series. And with about 3-4k in engine mods you can have 400+ whp.

 

I just got rid of an '08 335i, it was in the shop several times, HPFP, Injectors, Vanos. Not reliable at all IMO. The non-turbo models (328, M3) are much more reliable.-

 

Also, remember that when thinking about reliability for BMWs, the benchmark is usually different from that of Honda's and Toyotas, IMO.

 

My E46 M3 has been nothing but reliable throughout it's life, I've had a few MAF issues and SMG issues however BMW does build solid cars.

 

i had 2 e39 540i/6 speeds and had almost nothing go wrong with them. then i had an e39 m5 for nine years and it was pretty darn reliable, only had to take care of some of the know issues is all..and i've had my e92 m3 for a whole year now and not one visit to the dealer...so my experience has been pretty good.

 

Thanks for all your opions. I guess time will tell if I made the right decision.

 

my e46 M3 has not given me any problems, they are solid!

 

If it's a manual then it gives even less trouble, my SMG has given me some issues but they've been minor, it's a solid solid car, unlike the 335 TT.

 

Keep in mind you have a 120,000 mile warranty on the fuel pump from BMW so they have recognized that there is a problem and then stepped up and di something about it.