CTC Review: 2009 BMW 335i xDrive

[ovr50]

@airbalancer: The E90 was introduced at the end of 2005 as a 2006 model. The two-door (E92) did not arrive until late '06 / early '07 as a 2007 model. In my post I was referring to my 2006 330i, which is an E90, not an E46.

Yes, and the E60 first year in NA was MY2004.

[airbalancer]

Hey , I have six grandkids already, at times I get the years all mix up
Atleast I wrote that I was wrong

[Giant Dwarf]

I've test driven a few e90 330i's lately with sport pkg and was also shocked at how much the car does crash over bumps.  I've driven a lot of BMWs and never noticed it before.  I guess those RFTs really are a key component.

Nonetheless, the ride is still far less harsh than my stiffened MX-5 and a little harshness doesn't deter me from wanting one quite badly.     I still don't like the e90 body style as much as the e46, but I do like more power. 

[mmret]

But the updated (2009) E90 does look much better, imho.

[bluelines]

@Giant Dwarf: If you are in the market for an E90, I'd still recommend the sports package. The sports seats are absolutely fantastic, and I think you can make a huge difference to the crashing ride with non-run-flat tires. Also, lots of great deals to be had right now. The MSRP for my 330i was over $60k and now I'd be lucky to get $35k for it.

[teutonicauto]

I recently test drove back to back: a 2009 audi A4 2.0T with sport pkg on summer wheels/tires, 2009 e90 328xi on BMW winter wheels/tires, and 2009 e90 335xi sport pkg on 18' summer wheels and tires. I currently own a 2001 e46 330xi.  The 335xi definitely has a firmer ride than my 9 year old e46 but I didn't think it was too bad. I also have a 2008 e93 with sport pkg and the ride wasn't as stiff as that one.  The 328xi with the winter tires (still rft afaik) felt less firm, but the most jarring ride of the 3 was the A4.  Just my observation.

[Flinter]

Last spring I was in the market for a sporty AWD car with a manual transmission. I test drove all 3 contenders in my price range. (BMW 328XI, Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, Subaru WRX, All 2008 models). Unfortunately, the 335xi was a little too pricey for me to consider right now.
 
My assessment was that the BMW is the best driver's car of the group and the car I would most like to own. The inline 6 is just a great engine, the ride/handing trade off of the suspension is just about perfect, and the steering feel is the best of the group. However, it is also the most expensive by several thousand dollars.
 
The Audi 2.0T was the best luxury car of the group. For less than the price of the BMW, you get a car that has much more in the way of standard equipment, a better interior in my opinion, adequate power, very good handling, and great fuel economy. I think this is still the case based upon reviews of the new 2009 A4.
 
The Subaru was the hot rod and probably the best value. It felt substantially quicker in a straight line than either the BMW or Audi and it was 11-13K cheaper. However, it does fall a little short in refinement, interior quality, and I feel the handling is not as good as the BMW or Audi.

In the end I decided to go with the Subaru WRX because I personally couldn't justify the extra cost for the BMW.  I've had the WRX for almost a year now and I'm happy with my decision thus far but I must admit that if I had the extra $ I would have opted for the BMW.

[Bullet Blue]

Last spring I was in the market for a sporty AWD car with a manual transmission. I test drove all 3 contenders in my price range. (BMW 328XI, Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, Subaru WRX, All 2008 models). Unfortunately, the 335xi was a little too pricey for me to consider right now.
 
My assessment was that the BMW is the best driver's car of the group and the car I would most like to own. The inline 6 is just a great engine, the ride/handing trade off of the suspension is just about perfect, and the steering feel is the best of the group. However, it is also the most expensive by several thousand dollars.
 
The Audi 2.0T was the best luxury car of the group. For less than the price of the BMW, you get a car that has much more in the way of standard equipment, a better interior in my opinion, adequate power, very good handling, and great fuel economy. I think this is still the case based upon reviews of the new 2009 A4.
 
The Subaru was the hot rod and probably the best value. It felt substantially quicker in a straight line than either the BMW or Audi and it was 11-13K cheaper. However, it does fall a little short in refinement, interior quality, and I feel the handling is not as good as the BMW or Audi.

In the end I decided to go with the Subaru WRX because I personally couldn't justify the extra cost for the BMW.  I've had the WRX for almost a year now and I'm happy with my decision thus far but I must admit that if I had the extra $ I would have opted for the BMW.

Good first post, welcome 

Is your WRX the hatch or sedan?

[ovr50]

That radio thing is weird. Although, the electrical systems on these cars sometimes seems a bit overtaxed with all the electrical gizmos loaded into a car of this calibre these days. OTOH, might just be some little thing the dealer could have repaired in short order. The problem is sometimes it's hard to figure exactly what is causing this kind of a glitch.

Fuel use is probably close to what it will be over time, may get a bit better as it breaks-in more. My 535xi which is heavier has averaged about 13.7 since new (over 14,500kms but a lot of city in that). Same engine.

Other than the radio thing tho, I'd say you had a week's fun with the 335xi.

[Flinter]

Thanks Bullet Blue.

My WRX is the hatch variety. I felt it looked a little less goofy than than the sedan and it has a little more utility. That said, I must admit that the styling of the WRX has grown on me over the past year.

The biggest beef I have had with the car is the soft suspension. I think it's great for swallowing up the pothole mine field that we have here for roads in Ottawa but the car roles/drives/squats too much in spirited driving. That said, I feel the ultimate limits of the car are still very high even with the soft suspension. I understand that this has been improved in the 2009 WRX along with a different turbo to give the engine better top end.

In any event, the 328xi or 335xi are both better driving cars in my opinion... if you can pry the additional $$ out of your bank account.

[Snowman]

Last spring I was in the market for a sporty AWD car with a manual transmission. I test drove all 3 contenders in my price range. (BMW 328XI, Audi A4 2.0T Quattro, Subaru WRX, All 2008 models). Unfortunately, the 335xi was a little too pricey for me to consider right now.
 
My assessment was that the BMW is the best driver's car of the group and the car I would most like to own. The inline 6 is just a great engine, the ride/handing trade off of the suspension is just about perfect, and the steering feel is the best of the group. However, it is also the most expensive by several thousand dollars.
 
The Audi 2.0T was the best luxury car of the group. For less than the price of the BMW, you get a car that has much more in the way of standard equipment, a better interior in my opinion, adequate power, very good handling, and great fuel economy. I think this is still the case based upon reviews of the new 2009 A4.
 
The Subaru was the hot rod and probably the best value. It felt substantially quicker in a straight line than either the BMW or Audi and it was 11-13K cheaper. However, it does fall a little short in refinement, interior quality, and I feel the handling is not as good as the BMW or Audi.

In the end I decided to go with the Subaru WRX because I personally couldn't justify the extra cost for the BMW.  I've had the WRX for almost a year now and I'm happy with my decision thus far but I must admit that if I had the extra $ I would have opted for the BMW.

Welcome wmurrin, as previous owner of a 2002 and currently a 2006 WRX for the same logic as you discussed the probability of a 2010 WRX are quite high. 11 months to go and counting 

[williewonka]

This is my first post on this website, so I understand if you dismiss me.

I've been an avid reader of the CanadianDriver/CarTalkCanada website for quite a while now.  The comment sections are always a very interesting read.

First let me respond to ovr50, please let me worship the ground you walk on.   Your post is one of actual intelligence.  I always wonder how many people *actually* drive the cars before they make their comments or if they just read CarAndDriver or watch too much TopGear for their own good.

Second, wmurrin , great post.  I recently went through a similar process.  I owned a Honda Civic (04) and frankly I hated it.  I read all the rave reviews and test drove it, but after long term drive, I couldn't stand it (more so the suspension/ride/handling).    So I began the process of replacement.

I started test driving an GTI, Accord, then a Maxima,  I was shocked the price of the maxima once I optioned it up.  I loved the GTI, it sat at around 34 once optioned.  I kept looking.   I figured if I was going to spend (I think it was aorund 37 for the Maxima) why not look at the g35, at least it had the option of AWD.   Of course that led to the comparison to the A4 and the Lexus IS250.  I also drove the WRX and Lancer EVO, but I dismissed them from my decision as being "too racy" for me, as I need a daily commuter that needed to be a little more comfortable.   Don't get me wrong, those were two AWESOME cars (personally I liked the EVO over the WRX, but it was a tough call).

Personally, I thought the Lexus was too small, and gave me the feeling of glorified Camry.   I'm sure I'll get chastised for it, but I didn't think the car was worth it.  It didn't seem in the same class as the A4, G35x or 328xi (I also test drove several 335i and 335xi)

All the cars had to be 4 door and AWD.  Here's what I came to, and again, its just me, some will think (and do) that I'm crazy.

The A4 was a more luxury than sport car.  It had a nice interior but felt a little less sporty than the 328 in terms of power and handling (honestly, it felt like 90% the car in every way with a better interior).   The G35x had lots of power but really I thought the car was heavy handling, noisy (although I wonder how different tires may have helped) and I didn't care for the looks or interior of the car (I recall thinking the clock was stupid, yes I'm that petty).  The 328xi seemed the best middle of the road, personally the 335xi was (if you didn't take price into account) the hands down winner of the group, but it was too expensive.

So, I liked the BMW, and I had to decide, and when it came to price it was the 335i vs 328xi (similarly equipped).  The 335xi was just too much $$$.   It was a super hard decision for me.   The 328 gets slightly better MPG, was AWD and had a higher clearance (lol, I have to laugh at people complaining about the ride height, I LIVE NEAR WINNIPEG, IT SNOWS HERE, A LOT SOMETIMES, CLEARANCE IS NOT A BAD THING).   I want to say, I'm a fairly young guy (29) and thought BMW's were for old people, alll the cool "kids" drove Audi.   I'm always suprised by comparisons of these cars, they are so close to me now, its all about how much you value price, speed, handling, comfort and luxury.  You could pick each of the three.  Sometimes I'd get out of one and say (yup, the A4), then I'd go back to BMW and say, "Nope, BMW".  It took my 3 weeks, and 12 different cars (BMW 5, Audi 3, Infiniti 4).  I tried 2 door, 4 door, awd, not AWD, standard, auto, etc.   I tried them all.    The one thing I did find, the BMW guy was most accomadating, letting me drive lots of the cars (even a 135)

I went 328xi (loaded without the NAV) and have been extremely happy with it (all winter long).  I love my car, I do wish sometimes I had the 335 for the speed, but in the end, as a commuter car in a province that is VERY cold, constantly icy and snowy, this thing has been a trooper.  I wish everyone owned one.

Last, as for RFT, they are "firm", especially the Winter LM-22's compared to the summer tires.   Yes, I'm sure regular tires would be better, and I *will* replace the current summer RFT tires with regular tires and a can of compressed Tire Fix it, but jebus, they aren't that bad.

I know this is a long post, but I've been saving up

[williewonka]

oh, one more thing

The radio, if the writer of this article reads it, I had the same problem, however I don't think its the radio, I think its related to the bluetooth and my phone (blackberry).  I fixed it once by shutting the car off, shutting off my phone and starting the car.

Sounds rediculous, but it worked.

[ovr50]

Williewonka - welcome to CTC, hope you stick around and share your insight. Good first 2 posts, and thanks for the compliment. Appreciate the kind words. BMW forums do have a number of comments on the proper pairing up of things like Blackberry with the BMW software so you are not alone.

Enjoy your BMW, they are fine cars...!!!

Welcome also the wmurrin, another good post from a first timer here.

To both of you: 

[wing]

I was not paired with my phone at all.

[Oz]

This is my first post on this website, so I understand if you dismiss me.

I've been an avid reader of the CanadianDriver/CarTalkCanada website for quite a while now.  The comment sections are always a very interesting read.

First let me respond to ovr50, please let me worship the ground you walk on.   Your post is one of actual intelligence.  I always wonder how many people *actually* drive the cars before they make their comments or if they just read CarAndDriver or watch too much TopGear for their own good.

Second, wmurrin , great post.  I recently went through a similar process.  I owned a Honda Civic (04) and frankly I hated it.  I read all the rave reviews and test drove it, but after long term drive, I couldn't stand it (more so the suspension/ride/handling).    So I began the process of replacement.

I started test driving an GTI, Accord, then a Maxima,  I was shocked the price of the maxima once I optioned it up.  I loved the GTI, it sat at around 34 once optioned.  I kept looking.   I figured if I was going to spend (I think it was aorund 37 for the Maxima) why not look at the g35, at least it had the option of AWD.   Of course that led to the comparison to the A4 and the Lexus IS250.  I also drove the WRX and Lancer EVO, but I dismissed them from my decision as being "too racy" for me, as I need a daily commuter that needed to be a little more comfortable.   Don't get me wrong, those were two AWESOME cars (personally I liked the EVO over the WRX, but it was a tough call).

Personally, I thought the Lexus was too small, and gave me the feeling of glorified Camry.   I'm sure I'll get chastised for it, but I didn't think the car was worth it.  It didn't seem in the same class as the A4, G35x or 328xi (I also test drove several 335i and 335xi)

All the cars had to be 4 door and AWD.  Here's what I came to, and again, its just me, some will think (and do) that I'm crazy.

The A4 was a more luxury than sport car.  It had a nice interior but felt a little less sporty than the 328 in terms of power and handling (honestly, it felt like 90% the car in every way with a better interior).   The G35x had lots of power but really I thought the car was heavy handling, noisy (although I wonder how different tires may have helped) and I didn't care for the looks or interior of the car (I recall thinking the clock was stupid, yes I'm that petty).  The 328xi seemed the best middle of the road, personally the 335xi was (if you didn't take price into account) the hands down winner of the group, but it was too expensive.

So, I liked the BMW, and I had to decide, and when it came to price it was the 335i vs 328xi (similarly equipped).  The 335xi was just too much $$$.   It was a super hard decision for me.   The 328 gets slightly better MPG, was AWD and had a higher clearance (lol, I have to laugh at people complaining about the ride height, I LIVE NEAR WINNIPEG, IT SNOWS HERE, A LOT SOMETIMES, CLEARANCE IS NOT A BAD THING).   I want to say, I'm a fairly young guy (29) and thought BMW's were for old people, alll the cool "kids" drove Audi.   I'm always suprised by comparisons of these cars, they are so close to me now, its all about how much you value price, speed, handling, comfort and luxury.  You could pick each of the three.  Sometimes I'd get out of one and say (yup, the A4), then I'd go back to BMW and say, "Nope, BMW".  It took my 3 weeks, and 12 different cars (BMW 5, Audi 3, Infiniti 4).  I tried 2 door, 4 door, awd, not AWD, standard, auto, etc.   I tried them all.    The one thing I did find, the BMW guy was most accomadating, letting me drive lots of the cars (even a 135)

I went 328xi (loaded without the NAV) and have been extremely happy with it (all winter long).  I love my car, I do wish sometimes I had the 335 for the speed, but in the end, as a commuter car in a province that is VERY cold, constantly icy and snowy, this thing has been a trooper.  I wish everyone owned one.

Last, as for RFT, they are "firm", especially the Winter LM-22's compared to the summer tires.   Yes, I'm sure regular tires would be better, and I *will* replace the current summer RFT tires with regular tires and a can of compressed Tire Fix it, but jebus, they aren't that bad.

I know this is a long post, but I've been saving up

Hey williwwonka!!

Welcome and great first post. Always good to catch another BMW owner on here.

So did you get the sedan or coupe?

Pictures man! 

[williewonka]

Sedan, 4door, Black Sapphire paint

I'm disappointed it wasn't the phone, now the mystery still exists on what did it.

For the record, I love CTC forums because it seems there are more "owner"s here, people who seem to know what they are talking about.   Like I said, some other forums are justs fanboys that regurgitate things read in magazines.

also, I forgot to mention but I drove a Mazda3 along the same time as the GTI.  I should have bought the Mazda instead of the Civic, after the fact I can say it really seems like a better car.

I really should take some pics......

[Bullet Blue]

Sedan, 4door, Black Sapphire paint

I'm disappointed it wasn't the phone, now the mystery still exists on what did it.

For the record, I love CTC forums because it seems there are more "owner"s here, people who seem to know what they are talking about.   Like I said, some other forums are justs fanboys that regurgitate things read in magazines.

also, I forgot to mention but I drove a Mazda3 along the same time as the GTI.  I should have bought the Mazda instead of the Civic, after the fact I can say it really seems like a better car.

I really should take some pics......

Yes, pics please and welcome 

I had a similar situation when I was looking, it was a tough choice choosing between the 128i and the 135i. Obviously the 135i is better, but optioned out the same way as the 128i, it was too much $$. And being a leftover 08, the 128i was a steal of a deal anyway and was optioned out EXACTLY the way I wanted it (exactly how I build it on the BMW website...even down to colour scheme). So I figured 230 horses was plenty for mostly city driving, but man, that 135i is just amazing.

Did you opt for manual or automtic transmission?

[williewonka]

I went Auto, first car in my life an auto.

The stick was very nice, but the idea is that it will replace our current family car in the future (we also own a 2004 VW Jetta TDI Sport 5 Speed) and I thought that going forward the auto might be nicer for everyone.

To be honest I don't often miss it, the tranny is so smooth and fast.   The only thing I miss is the ability to down shift quickly.

Again, I'm no track'er, I'm a commuter.  I like the idea of having an increasingly sporty car, but for now this fit the bill so perfectly.

[ovr50]

I went Auto, first car in my life an auto.

The stick was very nice, but the idea is that it will replace our current family car in the future (we also own a 2004 VW Jetta TDI Sport 5 Speed) and I thought that going forward the auto might be nicer for everyone.

To be honest I don't often miss it, the tranny is so smooth and fast.   The only thing I miss is the ability to down shift quickly.

Again, I'm no track'er, I'm a commuter.  I like the idea of having an increasingly sporty car, but for now this fit the bill so perfectly.

The new auto trannys are so fast and so smooth, one really has to think about it. My 535xi is auto (Steptronic) with a "Drive Sport" option. In DS, that sucker holds the revs, and when it shifts, it sounds and feels just like a manny tranny. In regular Drive, it's more of a cruiser, but still, if you put your foot in it, it is quite aggresive.

This BMW is the first of 12 I have had that has an auto, all others were manny. And, maybe because I'm older, I don't miss the manny. Like I said, you can still have a lot of fun in DS. There is also the issue that a manny tranny equiped 5 Series "might" be a bit tougher on resale. Not sure.

I have read some reviews on the 335 saying that the Step was acually 1/10 of sec faster than the manny equipped car.