Dilemma, 335i or 128i?

[david in germany]

I have agreed to purchase a 2011 128i M Sport 44k miles with Premium package (no nav and no Xenons) for $19k (firm) but just found a 2009 335I with top specs (M Sport, Premium package, nav, Xenons, Cobb tune, BMW performance exhaust, BMW performance tune, and much more), for $16.500 and I could probably talk him down to $16k. After owning a 2009 Turbo Mini Cooper S I am a bit turned off about having a turbo again let alone two of them… I loved the power but the maintenance was a pain with oil leaks on the turbos and such (3 oil leaks on the turbo in 80k miles) I also look at the 128i because the simple fact that it is dependable (but my wife doesn’t like the shape of the 1 series coupe.)
I love the handling of the 1 series but the 3 series is such a nicer ride (Already have an 2011 328I M sport in the family for my wife)

What to do???

[KingOfJericho]

it has the Cobb tune AND the BMW Perf tune?

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

it has the Cobb tune AND the BMW Perf tune?

Yes, it does.

[KingOfJericho]

Doesn't make sense but ok. The 128i is going to be more reliable but the 335 will be faster. I always opt for more power when available.

[Billup]

I like my 128i only because I drive a shit ton on a daily basis. 52k miles last year alone, and all I've had to do is basic maintenance.

Not sure how much you'll be driving, but I can only believe more wearable parts (turbo components) would probably require a more stringent maintenance interval.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Yes, it does.

that's not possible. it's one or the other. regardless see if the hpfp has been replaced and the turbos on the n54 are warrantied up to 10yrs/100k miles if I am not mistaken. If you get the 335i for $16k then you have $3k for maintenance, which should be more than enough to keep the car running for some time. Just make sure the 335i is in good condition mechanically so you don't have to dump money into right off the bat.

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by Billup

I like my 128i only because I drive a shit ton on a daily basis. 52k miles last year alone, and all I've had to do is basic maintenance.

Not sure how much you'll be driving, but I can only believe more wearable parts (turbo components) would probably require a more stringent maintenance interval.

I do 100 miles round trip daily but I plan to hang onto my 118i for a while. It does 35-36mpg normally. Sometime next month my commute should be cut in half though.

Originally Posted by rjd598

that's not possible. it's one or the other. regardless see if the hpfp has been replaced and the turbos on the n54 are warrantied up to 10yrs/100k miles if I am not mistaken. If you get the 335i for $16k then you have $3k for maintenance, which should be more than enough to keep the car running for some time. Just make sure the 335i is in good condition mechanically so you don't have to dump money into right off the bat.

I would think the Cobb would overwrite the BMW tune. I asked about the hpfp and he said that it never had any of the issues. I also believe that most of the miles are highway miles as well (like my 118i) so that is a good thing.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

it has the Cobb tune AND the BMW Perf tune?

Originally Posted by rjd598

that's not possible. it's one or the other. regardless see if the hpfp has been replaced and the turbos on the n54 are warrantied up to 10yrs/100k miles if I am not mistaken. If you get the 335i for $16k then you have $3k for maintenance, which should be more than enough to keep the car running for some time. Just make sure the 335i is in good condition mechanically so you don't have to dump money into right off the bat.

Could've easily come with PPK1/2 and the Cobb was installed on top of it. If the Cobb is ever removed then the PPK1 would be the [current] tune.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Yes, it does.

does 335 have meth? how many mi/km?

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

does 335 have meth? how many mi/km?

no meth and 84k miles

[david in germany]

This just got easier, the website they are both on just flagged the 335i as a scam even though I have already received the vin and original build sheet. I may still have a chance with the 335 as I know the original sales man and he can still track down the owner. 128i has taken the lead though still as less drama involved.

[david in germany]

Everyone thanks for your input, I will most likely be picking up the 335 this Friday. The car has the BMW Performance tune as the stock map but the present owner has been running the Cobb stage 1. When I pick it up it will be back to the BMW P tune as I have requested but the Cobb stays with the car.
As for usage, it will be more of fun car and I will continue to use my 118i as my primary commuter.

[Alfisti]

Isn't the 335 known to lunch itself for fun?

Turbos in an of themselves are not really an issue, they are everywhere.

[IEDEI]

the choice is SIMPLE!

find yourself a 135i. The best of all worlds!

[smellthebeans]

Originally Posted by david in germany

Everyone thanks for your input, I will most likely be picking up the 335 this Friday. The car has the BMW Performance tune as the stock map but the present owner has been running the Cobb stage 1. When I pick it up it will be back to the BMW P tune as I have requested but the Cobb stays with the car.
As for usage, it will be more of fun car and I will continue to use my 118i as my primary commuter.

Post the links to the adverts.

[Kiwi]

If you can buy the 335. I would go with this engine as its really economical and drives really sweet.

[david in germany]

It was never reposted as I had already been in contact with him.

[david in germany]

Originally Posted by Kiwi

If you can buy the 335. I would go with this engine as its really economical and drives really sweet.

I doubt the 335i will be able to get anywhere near the 35-37mpg (us mpg)that my 118i can get. I would be pleased with anything over 30mpg.