[HitBoostTwinTurbo]

So where do i start....
My experience with the 2008 bmw 335i cabriolet is quite mixed.
Im gonna start with the positives:
The car is AWESOME to drive in every way possible, handled my jb4 and downpipes well and overall was a joy to drive.

However, Im pretty sure it was a lemon.
Heres a list of problems that I had with the car over a 2 year period (the car is only driven 5-6 months out of the year):

-Starter failure (Free Replacement w/ warranty)
-Water pump and sensor $1400
-Window regulator $300 I think
-Water leaked into car battery
-Crackling rear speakers

The previous owner lowered the car (I didnt know this at the time of the purchase) and the wheel alignment was never perfect and it was impossible to make it 100% perfect, soooo the tires were wearing out pretty quickly, which was a nuisance but its understandable.

Overall, the problems with the car outweigh my experience driving it, which was very good.

Im trading it in soon and was thinking of many different cars, preferably more reliable.
The first thing that came to mind when i thought about reliability is the 350IS Lexus.
Has anyone had any experience with these or can compare them to the 335i?

If anyone has any input on other comparable cars such as A4/S4, G35/37, C350, IS350, ISF, I would love to hear it.

And will these cars cause similar problems or was I just unlucky with my purchase?

Sorry for this unorganized post but I look forward from getting everyone's input!
Thanks.

[kaijones34]

I'm not sure that would qualify as a lemon, we had to have Nissan engineers come out to try and fix a problem that had 50 shop hours tied up already before we got it, and it was hardly worth it in the end. Sucks you haven't had the best luck though. My friend just got an A4, but he hasn't had it long enough to have much feedback other than "it's nice". Hopefully someone will have some good comparisons for you.

[sna66]

Lexus ... u will never have a problem.

[e92_bryan]

F33 435i? To stay loyal to bmw
Is there an S5 vert?
Buggati vittese?

[Bob Shiftright]

Originally Posted by sna66

Lexus ... u will never have a problem.

Unfortunately, I don't think Lexus even sells a model with a manual transmission option any more.

But yes, if reliability is your paramount goal -- just buy a Lexus.

[ken1137]

Lexus is more reliable but in the end all car models have problems. Your problems with the 335 dont appear to be that bad but sounds like you still need a Lexus. Something to think about:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/lexus.html

[Chromey]

2015 mustang... I know I know but it will be under warranty and the new one properly specd looks sweet I think. Manual tranny and a blast to drive. Or get a used 2008 jaguar XK or XKR ... Trust me I just sold mine and it was the best car I have owned ... Amazing quality and looks that can't be faulted. You will be surprised how fast and comfy they are too. It was just a bit steep on my wallet for me so I traded it for a 335i 09 e92 which I love and am modding as we speak but the jag was sweet and people just don't know to buy one. Mine is still for sale at jaguar Victoria

[dannyhavok]

Originally Posted by Chromey

2015 mustang... I know I know but it will be under warranty and the new one properly specd looks sweet I think. Manual tranny and a blast to drive. Or get a used 2008 jaguar XK or XKR ... Trust me I just sold mine and it was the best car I have owned ... Amazing quality and looks that can't be faulted. You will be surprised how fast and comfy they are too. It was just a bit steep on my wallet for me so I traded it for a 335i 09 e92 which I love and am modding as we speak but the jag was sweet and people just don't know to buy one. Mine is still for sale at jaguar Victoria

Hey fellow Victoria guy.

Subscribing to this thread for interest, OP. I'm considering a 335i but looking at G37 and well, similar power/comfort but probably more reliable. Mustang is also a consideration, although I haven't had a chance to test drive one yet. I drove an '08 GT awhile back but I understand there's been a lot of improvements. I know it's a whole new platform for 2015, but I'd be checking out deals on 2014s too.

[kaybat]

wifey has a 12 g37, great ride, but interior room is kind of tight.

[Chromey]

Originally Posted by dannyhavok

Hey fellow Victoria guy.

Subscribing to this thread for interest, OP. I'm considering a 335i but looking at G37 and well, similar power/comfort but probably more reliable. Mustang is also a consideration, although I haven't had a chance to test drive one yet. I drove an '08 GT awhile back but I understand there's been a lot of improvements. I know it's a whole new platform for 2015, but I'd be checking out deals on 2014s too.

Hay how's it going, can't go wrong re g37 vs 335i although I'll say this, I found the tranny I the g37s auto slow as can be... I did own my jag at time of the test drive and the jag is said to be one or the best auto you can buy but the g37s was light years away from the jag. The BMW is still slow but I'm awaiting the alpina flash hoping that solves my issues. If you go manual it's not an issue. Tech and over all user friendly nav / stereo the infinity leaves BMW in the dust. It was a 2010 g37s I was testing and it had Bluetooth streaming , full voice command etc. I got a 09 335i coupe with. I nav and a base stereo and it honestly blows for sound. I had logic 7 Harmon kar don in my 06 m5 and it was excellent so perhaps the upgraded stereo in the 335i is much better. I also believe in 2010 BMW upgraded the nav and screen don't quote me but the. U get the n55 motor and if you want to tune it the n54 is better I think. Now as far as tuning wow , BMW hands down , the g37s isn't even close to performance of a jb4 or cobb ap3 tuned 335i. And that cost 500-1000 depending on your choice. Throw in a 100 for a intake and you will walk g37s all day long... Plus the sound and rush of the turbos can't be duplicated. Reliability and maintenance well infinity wins out there but so does a honda civic... The 335i has common issues but not a lot and also if you get a low milage one like me all you can do is knock on wood that it is a good car. Performance wise it's unbeatable for the $$ after tuning.

[dsb335]

The G37 will be more reliable but there are downsides that led to me going with a '11 335i; 1) road noise is more poorly controlled. It's louder and not in a positive way. Almost like it's funneling through the steering column to the driver's face. 2) it can be squirrely. Under hard acceleration, the car will shimmy left and right. I've never had that with the 335i. 3) the tech isn't that great. The screen is pretty poor and the bluetooth call quality is terrible.

If you can swing a '11 with CPO or Platinum warranty, I recommend that over a G37.

[WRichieX]

OP, your 335i is hardly considered a lemon. Coming from a vert guy myself, I've had WP, lpfs, and Tstat replaced. It sucks but they are common problems in an n54. I bought the car knowing this. With that said, I can honestly say that the 335i is one of the best car in terms of "driveability." It's just so fun. I came from a G35 and I thought that was fun but nothing compared to the 335i. I did test drive a G37, A4, A5, my buddy has the new lexus IS (looks awesome but not quote sporty enough), and they all fall short of the 335i. With MB's unless you go AMG, it's just plain boring. If you're looking for reliability, just go japanese, but I have a feeling you're going to miss the thrill of the drive from your 335i.

[DF]

That doesn't seem like a lot on a 6 year old car. If you want something that you just have to put gas in mad change the oil get a Lexus. My mother has had two and never fixed anything. But you sacrifice the fun factor

[dannyhavok]

Originally Posted by Chromey

Hay how's it going, can't go wrong re g37 vs 335i although I'll say this, I found the tranny I the g37s auto slow as can be... I did own my jag at time of the test drive and the jag is said to be one or the best auto you can buy but the g37s was light years away from the jag. The BMW is still slow but I'm awaiting the alpina flash hoping that solves my issues. If you go manual it's not an issue. Tech and over all user friendly nav / stereo the infinity leaves BMW in the dust. It was a 2010 g37s I was testing and it had Bluetooth streaming , full voice command etc. I got a 09 335i coupe with. I nav and a base stereo and it honestly blows for sound. I had logic 7 Harmon kar don in my 06 m5 and it was excellent so perhaps the upgraded stereo in the 335i is much better. I also believe in 2010 BMW upgraded the nav and screen don't quote me but the. U get the n55 motor and if you want to tune it the n54 is better I think. Now as far as tuning wow , BMW hands down , the g37s isn't even close to performance of a jb4 or cobb ap3 tuned 335i. And that cost 500-1000 depending on your choice. Throw in a 100 for a intake and you will walk g37s all day long... Plus the sound and rush of the turbos can't be duplicated. Reliability and maintenance well infinity wins out there but so does a honda civic... The 335i has common issues but not a lot and also if you get a low milage one like me all you can do is knock on wood that it is a good car. Performance wise it's unbeatable for the $$ after tuning.

Hey, thanks for the insight on the G, good to hear an E90 owner's perspective. I'm going to be looking for a manual, and likely won't be tuning or modding aside from suspension/wheels/tires. My current ride has 107WHP so either the G or the E90 will both feel like a rocket in comparison. Just looking for a ~300HP RWD car that'll serve me well for both DD and GT duties, without spending too much time in the shop. G is probably the way to go for me, but I really love the driving dynamics of the 335, and the aesthetics as well. Just lurking these boards to get some insight into what I might expect if I become an owner.

[NemesisX]

Originally Posted by DF

That doesn't seem like a lot on a 6 year old car. If you want something that you just have to put gas in mad change the oil get a Lexus. My mother has had two and never fixed anything. But you sacrifice the fun factor

The 3rd generation IS350 is actually an excellent handling car, but it has no manual transmission and you can't modify it for more power (which is, presumably, something the OP cares about given that he installed JB4 on his 335i).

[DF]

Originally Posted by NemesisX

The 3rd generation IS350 is actually an excellent handling car, but it has no manual transmission and you can't modify it for more power (which is, presumably, something the OP cares about given that he installed JB4 on his 335i).

It's still a step down. It's a Lexus. It's built for comfort albeit with "sporting" characteristics

[likecars]

The IS350 was my 4th Lexus before moving to my first BMW, an 08, E93.

For me, the two cars are night and day. As much as I love Lexus, I could not give up the BMW for another Lexus.

[giovanniv]

Don't go with the g37, you will be very disappointed. I came from a 06 g35 6mt all extras and it wasn't nearly as fun as my 335i is! Power is there when want with the 335i, the G was quick but just not enough. Interior IMO is better in the 335i, the seats are 1000% more confortable especially if you're a wider person. The 335i may have it's flaws and common issues but at the end of the day you have to decide what you want. A car that you have to do maintanance here and there and have a blast in it or settle for a reliable car that will look sporty but not perform the way it looks. If anything if you're ok with the paddle shifters, go with the ISF.

[Chromey]

Money wise honestly get a e46 m3.... Still one of my favourite cars... Yes it is a bit more expensive to fix but you will save a lot on purchase price and still there great cars....