335i (N54/N55) Buyers guide/advice?

[ecKARd]

Howzit gents,

After selling my last car I'm in the market for something slightly more modern with a lot more go! Thus the N54/N55 came up.

I've searched around but couldn't find any local buyers's guides and since I know there is a lot of info on here I thought I'll hear what's up. What to look out for, what to avoid.

I'd prefer to start with a fairly stock car, unless some mods are must do in any case?
I'd prefer a manual. 
Not looking for a 700hp+ build, probably only around 400hp on the wheels. What will be required to eventually get there safely?
I'd prefer a LCI.
What should a budget for a decent car be? I've seen cars for as low as R120k, will R150k get you a decent car?

Any advise or owner's experience will be appreciated! Also if you know of any cars ticking most of the wants and needs let me know!

 

[boost3d]

Check to see if all the campaigns have been done, this would include hpfp and injectors on an n54.
For me basics like regular services and a good log book are always good indications of a car that was thoroughly maintained , nice to haves, would be a carbon clean , an aftermarket charge pipe , pcv, oil catch can and cdv delete

 

[billionairebum]

These builds tend to get pricey really really quickly when you start to take into account all the maintenance also involved. I would look out for one that has been meticulously maintained so you have a good base to start from.

 

[BeemerFanatic]

I don’t know this car or owner personally but this one looks good and maintained well.
https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=92428

There is also a 1 series coupe 125i that’s slightly cheaper and lower mileage on the forum.

 

[Kish2604]

Its a bit of a lucky packet draw, if you want a clean one be prepared to pay a decent sum of money as good ones are not easy to find. There are plenty dogs out there as well so let the buyer beware.
On the reverse side even a super clean one is no guarantee that the car is perfect as the technology in these cars date back to 2005 when the car was first released.

whatever you do, make peace it wont be a perfect ownership experience and then go forth and find your perfect match..

 

[Prev]

I may consider letting my 2008 335i coupe go (manual). PM me for more info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[maleven-GP]

I am not much into modifying.. here is my take on my stock 2007 manual:
1. Got it in 2016 at 26k km, unbelievable mileage at the time.. ran checks with Coisman, took to BMW for checks and spoke to previous owner who traded in as I was trying to collect as much history as possible..
2. It hasd served me very well, despite the fear around the reliability of the N54.
3. The fuel efficiency is better than in the Auto, I get around 650 to 700km (best was 740km to Durban) without fail with JHB travel. I only ever have some spirited driving on weekends.
4. it became my daily after my VW polo was written off, I have since put on 155k km.. its now sitting on 180k km.. mostly work travel..
5. I have not had any serious issues, except Hydro Unit Control which cost around R 14k (warrant paid R7k) to fix at SuperTek Auto (RMI, referred by @"Ratslaaf"), bmw wanted R 28k.
6. Other than that its been normal regular service @Supertek (BMW specialist)..

I am happy with the return, I am just not sure when it comes to modification v reliability...