2011 BMW 3 Series 335d 3.0L turbo diesel

Summary:

If you can find a low mileage 335d, buy it!

Faults:

None so far, though I do have a small issue with the front door panels rubbing on the dash. Also the doors creak.

General Comments:

Great car, love driving it. The quietest, smoothest, most refined car I've driven with effortless power and great efficiency.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th May, 2015

5th Apr 2016, 21:36

The 335D is crap. I bought a new one in 2011. Loved the performance, but they had some bugs that never were worked out. Therefore they discontinued them. Carbon buildup is a huge issue. Needed to be de-carbed at 130,000. Then at 140,000 the computer gave me 200 miles to get a new catalytic converter. I ordered it from BMW in Sept 2015, back ordered until at least February 2016. Complete bull. They did nothing for me. I traded it in and grabbed a used Jeep off the dealer lot. BMW has very poor customer relations. Do not buy a BMW. Only lease until the free 50,000 service is up and then give it back. Owning these is not possible.

In reply to 5th Apr 2016, 21:36

6th Apr 2016, 16:44

You hit the nail on the head, as the fellow you replied to says before you, if you can find a 335d with low mileage, buy it, why not. Meaning 5000 miles yes, anything above no.

BMW are building to customer's expectations; now dispose of this, dispose of that.

In reply to 6th Apr 2016, 16:44

7th Apr 2016, 10:39

I have noticed quite a few people buying a new Honda after having a BMW with repair cost issues. True cost of ownership has to reflect maintenance $.

2011 BMW 3 Series 335i 3.0 turbo gasoline

Summary:

Driver's car, if maintained properly

Faults:

Seats squeaked - fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

Contrary to the reliability consensus of BMW, my 335i coupe has been pretty reliable. I love the performance and handling dynamics of the car.

The car isn't the most comfortable one to be in, largely due to the suspension tuned toward sportiness, combined with run-flat tires.

Maintenance is expensive - oil changes twice a year are over $100 each.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2013

2011 BMW 3 Series 328i RWD 3.0L inline 6

Summary:

Beautiful styling, questionable reliability, dangerous throttle response

Faults:

- The run-flat tires appear to be a problem on this car, even the all-season ones that come on models that aren't equipped with the sports package (like mine). You may go to start your car to find one of your tires has deflated for no reason.

- Otherwise, the vehicle has been trouble-free during these 12,000 or so miles.

General Comments:

- Like previous BMW's, the 328i is a beautiful car, inside and out. But I'm afraid it's beginning to show cheapness in many subtle ways. I'm not new to the BMW brand; I have a 530i of the 2001 model year, which I loved so much I bought it when the lease was up.

- What irks me most about this particular car is the transmission/throttle response. Driving this car, there is often such a severe hesitation in engine response when you press the gas, it can be infuriating, make you lose your patience, or possibly cause an accident. At the root of the problem, I believe, is the drive-by-wire (electronic) throttle. I think BMW screwed up the throttle design somehow, and there is some gremlin in the throttle system, which creates the delay in pedal response. Anyhow, it can truly be annoying and make you hate the car.

Throttle response is at the root of driving enjoyment. If a company like BMW is going to market its products as "sports sedans", presumably they would want to make this issue a priority. I have driven all kinds of cars from BMW's to Volvo's to Toyota's to Dodge's, and while virtually every car with an electronic throttle system will exhibit some hesitation or lag, BMW appears to have a severe case on its hands with some of its newer cars. I want to drive the redesigned 2012 model soon to see how it compares, but I find my 2011 absolutely unacceptable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 4th December, 2012

7th Dec 2012, 21:52

Hey. I am too having issues with my 2011. It's more noticeable when it's cold for me. Have you tried to talk to the dealer? Are you in North America?

In reply to 7th Dec 2012, 21:52

8th Dec 2012, 12:20

Yes actually. I called my dealer and very clearly described the problem, and suggested that perhaps the car might need a software update. My impression was they were making every effort not to listen. I finally brought the car in, it stayed at the dealership for an entire day, and when I returned to pick it up, all they said was they drove the car and could not duplicate the problem.

I think they are fully aware of the issue with this car, but don't really have a solution. I have gone on multiple BMW forums and heard many others expressing similar complaints. Generally though, getting ANYTHING done at a BMW dealer requires enormous patience, as while they are always polite, they will bully you into accepting the minimum level of service they can possibly provide. I am in North America.

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2011 BMW 3 Series

Summary:

I regret this purchase, and am greatly disappointed

Faults:

This car has been problematic since I got it (brand new!) The computer required re-programing because of erratic idling upon start up, and hesitation when accelerating. Right now it is being serviced for the 8th time, and I am without a car! The battery needed to be replaced because it wasn't powerful enough. I have never owned a car that required as much service as this car has had in the 1 year I have had it.

General Comments:

In my opinion, German engineering is over-rated (my last vehicle was a Volkswagen Jetta - stay away from that too!).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th September, 2011

30th Sep 2011, 01:54

If your car is under warranty, the dealer should have provided you with a courtesy or loaner car.

However, I agree with your observations and comments that this generation of 3 series does not seem to be as durable or trouble-free as the previous E46 generation.

3rd Oct 2011, 19:39

3 series what? Do you know one model from the other?

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