2011 BMW 3 Series E93 M Sport DCT Cabriolet 3.0 twin power (single) turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice car, but a bit of a disappointment to drive

Faults:

Water leaks from the roof.

Previous owner had to get a Vanos fault fixed shortly before my ownership.

Bridgestone runflat tyres split regularly.

General Comments:

Nice looking car, great sounding engine good build quality (but not as good as my previous E46).

Performance is very good but not outstanding. The car is very heavy and this blunts the performance somewhat, especially at legal speeds. Also I wasn't a fan of the DCT gearbox. It isn't as good as a manual in manual mode and not as good as an auto in auto mode, and could be very frustrating at times.

Ride and handling are pretty poor I would say. The car came fitted with 19" wheels and Bridgestone runflats. They were very hard and the car felt almost like it had no suspension. I replaced the runflats with standard tyres and the ride quality improved, but the car still feels very heavy and uninvolving on twisty roads, and ride quality is on the unacceptable side of firm. With the roof down it is nice on a sunny day, but the car isn't practical to use otherwise with a small boot, small rear seats, and the roof leaks and creaks during cold weather.

Fuel economy wise I was averaging 23 MPG in gentle driving, and less when driven enthusiastically.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 2019

18th Dec 2019, 11:39

I have a 2009 E90 320i, I will agree with you - coming from an E46 (hatch), the build quality is not as good. I have creaks and squeaks from my dashboard, and no kidding, the tab for one of the central vents has broken! I found that these are already being sold on eBay, what the hell; I have never once had a vent tab break on me.

Also agree, the ride quality is pretty poor, I have Bridgestone run flats. I would like to change them to normal tyres, but not having a spare can be a problem. I think my next BMW will be a 5-series; they seem to consistently have better build and the solidity hasn't changed, whereas the 3-series has felt less and less well-built after the E36 (which felt like a smaller scale 5- or 7-series).

View 25 more comments

2011 BMW 3 Series 335d 3.0L turbo diesel from North America

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 from North America

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