2011 BMW 335is
The 2011 BMW 335is is a performance-oriented version of the E92 3 Series coupe. It is equipped with the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque (370 lb-ft with overboost). It was available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Owners often praise the car’s engaging driving dynamics, powerful engine, and distinctive styling. Common complaints include the potential for high maintenance costs, particularly concerning the engine’s turbocharging system and the DCT’s reliability, as well as some electrical quirks.
Engine
N54 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-Six
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Long cranks, extended cranking time when starting, stalling, and in some cases, a complete failure to start. Can trigger a check engine light with codes related to fuel pressure.
- Solution: Replacement of the High-Pressure Fuel Pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle
- Description/Symptoms: A metallic rattling noise, especially noticeable at low RPMs or when accelerating lightly. This is due to wear in the turbocharger wastegate actuators.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers or wastegate actuator repair/adjustment, if possible.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4000+ (turbocharger replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and visible oil residue on the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover Gasket: $400 - $800, Oil Filter Housing Gasket: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, and potentially a check engine light. Direct injectors can fail or leak, causing these symptoms.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per injector
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
No Issues Found
7-Speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission)
- DCT Mechatronics Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Jerky shifting, difficulty engaging gears, transmission malfunction warnings on the dashboard, and potential limp mode.
- Solution: Replacement or repair of the DCT Mechatronics Unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $3000 - $5000+
- Recalls: None Found
- DCT Clutch Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping during acceleration, especially in higher gears, jerky engagement, and potential clutch wear warnings.
- Solution: Replacement of the DCT clutch packs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Cracked/Worn Front Control Arm Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially over bumps, imprecise steering, and wandering on the road.
- Solution: Replacement of the front control arm bushings or the entire control arms.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Bushings only: $200 - $400, Control Arms: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Damper Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
- Solution: Replacement of dampers (shocks/struts).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (depending on brand and whether replacing all four)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The car’s battery drains quickly, especially when parked for extended periods. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty modules or aftermarket accessories drawing excessive current.
- Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the battery drain. This may involve testing individual modules, replacing a faulty module, or disconnecting aftermarket accessories.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
- Faulty Comfort Access System
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or non-functional comfort access (keyless entry and start), difficulty locking/unlocking doors, and potential battery drain.
- Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the comfort access system, which may involve replacing door handle sensors, key fobs, or the comfort access module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlight Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Flickering, dimming, or complete failure of the HID headlights.
- Solution: Replacement of the HID bulbs or headlight ballast.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per headlight
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sticking Center Console Cup Holders
- Description/Symptoms: The cup holders in the center console become difficult to open or close smoothly.
- Solution: Replacement of the cup holder assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary: The 2011 BMW 335is offers a thrilling driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the engine (HPFP, turbochargers, oil leaks) and the DCT (mechatronics unit, clutch wear), which can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical gremlins and suspension issues are also common. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly, making a thorough pre-purchase inspection essential.