It's been 2 years since my family has bought our 2007 BMW 335xi in Sparkling Graphite. It has the winter package, iDrive, the premium package, and comfort access.
Exterior:
There has been huge controversy around the media, GMI, and other car enthusiast message boards about Chris Bangle's influence of BMW's latest designs with the popular opinion that Bangle has ruined the design language of BMW's. The most prominent feature of his BMW's is the so called, " Bangle Butt". I for one liked Bangle's work on the latest BMW's. Not only do I like the "Bangle Butt", but I like the whole exterior design of the E90. I like the line running along the side of the car. Though the brake dust this thing creates is horrendous.
Interior:
Overall, I like the interior and unlike popular opinion, I like the design of it as well. The leather on the dash is a bit on the hard side. The seats are supportive going around the curves. iDrive is not that bad of a nuisance. I find it easy to use and can get back to where I want to go pretty easily.
Performance:
All versions of the 335i/xi's are equipped with a Twin Turbo Direct Inject 3.0 liter Inline 6 engine producing 300 HP at 5800 RPM and 300 lb of torque from 1400 RPM to 5000 RPM. The N54 the internal code name of the engine, is an award winning engine making Wards 10 best engine list 3 years running. Many test magazines and review site have clocked the 335i 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and 1/4 mile in the mid to high 13 seconds. Personally driving behind the wheel, the torque being made at a diesel like low RPM creates a vehicle that likes to pull like crazy. The ZF sourced automatic transmission shift fast and smoothly and you're barely able to tell it is shifting. In D mode, there is a little lag between hitting the gas and getting the full power of the engine from a complete stop. In Sport mode, the transmission holds a gear a two longer then it would in D. Creating instant acceleration and power as soon as your hit the gas and shifts become a bit more aggressive and you can feel them. It also gets rid of the lag that is in D mode. In M when you tell it to shift, there is very little lag between you shifting a gear up to the actual car shifting up. M also gets rid of the lag that is in D mode. And the car is super stable going to its electronically limited top speed of 130 MPH. So far after 21,000 miles, I have yet to experience the dreaded limp mode with the High Pressure Fuel Pump failing.
Handling:
BMW's AWD system xDrive competes against Audi's famed Quattro. xDrive can send all the power to the rear, front, or have a 40/60 split. And when it comes to cornering, the AWD BMW feels planted going around the curves. The steering wheel gives great feedback and feel of the road. The car is very stable around the curves with very little body roll and changes directions very quickly.
Verdict:
The 335xi is a blast to drive. The regular RWD 335i offers a lower ride height and an adjustable suspension tuning on the Sport package. BMW's legendary 3 series has yet to miss its mark and tramples its competition again.