Long Term Verdict: 2007 BMW 335xi

[ChevyRules]

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.

[tbirderic]

Question about x-drive. On the 3 series, what is the normal torque split?

[ChevroletRevived]

Needs to be longer! Just kidding, looks good! While I'm not a fan of BMW's Bangle styling theme, they still are good cars. I'm excited to see the next-generation 3-Series though. Seeing the (much much improved) styling of the new 7-Series makes me think it will be similar.

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by tbirderic

Question about x-drive. On the 3 series, what is the normal torque split?

I believe it is 40% front 60% rear.

[zete]

Interesting long term review.

Unlike many, I don't think Bangle ruined BMW's design language. I don't think they had one before Bangle arrived. Before Bangle they had cars that were uber-conservative in style and that really had no exterior personality. I found them bland, uninspired. Bangle's designs, on the other hand, are very polarizing. To me that's a good thing. I still find the 5 and 7 in particular too slab sided and the Dame Edna glasses look to their fronts is rather hideous. However, at least it has some level of style. Of course the Z cars are mostly hideous, but that's another story.

I found the current 3 to be the most attractive of the designs. It just seems more cohesive.

Personally, I think the biggest problem with BMW -- or any of the German automakers -- is what appears to be a massive fear of doing anything innovative with their sedans. They're all boring in terms of design. The fear Porsche must have in never changing design language seems to pervade the German automakers. I hope that as BMW moves forward they'll actually try to make their cars more visually appealing. It's not as if people buy BMWs for the exterior styling, it's for driving dynamics. Therefore, you'd think BMW would be willing to be a bit more adventurous. In reality, that's what I had hoped when I heard Bangle was designing the cars.

[MrCritical]

I guess that's long term. Pretty low mileage for a long term.

There's nothing you would change about the car?

[BrickTamland]

I also mostly like Bangle's designs. They are daring. I do think the E65 7-Series was a little boring and the 1-Series is a little weird and not coherent. Otherwise, I am a big fan of his designs, especially the E90. Not a single line, curve, detail, or shape is out of place. Everything is coherent, svelte, and engaging. It is a gorgeous car and I wish you more years of happy motoring.

[cdp326]

I spot a nick on the driver's headlamp washer cover

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by cdp326

I spot a nick on the driver's headlamp washer cover

It's a dead bug that didn't want to be washed off.

[Barry Badrinath]

I see the dreaded curb grind on the wheel shot. Thank your lucky starts you didn't get that supposed sports package. Unless you A: got the tire hazard supplemental insurance; or B: really like helping Bridgestone's bottom line.

I've never seen a car "chunk" the sidewall like the 3 does to those low profile tires. Inch deep (I measured) potholes would do it. Our last 3 had that package. 9 tires later............

[ChevyRules]

Originally Posted by Barry Badrinath

I see the dreaded curb grind on the wheel shot. Thank your lucky starts you didn't get that supposed sports package. Unless you A: got the tire hazard supplemental insurance; or B: really like helping Bridgestone's bottom line.

I've never seen a car "chunk" the sidewall like the 3 does to those low profile tires. Inch deep (I measured) potholes would do it. Our last 3 had that package. 9 tires later............

Yeah, you can blame my dad for that since it is his car. And yeah we did get the wheel insurance. His old E46 330xi's rims would get bent to hell every time he hit a pothole in DC.