Maybe you are a newcomer to the BMW brand. Maybe you have just received your driver’s license or are about to. Maybe you’re longing for a shiny new M340i or M3 – but just don’t want to part with the scratch it takes to buy a new model. Regardless of the situation, there is a shockingly good alternative: the BMW 335i. Especially the F30 generation. It’s a bit under the radar at the moment, but it’s the perfect BMW 3 Series for a new enthusiast.
Like the modern M3 and M4, the F30 BMW 335i is available in various configurations. Your use case determines what is right. Do you need xDrive and an automatic transmission? The F30 offers space. Classic BMW dynamics via a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive? Check. The F30 actually allows a little more flexibility here; There are one or two cars with xDrive manual transmissions. And under the hood of the 335i beats a heart that is shared with contemporary BMW M vehicles: the N55 engine, a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder that also found its way into the first version of the BMW M2. Later examples – designated 340i – received the B58 engine, but that is a story for another date.
By the numbers, the F30 335i is fast (and cheap) enough
While the performance of these N55-powered 335i cars falls slightly short of the N55 in the OG M2, there’s still plenty to talk about. According to BMW, the N55 B30M0 produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Real-world data suggests that these numbers are fairly conservative estimates. According to most sources, the zero-to-60 mph sprint takes well under five seconds, and we’re betting that xDrive will help shorten the time even further. The ZF-sourced six-speed manual gearbox – although not identical to the one in the F80 M3 – is fun, but even the automatic in these cars is solid. It’s none other than the eight-speed automatic from ZF, which was actually the engine’s debut in a 3 Series. Like the F80 and G80 M3, it may lack driver engagement, but it certainly picks up speed. Over a decade ago, ZF provided crisp gear changes that ensured an uninterrupted flow of power to the wheels – provided, of course, that you had deactivated the traction control. It is one of the first cases in which the installation of an automatic transmission in a BMW can safely be considered a “by-product”.
Perhaps the F30 335i’s most endearing feature? Price. In the US, where we are sometimes extremely spoiled, you can buy a 335i for under $10,000. Really usable examples seem to be around the $12,000 mark and up, and you’ll probably pay more for an M Sport example. Still, it’s only a fraction of what you’d pay for an F80 or G80 M3. Additionally, maintaining an N55 isn’t half the headache you might expect; BMW made tons of these engines, so replacement parts are plentiful. And usually relatively cheap – although paying the workforce is perhaps a different story.
Compromises make the F30 BMW 335i perfect
The F30 335i is a brilliant performer in its own right. And the price is certainly unbeatable. The strange thing is: these are just small reasons why it’s the perfect budget alternative to a modern M3. Even its shortcomings make it the perfect introduction to today’s BMW brand. Previous E90 335i models – and even the modern 135i – are arguably better cars thanks to their excellent steering feel from the driver’s seat. But the F30 335i relies on more modern electric steering. It’s not as communicative as the old ones and not as precise as later versions, but it’s much more like a new BMW than anything with a mechanical rack. Side note: A mechanical steering rack was optionally available on these vehicles. It’s quite good – but for different reasons.
Another thing new BMW fans may not experience for years is the linear awesomeness that was BMW’s naturally aspirated engines. The N55 serves as a great introduction to the brand here. It demonstrates the excellent performance that turbocharged BMWs are known for, while avoiding many of the pitfalls – such as reliability – where the otherwise superior N54 engine stumbles. I maintain that the B58 and N54 are both more exciting mills. But why pay the premiums for the N54 and B58 when the N55 is such a balanced alternative? In all cases, the engines represent a solid imitation of the modern S58 (and S55) power plants when the price delta is taken into account. Without sounding like spoons in a blender. Another side note for the record: I really like the sound of the S55 and S58. Their unique voices further enhance the “specialness” of their respective M cars. But I understand that it’s not most people’s cup of tea.
Should you buy an F30 335i?
In my opinion, the F30 335i is still significantly underrated, which means it’s right on schedule. The typical enthusiast life cycle for a BMW is new, used, forgotten for a decade, and then back in the enthusiast spotlight. Because the N55 is so heavily overshadowed by the B58, these cars are easy to miss. Meanwhile, vintage BMW fans (read: the people looking for cars with hydraulic steering) are constantly looking elsewhere. I suspect the N55-powered BMW 3 Series F30 will remain a relative bargain for a while. What I like: It’s the perfect car for enthusiasts to get to know the modern BMW.
