N55 335 Sedan vs N54 135

[Ajumepke]

I had my 135 in the shop for recall stuff - and I got a 2011 335 sedan as a loaner.

I took it out for a drive on the Mulholland Hwy with my wife. Starting from Topanga Canyon - and then going all the way to the PCH - then drive back north up Decker Canyon and then cutting back to Mulholland. (Highly recommend the experience!)


Thoughts on the 335 sedan

Liked:
1. Feels like the more mature brother of 135 - it's a easier/smoother and composed drive and feels more catered to daily driving.
2. Really like the sound of the N55 when I punch down the throttle - the whooshing sound of turbo scrolling - my N54 doesn't make this noise.
3. Center armrest arrangement. Definitely more roomier and easier to use than the 1. The cup holder behind IDrive nob. in my 1 is not really user friendly.
4. The seats are softer and more forgiving but not too lenient that you're body is shifting about during spirited driving.
5. Trunk - I don't have to worry about being really delicate about closing the trunk for fear of adding tension to the horizontal breaklight (and cracking the lense)


Didn't like:
1. Because the car is heavier - it's harder to achieve equivalent fuel efficiency
than my 135. Similar power output - but higher weight makes it harder for me to drive efficiently.
2. Also because the car is heavier - it's not a punchy as my 135.

Extra thought - Wife really liked the drive/feel of the 335 as it's a easier transition from her current car.

Conclusion:
Going from 135 to 335 was easy for me. The Design DNA is close enough that everything all the controls were fairly intuitive. As I reach the phase were the wife and I are planning for family - I can appreciate the roomier sensibilities on the 3 series. I'm thinking hard about evolving to the 335D (when the time comes) for the roominess and efficiency as a best of both world solution.

[MOCKBA]

You should try N55 535i. I bet your wife will love it even more.

[Ajumepke]

I actually had a 535 loaner before this one - I think it's a case of the Goldilocks - the 335 was just the right size and feel.

[ORIGIN M.]

I'm assuming that sucker has the 8 speed in it.

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

You should try N55 535i. I bet your wife will love it even more.

[shodanusmc]

Our 135 Vert is in the shop now and I was given a new G37X. It really is a well built, tight, solid, peppy vehicle. Punch it, and it moves.

[ptack]

I got a new 335i loaner today and I was not that impressed. It probably compares well to other sedans, but it was nowhere near as fun to drive as my 135i.

[Ajumepke]

Originally Posted by ptack

I got a new 335i loaner today and I was not that impressed. It probably compares well to other sedans, but it was nowhere near as fun to drive as my 135i.

I think 135 is definitely more "fun" - but that's not to the detriment of the 335 - where I think the aim is for a more "composed and mature" ride experience.

Driving up the 710 - I get the jarring rattle on my 135 due to the segmented surfacing - but on the 335 - it's a much smoother feel.