Is the 335i more reliable than the 135i ??

[SJ]

Has anybody read/seen/heard any information regarding whether the 335i is more reliable than the 135i?

I've been spending time all summer trying to decide between getting a 335 vs 135, and I've been leaning toward the 135. However, on this forum there are a lot of maintenance complaints, and even references to using lemon laws. Not reassuring. For comparison I spent some time (not a lot) perusing one of the IS350 forums, and I didn't even find any maintenance trouble threads.

It does seem that folks here love their 135s for driving, but are not satisfied with the build quality and reliability (lots of talk about making sure you get rid of it before the warranty runs out, etc ...).

Is the 335 demonstrably better in regard to reliability?

[ORIGIN M.]

No. If anything a car that weighs less would be more reliable, giving the fact they have the same drivetrain.

[CrazyIvan]

Don't get all wrapped around reliability. Instead, get the car you truly want (135). It's plenty reliable. Yes, some people do have problems but at least we are not shy to share that with everybody else. As far as IS350... The choice is yours but it costs more, not nearly as much fun to drive and it seems like everybody has one (there are at least 10 in my community, cant say the same about 135 - I only saw 2-3 around town). Even Lexus has problems, at least all the reviews I've seen - everybody complains about rattles, etc. 135 is cheaper than 335.

[BrokenVert]

Despite the bitching the only part that would really concern me post warrenty is the HPFP. But BMW has extended that warrenty to 10 Years. So thats all good.

Ohh and Lexus service is crap. At least with BMW you get competent (mostly) dealer techs.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by red-sauerkraut

No. If anything a car that weighs less would be more reliable, giving the fact they have the same drivetrain.

In my experience I've never come across anything that says a particular car is more reliable just because it is light weight or lighter in weight.
Before the turbo in BMW's, the NA models within the same line were just as reliable as the heavier one in the model line. For example, the 325i was no more reliable than the 330i. A Toyota Celica wasn't considered more reliable than a Camry, and a Civic is just as reliable as an Accord.

[jeremyc74]

The HPFP is the major problem, and both cars share it, so you're taking the same chance with either choice.

It seems like the 135i had some first year issues, like the 3rd brake lights cracking, and some other lighting issues, but none of them seem to be reoccuring issues once they're fixed.

As far as a new 135i vs a new 335i, I'd say it's probably a wash. Get the one you like the most.

[SJ]

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

Don't get all wrapped around reliability. Instead, get the car you truly want (135). It's plenty reliable. Yes, some people do have problems but at least we are not shy to share that with everybody else. As far as IS350... The choice is yours but it costs more, not nearly as much fun to drive and it seems like everybody has one (there are at least 10 in my community, cant say the same about 135 - I only saw 2-3 around town). Even Lexus has problems, at least all the reviews I've seen - everybody complains about rattles, etc. 135 is cheaper than 335.

I like the forum because its clear everyone (mostly) is a straight shooter and a passionate driver. BTW, based on 2009 MSRPs, a comparably equipped 135i is about $2,800 more than an IS350 (meaning leather, autotrans, power seats ..). Of all the cars I've driven this summer, the 135i is the most under my skin. But no matter how much I like, reliability has to be taken into account. The 135i is definitely not a "me too" car, and that's cool too. What a rocket !!

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

The HPFP is the major problem, and both cars share it, so you're taking the same chance with either choice.

It seems like the 135i had some first year issues, like the 3rd brake lights cracking, and some other lighting issues, but none of them seem to be reoccuring issues once they're fixed.

As far as a new 135i vs a new 335i, I'd say it's probably a wash. Get the one you like the most.

Consumer Reports had the recent 335i rated as "half red" bullet on reliability. That's pretty good, an improvement for BMW, and better than Mercedes. Lexus of course has the "whole red" bullet. They did not have any data on the 135i, but I thought folks here might know. There's far fewer trips to the dealer with a car that's half red, than "unfilled" of worse, "half black". If the 2009/2010 135i is at the half-red level or better, I'll be satisfied with that.

[Robert]

335i are no less and no more reliable than the 135i since the chassis aside they share same engine, drivetrain, and most electronics.

[radiantm3]

I always feel where the car was assembled says a lot about the build quality (but I have no idea how true it actually is). For example, my 1 was assembled in germany and has has 0 problems. My 3 series sedan was assembled in south africa (seems like a lot of the sedans were) has had quite a few random issues. And the 3 is stock while the 1 is modded. Both have about the same # of miles on them.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by RPM90

In my experience I've never come across anything that says a particular car is more reliable just because it is light weight or lighter in weight.
Before the turbo in BMW's, the NA models within the same line were just as reliable as the heavier one in the model line. For example, the 325i was no more reliable than the 330i. A Toyota Celica wasn't considered more reliable than a Camry, and a Civic is just as reliable as an Accord.

The more a car weighs, the more the motor has to work to move the car. Case in point, just so you know the Civic was always more reliable than any Prelude, or Accord.

[ChrisK]

It's unfortunate that we hear from the people with problems constantly, but not the thousands of people without any problems.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I always feel where the car was assembled says a lot about the build quality (but I have no idea how true it actually is). For example, my 1 was assembled in germany and has has 0 problems. My 3 series sedan was assembled in south africa (seems like a lot of the sedans were) has had quite a few random issues. And the 3 is stock while the 1 is modded. Both have about the same # of miles on them.

I have to agree with this one, without a doubt.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by SJ

I

Consumer Reports had the recent 335i rated as "half red" bullet on reliability. That's pretty good, an improvement for BMW, and better than Mercedes. Lexus of course has the "whole red" bullet. They did not have any data on the 135i, but I thought folks here might know. There's far fewer trips to the dealer with a car that's half red, than "unfilled" of worse, "half black". If the 2009/2010 135i is at the half-red level or better, I'll be satisfied with that.

I wouldn't put a lot of faith in Consumer Reports when it comes to a low volume car like the 135i. Their sample size would have to be pretty small, so they're doing a lot of estimating when it comes to the reliability.

I don't think it's worthless, but I also don't think it's a great indicator of how reliable a low volume vehicle is.

[SJ]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I always feel where the car was assembled says a lot about the build quality (but I have no idea how true it actually is). For example, my 1 was assembled in germany and has has 0 problems. My 3 series sedan was assembled in south africa (seems like a lot of the sedans were) has had quite a few random issues. And the 3 is stock while the 1 is modded. Both have about the same # of miles on them.

Agreed. Would all 135s be manufactured in Germany? Could this be specified as part of your order (for 335, too,for example) that "my car" must be built in Germany?

I hear that the Volkswagens built in Mexico are worse than the ones built in Germany.

[Notion-Za]

The x35 is an amazing car!! either way. You'll have way more fun in them compared to a lexus!! Another problem I have which hasnt really been discussed here is ball bearings. They wear out really quickly and now my car squeeks like crazy over speed bumps or low speeds.

[SJ]

Originally Posted by Notion-Za

The x35 is an amazing car!! either way. You'll have way more fun in them compared to a lexus!! Another problem I have which hasnt really been discussed here is ball bearings. They wear out really quickly and now my car squeeks like crazy over speed bumps or low speeds.

Are the ball bearings covered under your warranty?

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Notion-Za

The x35 is an amazing car!! either way. You'll have way more fun in them compared to a lexus!! Another problem I have which hasnt really been discussed here is ball bearings. They wear out really quickly and now my car squeeks like crazy over speed bumps or low speeds.

Which ball bearings?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

I wouldn't put a lot of faith in Consumer Reports when it comes to a low volume car like the 135i. Their sample size would have to be pretty small, so they're doing a lot of estimating when it comes to the reliability.

I don't think it's worthless, but I also don't think it's a great indicator of how reliable a low volume vehicle is.

Actually, CR's April, 2009 "auto edition" doesn't include the 1 series in the reliability ratings, simply beacause of lack of info. They show the 3 series as average to above average in overall reliability over the past few years - far enough back to include E46 as well as E90 models.

Judging by this forum, it seems that the 335i is much more reliable as virtually all the complaining here seems to be coming from 135i owners.

Tom

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Judging by this forum, it seems that the 335i is much more reliable as virtually all the complaining here seems to be coming from 135i owners.

Tom

IDK about that. You're seeing that because this is still the 1Addicts section. The 335i is just as prone to HPFP problems as the 1 is, and that's the major issue.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by jeremyc74

IDK about that. You're seeing that because this is still the 1Addicts section. The 335i is just as prone to HPFP problems as the 1 is, and that's the major issue.

Guess I didn't make it clear my comment about the lack of 335i complaints on this forum was tongue-in-cheek!

FWIW, the only problem my 128i has had in 20,000 miles is some uneven tire wear - hopefully an alignment has cured that, and I'll be even more vigilant re potholes & speed bumps in the future. As this is the first new car I've owned which has not needed at least some minor adjustment (if not major repair) under warranty, I'm quite impressed.

Tom

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Guess I didn't make it clear my comment about the lack of 335i complaints on this forum was tongue-in-cheek!

Tom

Ah I see..

(I thought it was just a dig on the 135i)

[Thud]

This isn't really a reliability issue, but I'm pretty sure my 135i's windshield has some sort of force field which attracts rocks more than any other car I've owned.