what's the difference between the 330i and the 335i?

what's the difference between the 330i and the 335i?

Author
Discussion

Hudson1984

Original Poster:

336 posts

76 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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Hi all,

i've been looking for a fast road/track car and have settled on the 3 series, just think it'll cover all the bases really well.

Now, other than them being a good car, i'm just wondering what the physical difference is between the 330i and the 335i. I mean comparing the 335i to the M3 is like comparing two completely different cars. But wondered if i'd regret the 330 over the 335

330s are so much more abundant and getting a bargain is alot easier.

Being as I intend to tune it myself, should I just start with the 335 or will the 330 get me to the same point in the end.

un1eash

619 posts

147 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
quotequote all
E or F series?

Hudson1984

Original Poster:

336 posts

76 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
quotequote all
un1eash said:
E or F series?
E

un1eash

619 posts

147 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
quotequote all
330i is a straight 6 n/a N52/53, 335i is a twin turbo N54 or 2010+ single turbo N55.

b14

1,147 posts

195 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
quotequote all
The 335i is quicker, with a boosted engine that has loads of torque low down. The 330i as an N/A engine likes being revved out more. Otherwise they are basically identical cars, options aside.

The N52 in the earlier 330is are solid engines. Later 330is got the N53 that has some problems. 335i had the twin turbo N54 engine first which is a great engine but not so reliable. Later 335is got the N55 that was more solid but perhaps not quite as charismatic as the N54.

I'd have an N55 335i in manual as the pick of them but some prefer the N/A engines.

TheGinger1

74 posts

71 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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How are you thinking of tuning a NA Straight six in a 330?

d_a_n1979

9,693 posts

79 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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As said, NA vs Turbo…

Tuning an NA engine (unless you’re fully building it) is a waste of money…

Buy the 335i & enjoy the turbo power

Jakg

3,608 posts

175 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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There are other changes, such as dual exhausts and larger brakes on the 35 vs the 30. You may also find the 35 are better specced being more expensive when new.

Auslander

343 posts

25 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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I bought an E90 330i a couple of months ago. It's an auto SE with the N52 engine.

Probably peak BMW straight 6, as it's port injection and relatively simple in comparison with the later DI engine and with no turbos, less to go wrong.

I think it's plenty powerful - you couldn't use more power on the public road 90% of the time and track use is more about handling than outright power.

Personally, I'd go with an N52 330i, because the days of the old-school BMW straight 6 are numbered.

Mr Tidy

24,395 posts

134 months

Saturday 22nd October 2022
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If you plan to tune it only a 335i will do as turbo engines offer so many options for up-grades!

But if you want an N/A engine the 330i N52 seems like a safer bet than the later N53 that can have issues - well that's what I told myself when I bought my 330i. laugh