[joshk]

Goodmorning guys.... I am new to the forum and I've been just looking around and doing a little research. I have decided to sell my g37S and switch over to E92 335i M Package (no 37 vs 335i comments please. I started a war in the 37 forum for it). After buying my 37, I have regreted not getting the technology package for it and I don't want to make the same mistake with the 335i. So, I was looking at 08-11 335i and I was interested in a 2010 i found on this forum but i hear that 2011 got a body refresh. Should i keep looking for a 2011 or another year is recomended? And also is there any upgrades you guys regret not getting? BTW MT is a must

[roadkillrob]

So from a technology perspective, the 2009 received the new navigation platform, so no real difference on technology 2009+ on the E92, the big difference 2010 - 2011 was the engine went from the N54 to the N55 which depending on what your plans are with it, the N54 has more after market and tuning support and current is capable of higher HP levels tuned than the N55, but the N55 is making progress.

The facelift also happened for 2011, I find the differences minor with respect to the E92, they really only changed the front bumper and headlights and the changes are pretty minor on the m-sport cars, more on the non m-sport models as the rear bumper also changed and the front bumper changed more dramatically. At 100 ft, you probably could not tell the difference between an 2010 and 2011 m-sport e92.

If you are looking for an I-drive/NAV car, I would stick to 2009+ and if you are looking to significantly tune the car, 2009-2010 would be your best bet, if you don't intend to do a lot of tuning work, 2011+ is is fine and still can easily have 50-80hp added with just a tune.

[joshk]

Thank you! That was super informative and you literally told me everything I need to know to make my choice now

[ashmostro]

I see you are located very near me- welcome! As a former g37 driver myself I can attest to the differences in the platforms, both good and bad.

Everything said above is spot on. If you can swing it, see if you can get your hands on a 335is which kept the n54 engine in it despite the later model years. Its not a must have though, unless you really want the n54 and the latest possible model. Its the only domestic e9x non-M that could be outfitted with a DCT, but you want an MT so again, not a must have.

Hit me up if you want to chat about it.

[dkexige]

You're pretty well covered by rob for the big things. You will always find there will be deferences here and there between cars. The major revision is obviously 2010 to 2011 where they changed the motor and updated the styling. But that doesn't mean all cars 2007-2010 and 2011-2013 are the same. As I found out, even within model year 2011 the iDrive system changed. They key is to be happy with what you bought and don't stress the small differences. The car will put a smile on your face everytime you drive it

[The Cleaner]

"IS" I have had a regular 335i and recently got an IS and I can tell you it's vastly better out of the box than a regular 335i. If you are a MT guy that's great but the DCT is an option for the 335IS unlike the standard 335i.

The IS has the N54 all the way to 2013 and without starting a engine war I personally think the N54 will continue to outperform the N55 when tuned. IMO you can get the N54 in the latest variant of the 335 if you can find an IS.

[MandMs335Msport]

All of the above posts I find quite accurate. Good luck and welcome.

[joshk]

I have 1 more question guys. So i did a comparsion of M package vs Sports and I have read that its purely comestic.. Is this true? Is the sports really worth it? (The thread for this argument is very long and no one really answers the question)

[Ubersmooth]

Hey, you're pretty local! I'm in Centreville.
Anyways, I have an E90 and the one thing I regret not getting was the sports package! Even just the seats transform the entire interior of the car. I also regret not getting a car with xenons (pre lci) as I drive alot at night. I still love my car

[ashmostro]

M sport is cosmetic over sport. But both have upgraded suspension and seating so you should spring for either option. M sport is just a bit more aggressive in appearance.

335is is m sport by default.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by joshk

I have 1 more question guys. So i did a comparsion of M package vs Sports and I have read that its purely comestic.. Is this true? Is the sports really worth it? (The thread for this argument is very long and no one really answers the question)

Yes, the M package is cosmetic.

The Sport Package consists mainly of different seats (great lateral support but some extra large folks find them confining) a stiffer suspension and Summer Performance vs. All-season tires. Given the state of our DC area roads, I'm happy that my E91 does not have it as the SP ride (especially if you retain the run-flat tires) is pretty stiff and does not take kindly to potholes.

Also, as MT is difficult to find, have you checked out the BMWUSA search function? I recommend buying a CPO car if possible.

http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...delsearch.aspx

Tom

[psiv92]

Originally Posted by joshk

I have 1 more question guys. So i did a comparsion of M package vs Sports and I have read that its purely comestic.. Is this true? Is the sports really worth it? (The thread for this argument is very long and no one really answers the question)

If you're asking if the sports package worth it over the basic, the answer is absolutely. The basic package feels cheap when compared to the sports package. (Seats make the biggest difference).

Comparing the M package and the sport here is a list of things different:

Originally Posted by SV Concepts III

Quote:
Originally Posted by "www.bmwblog.com"

If you’re wondering what the differences are between the regular Sport Package and the M Package then the following list should give you a better idea:
M door sills
M footrest
M gearshift lever
M steering wheel
M wheels
Available with an M exterior color
Anthracite Headliner
Aerodynamic package
LeMans Blue Paint available
Full details: http://www.bmwblog.com/2009/01/29/bm...der-in-the-us/

So like you said everything is cosmetic no mechanical changes. I will say the most people I have encountered will at some point upgrade front bumper and side skirts to the M-tech or M3 style. So keep that in mind if you decide to go with the sports.

On a side note I love the M sport steering wheel and feel like that makes the interior 10x's better than the sport



Looks like I was beat to the punch by three guys I guess I'm a slow typer

[djjasper]

Some handy visual info:

[joshk]

Hm.. interesting. Now is there a side by side picture of 335IS M package vs 335i M package?

[ashmostro]

Looks the same. 'Is coupes have no foglights though. Verts do.

[thenewrick]

You'd want the 2011 335is model. It has newest Nav and I-Drive plus the best engine of the era the N54. It comes with some other nice upgrades as well and isn't much more expensive. That's the E90 car I'd get if I had a choice.

[The Cleaner]

Some of the other things the IS has that sets it apart from a standard M sport is the grilles, exhaust, mirrors, gauges, interior trim, wheels and fog delete for the coupe.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

That's the E90 car I'd get if I had a choice.

You mean "E92."

[joshk]

Thank you everyone for the responses! Didnt even know about LCI and now I really have a good idea of what I'm looking for. Just time to find the car which is the hard part :[

[ashmostro]

Auto trader is a great tool with useful search filters.

[jwzimm]

Question since we are discussing. When did the e92 start coming with LED angel eyes from the factory? I know my 2011 has them but I am not 100% if that started with the LCI.

[psc87]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

Question since we are discussing. When did the e92 start coming with LED angel eyes from the factory? I know my 2011 has them but I am not 100% if that started with the LCI.

Yup it started with the lci on the e92.