Getting a 08 535xi any suggestions

rowekmr · 02-10-2016, 04:38 PM

Hello
I passed on an earlier project (bad trans) now found another one that needs body work. It is a 08 535xi coming from NY. Any common problems or issues on that drivetrain. If I need spare parts is the drivetrain common to the 335xi? I know it is simpler to walk into a dealership (or CL) and buy a good running car like others have suggested but I like the challenge, money saves, plus the time it consumes it keeps me outta trouble!

Do people mod these like the 335xi for more performance? How stout is the AWD system?

slenser · 02-11-2016, 02:11 PM

Congratulations on the new car! They're a blast to drive and I'm sure you'll love it; apart from the possible maintenance it may need.

A few of the mods will cross over, like the tuners and the BMS intake. Apart from that, most everything else will be different. The selection is a bit narrower for performance parts compared to the 335, but you should be able to do pretty much everything. The nice thing is our cars are nearly the same weight (not sure how BMW pulled that one off) and have a longer wheelbase, so I think it's more stable at higher speeds.

I had the 335xi and hated working on it with the front axle in the way underneath. I don't know if any of the parts cross over or how stout it is.

I would be ready to replace lots of gaskets, hoses, spark plugs, etc. My last two needed lots of them. The oil pan gasket will likely be the hardest thing to change on yours...the front axle goes through the oil pan and needs to come off with the pan. I traded mine when I found that out.

Also, I frequent the e90 side of the board since there just aren't as many people on here to answer some questions.

Good luck with your new car and I hope you love it!

02-10-2016, 04:38 PM	#1
rowekmr New Member 4 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Getting a 08 535xi any suggestions Hello I passed on an earlier project (bad trans) now found another one that needs body work. It is a 08 535xi coming from NY. Any common problems or issues on that drivetrain. If I need spare parts is the drivetrain common to the 335xi? I know it is simpler to walk into a dealership (or CL) and buy a good running car like others have suggested but I like the challenge, money saves, plus the time it consumes it keeps me outta trouble! Do people mod these like the 335xi for more performance? How stout is the AWD system?
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02-11-2016, 02:11 PM	#2
slenser Private 9 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2010 535i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	Congratulations on the new car! They're a blast to drive and I'm sure you'll love it; apart from the possible maintenance it may need. A few of the mods will cross over, like the tuners and the BMS intake. Apart from that, most everything else will be different. The selection is a bit narrower for performance parts compared to the 335, but you should be able to do pretty much everything. The nice thing is our cars are nearly the same weight (not sure how BMW pulled that one off) and have a longer wheelbase, so I think it's more stable at higher speeds. I had the 335xi and hated working on it with the front axle in the way underneath. I don't know if any of the parts cross over or how stout it is. I would be ready to replace lots of gaskets, hoses, spark plugs, etc. My last two needed lots of them. The oil pan gasket will likely be the hardest thing to change on yours...the front axle goes through the oil pan and needs to come off with the pan. I traded mine when I found that out. Also, I frequent the e90 side of the board since there just aren't as many people on here to answer some questions. Good luck with your new car and I hope you love it!
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