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      02-09-2014, 12:17 AM   #1
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Most reliable M car?

Doesn't matter what series or year. And please list your explanation why it's the most reliable. As much as I love my E90 335i, Im probably gonna sell it when my warranty ends. I really want a M car that's reliable. Thanks!
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      02-09-2014, 12:22 AM   #2
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Hate to break your bubble but M cars won't be more reliable than a 335i. Not to mention disposables (brakes, tires, etc.) are considerably more expensive on M cars. Learn on to do DYI maintenance on your 335i and do it routinely and you shouldn't have major problems as long as it's treated right. But to answer your question, the E92 M3 is decently reliable if it's not been abused, no turbos to cause trouble like new M cars.
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      02-09-2014, 12:22 AM   #3
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Every series I believe has its gremlins. E46 has the rear subframe, E9x has ICV and connecting rod bearings (still unclear how widespread this is). Not as familiar with the E36 and not familiar at all with the E30. E6x M5 and M6 are pretty bad on reliability.

Just don't confuse "reliable" with "inexpensive to run" because it won't be. Even factoring in the lower reliability of a 335i, the running costs alone of an M car will probably make it more expensive to own, and when repairs do come along on an M, you better believe they'll be more than a 335i.

Check out the "M3 dilemma" thread that was just started in the General M3 Forum. Sorry, can't link from my phone.
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      02-09-2014, 12:34 AM   #4
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The e39 M5 is supposedly really reliable. People have gone 200-300k miles on those. My BMW tech friend says they're reliable as well. The only general down side is they burn about a quart of oil every 1000miles.
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      02-09-2014, 01:47 AM   #5
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Thanks guys, really appreciate it!
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      02-09-2014, 01:51 AM   #6
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Honestly, I'm just gonna keep the 335i and go with a RB turbo and a JB4 tunes. Any other engines mods to support the two?
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      02-09-2014, 04:18 AM   #7
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e36 m3

/thread
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      02-09-2014, 09:14 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizz258
Honestly, I'm just gonna keep the 335i and go with a RB turbo and a JB4 tunes. Any other engines mods to support the two?
Tuning a 335i isn't really a step to take in the quest for more reliability....
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      02-09-2014, 09:54 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga View Post
e36 m3

/thread
+1 Seriously, get an S52. Most reliable M
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      02-09-2014, 10:10 AM   #10
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buddy has a z4m, purchased brand new and has never had to do anything but normal maintenance. Then again another friend had a 2010 m5, and sadly it was purchased back from BMW for all the problems he was having. I've had three 335is and they've been far from reliable, but everyone I know with a 328i has no complaints. M or not, it all depends.
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      02-09-2014, 10:19 AM   #11
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OP, I still believe any M3 is more reliable than a 335. I am in your shoes right now. I am thinking about selling my 335 to get e9x M3. Don't listen to members who says 335 is more reliable than M3 because it is NOT. 335 requires more maintenance than M3 (walnut blast, more oil change, 25k spark plugs and coils, and most problematic one is TURBO)
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      02-09-2014, 10:36 AM   #12
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High performance and reliability typically don't go hand in hand. Manufacturers are trying to push technologies to new limits, and M cars represent the "state of the art" at the time they're produced for BMW. If you want reliability, you find that in mass produced, more mature technology - M represents low production rates of envelope-pushing tech. So, I'm not sure I could recommend an M car that would be more reliable than a 335. You need to decide where your priorities are - high performance or reliability... but you won't get both in the same car. A new 335 may represent a nice middle ground... not a slouch but also doesn't have the demands of an M car. Otherwise, you can look at Japanese brands... but I think the performance aspect suffers and they're not as reliable as the mainstream reputation would imply.
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      02-09-2014, 11:21 AM   #13
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Reliability has to be put in context to make a good recommendation. For example the 335 has a reputation for a few issues that are generally related to early production of a new engine. E46 M3 had the same concerns with bearing wear, both E36 and E46 see control arm bushing and shock mount issues as early as 25K. N52's have lifter issues and are known to break head studs. Nearly every new engine has growing pains the first couple years. These are worked out and the later production is improved.

I see a ton of complaining about water pumps for N52 and N54 and for those who have owned BMW's back to the early 90's cooling repairs are not really news. E36, E46 both see similar mileage for cooling repairs that the later cars do.

If reliability is based on how long a given system will last before repairs are needed I can't think of any BMW that is reliable. If reliability is keeping you from being stranded, then the 10+ BMW's I have owned are perfect, never let me down.
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      02-09-2014, 01:22 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga
e36 m3

/thread
^ what he said.

E36 M3's are very reliable in my experience. Had mine for over 8yrs and aside from a starter going out, I never had an issue. Another plus is that the e36 models are more user friendly to maintain and less expensive when it comes to maintenance.
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      02-09-2014, 01:32 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jphughan
Every series I believe has its gremlins. E46 has the rear subframe, E9x has ICV and connecting rod bearings (still unclear how widespread this is). Not as familiar with the E36 and not familiar at all with the E30. E6x M5 and M6 are pretty bad on reliability.

Just don't confuse "reliable" with "inexpensive to run" because it won't be. Even factoring in the lower reliability of a 335i, the running costs alone of an M car will probably make it more expensive to own, and when repairs do come along on an M, you better believe they'll be more than a 335i.

Check out the "M3 dilemma" thread that was just started in the General M3 Forum. Sorry, can't link from my phone.
I'll give you that they may have their problems but I hear of m3s with 60k with 0 problems and then I hear about 335 with fuel pumps water pumps and all the jazz. For it being so high performance I have to say it's quite reliable.
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      02-09-2014, 01:55 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizz258 View Post
Honestly, I'm just gonna keep the 335i and go with a RB turbo and a JB4 tunes. Any other engines mods to support the two?
Only problem with a 335i is you'll never compete with a M in the corners

but lets f*ck em up in the straight aways! (unless they go FI....)
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      02-09-2014, 01:57 PM   #17
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E46 M3 and or Z4M
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      02-09-2014, 05:48 PM   #18
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You should worry more about the maintenance costs than reliability. There's no such thing as an affordable //m car. If you were using your 335i as a DD, forget about it.
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      02-09-2014, 07:24 PM   #19
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E36 M3 or M Roadster. No doubt about it.

Mostly in part with what @ezmaass said except in an opposite sense because that the S52 motor represents the simplest M motor to date and is a breeze to maintain.
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      02-09-2014, 07:46 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nebrou View Post
OP, I still believe any M3 is more reliable than a 335. I am in your shoes right now. I am thinking about selling my 335 to get e9x M3. Don't listen to members who says 335 is more reliable than M3 because it is NOT. 335 requires more maintenance than M3 (walnut blast, more oil change, 25k spark plugs and coils, and most problematic one is TURBO)
I can almost guarantee you the 08 M3 will cost more to run than your 335i. Okay, possibly if you have an "unlucky" 335i it might be less reliable, however, it'll still be cheaper to run. Repairs on M3's cost more, brakes cost more, oil costs a LOT more, tires cost a lot more. Everything is just more. The S65 uses an oil that I've yet to see in stores, (10w-60 or something) and buying it from bmw is crazy expensive, just the oil for the change will cost you over $100 versus like $30 for the 335i. Oh yeah, the M3 drinks gas too (and oil for that matter - quart every 2k or so). 14 in the city when driving easy and 21 driving like a grandpa on the highway. Not sure about you but I can get 23/31 in my 335 when taking it easy. The M3 will raise you gas bill by about 60-70% per year. Just gas alone will be nearly $1500 more per year. Honestly, if you really think it'll be cheaper then you're out of your mind. Maybe try to find a different 335i that isn't an "unlucky" one because you just might have one. I have had very few problems with mine, I do all routine maintenance and the only big problem I've had has been 2 HPFP and 1 LPFP. Both weren't big problems because of the warranty. I really think you should reconsider.
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      02-10-2014, 04:52 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bk335 View Post
I can almost guarantee you the 08 M3 will cost more to run than your 335i. Okay, possibly if you have an "unlucky" 335i it might be less reliable, however, it'll still be cheaper to run. Repairs on M3's cost more, brakes cost more, oil costs a LOT more, tires cost a lot more. Everything is just more. The S65 uses an oil that I've yet to see in stores, (10w-60 or something) and buying it from bmw is crazy expensive, just the oil for the change will cost you over $100 versus like $30 for the 335i. Oh yeah, the M3 drinks gas too (and oil for that matter - quart every 2k or so). 14 in the city when driving easy and 21 driving like a grandpa on the highway. Not sure about you but I can get 23/31 in my 335 when taking it easy. The M3 will raise you gas bill by about 60-70% per year. Just gas alone will be nearly $1500 more per year. Honestly, if you really think it'll be cheaper then you're out of your mind. Maybe try to find a different 335i that isn't an "unlucky" one because you just might have one. I have had very few problems with mine, I do all routine maintenance and the only big problem I've had has been 2 HPFP and 1 LPFP. Both weren't big problems because of the warranty. I really think you should reconsider.
Man. I disagree with what you said. I agree that changing oil is more expensive. Tires might be more expensive and brakes as well. But engine bay are is much more reliable than any 335i. I don't think you had the 335i for long time did you? you haven't done major service which is walnut blast ($900 or more at dealership) and Fuel injector problems which comes every 30k or more...and turbo waste-gates which is covered up to 80k only.

Ohh yeah...regarding gas. My current mpg on car is 16 mpg and I am DRIVING like grandpa so I am not sure how you were getting 23 mpg in city thats really the highest I've seen if it is true. I am not getting that in HW either.
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      02-10-2014, 06:07 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga View Post
e36 m3

/thread
+1.

The most reliable BMW I've owned was my e36 M3.
They do have their share of issues, but none as serious as HPFP and cleaning intake valves on the e90 335.

That being said, I would not trade my e90 back for my e36.
It was a fun car, but it's old and feels old compared to an e90.
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