Back in January, I got seduced for the first time by the 2011 BMW 335is in Portugal.
It was such a great driver, In my initial review and video I asked the question--As much fun as an M3, for 9k less?
" I was so impressed, if it were my money and i wanted a 3-Series with a perfect balance of daily driver and occasional track star with a price that's not mind blowing, I would probably buy this over the iconic M3."Well, last week I DID buy one instead of the M3.
I bought the 2011 BMW 335is convertible.
2011 BMW 335is Photo Gallery
And even though I've only had it for a few days, my short time with it confirms this is a special car.
Even though the press releases claim a 0-60 of 5 seconds for the IS, I can tell you already it's faster than the 335i coupe which was clocked by various mags at 4.9, 0-60MPH.
On balance, maybe the best 3-Series ever.
Perfect power delivery, my favorite 3-Series factory exhaust sound, looks so good it will make you weak in the knees and $9k in your pocket over an M3, make this bad boy one of the best, if not THE best daily driver on the market today.
And for all you naysayers, the best BANGLE BMW ever.
Even more perfected by the Von Hooydonk design team.
For those of you who are reading about the 335is for the first time here are the main differences between it and a regular 335i and the background on the IS moniker:
The "s" was first seen by North Americans on the original BMW 3-Series, which was imported from 1977-1983. The 1980 BMW 320is included the most desirable 3-Series equipment, including Recaro sport seats, sport steering wheel, halogen high-beams, sunroof, dual color-keyed wing mirrors, anti-sway bars, exterior aerodynamic enhancements, and cross-spoke light-alloy wheels. Later in the 1980s, the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series were each available as "s" models, including the BMW 325es, 325is, and 535is. Again, sticking with a proven formula, BMW gave the "s" models enhanced aerodynamics, sport suspension, on-board computer (OBC) and Check Control, sport leather seats, and other features. Early last decade, the original BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) was available twice as an "s" model, first as the BMW X5 4.6is and then as the BMW X5 4.8is. The "s" model SAVs brought even further enhancement in the form of increased power from their modified V-8 engines.As the newest "s" model, therefore, the 2011 BMW 335is follows its lineage by offering stunning looks, more power, and a raft of functional, performance-inspired equipment tailored to suit the enthusiast driver.More PowerThe BMW 335is is powered by BMW's widely-acclaimed "N54" twin-turbocharged inline-6, which displaces 3.0-liters and features all-aluminum construction. The engine further benefits from BMW's High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS stepless valve timing, and advanced Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine control system. For the BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, the engine has a heavy-duty cooling system and has received special software that allows the N54 to sustain a nominal output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Through the use of temporary overboost in certain circumstances, the engine will produce up to 370 lb-ft of torque (horsepower remains 320) for even better performance during overtaking and other high-load / high-speed maneuvers.The increased power and torque naturally place higher loads on the engine componentry, so a number of items, including the cooling system of the BMW 335is, have been upgraded accordingly. An additional radiator has been added behind the left-side front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan. An oil cooler is fitted opposite the second radiator, on the right side. The front fascia of each model has been shaped with large openings to allow improved air flow to the coolers, and special emphasis was placed on the BMW 335is Coupe's higher probability of being used for spirited driving. As a result, the BMW 335is Coupe has traded the Convertible's foglights for the largest possible air openings, which help result in a substantial increase in effective cooling capacity over the original BMW 335i Coupe. These measures were taken specifically to ensure that the BMW 335is will provide constant, reliable power under even the harshest driving circumstances. Engine mounts have also been replaced with stiffer units to help minimize deflection under very high G-loads.
Performance and Specifications
Top speed of the BMW 335is will be electronically limited to 150 mph.
The BMW 335is Coupe performs 0-60 mph runs in 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed. The BMW 335is Convertible, meanwhile, requires only 5.2 seconds for the 0-60 run whether equipped with the 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DCT. Maximum rated horsepower of 320 is achieved at 5900 rpm, and nominal peak torque output of 332 lb-ft is achieved from 1500 - 5000 rpm. Temporary peak torque of 370 lb-ft is available under special high-load circumstances, such as when overtaking at higher speeds. The drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.30 for the BMW 335is Coupe and 0.31 for the BMW 335is Convertible. EPA fuel efficiency estimates will be available closer to the on-sale date for each model and are expected to closely follow the figures of the standard BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible, respectively. The vented brake rotors are the same sizes as on the standard BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible, measuring 13.7" front and 13.2" rear.
Sensational Sounds Appropriately, the BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible have been fitted with a new sport exhaust system to enhance the sound and responsiveness of each model. Without being intrusive, the emotionally-charged character of the free flowing exhaust system has been specially tuned to focus on the low frequency "rumble" sounds that are most enjoyed with the windows (or the Convertible's retractable hard top) lowered. The system is designed to minimize the restriction of exhaust gas flow, which is always important for a turbocharged powerplant.Unique Exterior and Interior Design FeaturesThe new BMW 335is models are based on the latest BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible, which have themselves each been enhanced for the 2011 model year. Of those updates, the BMW 335is models retain the new high-depth LED tail lights, new xenon adaptive headlights with LED-lighted corona rings, and the new hood which integrates with a freshened BMW kidney grille. Above and beyond those updates, the BMW 335is will receive new M Sport enhancements which include comprehensive M aerodynamic elements, kidney grille surrounds in high gloss black, Shadowline black window trim, wing mirror caps in high gloss black, and standard 18" light alloy wheels in ferric grey color. 19" light alloy M wheels are optional. Exclusive "335is" badges adorn each front fender and the rear of the trunklid.The M Sport front and rear fascias and side skirts have been carefully sculpted to provide the best air management benefits along with a healthy dose of style. Starting at the front, the new air dam of the BMW 335is Coupe is equipped with large openings meant to feed as much air as possible to the upgraded cooling system. Horizontal black planes are placed within each opening to properly guide the air into the ducts. On the BMW 335is Convertible, front foglights are retained in place of the black horizontal guide planes. As with any M Sport aerodynamic component, the air dam works to reduce or negate lift at high speeds.At rear, the form-follows-function design philosophy continues with a new rear diffuser intended to properly manage the high-velocity air flow exiting from underneath the vehicle. As the most aggressive ever fitted to a BMW 3-Series, the body-color rear diffuser features a black inset portion with vertical strakes that help maintain air velocity, reduce pressure, and therefore help prevent "lift" over the rear axle.Inside, the M Sport upgrades continue with an M Sport steering wheel, sport seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver's footrest, M gearshift knob, and high-quality stainless steel sport pedals. The instrument cluster features dials in dark grey with a "335is" badge on the tachometer face. The passenger side dashboard also features an exclusive "335is" badge on the standard aluminum glacier silver dark trim.
But until you drive it, you just can't believe HOW good it really is.
EVERY TIME you hit the start button on the IS, you are seduced all over again.
Enjoy the photos and the video review....
I'd also like to give a special shout out to my salesman and new friend, Frank Smolkin from Irvine BMW (
FrankS@irvinebmw.net or 949-380-1200).
His service and professionalism was first class all the way.
I was able to do 99% of it over the phone and through email, EVEN with my trade.
And I know this may shock you BUT, he and his dealership kept their word EVERY step of the way!
2011 BMW 335is Photo Gallery
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