All through BMW’s historical past, they’ve introduced a number of totally different 3 Sequence fashions to market carrying the “is” badge. Usually, it’s a sport bundle of some kind, and restricted to two-door coupe fashions. Often, an “is” automotive is a late model-year that touts the mannequin’s greatest engine and will even have extra efficiency components commonly unavailable to the automotive.
BMW’s therapy of the 335is epitomized the formulation. BMW solely made them through the second half of the E9X era’s manufacturing, and significantly fewer left the manufacturing unit than pedestrian 335i fashions. Digging deeper, it’s simple to see that the 335is is the E9X era’s magnum opus. A best hits assortment, if you’ll, of the components that made the E9X 3 Sequence stand out from its rivals – in interval, and even over a decade later.
The 335is Supplied Distinctive Drivetrain Choices
By the point the 335is launched, BMW had broadly converted from the twin-turbo N54 to the single-turbo N55 inline-six. That’s not essentially a foul factor – it’s one step nearer to the B58 we all know and love at the moment, in spite of everything. However it’s telling that BMW selected to stay the older engine within the top-dog 3 Sequence – the twin turbos add a way of event the N55-powered vehicles lack.
The 335is makes 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque (370 in overboost). That’s 20 extra horsepower and 32 extra pound-feet than the comparable, N55-powered unit. Unofficially, BMW selected the N54 over the N55 as a result of they have been better-versed in tuning the twin-turbo mill.
BMW improved upon the N54 in every single place it may. The 335is acquired an upgraded cooling system with an extra radiator and a extra highly effective fan distinctive to the mannequin. The entrance bumper was tweaked to permit higher air move, and the automotive acquired an oil cooler usually reserved for sport and M Sport fashions. Stiffer motor mounts spherical out under-the-hood modifications, and a sport exhaust system amplifies the N54’s metallic, whooshing vocals. The sum of components is the best potential N54 put in a 3 Sequence.
The 335is solely got here with rear-driven wheels, however how the facility made it there was all as much as you. A six-speed handbook transmission was out there, however equally tempting was a improbable dual-clutch transmission. The seven-speed field is similar one the M3 acquired – and 135i, and 135is, and six-cylinder E89 Z4 fashions – and supplied wickedly fast shifts. No different non-M 3er acquired entry. BMW assembled the previous transmissions out there and gave you the selection: row ‘em, or rip ‘em.
Particulars Matter
The 335is would already be the most effective E9X era 3 Sequence if BMW stopped on the powertrain. However they didn’t, including neat little touches that made an already wonderful automotive really feel extra particular. Naturally, all 335is got here as LCI fashions, so revised headlight and taillight designs, and a light-weight hood and grille contact up. All 335is fashions got here with M Sport tools like Shadowline trim and acquired a model-specific rear diffuser and alloy wheel design.
Inside, BMW gave the 335is a ton of M Sport goodies. Distinctive to the is fashions was a darkish gray instrument cluster – additionally emblazoned with “335is.” The passenger aspect of the dashboard acquired a badge, too.
The 335is is as Good because the E92 and E93 Get
Between the exceptional powertrain, commonplace M Sport goodies, and unique aesthetics, the 335is is hands-down the most effective the E9X 3 Sequence acquired. Extra importantly, it doesn’t simply pay fan service – old-fashioned hydraulic power-assisted steering and a superb ol’ inline-six means it embodies the deep cuts “actual followers” search for, too, particularly ten years on. The 335is, then, is a curated assortment of every part that made the era so nice – the best hits of the E92 and E93 in a single automotive.
