All through BMW’s historical past, they’ve introduced just a few completely different 3 Sequence fashions to market sporting the “is” badge. Typically, it’s a sport package deal of some kind, and restricted to two-door coupe fashions. Normally, an “is” automotive is a late model-year that touts the mannequin’s finest engine and will even have extra efficiency elements usually unavailable to the automotive.
BMW’s therapy of the 335is epitomized the method. BMW solely made them throughout the second half of the E9X technology’s manufacturing, and significantly fewer left the manufacturing facility than pedestrian 335i fashions. Digging deeper, it’s simple to see that the 335is is the E9X technology’s magnum opus. A best hits assortment, if you’ll, of the elements that made the E9X 3 Sequence stand out from its rivals – in interval, and even over a decade later.
The 335is Provided 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 present, in spite of everything. Nevertheless 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 had been better-versed in tuning the twin-turbo mill.
BMW improved upon the N54 all over the place it might. The 335is bought an upgraded cooling system with a further radiator and a extra highly effective fan distinctive to the mannequin. The entrance bumper was tweaked to permit higher air movement, and the automotive bought 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 elements 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 guide transmission was obtainable, however equally tempting was a improbable dual-clutch transmission. The seven-speed field is similar one the M3 bought – and 135i, and 135is, and six-cylinder E89 Z4 fashions – and provided wickedly fast shifts. No different non-M 3er bought entry. BMW assembled the previous transmissions obtainable and gave you the selection: row ‘em, or rip ‘em.
Particulars Matter
The 335is would already be the most effective E9X technology 3 Sequence if BMW stopped on the powertrain. However they didn’t, including neat little touches that made an already glorious automotive really feel extra particular. Naturally, all 335is got here as LCI fashions, so revised headlight and taillight designs, and a lightweight hood and grille contact up. All 335is fashions got here with M Sport tools like Shadowline trim and bought 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 facet of the dashboard bought a badge, too.
The 335is is as Good because the E92 and E93 Get
Between the outstanding powertrain, customary M Sport goodies, and unique aesthetics, the 335is is hands-down the most effective the E9X 3 Sequence bought. Extra importantly, it doesn’t simply pay fan service – old-fashioned hydraulic power-assisted steering and 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 the whole lot that made the technology so nice – the best hits of the E92 and E93 in a single automotive.
