(Advice needed) BMW 335i coupe

[tiong_neow]

Hi there,

am keen to buy a 2007-2008 335i coupe but seems like there are 2 types of drive train in the market to choose from.

Some friends tell me

1) 6-speed auto is tiptronic and it's the hardier gearbox
2) DCT (it's a 7-speed DSG right) some say the gear shifts are fast.

Can someone kindly share their experiences here about this 2 types of gearboxes? Maybe the pros n cons? I hear both negative n positive of stories about this 2 gearboxes. Just want to buy a more reliable one.

 

[Codewerx]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

Get the DCT .....

 

[Lexus SC]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

I don't think there's DCT on the 335 before... 2009?
Correct me if I am wrong.

 

[tiong_neow]

Re: (Advice needed) BMW 335i coupe

I'm not very sure myself when the DCT started. But more keen on the reliability of DCT vs tiptronics. Maybe u can share any experience?

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

The DCT definitely performs better ...... Also definitely seen and heard less about DCT problems versus the 6HP (lots) over the years ......

 

[kenntona]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

Hi there,

am keen to buy a 2007-2008 335i coupe but seems like there are 2 types of drive train in the market to choose from.

Some friends tell me

1) 6-speed auto is tiptronic and it's the hardier gearbox
2) DCT (it's a 7-speed DSG right) some say the gear shifts are fast.

Can someone kindly share their experiences here about this 2 types of gearboxes? Maybe the pros n cons? I hear both negative n positive of stories about this 2 gearboxes. Just want to buy a more reliable one.

First and foremost, not only there are two types of GBs, there are TWO types of engines from cars in that two years. 2007's cars are typically N54 (twin turbos) with ZF gearboxes, and 2008 cars are usually N55 blocks (single turbo twin scroll) with DCT gearboxes.

Second, the differences:

ZF: high torque ratings, cheaper to repair, but slower in shifting

DCT: faster shift, more costly to repair (technically, gotta be replaced) but I doubt anyone has issue with the DCT GB up to now.... It appears that the DCT is a closer clone to PDK then DSG and SST insofar as tolerance to torque, fatique and load are concerned.

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

First and foremost, not only there are two types of GBs, there are TWO types of engines from cars in that two years. 2007's cars are typically N54 (twin turbos) with ZF gearboxes, and 2008 cars are usually N55 blocks (single turbo twin scroll) with DCT gearboxes.

Second, the differences:

ZF: high torque ratings, cheaper to repair, but slower in shifting

DCT: faster shift, more costly to repair (technically, gotta be replaced) but I doubt anyone has issue with the DCT GB up to now.... It appears that the DCT is a closer clone to PDK then DSG and SST insofar as tolerance to torque, fatique and load are concerned.

Listen to Kenntona. He's always correct. Lorong 8 say one.

 

[esis311]

Re: (Advice needed) BMW 335i coupe

Yes, Kenntona is right, additional small comment, ZF 6 speed is less jerky in town traffic, the problem posted on the ZF gearbox issue mostly due to extended trans oil + filter change, my ride with ZF 6 speed been doing fine since took over in 2009 with 60K(trans was jerky so the workshop replaced all solenoid valve, filter, trans fluid for SGD 2K), subsequent trans oil + filter change every 50K (SGD 500 include part and labor), been doing fine, noticing a very smooth gear shifting with every trans oil + filter change, the ride is 200K today.

 

[eugeneelgr]

Re: (Advice needed) BMW 335i coupe

No, n55s started only in 2010 onwards. Before that, all 335s come with the n54.

 

[Red_Bean_Bun]

Re: (Advice needed) 335i's gearbox

Some 335i come with N54 with DCT ...... Very solid combo.