Before going straight to answering the question ‘does bmw 335i require premium gas?’, let us quickly take a look at the brief history of the BMW 335i.
History Of BMW 335i
The BMW 335i can be traced back to the E90 3 Series lineup which was introduced in 2005.
In 2006, BMW officially released the E92 335i Coupe and E93 335i. These models are Convertible and were powered by BMW’s then-new N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 engine resulting in the production 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.
In 2007, the E90 335i Sedan followed the lineup, sharing the N54 engine with the coupe and convertible variants.
In 2009, the N54 engine got updated tuning, resulting in increment of output to 320 hp and 332 lb-ft briefly.
In 2011, the N55 single turbo 3.0L engine stood as a replacement to the N54 twin-turbo. Though power was still rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft again, but the with better fuel efficiency.
In 2012, BMW unveiled the F30 3 Series generation. The F30 335i retains the N55 turbo inline-6 with 300 hp.
In 2016 the B58 turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 debuts in the 340i, replacing the 335i and offering 320 hp and 330 lb-ft.
Some Amazing Specifications Of The BMW 335i
The Engine
The BMW 335i has a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 cylinder engine with the power output of 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm (335 hp @ 5,900 rpm from 2011-2013 models) and torque of 300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm
The Transmission
The BMW 335i transmits at 6-speed manual (stock) and 6-speed automatic (optional)
The Performance
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds for manual and 5.5 seconds for automatic.
Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Dimensions
Its Wheelbase is 108.7 inches
Its Length is 181.1 inches
Its Width is 71.5 inches
Its Height is 55.9 inches
Its Curb weight 3,571 lbs for manual and 3,637 lbs for automatic
Fuel Consumption (EPA estimates)
For Manual, it consumes 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
For Automatic it consumes 19 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
It featured a rear-wheel drive layout and a sport-tuned suspension. Other notable features included an aluminum double-pivot strut-type front suspension and five-link rear suspension.
Does bmw 335i require premium gas?
Yes, BMW recommends using premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
The BMW 335i is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that has a relatively high compression ratio. Using lower octane fuel in this engine can lead to engine knocking or pinging, which can potentially cause damage over time.
Using premium gas ensures proper anti-knock performance and allows the engine’s spark timing to be optimized for maximum power output and efficiency. It’s best to follow BMW’s recommendations in the owner’s manual to keep the 335i running at its best.
While premium gas costs more per gallon, the increase in cost is relatively small compared to the price of repairs that could stem from using lower octane fuel not designed for this high-performance turbocharged engine. Most automakers recommend premium fuel for their turbocharged and high-compression engines.
Where To Buy BMW 335i
The BMW 335i was available brand new from BMW dealerships until it was stopped in 2013 as part of the E90/E92/E93 3 Series lineup.
Because it’s no longer in production, your options to purchase a 335i would be:
Used Car Dealerships
Look for certified pre-owned (CPO) 335i models at BMW dealerships or used 335is at third-party used car lots. These will likely be lower mileage, well-maintained examples.
Private Party
Check online classifieds like Autotrader, Cars.com, Craigslist, jiji in Nigeria etc. You can sometimes find good deals from private sellers, but you lose the dealer certification/warranty.
Auto Auctions
Attend or bid online at dealer auto auctions where dealers source a percentage of their used inventory. Requires more expertise to inspect vehicles properly.
Import from Another Market
The 335i was sold globally, so importers may have access to bring in clean examples from other countries where the 335i remained in production longer.
No matter which route you go, make sure to have any used 335i thoroughly checked by a BMW technician before buying, as repair costs can be high for this performance model out of warranty. But finding a well-maintained low mileage example can provide an excellent driving experience.