Help me value my BMW 335i touring

Hi all

We’re currently thinking about getting a new car. I don’t really want to see it go but I’ve just started a new job and I’ll have to do some driving so need something more economical

I’m not sure what the value is of our current car and had some wide ranging quotes from webuyanycar and other places (prices from 4.5 to 6.5k). I think it’s actually fairly rare and sought after esp in this colour but I don’t think trade ins etc will recognise that – presumably they just have a reference price based on car auctions. Any one had experience of how these places work out values and presumably I’d be better off doing a private sale (if I can stand the tyre kickers)

It’s a 2009 E91 BMW 335i touring. It’s an M sport auto in metallic black with Idrive, angel eyes, black gloss interior and leather seats and done 75k and in good condition.

Ta
Woody71

Are you on FB? There are a few e9x groups on there – they are the right group of people you need to get interested in order to get a good price.

I’ve seen some going for +£10k

I’d be interested in chopping my 320d touring in for that!

Drop me a message… I’d be interested in buying it for sure…

No idea of the value, but it would be worth a lot more with some nice winter wheels and tyres. Did I mention I had some in the classifieds that would fit 🙂

I’d be surprised if it was much over 6k.

Not overly relevant but I’ve a mint condition ‘14 m135 with all the goodies (8spd DSG, upgraded speakers, entertainment yada yada) and can’t see that being worth more than 10k now.

Unless the market for estates is red hot and I’m off the mark, which is of course possible.

Thanks all so far

Mboy – may drop u a line once I have an idea of value.

Welshfarmer – thanks for the link

Will have a look at FB pages

It’ll be worth closer to £10k to the right buyer.

Search for your car i.e. model and spec on AutoTrader and select private sales only.

That’s a pretty good indication of what you can ask for it.

Advanced search lets you set very specific spec and features to match.

Take a bit off for negotiation – how much can be judged by how long the other adverts have been online.

I’d be surprised if it was much over 6k.

Not overly relevant but I’ve a mint condition ‘14 m135 with all the goodies (8spd DSG conventional auto, upgraded speakers, entertainment yada yada) and can’t see that being worth more than 10k now.

It’s people like you robowns that allow the motor traders to thrive!

Please give me first dibs EVERY time you’re selling any of your cars in future… 😉

Mboy – may drop u a line once I have an idea of value.

Drop me a line anyway… You might be surprised one way or the other.

They are sought after estate cars by a good number of people. There is a massive e91 6 cylinder thread running on Pistonheads.

If it is good condition with a good history it will fetch good money so selling privately would be the way to go.

Thanks Andrewreay – autotrader tip helpful. Two near similar cars with traders but one much lower mileage (£18k) and another a Japanese import (£11k) and the Pre facelift version. I guess trade prices a bit higher

Mboy – will PM on basis of pure speculation 😀

The big engine’d E90’s are fairly rare beasts now. I have a mint LCi 335d that’s gotta go this year, and valuing it is really hard simply because they don’t actually come up for sale very often. Good spec, good history and good condition makes massive, massive differences to the value of these cars, to the tune of 5 grand, ie a poor one worth 5k, a good one worth 10k, for basically the same car!

I don’t think it will be a hard sell on a specalist site, might as well put it up from strong money and see who bites, and if not, come down from there 🙂

Thanks maxtorque

I’d agree – they don’t come up often and 75% of those that do look like they’ve had a hard life so really difficult to judge

I guess I know a trade in price won’t reflect the price on a specialist site so will probably start there

It’s a really difficult one especially at the moment with the pandemic and restrictions. I’ve always sold our cars privately on AT but yesterday I sold my wife’s 320i to Arnold Clark in a WBAC style transaction (worth checking their valuation as it was the best I found from the various websites). Obviously not a 6cyl but it was the right colour, spec, FBMWSH, etc. etc. but I just couldn’t be doing with people coming round the house wanting test drives etc. etc. so had to swallow my pride and probably about £1500-2000 difference on a private sale but for us right now, it was the right thing to do.

What I would say about these WBAC type transactions is that there is near zero discretion available to whoever inspects/values the car.. Tiny chip on alloy? £200 off the valuation straight away and so on.

Thus, if you have a minter LCI 335i wagon in the right spec and can be arsed with the hassle I’d go private. The more special/rare the car is the more it pushes towards a private sale. At the end of the day you only need 1 person to buy it.

I’ve had a few beemers in the past and if I didn’t have my EV co car I’d probably be making you an offer!

Good luck with the sale.

The big engine’d E90’s are fairly rare beasts now. I have a mint LCi 335d that’s gotta go this year, and valuing it is really hard simply because they don’t actually come up for sale very often. Good spec, good history and good condition makes massive, massive differences to the value of these cars, to the tune of 5 grand, ie a poor one worth 5k, a good one worth 10k, for basically the same car!

I’d have thought though that there’s a world of difference (well, at least 15mpg) between a 335i and a 335d, and that’s the reason why the OP is selling the 335i.

People buy these cars for the engine characteristics, not the mpg. A lot of people still want a large silky smooth 6 cylinder petrol engine rather than a 4 cyl. It might not be everyone, but there are enough people out there that they are willing to pay more for them to get a good one. A trade in will never accommodate that desire in the price they offer even if they know they can get that kind of buyer and hence sell it for over book

People buy these cars for the engine characteristics, not the mpg. A lot of people still want a large silky smooth 6 cylinder petrol engine rather than a 4 cyl. It might not be everyone, but there are enough people out there that they are willing to pay more for them to get a good one. A trade in will never accommodate that desire in the price they offer even if they know they can get that kind of buyer and hence sell it for over book

Which is why I used the 335i vs 335d – it’s not only quicker, but as pointed out, far, far more economical.

I always had petrol cars in the past, including V8’s – but my 435d had outstanding performance (and with a total disregard to economy when driving, still averaged 40mpg). And economy is the reason the OP is getting rid.

I should check this out. My similar age 325i (also 6cyl) needs selling but I assumed it was worth a pittance. If it’s actually worth some money that would be nice!

An LCI 335i in M-Sport trim with sensible miles is going to surprise you. I’ve been keeping half an eye open as its what I’d want to replace my old 330i E91. Forget about 4 figures – its going to be worth well north of 10k privately. There is/was one on AT the other week for a maybe slightly optimistic £16k but thats showing the value of them.

The bigger engined petrol models are gaining value. I sold my 330i 6 years ago for £6k and theres no way I’d be able to replace it now with a similar aged/model car for anything less than that.

ebay lets you see the sold prices of cars that have gone through auction with them successfully. You might be able to achieve a little more than what they got via private sale..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=335i&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=33&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1

unfortunately the only estate on there was spares or repair (and subsiquently re-listed so I guess it fell through) so difficult to get a true figure – I don’t know if they’re worth a lot more than the saloons

I don’t know if they’re worth a lot more than the saloons

Estates are much more desirable if you believe the PistonHeads forums. Unfortunately (for me), my googling seems to suggest that the 325i is not worth anything close to the 330i / 335i.

So many great contributions from the STW community 😀

I know it’s relatively rare (coupes etc are much more common) especially in the black combo and with below average miles just difficult to value as you can’t easily find a comparison.

It does guzzle fuel (but is much better than my 2007 325i) and although a 335d would be better I did buy it at the time for the sound and response. Currently do 4000 miles a year so fuel costs haven’t been an issue. That said I wouldn’t be buying a diesel for new job but a newer car with fewer miles on the clock and a leaner petrol engine (probably my last ICE car).

WBAC and the like will want to make a profit on whatever they pay you, same goes for dealer trade in value, they can’t afford to pay you it’s full market value, that’s their business model.

To anyone else looking at buying it privately, it’s a decade old, thirsty estate which they’re likely to encounter some hefty maintenance and tyre bills for down the line. Logic probably dictates they walk away and buy an Octavia…

So It’s basically Bimmer enthusiasts who will want it most and maybe pay a tad more, but they’re going to want a bargain (compared to buying it from the trade) so the delta is really where your maximum sale price sits, if dealers/WBAC offer £6k tops, you’ll maybe nudge £7.5k* out of the right private buyer? And that’s going to be after some haggling…

*(Total guesstimate)

To anyone else looking at buying it privately, it’s a decade old, thirsty estate which they’re likely to encounter some hefty maintenance and tyre bills for down the line. Logic probably dictates they walk away and buy an Octavia…

But it’s not an Octavia. It’s a 6 cylinder BMW Touring, which do still seem to be in demand. The smaller engined ones, especially saloons, seem to be priced not far away from similar Octavias etc. I only half pay attention to an E9x Facebook group because I have one, but the 6 cylinder Tourings do always seem to demand a decent price.
Mine is the 30D, it now does so few miles that if I was looking now I’d definitely be looking at the petrols.

It would be worth the OP joining a couple and having a look, there aren’t many 35i’s on there which hopefully means it won’t be difficult to sell.

No one goes out looking for a 335i estate and ends up in an Octavia.

It would be difficult to be that misguided.

Would be somewhat like going out to buy a range rover and coming home with a twizzy.

I was searching for one of these last year. They are rare, and even rarer in a condition you’d want to buy.

They are not just an old thirsty estate car.

They have one of the greatest six cylinder engines ever made and ever likely to be made now. Wrapped in a fine handling chassis with room for the whole family.

Normal “white goods car rules” do not apply.

That’s a desirable spec – personal preference would be manual for me, but everything else hell yes. I regret selling my pre-LCI 330i M Sport manual saloon: quick enough, practical, a nice place to be, and that engine sounds superb especially with M Performance exhaust. Only 25mpg but as mentioned earlier nobody buys a (petrol) 6-cyl BMW for the economy, but even still that’s disappointing given my current car with a 6.0 V8 does 20mpg for the same driving use.

Definitely worth trying to sell that privately via PH or e9x group I think.

Mmmm perhaps I should put it in MiL garage and buy an octavia or a Mondeo for everyday? 😀

Could you keep it and enjoy the car for a bit longer? How many more miles are you likely to be doing? If you’re replacing it with another petrol ICE car then is there going to be a material difference in economy and therefore fuel costs? I only ask because the 320i (6 speed manual) we just got rid of wasn’t great on the juice.. High 30s on a run, I seen 40mpg once in nearly 3 years but was driving like an angel, around town high 20s best.. That was a 2015 model so relatively modern.

No one goes out looking for a 335i estate and ends up in an Octavia.

That’s essentially my point.
i.e. you won’t sell it to someone just “looking for an estate” you’ll sell it to someone specifically in the market for a 330 or 335i touring, so the actual market isn’t all that big…

Obviously that WBAC £6k offer is derisory, but given current ‘Coronanomics’ etc, it’s not going to achieve £10k.

Obviously that WBAC £6k offer is derisory, but given current ‘Coronanomics’ etc, it’s not going to achieve £10k.

From what I’ve seen £10k is around what it should go for.

It will. Many people had e46 330i coupe/saloon/touring, but not many people bought 335i e91s new due to the company car tax, running costs, etc vs the 335 diesel. But with the governments stance on diesel and now the public perception, not only are a few of those e46 owners looking for a big engined petrol estate, but also a few previous diesel drivers.

Rarity is part of the reason their prices stay high, another is the increasing cost of a big engined 3 series. A high spec 46 touring could be had in 2005 for £35k, in 2010 a 335i would be about 45k, and F31 was over £60k. F31s were also rare in 335i form, but are more common in 340i form (petrol became more popular again) and this factor (high entry price) is now being somewhat eroded by a higher number of available cars.

A good LCI 335 e91 will fetch £10k
A moderate 335 f31 will start at £15k
A 340i f31 will be closer to £23k

The e91 holds its price as it’s the lowest entry point for a 6cylinder petrol, BMW estate and it’s rare.

so had to swallow my pride and probably about £1500-2000 difference on a private sale but for us right now, it was the right thing to do.

Wow!

I don’t care how much you earn, but if you are happy to swallow £1500-2k for the sake of masking up and a minor inconvenience, then please… Let me give you my number for future car sales! 😉

Which is why I used the 335i vs 335d – it’s not only quicker, but as pointed out, far, far more economical.

335d isn’t quicker. It has more torque, yes, but it also has much longer gearing and less peak power. It’s also heavier.

MPG difference won’t be as much as you think… The 35d engines were a lot thirstier than the 30d single turbo engines. You’re looking at 23-24mpg probably avg on a 335i and maybe 29-32 for a 335d in good condition. Contrast that to 35-38mpg avg from a 330d (all quoted with the 6spd ZF auto box, as that’s all the 335d came with) with barely any less performance, you can understand why most people just stuck with the 330d.

That’s essentially my point.
i.e. you won’t sell it to someone just “looking for an estate” you’ll sell it to someone specifically in the market for a 330 or 335i touring, so the actual market isn’t all that big…

With vehicles like this, it’s about knowing where to advertise it, rather than knowing how much it is or isn’t worth… Prices will often surprise you! I’ve just listed my 135i for sale, very low mileage and superb condition, I’ve had a couple of jokers message me to say I’m asking way too much for it, but you wait… Lockdown is cancelled, the sun comes out, people with expendable spare income looking for something immaculate to enjoy in the sun… It happens! 🤷🏻‍♂️

If Woody’s 335i touring was a manual, I’d already be all over it… As it is, it’s less desirable with the 6spd ZF auto, but still quite rare and desirable in the grand scheme of things. The one that’s £18k on ebay right now, was initially up for £20k… I was offered in for £12k (but had sadly just bought my current 135i so had no cash), the guy just needed rid ASAP and knew with the low mileage it had it would likely go for over £15k, but he needed it gone so it went to a trader a couple of days later. Shame, but there we go!

From what I’ve seen £10k is around what it should go for.

It really depends on too many factors… Condition and spec is a huge dictator for these cars… Also, the N54 is notably probably the highest maintenance non “M” engine that BMW have ever built, they can run into some HUGE repair bills if not looked after properly, and any buyer who’d be willing to pay good money for the car will know exactly what to look for. Nobody is going to buy an E91 335i estate for good money now without a thorough inspection, and every i dotted and t crossed in the service history! If the turbo wastegates are a little rattly for instance, you’re in for a £2k plus bill to get them reconditioned… And they’ll need doing sooner than later, or it’s potential even bigger bills in the near future!

Keep in touch Woody… 👍🏻

The e91 holds its price as it’s the lowest entry point for a 6cylinder petrol, BMW estate and it’s rare.

the e36, e46, e39, e61 and even the odd f11 are all cheaper, no?

Aware of the turbo risks – glad to say I had the car thoroughly inspected at Munich Legends before purchasing and they do all the services and any work required and keep an eye on this issue. They pay more care and attention than BMW main dealers in my opinion. No problems so far (but you never know your luck)

Mboy – will stay in contact

e36

Long time since I saw a 6cyl E36 Touring on the road! Anything left will either be rotting on a driveway, or be sat in an air conditioned bubble.

e46

Tin worm… Tried buying several about 5yrs ago, nothing left worth buying even then!

e39

Bigger car, bigger running costs. Needs a V8 or a diesel IMO. Also not many left worth buying, Jeremy Clarkson saw to that when he took one to Africa for a Top Gear challenge a few years ago and every Tom, Dick and Harry suddenly bought one for £1500 and ran it into the ground.

e61

See above about needs a diesel or a V8… Also they’re just a bit, well… 🤷🏻‍♂️

f11

Doubtful… And remember that by this point, a 28i or 30i petrol model was actually a 2L 4cyl Turbo rather than a 6cyl.

Anyway… For anyone who doesn’t understand why BMW 6’s, even the turbocharged ones are so highly sought after by purists, just have a listen to this and turn the volume up! 😍

OK, it’s got a straight through exhaust, but it’s otherwise a stock engine internally and stock turbos too!

EDIT: Also, it’s worth considering that an N54 engined car is only a larger intercooler, a performance cat and a remap away from about 420bhp… And bigger maintenance bills of course! 😂

@5lab – You’ll struggle to find anything over 15y old that’s in really good condition. The 328 e36 was rare and is tiny by modern standards. Face lifted E46s Tourings in good condition are becoming very rare (I know, I have one) and most have high mileage and some problems. e39s were always rare and the sport versions especially so. E61s are nice, but again petrol versions are rare as they were 2004-2011, so few were sold. They’re also, bigger, heavier and more prone to faults. The e91 by comparison is powerful, fairly reliable (especially the later engines/fuel rails) and can be found without intergalactic mileage. There also aren’t really many similar cars of that type (large engined, petrol estate) for that money. The only similar car is an S4 avant. C63s and RS4s have MUCH higher running costs.

EDIT – 535i f11s are like rocking horse poo. Only the e61 550i is more scarce.

Honestly, if it weren’t black, I’d be tempted to make you an offer. 🙂

I bought one of the earliest versions of an E91 330d M Sport manual (55 plate) nearly 10 years ago.

We paid £10k for it, with the first owner only having covered 19k miles in its first 5yrs. I’ve driven it to Italy, France, all over the UK & its been a great car.

I wouldn’t have a clue what its worth now, although its picked up plenty wear & tear from being used as a family wagon, and at 102k miles now it still cleans up ok and is always more fun to drive compared to dreary company cars I’ve had over the same timeframe.

Even if its only worth £2k now, overall cost of ownership over the ten year period feels reasonable for what’s been a reliable, solid and moderately fast car.