New 2012 BMW 335

Reviewed by jj in Irvine, CA
February 20, 2012

I've leased a 2006 330i, then bought a 2008 335i. Currently own a 2010 Mustang GT. So, I test drove the new 2012 335 sedan this weekend. It was fully equipped, the sport model, manual transmission. From the outside, the car looks sharp and respectful. Wheels are sporty, but even they weren't enough to save the car from an overall sedate, I hesitate yet must say, boring look. Too conservative. This looks like a respectable family car from the outside. On the inside, the car was black leather with red highlight on seats and dash with high gloss black panes. Ok.. looks neat and tidy as you'd expect. Must admit, it looks better on the inside compared to the outgoing model. Turn the car on and you'll find yourself listenning attentively for the engine. You'll find yourself doing that for longer than you'd expect because the car is really quite. Rev the engine and you won't be impressed as you would with a 2006 330 or a 2010 Mustang GT. Even the outgoing 335 had a nicer rev sound than this model. OK, the manual shifter is WAY WAY easy to shift. You know, I've always thought that such a shifter would be a delight, but really, the shifts are way too easy to the point, they've lost feel. The clutch is super super light..to the point of almost being digital. There is no weight on the clutch resisting your modulations so it is really awkwards and combined with the super smooth shifter..the shifting experience is diminished. Less fun is a translation I guess, compared to the 2008 335 manual transmission and even compared to a notchy 2010 Mustang GT's 5-speed manual. Ok, the drive, the 335 feels safe and planted but I don't feel the road. It's kinda like a modern roller coaster that is super crazy looking, but holds you in so securely, there is no chance of you getting hurt and so the fear is gone and so is a good portion of the fun.. Down shifting with the 335 is not as breath taking as before, and I almost feel a lack of torque or delay in the power delivery compared to the outgoing 335. The steering wheel is beautiful. The helm fit nice in your hands allowing your fingers to go all the way around completely, (unlike M3's overly thick wheel) and the wheel isn't too large in radius. The steering wheel material is good, good coefficient of friction and inspires confidence. Turning weight is good..not too strong, not too light. I had the car dialed to the sportiest settings by the dealer rep. Unfortunately, steering feel is minimal..I'd say a tad less than the outgoing 335i. Overall driving impressions is bland. This car is not clearly more family oriented and less driver enthusiast oriented. Well, I mean it is less sporty by a significant measure when compared to the out going 335. The engine delivers less instant punch and is less eager to serve, the steering is less engaging, the sound is gone. The feel of the road from the chasis to the seat is also diminished. This is my opinion and my experience. I don't know why BMW has chose to go this route when BMW has been made famous by the 3's fun factor and not by appealing so directly to families. It's a great car for a family sure..but you'd be better served in a Honda SUV. Oh well.. we'll have to wait for the next M3 I guess. Hope the coupe will have a different character.

I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: YES