335i perfect go between e46 & e9x M3s?

335i perfect go between e46 & e9x M3s?

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Discussion

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Thursday 16th October 2014
quotequote all
Hi guys,

Always been a fan of the e46 M3s... Now the kids are out of boosters etc, thinking of a fun coupe/convertible...

I've been seriously looking at 335is this week (convertible) as they seem a great 'compromise' of performance, style... And are modern.

I don't do big miles.. So a thirsty M is a possibility.. I appreciate the potential runnings costs of an M.... But for those that have went from one to another..... What you think?

E46 M3 handy ££ still nice car! but getting old/tired.. Convertible not as pretty as coupe
335i nice price point.. Modern, look good coupe or convert
E9x M3 really pushing budget... But arguably the 'best' of all options. Can't see prices moving that much more on them near term..?

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
track days will not happen (have a toy for track racing)

this is purely a fun car that can carry the kids too - school runs, wk end drives... but i want something with a bit of go - i dont do big milage.. so big engine petrol car is half sensible.

like the idea of a rag top - again for fun with the kids etc... hence the 335i is nice as it is a 'hard top' the rest of the time..

i've test drove a 335i earlier this week and liked it, not test drove either M models.. my guess is an E46 rag top would have a fair amount of cabin noise compared to the 335i which i thought was very quiet/solid inside.

I'm starting to think an E46 rag top might be worth a punt... and 12-18 months later go back to a sensible car.. or go for the V8 M3 which would be at a more sensible pricepoint (for me)

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Friday 17th October 2014
quotequote all
thanks... like i say track (and ultimate road performance) not top of list.. want something usable inc 2 kids.. and they seem to offer a lot for the money.

i just want something special/occasion/character can be rag top of coupe.. also thinking older pork

335i is prob sensible option... but like OP above.. i dont want to buy it.. then 3 months later think it lacks soul/character...

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Saturday 18th October 2014
quotequote all
gangzoom said:
I wouldn't use any of those words to describe my 335i when it was stock frown
Starting to think you are right... Same there is such a price diff between e46 and e9x M3s.. Maybe I just need to dig deeper and go for the e9x M3!

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
thanks for that guys...... i'm still torturing myself in the classifieds :-)

although the E46 M3s are in a nice price range for me... i think they are (naturally) looking a bit dated - and the rag top was never as pretty in them (imho)

the 335i drop top is def. a lovely looking car (esp the M Sport) and is again at a nice price point.. the test drive i had in one i thought went well.. not unbelievable.. but was swift, smooth and would be a handy into to drop tops to see if the kids actually enjoy it.

E93 Drop top.. def are quite a car - essentially look/feel of a coupe, with the V8 rumble ! but that comes at a fairly hefty $$ in terms of buying - and running.

need to play with the man maths calculator more ! but if i found the right colour combo of 335i i think i'd be very happy.. the M3 woudl be more of a box tick - M badge and V8 in one

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
i wasn't aware there was a DCT in the 335i ? maybe the fresher ones ?

i test drove an '07 model auto.

it would be '07/'08 models i am looking at... any younger than that, and i'd put the $$ into an M3

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
every day is a school day :-) i wasnt aware the fresher 335i had DCT... i guess that's a fair step forward from the normal slushbox in the earlier 335s ? (which i found ok)

they changed to a single turbo too at some stage ? i guess getting away from the actuator issues on the earlier models ?

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
cheers ! yes - i imagine the DCT is an improvement over the auto in older cars... although i found the normal auto ok - esp when in 'manual' or sport

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
quotequote all
thanks guys.

yes - I am thinking an M might be more of a keeper as it is more of an 'event' to drive.... the E93 would be lovely.... only issue is - most of my miles are wk end with family etc.. during teh week is only short school runs/stuff... and i've a feeling due to needing dog + or bikes - we'll end up using my current car (VRS estate) which i was going to give the wife...

could end up where this began and start looking at RS 4 avants again - but dont need/want two estates - so would have to sell the VRS and buy the Mrs something mid size (with tow bar)

the joys of first world problems !!

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Thursday 23rd October 2014
quotequote all
^^ like your thinking! ^^

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Friday 24th October 2014
quotequote all
ha...... that VRS looks nearly identical to mine.

funny - there is a 4 door M3 locally with a host of extras that caught my eye.. i think i'm decided if its a BMW its an M3.

i just need to decide whether i replace the octavia's practicality and get an Audi RS4, or keep it - and get the M3.. i had like the idea of a convertible, but i think reality is a coupe or 4 door woudl be more useable, and at least with proper BMW accessories - i could carry my bikes on the roof of the M3 coupe/4door... not everyones taste - but at least i'd get to use it more

gixermark

Original Poster:

742 posts

188 months

Tuesday 28th October 2014
quotequote all
deal done.

went for a VERY tasty 4dr. M3

will pass the octavia VRS estate to wifey.. but at least with the E90 we can do a fair bit of family stuff too..

hopefully have the M3 collected at the end of this week.