E92 335i or E46 M3?
Discussion
Hi all,
Looking for some advice and opinions from people who have owned both or either of these cars.
Considering a 2008/09 335i auto or a 2004ish M3 SMG. How different are both cars on a daily basis? The E46 is timeless but interior is definitely outdated now. From what I've researched so far, both have superb engines but the N54 seems prone to problems.
Thanks in advance
Looking for some advice and opinions from people who have owned both or either of these cars.
Considering a 2008/09 335i auto or a 2004ish M3 SMG. How different are both cars on a daily basis? The E46 is timeless but interior is definitely outdated now. From what I've researched so far, both have superb engines but the N54 seems prone to problems.
Thanks in advance
Edited by shotta287 on Sunday 19th February 12:30
Smuler said:
I went from 2009, 59, 335i E92 Coupe with DCT to 2004, 54, M3, Manual.
I prefer looks and size of M3. Against that, the stealth image of the 335i is better for a daily driver, I'm presently, for the first time daily driving my M3 and it gets some fun attention (women flirting) and some PITA attention, boy racers.
The M3 is a different level on chassis/handling, so if you're looking for thrills on the b/roads it's the only choice.
As a daily driver*, however, I preferred the 335i. The N54 engine with the torque is so more flexible and the car feels faster in situations other than when you're really revving it out.
Running costs, between 10/2014 and 05/2016 my 335i cost me about 22p / per mile in petrol, my M3 using a higher RON costs me about 31p/per mile but that's mostly been a mixture of sedate driving to the best b roads and then some exciting blasts, I think stop start daily could be worse. Servicing is a lot higher on M3, with Inspection 1 and 2 running at 685£ and 898£ (checked today), highest service on 335i is 414, oil and various filters£
I only had injectors done on my 335i (none of the other issues I bet you researched) and therefore otherwise faultless to 85k. I researched that 2009 was the best year for N54 and that proved right, in my case.
You could obviate 335i concerns with a warranty, similarly with M3 but I seem to recall these were double the price.
I'm very happy with my M3, it's my preference but am very glad I had my 335i when I had the demanding daily driving needs.
Thanks for the informative response. I have a stop/start 22 mile round commute to and back from work everyday and would really like an auto so rules out manual. I've read the SMG box in the M3 can be a pain in auto mode while the 335i has the regular torque converter auto and DCT was an option. Did your DCT 335i creep with foot off brake? I prefer looks and size of M3. Against that, the stealth image of the 335i is better for a daily driver, I'm presently, for the first time daily driving my M3 and it gets some fun attention (women flirting) and some PITA attention, boy racers.
The M3 is a different level on chassis/handling, so if you're looking for thrills on the b/roads it's the only choice.
As a daily driver*, however, I preferred the 335i. The N54 engine with the torque is so more flexible and the car feels faster in situations other than when you're really revving it out.
- in my case a rush hour 45 mile commute, long motorway trips, city driving.
Running costs, between 10/2014 and 05/2016 my 335i cost me about 22p / per mile in petrol, my M3 using a higher RON costs me about 31p/per mile but that's mostly been a mixture of sedate driving to the best b roads and then some exciting blasts, I think stop start daily could be worse. Servicing is a lot higher on M3, with Inspection 1 and 2 running at 685£ and 898£ (checked today), highest service on 335i is 414, oil and various filters£
I only had injectors done on my 335i (none of the other issues I bet you researched) and therefore otherwise faultless to 85k. I researched that 2009 was the best year for N54 and that proved right, in my case.
You could obviate 335i concerns with a warranty, similarly with M3 but I seem to recall these were double the price.
I'm very happy with my M3, it's my preference but am very glad I had my 335i when I had the demanding daily driving needs.
In terms of engines then, while it seems the M3 is the more spectacular, is it really that much better than the N54?
FUBMW said:
I have a E92 335i Auto. I've had it for just over a year and I love it.
On a long rung I get around 30 MPG and around town 21-22. The auto box is very smooth and complements the engine beautifully, although not as well as a DCT might, I suspect.
It's never going to be as fun to drive as the E46 M3, but it is expremely comfortable and the engine is great and unstressed, but sings when you're on it. Foot to the floor in 3rd gear from any revs is always a suprise. Comfort is good too, as well as refinement. Having a conversation at Autobahn speeds is easily done and is a beautiful cruiser when you need it to be.
Mine is a low mileage late 2008 model. Under 50000 miles it still needed two new turbos which BMW did under AUC warranty. Not sure how bad the issue really is, but I think worth it to have it done or have 2-3K aside for when it does need it.
Mine was up for sale recently, but being January no-one offered me anywhere close to what I wanted. But keeping it is no bad thing as it is so so easy to live with.
Was yours the black 58 reg mint ~38k or so coupe on Autotrader a few months back?On a long rung I get around 30 MPG and around town 21-22. The auto box is very smooth and complements the engine beautifully, although not as well as a DCT might, I suspect.
It's never going to be as fun to drive as the E46 M3, but it is expremely comfortable and the engine is great and unstressed, but sings when you're on it. Foot to the floor in 3rd gear from any revs is always a suprise. Comfort is good too, as well as refinement. Having a conversation at Autobahn speeds is easily done and is a beautiful cruiser when you need it to be.
Mine is a low mileage late 2008 model. Under 50000 miles it still needed two new turbos which BMW did under AUC warranty. Not sure how bad the issue really is, but I think worth it to have it done or have 2-3K aside for when it does need it.
Mine was up for sale recently, but being January no-one offered me anywhere close to what I wanted. But keeping it is no bad thing as it is so so easy to live with.
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