335i or M3?

[DVandrews]

I am about to sell my E39 M5 after 11 years of happy onwership, I am also shifting the wife's MX5 , I am looking for something that combines the merits of both and am seriously contemplating an E93 , either. 335i (with LSD and remap) or an M3. In the real world are the extra thrills from the M3 worth having? My head says go for the 335i, but years of happy M ownership and my inner demons say M3, does anyone have direct experience of both that can offer some advice?

Dave

[Smuler]

I drove a M135i auto (which to all accounts, I believe is more fun than 335i) back to back with an E92 M3 DCT. I've posted a review of my experiences here.

M135i was great, But it was night and Day. The M3 was a different league.

335i has to be a great car, with the performance on offer. But other than for running costs, why not pick the M3. Handling, feel, poise, and the DCT was awesome. It looks so much better too. best seats I've ever sat in. and a V8 soundtrack!!

[M888SXY]

About 5 months ago I traded my 335i for a new M3.

The 335i is an incredibly good very fast car. I had mine from new for 3 years without a problem. The M3 takes it up to the next level in my opinion even if it has slightly less torque. The M3 has much nicer leather and it can be extended, which was not an option on the 335. Apart from that the interiors are of course pretty much the same. Think I probably prefer the discrete look of the 335 exhausts. Both cars more than suitable for use very day.

As the man above says, the sound is phenomenal and it is a different chassis of course. I had DCT on the 335 too, but not the M version.

Edited by M888SXY on Monday 2nd December 15:54

Edited by M888SXY on Monday 2nd December 15:55

[Herbs]

There is always a big difference in how M & non-M BMW's drive regardless of how they look on paper.

Doesn't mean a non-M is a bad car at all but M cars are a step up in the driving and performance stakes.

[gangzoom]

I've spent a fair whack on my 335i (LSD/Suspension/remap/downpipes/intercooler etc) and its still not as special to drive as my mates E90 M3. On the plus side the running costs of the 335i is painless, and it attracts zero attention from anyone since its pretty much identical to a 320D.

Why waste money on mods (none of which you will see back come resale time), just get the M3.

Edited by gangzoom on Monday 2nd December 16:13

[RossP]

I traded my 335i in for an E92 M3. Best thing I ever did. HTH.

[cerb4.5lee]

I have used my old E92 M3 everyday for the last 10 months 10k miles & I agree the chassis is special & the engine is a high point but for me personally the interior is pretty much standard 3 series & the car only ever felt good to me at the redline which isn't great for keeping your licence.

For me personally i would prefer the added low down shove of the 335i to be honest as the M3 can feel very flat if in the wrong gear or if you don't keep it above 6000rpm & it doesn't sound that great for a V8 either but it does give a lovely induction noise though.

As a daily driver I think the 335i would reward for more of the time as its got decent usable low down torque which suits our roads & would make it a better allrounder I think but I accept I didn't really like my M3 much but most owners are over the moon with them.

It's worth trying to get a extended test drive in both to see what you think.

[martin mrt]

Smuler said:

I drove a M135i auto (which to all accounts, I believe is more fun than 335i) back to back with an E92 M3 DCT. I've posted a review of my experiences here.

M135i was great, But it was night and Day. The M3 was a different league.

335i has to be a great car, with the performance on offer. But other than for running costs, why not pick the M3. Handling, feel, poise, and the DCT was awesome. It looks so much better too. best seats I've ever sat in. and a V8 soundtrack!!

I agree with this 100%

When I was looking to get rid of my E90 M3 a few months ago for something a little lighter on the wallet I looked at the M135i

Driving them back to back, the M3 was in a completely different league.

Having driven the M135i, owned 2 335ds and the M3, the M3 is superior in every area to a 335i with exception of running costs. If the latter is an issue then I'd avoid the M3, if it isn't I'd highly recommend one

[DVandrews]

Thanks for the replies folks, looks like it will be the M3 then as running costs shouldn't be too much of a problem and mileage will be limited.

Dave

[JNW1]

Never driven an E92 M3 but currently have an E92 335i and have previously owned an E46 M3 CS. I've had the 335i for around 18 months and 22k miles now and it's grown on me in that time; it's not as involving as the CS and certainly isn't as competent over a twisty, undulating, road but that notwithstanding it's a very acceptable daily driver with a good combination of performance and running costs. If I was doing a lower annual mileage the M3 would still get my vote but if running costs are a consideration I think a 335i with a remap and the Birds sports suspension kit would prove a very acceptable compromise!

[E30M3SE]

This question has only one answer, M3.

[Leins]

What about a B3?

[M3greg]

M3, or you'll always be wishing you had!

[Smuler]

Good choice, OP!

• ***********************

Chap I know who owns a 335i M Sport read my review and says the sport seats in the 335i car are the same seats as those in the M3 I've been raving about. I don't agree, having been a passenger in his.

For those who've owned both, can you settle an argument, who's correct?

Thanks.

[cerb4.5lee]

Smuler said:

For those who've owned both, can you settle an argument, who's correct?

Thanks.

Rossp has owned both & he much prefers the M3 going from his post, so that's the answer I guess.

[ratty6464]

do you definitely mean e93? i.e. the convertible? If so i would go for the 335i as the extra low down grunt of the 335i will help with the extra 200kg+.

if it's actually the coupé / saloon, the all it comes down to is money - if you can afford to buy it and run it, go for the m3.

[Wills2]

Smuler said:

Chap I know who owns a 335i M Sport read my review and says the sport seats in the 335i car are the same seats as those in the M3 I've been raving about. I don't agree, having been a passenger in his.

For those who've owned both, can you settle an argument, who's correct?

The seats in the 335i are the same as in any M sport 316d included, the M3 seats are different and night and day in terms of support and comfort.

[Smuler]

Wills2 said:

Smuler said:

Chap I know who owns a 335i M Sport read my review and says the sport seats in the 335i car are the same seats as those in the M3 I've been raving about. I don't agree, having been a passenger in his.

For those who've owned both, can you settle an argument, who's correct?

The seats in the 335i are the same as in any M sport 316d included, the M3 seats are different and night and day in terms of support and comfort.

Thanks Wills, that's what I thought. I still smile when I think of my drive in that M3

[Bmeerm3]

I'm liking this thread as I'm considering an M3 (V8) as my next car.

I've currently a mapped (stage 1) 135i N54, which shares the same engine as (an earlier) 335i. I previously owned an E46 M3.

Ok so I've no experience of a 335i, but I am pretty sure a mapped one would have the same performance as mine, which, in a straight line performs as we'll as the V8.

But chassis wise, my E46 was just awesome in comparison. M cars are just in a different league to Msports. They're such a better place to sit and you feel special when just driving to Tesco, don't get me wrong... a mapped 3.0l turbo is 'stealth' performance wise, but an M car is in a different league... (albeit more expensive to run !)

[Wills2]

No doubt a mapped 335i (or whatever variant with that engine) will match an M3, as I found out on the A1 the other day.

But and for me it's a big but the M3 is an event to drive the engine is superb, the chassis is taut and the damping and therefore the ride very well resolved.