Hear me out - e46 m3, 335i or barge???
Discussion
Yes another 'what car' thread but I had my e46 330d stolen this week so go easy!
Planning next purchase - limit on spend - max 12k but would be happy with a 5k smoker barge!
At the moment the clear favourites are e46 m3 or a 335i.
335d's seem to be much rarer and more expensive.
E46 m3 - legendary engine, more special, more reliable?, poorer mpg?
335i - more refined (I do over 15k a year), newer, less reliable, mpg and running / servicing costs cant be much lower than the m3?
Planning next purchase - limit on spend - max 12k but would be happy with a 5k smoker barge!
At the moment the clear favourites are e46 m3 or a 335i.
335d's seem to be much rarer and more expensive.
E46 m3 - legendary engine, more special, more reliable?, poorer mpg?
335i - more refined (I do over 15k a year), newer, less reliable, mpg and running / servicing costs cant be much lower than the m3?
Have you had an M3 before?
If not, do it.
The e46 M3 is a stunning all-rounder. Capable of 30mpg on a run, blitzing your favourite B-road, entertaining you on a track, carrying the Mrs and all her gubbins on holiday in comfort, and sounding absolutely glorious at full chat.
And they're a bit of a performance bargain, all things considered.
If not, do it.
The e46 M3 is a stunning all-rounder. Capable of 30mpg on a run, blitzing your favourite B-road, entertaining you on a track, carrying the Mrs and all her gubbins on holiday in comfort, and sounding absolutely glorious at full chat.
And they're a bit of a performance bargain, all things considered.
Have had a few M3 including an 05 E46 smg and had a couple of 335i E90 / E92.
An older M3 will cost far more in servicing and fuel than a 335 if doing 15k per year.
335 is a brilliant all rounder nicer to be in than the older model M3, great for big mileages and capable of decent mpg should see average 28 -30 including mix of town, motorway and a few quick blasts and will do 33+ on the motorway.
The newer model is a brilliant chassis in 335 form with 300+ bhp has plenty of go, no lag, and still loves to be revved.
It's no M3 though as is very refined, has no LSD and does not feel special they an M3 does with that lovely snarl ( which I am happy to do without based on the terrible mpg 22 and silly running costs my M3's had).
An older M3 will cost far more in servicing and fuel than a 335 if doing 15k per year.
335 is a brilliant all rounder nicer to be in than the older model M3, great for big mileages and capable of decent mpg should see average 28 -30 including mix of town, motorway and a few quick blasts and will do 33+ on the motorway.
The newer model is a brilliant chassis in 335 form with 300+ bhp has plenty of go, no lag, and still loves to be revved.
It's no M3 though as is very refined, has no LSD and does not feel special they an M3 does with that lovely snarl ( which I am happy to do without based on the terrible mpg 22 and silly running costs my M3's had).
I would be very wary of taking the M3 fanboy advice as having owned a few of each I would never go back to an old E46 having since had 335's the newer model is a big leap forward.
The 335 petrol is an absolute bargain at the moment, £10k is starting price for one.
Most 335 are diesel and if you check prices they seem to be about 30% more than an equivalent age/mileage/spec 335i.
Starting price for a V8 M3 is still well above £20k.
The 335 petrol is an absolute bargain at the moment, £10k is starting price for one.
Most 335 are diesel and if you check prices they seem to be about 30% more than an equivalent age/mileage/spec 335i.
Starting price for a V8 M3 is still well above £20k.
The 335i is a great car, I've had mine for 2.5 years. They sound amazing when on full chat and the freely available tuning mods turn it into a bit of an animal. My car is averaging 25.9mpg at the moment but will go near 40 on a run if I can drive it gently. As for running costs servicing is very reasonable but the 19" tyres are expensive, something which is common to both cars. That said I still want an E46 M3 in my life at some point.
Twin Turbo said:
My e46 330i (auto) struggle to get more than 29mpg........on the motorway!
That's odd. It's either broken or your holding it in a lower gear 
Not taking it easy my 528 does 35 plus MPG on the motorway easily, and the facelift 530 (same engine as your 330) returns the same. I've averaged over 40 mpg on a 200 mile journey before, and that's verified.sparks_E39 said:
Twin Turbo said:
My e46 330i (auto) struggle to get more than 29mpg........on the motorway!
That's odd. It's either broken or your holding it in a lower gear Not taking it easy my 528 does 35 plus MPG on the motorway easily, and the facelift 530 (same engine as your 330) returns the same. I've averaged over 40 mpg on a 200 mile journey before, and that's verified.I suspect some sit at 65 and others 85+
Test drove a 335i today - wow what a car and such VFM! Love the sound and power delivery was great - plenty of torque even after a diesel - due to the two turbo's.
Was pretty much sold but then went to view an m3. Unfortunately I couldn't test drive but it looked amazing.
Now I'm stuck! As others said head says 335, heart m3!
Was pretty much sold but then went to view an m3. Unfortunately I couldn't test drive but it looked amazing.
Now I'm stuck! As others said head says 335, heart m3!
torqueofthedevil said:
Test drove a 335i today - wow what a car and such VFM! Love the sound and power delivery was great - plenty of torque even after a diesel - due to the two turbo's.
Was pretty much sold but then went to view an m3. Unfortunately I couldn't test drive but it looked amazing.
Now I'm stuck! As others said head says 335, heart m3!
I always go for my heart. Sod the head! Which would be easier to sell on...? Hard one to answer, that!Was pretty much sold but then went to view an m3. Unfortunately I couldn't test drive but it looked amazing.
Now I'm stuck! As others said head says 335, heart m3!
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