335i or old M3 - advice from owners please

[abarber]

sjm18 said:

Yep- inclined to agree that a 325i/ 330i may be better suited to what I want from this particular car - i.e., just commuting and enjoying roof down moments etc. Of course, when I drive the 335i I may think otherwise! The BMW salesman has said that the 335i is a much quicker car than the 330i but from what I am hearing it may be a bit without character compared to the 330i. Plus like you said, I can save a few thou' on the 330i. I've got an '88 911 Carrera for when I want to stir things up a bit (althought I realise the 335i would be quicker!)

Can't help thinking though that if I buy a 330i then every time I see a 335i go by I'll have a slight pang of regret...

Drive them and you may be suprised. I was looking for a replacement for my 993C2 and much prefered the NA 330i to the 335i I drove. The 330i sounded better, had better throttle response and felt much lighter on it's feet. You may think differently though, give them a try!

Edited to add: Just saw you are looking for a convertible. The extra weight and long gearing on the 330i might not be a great combination, which does need working hard.

Edited by abarber on Thursday 30th October 15:13

[MattOz]

sjm18 said:

Thanks for link Matt - looks stunning, and I am considering a 330i. Maybe my local BM delaer is offering good prices after all though, as I can get an 08 plate with lower mileage from them for the same money. Such is the market at the moment that if I buy private I'd not want to spend more than £30k. I may have to wait a bit longer I guess...

No probs. That's a "starter" price and I'm certain Antony would be open to sensible offers.

[sjm18]

Well, just test driven the 335i convertible - liked it a lot! I completely get what people have been saying about the power delivery; very smooth and impressive, but you don't feel too involved. However, this is going to be a daily commute/ longer weekend trip car so will probably be best combo for me. Now just to wait for the colour combo and right spec to come up...!

[The Ringmeister]

I am looking for a second hand 335i at the moment - its fair to say that the 335i depriciates the most and can be picked up for the same money as 330i