M3 or other 3 series?
Discussion
I paid a deposit on the new M3 two years ago and should have to commit soon or get a refund. Whilst I am sure the new M3 will be a wonderful motor car I cannot help wondering whether I would be happier with a 335i or 330i/d. I currently drive a 530d auto and have a hankering for a return to manual transmission, which excludes the 335d. I would also prefer 4 doors and 3 rear seats, although I could make the sacrifices necessary for the coupe if I was sure they would be worthwhile. Money is important although I could afford to finance the M3 if necessary and it is always cheaper to buy what you want first time rather than change cars again. I just wonder whether the M3 will be too hardcore. Any advice would be appreciated
depends on what kind of driving you do and how practical you need the car to be
M3 is certain to be a stonking car but the 335i M Touring (like I've ordered) ticks more boxes in terms of refinement and practicality (and costs a lot less)
(don't get me wrong, I'd love an M3 but not as my only car)
M3 is certain to be a stonking car but the 335i M Touring (like I've ordered) ticks more boxes in terms of refinement and practicality (and costs a lot less)
(don't get me wrong, I'd love an M3 but not as my only car)
alfaspiderman2 said:
depends on what kind of driving you do and how practical you need the car to be
M3 is certain to be a stonking car but the 335i M Touring (like I've ordered) ticks more boxes in terms of refinement and practicality (and costs a lot less)
(don't get me wrong, I'd love an M3 but not as my only car)
Thanks for your reply. Did you try the 330d or 330i before ordering?M3 is certain to be a stonking car but the 335i M Touring (like I've ordered) ticks more boxes in terms of refinement and practicality (and costs a lot less)
(don't get me wrong, I'd love an M3 but not as my only car)
My driving is mixed. Mostly local but about one long trip per month mostly on motorways. I am concerned about fuel range as filling up every 200 miles could get tiresome on longer trips. My total mileage is only 10-12,000 per annum
Like alfa says, its entirely down to how the cars will be used and your style of driving...
I have a 335i M Sport Saloon (manual) and its a fantastic machine, I also had until a couple of monthes ago a deposit on the new M3. I pulled out for a number of reasons, mainly money.
I have no doubt that the M3 is going to re-write the rule book for all compact super saloons to play by, and again it will be the bench mark of that class.
but if you need the practicality of 4 doors, then I would (and did) buy the 335i, if you feel its too 'slow' then take it along to Birds and they will change it into a 381bhp monster. and you will have a car only slightly slower than the M3 but for 10k less. but with 307bhp theres not much that you come accross in everyday driving that can show it up...
buy the 335i for everyday use and buy a TVR or Noble for the weekend... (thats what im doing...)
I have a 335i M Sport Saloon (manual) and its a fantastic machine, I also had until a couple of monthes ago a deposit on the new M3. I pulled out for a number of reasons, mainly money.
I have no doubt that the M3 is going to re-write the rule book for all compact super saloons to play by, and again it will be the bench mark of that class.
but if you need the practicality of 4 doors, then I would (and did) buy the 335i, if you feel its too 'slow' then take it along to Birds and they will change it into a 381bhp monster. and you will have a car only slightly slower than the M3 but for 10k less. but with 307bhp theres not much that you come accross in everyday driving that can show it up...
buy the 335i for everyday use and buy a TVR or Noble for the weekend... (thats what im doing...)
Rochester BMW said:
just to add that the 335i does get through petrol like theres no tomorrow, I get about 290 miles from a tank, but I enjoy every single one of them miles so its worth it 
Is that on a run or around town?I am not too worried about range around town but do not like having to stop too often on a longer run.
Thanks for your help
I ran an M3, albeit the earlier E36 Evo, for four years as my only car, and found it to be practical, not too harsh around town and quite refined on the motorway. I'm led to believe the E46 version was similar in these respects, and I think the new car will be more of the same.
If an M3 is what you have in your mind, then I would say go for it. Bear in mind, there's already a two year waiting list for these cars, if you get one of the first ones and decide it's not for you, then you can sell it on, and maybe even make a few quid.
If an M3 is what you have in your mind, then I would say go for it. Bear in mind, there's already a two year waiting list for these cars, if you get one of the first ones and decide it's not for you, then you can sell it on, and maybe even make a few quid.
grahamm said:
Rochester BMW said:
just to add that the 335i does get through petrol like theres no tomorrow, I get about 290 miles from a tank, but I enjoy every single one of them miles so its worth it
Is that on a run or around town?I am not too worried about range around town but do not like having to stop too often on a longer run.
Thanks for your help
Im driving down to the new forest in a few weeks so ill see what sort of mpg i can get on a longer run.
alfaspiderman2 said:
Rochester BMW said:
grahamm said:
Rochester BMW said:
Im driving down to the new forest in a few weeks so ill see what sort of mpg i can get on a longer run.
..you expect to get better mpg in and around the New Forest? You know you won't!!!!
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