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Originally Posted by jmanhas
335i is definitely fast, and torquey. But when it comes to performance, its not just about horsepower. The 335 feels like a regular 3 series, with twin turbos thrown on top to improve its "performance". The E46 M3 was specifically made to be driven as a raw sports car. Perhaps i'm a bit biased, but I personally feel the E46 M3 has a much more timeless look, probably due to the fact that the 3series is as common as a honda civic in Richmond. You'd be getting a lot more car for the money compared to the 335i. But if its luxury/technology that concerns you more, then the E9X 335i is probably a better car for you.
I've considered the 335i as well, which allowed me to see the pros and cons for both cars. When i was looking for a car, my main concern was about the driving experience. After having driven both and comparing them side by side, it was a no brainer for me. (I'm not using my car as a daily, but just a summer car)
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Agreed on all points.
If you're simply looking for the best driving experience, e46 M3 is a no brainer.
If you're looking for a practical daily driver that is a blast to drive, the e92 335 is probably a better overall buy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LP700-4
I actually drove a 2012 335i sedan 6MT a couple days ago, the car is fantastic when it comes to power but it doesnt feel as balanced and handle as well as any of the M cars.
Call me picky but im not too interested in any BMW that doesnt have an M on it. Go M or go home is my mentality right now.
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No, non-M BMW's are obviously not tuned for track performance. With mods, you can easily achieve similar track performance numbers, but an M will always be a much more pure-bred performance car.
For most people (myself included), the comfort, practicality, and cost of ownership benefits make the 335 a more appealing alternative.
If you're into the prestige of owning an M, or if you simply want the best driving experience out of the box, then I would think both e46 and e92 m3's would work nicely.
Anyway, sounds like you know what you want. Good luck in the hunt!
Quote:
Originally Posted by TOPEC
dudeee, OP is looking for a M3, not a 335 LOL, so stop telling him to get a 335 n throw money into it to make it better than a M3. for all we know, OP aint gonna mod his M3 so what makes u think he'll mod a 335?
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Well, for starters, the S54 motor in the e46 M3 has far more limited potential in terms of bolt-on mods.... it's a better package out of the box by far, but the 335 offers excellent bang-for-buck value. Dump $5k into a 335 and you'll destroy e46 M3's on the track.
Also... relax. We're trying to offer the OP helpful suggestions because the 335i is valid, comparable car. It's obviously not the car he's looking for, but we're simply trying to help the dude by making a suggestion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TOPEC
no one with a M3 will wish they had gotten a 335 instead
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Haha. You're not a BMW owner, are you?
Lots of e46 m3 owners wish they had a 335... hell, I know at least one personally. There are lots of dudes on Bimmer forums that have dumped their M3's in favour of 335's. It's a newer car that's just as fast in a straight line, but with more modern styling, more comfort/technology, better potential for modifying, and most likely lower cost of ownership.
Don't get me wrong, in stock form and in terms of pure driving enjoyment, both e46 and e9X M3's are superior to any non-M 3-series. But there is plenty of reason for someone looking at e46 M3's to also consider an e9X 335. If it's not the OP's cup of tea, that's cool, to each their own... but let's not get carried away and suggest that no-one would ever want to 'downgrade'.