Test drove an M3 today...

Draven · 10-13-2009, 03:58 PM

Eh, I agree with the comparison video posted above. The performance benefit with the M3 doesn't equal the price benefit of the 335i. If cost wasn't an option (meaning, you had exactly M3 money to spend), I'd rather build a modded 335i which would cost the same and perform better. To me, the performance is more important the interior/exterior styling and you can mod the 335i suspension to be equal with the M3's. Not like the M3 has more chassis rigidity or anything the 335i couldn't get with simple changes.

letterkills155 · 10-13-2009, 03:59 PM

i would have bought an m3 if it was turbo charged.

ducati955 · 10-13-2009, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letterkills155

i would have bought an m3 if it was turbo charged.

same here, thay sound amazing, but glad i have my 335i... if they make the m3 a twin turbo that will be next!

darkphantom · 10-13-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orionredwing

Almost. You also need suspension upgrades. A good set of coilovers at the very least. I just got mine installed and will start dialing it in. Now w/ my mod listed in my sig, I feel I can beat an M3 at the track. If that doesn't do it, I will need to add the M3 front control arms on top. Don't think I need to add sway bars but I may be wrong. I will know the next time I autocross and compare the responsiveness of the car.

My car was definitely quicker before suspension mods
and I can leave an M3 in the dust on any uphill climb, but they always catch back on the turns.

yeah but the question is, how much money did you spend?

Some people just like modding cars, others just buy faster stock cars....and maybe mod them to go faster...

I for one wish that the 335i had the E46 m3 body

Terrance28 · 10-13-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkphantom

yeah but the question is, how much money did you spend?

Some people just like modding cars, others just buy faster stock cars....and maybe mod them to go faster...

I for one wish that the 335i had the E46 m3 body

+1 a n54 in a e46M body is a keeper.

zsapphire7 · 10-13-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

the V8: it's bigger, sounds bigger, goes along with the image better from what I have seen. Vette = gold chains, M3 = bigger gold chains

(costs more, bigger status symbol)

N54 all the way... the fuel efficiency of the n54 vs the S65.. TQ... tuneability...

If it was a complete track car and not DD then the S65 would probably be better but in all practicality the N54 is a really nice engine

.

Kurfer · 10-13-2009, 11:43 PM

It wasn't about price with the 335i for me, I wanted a turbo car for once and that lead to my choice over the M3. Mark my words, if the M3 comes in turbo I will have one unless the M6 sucks me in. There is just something so beastly evil about that thing

Alex@WickedParts · 10-14-2009, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by letterkills155

i would have bought an m3 if it was turbo charged.

+1... I just love FI!

kevkaz · 10-14-2009, 01:13 AM

I'm kind of echoing previous posts, but I felt like chiming in since I've owned both cars. For pure DD duty, the 335 is probably the better choice. I had one for a loaner while getting my 1200 mi service and I quickly realized that I kind of miss that low end torque... Within 5 minutes, thoughts of owning both a 335 and M3 crossed my mind. But the throttle response, sound, and high end power are just so much fun in the M3. You just need to get used to leaving the RPMs at around 4k. Sure, you can make the 335 faster in a straight line for less money and if that's your goal, then that's the route you should take.

On the handling side, the M3 wins easily. I instantly became better at autocross after jumping into the M3. You could fix the 335 by modding the suspension and LSD, but that doesn't come all that cheap. With the typical other mods, you're starting to get to the price of an M3.

So in the end, it absolutely comes down to what you really want your car for and what you're willing to spend.

Terrance28 · 10-14-2009, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevkaz

I'm kind of echoing previous posts, but I felt like chiming in since I've owned both cars. For pure DD duty, the 335 is probably the better choice. I had one for a loaner while getting my 1200 mi service and I quickly realized that I kind of miss that low end torque... Within 5 minutes, thoughts of owning both a 335 and M3 crossed my mind. But the throttle response, sound, and high end power are just so much fun in the M3. You just need to get used to leaving the RPMs at around 4k. Sure, you can make the 335 faster in a straight line for less money and if that's your goal, then that's the route you should take.

On the handling side, the M3 wins easily. I instantly became better at autocross after jumping into the M3. You could fix the 335 by modding the suspension and LSD, but that doesn't come all that cheap. With the typical other mods, you're starting to get to the price of an M3.

So in the end, it absolutely comes down to what you really want your car for and what you're willing to spend.

+1000000 This guy speaks the truth, its all what you are looking for in the car.

TurboBimmer · 10-14-2009, 05:53 AM

I had to make a decision between the two, and chose the 335i because I need the car as a daily driver. And so far absolutely no regrets, especially with regards to the high fuel price in Europe.

IMHO the M3 may be more fun, but to get the most kicks out of it you need to push it quite hard, and keep the engine in the high revs. And that's just not something you'll want to do on a daily basis.

So I'm definitely happy with my decision, and at that time I didn't even know the N54 could be tuned that easiliy to surpass the M3 in power numbers

scheherazade · 10-16-2009, 03:57 PM

DELETE
I meant to PM, not to reply.

MKE_M3 · 10-19-2009, 08:41 PM

I really enjoy this thread. We are all car enthusiests (or we wouldn't be spending our free time on a car forum). It is really interesting to see how so many people, who clearly like very similar cars, have so many perspectives. If I had the money, I'd buy an M. I just like'm more and they will very likely have significantly better residual. I like the idea of buying something "perfect" and keeping it that way.

Ironically, I bout the 335i over the e46 m3 because of it's tunability. Go figure...

On a side note, I have owned 5 bmws, a '78 320i, e30 325i, e34 M5, e36 M3 and now an e62 335i. The m3 is still my favorite, but with a Limited Slip diff, I think the 335i will easily take that spot!

bavarian19 · 10-19-2009, 08:54 PM

I would still go M over modded 335.

AYF80 · 10-19-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badass1g

yea the first and second gears in our cars are awesome power wise. i just wish it would pull hard up top. wish someone would make a t67 single turbo kit

the M3 exhaust note is amazing however.

HPF Is doing a T67

Sniz · 10-19-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPF 335i #1

HPF Is doing a T67

that would be fun!!! Assuming the n54 can handle that boost.

Nikolas · 10-19-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MteK

I think this has been shown to not necessarily be true.

Where and when? I'm talking about a real track - one with curves.

The amount of mods required on a 335i would be significant (brakes, suspension, power) and even then you have to deal with the heat. On a road course there is no comparison.

In the last C&D road test of the M3, I don't recall it going into limp mode and overheating like the 335.

WILLIE92 · 10-19-2009, 10:41 PM

M3 has low torque ! if the TQ matched the HP it be a diff story! IMO

M&M · 10-23-2009, 04:03 PM

Herein lies the difference between an M3 & a 335i. I'm going for a drive.

fast_lap28 · 10-23-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M&M

Herein lies the difference between an M3 & a 335i. I'm going for a drive.

GREAT find!!! Well produced vid.

MarkE92 · 10-23-2009, 05:57 PM

Great video....... there was a nice M5 video as well.......

Greetings,

Mark

GhostyM · 10-23-2009, 06:35 PM

335i owners go for 335i.

M3 owners go for M3.

Point made.

I had a 335i for two years before I got my M3. I can tell you, it's a different experience.
One thing to add, everyone here seems to be comparing a stock M3 to a stage 3 or so 335i.

Well when you want to mod an M3: intake, exhaust, pulley, rpi scoops, chip and race gas. You got yourself around 390-400whp.

Now, there haven't been many videos other than one that comes to mind.

Fully modded 335i versus M3 with bolt on's minus race gas. Which adds considerable power to M3 as shown here: http://www.rcollins.org/m3/dyno/2008...1%20Octane.jpg

This is pretty much the end all, be all to the limits of the 335i as well as the M3 before going into aftermarket FI.

10-13-2009, 03:58 PM	#67
Draven C7Z - Darkside 50 Rep 226 Posts Drives: '18 Z06 M7 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Merrimack, NH iTrader: (0)	Eh, I agree with the comparison video posted above. The performance benefit with the M3 doesn't equal the price benefit of the 335i. If cost wasn't an option (meaning, you had exactly M3 money to spend), I'd rather build a modded 335i which would cost the same and perform better. To me, the performance is more important the interior/exterior styling and you can mod the 335i suspension to be equal with the M3's. Not like the M3 has more chassis rigidity or anything the 335i couldn't get with simple changes.
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10-13-2009, 03:59 PM	#68
letterkills155 Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 228 Posts Drives: 08 e92 335i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: st.louis iTrader: (0) Garage List 08 335i [0.00]	i would have bought an m3 if it was turbo charged. __________________ 09 e92 335i black/black. Mods: JB3 1.3, Vent Integrated BOOST GAUGE Next Mods: AMS Intercooler, Macht Schnell Catless Downpipes.
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10-13-2009, 11:43 PM	#73
Kurfer Private 5 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Coupe Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0)	It wasn't about price with the 335i for me, I wanted a turbo car for once and that lead to my choice over the M3. Mark my words, if the M3 comes in turbo I will have one unless the M6 sucks me in. There is just something so beastly evil about that thing __________________ Stock 2013 Mineral White 335i Coupe with M-Sport package
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10-14-2009, 01:13 AM	#75
kevkaz First Lieutenant 9 Rep 367 Posts Drives: Alpinweiss 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00] 2007 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00]	I'm kind of echoing previous posts, but I felt like chiming in since I've owned both cars. For pure DD duty, the 335 is probably the better choice. I had one for a loaner while getting my 1200 mi service and I quickly realized that I kind of miss that low end torque... Within 5 minutes, thoughts of owning both a 335 and M3 crossed my mind. But the throttle response, sound, and high end power are just so much fun in the M3. You just need to get used to leaving the RPMs at around 4k. Sure, you can make the 335 faster in a straight line for less money and if that's your goal, then that's the route you should take. On the handling side, the M3 wins easily. I instantly became better at autocross after jumping into the M3. You could fix the 335 by modding the suspension and LSD, but that doesn't come all that cheap. With the typical other mods, you're starting to get to the price of an M3. So in the end, it absolutely comes down to what you really want your car for and what you're willing to spend. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 - 7/3/09 ED, 8/17/09 redelivery 1997 E36 M3 - Track Rat 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
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10-14-2009, 05:53 AM	#77
TurboBimmer Lieutenant Colonel 78 Rep 1,617 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Luxembourg iTrader: (5)	I had to make a decision between the two, and chose the 335i because I need the car as a daily driver. And so far absolutely no regrets, especially with regards to the high fuel price in Europe. IMHO the M3 may be more fun, but to get the most kicks out of it you need to push it quite hard, and keep the engine in the high revs. And that's just not something you'll want to do on a daily basis. So I'm definitely happy with my decision, and at that time I didn't even know the N54 could be tuned that easiliy to surpass the M3 in power numbers __________________ Performance Seats, Exhaust, Splitters, Pedals, Steering Wheel / RB Turbos / M3 CF Roof / Brembo GT BBK 355/345 / Rollcage / Forge FMIC / Quaife LSD / Öhlins Road & Track / M3 Suspension Parts / Solid Subframe Bushings / Vorshlag Camberplates / Megan Racing Toe Links / LeatherZ Gauges / Extended M3 DCT Paddles / ER Sports OC / AR OC / Aux Radiator / AR DPs / Alpina TCU / COBB Pro-Tune
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10-16-2009, 03:57 PM	#78
scheherazade Major 37 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: 09 GTR (& 93' accord!) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: DC metro area iTrader: (8)	DELETE I meant to PM, not to reply.
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10-19-2009, 08:41 PM	#79
MKE_M3 Lieutenant Colonel 69 Rep 1,705 Posts Drives: 2011 e90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (0)	I really enjoy this thread. We are all car enthusiests (or we wouldn't be spending our free time on a car forum). It is really interesting to see how so many people, who clearly like very similar cars, have so many perspectives. If I had the money, I'd buy an M. I just like'm more and they will very likely have significantly better residual. I like the idea of buying something "perfect" and keeping it that way. Ironically, I bout the 335i over the e46 m3 because of it's tunability. Go figure... On a side note, I have owned 5 bmws, a '78 320i, e30 325i, e34 M5, e36 M3 and now an e62 335i. The m3 is still my favorite, but with a Limited Slip diff, I think the 335i will easily take that spot!
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10-19-2009, 08:54 PM	#80
bavarian19 General 549 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I would still go M over modded 335.
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10-19-2009, 10:41 PM	#84
WILLIE92 H20 KING!! 16 Rep 525 Posts Drives: E92 328I Join Date: May 2009 Location: COLORADO/DOWNEY ,CA iTrader: (0)	M3 has low torque ! if the TQ matched the HP it be a diff story! IMO
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10-23-2009, 04:03 PM	#85
M&M Captain 114 Rep 750 Posts Drives: Boosted Beemers! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Herein lies the difference between an M3 & a 335i. I'm going for a drive.
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10-23-2009, 05:57 PM	#87
MarkE92 Second Lieutenant 33 Rep 209 Posts Drives: E92 335 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Great video....... there was a nice M5 video as well....... Greetings, Mark __________________ Custom leather interieur, custom gauges, performance steering wheel with DCT paddles, performance exhaust, original 19 inch CSL wheels, M- bumperkit, VDO Nav...... many more mods on the way
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10-23-2009, 06:35 PM	#88
GhostyM Major 565 Rep 1,469 Posts Drives: plenty Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	335i owners go for 335i. M3 owners go for M3. Point made. I had a 335i for two years before I got my M3. I can tell you, it's a different experience. One thing to add, everyone here seems to be comparing a stock M3 to a stage 3 or so 335i. Well when you want to mod an M3: intake, exhaust, pulley, rpi scoops, chip and race gas. You got yourself around 390-400whp. Now, there haven't been many videos other than one that comes to mind. Fully modded 335i versus M3 with bolt on's minus race gas. Which adds considerable power to M3 as shown here: http://www.rcollins.org/m3/dyno/2008...1%20Octane.jpg This is pretty much the end all, be all to the limits of the 335i as well as the M3 before going into aftermarket FI.
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