New E90 330D

Looney Toon · 02-25-2009, 09:29 AM

### Newbie Alert ###

Without even test driving this car, I have my heart set on the new 330D with manual.

As I'm 39 this year, I have reached that middle aged boring time of life where I can't drink 15 pints anymore

, i enjoy QI, and more to the point.. I like a bit of comfort!

So, what about the M sport option?

Autocar say :-
"The first issue is the ride quality of this M Sport-equipped car with its lowered and stiffened suspension.

Being blunt, it’s not nearly good enough. Firm spring settings are fine, but as anyone who’s driven a Mercedes C-class in Sport spec will tell you, this does not need to mean a harsh ride

In short, if you buy a standard SE model you’ll not only save yourself nearly £3000 but you’ll have a far nicer car to drive as well."

Andrew Frankel of the Times says :-
"You should be cautious, too, before spending nearly three grand extra on the more dashing-looking M Sport model. You may like the looks, but the ride quality is ruined by its overly firm suspension, the fatter tyres make a dreadful noise on coarse surfaces and I didn’t get on at all well with its figure-hugging sports seats. A basic SE version may look more boring, but it’s a better and cheaper car by far."

Do you think I'd be better off spending £3000 upping the spec of the SE model, rather than buying the M sport option?

Any opinions would be genuinely welcome, and no offence taken for any 'boring old git' slurs on my character!

encee · 02-25-2009, 09:44 AM

Mate, I have a beautiful SE, and I wouldn`t call myself a boring old git ( well, not boring, anyway

)

It just depends on which floats your boat really, as there are many varying opinions on this one........

The M-Sport does look better, IMHO, and I, for one, would prefer to have had the "figure hugging" M-Sport seats, as they allow far less lateral movement (the SE`s allow too much, for me).

If I had the choice again, which I intend to when buying my next BMW, I will definitely get an M-Sport, but this doesn`t mean to say that you can`t have a good looking SE.

Here`s a quick pic of mine, which gets loads of admiring glances, and comments, from friends and work colleagues, etc.......

paulcurtis · 02-25-2009, 10:07 AM

There's a bit of discussion already on here about the differences. I had an SE 1 series and now an MSport 3 series and i prefer the MSport. The seats are better, they hold you better and i find the whole car more planted to the road. I was worried about the harshness of the ride but to be honest i don't find it *that* different to the SE. There's a chance that it is better (less harsh) too. I believe the springs for the msport version are better (and someone more knowledgable than me will hopefully chime in here)

So i would pick the MSport any day. Plus there's always the option of swapping the runflats if you decide it's too harsh.

You ought to go and drive both options.

Also one thing is I find the MSport to be noticably lower and i don't know whether that's a concern.

cheers
paul

jonsteele · 02-25-2009, 10:08 AM

I'm not sure whether those reviewers don't know what their taking about, or are just fat, luxury car drivers! Yes the M Sport is a firmer ride, that's why its given the 'sport' designation (the clue is in the name). The seats are the best standard sport seats I've ever sat in (including those in a RS4) and are infinitely adjustable (took me 2 weeks to get mine just right), which is where my 'fat' comment came from (you'd have to be very large not to get on with them)!

I've driven both the SE and M Sport saloon, and looks apart, the M Sport is the better, more engaging drive. That's not to say the SE isn't a better drive than other comparable vehicles, but the M Sport is better for a more spirited drive.

It took some work to convince my (now ex) wife to spend the extra on the M Sport, and I'm glad I put the effort in - I wouldn't go back. It isn't too harsh, so if you like a sporty ride when you push the car and can put up with a firm ride when driving around town etc., go for the M Sport. If you like to cruise around smoothly, stay away and go for a SE (although I think you'll find that firmer than 'normal' cars - its just the way BMW make theirs!).

dxb335d · 02-25-2009, 10:23 AM

Buy 335d SE and you will get sport seats and suspension standard.

ed335d · 02-25-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Buy 335d SE and you will get sport seats and suspension standard.

Beat me to it!

Looney Toon · 02-25-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by encee

Here`s a quick pic of mine,

That's just a damn fine looking motor Encee... my colour of choice too!

I'm definitely going to test drive both cars.

I'd forgotten about the runflats .. but as Paul says, they can be changed too. M3's don't come with runflats do they?

Some very interesting comments about the sports seats too. I know it's a very subjective issue, so I'll just have to try them out for myself

rup · 02-25-2009, 10:52 AM

or get the coupe with a "free" m-sport upgrade. Having driven both there is not that much in it in ride or looks.

Looney Toon · 02-25-2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Buy 335d SE and you will get sport seats and suspension standard.

Fair point indeed, but I honestly hate the idea of not having manual transmission. It's like waking up in the morning and thinking .... "Actually, that ginger Nicola from Girls Aloud is actually quite fit"

dxb335d · 02-25-2009, 10:56 AM

Mate,

The auto box is soo well matched to the 335d, you will still love the car so much. You will have the paddles to shift up and down also.

biscuits · 02-25-2009, 11:19 AM

I'm 100% a manual car fan...... however, when I had the 535d.... the autobox actually made much more sence and I'd have got fedup with soooo much torque and a clutch to deal with.

kevbhoy · 02-25-2009, 11:22 AM

I just traded my 320i SE for a 330d M Sport and am loving every minute of driving my new car. I'm even looking for the slightest excuse to out in it!

TBH I am much more comfortable in the sport seats. I have back trouble and find the sport seats holds me better and I don't end up in as much pain. The heated seats help as well!

I have the automatic with the paddles on the steering wheel and all I can say is ooh ahh! I have grown men who work with me drooling over my car and more so the paddles!!

Its personal choice but I recommend the M Sport. Apart from anything its fast as f**k!!!!

beemerbird · 02-25-2009, 11:23 AM

Have to agree with Carlos on this one, the auto box suits the 335d very well. Put it this way, I owned a 335d for 9 months and never once wished I had a manual box. Test drove a tipronic 997 turbo the other week and thought yuk really, the auto didn't suit it imo. Point being with the big D, some set ups suit auto boxes and with all the options available ie. paddle change, M mode and DS then it works well.

Why not just have a test drive in one? Go with an open mind and see what you think. Your choice of a manual 330d is still a cracking car though. Dealers are quiet at the moment - go and have some fun. Oh and welcome to the forum btw.

Mr.N · 02-25-2009, 11:33 AM

Welcome pal!
I've got a 335i SE, as dxb335d said, you get the m sport suspension and posh seats as standard.
I gotta tell you mate the ride is firm but that's why you're buying a sporty car innit?!
The seats are comfy and supportive.
As far as looks go, the MSport wins on the saloon in my opinion. If you get a coupe then I say SE all the way.

threethirty · 02-25-2009, 11:45 AM

My M-Sport combined with Run Flat Tyres makes for a very firm ride. Run over a pot hole and it feels like the end of the world.

But I love the harsh ride, you can feel every contour in the road, and in dry conditions it is a joy. Just look out for pot holes.

Mr.N · 02-25-2009, 11:50 AM

Yeah, like he said!! ^^

AlanQS · 02-25-2009, 12:06 PM

Pros and cons - remember I'm biased. I deliberately picked the SE instead of the Sport mainly because (in 320d guise) I couldn't see where I was getting an extra £2k of kit for the money.

Body kit: The M has a bigger mouth at the front - that's about it.
The sides have a little bit of extra plastic which, after 14 months of keeping my eyes out for other coupes still would not help me identify it as an M sport without close examination.
Rear end: Absolutely hideous piece of grey plastic infill which is alleged to be some sort of diffuser. Not so bad on darker colours but absolutely ruins the rear end of an Alpine White model.

You will get gloss shadowline external trim instead of chrome on an M Sport (£345 option for an SE) All I can say, especially with darker colours, is big bleedin deal.

Anthracite headlining - regardless of interior colour selection so don't expect a matching interior unless you pick grey.

Sports Seats - good but you can get them on the SE as well - cost you an extra £430 though.

The M-Sport has 15mm lower suspension and stiffer. The SE does look to ride a little on the high side whereas the M-sport does sit better. As to whether it's ride is worse than the SE, neither model is very good when you come off smooth roads - but that's not why you are buying it - is it?

Wheels: A bit of a clincher I feel. I do not like either M-Sport wheel and think the 189 and 230 styles on the SE are much nicer looking but if you do like the M-sport wheels then they're included already.

M-Sport does Le Mans Blue which is a little darker than Montego Blue and a little bit nicer looking.

Performance: Speed and acceleration and mpg are identical regardless of which version you take. The benefits of the alleged superior suspension would only be noticeable, marginally, if you are driving at speeds that would get you talked about. No difference in every day driving therefore and only noticeable virtually in extremis.

The subject is moot anyway as the "free upgrade to M-Sport" may apply to the 330d making the temptation too great.

I would agree with Mr.N, the M-Sport saloon looks better than the SE but vice versa for the coupe.

booforty · 02-25-2009, 12:08 PM

If you want a manual, go for the 330D - cracking car

CD · 02-25-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Buy 335d SE and you will get sport seats and suspension standard.

.. besides the MSport rear bumper is hideous !! .. but on the pure value for money side the SE rear bumper wins everytime, theres more paint

RCUK · 02-25-2009, 12:47 PM

Go drive them ... youll know which u prefer as every person is different.

Just dont drive the 335d ... cos once u do then your stuck!

zltm089 · 02-25-2009, 02:32 PM

Depends on what you want!...I don't understand why people want the 3 series Coupe and complain about the suspension being firm or "harsh" or even the people reviewing it....

The 3 series Coupe are sports cars....so please expect some stiff suspension....its like wanting a ferrari but at the same time complaining that its too fast!....Any decent sports car will be (1) fast (obviouslyyyy,.....) and (2) firm suspension ....not rocket science....

Now, if you're only after the "looks" ...then I would suggest going for the M-sport pack...or if you got some spare time, get an SE model and afterwards get the AERO Front Lip fitted....as I think the SE needs a more aggressive front ....

Now, I am always after performance over looks....hence me chosing a 335 SE over...a cheaper 330 with M Sport pack....

If you want performance, go for a 335....then you'll get sports suspension (which are awesome!!! come on, can't have a sports car with "normal" soft suspension???!!!....not a sports car then....) and you get nice sports seats....as standard....

the 335 is a beast!!!....Porsche drivers respect you with a 335.... ;-)

zltm089 · 02-25-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threethirty

My M-Sport combined with Run Flat Tyres makes for a very firm ride. Run over a pot hole and it feels like the end of the world.

But I love the harsh ride, you can feel every contour in the road, and in dry conditions it is a joy. Just look out for pot holes.

was at elephant n castle roundabout again today,.....and it was dry!!!.....man....I love my ride....did some controlled skidding....starting to master the beast now....I kinda know its limits now.... the 335 coupe is awesome!!!!!!>.....Civic Type Rs trying it with me....poor lil toys....i feel so bad afterwards....

02-25-2009, 09:29 AM	#1
Looney Toon Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 209 Posts Drives: BMW 320D SE Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Lincoln iTrader: (0)	New E90 330D - M sport opinions very welcome! ### Newbie Alert ### Without even test driving this car, I have my heart set on the new 330D with manual. As I'm 39 this year, I have reached that middle aged boring time of life where I can't drink 15 pints anymore , i enjoy QI, and more to the point.. I like a bit of comfort! So, what about the M sport option? Autocar say :- "The first issue is the ride quality of this M Sport-equipped car with its lowered and stiffened suspension. Being blunt, it’s not nearly good enough. Firm spring settings are fine, but as anyone who’s driven a Mercedes C-class in Sport spec will tell you, this does not need to mean a harsh ride In short, if you buy a standard SE model you’ll not only save yourself nearly £3000 but you’ll have a far nicer car to drive as well." Andrew Frankel of the Times says :- "You should be cautious, too, before spending nearly three grand extra on the more dashing-looking M Sport model. You may like the looks, but the ride quality is ruined by its overly firm suspension, the fatter tyres make a dreadful noise on coarse surfaces and I didn’t get on at all well with its figure-hugging sports seats. A basic SE version may look more boring, but it’s a better and cheaper car by far." Do you think I'd be better off spending £3000 upping the spec of the SE model, rather than buying the M sport option? Any opinions would be genuinely welcome, and no offence taken for any 'boring old git' slurs on my character!
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02-25-2009, 09:44 AM	#2
encee Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 280 Posts Drives: E92 330d SE Steptronic Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Mate, I have a beautiful SE, and I wouldn`t call myself a boring old git ( well, not boring, anyway ) It just depends on which floats your boat really, as there are many varying opinions on this one........ The M-Sport does look better, IMHO, and I, for one, would prefer to have had the "figure hugging" M-Sport seats, as they allow far less lateral movement (the SE`s allow too much, for me). If I had the choice again, which I intend to when buying my next BMW, I will definitely get an M-Sport, but this doesn`t mean to say that you can`t have a good looking SE. Here`s a quick pic of mine, which gets loads of admiring glances, and comments, from friends and work colleagues, etc....... __________________
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02-25-2009, 10:07 AM	#3
paulcurtis Private 11 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 120d/320d Msport e91 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kent iTrader: (0)	There's a bit of discussion already on here about the differences. I had an SE 1 series and now an MSport 3 series and i prefer the MSport. The seats are better, they hold you better and i find the whole car more planted to the road. I was worried about the harshness of the ride but to be honest i don't find it that different to the SE. There's a chance that it is better (less harsh) too. I believe the springs for the msport version are better (and someone more knowledgable than me will hopefully chime in here) So i would pick the MSport any day. Plus there's always the option of swapping the runflats if you decide it's too harsh. You ought to go and drive both options. Also one thing is I find the MSport to be noticably lower and i don't know whether that's a concern. cheers paul
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02-25-2009, 10:08 AM	#4
jonsteele Old enough to know better! 20 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 320d M Sport, Le Mans Blue Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: In a pub, in the middle of nowhere! iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 Landrover 90 [0.00] 2008 BMW 320d M Sport [0.00]	I'm not sure whether those reviewers don't know what their taking about, or are just fat, luxury car drivers! Yes the M Sport is a firmer ride, that's why its given the 'sport' designation (the clue is in the name). The seats are the best standard sport seats I've ever sat in (including those in a RS4) and are infinitely adjustable (took me 2 weeks to get mine just right), which is where my 'fat' comment came from (you'd have to be very large not to get on with them)! I've driven both the SE and M Sport saloon, and looks apart, the M Sport is the better, more engaging drive. That's not to say the SE isn't a better drive than other comparable vehicles, but the M Sport is better for a more spirited drive. It took some work to convince my (now ex) wife to spend the extra on the M Sport, and I'm glad I put the effort in - I wouldn't go back. It isn't too harsh, so if you like a sporty ride when you push the car and can put up with a firm ride when driving around town etc., go for the M Sport. If you like to cruise around smoothly, stay away and go for a SE (although I think you'll find that firmer than 'normal' cars - its just the way BMW make theirs!). __________________ Jon Steele 320d M Sport (E90) Le Mans Blue/18" Alloys/Bi Xenons/Climate Screen/Black, Heated Dakota Leather/6 CD Changer with Dension 500/Power Mirrors/M3 Lip Spoiler/Gloss Black Grills/Through Load, Storage pack, Lumbar Support, Smokers Deletion
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02-25-2009, 10:23 AM	#5
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1043 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Buy 335d SE and you will get sport seats and suspension standard. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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02-25-2009, 10:52 AM	#8
rup Private First Class 4 Rep 171 Posts Drives: Z4 - 23 Sdrive Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0)	or get the coupe with a "free" m-sport upgrade. Having driven both there is not that much in it in ride or looks.
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02-25-2009, 10:56 AM	#10
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1043 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	Mate, The auto box is soo well matched to the 335d, you will still love the car so much. You will have the paddles to shift up and down also. __________________ 997.2 GT3
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02-25-2009, 11:19 AM	#11
biscuits Dimmer than a dim thing 83 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: M4 GTS, EQC, X5 40d, simrig Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 (F15) 4 ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M4 GTS [10.00]	I'm 100% a manual car fan...... however, when I had the 535d.... the autobox actually made much more sence and I'd have got fedup with soooo much torque and a clutch to deal with.
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02-25-2009, 11:22 AM	#12
kevbhoy Private First Class 11 Rep 106 Posts Drives: '06 325i SE Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland iTrader: (0)	I just traded my 320i SE for a 330d M Sport and am loving every minute of driving my new car. I'm even looking for the slightest excuse to out in it! TBH I am much more comfortable in the sport seats. I have back trouble and find the sport seats holds me better and I don't end up in as much pain. The heated seats help as well! I have the automatic with the paddles on the steering wheel and all I can say is ooh ahh! I have grown men who work with me drooling over my car and more so the paddles!! Its personal choice but I recommend the M Sport. Apart from anything its fast as f**k!!!! __________________ Previous - '15 428i Grand Coupe M Sport
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02-25-2009, 11:23 AM	#13
beemerbird Major General 179 Rep 7,953 Posts Drives: Merc diesel Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 TTRS [9.00] 2007 Audi S5 [0.00] May 2007 Porsche 99 ... [0.00] March 2007 Porsche ... [0.00] Sep. 2007 E92 335d SE [0.00] July 2006 E90 330i ... [0.00]	Have to agree with Carlos on this one, the auto box suits the 335d very well. Put it this way, I owned a 335d for 9 months and never once wished I had a manual box. Test drove a tipronic 997 turbo the other week and thought yuk really, the auto didn't suit it imo. Point being with the big D, some set ups suit auto boxes and with all the options available ie. paddle change, M mode and DS then it works well. Why not just have a test drive in one? Go with an open mind and see what you think. Your choice of a manual 330d is still a cracking car though. Dealers are quiet at the moment - go and have some fun. Oh and welcome to the forum btw.
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02-25-2009, 11:33 AM	#14
Mr.N BM Baby 13 Rep 404 Posts Drives: E92 335d Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	Welcome pal! I've got a 335i SE, as dxb335d said, you get the m sport suspension and posh seats as standard. I gotta tell you mate the ride is firm but that's why you're buying a sporty car innit?! The seats are comfy and supportive. As far as looks go, the MSport wins on the saloon in my opinion. If you get a coupe then I say SE all the way.
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02-25-2009, 11:45 AM	#15
threethirty Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 204 Posts Drives: BMW 330i M Sport Saloon 2006 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: East Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	My M-Sport combined with Run Flat Tyres makes for a very firm ride. Run over a pot hole and it feels like the end of the world. But I love the harsh ride, you can feel every contour in the road, and in dry conditions it is a joy. Just look out for pot holes. __________________ BMW 330i M Sport Saloon - 06 plate - Le Mans Blue
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02-25-2009, 11:50 AM	#16
Mr.N BM Baby 13 Rep 404 Posts Drives: E92 335d Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North West iTrader: (0)	Yeah, like he said!! ^^
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02-25-2009, 12:06 PM	#17
AlanQS Colonel 250 Rep 2,815 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	Pros and cons - remember I'm biased. I deliberately picked the SE instead of the Sport mainly because (in 320d guise) I couldn't see where I was getting an extra £2k of kit for the money. Body kit: The M has a bigger mouth at the front - that's about it. The sides have a little bit of extra plastic which, after 14 months of keeping my eyes out for other coupes still would not help me identify it as an M sport without close examination. Rear end: Absolutely hideous piece of grey plastic infill which is alleged to be some sort of diffuser. Not so bad on darker colours but absolutely ruins the rear end of an Alpine White model. You will get gloss shadowline external trim instead of chrome on an M Sport (£345 option for an SE) All I can say, especially with darker colours, is big bleedin deal. Anthracite headlining - regardless of interior colour selection so don't expect a matching interior unless you pick grey. Sports Seats - good but you can get them on the SE as well - cost you an extra £430 though. The M-Sport has 15mm lower suspension and stiffer. The SE does look to ride a little on the high side whereas the M-sport does sit better. As to whether it's ride is worse than the SE, neither model is very good when you come off smooth roads - but that's not why you are buying it - is it? Wheels: A bit of a clincher I feel. I do not like either M-Sport wheel and think the 189 and 230 styles on the SE are much nicer looking but if you do like the M-sport wheels then they're included already. M-Sport does Le Mans Blue which is a little darker than Montego Blue and a little bit nicer looking. Performance: Speed and acceleration and mpg are identical regardless of which version you take. The benefits of the alleged superior suspension would only be noticeable, marginally, if you are driving at speeds that would get you talked about. No difference in every day driving therefore and only noticeable virtually in extremis. The subject is moot anyway as the "free upgrade to M-Sport" may apply to the 330d making the temptation too great. I would agree with Mr.N, the M-Sport saloon looks better than the SE but vice versa for the coupe.
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02-25-2009, 12:08 PM	#18
booforty Major General 366 Rep 8,809 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	If you want a manual, go for the 330D - cracking car
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02-25-2009, 12:47 PM	#20
RCUK Lieutenant Colonel 105 Rep 1,672 Posts Drives: 911 Turbo Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orpington, Kent iTrader: (4)	Go drive them ... youll know which u prefer as every person is different. Just dont drive the 335d ... cos once u do then your stuck! __________________ Been there, done that, driven the 'Ring
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02-25-2009, 02:32 PM	#21
zltm089 Banned 268 Rep 7,686 Posts Drives: 335i SE Coupe Space Grey Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LONDON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 335i [10.00]	Depends on what you want!...I don't understand why people want the 3 series Coupe and complain about the suspension being firm or "harsh" or even the people reviewing it.... The 3 series Coupe are sports cars....so please expect some stiff suspension....its like wanting a ferrari but at the same time complaining that its too fast!....Any decent sports car will be (1) fast (obviouslyyyy,.....) and (2) firm suspension ....not rocket science.... Now, if you're only after the "looks" ...then I would suggest going for the M-sport pack...or if you got some spare time, get an SE model and afterwards get the AERO Front Lip fitted....as I think the SE needs a more aggressive front .... Now, I am always after performance over looks....hence me chosing a 335 SE over...a cheaper 330 with M Sport pack.... If you want performance, go for a 335....then you'll get sports suspension (which are awesome!!! come on, can't have a sports car with "normal" soft suspension???!!!....not a sports car then....) and you get nice sports seats....as standard.... the 335 is a beast!!!....Porsche drivers respect you with a 335.... ;-)
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