[dopper99]

Following on from this thread where I was 50/50 about keeping the M3 …… http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...1326526&page=5
I’ve had a test drive in an 335d touring today.

As always, interesting to compare two cars that are similar-ish. However, these cars are very much different indeed once you get behind the wheel. I thought the steering was very much lighter on the 335d which I much prefer however in Comfort it felt vague and almost over-powered and not connected to the road! Handling was surprisingly good (up to a point) with non-adaptive suspension and much better than my old one was from what I recall before I had ACS springs fitted.

Now to the power delivery, which was one of the main reasons I was interested to test the car. Well, ok it does pull well …… but its nowhere near as fast as the M3. Ok hardly a surprise you may say, but I recall my old 335d feeling a quick car with effortless torque, well it is, but after having the M3 for a few months it didn’t feel as quick as I thought it would. There may be a tiny bit of the rev range where it will out-torque the M3 for a couple of seconds but its so small its hardly noticeable. The M3 in comparison is mental quick, when you want it to be.

The 335d is a fantastic car for sure and I highly recommend one, but after owning the M3, that thing really is in another league and had made me realise what car I’ve got. In fact I actually really enjoyed the drive home, gave it some beans and it sure does go mental when you open it up.

As a result I’ll be sticking with my M3 for the time being, but I’m really glad I tried the 335d as its given me a wake up call to realise the car I have and certainly changed my opinion on it. Sometimes you have to try other cars for this reason.

But I’ll say again, the 335d is a great car and it’s a good second best for me, if I didn’t want or need the M3 any more.

[Xplosiv166]

IMO you would have to be mental to be swapping a M3 for 335d, the 30d and 35d are both good fast cars but i find them boring to drive (i am not trying to start a war , just my opinion ).

After test driving the 35d and having owned a 30d for 3 years i have deiced to swap for a petrol as i am finding the diesel just so boring to drive / live with. If you are doing loads of motorway miles the 35d and 30d are probably the best cars on the market but thankful my commute is only 10 miles on a roads.

As i travel a lot and get to drive lots of hire cars and tbh i have had much more fun in some lowish powered petrol cars than my 30d, the best one being a manual mini loads of fun revving the nuts of that and it sounded brilliant - almost did not care for the loss of torque and bhp - get back to my 30d and its just another boring drive to the office. don't get me wrong it has been a great motorway muncher which is what i initial bought the car for, but time for a change.

[black stig]

Good that you've had a test and can appreciate the car you have.

[JustChris]

: So the M3 is still fast then?

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by Xplosiv166

IMO you would have to be mental to be swapping a M3 for 335d, the 30d and 35d are both good fast cars but i find them boring to drive (i am not trying to start a war , just my opinion ). .......

Well, I wanted to say this , but would not to upset F3x owners, but tbh that's EXACTLY how I felt driving this 335d. It's dependable, safe, steady, faithful and reliably delivers adequate performance and handling ....... but is sure as hell boring compared to an M3. It feels very ordinary and there is a lack of sparkle and fun.

I don't wish to offend anyone, but once you've driven both cars for some time, you'll know what I mean.

And I can see why folks are going for 340i's to put a bit of fun and enjoyment back into driving.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by JustChris

: So the M3 is still fast then?

Yes, always has been, ive been a cock not to realise it.
I was suprised how "slow" the 335d felt, of course you get use to what you've got. A very, very good car, especially compared to some competitors I'm sure ..... but it's no M3.

[stefan4]

Sounds like you just got used to driving the m3 and became blind to what you have, it's easy enough to do no matter what you drive

[Tengocity]

No surprise Dopper, you always get used to whatever power you've got. When my remap got wiped a few months back it felt dog slow compared to before!

[CazuaLLUK]

Maybe this test drive was a blessing in disguise, I would of hated to see you trade in that Silverstone M3!!

[R0B]

If you ever need to double check again, we can always swap for a month or two

[Grant_7]

Glad you've realised what you have got. Always good to get a refresher by driving another car.

Originally Posted by dopper99

And I can see why folks are going for 340i's to put a bit of fun and enjoyment back into driving.

This. Glad the penny has dropped (meant in a nice way )

[JustChris]

Dopper.

I think you owe the car a mini mod now, after you questioned here abilities....if it were a woman she'd be eyeing up some jewellery (M Performance accessory)

Seriously though good call on the test drive, I think it was a smart move giving you a naff ish interior Touring Soec though, only going to make the M3 seem even more imperious.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Well, I wanted to say this , but would not to upset F3x owners, but tbh that's EXACTLY how I felt driving this 335d. It's dependable, safe, steady, faithful and reliably delivers adequate performance and handling ....... but is sure as hell boring compared to an M3. It feels very ordinary and there is a lack of sparkle and fun.

I don't wish to offend anyone, but once you've driven both cars for some time, you'll know what I mean.

And I can see why folks are going for 340i's to put a bit of fun and enjoyment back into driving.

No offence taken by this 335d owner, I know precisely what you mean; hugely competent but no real involvement or sparkle and nothing to make you feel like taking the long way home. In a straight line I reckon my F31 would probably have the legs of my old E46 M3 CS in most situations but one made me smile every time I drove it and the other doesn't!

Anyway, pleased you're sorted and have realised the grass isn't greener on the other side!

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Dipper.

I think you owe the car a mini mod now, after you questioned here abilities....if it were a woman she'd be eyeing up some jewellery (M Performance accessory)

Seriously though good call on the test drive, I think it was a smart move giving you a naff ish interior Touring Soec though, only going to make the M3 seem even more imperious.

Sod a little accessory, I think he needs a Akrapovic exhaust!

[BnB]

One of the reasons I dropped down from 911s to a lowly diesel 225. I had been chasing ever greater performance and handling gains and it was getting silly, not to mention expensive.

Allowed me to reboot my expectations of a car.

[WeaverBeaver]

I'm glad you've finally come to your senses, as others have said in isolation the 335d is a great car but it's fairly dull to drive. I didn't fully appreciate this until I swapped to a Golf R, which while a popular car to hate, absolutely blows the 335d into the weeds in terms of handling, engagement and excitement. Now it's pushing out 360hp straight line is on another level as well...

Can only imagine M3 is on a different level. However, I suspect some of your niggles with the car will remain and it won't be your perfect car - they won't go away.

[....,,,,..,,..]

Originally Posted by Lobb

Nick the Greek would have said "I told you so........"

There may even have been a quote from the good book, concerning doubters and sinners.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by JNW1

No offence taken by this 335d owner, I know precisely what you mean; hugely competent but no real involvement or sparkle and nothing to make you feel like taking the long way home.

+1

I'm getting closer and closer to letting mine go and taking a massive financial hit.

[CazuaLLUK]

Originally Posted by Drek

+1

I'm getting closer and closer to letting mine go and taking a massive financial hit.

For what?

[Drek]

Not sure yet but a Panamera is the current car of interest.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Drek

Not sure yet but a Panamera is the current car of interest.

The new one is stunning, but I specced a Diesel S with a mild spec and it came to 105k!

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Wills2

The new one is stunning, but I specced a Diesel S with a mild spec and it came to 105k!

The new one is indeed truly stunning, I wish I had the pennies for the 4S Diesel - 416hp V8!. It'll be a used one for me though but I'm still not yet convinced, the car is very marmite but those that have driven it swear by it. There's an OPC not too far away so I'll have a bimble down there in a week or so.