[MTD]

So this week I had my 06 E90 330 in for service. My 330 is pretty fully loaded (sport, premium, idrive etc), and I received a 08 335 loaner, which I was pretty excited about. The loaner was pretty bare bones--step, leatherette, no nav....and NO SPORT PKG (as you'd expect w a loaner).

First of all the obvious: the car blows doors on the 330. Power is really really fun. But we all knew that right?

That said I was not at all impressed with the car and I would not take the stripped 335 over my 330. Without the sport package especially, the car feels really cheap and, well, loose. Suspension and/or tire combo (17") makes it feel way too springy. And on top, the non sport steering wheel is really not impressive. And the non-sports seats are not good either. I'd be willing to sacrifice iDrive (which I like) but not the sports package to get into a 335. Even the brakes felt springier, and I don't think the sport vs non sport brakes are different.

And furthermore, I actually find it somewhat strange why BMW sells non sport package 335s...I can see from a price/performance standpoint why that'd make sense with the 328, but the 335 is supposed to be the premium/high performance version of the 3er anyway...so it doesn't make sense to me why they'd even bother with the non-sport 335. I guess, if you're into modding your car and putting your own suspension in place then it'd make sense, but I have to believe that those customers are less than 1% of buyers....

Anyway...just some food for thought.

[E90330iS]

good point, keep in mind some people love BMWs but hope that its steering wasn't as stiff, and those people usually dont get sport package

[MOLON LAVE]

Seing the 3 series w/o the sport package is like seing a bull that was neutered. They just dont look right.

How are you liking your e90 man? Im shopping for one, its hard to find that perfect one..I may pick up a 335 instead.. Are you happy with the power of your e90?

[Saintor]

18" are not for everyone.

[2kaccordocoupe]

Some people want the power while maintaining that smooth ride... There were times with my s2k and g35 coupe when driving home with a headace and evey rut in the road would go through your a**. Times like that I wish I had the smooth ride.
Not to mention that anytime a non spirited driver got in the car they would always say why is your car so rough??? LOL

I'm sure that my up and coming e92 will be no exception either...

[igotaweinerdog]

I just got a 330i and I love it. I have driven my buddies 335 and there is definitely a difference but if you are lookin to save a buck the 330 is still a great car

[Kilgore Trout]

I may be the wrong person to comment on this since I never had a BMW before. But, I opted NOT to get ZSP - although I did upgrade the tires.

The main issue for me was ride quality. My last vehicle (Acura TSX) had a stiff ride that I hated and I did not want to go through that again.

Ride quality is particular in an issue in my E91 because it is going to be used for lots of active outdoors activities. I'm going to take it car camping, and use it to haul my road and mountain bikes. One implication is that it will be on lousy roads (mostly paved) going up into Angeles National Forest and to various car camping sites. I just couldn't see having the sport package under those circumstances and, in fact, somewhat regret not sticking with the 16 inch tires.

[lkn]

here we go

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by lkn

here we go

LOL.

[SPACEMANRICK]

To each his own, I still can't understand why some people buy the 3 series in an Automatic

[captainaudio]

I live in New York City and have a 335i with Sport Package.

I will offer this challenge to anyone who wants to know why anyone would but a 335i without sports package:

Come to New York City and drive on the FDR Drive from 34th Street north and then drive across the Willis Avenue Bridge.

CA

[E90ice]

Personally, I have NEVER seen a 335 without a Sport Package. Only 325's and 328's...and the 335 loaners...so I don't think they sell them without Sport Package.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by E90ice

Personally, I have NEVER seen a 335 without a Sport Package. Only 325's and 328's...and the 335 loaners...so I don't think they sell them without Sport Package.

My friend Larry has a 335i without Sport Package

[AlanS]

I've got a 335i Coupe without sport. Has the sport suspension though, as all 335i coupes do. Don't miss the 18s at all since I've got the 17s with all seasons for winter and will do a set of 19s with non-runflat summer tires (probably REO50As) when it gets warm.

I'm a bigger guy too, so the non-bolstered seats are more comfortable. Sat in a 128 with sport package today, those seats are no good for long trips.

No seat, however, will ever EVER be as good as those in my old 740i Sport. Perfection.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by SPACEMANRICK

To each his own, I still can't understand why some people buy the 3 series in an Automatic

[MRQturbo]

you would think the 335 would come fully loaded..but of course not...thats how BMW makes their money....from all the option packages available.....

[d3l0n]

not everyone is the same... options exist for a reason.. plus some people hate sport seats especially those who are of a larger than average size...

[d3l0n]

Originally Posted by MRQturbo

you would think the 335 would come fully loaded..but of course not...thats how BMW makes their money....from all the option packages available.....

yep, but now the 550i with sport package comes with mtech, but u are still paying for extra mtech lol 70k!!! vs 70k m3.. smDh!