Another M3 vs 335i post

TrackReady · 02-21-2010, 02:46 PM

So I just started looking at BMWs a few days ago. I have never owned one or drove one. The objective is to replace my daily driver that I sold a few days ago. It was a Mazdaspeed 6 GT. I work out of my home office so I dont have a commute.

I currently own a 2008 Lotus Exige w/300hp that is modified for the track. I have also read some of the other Post about 335i having low end power etc. but going to the M3 if you want a true driving experience.

If I went with the M3 I would just make the following mods , Pulley/reflash/Exhaust/Aero

Thanks for the Input / Suggestions ahead of time

aus · 02-21-2010, 02:49 PM

If you already have a track car, I'd lean towards the 335 with a mild tune. Just get rid of the runflats since they give a terrible ride.

A used M3 or lease take-over would make it more palitable for me.

GnokGnik · 02-21-2010, 03:38 PM

The M3 is also much rarer, (but not rare enough

) if that is important to you. The M3 is not a light car, but it does feel much lighter than the 335i and it handles magnificently. The S65 is also very fun when rev'd like it is supposed to be. If you are considering tracking at all with the BMW, the M3 is your only choice.....unless you like really modding your cars, then the 335i is a decent choice also.

The 335i, I believe, really hurt M3 sales for the e9x design. It is truly a fun little street racer...especially with cheap tunes. A loaded 335i costs close to $20k OTD cheaper than a loaded M3. In the DD range of RPMs (0-4KRPM), the 335i is really punchy, but the top end is not as exciting. The MPG is much better also. I honestly believe that the slightly tuned ($579 JB3) 335i will beat a M3 from light to light. A enormous con for the 335i is WHERE IS THE LSD?!?!?! And reliability on the 335i can be pretty bad (it seems...my 335i has been a dream). However, if #'s are what your after, the 335i seems to do really well with them...cost, Mpg, HP, TQ...it will cost you $279 bucks for a JB+ to match M3 HP and surpass M3 TQ. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Steering feel can't match the M3.

They both look really good...the 335i is sleeker, the M3 is much more masculine (I prefer the M3's looks much more)...non-enthusiast would have a hard time differentiating them apart. Both are nice luxurious cars...I like the M3 ride better...the run flat tires on the 335i mated with the sports package makes the ride rougher than the M3's dynamic ride comfort settings. Both cars are close to the same "class" in cars.

In conclusion:

If you're after a mile-eater, DD: the 335i hands down for me. The 335i is extremely fun with its high torque (especially when tuned).

If you want a comfortable DD-able car, that WILL BE TRACKED: the M3. The M3 is not the fastest track day car, nor is it the most comfortable....but it is IMHO the best hybrid. It will drive you comfortably to the track and it will handle the track really well (maybe not the brakes).

It seems you want the M3.

P.S I don't know much about the LCI E92 335i with the N55 engine, but ^ that stuff is assuming the N54 engine in the 335i (the new 335is has the N54 also.)

JulieDriving · 02-21-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

The M3 is also much rarer, (but not rare enough

) if that is important to you. The M3 is not a light car, but it does feel much lighter than the 335i and it handles magnificently. The S65 is also very fun when rev'd like it is supposed to be. If you are considering tracking at all with the BMW, the M3 is your only choice.....unless you like really modding your cars, then the 335i is a decent choice also.

The 335i, I believe, really hurt M3 sales for the e9x design. It is truly a fun little street racer...especially with cheap tunes. A loaded 335i costs close to $20k OTD cheaper than a loaded M3. In the DD range of RPMs (0-4KRPM), the 335i is really punchy, but the top end is not as exciting. The MPG is much better also. I honestly believe that the slightly tuned ($579 JB3) 335i will beat a M3 from light to light. A enormous con for the 335i is WHERE IS THE LSD?!?!?! And reliability on the 335i can be pretty bad (it seems...my 335i has been a dream). However, if #'s are what your after, the 335i seems to do really well with them...cost, Mpg, HP, TQ...it will cost you $279 bucks for a JB+ to match M3 HP and surpass M3 TQ. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Steering feel can't match the M3.

They both look really good...the 335i is sleeker, the M3 is much more masculine (I prefer the M3's looks much more)...non-enthusiast would have a hard time differentiating them apart. Both are nice luxurious cars...I like the M3 ride better...the run flat tires on the 335i mated with the sports package makes the ride rougher than the M3's dynamic ride comfort settings. Both cars are close to the same "class" in cars.

In conclusion:

If you're after a mile-eater, DD: the 335i hands down for me. The 335i is extremely fun with its high torque (especially when tuned).

If you want a comfortable DD-able car, that WILL BE TRACKED: the M3. The M3 is not the fastest track day car, nor is it the most comfortable....but it is IMHO the best hybrid. It will drive you comfortably to the track and it will handle the track really well (maybe not the brakes).

It seems you want the M3.

P.S I don't know much about the LCI E92 335i with the N55 engine, but ^ that stuff is assuming the N54 engine in the 335i (the new 335is has the N54 also.)

Great post GnokGnik. Very helpful. I love, love my 335i, but I've never tried a M. I'm quite curious about the differences. I am sure the $20K extra means something in this car.

drivendriver · 02-22-2010, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieDriving

Great post GnokGnik. Very helpful. I love, love my 335i, but I've never tried a M. I'm quite curious about the differences. I am sure the $20K extra means something in this car.

The M3 feels very different from a 3-series--much more so than you would expect considering that the cars are based on the same platform. The steering, in particular, really surprised me the first time I drove an M3. I suppose it has to do with the electro-hydraulic power steering, the wider track and the wider tires.

All the M cars that I have driven (M3, M5, and even X6M) have very similar steering feels. It's like a family trait. It's difficult to explain. You have to drive one.

Note that I'm not saying that the steering feel alone is worth $20K

. I'm just saying that the cars feel very different, to the point that you don't really feel the common genes. Contrary to what you might expect, the M3 doesn't feel at all like a souped-up 3-series. It feels like a different car. Having said that, I love the steering feel of the regular 3-series.

If I had an Exige, for my second car I would probably pick an X3 or a diesel X5

. As mentioned above, right now the M3 is probably the best all-around car in the world, but there are more practical and comfortable cars, there are better track cars, and there certainly are more frugal cars.

Finally, as a former Lotus driver, I have to say that nothing under $100K can give you the same pure driving pleasure that you get from a Lotus (and yes, that includes all the P-cars).

footie · 02-22-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrackReady

So I just started looking at BMWs a few days ago. I have never owned one or drove one. The objective is to replace my daily driver that I sold a few days ago. It was a Mazdaspeed 6 GT. I work out of my home office so I dont have a commute.

I currently own a 2008 Lotus Exige w/300hp that is modified for the track. I have also read some of the other Post about 335i having low end power etc. but going to the M3 if you want a true driving experience.

If I went with the M3 I would just make the following mods , Pulley/reflash/Exhaust/Aero

Thanks for the Input / Suggestions ahead of time

You already own an extreme machine so why go for another if you buy and M3 and then modify it?

Either stick with a stock M3 or buy a 335i and give it a mild tune.

CSanto · 02-22-2010, 02:43 PM

My sister wants a 335...

/thread

LV-E92M3 · 02-22-2010, 05:11 PM

you get what you pay for..

alms21 · 02-22-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

The M3 is also much rarer, (but not rare enough

) if that is important to you. The M3 is not a light car, but it does feel much lighter than the 335i and it handles magnificently. The S65 is also very fun when rev'd like it is supposed to be. If you are considering tracking at all with the BMW, the M3 is your only choice.....unless you like really modding your cars, then the 335i is a decent choice also.

The 335i, I believe, really hurt M3 sales for the e9x design. It is truly a fun little street racer...especially with cheap tunes. A loaded 335i costs close to $20k OTD cheaper than a loaded M3. In the DD range of RPMs (0-4KRPM), the 335i is really punchy, but the top end is not as exciting. The MPG is much better also. I honestly believe that the slightly tuned ($579 JB3) 335i will beat a M3 from light to light. A enormous con for the 335i is WHERE IS THE LSD?!?!?! And reliability on the 335i can be pretty bad (it seems...my 335i has been a dream). However, if #'s are what your after, the 335i seems to do really well with them...cost, Mpg, HP, TQ...it will cost you $279 bucks for a JB+ to match M3 HP and surpass M3 TQ. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Steering feel can't match the M3.

They both look really good...the 335i is sleeker, the M3 is much more masculine (I prefer the M3's looks much more)...non-enthusiast would have a hard time differentiating them apart. Both are nice luxurious cars...I like the M3 ride better...the run flat tires on the 335i mated with the sports package makes the ride rougher than the M3's dynamic ride comfort settings. Both cars are close to the same "class" in cars.

In conclusion:

If you're after a mile-eater, DD: the 335i hands down for me. The 335i is extremely fun with its high torque (especially when tuned).

If you want a comfortable DD-able car, that WILL BE TRACKED: the M3. The M3 is not the fastest track day car, nor is it the most comfortable....but it is IMHO the best hybrid. It will drive you comfortably to the track and it will handle the track really well (maybe not the brakes).

It seems you want the M3.

P.S I don't know much about the LCI E92 335i with the N55 engine, but ^ that stuff is assuming the N54 engine in the 335i (the new 335is has the N54 also.)

+1,000. I've been saying this for the past couple of months.

I prefer the masculine looks of the E92M as well compared to the E92 335i. I have the E90 LCI (which has wider rear arches than the E92 335 coupe) which I think is almost as nice as the M.

Kbueno · 03-01-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HREM3

My sister wants a 335...

/thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by LV-E92M3

you get what you pay for..

LOL...opinionated bunch.

OP: If your coming from an Exige, your only choice is an M3..and even that would feel soft in comparison.

Golgothar · 03-01-2010, 12:22 PM

FINALLY a topic that is NEVER discussed!

valbauer · 03-01-2010, 06:41 PM

M3

m3_love · 03-08-2010, 04:43 PM

335i would be a better choice in your situation IMHO, like some members mentioned, you already have a track sport car, 335i will prob better balance your stable out...just my .02

shiggy · 03-08-2010, 06:06 PM

I came from a 335i to an M3 just a cpl of months ago....just a few things to add:
1) OH GOD....I miss the manual tranny....dont get me wrong, the DCT is an amazing tranny and it shifts very quickly and smoothly and I love the throttle blips....but i just simply miss the manual.
2) My 335i had the JB+ and a dci and loved how quick it was....and I dont feel a big diff in acceleration comparing the two cars. One thing i do know is that the 335i was definetly quicker off the line.
3)Although the steering feels lighter in the 335i and the feedback is better, the M3's handling is freakin amazing. I took a drive up to Whistler on Friday....roads were dry and the sun was shining....i took a section of twisties at pretty good speed and I had a grin ear to ear.
That was the defining moment for me as to what an M3 stood for...truly effortless and truly enjoyable!!!
4) At almost every stop light, I have someone give me a

, or ask me to roll down my windows and ask me various questions about the car, take pictures with their cell phones or ask me to rev the car because they wanna hear the exhaust.....it def get's more attention...if you like that sort of thing.
I probably not much help for ya...just wanted to share my personal experience with both cars.
cheers,

GewoW · 03-14-2010, 08:57 PM

lemme ask you - I have a 335 and I love the steering like you did. thinking of an m3 but would like to know if the steering still retains some stiffness. if you've driven an S4, u know what I mean by very light steering - I hate that. is the m3 anything like this?

brava09 · 03-15-2010, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GewoW

lemme ask you - I have a 335 and I love the steering like you did. thinking of an m3 but would like to know if the steering still retains some stiffness. if you've driven an S4, u know what I mean by very light steering - I hate that. is the m3 anything like this?

You are going to enjoy more the M3 steering...at very low speed (<10-20 mph) is very light, which is perfect for parking and round-abouts, but after that it's getting very stiff.

Donbona · 03-15-2010, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

You already own an extreme machine so why go for another if you buy and M3 and then modify it?

Either stick with a stock M3 or buy a 335i and give it a mild tune.

+1

captainaudio · 03-20-2010, 06:24 PM

I have a track membership at Lime Rock and drive a dedicated track car (spec Miata) on the track. My daily driver is a 335i convertible. There is no doubt in my mind that an M3 will outperform a 335i regardless of how the 335i is modded.

I am totally satisfied with the 335 as a daily driver. IMO the M3 is more than I need for the road and my best choice as a track car. I am considering buying my own track car (probably a Miata) but that project got put on hold because I had a retinal detachment.

I think the M3 is a great car and probably offers more performance for the dollar than just about any car available today.

CA

P.S. I am a very conservative driver on public roads.

supra2jz · 03-20-2010, 09:04 PM

well, m3 is a beast. it eats everything fast, (including gas) its heavy but feels more responsive then the 335i. its also smoother handling. if you buy a 335 id strongly recommend a tune up/ + hp. the 335 is a better daily driver and much cheaper.

footie · 03-21-2010, 06:00 AM

Maybe you should hang off until all the details on the 1M are released, it might just offer the best compromise of all, forced engine similar to the 335i meaning very tunable, plus the added reliability of M internals and will have the full extent of M-Division's development backing.

I'm personally not a fan of the 1 series Coupe's looks but there is no denying that this thing has potential.

ArmyBimmerDude · 03-21-2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footie

Maybe you should hang off until all the details on the 1M are released, it might just offer the best compromise of all, forced engine similar to the 335i meaning very tunable, plus the added reliability of M internals and will have the full extent of M-Division's development backing.

I'm personally not a fan of the 1 series Coupe's looks but there is no denying that this thing has potential.

I agree. The thing that interests me the most is the lighter weight in addition to all the other things you mentioned. In certain colors, the 1 series looks pretty good.

Kbueno · 04-05-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by captainaudio

There is no doubt in my mind that an M3 will outperform a 335i regardless of how the 335i is modded.

??..one can mod a civic to outperform an M3, just takes truck loads of $$

02-21-2010, 02:46 PM	#1
TrackReady Private First Class 13 Rep 100 Posts Drives: QuikSlvR Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Space Center 9 iTrader: (1)	Another M3 vs 335i post So I just started looking at BMWs a few days ago. I have never owned one or drove one. The objective is to replace my daily driver that I sold a few days ago. It was a Mazdaspeed 6 GT. I work out of my home office so I dont have a commute. I currently own a 2008 Lotus Exige w/300hp that is modified for the track. I have also read some of the other Post about 335i having low end power etc. but going to the M3 if you want a true driving experience. If I went with the M3 I would just make the following mods , Pulley/reflash/Exhaust/Aero Thanks for the Input / Suggestions ahead of time
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02-21-2010, 02:49 PM	#2
aus Major General 892 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	If you already have a track car, I'd lean towards the 335 with a mild tune. Just get rid of the runflats since they give a terrible ride. A used M3 or lease take-over would make it more palitable for me. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires." Last edited by aus; 02-21-2010 at 03:03 PM..
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02-21-2010, 03:38 PM	#3
GnokGnik Captain 17 Rep 936 Posts Drives: E92 335i, 997 C2S Join Date: May 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	The M3 is also much rarer, (but not rare enough ) if that is important to you. The M3 is not a light car, but it does feel much lighter than the 335i and it handles magnificently. The S65 is also very fun when rev'd like it is supposed to be. If you are considering tracking at all with the BMW, the M3 is your only choice.....unless you like really modding your cars, then the 335i is a decent choice also. The 335i, I believe, really hurt M3 sales for the e9x design. It is truly a fun little street racer...especially with cheap tunes. A loaded 335i costs close to $20k OTD cheaper than a loaded M3. In the DD range of RPMs (0-4KRPM), the 335i is really punchy, but the top end is not as exciting. The MPG is much better also. I honestly believe that the slightly tuned ($579 JB3) 335i will beat a M3 from light to light. A enormous con for the 335i is WHERE IS THE LSD?!?!?! And reliability on the 335i can be pretty bad (it seems...my 335i has been a dream). However, if #'s are what your after, the 335i seems to do really well with them...cost, Mpg, HP, TQ...it will cost you $279 bucks for a JB+ to match M3 HP and surpass M3 TQ. Anything else is just icing on the cake. Steering feel can't match the M3. They both look really good...the 335i is sleeker, the M3 is much more masculine (I prefer the M3's looks much more)...non-enthusiast would have a hard time differentiating them apart. Both are nice luxurious cars...I like the M3 ride better...the run flat tires on the 335i mated with the sports package makes the ride rougher than the M3's dynamic ride comfort settings. Both cars are close to the same "class" in cars. In conclusion: If you're after a mile-eater, DD: the 335i hands down for me. The 335i is extremely fun with its high torque (especially when tuned). If you want a comfortable DD-able car, that WILL BE TRACKED: the M3. The M3 is not the fastest track day car, nor is it the most comfortable....but it is IMHO the best hybrid. It will drive you comfortably to the track and it will handle the track really well (maybe not the brakes). It seems you want the M3. P.S I don't know much about the LCI E92 335i with the N55 engine, but ^ that stuff is assuming the N54 engine in the 335i (the new 335is has the N54 also.) Last edited by GnokGnik; 02-21-2010 at 03:49 PM..
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02-22-2010, 02:43 PM	#7
CSanto Brigadier General 636 Rep 3,039 Posts Drives: 2015 BSM/SO M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: New York iTrader: (3)	My sister wants a 335... /thread
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02-22-2010, 05:11 PM	#8
LV-E92M3 Lieutenant 20 Rep 508 Posts Drives: Donkey Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: كابول‎ iTrader: (1)	you get what you pay for..
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03-01-2010, 12:22 PM	#11
Golgothar First Lieutenant 21 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	FINALLY a topic that is NEVER discussed! __________________ OLD - 2008 Sparkling Graphite DCT e92 Rpi Scoops/Dinan Intake/DinanECUtune/DinanPulley/DinanExhaust/DinanStg 2 Suspension/Plus some cosmetic mods SOLD NEW- 2011 Black Saphire 550i Sport (Some cosmetic mods/Dinan mods soon)
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03-01-2010, 06:41 PM	#12
valbauer Banned 2 Rep 50 Posts Drives: E46, GT3 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Monica, CA iTrader: (0)	M3
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03-08-2010, 04:43 PM	#13
m3_love Lieutenant Colonel 334 Rep 1,991 Posts Drives: 991 C2S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (8)	335i would be a better choice in your situation IMHO, like some members mentioned, you already have a track sport car, 335i will prob better balance your stable out...just my .02 __________________ Gone but never forgotten: e92 M3 l 6MT - OEM++ e46 M3 l 6MT - OEM+ e90 M3 l 6MT - OEM++ e92 335i l Auto - the list is too long...
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03-08-2010, 06:06 PM	#14
shiggy Major 58 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vancouver iTrader: (2)	I came from a 335i to an M3 just a cpl of months ago....just a few things to add: 1) OH GOD....I miss the manual tranny....dont get me wrong, the DCT is an amazing tranny and it shifts very quickly and smoothly and I love the throttle blips....but i just simply miss the manual. 2) My 335i had the JB+ and a dci and loved how quick it was....and I dont feel a big diff in acceleration comparing the two cars. One thing i do know is that the 335i was definetly quicker off the line. 3)Although the steering feels lighter in the 335i and the feedback is better, the M3's handling is freakin amazing. I took a drive up to Whistler on Friday....roads were dry and the sun was shining....i took a section of twisties at pretty good speed and I had a grin ear to ear. That was the defining moment for me as to what an M3 stood for...truly effortless and truly enjoyable!!! 4) At almost every stop light, I have someone give me a , or ask me to roll down my windows and ask me various questions about the car, take pictures with their cell phones or ask me to rev the car because they wanna hear the exhaust.....it def get's more attention...if you like that sort of thing. I probably not much help for ya...just wanted to share my personal experience with both cars. cheers, __________________ 2009 Jet Black E92 M3, DCT, Nav, Novillo Leather, PDC, EDC, BBS CHR's 20", Yokohama Advan Sports Tires, Eiback Pro-Kit Springs, Dinan Pullies and Dinan Stage1 software, black grills, black side gills, alcantara shift and ebrake boot.
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03-14-2010, 08:57 PM	#15
GewoW #thatsanicemovebro 202 Rep 3,920 Posts Drives: E92 M3 LSB/Black 6MT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.34]	lemme ask you - I have a 335 and I love the steering like you did. thinking of an m3 but would like to know if the steering still retains some stiffness. if you've driven an S4, u know what I mean by very light steering - I hate that. is the m3 anything like this?
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03-20-2010, 06:24 PM	#18
captainaudio World's Foremost Authority 1181 Rep 4,535 Posts Drives: M4 Cab - Cayenne GTS - Jag XK Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Upper East Side Manhattan - Boca Raton FL - Lime Rock CT iTrader: (0)	I have a track membership at Lime Rock and drive a dedicated track car (spec Miata) on the track. My daily driver is a 335i convertible. There is no doubt in my mind that an M3 will outperform a 335i regardless of how the 335i is modded. I am totally satisfied with the 335 as a daily driver. IMO the M3 is more than I need for the road and my best choice as a track car. I am considering buying my own track car (probably a Miata) but that project got put on hold because I had a retinal detachment. I think the M3 is a great car and probably offers more performance for the dollar than just about any car available today. CA P.S. I am a very conservative driver on public roads. __________________ Drivers Club at Lime Rock - International Motorsports Research Center - Society of Automotive Historians - Madison Avenue Sports Car Driving and Chowder Society (0nly a VP) - BMWCCA - Porsche Club of America - M Gruppe - Polish Race Drivers of America (PDRA) - Glen Club (Watkins Glen International) - Jaguar Club of Southern New England Last edited by captainaudio; 03-28-2010 at 05:11 PM..
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03-20-2010, 09:04 PM	#19
supra2jz New Member 2 Rep 5 Posts Drives: M3 CSL e46+M3 e92 sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: valencia ca iTrader: (0)	well, m3 is a beast. it eats everything fast, (including gas) its heavy but feels more responsive then the 335i. its also smoother handling. if you buy a 335 id strongly recommend a tune up/ + hp. the 335 is a better daily driver and much cheaper. __________________ better to build then buy
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03-21-2010, 06:00 AM	#20
footie Major General 1122 Rep 8,017 Posts Drives: i5M60 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: No where fast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW i5M60 [0.00] 2022 BMW i4M50 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Maybe you should hang off until all the details on the 1M are released, it might just offer the best compromise of all, forced engine similar to the 335i meaning very tunable, plus the added reliability of M internals and will have the full extent of M-Division's development backing. I'm personally not a fan of the 1 series Coupe's looks but there is no denying that this thing has potential.
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