[Souljah]

You guys are probably sick and tired of these but i don't care...i'll write another one anyways...bear with me...


I tested a 335i last month, but thought nothing of it, cuz my salesman was fat and my gf was also in the car...all in all it must've been an extra 400 lbs in the car NOT including me...

So yesterday i went to test drive a fully loaded one, this car was given to BMW executives so it had EVERYTHING on it..odometer read 2490 miles...had a different salesman this time, he's about a 140lbs or so...and my gf was watching "Passion" at home...so i casually coasted around the block until the temp gauge reached normal...put it in first gear, ripped it up to redline...the salesman didn't mind, he was young and he knows how i feel...car pulls nicely, love the torque and it kept pulling, slammed it into 2nd, a lil wheelspin and off it went...this car is fast...and it's smooth, and the cabin is quiet...seats felt comfortable, i hate the shiftknob though...i hold the shifter like i have down syndrome, so the unorthodox way of holding it hurts my ring finger...the iDrive thingie looks annoying, i didn't bother with it...

Handling, this car is nice, sharp handling, but i think the lack of LSD made it less stable around corners, the backend seems to slide out from under me...

Appearance, it has to grow on me, the back of the car when looking at it sideways is strange, like it tapers up..and gets smaller...a rear apron will fix that..

Cluth pedal... too soft, it feels like my brother's civic Si, it's effortless to push the pedal down and it makes the release slow...i dont like that, i like it a little stiffer so it makes it easier to launch...


Okay, as far as 335i vs M3, stock for stock an M3 will beat it, i'm not being biased, my butt dyno tells me that an M3 will beat it...at the dragstrip, or road course, an M3 will beat it...

However, as all factory turbo'ed cars are, it's very easy to extract powers from the engine...i'm sure the Xede and exhaust combo would pull nicely on an M3...


As i write this review, the new owner is driving away in my Beloved M3...
I love the E46 M3 to death, as it was my dream car for awhile...finally was able to afford it after i graduated college....however, time has change, and so has technology, 335i although doesn't look as good as the M3...has too much tuning potential...and also, as i am writing this review, my papers for a jet black 335i is being processed and built....


I'm one of yall now, officially :rocks:

[Ninjaneer]

Congrats. Well if you get the Xede you'll feel right at home again, and more.

Resistance is futile

[Vegas335]

Good honest write up. Congrats on the 335. Black will look great.
Keep us posted and pics when the car arrives.

[mkeds]

Are you getting the new M3 when it comes out? Cause it would seem logical if you got a 3 year lease and returned it and bought a new M3 right when the Markups go down.

[emescopa]

You guys are probably sick and tired of these but i don't care...i'll write another one anyways...bear with me...

Not at all - I for one really appreciate these type of comparisons. I'm totally torn between a (very) slightly used e46 M3 or a brand new e92 335i... LSD is my main reason for considering an m3... that and the respect it demands. But technology and new design on the 335 are pluses for me as well!

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by mcoppo01

Not at all - I for one really appreciate these type of comparisons. I'm totally torn between a (very) slightly used e46 M3 or a brand new e92 335i... LSD is my main reason for considering an m3... that and the respect it demands. But technology and new design on the 335 are pluses for me as well!

I've always been puzzled by the "technology" argument when people are looking at an M3 vs a 335i. Here's what I have...

motor- check
6-spd- check
LSD- check
DSC- check
brakes - check
wheels/tires- check
radio/HK speakers - check
auto wipers- check
climate control by temp- check
heated seats- check
sunroof- check
bluetooth- check
cd changer hook up for my DICE- check
BMW Assist- check


The M3 had everything I needed from a technology standpoint so what are these incredible "technology" items that the 335 has that I'm missing and can't live without?

The reason I ask this is that I can think of one time I've been driving my E90 around and said, "I kind of wish that was in my M3" and that's the dual climate controls. To be honest, I'm never in the passenger seat anyway so I don't care that it's not on the car.

[heezyo2o]

Originally Posted by Souljah

Handling, this car is nice, sharp handling, but i think the lack of LSD made it less stable around corners, the backend seems to slide out from under me...

Woudn't the lack of a LSD make the backend less apt to "slide out."

[Crawlings]

Originally Posted by heezyo2o

Woudn't the lack of a LSD make the backend less apt to "slide out."

Umm....Limited Slip Differential.

[Zeroday]

Originally Posted by matsarge

I've always been puzzled by the "technology" argument when people are looking at an M3 vs a 335i. Here's what I have...

motor- check
6-spd- check
LSD- check
DSC- check
brakes - check
wheels/tires- check
radio/HK speakers - check
auto wipers- check
climate control by temp- check
heated seats- check
sunroof- check
bluetooth- check
cd changer hook up for my DICE- check
BMW Assist- check


The M3 had everything I needed from a technology standpoint so what are these incredible "technology" items that the 335 has that I'm missing and can't live without?

The reason I ask this is that I can think of one time I've been driving my E90 around and said, "I kind of wish that was in my M3" and that's the dual climate controls. To be honest, I'm never in the passenger seat anyway so I don't care that it's not on the car.

it just keeps going and going and going.... :energizerbunny:

Good and fair review thanks for the write up. I know you'll love the 335.

[heezyo2o]

Originally Posted by matsarge

The M3 had everything I needed from a technology standpoint so what are these incredible "technology" items that the 335 has that I'm missing and can't live without?

There's no doubt that an e46 is still quite a performer, but it's hard to deny that BMW or anyone else can't improve on things six years down the road. If you're looking for specific items, you may be disappointed, but I think the car as a whole is what is improved. They are two different machines, but the 335 offers great performance in a much more comfortable package. Along with fresh and updated styling from inside and out, they also improve on little things, like the cruise control, headlights, and idrive. I sure wouldn't buy a car for those little things, but as a whole, it results in a better package.

The e46 M3 is still an attractive car, but in time it will look dated compared to the newer cars. That's just how it is.

As of right now though, I'd still chose a M3....

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by Zeroday

it just keeps going and going and going.... :energizerbunny:

Good and fair review thanks for the write up. I know you'll love the 335.

and just like the energizer bunny, again the question still goes unanswered.....................

[Zeroday]

Originally Posted by Crawlings

Umm....Limited Slip Differential.

that's not why its called limited slip

[Zeroday]

Originally Posted by matsarge

and just like the energizer bunny, again the question still goes unanswered.....................

honestly? no one cares...

[heezyo2o]

Originally Posted by Crawlings

Umm....Limited Slip Differential.

It's easier for the back-end to come around with a LSD. In most cases (on the street), with a open differential, you can just power out without worrying about countersteering.

[kmurph]

I drove a 335i Auto a few weeks ago...my dealer did not have a MT prepped...the 335i felt about as fast as my e46 M3 but the overall driving experience did not compare...the 335i is too quiet and doesn't feel as connected...numb by comparison. With that being said, I'm still debating on whether I should ditch the ///M and get a 335...I figure...with a few mods...suspension, software, etc...the car could really be transformed....and the design is growing on me...but I still like the look of my ///M a little more.

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by heezyo2o

There's no doubt that an e46 is still quite a performer, but it's hard to deny that BMW or anyone else can't improve on things six years down the road. If you're looking for specific items, you may be disappointed, but I think the car as a whole is what is improved. They are two different machines, but the 335 offers great performance in a much more comfortable package. Along with fresh and updated styling from inside and out, they also improve on little things, like the cruise control, headlights, and idrive. I sure wouldn't buy a car for those little things, but as a whole, it results in a better package.

The e46 M3 is still an attractive car, but in time it will look dated compared to the newer cars. That's just how it is.

As of right now though, I'd still chose a M3....

I appreciate the answer but I'm not talking about styling, comfort, being "dated" or other "intangible" items. I'm speaking strickly at a technology level.

I'm not here to argue which is the better car. My point is that people have and continue to use "technology" as a factor in decisions and there has been to some basis for that rationale. The question still is what are these incredible "technology" items that the 335 has that I'm missing and can't live without?

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by Zeroday

honestly? no one cares...

and again just like the energizer bunny, your answers are useless.

[heezyo2o]

Offtopic, but I was about to reply that thread about reducing weight when it got closed.

Someone already mentioned it but lightweight wheels will make the biggest difference, especially since the BMW cast wheels are rather heavy. You get a combination of looks and performance all in one.

I also don't know why people took that thread as such a joke. You don't need a track dedicated car with a gutted interior to worry about weight. People are readily willing to throw out a couple grand on a chip and tune for more performance, but something like reducing weight which will improve not only straight line speed, but driving dynamics is ignored for some reason.

[emescopa]

Originally Posted by matsarge

I've always been puzzled by the "technology" argument when people are looking at an M3 vs a 335i. Here's what I have...

I was considering items like:
- iDrive / Navigation (the system overall - especially the customizable apsects)
- Adaptive headlights
- Logic7 (HK is decent, but logic7 was impressive IMO)
- Brake Fade Comp / Start Off Assist / Brake Drying (perhaps I'm incorrently assuming that E46 does not have these?)

Items I wouldn't want, but support my comment:
- Comfort Access
- Dynamic Cruise
- Active Steering

The other half of my comment was in reference to the new design. I really like the e90 / e92 design, both inside and out. I think the e90/92 are the best looking cars in the lineup. Don't get me wrong the M3 is still a stunner, but looks a bit dated IMO when it's next to an e92. Not a bad thing, it just is. My e39 looks dated when next to an e60 (but I still prefer the e39).

I'm also sucker for the little details, so things like the folding/dimming ext. mirrors, start/stop button, "Ambiance" lighting, corona rings etc. all play into it for me too.

And then I consider that legendary M3 performance, the exclusivity / uniqueness of an M car, that amazing engine, the LSD etc. and I'm right back at "undecided"...

Curious, but if your e90 was a 335i instead of a 330i, which do you honestly think you would prefer day-in and day-out? And yes I value your opinion!

[HarjotM]

Originally Posted by Souljah

You guys are probably sick and tired of these but i don't care...i'll write another one anyways...bear with me...


I tested a 335i last month, but thought nothing of it, cuz my salesman was fat and my gf was also in the car...all in all it must've been an extra 400 lbs in the car NOT including me...

So yesterday i went to test drive a fully loaded one, this car was given to BMW executives so it had EVERYTHING on it..odometer read 2490 miles...had a different salesman this time, he's about a 140lbs or so...and my gf was watching "Passion" at home...so i casually coasted around the block until the temp gauge reached normal...put it in first gear, ripped it up to redline...the salesman didn't mind, he was young and he knows how i feel...car pulls nicely, love the torque and it kept pulling, slammed it into 2nd, a lil wheelspin and off it went...this car is fast...and it's smooth, and the cabin is quiet...seats felt comfortable, i hate the shiftknob though...i hold the shifter like i have down syndrome, so the unorthodox way of holding it hurts my ring finger...the iDrive thingie looks annoying, i didn't bother with it...

Handling, this car is nice, sharp handling, but i think the lack of LSD made it less stable around corners, the backend seems to slide out from under me...

Appearance, it has to grow on me, the back of the car when looking at it sideways is strange, like it tapers up..and gets smaller...a rear apron will fix that..

Cluth pedal... too soft, it feels like my brother's civic Si, it's effortless to push the pedal down and it makes the release slow...i dont like that, i like it a little stiffer so it makes it easier to launch...


Okay, as far as 335i vs M3, stock for stock an M3 will beat it, i'm not being biased, my butt dyno tells me that an M3 will beat it...at the dragstrip, or road course, an M3 will beat it...

However, as all factory turbo'ed cars are, it's very easy to extract powers from the engine...i'm sure the Xede and exhaust combo would pull nicely on an M3...


As i write this review, the new owner is driving away in my Beloved M3...
I love the E46 M3 to death, as it was my dream car for awhile...finally was able to afford it after i graduated college....however, time has change, and so has technology, 335i although doesn't look as good as the M3...has too much tuning potential...and also, as i am writing this review, my papers for a jet black 335i is being processed and built....


I'm one of yall now, officially :rocks:

I am sorry but I just couldn't resist, first of all congrats on 335.

I was consdiering e46 M3 (2005) aswell. I went to my SA to get some numbers on the M3 and thats when we test drove 335 and choice was pretty clear to me. If it wasn't for the price difference and comfort wasn't an issue for me, I would go for e46 m3, JUST bacsue its an M and that demands sheer . Now they are pretty even with power, M3 has more bhp-YES, BUT 335 has more torque and also the power kicks in early. SO I don't think m3 (e46) would beat it hands down, it just basically comes down to the driver IMHO .

Now I AM planning (if all goes well) to maybe trade my 335 after the lease for the new m3

ps. I am eagerly awaiting the arrive of my baby (335) january production and april delivery :rocks:

[Walked U]

Lol everyone get sucked into getting one. I know tons of m3 owners that have talked down on it, but ended up getting one.

Also about your butt dyno the m3s supension is stiffer so you feel faster driving in it. The 335i is much more softer and refined. Thats why when your going 100 mph you feel like your only going about 50-60 mph.

[Zeroday]

Originally Posted by matsarge

and again just like the energizer bunny, your answers are useless.

because you arent looking for truth, you are looking to prove something about your car. you take every m3 vs 335i thread as a personal insult. how dare they!

if you showed some objectivity i'd be more inclined to discuss these things with you and not disregard your posts as someone continuously trying to justify their car purchase.