[justrx]

Seems like most /all 335is on the forum are happy with their decision. Just looking at your feedback thus far. Thx!

[galahad05]

No? While I think the M3 is better, I don't think it's THAT much better.
Especially as a daily driver.

[tofu-]

yes

[Smokey]

No regrets here. I love it-- especially the exhaust note and LEDs.

[eunos33]

Well before buying my 335i 2007, I test drove a M3 2004. I love the way the SPORT Button works (obviously on a manual trans, not the SMG) I didnt bought that 04 M3 because of the interiors (they where literally destroyed) and then I wasnt able to find one like I wanted it. I finished getting the 335 because it was a certified Pre owned and it was in like new condition at the right price. Otherwise I would have gotten a M3!!! That damn power button!!!!

[ssaylor]

No regrets here. I just got back from a 1000 mile trip to SoCal from AZ and managed to turn 22.5 mpg at 75-85 mph with occasional runs to 130+. Try that in your M3!!

The car is as fast as my old R8 and handles nearly as well. The R8 would eat the 335is on the track, but that's not where I drive. And, as unbelievable as it sounds, you can't get a DSG transmission in the Audi R8 - only the single clutch R-tronic. I love the BMW's instantaneous DCT upshift - under accelerating throttle! The exhaust is really perfect.

[bavarianboar]

Originally Posted by eunos33

Well before buying my 335i 2007, I test drove a M3 2004. I love the way the SPORT Button works (obviously on a manual trans, not the SMG) I didnt bought that 04 M3 because of the interiors (they where literally destroyed) and then I wasnt able to find one like I wanted it. I finished getting the 335 because it was a certified Pre owned and it was in like new condition at the right price. Otherwise I would have gotten a M3!!! That damn power button!!!!

335 eye ess vs M three. NOT 335 eye. Man, they (07 335i and '11 335is) are different setups even though the engines are N54.

[justrx]

Thx for the input. I'm coming from an 04 m3, but like a nice daily driver but don't want to give up the fun as well. Just don't want to be disappointed going this route. I've searched the threads, seems like the 335is owners seem pretty happy - m design, led's, exhaust note, 313's etc. This may be the perfect fit! Appreciate the input fellas!

[verbs]

I'll be blunt, I think anyone who gets a new 335is is nuts for not getting a slightly used M3 for the same price.....UNLESS all you care about is gas mileage.

[Ricer X]

and insurance

[WWONG]

Unless you're a track star, the only reason to like the M3 is for the looks and the prestige of owning an M. Other than that, it has more depreciation, gas guzzler tax, gas usage, costlier maintenance out of BMW's program, and higher insurance premiums. It also lacks that low-end torque essential for city driving, but I'm sure the next M3'll fix that with the turbo'd 6.

[AlterZgo]

Originally Posted by AFV335i

and insurance

I'm trying to decide btw a 2011 335is and a 2009/2010 used M3 and when I checked the cost of insurance for a 2010 used M3, it was only going to be $20/month more than my 08 Infiniti G35. M3s are surprisingly cheap to insure... at least through my insurer (State Farm).

[AlterZgo]

Has anyone had the chance to test drive the 335is and M3 back to back? I test drove a 2008 335i and then an M3. While the M3 was significantly faster, it also felt MUCH heavier. I remember coming out of the 335i and thinking wow, this car feels as tossable as my old 240SX.

OTOH, after driving the M3, it really reminded me of a somewhat cramped M5 in terms of just feeling much more substantial than the 335i. I'll be test driving a 335is in the next day or 2...

[BTM]

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

I'm trying to decide btw a 2011 335is and a 2009/2010 used M3 and when I checked the cost of insurance for a 2010 used M3, it was only going to be $20/month more than my 08 Infiniti G35. M3s are surprisingly cheap to insure... at least through my insurer (State Farm).

When I was car shopping my at the time insurer (Geico) insured anything with an M-designation significantly above something slightly equivalent, for example my 07 335i would be hundreds less per year than an 06 M3

[ChaneRZ]

Happy with my 335i. It's my DD now too.

[Gmstevenson]

I've briefly owned a 335is and recently bought a 2011 M3. To me, there is no comparison. The M3 is in another league.

[EHDEN]

not another M3 vs 335iS threads!! oh gosh! please kill this thread!

an M3 is an M3! can't compare it...i love my 335iS. i wanted a quicker and dealer modded 335i as i previously owned one before and that's what the iS brings. its not meant to steer away real m3 owners as ture M3 owners don't go for the base priced m3 (which is what the 335iS is close to by price).

i love my 335iS and woudl not change it for the world. its not only quick and perfect for city driving...its unique. there are more M3's on the road than 335iS'...and thats what makes it exclusive! cant put a price on that...

[NFS13]

Originally Posted by verbs

I'll be blunt, I think anyone who gets a new 335is is nuts for not getting a slightly used M3 for the same price.....UNLESS all you care about is gas mileage.

What if we care about the ride quality? What if we like the low end torque? Really, to call us nuts its pretty narrow minded. The M3 is a great car, but the "is" gives us what the 335 gives us, just kicks it up a notch. Some of us don't need the harsher suspension for everyday use.

[Smokey]

Originally Posted by NFS13

What if we care about the ride quality? What if we like the low end torque? Really, to call us nuts its pretty narrow minded. The M3 is a great car, but the "is" gives us what the 335 gives us, just kicks it up a notch. Some of us don't need the harsher suspension for everyday use.

+1. Big thanks to the guy who pointed out that iS owners should've bought used M3s instead-- I would never have known that, lol. I don't understand why some people think that everyone should purchase an M3. Don't get me wrong, I love the M3, but the 335iS just suits my driving needs better.

[lastMleft]

Originally Posted by justrx

Seems like most /all 335is on the forum are happy with their decision. Just looking at your feedback thus far. Thx!

I went from a moded M3 to a 335i and I am happy with it, no regrets when I originaly purchased the 335I i was reluctant, but I alway new that there are plenty of used M's in the market If I wanted to go back....but I won't go back to one

[John 070]

I got my 335i in late 2k6, and the price and my cash flow were a perfect fit. Stock market was about to peak in another 7 mos. after I got my car, everything was good. I had no way to predict I was getting a new job 4 wks. ago, and so if I were to have bought my car today, yes, I would get a M3.

imho too little seems to depend on one's personal situation on this forum. It's always what would you get, a GT2, Panamera Turbo S, or a 128i, and why? i.e. far out questions that are not dealing with the reality of a buy decision.

[I335]

The main difference that would sway me to an M3 is that V8 engine. The IS exhaust may sound great, but no 6 can ever match an 8 for sound given the right exhaust.