2008 -2010 M3 or keep my 2011 335i

HP_HOUND · 10-02-2013, 07:00 PM

I need some advice from you M3 guys. Four months ago I purchased a 2011 335i e90 with the N55 I6 Engine used only 15K miles for 33K (36K with tax & Tag ). My wife & I were going through a rough time and I gave her our car since I have a company car. I needed a personal car to go bar hoping, etc. Since I always wanted a BMW, but my wife never wanted to spend the money for one with her gone I decided now was the time to purchase one. I should have done more research but the 335i was recently reduced and looked very sharp so I pulled the trigger.

I thought the 335i was pretty quick and was amused for a while, but since then I have been really researching the 3 series and realized that I should have purchased an M3 as I have a company car to go to and from work so the BMW is only an after work / weekend car. Because of this the gas mileage is not a concern for me as much as it would be if it was my daily driver.

I found a 2008 M3 coupe for 34.5K with 55K miles on it. My question is should I trade in my 335i and take a hair cut of 7K to get a 2008 M3 or should I put the 7K into the 335i and improve the performance in acceleration?

1) I know that the 335i won't ever be better than the M3 on the track
2) I've read several post where M3 owners complained about the low end torque of the M3.
3) I'm more likely to go to the track to drag race than to go to the track and do laps, although I can see myself getting into laps and winding roads if I had a M3.
4) I'm a little reluctant to trade my 335i which now has 24K miles for a car that is 3 years older with 55K miles and take a hit on 7K.
5) I don't see myself wanting to install too much exotic aftermarket parts such as Meth, etc. I would consider an Exhaust, Cold Air Intake, a Tune, a new FMIC, a new Oil Cooler, but I am weary of anything that might push the N55 Engine over the edge. Basically I could get a Dinan Stage 3 and Exhaust for 7K.
6) I also realize that the M3 would give me more all around performance than I could get by putting 7K worth of aftermarket parts on the 335i. The M3 is engineered by BMW's top engineers for performance and as such has a the suspension and 114 more HP than the 335i.

Any arguments I not considering or enlightening advise would appreciated.

tjsabec · 10-02-2013, 07:09 PM

I wouldn't take a bath for $7k for an M3 out of warranty.

4corners · 10-02-2013, 07:19 PM

Oil alone for oil changes is $110. Brake discs are ~$525 rear, ~$625 for front. Full tank of gas gets you ~285 miles. Tires go quick and they are more too. There's a looming growing rod bearing issue under scrutiny for cars with all ranges of miles.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=892838

But they HAUL ASS!

Lorde · 10-02-2013, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjsabec

I wouldn't take a bath for $7k for an M3 out of warranty.

This.

HP_HOUND · 10-02-2013, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the replies. I really wasn't thinking of the cost of "M" parts being so much more than the 335i parts, but it does make sense.

tjsabec · 10-02-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP_HOUND

Thanks for the replies. I really wasn't thinking of the cost of "M" parts being so much more than the 335i parts, but it does make sense.

If you paid $33k for the car 4 months ago, you could probably find someone else to pay a similar price if you are patient. The problem with that would be that you may need to be patient again to find the right M3 for you. The advantage of this is that you have a work car, so you could afford wait a bit possibly.

Black Gold · 10-02-2013, 08:26 PM

If it's a non dd, I wouldn't get an m3. I love the m3, but that's because it's perfect for all around usability. But as a weekend car, there are better options.

I'd rather spend less and get something like a z4m coupe or a z06.

4corners · 10-02-2013, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP_HOUND

Thanks for the replies. I really wasn't thinking of the cost of "M" parts being so much more than the 335i parts, but it does make sense.

Drive one, it's worth it. Hopefully a 335i will try to pass you on your test drive. You'll get it then for sure.

Minator · 10-03-2013, 10:13 AM

why not get the engine noise piped in over the speakers and you can get a new M4 badge...good for 20hp...just kidding..I got bored driving my 335 loaner..life is too short to drive boring cars!....I would at least go for a low milage '09 and buy a warranty like the one I traded for my '13.

I have given modded 335's a point by at the track..it's all about the driver not HP. But to have some weekend fun with a stock car the e9x M3 is hard to beat.

duk · 10-03-2013, 10:52 AM

M3 all the way

jphughan · 10-03-2013, 11:14 AM

Every thread like this ends with basically a unanimous "Get the M3" response. Fair warning: If you test drive one even remotely properly, you'll buy it, so don't do it unless you're prepared to eat that cost.

That said, you mentioned you'd be more likely to drag race than track. I would NOT recommend using an M3 as a drag racer, especially in 6MT form due to the slow 1>2 shift. Its driveline isn't as beefed up for that kind of abuse as cars that are more oriented to that, like Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, etc. All of those will hold up to drag duty better, cost less, and maybe even be faster.

Of course this is also where I say that if you're not considering tracking your car, you're making a huge mistake there too because this car was ABSOLUTELY designed for that, and people who don't track have no idea how huge a percentage of their car's fun potential they'll never experience. Go as a spectator and catch rides sometime if you doubt that.

But at the end of the day I can see your reluctance about paying 7K to get an older car with more miles, plus the higher gas, insurance, and maintenance costs. Maybe you should think about the next M3/M4? By then you'll have gotten more value out of the 335i, and of course it will be more expensive but you'd be getting a newer car with fewer miles, and you wouldn't have to worry about missing the torque you've become accustomed to. I personally don't mind the lower torque. I've always found my M3 to have at least adequate torque in higher gears -- not impressive or "M3-worthy", but plenty for city and freeway driving -- and if I want M3-level torque, I just shift down a gear or two. But yes, you do need to work the M3 a bit more than a 335i to tap its performance -- but on a weekend fun car that's part of the fun!

MWM3 · 10-03-2013, 11:16 AM

m3 or go home

LOVEM · 10-03-2013, 02:24 PM

M3 .
But trade for a newer model which is available through dealers network and according to your price range.
Or else wait a year and get new. m3/m4. start saving now. good luck.

fatass · 10-03-2013, 03:26 PM

I wouldn't go for a 2008 because of the LCI and new iDrive. Especially wouldn't since it's 2013 and you'd be getting a five year old car. I'd wait a bit (5-6 months) and see if you still really want to spend the extra dough for an M3 and then take another look at the market then.

10-02-2013, 07:00 PM	#1
HP_HOUND Private First Class 20 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Gainesville, Florida iTrader: (0)	2008 -2010 M3 or keep my 2011 335i I need some advice from you M3 guys. Four months ago I purchased a 2011 335i e90 with the N55 I6 Engine used only 15K miles for 33K (36K with tax & Tag ). My wife & I were going through a rough time and I gave her our car since I have a company car. I needed a personal car to go bar hoping, etc. Since I always wanted a BMW, but my wife never wanted to spend the money for one with her gone I decided now was the time to purchase one. I should have done more research but the 335i was recently reduced and looked very sharp so I pulled the trigger. I thought the 335i was pretty quick and was amused for a while, but since then I have been really researching the 3 series and realized that I should have purchased an M3 as I have a company car to go to and from work so the BMW is only an after work / weekend car. Because of this the gas mileage is not a concern for me as much as it would be if it was my daily driver. I found a 2008 M3 coupe for 34.5K with 55K miles on it. My question is should I trade in my 335i and take a hair cut of 7K to get a 2008 M3 or should I put the 7K into the 335i and improve the performance in acceleration? 1) I know that the 335i won't ever be better than the M3 on the track 2) I've read several post where M3 owners complained about the low end torque of the M3. 3) I'm more likely to go to the track to drag race than to go to the track and do laps, although I can see myself getting into laps and winding roads if I had a M3. 4) I'm a little reluctant to trade my 335i which now has 24K miles for a car that is 3 years older with 55K miles and take a hit on 7K. 5) I don't see myself wanting to install too much exotic aftermarket parts such as Meth, etc. I would consider an Exhaust, Cold Air Intake, a Tune, a new FMIC, a new Oil Cooler, but I am weary of anything that might push the N55 Engine over the edge. Basically I could get a Dinan Stage 3 and Exhaust for 7K. 6) I also realize that the M3 would give me more all around performance than I could get by putting 7K worth of aftermarket parts on the 335i. The M3 is engineered by BMW's top engineers for performance and as such has a the suspension and 114 more HP than the 335i. Any arguments I not considering or enlightening advise would appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-02-2013, 07:09 PM	#2
tjsabec Captain 53 Rep 620 Posts Drives: 2008, e90, alpine white, 6mt Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Morgantown, wv iTrader: (2)	I wouldn't take a bath for $7k for an M3 out of warranty.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2013, 07:19 PM	#3
4corners Major 391 Rep 1,133 Posts Drives: 2008 Jet Black M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Yucca Valley, CA - Kelowna, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Blue Bird TC2000 [0.00] 2005 BMW 325Ci [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Oil alone for oil changes is $110. Brake discs are ~$525 rear, ~$625 for front. Full tank of gas gets you ~285 miles. Tires go quick and they are more too. There's a looming growing rod bearing issue under scrutiny for cars with all ranges of miles. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=892838 But they HAUL ASS!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2013, 07:52 PM	#5
HP_HOUND Private First Class 20 Rep 159 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Gainesville, Florida iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. I really wasn't thinking of the cost of "M" parts being so much more than the 335i parts, but it does make sense.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2013, 08:26 PM	#7
Black Gold Major General 592 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	If it's a non dd, I wouldn't get an m3. I love the m3, but that's because it's perfect for all around usability. But as a weekend car, there are better options. I'd rather spend less and get something like a z4m coupe or a z06.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 10:13 AM	#9
Minator Whatever 10 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 DCT '09 E92m3 sold Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Palm Harbor Florida iTrader: (0)	get the sound module why not get the engine noise piped in over the speakers and you can get a new M4 badge...good for 20hp...just kidding..I got bored driving my 335 loaner..life is too short to drive boring cars!....I would at least go for a low milage '09 and buy a warranty like the one I traded for my '13. I have given modded 335's a point by at the track..it's all about the driver not HP. But to have some weekend fun with a stock car the e9x M3 is hard to beat.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 10:52 AM	#10
duk ///M 158 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 AW/FR 6MT E92 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	M3 all the way __________________ 2011.5 AW/FR E92 M3 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 11:14 AM	#11
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Every thread like this ends with basically a unanimous "Get the M3" response. Fair warning: If you test drive one even remotely properly, you'll buy it, so don't do it unless you're prepared to eat that cost. That said, you mentioned you'd be more likely to drag race than track. I would NOT recommend using an M3 as a drag racer, especially in 6MT form due to the slow 1>2 shift. Its driveline isn't as beefed up for that kind of abuse as cars that are more oriented to that, like Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, etc. All of those will hold up to drag duty better, cost less, and maybe even be faster. Of course this is also where I say that if you're not considering tracking your car, you're making a huge mistake there too because this car was ABSOLUTELY designed for that, and people who don't track have no idea how huge a percentage of their car's fun potential they'll never experience. Go as a spectator and catch rides sometime if you doubt that. But at the end of the day I can see your reluctance about paying 7K to get an older car with more miles, plus the higher gas, insurance, and maintenance costs. Maybe you should think about the next M3/M4? By then you'll have gotten more value out of the 335i, and of course it will be more expensive but you'd be getting a newer car with fewer miles, and you wouldn't have to worry about missing the torque you've become accustomed to. I personally don't mind the lower torque. I've always found my M3 to have at least adequate torque in higher gears -- not impressive or "M3-worthy", but plenty for city and freeway driving -- and if I want M3-level torque, I just shift down a gear or two. But yes, you do need to work the M3 a bit more than a 335i to tap its performance -- but on a weekend fun car that's part of the fun! __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015) Last edited by jphughan; 10-03-2013 at 11:37 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 11:16 AM	#12
MWM3 Banned 41 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	m3 or go home
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 02:24 PM	#13
LOVEM Major 89 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: 2011 1m VO Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	M3 . But trade for a newer model which is available through dealers network and according to your price range. Or else wait a year and get new. m3/m4. start saving now. good luck.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 03:26 PM	#14
fatass Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 251 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: bay area iTrader: (2)	I wouldn't go for a 2008 because of the LCI and new iDrive. Especially wouldn't since it's 2013 and you'd be getting a five year old car. I'd wait a bit (5-6 months) and see if you still really want to spend the extra dough for an M3 and then take another look at the market then.
	Appreciate 0 Quote