[benyl]

Originally Posted by AZBMWMotorpsort

BMW E46 M3 HANDS DOWN! Stock 335i vs. stock M3 the M3 kicks its tail.

Even though the OP posted long ago, I hate when misinformation gets passed around.

The E46 is a very raw. It is noisy and the ride is rough. I like that. But when I am with my wife, I enjoy the 335 and it is a pleasant car to drive and is fast when you mash the pedal.

I own both cars. A 2003.5 E46 M3 and a 2008 335.

I think that you are getting more value and potential out of a 335 if you plan on keeping it for a while. The suspension in the 335 is nearly identical to the suspension in the E92 M3 save a few parts and busings:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177028

Getting a Dinan flash for the 335 will leave the E46 M3 in the dust.

The tech in the E46 is now close to 10 years old... There is new and better stuff out there.