e46 M3 or E92 335i - Page 2

blord1124 · 11-01-2008, 04:23 PM

It's simple... if you want the badge and all that comes with it, get an M car.

Otherwise, buy a 2005 STI.

The most frustrating part of all these answers is that it really comes down to money... it never comes down to performance. Although, everyone thinks it does... "Well, buy a 335i, it can be tuned... and a lot faster..." - sure - but, go buy a used 2.0-2.5L Japanese car, drop $3-5k and enjoy your car that will keep up with just about anything mass produced. Drop even a few more thousand and you'll have something ridiculous. Save your money. If you want fast, and luxurious - buy an expensive sports/luxury car.

Just let it be known that I drive a 2004 E46... and probably, as far as stock goes - the absolute slowest - being that I have every option available (adds a lot of weight). Due to that, I felt like it was necessary to get it slightly turned by Dinan - YET - still naturally aspirated.

So the simple truth of the matter is... you don't buy an M3 because you want the fastest car... the nicest car... the most luxurious car.

If you want cheap and fast, BMW is not the way to go. 335, 135, 328 etc etc etc are great cars, but not M cars. Regardless of their specs, regardless of their price, or performance - they are not, and will never be an M car.

It's in my opinion that a 600bhp+ and some ridiculous amount of torque STI will smoke the pants off a Ferrari 355, or Ferrar 360, hell - I don't know, maybe beat an F430 (I don't know)... so then the real question is: Why is that the richest people... don't buy STI's and tune them... make them faster than thier $400,000 exotics in their multiple garages scattered around the world?

The VAST MAJORITY of these people (it's important that i capitalize that because some will say "well.... some people do...") don't buy 335i's and tune them and I wonder why. Hmmmmmmm... It's a club, just like driving a Ferrari, or a Lambo - but significantly less prestigious. So, it just depends what club you want to be socially judged and associated with (I don't mean that derogatory).

The E46 M3 is my bias... and I understand that. I wouldn't mind pulling up in a Ferrari 348 GTS next to some Mitsubishi Evo IIISR blah blah whatever the hell letters and numbers come after it... and get completely smoked. Good. At the end of the day it's the EVO driver that will remember the Ferrari ... not vise versa.

So, cheers to all the 335, EVO, STI etc owners - they are all cool cars and will probably beat me in every race that I never enter - let a lone many other M cars on the road.

That's not why we bought the M car.

MrHarris · 11-01-2008, 04:29 PM

The e46 m3's engine is definitely more fun to drive.

Takumi587 · 11-03-2008, 10:37 PM

Get the E92 335. The m3 is just too expensive to maintain. Plus turbo has nice torque.

leokym · 11-04-2008, 09:19 AM

M3 hands down.. Its the package of the drive.. the feel is top notch when the DSC is off completely and you push thru those tight corners and you will not regret why you chose M over 335.. Stock vs stock I meant.. Mods is very subjective..

camaross305 · 11-05-2008, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

Straight line power, get the 335i? That's funny considering it puts down less total torque on the road than the E46 M3, in all 6 gears. Plus there's not another car on the planet as moddable as a E46 M3. It's the clear choice, and there's still many around with under 10K miles (and many of those are several MYs old). That's cool!

I was saying chipped. All i had was the 379$ JB3 and that gives you about another 100rwhp. Not to mention you can do and intake and dp's for about another 900$ and put down almost 400rwhp and tq. Do get that out of an m3 e46 youll have to spend about 10k

MVF4Rrider · 11-05-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaross305

I was saying chipped. All i had was the 379$ JB3 and that gives you about another 100rwhp. Not to mention you can do and intake and dp's for about another 900$ and put down almost 400rwhp and tq. Do get that out of an m3 e46 youll have to spend about 10k

No need to mod the motor when a final gear change for $3000 will turn it from wild to super wild. A shorter gearing change is far more beneficial than doing things to change power curves, which adversely affects drivability and reliability. The shorter gearing affects every rpm in every gear equally.

Adding more "peak" power to 335i just imbalances the overall package even further. There's such a drastic fall off in power toward redline that you erase much of the benefit of what you gained at peak. Quoting rwhp numbers isn't any way to compare the actual acceleration capability of two cars. Gearing is a torque multiplier, so what's measured at the crank means little in multi-car comparisons.

camaross305 · 11-06-2008, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

No need to mod the motor when a final gear change for $3000 will turn it from wild to super wild. A shorter gearing change is far more beneficial than doing things to change power curves, which adversely affects drivability and reliability. The shorter gearing affects every rpm in every gear equally.

Adding more "peak" power to 335i just imbalances the overall package even further. There's such a drastic fall off in power toward redline that you erase much of the benefit of what you gained at peak. Quoting rwhp numbers isn't any way to compare the actual acceleration capability of two cars. Gearing is a torque multiplier, so what's measured at the crank means little in multi-car comparisons.

Im not dogging the e46 at all. Its an awesome car. I just think you can get more power out of a 335i for a smaller amount of money. Its just all about your goals.

But chipping a 335i gives you 100rwhp and tq all throughout the rpm range not just peak soo.....

NewM3driver · 11-17-2008, 10:49 PM

Hunt around for an 08 m3 leftover. Dealers are giving them away. It is an awesome car.

MVF4Rrider · 11-19-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

Hunt around for an 08 m3 leftover. Dealers are giving them away. It is an awesome car.

That's my plan. I'm buying one to add to my collection of S54 cars as soon as I get back to the States next year. I hope the prices keep falling!!!

graider · 11-20-2008, 01:54 PM

e46 m3 hands down. don't buy any bmw unless it is an m.

BzsBimmer · 11-24-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Takumi587

Get the E92 335. The m3 is just too expensive to maintain. Plus turbo has nice torque.

Wonder what replacement turbos will cost as well as the high tech gadgetry in the 335's

At least the M3 has been in production longer and replacement parts are more readily available. Either way, Euro's are an arm and a leg to maintain and replace parts

agentm · 11-26-2008, 07:12 PM

I had this question for awhile. I have a 04 M3 and I wanted to sell it for 2 years now. I did try to compare the 335 to my M. For 2 years I still have my M because I can't find the styling as nice as the M on 335. I have seen a modded 335 and just didn't feel the same as my modded M. This is me but other might feel the different way. Get the M, I haven't had a problem yet.

watrob · 11-26-2008, 11:22 PM

I had a e46 M3 and loved it and I might even buy another one just to put in the garage for keep sake!

Get a M!

Curt2000 · 12-07-2008, 05:29 PM

I kinda like my 335i better...especialy when im putting tarc lengths on e46 M3's when all I have is about $1K worth of mods.

ase2dais · 12-07-2008, 09:22 PM

Body stylewise 335i has the advantage over the e46 body style, for performance and fun I feel e46 M3 especially now that the prices are dropping

hexadecim8 · 12-29-2008, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curt2000

I kinda like my 335i better...especialy when im putting tarc lengths on e46 M3's when all I have is about $1K worth of mods.

wtf is a tarc? and shaddup

Ken37.73 · 12-30-2008, 10:49 AM

M3 all the way. Buy a 335i and you will spend all of the time you own it wishing you had an M3. Buy the M3 and you will spend all of the time you own it prodding fun at the 335i owners on the "Vs" board. Say no more.

ortontom · 12-30-2008, 11:17 AM

bad idea to poll a comparison of an m3 e46 on an e46 forum???

as you are from the USA (mostly straight roads), the 335 would be better for you. I have an M5 and a M3 e46, i love the handling of the e46 but do miss the torque and in gear pull a torqy engine like the 335 & M5 would give you. With all those straight roads a 335 would be lovely, although i would miss the LSD......

But still a 335 in the US and a e46 M3 if living in the UK, does that help

ChrisFastM3 · 01-02-2009, 09:37 PM

E46 M3 FTW

imballin2day · 01-03-2009, 01:13 AM

Get the e46!

agentm · 01-03-2009, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt beard

The difference between a new vehicle and a used vehicle is like night and day. Purchasing a vehicle such as an m3, out of warrenty, is something of a gamble. An m3, although bmw quality, is a performance automobile therefore suceptible to failure far more so than a say Honda Civic. On the other hand, if you can afford a 335 that car is sick. Sure it isnt an m3, but it is a tt 6cylinder BMW with hecka curb appeal. And the pleasure of a car purchased from a dealer, new car smell and all, is lible to give you a chubby! 335 hands down

I have a 04 M3 with 35000km on it. I haven't had a problem with it. This car will cost lesser then the new 335.

msile · 01-03-2009, 11:09 PM

For the money, get the M3. I picked up an 04 E46 M3 in great shape, 50k miles with CPO until 2010 for 21k.

11-01-2008, 04:23 PM	#23
blord1124 Registered Drives: 2004 BMW E46 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 4 iTrader: (0)	a firm note on the M3... It's simple... if you want the badge and all that comes with it, get an M car. Otherwise, buy a 2005 STI. The most frustrating part of all these answers is that it really comes down to money... it never comes down to performance. Although, everyone thinks it does... "Well, buy a 335i, it can be tuned... and a lot faster..." - sure - but, go buy a used 2.0-2.5L Japanese car, drop $3-5k and enjoy your car that will keep up with just about anything mass produced. Drop even a few more thousand and you'll have something ridiculous. Save your money. If you want fast, and luxurious - buy an expensive sports/luxury car. Just let it be known that I drive a 2004 E46... and probably, as far as stock goes - the absolute slowest - being that I have every option available (adds a lot of weight). Due to that, I felt like it was necessary to get it slightly turned by Dinan - YET - still naturally aspirated. So the simple truth of the matter is... you don't buy an M3 because you want the fastest car... the nicest car... the most luxurious car. If you want cheap and fast, BMW is not the way to go. 335, 135, 328 etc etc etc are great cars, but not M cars. Regardless of their specs, regardless of their price, or performance - they are not, and will never be an M car. It's in my opinion that a 600bhp+ and some ridiculous amount of torque STI will smoke the pants off a Ferrari 355, or Ferrar 360, hell - I don't know, maybe beat an F430 (I don't know)... so then the real question is: Why is that the richest people... don't buy STI's and tune them... make them faster than thier $400,000 exotics in their multiple garages scattered around the world? The VAST MAJORITY of these people (it's important that i capitalize that because some will say "well.... some people do...") don't buy 335i's and tune them and I wonder why. Hmmmmmmm... It's a club, just like driving a Ferrari, or a Lambo - but significantly less prestigious. So, it just depends what club you want to be socially judged and associated with (I don't mean that derogatory). The E46 M3 is my bias... and I understand that. I wouldn't mind pulling up in a Ferrari 348 GTS next to some Mitsubishi Evo IIISR blah blah whatever the hell letters and numbers come after it... and get completely smoked. Good. At the end of the day it's the EVO driver that will remember the Ferrari ... not vise versa. So, cheers to all the 335, EVO, STI etc owners - they are all cool cars and will probably beat me in every race that I never enter - let a lone many other M cars on the road. That's not why we bought the M car.

11-01-2008, 04:29 PM	#24
MrHarris yodog Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca Posts: 5,032 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [5.00]	The e46 m3's engine is definitely more fun to drive. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs

11-26-2008, 11:22 PM	#35
watrob Major Drives: MY2013 X5M 50d - White Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane - Australia Posts: 1,490 iTrader: (0)	I had a e46 M3 and loved it and I might even buy another one just to put in the garage for keep sake! Get a M! __________________ X5 M50d White, 20"rims, Adaptive Drive, HUD, Xenon Adapt Lights, Rear/Side Camera, Sunroof, Auto Tailgate, Comfort Access, Active Perforated Ventilated Comfort Seats, M Paddle Shift, Active Crus, Stop/Go, Proff Nav + TV, DAB, 16 Spk Ind HiFi, USB, Internet, Apps, 4 Zone Air, Towbar 20% Tint, 5mm Castor Bushes, Yellow Calipers, Ceramic Pads

12-07-2008, 05:29 PM	#36
Curt2000 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: '09 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Sin City Posts: 1,575 iTrader: (19)	I kinda like my 335i better...especialy when im putting tarc lengths on e46 M3's when all I have is about $1K worth of mods. __________________ Euro Delivery Thread: '13 SANTORINI BLUE E92 ///M3--6MT/Speed Cloth/ZCP Current Car: '10 AW E90 335i MSport Former Cars: '07 Interlagos ///M5 / '09 135i / '10 E93 335i / '07 E90 335i

12-07-2008, 09:22 PM	#37
ase2dais //Mdicted Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring Posts: 9,790 iTrader: (17) Garage List 2012 Trek Madone 5.2 [0.00] 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [5.00] 2009 + 2004 Trek - ... [5.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [5.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [3.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [3.50] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [4.75]	Body stylewise 335i has the advantage over the e46 body style, for performance and fun I feel e46 M3 especially now that the prices are dropping __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies

11-03-2008, 10:37 PM	#25
Takumi587 M3 Enthusiast Drives: BMW M3, 330Ci, 528i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Irvine Posts: 524 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 330Ci [0.00] 2005 E46 M3 [0.00]	Get the E92 335. The m3 is just too expensive to maintain. Plus turbo has nice torque.

11-04-2008, 09:19 AM	#26
leokym New Member Drives: e46 M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	M3 hands down.. Its the package of the drive.. the feel is top notch when the DSC is off completely and you push thru those tight corners and you will not regret why you chose M over 335.. Stock vs stock I meant.. Mods is very subjective..

11-17-2008, 10:49 PM	#30
NewM3driver Lieutenant Drives: 2008 m3 sedan Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CT Posts: 557 iTrader: (0)	Hunt around for an 08 m3 leftover. Dealers are giving them away. It is an awesome car.

11-20-2008, 01:54 PM	#32
graider Colonel Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 2,406 iTrader: (0)	e46 m3 hands down. don't buy any bmw unless it is an m.

11-26-2008, 07:12 PM	#34
agentm Private Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Everywhere Posts: 86 iTrader: (0)	I had this question for awhile. I have a 04 M3 and I wanted to sell it for 2 years now. I did try to compare the 335 to my M. For 2 years I still have my M because I can't find the styling as nice as the M on 335. I have seen a modded 335 and just didn't feel the same as my modded M. This is me but other might feel the different way. Get the M, I haven't had a problem yet.

12-30-2008, 10:49 AM	#39
Ken37.73 Private 1st Class Drives: E92 M3 Jet Black Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ireland Posts: 467 iTrader: (0)	M3 all the way. Buy a 335i and you will spend all of the time you own it wishing you had an M3. Buy the M3 and you will spend all of the time you own it prodding fun at the 335i owners on the "Vs" board. Say no more. __________________

12-30-2008, 11:17 AM	#40
ortontom New Member Drives: e46 M3 and e39 M5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: uk Posts: 6 iTrader: (0)	bad idea to poll a comparison of an m3 e46 on an e46 forum??? as you are from the USA (mostly straight roads), the 335 would be better for you. I have an M5 and a M3 e46, i love the handling of the e46 but do miss the torque and in gear pull a torqy engine like the 335 & M5 would give you. With all those straight roads a 335 would be lovely, although i would miss the LSD...... But still a 335 in the US and a e46 M3 if living in the UK, does that help

01-02-2009, 09:37 PM	#41
ChrisFastM3 Captain Drives: E46 M3 vert w/ LOTS of mods Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 676 iTrader: (0)	E46 M3 FTW

01-03-2009, 01:13 AM	#42
imballin2day Banned Drives: M3 Dct Coupe Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: LA Posts: 584 iTrader: (1)	Get the e46!

01-03-2009, 11:09 PM	#44
msile Second Lieutenant Drives: AW M3 Coupe Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 274 iTrader: (2)	For the money, get the M3. I picked up an 04 E46 M3 in great shape, 50k miles with CPO until 2010 for 21k. __________________ 09 Alpine White E92 M3 08 Ultrasonic Blue ISF 08 Silver Alloy Metallic 350Z Nismo (track car)

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