335 to M3...or M4...

[ufgtrs2007]

I currently drive a 2013 M5, used to own an E93 M3, and I'm about to purchase an E92 M3 next to my M5. That's how incredible the E9X Ms are.

[GIdriver]

S65. Not much to say after that. I'm keeping mine for a while.

[MKE_M3]

Originally Posted by nbennettksu

+1, although it does remind me of the Predator, so it can't be all bad

GET TO THA CHOPPA'!!

[Leonardo629]

You better hurry if you want an ordered car, allocation is super scarce now as we approach EOP

[Roundown]

I recently parted with my '11 335i M Sport Performance Edition (RWD, 6MT) and am currently (and anxiously) awaiting delivery of my '13 M3 (production status 151 ).

The 335i is fast - effortlessly so. The N55 w/ PPK spools quickly, is responsive and builds power linearly (for a turbo engine). The 335i chasis/suspension is sharp, balanced and comfortable over long distances (on 18"s...19"s are brutal...at least on the E90). For the money, there aren't many cars that can compete (IMHO). In fact, on paper, I would go as far as suggesting that a properly spec'd 335i gets you 90% of the way to an M3... again, on paper.

That said, about six months after picking up the 335i, I test drove an e92 M3 (something I hadn't considered doing six months prior) and I realized how different the two really are. If you haven't driven them back-to-back, you should - it's that dramatic. One downshift, one run to redline and one corner quickly put things into perspective. As good as the 335i is, there's no real comparison between the two.

For me, the 335i was a pragmatic choice...a compromise between the car I wanted to drive, but thought impractical (the M3) and the car that I should drive (a 328xi).

If you don't have to compromise - don't. We know that the next best thing will always be on the horizon, but why not enjoy something that is soooo good, today? Pick up an E92, then an LCI F80... enjoy both!

[ONEOF40 FS M3]

E92 M3

[Sandman99]

Originally Posted by riM3

If you haven't driven them back-to-back, you should - it's that dramatic. One downshift, one run to redline and one corner quickly put things into perspective. As good as the 335i is, there's no real comparison between the two.

For me, the 335i was a pragmatic choice...a compromise between the car I wanted to drive, but thought impractical (the M3) and the car that I should drive (a 328xi).

If you don't have to compromise - don't.

This is exactly how I felt when I drove my friend's 12' M3...and realized the difference between the 2 cars...it is what started my post in the first place...

...and to Leonardo629...your point is well taken and there is a local dealership with a production car cooking that I could still make changes to that will be starting any day...so I don't have much time

[ONEOF40 FS M3]

Originally Posted by ufgtrs2007

I currently drive a 2013 M5, used to own an E93 M3, and I'm about to purchase an E92 M3 next to my M5. That's how incredible the E9X Ms are.

both are a MUST e92 M3 and F10 M5...

[quadpipes]

Originally Posted by riM3

I recently parted with my '11 335i M Sport Performance Edition (RWD, 6MT) and am currently (and anxiously) awaiting delivery of my '13 M3 (production status 151 ).

The 335i is fast - effortlessly so. The N55 w/ PPK spools quickly, is responsive and builds power linearly (for a turbo engine). The 335i chasis/suspension is sharp, balanced and comfortable over long distances (on 18"s...19"s are brutal...at least on the E90). For the money, there aren't many cars that can compete (IMHO). In fact, on paper, I would go as far as suggesting that a properly spec'd 335i gets you 90% of the way to an M3... again, on paper.

That said, about six months after picking up the 335i, I test drove an e92 M3 (something I hadn't considered doing six months prior) and I realized how different the two really are. If you haven't driven them back-to-back, you should - it's that dramatic. One downshift, one run to redline and one corner quickly put things into perspective. As good as the 335i is, there's no real comparison between the two.

For me, the 335i was a pragmatic choice...a compromise between the car I wanted to drive, but thought impractical (the M3) and the car that I should drive (a 328xi).

If you don't have to compromise - don't. We know that the next best thing will always be on the horizon, but why not enjoy something that is soooo good, today? Pick up an E92, then an LCI F80... enjoy both!

This is a good write up. Thx. I would be very interested to see a similar comparison between the 335is and the E9X M3 (ideally the E92). Since the 335is is relatively rare (more so than the E9X) this may be a longshot. Anyone?

[Eau Rouge]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

You're already wasting time. Get an E92 M3 and don't look back. You should have made the jump from the 550 to an M3 and skipped the 335. You can always get a new M4 in the future but you can't get a new E92 M3 two years down the road...

All of this. ↑

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by quadpipes

This is a good write up. Thx. I would be very interested to see a similar comparison between the 335is and the E9X M3 (ideally the E92). Since the 335is is relatively rare (more so than the E9X) this may be a longshot. Anyone?

There's no appreciable difference between a stock N54 335is and N55 335i M-Sport w/ PPK (and perhaps PE)...at least when compared to the M3. The 335is is a great car, gets good mileage and is a nice alternative (but by no means substitute) to an M3.

You can spend 10k at DINAN on your 335[] and make it 'fast', but in an AMG-kind of way. There's simply no way to replicate the feel of the s65 mated to an M-tuned chasis for less than what BMW is asking (i.e. price differential between the M3 and 335is).

If you're considering an M3, 335is or 335i... and you're not stretching to own the M3. This is really, really easy question to answer... M3.

If you're not in a rush and are worried about the bath you're going to take getting out of a new 335i, wait until October when the F80 breaks cover. We all (myself included) like to think that our cars will hold their value/appreciate as this M3 is the last [fill in the blank], but the production volumes of the E9X combined with the lease availability and 'newness' of the F80 will put major pressure on used E9X prices (for context, poke around the E46 M3 forums circa 2007-8).

If you want new (like me)... clocks ticking.

Cheers!

[Powerbeast]

E9x M3

[Sandman99]

Looks like I am going to take the plunge...at least I am 90% of the way there...I can afford the financial hit and just with my few drives in the E92 I can feel the pure driving experience that to me (and some of you) is just missing in the 335...I guess lesson learned but I am sure many of us on this forum have owned many different cars and know how difficult it is to find just the right one for each of us...
I will definitely post my ordering specs if I go thru with this next week...
Thanks for all the biased input!

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

Looks like I am going to take the plunge...at least I am 90% of the way there...I can afford the financial hit and just with my few drives in the E92 I can feel the pure driving experience that to me (and some of you) is just missing in the 335...I guess lesson learned but I am sure many of us on this forum have owned many different cars and know how difficult it is to find just the right one for each of us...
I will definitely post my ordering specs if I go thru with this next week...
Thanks for all the biased input!

I took a pretty heft loss on my 335i and I don't regret it. Both cars are irrational purchases - if you can swing it, drive the one you want.

If it helps, you can get into a new E92 at $2,500+ BELOW invoice with current incentives!

[WarrantyTracker]

Originally Posted by riM3

You can spend 10k at DINAN on your 335[] and make it 'fast', but in an AMG-kind of way. There's simply no way to replicate the feel of the s65 mated to an M-tuned chasis for less than what BMW is asking (i.e. price differential between the M3 and 335is).

Cheers!

I guess before I say this, I should have read some 335 user boards to see what guys who have done this have to say for themselves - but I would be worried that the car still wouldn't be trackworthy. Won't it just get hot oil or hot coolant and go limp?

[WarrantyTracker]

Originally Posted by AshyLarryMP

Get used to looking at it. Lexus is probably going to sell a million cars that pretty much look like this.

Oh. My. God. And they're always going to be in my rear mirror, so I will have to see that ugly front end. It's like an old cow-catcher steam locomotive, WITH braces.

[thegeneral101]

Originally Posted by JJunkins

I have an E92 335 (my wife drives it) and an E92 M3. The M3 is a completely different animal. You'll absolutely love the NA V8 and all it's awesomeness. Forget the M4 man, get that NA V8 you know you want.

AGREE!! I had a 335i coupe when it first came out...loved it...still do. But once I got into the M3 I got hooked. That engine is just amazingly fun, don't care if its the fastest on the road or not. You will love it.

[Ghetto2315]

I guess the point we are all trying to make is, there is probably a thread about a 335 owner contemplating going to an M3 every week or so and I have never seen the OP regret the jump when they finally did it.

[RingMeister01]

EOP IMHO is ideal. Nice to have the latest and greatest but even better to own a car like this once the issues have been ironed out. Last year models are always most desirable, in the future.

[Sandman99]

Originally Posted by RingMeister01

EOP IMHO is ideal. Nice to have the latest and greatest but even better to own a car like this once the issues have been ironed out. Last year models are always most desirable, in the future.

Have to agree especially since as I sit here and make my decision to move to the M3...my 'new' 335 is in the shop for the 3rd time (in 3 months) for the dash going completely blank...just died...gauges, heads-up display, etc...

Is it a sign? I think so!

[Sandman99]

Originally Posted by Sandman99

Have to agree especially since as I sit here and make my decision to move to the M3...my 'new' 335 is in the shop for the 3rd time (in 3 months) for the dash going completely blank...just died...gauges, heads-up display, etc...

Is it a sign? I think so!

OK...gonna love this one...so the BMW engineers have no idea what is wrong with the dash...so they said just to replace it. My service mgr is going to try to get BMW NA to buy back my 335...If he is successful, I will order an M3...but I have a question...

I know production is going to stop in Jun/Jul...Is anyone aware of dealerships running out of allocations yet?

[BMV///M3]

I am in a real pickle, you guys are putting pressure on me haha. I currently have a an 09'
335 AW M-sport CPO'd till 2015 (May). My first BMW and I absolutely love it, but I can't get the idea of the last V8 M3 out of my mind. I keep telling myself do that smart thing and wait to see what the M4 is like but as the days go by I'm wanting an M3 more and more.

I am a little nervous about the value of my 335 when the time comes and have contemplated unloading it end of this year for an M3. But then i'm afriad of making a mistake and the M4 being incredible and then wanting one of those. haha.

Remnds me of when I was 18-23, I'm 31 now; and getting an Integra GSR and wishing I had a Type R.