For all you M3 Owners out there!!!

dubiousONE · 10-14-2008, 03:55 PM

For those of you who have owned a M3 or is currently owning a M3, I need your help and guidance. If you have owned a 335 and have upgraded to an M3 please chime in as well!

I am currently torn between a 335 and a M3. When looking at the specs, all signs point to the 335 as being more practical and more economical. However, the M3 is not too much further than the 335 in those terms. In terms of power and performance, I understand they are not too far apart neither. However an ///M will ALWAYS be a ///M. The 335 will just be another BMW.

I took a look at the re-sell values on KBB of a 2003 330CI compared to a 2003 M3 coupe with 5 years @ 75,000 miles. The price is about a $8,000 to $9,000 difference. Which in my case is about the same just a little more when comparing the 2009 335 to the 2008 M3 after financing. Just about $9,000 to maybe $10,000 difference. I figure whats $10,000 over 10 years? $1,000 a year?

So my questions are!

1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.)

2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335?

3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..?

4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing.

5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M?

6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335?

What should I do. Please help! Thank You! Serious responses please.

3XTR3M3 · 10-14-2008, 04:20 PM

If you go with the 335, you'll be looking back and saying "shitfuck, I shoulda bought the M3"

Heres another perspective... you live in cali - even tho gas prices are a bit high, we still have some of the cheapest gas in the world (the US that is). Enjoy it while it lasts!

Another Cali point... have you seen how many 3 series there are on the road? a LOT! So if you want a bit of exclusivity, you know what to do.

But if you do decide to go for a 335, make sure you dont buy white... all the lil high school and colleges girls drive white 3s

PortoM3 · 10-14-2008, 04:29 PM

+1
"shitfuck, I shoulda bought the M3"

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3XTR3M3

If you go with the 335, you'll be looking back and saying "shitfuck, I shoulda bought the M3"

Heres another perspective... you live in cali - even tho gas prices are a bit high, we still have some of the cheapest gas in the world (the US that is). Enjoy it while it lasts!

Another Cali point... have you seen how many 3 series there are on the road? a LOT! So if you want a bit of exclusivity, you know what to do.

But if you do decide to go for a 335, make sure you dont buy white... all the lil high school and colleges girls drive white 3s

Blake · 10-14-2008, 04:32 PM

1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.)

between 10-20 mpg combined. if you're worried about gas mileage very much, don't get an m3, get a hyundai.

2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335?

yes.

3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..?

tires, most certainly. everything after that shouldn't cost much more, given that you don't abuse the car.

4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing.

go with the 2008 m3. the financing deal is great, the m3 is a better quality car, and you will have 2x more fun in an m3 than you would in a 335...it's all about driving pleasure, right?

5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M?

do you ever plan on tracking it? do you want cool gizmos, loads of NA power, sharp suspension, aggressive styling, and the ///M badge? if you answer yes to any of these questions, ///M is for you.

6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335?

it's strictly up to you, but having driven both, i

my m3.

Blake · 10-14-2008, 04:35 PM

oh, plus v8 engine noises will make the hairs on the back of your neck sit up a little higher

jaserion · 10-14-2008, 04:56 PM

trust me, the "sh*t f*ck, should've gotten the m3" will cost you if you decide to "upgrade". lol!

honestly, if you have the mean, then do enjoy it.

E. Honda · 10-14-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakepilot

1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.)

between 10-20 mpg combined. if you're worried about gas mileage very much, don't get an m3, get a hyundai.

2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335?

yes.

3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..?

tires, most certainly. everything after that shouldn't cost much more, given that you don't abuse the car.

4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing.

go with the 2008 m3. the financing deal is great, the m3 is a better quality car, and you will have 2x more fun in an m3 than you would in a 335...it's all about driving pleasure, right?

5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M?

do you ever plan on tracking it? do you want cool gizmos, loads of NA power, sharp suspension, aggressive styling, and the ///M badge? if you answer yes to any of these questions, ///M is for you.

6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335?

it's strictly up to you, but having driven both, i

my m3.

Nice answers.

Sedan_Clan · 10-14-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubiousONE

So my questions are!

1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.)

On the highway, I have achieved 23mpg (..which is higher than what I ever achieved in my E46 ///M3's). On the road, I've averaging 18.4.

2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335?

YES!

3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..?

It depends. There are many variables to take into consideration (..i.e..driving style, who you know, where you buy your parts, etc.). I don't go through tires like many members, so that isn't an issue for me.

4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing.

I'd opt for an M3 coupe or sedan with the 0.9%. You can get a killer deal on an M3 right now, and you have the option to choose traditional financing with the 0.9% or the Performance Financing with the 0.9%.

5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M?

This is a decision that only you can evaluate. Cars like an ///M are as much about passion and emotion as they are about performance.

6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335?

If you opt for the 335, I'm taking bets on how long it will take you to post a thread about wanting an ///M3.

What should I do. Please help! Thank You! Serious responses please.

.

sparkyg · 10-14-2008, 05:26 PM

I have a 335xi, shoulda got an M3. I have an '08 car.

I am prob gonna order an SS2 '09 E92.

The 335i is nice, but it not M3 nice. Suspension, brakes, engine, passion

watrob · 10-14-2008, 05:45 PM

Do you buy a junior burger or a big mac?

rsmamg · 10-14-2008, 05:49 PM

i have both and the m3 turns more heads.

lebreeze · 10-14-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watrob

Do you buy a junior burger or a big mac?

asaulo1 · 10-14-2008, 05:58 PM

M3 all the way... I was in the same boat as you but after having driven both, it was the M3 by a mile... just the roar of that V8 is worth the price of admission..... just as Jeremy Clarkson says on my sig....

MTROIS · 10-14-2008, 06:07 PM

I have only driven a short while a 335i, but owning a M myself I can chime in on a few things:

1) Average gas consumption is ~18.6 MPG on mixed highway/city. This is obviously very bad when compared to the 335i...and to top it off, you can already plan to spend even more money on gas than what you are budgeting! Why? Because you will enjoy so much driving it that you will record many more miles than your current average yearly drive!! Isn't that already giving you a hint on where I am going??

2) if you envision to keep this car ad vitam eternam, then you should get the Naturally Aspirated V8....which might become one of the last NA engines ever produced by BMW for the M (one never knows if the Engineers will succumb to the Turbo charms!). 335i will simply be a "common" car (no offense to this otherwise great car!!)

3) I expect the overall maintenance costs to be higher than on a 335i. Just take a look at the price of new spark plugs!

4) the financial deal is muuch better for the M cars right now... jump on these opportunities!

5) If money is not a factor, then you should not even ask yourself the question...

6) I fully understand which phase you are going through because I did the same for many months before pulling the trigger.... I have never regreted it so far. I am just frustrated during my work hours that I am not outside enjoying my sweet ride... All about the passion for the Motorsport, so CARPE DIEM!

alpineweissM3 · 10-14-2008, 06:42 PM

1st off, once your 4 years of free maintenance is up, the M3 will cost considerably more to maintain than the 335. Rotors, radiators, water pumps, tires, etc are always much more for M's.

Secondly, I understand why someone unfamiliar with M's would ask the questions you did above. However, it really comes down to one thing. After you test drive, you'll know immediately if you must have the M.

M's aren't for everyone. The engine is rough when cold, you always need to be concerned about scraping the front end on dips / parking curbs, and the driveline is clunky until you master the throttle.

You're either an M fanatic or your not.

Good luck!

Ronin13 · 10-14-2008, 07:00 PM

I'm going to offer the dissenting opinion. I didn't see anything in your decision that points to the M3. The 335 is a very good street car and should more than meet the needs of most drivers. Now I think the e90/92 M3 is an amazing combination of handling precision and power. Not really anything else new under six figures I'd rather have (maybe an 09 911s, but it probably would be six figures after options). So, if an incredibly rewarding handling experience is at the top of your list in a car that can be driven daily, then go for the M3. Otherwise, the 335 is a perfectly fine and very fun street car. Take an extended drive in both and see for yourself.

drvai · 10-14-2008, 07:10 PM

I had the same question 4 months ago, ehrn I was gonna get theM3. I was really thinking in the 335 considering the difference in price, including the gas guzzler tax.

1) I'm gettin 15 MPG (3000 miles). Maybe will improve. This is mainly city driving.

2)What do you mean generation to generation? You plan to give the car to your son in a couple of years??? I really won't recommend this car for someone younger than 25 and mature. It's very easy to get out of control and crash the car.

3) I don't have hard data about the costs, but in general, M's are more expensive... and the tires... ohhhh lord.

4) In my case, I'm kind of disappointed with the fact that I haven't been able to get the most out of the car. I haven't driven a 335, but the interior is not as nice as the one in the M3. I plan to track the car at some point, but at the same time I get "afraid" to have an accident and "through away" 70K worth of car.
I don't like to speed on public streets... so I could do with even with a 328.

The truth is that I finally decided to buy the M3 because I can afford it and I always wanted to have an M3. (since I was 14 and saw the reviews in the mags). Now, after 4 months, I think that maybe a 335 would have been enough. I'm feeling that I'm not "using" half of the car. But who knows... maybe If I have chosen the 335, I would have been thinking "the M3 was the way to go". LOL

In summary:
A) If money really doesn't matter AT ALL, get the M3. End of the story.

B) If you have the money but you are not "rich", then it depends:

- If the car will be your Daily driver and you won't track it: get the 335
- If you do want a car for the track get the M3.
- If the car will be your Daily driver and you won't track BUT you have always wanted an M3: get the M3!!!!!

C) If you are on a kind of tight budget and you are not sure about your financial future, get the 335. I'm sure you will be able to find a 08 335 for a VERY good price and 0,9 financing.

drvai · 10-14-2008, 07:11 PM

Forgot: try both cars and compare the feel and interiors. Maybe you find that the 335 is very close to the M and you don't need the extra HP.

BIGNTASTIE · 10-14-2008, 07:28 PM

get the 335!!!!!!! i dont want to see a lot of m3's =[. lol jk but i had a loaner 335i courtsy car and its a p.o.s compared to an m3. honestly.. and I don't track my car i use it for daily commute to school i get about 13.6 mpg not that bad for averagein 21mph. and somtiems just to mess with my friends. 335i would make me fall right in with my friends g37s,STI, 350z's , Is-F's, S4's, lotus elise etc. but m3 makes me pwn them =)

montreal red · 10-14-2008, 08:58 PM

when the 335 first came out i thought my next car would be a 335 but since the m3 came out, i've been lusting over it.... i plan on keeping the next car i am getting for at least 5 yrs so i dont want to save a few thousand now only to regret my choice later on... so like someone else mentioned, if you have the means - go for it!

man02195 · 10-14-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubiousONE

4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing.

5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M?

2008 M3 Coupe if you can find one that hasn't been driven a couple of hundred miles. Otherwise go for a 2009 M3 coupe, you can get a good discount off list.

I've had non M cars and now an M3, since money isn't a factor, get the M, it's much more fun on the road, much more fun on the track, and it looks better just sitting there.

valeram · 10-14-2008, 10:38 PM

I got the E92 335i 07 MY and sold it after a year to get the E92 M3. The main fact that you are comparing the M3 with the 335 is an indication that you like the M3. Get the 335 if you are just thinking of practicality. As you said, M3 is an M3 period. You can try to upgrade the 335 but it is still a 335 and will never be an M3. The moment you get the 335 you will always look at the the M3 knowing that you like it. Until you decided to trade it in to get the M3. You will loose more money doing that. Just get what you like.

10-14-2008, 03:55 PM	#1
dubiousONE Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 247 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: California iTrader: (1)	For all you M3 Owners out there!!! For those of you who have owned a M3 or is currently owning a M3, I need your help and guidance. If you have owned a 335 and have upgraded to an M3 please chime in as well! I am currently torn between a 335 and a M3. When looking at the specs, all signs point to the 335 as being more practical and more economical. However, the M3 is not too much further than the 335 in those terms. In terms of power and performance, I understand they are not too far apart neither. However an ///M will ALWAYS be a ///M. The 335 will just be another BMW. I took a look at the re-sell values on KBB of a 2003 330CI compared to a 2003 M3 coupe with 5 years @ 75,000 miles. The price is about a $8,000 to $9,000 difference. Which in my case is about the same just a little more when comparing the 2009 335 to the 2008 M3 after financing. Just about $9,000 to maybe $10,000 difference. I figure whats $10,000 over 10 years? $1,000 a year? So my questions are! 1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.) 2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335? 3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..? 4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing. 5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M? 6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335? What should I do. Please help! Thank You! Serious responses please.
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10-14-2008, 04:20 PM	#2
3XTR3M3 Lieutenant Colonel 99 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	If you go with the 335, you'll be looking back and saying "shitfuck, I shoulda bought the M3" Heres another perspective... you live in cali - even tho gas prices are a bit high, we still have some of the cheapest gas in the world (the US that is). Enjoy it while it lasts! Another Cali point... have you seen how many 3 series there are on the road? a LOT! So if you want a bit of exclusivity, you know what to do. But if you do decide to go for a 335, make sure you dont buy white... all the lil high school and colleges girls drive white 3s __________________
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10-14-2008, 04:32 PM	#4
Blake Banned 755 Rep 4,649 Posts Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement iTrader: (7)	1) What is the average MPG you are acheiving on your M3 for normal driving? (Not on the track obviously, normal driving and commuting.) between 10-20 mpg combined. if you're worried about gas mileage very much, don't get an m3, get a hyundai. 2) I do not plan on re-selling this car when I get it. I will own it and pass it onto the next generation and the next after that, so is the M3 worth it more than the 335? yes. 3) In terms of maintenance, does the M3 really cost that much MORE than the 335 after the 4 years ultimate service expires? Parts? Labor? Tires? Etc..? tires, most certainly. everything after that shouldn't cost much more, given that you don't abuse the car. 4) So which car should I get? I have been quoted $500 over invoice on a 2009 335 Coupe at 3.9% financing. Also, I have been quoted below invoice on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 0.9% financing. go with the 2008 m3. the financing deal is great, the m3 is a better quality car, and you will have 2x more fun in an m3 than you would in a 335...it's all about driving pleasure, right? 5) Money is not a factor in this case. I make good money. However, I would prefer to know what would be a smarter decision to make in this instance. To ///M or not to ///M? do you ever plan on tracking it? do you want cool gizmos, loads of NA power, sharp suspension, aggressive styling, and the ///M badge? if you answer yes to any of these questions, ///M is for you. 6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335? it's strictly up to you, but having driven both, i my m3.
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10-14-2008, 04:35 PM	#5
Blake Banned 755 Rep 4,649 Posts Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement iTrader: (7)	oh, plus v8 engine noises will make the hairs on the back of your neck sit up a little higher
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10-14-2008, 04:56 PM	#6
jaserion Captain 120 Rep 973 Posts Drives: BMW Onsh'mo... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	trust me, the "sht fck, should've gotten the m3" will cost you if you decide to "upgrade". lol! honestly, if you have the mean, then do enjoy it. __________________ 2015 F31 Sport Wagon 2014 Tesla Model S 2011 E93 M3 - Gone 2008 E92 M3 - Gone 2006 E90 325i - Gone
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10-14-2008, 05:26 PM	#9
sparkyg Brigadier General 142 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: A6 Allroad Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oil Country iTrader: (5)	I have a 335xi, shoulda got an M3. I have an '08 car. I am prob gonna order an SS2 '09 E92. The 335i is nice, but it not M3 nice. Suspension, brakes, engine, passion
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10-14-2008, 05:45 PM	#10
watrob Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: MY2022 X5 M-Sport 45e White Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane - Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Toyota Yaris Z ... [0.00] 2022 BMW X5 G05 e45 [0.00] 2015 Ferrari Cali T [0.00]	Do you buy a junior burger or a big mac? __________________ MY22 X5 M-Sport 45e White, 22"rims, Red Calipers, Ceramic Pads. Better off saying what it does not have and that's a B&O Audio System, otherwise all option boxes are ticked.
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10-14-2008, 05:49 PM	#11
rsmamg Flying First Class 30 Rep 582 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	i have both and the m3 turns more heads.
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10-14-2008, 05:58 PM	#13
asaulo1 Lieutenant 38 Rep 577 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe, alp white Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clarita, CA. iTrader: (0)	M3 all the way... I was in the same boat as you but after having driven both, it was the M3 by a mile... just the roar of that V8 is worth the price of admission..... just as Jeremy Clarkson says on my sig.... __________________ "What a car.... what a masterpiece...." Jeremy Clarkson on the E92 M3 2008 Alpine White E92 M3 2019 Mineral Grey i3 REX
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10-14-2008, 06:07 PM	#14
MTROIS Major 188 Rep 1,153 Posts Drives: on the wrong side of the Ocean Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA iTrader: (0)	I have only driven a short while a 335i, but owning a M myself I can chime in on a few things: 1) Average gas consumption is ~18.6 MPG on mixed highway/city. This is obviously very bad when compared to the 335i...and to top it off, you can already plan to spend even more money on gas than what you are budgeting! Why? Because you will enjoy so much driving it that you will record many more miles than your current average yearly drive!! Isn't that already giving you a hint on where I am going?? 2) if you envision to keep this car ad vitam eternam, then you should get the Naturally Aspirated V8....which might become one of the last NA engines ever produced by BMW for the M (one never knows if the Engineers will succumb to the Turbo charms!). 335i will simply be a "common" car (no offense to this otherwise great car!!) 3) I expect the overall maintenance costs to be higher than on a 335i. Just take a look at the price of new spark plugs! 4) the financial deal is muuch better for the M cars right now... jump on these opportunities! 5) If money is not a factor, then you should not even ask yourself the question... 6) I fully understand which phase you are going through because I did the same for many months before pulling the trigger.... I have never regreted it so far. I am just frustrated during my work hours that I am not outside enjoying my sweet ride... All about the passion for the Motorsport, so CARPE DIEM! __________________ 2019 M2C MT (ED + PCD) \| 2008 M3 Coupé MT \| 1995 M3 LTW MT \| BMW CCA HPDE Instructor
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10-14-2008, 06:42 PM	#15
alpineweissM3 I love my beautiful wife! 22 Rep 628 Posts Drives: e90 ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	1st off, once your 4 years of free maintenance is up, the M3 will cost considerably more to maintain than the 335. Rotors, radiators, water pumps, tires, etc are always much more for M's. Secondly, I understand why someone unfamiliar with M's would ask the questions you did above. However, it really comes down to one thing. After you test drive, you'll know immediately if you must have the M. M's aren't for everyone. The engine is rough when cold, you always need to be concerned about scraping the front end on dips / parking curbs, and the driveline is clunky until you master the throttle. You're either an M fanatic or your not. Good luck!
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10-14-2008, 07:00 PM	#16
Ronin13 First Lieutenant 21 Rep 362 Posts Drives: E92 M3, RRS Supercharged, S2K Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: STL, MO iTrader: (0)	I'm going to offer the dissenting opinion. I didn't see anything in your decision that points to the M3. The 335 is a very good street car and should more than meet the needs of most drivers. Now I think the e90/92 M3 is an amazing combination of handling precision and power. Not really anything else new under six figures I'd rather have (maybe an 09 911s, but it probably would be six figures after options). So, if an incredibly rewarding handling experience is at the top of your list in a car that can be driven daily, then go for the M3. Otherwise, the 335 is a perfectly fine and very fun street car. Take an extended drive in both and see for yourself.
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10-14-2008, 07:10 PM	#17
drvai Major 136 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I had the same question 4 months ago, ehrn I was gonna get theM3. I was really thinking in the 335 considering the difference in price, including the gas guzzler tax. 1) I'm gettin 15 MPG (3000 miles). Maybe will improve. This is mainly city driving. 2)What do you mean generation to generation? You plan to give the car to your son in a couple of years??? I really won't recommend this car for someone younger than 25 and mature. It's very easy to get out of control and crash the car. 3) I don't have hard data about the costs, but in general, M's are more expensive... and the tires... ohhhh lord. 4) In my case, I'm kind of disappointed with the fact that I haven't been able to get the most out of the car. I haven't driven a 335, but the interior is not as nice as the one in the M3. I plan to track the car at some point, but at the same time I get "afraid" to have an accident and "through away" 70K worth of car. I don't like to speed on public streets... so I could do with even with a 328. The truth is that I finally decided to buy the M3 because I can afford it and I always wanted to have an M3. (since I was 14 and saw the reviews in the mags). Now, after 4 months, I think that maybe a 335 would have been enough. I'm feeling that I'm not "using" half of the car. But who knows... maybe If I have chosen the 335, I would have been thinking "the M3 was the way to go". LOL In summary: A) If money really doesn't matter AT ALL, get the M3. End of the story. B) If you have the money but you are not "rich", then it depends: - If the car will be your Daily driver and you won't track it: get the 335 - If you do want a car for the track get the M3. - If the car will be your Daily driver and you won't track BUT you have always wanted an M3: get the M3!!!!! C) If you are on a kind of tight budget and you are not sure about your financial future, get the 335. I'm sure you will be able to find a 08 335 for a VERY good price and 0,9 financing.
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10-14-2008, 07:11 PM	#18
drvai Major 136 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Forgot: try both cars and compare the feel and interiors. Maybe you find that the 335 is very close to the M and you don't need the extra HP.
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10-14-2008, 07:28 PM	#19
BIGNTASTIE Lieutenant 35 Rep 589 Posts Drives: white/red 08 M3, 05 Rangerover Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: queens, NY iTrader: (0)	get the 335!!!!!!! i dont want to see a lot of m3's =[. lol jk but i had a loaner 335i courtsy car and its a p.o.s compared to an m3. honestly.. and I don't track my car i use it for daily commute to school i get about 13.6 mpg not that bad for averagein 21mph. and somtiems just to mess with my friends. 335i would make me fall right in with my friends g37s,STI, 350z's , Is-F's, S4's, lotus elise etc. but m3 makes me pwn them =)
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10-14-2008, 08:58 PM	#20
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	when the 335 first came out i thought my next car would be a 335 but since the m3 came out, i've been lusting over it.... i plan on keeping the next car i am getting for at least 5 yrs so i dont want to save a few thousand now only to regret my choice later on... so like someone else mentioned, if you have the means - go for it! __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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10-14-2008, 10:38 PM	#22
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	I got the E92 335i 07 MY and sold it after a year to get the E92 M3. The main fact that you are comparing the M3 with the 335 is an indication that you like the M3. Get the 335 if you are just thinking of practicality. As you said, M3 is an M3 period. You can try to upgrade the 335 but it is still a 335 and will never be an M3. The moment you get the 335 you will always look at the the M3 knowing that you like it. Until you decided to trade it in to get the M3. You will loose more money doing that. Just get what you like.
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