Trading in 335i for M3

[Keik E92 M3]

I am thinking about trading in my 2011 335i E90 AT for a 2011 M3 E90 DCT.

Is there really a big power increase between the two? I just dont want to regret trading up to something that isnt that big of a increase in power. Should i look elsewhere? 2012 C63? 2010 M5?

[Xx__xs]

I had a 335i, lemoned it, got an M3....WORLD of difference. 335i is a joke compared to M3.


Very big power difference, feels superior in every way shape and form.

[HeartMD]

I too went from a 335 to M3 and yes this car is completely different in every aspect. The only thing that i noticed was that the 335 felt quicker of a dead stop but that difference is gone once you rev the M up there into its power band which feels like you never leave once you are there, cos the car just keeps pulling and pulling.

[FVM3]

it "feels" faster in the 335i due to the low end torque. Its a different story when you rev it up

[skins333]

Easy answer: You need a test drive to answer whether the switch is right for you.

I loved my 335 and test drove an M3 out of curiosity and within a few minutes knew with complete certainty I had to find a way to get one. I couldn't sleep much for the next week and spent the next few months working out the details. If you don't have the same reaction, dont bother with the expense, the 335 is great and it won't be worth it.

The M3 feels like a more substantial and solid car with handling, acceleration, and sounds that are completely different. It's tough to explain, but although it's not blisteringly faster than an m3, the overall driving experience is much better and easily worth the money...for me.

[gblansten]

Scroll down four or five threads.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=643691

[j2m]

What's up Keik? I knew you had something up your sleeve when you put your meth kit up for sale! Do it you man!!! You won't be sorry. You know I was in the same boat, fully modded 335, JB4, Meth, Catless... BUT not happy with the power the N55 was putting out. The M3 is a different animal with tons of power that goes straight through the power band RATHER than the short bursts I got out of my N55. Top end of the M3 is just plain sick and wrong! After driving my m3 I am always left with the feeling that I didn't push her hard enough, with my 335 I always felt like I had pushed her too hard. I had the same question RE power BUT I have quickly realized that the only people complaining about the M3 not having enough low end torque are the people driving the 335. This engine is insane, and the DCT... Fawwwwwkin awesome! The only thing I regret was not buying my M3 sooner

P.S. he's already driven the thing

[MKE_M3]

compared to a modded 335i, if power is you concern, not worth the extra money. Not even close, and yes, I did have a 335i moded for three years. If you care more about linear power, superior chassis dynamics, better steering feel, better seats, COMPLETE DRIVING EXPERIENCE, then yes, the M3 is worth it, big time. For power alone, nope.

[mshab356]

M > series all day erry day

[armyav8tor]

LOL, let me jump on this 335 to M3 bandwagon. Except I did it back in 2008 so you guys are late to the game. The 335i is a great car in it's own right but the M3 is on a whole different level. If straight line speed is important to you then get a C63. If you enjoy driving then the M3 is the ultimate driving machine.

[JulieDriving]

After I drove the M3 (at BMW driving school), that was it.

We're still keeping the 335i because it's still the best 'other' car to have. But I'm sure after my M gets here and my husband drives it, he's going to want to trade it for an M. The new one isn't too far off, luckily.

There's just something about M cars...

Now if power is your main objective ---> C63 AMG

EDIT: the power delivery is different, but the engine 'lacks' nothing and is phenomenal. I had to get one before the naturally aspirated ones are forever gone.

[MKE_M3]

I had a loaner 335i while my M3 was being worked on. It didn't have the sport package. If you are coming from a non-sport pkg 335i, the differance in driving experiance will be even greater. 'round town driving, the power is not that differant, even vs. stock.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

It's like the story on the computer my friend, the question is what do you need it for?

Same for the choice between the 335i and the M3 ... the 335i has more torque in the lower RPM band as has been mentioned before and the M3 well if you like to go to the track then get the M3 ... and if you want more power (HP that is) go to a C63.

Just don't take serious what I said above ... you have to drive it so you best give each a good test drive before you purchase.

Good Luck

[sycd]

If you're going to spend your life under 4k RPM keep the 335i. I had one and the low end torque feels great, but then it falls on its face if you keep going up the RPM band. The M3 on the other hand keeps pulling and pulling. And the noise of that high revving V8

Fit and finish was worst with my M3 compared to old 335i though. Nav rattle that keeps showing its ugly face. Cow bell noises coming from the rear break heat shields, for 75k I was expecting better in that area.

[Keik E92 M3]

Thanks for all the input guys... I just noticed Vishnu has a Meth Kit and tune for the M3 that should put the car at around 390-400whp with full bolt ons. I think that is good enough for me.

[Black Gold]

Cobb stage 2 does the same thing without meth.

Also, it's not an antiquated piggyback design

Regardless, good decision to keep the 335

[Keik E92 M3]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Cobb stage 2 does the same thing without meth.

Also, it's not an antiquated piggyback design

Regardless, good decision to keep the 335

ohh no i meant getting the M3 LOL

I love racing in a striaght line, but sometimes it gets boring. I have never tracked any car so i think the M3 will be great for buttinwillow and willowsprings. First time rookie like myself.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by keikdasneak

ohh no i meant getting the M3 LOL

Lol now I see u said m3 :facepalm:

With turner test pipes and a tune the m3 is plenty of fast for the street, even in 6mt form

I just read ur updated post. I've owned both a modded 335 and now m3. I definitely like my m3 more, but no doubt it has less tq in first and second gear.

In 3rd gear and higher the m3 power overcomes its fatness and is downright fast

[donovan]

How do these questions keep coming up.

There is a reason why the 335 COST LESS then the m3 and the m3 is LEGENDARY.

More power
Better suspension
Better resale
Better handling
Better looks

Its simple.

[spdy330]

Another difference from the 335 and M3 is more trips to the gas pump

[llis]

I never looked back. No regrets.

[TTG]

Liked my 335, Love my M3.....