[msakuraz]

E46 M3 FTW~~~~~~

[Ken37.73]

What is your decision dude ? We're waiting LOL

[AZBMWMotorpsort]

BMW E46 M3 HANDS DOWN! Stock 335i vs. stock M3 the M3 kicks its tail. If you modify your 335i to actually be able to beat an M3 it is the kind of modification that voids the entire warranty on a 335i. Doing an exhaust and cold air kit wont do crap to beat an E46 M3. If you get an E46 M3 and do a swap out of the headers with CSL Headers and cats with the elongated O2 sensor you gained sensible, original design horsepower. Oh and folks the CSL Exhaust system, it passes emissions in the state of California. Hands down E46 M3 not just because its got the badge but because it will do shite that will turn you white. 335i great car but wait until the warranty is up before you void it. ALL BMW's are expensive to maintain no matter what, we all get charged $135.00 an hour, at least I think we do. Scottsdale Motorsport.com
Just so you all don't think I'm M'ist the 335i coupe is a gorgeous car. But most M3's are going to be out of warranty if you get one used for a good price that was taken care of. They can beat a stock corvette "NON Z06", Ferrari 355, 360, they also beat 911's "Not the turbos, its a neat tug of war with a 911 turbo they dont rev as high but they wosh forward and while they are shifting your still RPMing up to 8K making it right along side them again." and kill boxsters, Lotus Elise, Aston martin, V8 M5, Firebirds, Mustangs, Cameros. the list is long and distinguished. I've only bean seriously handed my humble pie on a straight away by a Dodge Viper, Carrera GT, AMG Mercedes CLK63, Turbo moded Mustang with nos and the always gorgeous MCLAREN F1.

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by AZBMWMotorpsort

BMW E46 M3 HANDS DOWN! Stock 335i vs. stock M3 the M3 kicks its tail. If you modify your 335i to actually be able to beat an M3 it is the kind of modification that voids the entire warranty on a 335i. Doing an exhaust and cold air kit wont do crap to beat an E46 M3. If you get an E46 M3 and do a swap out of the headers with CSL Headers and cats with the elongated O2 sensor you gained sensible, original design horsepower. Oh and folks the CSL Exhaust system, it passes emissions in the state of California. Hands down E46 M3 not just because its got the badge but because it will do shite that will turn you white. 335i great car but wait until the warranty is up before you void it. ALL BMW's are expensive to maintain no matter what, we all get charged $135.00 an hour, at least I think we do. Scottsdale Motorsport.com
Just so you all don't think I'm M'ist the 335i coupe is a gorgeous car. But most M3's are going to be out of warranty if you get one used for a good price that was taken care of. They can beat a stock corvette "NON Z06", Ferrari 355, 360, they also beat 911's "Not the turbos, its a neat tug of war with a 911 turbo they dont rev as high but they wosh forward and while they are shifting your still RPMing up to 8K making it right along side them again." and kill boxsters, Lotus Elise, Aston martin, V8 M5, Firebirds, Mustangs, Cameros. the list is long and distinguished. I've only bean seriously handed my humble pie on a straight away by a Dodge Viper, Carrera GT, AMG Mercedes CLK63, Turbo moded Mustang with nos and the always gorgeous MCLAREN F1.

That's quite a selective list of things you have there that the E46 M3 beats. You forgot the Space Shuttle, fire trucks and police cars racing to things, and an Enzo.

What stock non-Z06 corvette are you talking about, a C4 or 5? A stock C6 corvette will destroy an E46 M3 in a straight line or a track, it's mid-12 1/4 mile car off the showroom floor. I've owned both of them (I traded my E46 M3 for a C6) and it's no comparsion. I can do things in the Vette that would have had the E46 in a ditch.

The answer to the question of whether or not to get a 335 or E46 M3 depends on alot of things. Stock vs. stock, it's a drivers race since they are closely matched. Comfort wise, the nod goes to the 335. Not that the M3 is bad, it's just not at the level of the 335 for day to day driving comfort. It's a harsher ride and it's designed to be.

If you want a fast, comfortable, DD with that can change moods when you need it to, get the 335. If you want a fast, almost as comfortable, high-strung and edgy machine that not as civilized, get the M3.

[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.

[Templar]

E46 is an older car, yes, but you can find some with low mileage that are still cheaper than a new 335i.

If it's about money, buy the M3. You'll be glad you did. Sure, you might have more maintenance costs with an older vehicle, however you can pay for them as they come along. And it's always IF they come along. Take care of your car and it'll take care of you. Also, you can buy the new car and see the value depreciate a good 5 grand once you drive it the 10 miles back to your house

If it's about performace, the new 335i might be the way to go. They are nice...

Personally I am looking at a used 03-04 E46 myself. Being able to modify the car is a big factor in what I am looking for. And I don't have the money to buy a new 09 M3...

[graider]

Originally Posted by Japanese_Racer

The fact of the matter is that an M3 will always be and M3 even 20 years from now, while a 335i will probably be sitting in a junkyard.

this guy knows his sh!t.

As for me, I have never interested in any other bmw except the m series. My next car is gonna be the e92 m3 for sure and keeping the e46 m3.

[BIGNTASTIE]

yeah i agree with most, an M will always be an M. theres a fine line between M's and regular bimmers.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

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!

SO much ignorance in this post its not even funny.


Less torque? What are you talking about? Stock 335s are putting down 260+ avg. from 1400 to redline

Not another car as moddable? Dude, seriously?

-----------


Now for the OP- I currently own a 335i sedan. GREAT DD, Lots of power (esp if you're chipped), but honestly leaves something to be desired. With that said, I think the E46 M3 will be my next car.


-Sal

[1cleanm6]

IVE owned both, i use to have a 03 m3 smg and now a 335 coupe.

Ill start with m3 first. I had jic coils and the thing handled amazingly!!!!! The m3 is more of a race car, more raw of a machine. I loved the vehicle until my friend totalled it. I ABSOLUTELY loved that car. A modded m3 still makes me drool...

Now the 335 is a completely different car, its not as raw, more of a luxury sports car. Speed wise stock they are identical raced my buddies m3 before....Power wise, the 335 is a killer with the same ammount of money you would spend on an intake for the M...With just a minor ship 350 bux, you can get a jb3 and the M will be busses back. However handling wise and everything the 335 has nothing on the M....

So you decide if you want a sports car or a luxury sports car..

[thome22]

Originally Posted by Boosted335

IVE owned both, i use to have a 03 m3 smg and now a 335 coupe.

Ill start with m3 first. I had jic coils and the thing handled amazingly!!!!! The m3 is more of a race car, more raw of a machine. I loved the vehicle until my friend totalled it. I ABSOLUTELY loved that car. A modded m3 still makes me drool...

Now the 335 is a completely different car, its not as raw, more of a luxury sports car. Speed wise stock they are identical raced my buddies m3 before....Power wise, the 335 is a killer with the same ammount of money you would spend on an intake for the M...With just a minor ship 350 bux, you can get a jb3 and the M will be busses back. However handling wise and everything the 335 has nothing on the M....

So you decide if you want a sports car or a luxury sports car..

+1

I've had both as well. I missed the M3 badly and got back into an 06 ZCP. Very different cars. 335i is smoother and a more appropriate DD. The E46 M3 is wound tightly. Can't lose either way!

[ac328]

I agree e46 might be more raw, but the 335i throws you back in the seats. More torque and I believe that the 335i bhp is understated. New vs old technology. Definitely new, the e92 looks much better. 335i coupe in my opinion over an e46 M3. But if money wasn't an issue e92 M3 for sure.

[isugoo]

I had an E46 M3 a(Dinan Stage III engine/ Stage III suspension) and now I have a 335i coupe.
Main key differences are:
1. 335i is very refined and comfy to ride and has all cool gadgets (and warranty). Fast but you don't feel it since so smooth. Can't turn sharp with RFT and stock sport suspension.

2. E46M3 is very rough and loud, fun to drive. Very sharp pointed turn. Really exciting to drive.

So here are check lists for you.

1. Do you need all the gadgets or can survive w/o some?
2. Are you Nascar speeder (straight) or F1 speeder (highway exit ramp fanboy)?
3. Want comfy ride that go fast or ok with some rough if it's so much fun to drive.
4. Have some small cash you can burn if car breaks?

IF you have to have 335i's all the gadgets, straight speed, refined ride quality AND highway exit ramp speed and some fun noise, you MUST get newer M3.

Only E9X M3 can do both what 335i and E46M3 can do well same time.

• 335i is like a young cute well mannered girlfriend who has really good personality and pretty fun in bed.

• E46M3 is a divorced milf. Somewhat crazy but oh, man she is hot and wild in bed with handcuff!

• E9X M3 is a young sexy girlfriend who is very good with my parents and still bring handcuff to bed.

Now you pick one .




http://www.michaelclee.com/pics/tommys_m3/index.html
I miss her everyday, more than my ex-girlfriend.

[phalien]

Go ///M of Go Home.

There is a reason why ///M is a seperate entity from BMW AG.

Modify your 335i as much as you want, it is still nothing compared to an E46 M3.

[Tak555]

funny that the OP hasn't posted in a while... what ever happened?

[Takumi587]

I want him to get the 335i so there are less M3s on the road... Making my car all that much more rare =)


Seriously though get a 335i fully loaded. Great DD and fun car no matter what (get it in stick).

Anyways, I am waiting for the 2012 BMW M3 that is going to be turbo. Drove the E92 M3 and the 335i... and eh id still keep my E46 M3 for six more years... So when it is 2012 it will only be seven years old... And i got a 12 year old 528i still running strong.

[808six]

e46 m3 is old news..it looks date dnow..imagine in just anpther couple years..do yourself a favor get the 335

[gIzzE]

The 335i is an engineering masterpiece, it is seriously quick, you have power from anywhere in the rev range, and you can sit at 130mph (on the Autobahn of course!) without your wife constantly nagging to slow down, it is extremely refined and it eats the miles up like no other car.
And there lies the problem, it is boring, quick, but boring.

Mine had a procede on it, it was quicker than my M3 by quite some margin, but it was a different kind of speed, a secluded, closeted speed that just leaves you feeling a little numb.

I sold mine and bought another SMG M3.

The E46 is different, I find myself nipping out at midnight in December when it is freezing and raining outside just to go for a drive, it gets you in the way the 335i never can. I can go out for 2 hours up to the coast along all the back roads and never really break the speed limit and it is still exciting, just the way you flick the car from corner to corner.
The thing with the M3 is it is raw, you get to 4000rpm and it starts to come alive, get to 5000rpm and the engine is singing, 6000rpm and the thing is going balistic, the whole car feels like it has lost half its weight, it dances about and does exactly what you want it to, then 7000rpm and the noise is superb, 8000rpm and you change gear, the tyres chirp as they scrabble for grip, the back end twicthes and you're back at 4500rpm and it starts all over again!!
Perfect!

[fastbutcurious]

I'm in this same situation as well. Except I'm currently deciding between a new 328i coupe, possibly fully loaded, or an 04 e46 m3 for under $32,000.

Everyone who chose the M3 seemed to be talking performance wise.
But money is an issue for me.
I need to know how much the e46 (with smg) will cost me yearly on maintenance (without warranty), on average. Is buying extended warranty worth it?

But if the long term costs of the m3 are too near or equal to the 328's i rather get the 328i.

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by fastbutcurious

But if the long term costs of the m3 are too near or equal to the 328's i rather get the 328i.

You serious??!!


I take it you haven't driven them both?? I just can't see how anyone would consider these two.

[IRMthree]

E46 M3

[agentm]

Originally Posted by gIzzE

The 335i is an engineering masterpiece, it is seriously quick, you have power from anywhere in the rev range, and you can sit at 130mph (on the Autobahn of course!) without your wife constantly nagging to slow down, it is extremely refined and it eats the miles up like no other car.
And there lies the problem, it is boring, quick, but boring.

Mine had a procede on it, it was quicker than my M3 by quite some margin, but it was a different kind of speed, a secluded, closeted speed that just leaves you feeling a little numb.

I sold mine and bought another SMG M3.

The E46 is different, I find myself nipping out at midnight in December when it is freezing and raining outside just to go for a drive, it gets you in the way the 335i never can. I can go out for 2 hours up to the coast along all the back roads and never really break the speed limit and it is still exciting, just the way you flick the car from corner to corner.
The thing with the M3 is it is raw, you get to 4000rpm and it starts to come alive, get to 5000rpm and the engine is singing, 6000rpm and the thing is going balistic, the whole car feels like it has lost half its weight, it dances about and does exactly what you want it to, then 7000rpm and the noise is superb, 8000rpm and you change gear, the tyres chirp as they scrabble for grip, the back end twicthes and you're back at 4500rpm and it starts all over again!!
Perfect!

I like what you said here. Definitely the feel of this car is amazing. At first I sold all my mod on my M and then I decided not to sell it after a few more drive. The M just gives you what you want and the way you want it. Now I have decided to keep it forever and mod the hell out of it. Hopefully I can keep it in mint condition for a long time. I will buy another sport car and still keep my M.