2011 M3 vs 2011 335is

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by BrewRifle

I came from a FBO (- downpipes + Tune) 2009 135i that was stupid fast in a straight line, but the M3 is far superior in every aspect, not to mention the V8 sound with an aftermarket exhaust > BOV.

I agree.. The DCI + tial bov without the plastic windshield shroud I was rocking on my 07 335i was loud and fun but the test pipes + rear section + induction on the s65 is much more satisfying, IMO. OP, good luck with your search

[mowmentous]

I went form a '11 335is to a '13 M3 and haven't looked back. DO IT.

[PrometheusM3]

I love these threads because they inevitably result in all the former 335 owners explaining how much better their M3s are. I've been on this forum since the beginning (check the join date), and I've never seen someone do the opposite and be happy. That says everything you want to know.

135/335 owners all either wish they had an M3, are in denial, or just pretend they don't want one since they can't afford it. No M3 owner has ever wished they had a 335. These are just facts about the world. Deal with them as you choose.

PM Longboarder or Creaminz if you want to hear from those who have happily made the switch from highly modded 335s to highly modded M3s.

[k-lo]

OP, I'm glad you are making the switch. Like others have said I would find one that's at least CPO'd.

[///McRae]

Originally Posted by PrometheusM3

I love these threads because they inevitably result in all the former 335 owners explaining how much better their M3s are. I've been on this forum since the beginning (check the join date), and I've never seen someone do the opposite and be happy. That says everything you want to know.

135/335 owners all either wish they had an M3, are in denial, or just pretend they don't want one since they can't afford it. No M3 owner has ever wished they had a 335. These are just facts about the world. Deal with them as you choose.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by PrometheusM3

I love these threads because they inevitably result in all the former 335 owners explaining how much better their M3s are. I've been on this forum since the beginning (check the join date), and I've never seen someone do the opposite and be happy. That says everything you want to know.

135/335 owners all either wish they had an M3, are in denial, or just pretend they don't want one since they can't afford it. No M3 owner has ever wished they had a 335. These are just facts about the world. Deal with them as you choose.

PM Longboarder or Creaminz if you want to hear from those who have happily made the switch from highly modded 335s to highly modded M3s.

[Bavarian Beast]

I wanted to keep my 2012 335i for a more comfortable ride for 4 people on longer trips, but since I can only afford one guess which it is? Yeah, the ///M! I do think you can find a better deal if you are willing to wait a little and work the dealer a little.

[S65V8]

no question, M3. I went from 335 to M3 as well, so I actually had the same dilemma. Remember the M3 may look similar, but 80% of its parts are M specific - last time that the M and normal 3 will have that kind of gap. The new M is now only 50% different.

[BOOstJunkee]

Originally Posted by SROC5

no question, M3. I went from 335 to M3 as well, so I actually had the same dilemma. Remember the M3 may look similar, but 80% of its parts are M specific - last time that the M and normal 3 will have that kind of gap. The new M is now only 50% different.

According to BMW's Klaus Froehlich, Senior Vice President Brand and Product Strategies, you're wrong!!!! In an interview, he said the M4 uses 80% different parts than a 4 series. I'm guessing the same might be true for the new M3 vs 3 series as well.

[///McRae]

Originally Posted by SeXiPYm3

According to BMW's Klaus Froehlich, Senior Vice President Brand and Product Strategies, you're wrong!!!! In an interview, he said the M4 uses 80% different parts than a 4 series. I'm guessing the same might be true for the new M3 vs 3 series as well.

The new 3er has 50% more M badges.

[2008E90TT]

I owned two 335i's prior to the M3. The M3 feels like a totally different car. As said, there are many people who make the switch from 335i to M3 but very few who do the opposite.

But, that price is outrageous for a car with 50k miles.

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by 'Cane

You should be able to find one with half the mileage for that price. I bought my 2011, loaded, with 12,000 miles three months ago for $53K.

Same here. 4.4k miles loaded for $55k.

[Hujan]

I effectively have both in the garage*: A 2013 E92 M3 with ZCP and a 2010 Z4 35i (with the N54). If given the choice, I will always take the M3. When the weather is very nice, it becomes tougher, but only because the Z4 is a 'vert.

*Technically the Z4 is at the dealer being serviced for fuel system issues, which tells you something right there.

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by SeXiPYm3

According to BMW's Klaus Froehlich, Senior Vice President Brand and Product Strategies, you're wrong!!!! In an interview, he said the M4 uses 80% different parts than a 4 series. I'm guessing the same might be true for the new M3 vs 3 series as well.

Awesome, glad to be wrong in this case! I stand corrected!

[swifty]

I've gone through 2 335s in past 5 years. Granted your car is a 335is but the handling shouldn't be any different than the reg 335.

Nway, during break in period of the M3, I was like what is so special about this car other than the handling. Mind you I had Tcklines, camber plates and few other things on the 335 but I could never achieve what I was feeling in the m3 handling wise. However, once the break in was done and I could rev the car, it was a completely different beast. Put it in M mode and everything just comes together beautifully... you'll especially notice the improved throttle and steering response.

What will annoy you about the m3 is that you'll be at the pumps more frequently. That's my only complaint ... that BMW should've put a bigger tank in there.

Don't think about this ... go get it.

[husks002]

Came from FBO 335 and never looked back. The powerband is so much smoother even though it is missing lots of torque but the suspension, steering, handling, precision more than make up for that....plus s65 FTW

[AlteredBe4st]

I've Driven three 335 two with bolton/tune and one stock but the M3 just feels like a different car, just sitting in the seats and holding the steering wheel and that V8 tone there is no denying the M brand. I say go for it you won't regret the change.

[nitehawk]

I get that the m3 has a better suspension out of the box....but has anyone driven both a stock m3 and a 335i with a full suspension overhaul (all m3 bits, bushings, coilovers, lsd, wheels/tires). Is there still a notable difference? One would think the difference at that point would start to be negligible...again strictly speaking from a handling perspective.

[swifty]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

I get that the m3 has a better suspension out of the box....but has anyone driven both a stock m3 and a 335i with a full suspension overhaul (all m3 bits, bushings, coilovers, lsd, wheels/tires). Is there still a notable difference? One would think the difference at that point would start to be negligible...again strictly speaking from a handling perspective.

It depends. There are guys on this board who've done that including Jrz coils etc and upgraded to an m3. While handling might be better than an M3 with all those parts, NVH has increased as well. I would suggest you PM those same members who've done those mods and still upgraded to an M.

A lot of them will refer to the V8s linear power band, throttle/steering response and potential to take the handling to another level with coils, camber plates etc on the M3.