For all you M3 Owners out there!!!

Fiebrudo · 10-14-2008, 10:48 PM

Outside:
The shape is different, the curves, the fender flares, the stance, the wheels, the rotors, the brakes, the tires.......It just looks better

Advantage M

Inside:

The leather (this novillo leather is so soft, its unbelievable!!), the thick steering wheel, the M embroidery, the sport seats

Advantage M

Engine:

Seat of the pants: Very close, but the sound.....mmmmm, and the technology, the 8400 rpm redline....mmm

Advantage M

Handling:

This is the MAJOR difference between the 2 cars. Once you test drive them both, you will understand. The 335 is too soft, moves too much in the slalom. No contest here.

Big Advantage M

Technology:

M button, ESC, M-DCT (for now), Engine mapping.

Advantage M

Price:

Grab a 335, do a chip mode, upgrade the suspension, brakes, steering wheel, biger tires and wheels, do something about the leather seats (That novillo stuff is SO SOFT!!!) and you will understand where the price difference is coming from. Not to mention if you take advantage of the deals on 08 cars with 0.9% financing available currently for the M3

Advantage M

Having said that, if price is an issue, the 335 is just an awsome car, and I cannot envision anybody not bein happy with it.

positiveions · 10-14-2008, 10:49 PM

i used to own an E36 M3. I loved it. I will own another. It is a matter of exclusivity. You have something that most don't. But, I am not a superficial person. I buy for me, for what I like and not for the people. I like M3s' because of their racing heritage. I don't know about you, but I calculated modifying an E92 335. It will cost 10 to 15k extra on top of the vehicle price. Now a days you can pick up a nicely equipped M3 for 65k. ANd believe me, M3 is a completely different car. I don't care how much more power an E92 335 will have post modification. Choice is up to you. Good luck

osteome · 10-15-2008, 12:48 AM

We were completely ready to order a 335 convertible, but made the "mistake" of driving an M3 version. We thought about it and committed to the M3 order on the same day, it was just worth the difference to us, both in the tangibles as previously noted and in the intangibles, also previously noted.

I am not sure if I could have driven the 335 and not wondered what I "could have had" at times, especially when seeing one. We also like the "exclusiveness" of the M3 as the my salesperson at the local military sales center has only sold one other M3 convertible since the '08s came out. We are going to keep this thing for a while, so when you average out the extra cost over the years, the difference is milder. I will just starting socking away the spare parts money now.......

Since we will be in Germany for the next three years, the M3 just made more "sense" as well.

Alistair83 · 10-15-2008, 12:52 AM

I haven't read all the replies in this thread, so hope I'm not repeating what anyone else said.

In all honesty I usually like getting good value for my dollar, even though money is not an issue for me. Anyways to begin, I was on the verge of getting the 335i fully loaded and was at the dealership pretty much ready to do so. So i test drove the 335i and ripped it on the highways. Its a beautiful car, and definitely more than what you'll ever need on the road. But then as I stepped out of the car, I saw the M3 and decided to test drive it.

I was literally blown away. The 335i was absolutely nothing in comparison. You will notice what a phenomenal piece of engineering that M3 is, and guess what, I ended up buying it, and I don't regret it one bit, and I know I never will. It's simply a work of art.

In fact I ended up paying about $10-$12,000 more over the 335i, and that definitely is worth it, reason being is that a lot of dealerships have a ton of 2008 M3 in inventory and need to move them and are slashing prices by quite a bit to move the cars, while offering 1% and 2% finance and lease rates.

Trust me. If it's within your means especially in this economic climate with gas prices dropping and finance rates going down too, don't hesitate to buy the M3.

After you test drive both, you'll know what I'm talking about.

yamahuh · 10-15-2008, 04:04 AM

Your obviously not performance oriented, I bought the M w/o ever driving it based on data and reviews. I knew I wanted it and couldn't be happier. If resale value and MPG are decision criteria your buying the car for the wrong reasons. Get the 335 or an Acura.

bigmaze · 10-15-2008, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubiousONE

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.

hey man im telling you..i had the 335 for a year great car..inside and out very fast car..but after i text drove the m3 i noticed right off the bat the m3 was fast annnnnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddd furious!!!!! i was blown away..now that i have one i get so many stares, ppl come out of no where i mean you would think i just got a lambo dude..no seriously i make excuses to drive my m man..i have an addiction i didnt have that with the 35- it doesnt matter where i go i get stares every where i mean even on the autobahn while driving ppl actually slow down to look at the silver stone 2 m3

i look forward to going to work everyday just to park it and have ppl all around it..im a brotha as well lol.so you know im flexin!!!,i got all them white girls wanting to take a ride dude!!!!..no seriously man get the m3 you will not regret it.Hollllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! ! pics on my profile!!!! peace hope that helps!!!!

BHairsto · 10-15-2008, 09:50 AM

The sound and feel of the M3's engine are worth the upgrade alone. Everything about the M3 feels more robust, and it provides more tactile feedback in both the suspension and steering. From my brief time with the M3, I can tell you that there is simply no comparison between the feel of the M3 and the feel of the 335. I even find the interior upgrades (better seats and leather, and the extended leather option) in the M3 to be siginificant upgrades. The 335 does almost everything well, but the M3 simply offers a more rewarding driving experience. If you really enjoy driving, and how a car sounds and feels are more important to you than the pure numbers, the M3 is the way to go - it is just one of those cars that is more than the sum of its parts. This is not to diminish the 335 - it was the best car I had owned until I bought the M3. The spec sheet won't justify the price gap between the two cars, but I think the drive does.

MJC///M3 · 10-15-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valeram

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.

+1

go for the M3!

ideliver · 10-15-2008, 10:01 AM

get the 335...the M3 is not for you...by the analysis you have shown...a sprots car is not for you...the M3 is a true race car that is streetable...its competitor is the 997, not 335

Blip Bavarian · 10-15-2008, 10:23 AM

i had the same dilema. In the end, I sold my 335 for an M3. i couldnt be happier. The M3 is in a different league. Many people argue that there is not enough performance difference to justify the M3. I think that is only true in a straight line. The differential in the M3 is amazing, and worlds above that of the 335.

MPG is worse. I avg 15-16, but dont do much highway driving.

Take the plunge. You'll be sorry if you dont.

Buschy · 10-15-2008, 10:24 AM

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.)

I am averaging 19-20 mixed driving, I am pbreaking it in and I only have 750 mile on it.

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..?

probably not

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.

The M3

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?

Its of course smarter to buy the less expensive and more econamical car

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

yes,no

What should I do. Please help! Thank You! Serious responses please.[/QUOTE]

I had a 335. when I bought it I compared it to the e46 M3 and I ended up going with the 335. Every time I saw a e46 M3 I wished I had gone with it. I revisted the 335 vs M3 again last month, I have the M3 now, and dont regreat it one bit. Do your self a favor and if you have the means get the M3.

oh yeah, When I compared the 35 to m3 this go around, with the finacial incentives the payments were not much apart. you cant beat .9%

to the poster that said he has an M3 and should have gone with the 335, would you trade? if you say yes your lieing.

Buschy · 10-15-2008, 10:35 AM

Let me say this if I didnt already.

If you get the 335 you will wish you had gotten the M everytime you see one.
if you get the M3 you will NEVER wish you had gotten the 335.

to the other poster that says he got m3 and thinks he should have gotten the 335, Would you trade in the M3 for a 335 now? if you say yes your lieing.

ase2dais · 10-15-2008, 10:41 AM

+1 I agree!

my answers to the OP 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.)

My e92 M3 gets 16 ave mpg

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?

Ive owned a e46 M3 and e39 M3 and both have kept their residual value much better than the average BMW. I do intend to keep it for awhile since the new body style will be good for at least the next 4-5 yrs
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..?
my last e46 M3 was way below 50k mile before I sold it at a good price, but overall I dont think its anymore than a average out of warranty car to maintain. I do think though that the Twin Turbo will be more costly to maintain after warranty, coz its not too many folks that work on them and its dealer specific for maintenance. my .02 cents

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.

M3 of crse!

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?

if you are worried about gas, get the little better mpg 335i, for the M3 is not for the soft-pockets

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

Go with the 335i since you seem to feel indifferent about this whole thing, but in the back of your mind when you see an M3 on the road you would ask yourself "Why did I Not?"

M3Drivincraze · 10-15-2008, 10:52 AM

Here is the ultimate solution. I too was not impacted by money, so I sold my 2008 335xi for a 2008 M3. After having the 335 for 1 year, I wanted the M3 so badly, but wouldnt have paid sticker. With things as they are I bought they E92 M3 + a used 2002 Honda Accord with 70k miles (for $7k). Now I get the best of both worlds. I have a winter car thats good on gas and requires little maintainence and I have my fun weekend car.

The way I saw it was the only downside to the M3 is the cost of ownership (gas, tires, etc). To get around all the unnessary usage which adds to the cost of the car and makes it not as new, I just bought a DD.

E394KEN · 10-15-2008, 10:54 AM

I wanted to chime in as well. In our stable we currently have a E90 335, and an E46 M3. The 335 is plain and simple a blast to drive. Easier to get going than the E46. The M3 is more connected, raw and visceral, a wild child animal. I cant imagine how much more enticing the E92 & E90 M's are.

No disresepct but like someone else had posted their are so many threes around it makes you a little sick. I see more BMWs on a day to day basis than almost any other brand. 325's, 328's, and a great deal of 5 series. Trust me the 335 is a great choice, but you may really regreet not going fort the M. Since launch here in Ventura County I've only seen three on the road.

jwillson80 · 10-15-2008, 11:00 AM

I have owned both a E36 and E46 M3. I sold my E46 M3 to get a 335 coupe. Did the Dinan upgrade and new wheels but it still did not feel even close to the M3. Just too soft for me. So after only having my 335 for 10 months I am trading it in next week and picking up a new M3. Trust me if can afford it get the M!!!!

Straz M3 · 10-15-2008, 01:03 PM

I went from a 330ci to a 335i to a E46M3 to a E92M3. Let me tell you one thing...the 335 with the PROcede chip would probably dominate my new M3 in a straight line but the whole "M" feeling you get with the M3, even my older M3, was something you just don't get from a regular 3 series. So to answer your question...get the M3. I liked my E46M3 better than the 335i too. I will always have an M car in my stable from now on!

SpencerM3 · 10-15-2008, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buschy

Let me say this if I didnt already.

If you get the 335 you will wish you had gotten the M everytime you see one.
if you get the M3 you will NEVER wish you had gotten the 335.

to the other poster that says he got m3 and thinks he should have gotten the 335, Would you trade in the M3 for a 335 now? if you say yes your lieing.

That's it. Honestly forget everything else. If you can afford the M3, this is what you will be telling yourself if you go 335i.

3XTR3M3 · 10-15-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Straz M3

I went from a 330ci to a 335i to a E46M3 to a E92M3.

what a trip, we have an almost identical pattern...

I went from a 328ci to a 335i to a E46 M3 to a E92M3

attbimmer · 10-15-2008, 10:06 PM

I had a 335i for 9 months and averaged about 17-18mpg with mostly city driving. Now with the M3 I'm averaging 15-16mpg so far doing similar driving.

The 335i is an okay car, but even my E36 M3 is more fun to drive. The E9x M3 is just amazing. I doubt I will ever buy an non-M BMW again. The M3 embodies everything I love about cars and everything about it just feels right. If money is not a concern then for sure go with the M.

sparkyg · 10-15-2008, 10:22 PM

335 is really a great car but the M3 is superlative. Heads above the 335 much less my 335xi

I envy all those who did not make my mistake.

Get the M3, if you wann asave on gas drive conservative. I can burn as much gas in my 335 as an M3 it just depends how you drive.

10-14-2008, 10:48 PM	#23
Fiebrudo Private 7 Rep 52 Posts Drives: M3 Convertible Space Gray E93 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	Outside: The shape is different, the curves, the fender flares, the stance, the wheels, the rotors, the brakes, the tires.......It just looks better Advantage M Inside: The leather (this novillo leather is so soft, its unbelievable!!), the thick steering wheel, the M embroidery, the sport seats Advantage M Engine: Seat of the pants: Very close, but the sound.....mmmmm, and the technology, the 8400 rpm redline....mmm Advantage M Handling: This is the MAJOR difference between the 2 cars. Once you test drive them both, you will understand. The 335 is too soft, moves too much in the slalom. No contest here. Big Advantage M Technology: M button, ESC, M-DCT (for now), Engine mapping. Advantage M Price: Grab a 335, do a chip mode, upgrade the suspension, brakes, steering wheel, biger tires and wheels, do something about the leather seats (That novillo stuff is SO SOFT!!!) and you will understand where the price difference is coming from. Not to mention if you take advantage of the deals on 08 cars with 0.9% financing available currently for the M3 Advantage M Having said that, if price is an issue, the 335 is just an awsome car, and I cannot envision anybody not bein happy with it.
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10-14-2008, 10:49 PM	#24
positiveions Lieutenant General 961 Rep 11,722 Posts Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upland, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2016 VW Golf Sports ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW 325is [0.00]	i used to own an E36 M3. I loved it. I will own another. It is a matter of exclusivity. You have something that most don't. But, I am not a superficial person. I buy for me, for what I like and not for the people. I like M3s' because of their racing heritage. I don't know about you, but I calculated modifying an E92 335. It will cost 10 to 15k extra on top of the vehicle price. Now a days you can pick up a nicely equipped M3 for 65k. ANd believe me, M3 is a completely different car. I don't care how much more power an E92 335 will have post modification. Choice is up to you. Good luck
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10-15-2008, 12:48 AM	#25
osteome Major 195 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (4)	We were completely ready to order a 335 convertible, but made the "mistake" of driving an M3 version. We thought about it and committed to the M3 order on the same day, it was just worth the difference to us, both in the tangibles as previously noted and in the intangibles, also previously noted. I am not sure if I could have driven the 335 and not wondered what I "could have had" at times, especially when seeing one. We also like the "exclusiveness" of the M3 as the my salesperson at the local military sales center has only sold one other M3 convertible since the '08s came out. We are going to keep this thing for a while, so when you average out the extra cost over the years, the difference is milder. I will just starting socking away the spare parts money now....... Since we will be in Germany for the next three years, the M3 just made more "sense" as well.
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10-15-2008, 12:52 AM	#26
Alistair83 Private 4 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I haven't read all the replies in this thread, so hope I'm not repeating what anyone else said. In all honesty I usually like getting good value for my dollar, even though money is not an issue for me. Anyways to begin, I was on the verge of getting the 335i fully loaded and was at the dealership pretty much ready to do so. So i test drove the 335i and ripped it on the highways. Its a beautiful car, and definitely more than what you'll ever need on the road. But then as I stepped out of the car, I saw the M3 and decided to test drive it. I was literally blown away. The 335i was absolutely nothing in comparison. You will notice what a phenomenal piece of engineering that M3 is, and guess what, I ended up buying it, and I don't regret it one bit, and I know I never will. It's simply a work of art. In fact I ended up paying about $10-$12,000 more over the 335i, and that definitely is worth it, reason being is that a lot of dealerships have a ton of 2008 M3 in inventory and need to move them and are slashing prices by quite a bit to move the cars, while offering 1% and 2% finance and lease rates. Trust me. If it's within your means especially in this economic climate with gas prices dropping and finance rates going down too, don't hesitate to buy the M3. After you test drive both, you'll know what I'm talking about.
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10-15-2008, 04:04 AM	#27
yamahuh Private 7 Rep 56 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Georgia iTrader: (1)	Your obviously not performance oriented, I bought the M w/o ever driving it based on data and reviews. I knew I wanted it and couldn't be happier. If resale value and MPG are decision criteria your buying the car for the wrong reasons. Get the 335 or an Acura.
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10-15-2008, 09:50 AM	#29
BHairsto Lieutenant 136 Rep 497 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW M2 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Woodbridge, VA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 35d [0.00]	The sound and feel of the M3's engine are worth the upgrade alone. Everything about the M3 feels more robust, and it provides more tactile feedback in both the suspension and steering. From my brief time with the M3, I can tell you that there is simply no comparison between the feel of the M3 and the feel of the 335. I even find the interior upgrades (better seats and leather, and the extended leather option) in the M3 to be siginificant upgrades. The 335 does almost everything well, but the M3 simply offers a more rewarding driving experience. If you really enjoy driving, and how a car sounds and feels are more important to you than the pure numbers, the M3 is the way to go - it is just one of those cars that is more than the sum of its parts. This is not to diminish the 335 - it was the best car I had owned until I bought the M3. The spec sheet won't justify the price gap between the two cars, but I think the drive does.
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10-15-2008, 10:01 AM	#31
ideliver Major 240 Rep 1,247 Posts Drives: E60 M5, E71 X6M, E46 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: At the gas station iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW E46 M3 'vert [0.00] 2008 BMW M5 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 [0.00] 2012 BMW X6M [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 [0.00]	get the 335...the M3 is not for you...by the analysis you have shown...a sprots car is not for you...the M3 is a true race car that is streetable...its competitor is the 997, not 335 __________________ Current: 2006 E46 M3 'vert 6-sp 2008 E60 M5, 2011 E92 328 6-sp, 2011 E70 N55, 2012 E71 X6M
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10-15-2008, 10:23 AM	#32
Blip Bavarian salivator 38 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 16 GT4, 14 X5 V8 & 91 E30 LS1 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: El Paso, Texas iTrader: (0)	i had the same dilema. In the end, I sold my 335 for an M3. i couldnt be happier. The M3 is in a different league. Many people argue that there is not enough performance difference to justify the M3. I think that is only true in a straight line. The differential in the M3 is amazing, and worlds above that of the 335. MPG is worse. I avg 15-16, but dont do much highway driving. Take the plunge. You'll be sorry if you dont.
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10-15-2008, 10:24 AM	#33
Buschy Colonel 289 Rep 2,496 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth iTrader: (7)	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.) I am averaging 19-20 mixed driving, I am pbreaking it in and I only have 750 mile on it. 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..? probably not 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. The M3 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? Its of course smarter to buy the less expensive and more econamical car 6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335? yes,no What should I do. Please help! Thank You! Serious responses please.[/QUOTE] I had a 335. when I bought it I compared it to the e46 M3 and I ended up going with the 335. Every time I saw a e46 M3 I wished I had gone with it. I revisted the 335 vs M3 again last month, I have the M3 now, and dont regreat it one bit. Do your self a favor and if you have the means get the M3. oh yeah, When I compared the 35 to m3 this go around, with the finacial incentives the payments were not much apart. you cant beat .9% to the poster that said he has an M3 and should have gone with the 335, would you trade? if you say yes your lieing. __________________
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10-15-2008, 10:35 AM	#34
Buschy Colonel 289 Rep 2,496 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Dallas/Fort Worth iTrader: (7)	Let me say this if I didnt already. If you get the 335 you will wish you had gotten the M everytime you see one. if you get the M3 you will NEVER wish you had gotten the 335. to the other poster that says he got m3 and thinks he should have gotten the 335, Would you trade in the M3 for a 335 now? if you say yes your lieing. __________________
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10-15-2008, 10:41 AM	#35
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	+1 I agree! my answers to the OP 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.) My e92 M3 gets 16 ave mpg 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? Ive owned a e46 M3 and e39 M3 and both have kept their residual value much better than the average BMW. I do intend to keep it for awhile since the new body style will be good for at least the next 4-5 yrs 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..? my last e46 M3 was way below 50k mile before I sold it at a good price, but overall I dont think its anymore than a average out of warranty car to maintain. I do think though that the Twin Turbo will be more costly to maintain after warranty, coz its not too many folks that work on them and its dealer specific for maintenance. my .02 cents 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. M3 of crse! 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? if you are worried about gas, get the little better mpg 335i, for the M3 is not for the soft-pockets 6) Am I thinking about all of this in the right way? Or, am I nuts and just go with the 335? Go with the 335i since you seem to feel indifferent about this whole thing, but in the back of your mind when you see an M3 on the road you would ask yourself "Why did I Not?" __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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10-15-2008, 10:52 AM	#36
M3Drivincraze Private 7 Rep 64 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: York, PA iTrader: (1)	Here is the ultimate solution. I too was not impacted by money, so I sold my 2008 335xi for a 2008 M3. After having the 335 for 1 year, I wanted the M3 so badly, but wouldnt have paid sticker. With things as they are I bought they E92 M3 + a used 2002 Honda Accord with 70k miles (for $7k). Now I get the best of both worlds. I have a winter car thats good on gas and requires little maintainence and I have my fun weekend car. The way I saw it was the only downside to the M3 is the cost of ownership (gas, tires, etc). To get around all the unnessary usage which adds to the cost of the car and makes it not as new, I just bought a DD.
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10-15-2008, 10:54 AM	#37
E394KEN M3//4KEN 10 Rep 409 Posts Drives: E46 M3 & E90 335i (Woosh!) Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ventura, CA iTrader: (0)	I wanted to chime in as well. In our stable we currently have a E90 335, and an E46 M3. The 335 is plain and simple a blast to drive. Easier to get going than the E46. The M3 is more connected, raw and visceral, a wild child animal. I cant imagine how much more enticing the E92 & E90 M's are. No disresepct but like someone else had posted their are so many threes around it makes you a little sick. I see more BMWs on a day to day basis than almost any other brand. 325's, 328's, and a great deal of 5 series. Trust me the 335 is a great choice, but you may really regreet not going fort the M. Since launch here in Ventura County I've only seen three on the road.
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10-15-2008, 11:00 AM	#38
jwillson80 Private 12 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2014 650 GC XDrive Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Overland Park, KS iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 550ix [0.00]	Get the M trust me!!! I have owned both a E36 and E46 M3. I sold my E46 M3 to get a 335 coupe. Did the Dinan upgrade and new wheels but it still did not feel even close to the M3. Just too soft for me. So after only having my 335 for 10 months I am trading it in next week and picking up a new M3. Trust me if can afford it get the M!!!!
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10-15-2008, 01:03 PM	#39
Straz M3 Never Lose 50 Rep 1,145 Posts Drives: 2011.75 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Windy City iTrader: (2)	I went from a 330ci to a 335i to a E46M3 to a E92M3. Let me tell you one thing...the 335 with the PROcede chip would probably dominate my new M3 in a straight line but the whole "M" feeling you get with the M3, even my older M3, was something you just don't get from a regular 3 series. So to answer your question...get the M3. I liked my E46M3 better than the 335i too. I will always have an M car in my stable from now on! __________________ '11 Melbourne Red Metallic / Black/Fox/Fox 6MT E92 ///M3 ZCP \| Convenience Package \| Premium Package 2 \| Heated Seats \| Enhanced Premium Sound l BMW Apps
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10-15-2008, 10:06 PM	#42
attbimmer Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 260 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3, '88 E30 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (5)	I had a 335i for 9 months and averaged about 17-18mpg with mostly city driving. Now with the M3 I'm averaging 15-16mpg so far doing similar driving. The 335i is an okay car, but even my E36 M3 is more fun to drive. The E9x M3 is just amazing. I doubt I will ever buy an non-M BMW again. The M3 embodies everything I love about cars and everything about it just feels right. If money is not a concern then for sure go with the M.
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10-15-2008, 10:22 PM	#43
sparkyg Brigadier General 142 Rep 3,522 Posts Drives: work truck Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oil Country iTrader: (5)	335 is really a great car but the M3 is superlative. Heads above the 335 much less my 335xi I envy all those who did not make my mistake. Get the M3, if you wann asave on gas drive conservative. I can burn as much gas in my 335 as an M3 it just depends how you drive.
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