New M3 vs 335i

[arctic335i]

Has anyone driven/owned both? I'd be interested to hear how the Servotronic steering in the M3 feels compares to the standard steering setup in the 335i. Does the M3 acceleration feel significantly stronger? How about the torque curve? Thanks all!

[aerisolphaln]

I can't wait until the day that I can say I've driven an M3 in addition to a 335i. For now, living in the US, it's no M3 for us. Perhaps one of our friends from across the pond can fill you in.

[Rimola]

i got a buddy of mine trying to convince me to save my $ and buy a 335xi. i really want an m3 though and i am a little uncertain of the reliability factor of the 335 after reading some of the members posts.

+1 interested as well

[EuroB6]

wha'ts up Anes....it's Eran man...I recognized your ID from the vortex forums, +NJ + picture of a cartoon COP.. LMFAO!!

honestly, first year of anything is not good. Just look at the 335s, with their fuel pump/cooling issues. First year M3s may have issues as well,it's a new engine for them. Remember the first E46 M3s produced and their engine failures. It's just always safe to buy the second year, when all of the kinks are worked out. If I was you, go with a 335xi coupe, then tune it up and you'll have one sick beast!

[Rimola]

lol hey whats up brotha...i gotta visit you guys again soon. yeah man no biggie, like i said i have a few months to think about it...i def want to cover all the specs before making my decision

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

wha'ts up Anes....it's Eran man...I recognized your ID from the vortex forums, +NJ + picture of a cartoon COP.. LMFAO!!

honestly, first year of anything is not good. Just look at the 335s, with their fuel pump/cooling issues. First year M3s may have issues as well,it's a new engine for them. Remember the first E46 M3s produced and their engine failures. It's just always safe to buy the second year, when all of the kinks are worked out. If I was you, go with a 335xi coupe, then tune it up and you'll have one sick beast!

You didn't mention that all those e46 M3's with the engine problems also got FREE Extended Warranties (100k miles, 8 years). Honestly, that doesn't sound too bad to me. Especially since you'll be safe guarded against any recall or faulty problem if any more arise.

[EuroB6]

^^ you're right, very true, which was a hell of a deal.... but nothing like that with the 335s

check this post out with the 335s..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79568

I used to own a n E46 325 myself, loved it...and wanted to buy a 335i coupe, but because of stories like this, it has kept me away. I think I will most definitely jump into one in the near future, but not right now.

[mkoesel]

I am very interested in this too - I know there are people who've driven both because I've read posts by them here in the past. Problem is, unless you test both and feel for yourself, you are not really going to be able to make the call.

[UltimateBMW]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

^^ you're right, very true, which was a hell of a deal.... but nothing like that with the 335s

That is but one of many reasons why the M is better. (I only say that to try to stay somewhat on topic.)

[OzStriker]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79568

Not a bad idea. If you get a lemon drive your car into a tree, write it off and blame it on a "driver who did a runner"

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

^^ you're right, very true, which was a hell of a deal.... but nothing like that with the 335s

check this post out with the 335s..

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79568

I used to own a n E46 325 myself, loved it...and wanted to buy a 335i coupe, but because of stories like this, it has kept me away. I think I will most definitely jump into one in the near future, but not right now.

Just because a few 335's had some problems, thats not reason to get so negative about the car.

My buddys new A4 has been to the dealer 4 times in the last 2 months with fuel system issues. So what?

Every car makes had their share of bad luck...Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus etc.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

honestly, first year of anything is not good. Just look at the 335s, with their fuel pump/cooling issues. First year M3s may have issues as well,it's a new engine for them. Remember the first E46 M3s produced and their engine failures. It's just always safe to buy the second year, when all of the kinks are worked out.

Well, that's not failsafe advice. Actually 2001 M3s had very few engine failures from the con rod issue. There were FAR more on 2002 models. In this case, it was a supplier issue, not a design issue. My first year E46 M3 (57k mi.) has been supremely reliable with only a couple warranty issues of note. Notice in the following graph, that only tracks failures reported to the Roadfly forum through 6/2002, that 2001 failures are 19% and 2002 failures (11/01>) are the balance. So, your common logic goes out the window.

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

My first year E46 M3 (57k mi.) has been supremely reliable with only a couple warranty issues of note. Notice in the following graph, that only tracks failures reported to the Roadfly forum through 6/2002, that 2001 failures are 19% and 2002 failures (11/01>) are the balance.

Gotta love the persuasive powers of the polychromatic pie chart

Some good data as I was under the same misapprehension. Also shows the risk prestige manufacturers face w/ even minor parts' sub-contracting.

[EuroB6]

honestly...ive always preferred a n/a engine, vs FI...definitely not knocking on any of these cars. But, you do have to admit, the 335s are having big problems, and it's not just a few people out there, it's a lot of them.
It is because BMW has yet to figure out the problem is. if they did, people wouldnt be going back to the dealer with the same problems, after the so called "fix" has been put in place.
Anyways, back to the subject. A bolt on 335, chip/exhaust, suspension, etc, I THINK, will take an E92 M3, in a straight line and around the track. you'll see

[gmund1948]

Both 6MN 335 is a vert with sports package and aggresively alligned. The M3s I drove were on the Nurburgring F-1 track and on the NS I also was able to drive the 335 on the track 2 laps during lunch.

Very different, the M-3 has much more torque, and the acceleration is much more consistant throughout the whole RPM range

Now My 335 is not chipped but the car is very nimble. The M-3 is much more of a track car than the 335, period. The 335 is definately a turbo and needs to be driven differently, much more like a Japanese car or a high strung 4

The M-3 is pure V-8, and is not unlike driving my 08 Corvette except that it revs higher and may be a bit smoother.

Hope it helps

From Germany

Originally Posted by arctic335i

Has anyone driven/owned both? I'd be interested to hear how the Servotronic steering in the M3 feels compares to the standard steering setup in the 335i. Does the M3 acceleration feel significantly stronger? How about the torque curve? Thanks all!

[Voltigeur]

Originally Posted by gmund1948

Both 6MN 335 is a vert with sports package and aggresively alligned. The M3s I drove were on the Nurburgring F-1 track and on the NS I also was able to drive the 335 on the track 2 laps during lunch.

Very different, the M-3 has much more torque, and the acceleration is much more consistant throughout the whole RPM range

Good to see someone has had a drive in both. Interesting impression on the tortque, but that must be the feel, because I think I'm right in saying the 3L TT has slightly more torque than the M3's V8, 300 lb/ft (400 nm) vs 295 lb/ft (V8)...

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Voltigeur

Good to see someone has had a drive in both. Interesting impression on the tortque, but that must be the feel, because I think I'm right in saying the 3L TT has slightly more torque than the M3's V8, 300 lb/ft (400 nm) vs 295 lb/ft (V8)...

I think the difference in torque impression is probably a result of distribution over the powerband rather than the ultimate peak number.

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by EuroB6

honestly...ive always preferred a n/a engine, vs FI...definitely not knocking on any of these cars. But, you do have to admit, the 335s are having big problems, and it's not just a few people out there, it's a lot of them.
It is because BMW has yet to figure out the problem is. if they did, people wouldnt be going back to the dealer with the same problems, after the so called "fix" has been put in place.
Anyways, back to the subject. A bolt on 335, chip/exhaust, suspension, etc, I THINK, will take an E92 M3, in a straight line and around the track. you'll see

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Are you a troll? You start to sound like one.

What problems, man? There haven't been fuel pump issues in a long time...just isolated cases. Only for first 2-3 months of production had that problem and same with heating issues.

Please do some research before coming here and spreading false information.

Mods, can we get this thread closed? This happens everytime there is a 335 vs M3 debate.

[E90ice]

Originally Posted by gmund1948

Both 6MN 335 is a vert with sports package and aggresively alligned. The M3s I drove were on the Nurburgring F-1 track and on the NS I also was able to drive the 335 on the track 2 laps during lunch.

Very different, the M-3 has much more torque, and the acceleration is much more consistant throughout the whole RPM range
Now My 335 is not chipped but the car is very nimble. The M-3 is much more of a track car than the 335, period. The 335 is definately a turbo and needs to be driven differently, much more like a Japanese car or a high strung 4

The M-3 is pure V-8, and is not unlike driving my 08 Corvette except that it revs higher and may be a bit smoother.

Hope it helps

From Germany

The 335 puts down 290rwtq, while the M3 has 295 torque at the crank. So i'm not sure i understand yout statement.

[OC ///M]

Originally Posted by E90ice

The 335 puts down 290rwtq, while the M3 has 295 torque at the crank. So i'm not sure i understand yout statement.

I think he's talking about the "butt dyno" factor and how it feels through to 8400.

[phoenixbmwlife]

I don't know why I even bother to read threads that start with 335 vs M3. It's not like to ever see anything new.

[squeezebm]

NEWS JUST IN

I have driven the 335i owned the 335d (which wont mean much to you lot,but is fantastic) and now have a E92 M3 forget your figures and dyno printout bollox the M is the way to go, completely different league