2011 BMW M3 Sedan DCT vs 2012 BMW 335i Automatic

[Mike van D]

Test them both and do what's right for you.

[ksflatlander]

Having just gone through this exercise myself over the course of the last several weeks, today I bought an M3. The search tool here is your friend - use it - this subject has been beat to death and analyzed on every side and those here with true insight that have owned both for extended periods have already given detailed viewpoints.

All I can say is they are different cars. You need to just drive them both back to back and you'll see. If you personally don't appreciate the difference, then buy the 335 and be happy. Its a great car too, but it is NOT an M3, even if you mod it.

[luis_m3]

Originally Posted by NeedMoreToyz

Test them both and do what's right for you.

[Vivaxious]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

+1

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by Chachi112

i couldnt agree with you more Julie....i never buy a car the first two years its out]

Totally disagree..best move I did was buy the first released 335i..had limited BS issues and recalls as subsequent later models...and got an n54 to boot.

[tibra1]

OP These cars are not comparable...end thread//

[sameh]

I'm not gonna even discuss the comparison M3 vs 335. But DCT vs automatic????? Seriously?
I'd buy Audi A4 with DCT before I consider 335 auto

[Prophizee]

Wow are you serious not another debate.
Like many other forum members I have owned both cars. An 08 335xi coupe and currently a m3 coupe. IMHO the cars are night and day . The 335 even though a very brilliant machine pales in comparison to the m3 in every way. Handling ride comfort power and just the overall package. Also in looks the 335 is a very elegant looking machine while the m3 looks very masculine with its power dome and flared wheel arches. If i was picking between the two it would def be the m3 all the time

[Wendall]

Originally Posted by iamcpap

Get the 335 if you want to regret your decision and be depressed every time you see an M3 on the road...

Haha this is very true. Thats what went through my mind when i though about going the cheaper 335 route. At them end of the day, i would regret it every time i saw an M3.

My car is 2 weeks new to me and im still going into the garage to look at my girl before bedtime.

[E93Blackhawk]

Just want to say, that clearly they are completly different price tags.

It seems that you are basing your car on looks rather than performance (i may be wrong)

The ///M is about 50k more than the 335i so if you can afford it, which it seems like you can because your asking advise, then buy the M3 clearly, the M models are there for a reason.

I have a 335i, and yes its so nice, love the low end torque, its punchy and alive. However is not a M, and wont ever be.

My recommendation is that you get the M3 purely for the fact that the next production line of M3's wont be a V8 it will be a flat 6 and sound awful lol.

335i's are for people who cant afford the real deal IMO. (myself included - however im taking order of my white e92 m3 in 12 weeks time )

My 2 cents... go for the real deal.

[ajskydiver]

Originally Posted by soniczoom

Debating between a new 2011 M3 Sedan DCT or 2012 335i auto.

I feel the M3 just does not have the low end power compared to the 335i.

With price not being a factor, which do you recommend??

Old body style vs new body style

Last yr as a V8 vs waiting 2 years for the F80

Thanks!

If you're not sure the M3 is for you...it isn't.

Get the 335i. That way you don't have to pretend to know what's special about the car you're driving.

[E93Blackhawk]

Originally Posted by ajskydiver

If you're not sure the M3 is for you...it isn't.

Get the 335i. That way you don't have to pretend to know what's special about the car you're driving.

+1 well said

[llis]

Originally Posted by E93Blackhawk

The ///M is about 50k more than the 335i so if you can afford it, which it seems like you can because your asking advise, then buy the M3 clearly, the M models are there for a reason.

Holy cow! You Brits truly suffer! 50k pounds would buy the M3, fully loaded, in the US. The difference between the 335 and the M3 here is somewhere between $10-20k, depending upon options.

[chefhans]

dude that should not even be a question!!!! its all about the M3

[rantarM3]

I find it odd that someone would cross shop a 335 and an E9X M3. Completely different price points. So with that in mind, if you want low end torque, get a C63. If you want a balanced car, get an M3. If you want something somewhere in between the M3 and C63 but not as exciting as either, get an IS-F. The 335 should be removed from the list.

[Raptor251]

I think you should get a 335is w/the DCT! lol

[ADRQ0811]

Originally Posted by iamcpap

Get the 335 if you want to regret your decision and be depressed every time you see an M3 on the road...

This right here well said

[Foodle]

Originally Posted by soniczoom

I feel the M3 just does not have the low end power compared to the 335i.

Seriously?!? You wrote that? Here?

... please get the 335i and only post on e90post from now on ...

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by E93Blackhawk

My recommendation is that you get the M3 purely for the fact that the next production line of M3's wont be a V8 it will be a flat 6 and sound awful lol.

why would you think that an m3 would have a flat 6?

and flat 6's do not sound bad, and the turbo charged ones (like say, the 997 turbo) are badass and perform way better than the e9x m3 motor imo.

997.1 turbo motor ftw. if that motor was in this car, id never sell it.

ON topic, 335 vs M3. Like someone else said, the 335i just feels different as I have owned m3's and 335i. Its more of a laid back cruiser. If I was going to buy an automatic and that type of car, the c63 is way better.

[Im4citadel]

Originally Posted by soniczoom

Debating between a new 2011 M3 Sedan DCT or 2012 335i auto.

I feel the M3 just does not have the low end power compared to the 335i.

With price not being a factor, which do you recommend??

Old body style vs new body style

Last yr as a V8 vs waiting 2 years for the F80

Thanks!

I don't know if you came to the right place to ask, but never the less the M3 is a different class of driving IMHO.

I own both cars (09 M3 and 2011 335xi). When I take my wife's 335 out it puts a smile on my face, but I keep thinking that it is nothing to the drivability, performance, and balance to my M.

When I get into my M I'm euphoric. It begs me to whip it around and test it's limits. When I downshift and the engine revs it's almost as if she's telling me she loves it and she wants more of it. The 335 on the other hand asks if I want to stop by to pick up dinner or ask my wife if she needs something from the container store.

Get the M....I haven't met one person that has regretted it yet.

[Bimmer Freeeek!]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

I hate myself for not having bought the 335.

Me too. Wanna start a support group?

[bsiciliano]

No one has ever pulled up next to a 335 while driving an M3 and said to themselves, "damn, I wish I had gotten that car."

The End.