BMW M3 vs 335i

KRB_E90 · 06-23-2009, 07:19 AM

I was in the same spot you are in - I went with the 335i M-sport. Don't get me wrong - the M3 is a sick...SICK machine. 335I has more low end power but the M will eat it in the end. I love the look of the M3, but with the M-Sport package you get some M3 goodies that will make you happy - and save you 20K as well.

Gas Guzzler tax plus poor MPG - think about the long haul and in the event gas prices go up, you'll feel it at the pump. I have a 85 Jeep CJ7 I just finished restoring which gets 12 MPG - don't need two of those!

So if money is not a object for you - go get the M3. For me, being 33 with a house and 2 little ones, the 335I makes more sense now- plus with M-Sport you can get LeMans Blue - I was sold.

My car is on the boat now on the way over - I can't wait.

Yellowlab · 06-23-2009, 07:24 AM

Well this is going to sound stupid, but I got the M3 because the seats were so comfortable, and the suspension much more comfortable then a 335i. I know it does not make sense...

consolidated · 06-23-2009, 07:34 AM

I got the M3 because I didn't know the 335i existed.

To the OP, this is full on jihad topic, why don't you search before ignition. You'll understand once you read up.

armyav8tor · 06-23-2009, 07:38 AM

Depends on what you want to do with the car. If you want a daily driver that can take on track duties then the M3 is for you. I've owned both, the M3 is superior in every way possible.

KRB_E90 · 06-23-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yellowlab

Well this is going to sound stupid, but I got the M3 because the seats were so comfortable, and the suspension much more comfortable then a 335i. I know it does not make sense...

M-Sport 335i has M3 Suspension and Seats.

Gofast111 · 06-23-2009, 07:51 AM

I live at high altitude....6000ft, the 335i is the answer, or the supercharged M3 that is running around Johannesburg....leaving everything in its wake!

ching · 06-23-2009, 07:57 AM

Both cars are great. The M3 is a better track car out of the box, but you can make the 335 perform really well on the track with appropriate time and money. Some part swap outs are obvious, but it really is culmination of many changes to the M3 (over the 335) which make it a really great car.

Power mods on the M3 are expensive (on a dollar/value ratio), but M3 owners like the flexibility the rev range provides.

enfield · 06-23-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamann330

Hi guys,

I am new to this board, I own a 2007 Audi S4 and a 2009 Mercedes Benz C350 4Matic. My previous ride was a 2001 BMW 330xi, therefore I am always a fan of BMW but I just like to try something new when it comes to purchasing vehicles.

So for you M3 owners, why did you pick M3 over 335i? A fI engine is easier to tune up and it can be as fast (or faster) than the M3, then why did you pick M3 over a 335i?

Anyone?

You should get a 335i and mod it. Sounds like you will probably not appreciate the M3 package with it's V8, suspension, brakes etc.

Do yourself a favor and save 20K.

valeram · 06-23-2009, 10:14 AM

Please test drive both and make your own decision. My decision may not be the same as yours, coming from a previous 335 owner and also a previous B5S4 owner.

Yellowlab · 06-23-2009, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRB_E90

M-Sport 335i has M3 Suspension and Seats.

No 335i as sports suspension and seat, it only gets the wheels,steering, shifter and aero( which is not the same).

ANd M3 does not have the stupid Run-Flats!!

1cleanm6 · 06-23-2009, 11:22 AM

to be honest they are both good in there own ways...

the new 09 335's with the mtech package are BEAUTIFUL and ready to go...

Pros for 335:
more comfy ride
much better power down low
a 350 dollar jb3 will get you right on par with m3, with race gas you will be beating them

Pros for m3:
very sexy engine
v8
better handeling/braking
rear diff
better looks

I like to think the m3 is the older brother of the 335, it does everything much better with a lot more experience...

Its no question, if you can afford the M, get the M and never look back. Its the BETTER car in everyway except down low power and gas mileage

BK · 06-23-2009, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRB_E90

M-Sport 335i has M3 Suspension and Seats.

Pretty sure M-Sport is aesthetics only in the US (wheels, steering wheel, shifter, bumper, etc.). The suspension for the M-Sport will be the same as the ZSP 335i. I don't think that means we're shortchanged in the US -- I think the "regular" ZSP suspension in the US is the M-Sport suspension outside North America.

Anyway, to the original question -- if I were the one making the choice, I'd pick the M3, no question at all. That said, my advice to the OP is to get the 335i. Sounds like OP is into FI engine modding.

330CIZHP · 06-23-2009, 12:23 PM

Having driven a bone stock M3 and a highly tuned 335, I don't deem it even a comparison. Simply different leagues. The highly tuned 335 was very quick, but it sounded and felt downright boring and bland. It sounded not much different than a regular I6 3-series. The stock M3 launched an aural assault and kept screaming "no one gets past me" as it wailed up to 8500 rpm.

Another thing I noticed, the M3 chasis is capable of handling way more power than what the 4.0 Liter V8 has in M3 for straight line or turns, which means you feel speed, braking, lateral acceleration and acceleration a lot less in the M3 than the more inertia-happy 335 and will give you an unsettled feel with a sense of g-forces, which the M3 does not. I am sure the "feel" of torque comes from the fact that the M3's chasis handles inertia a lot more competently with less bodyweight transfer than the 335's chasis does, which results in the throw-back feel in the 335, which the M3 does not have at all. So M3's limits are a lot higher in every respect than that of the 335.

I could only imagine how good the M3 sounds and feels with a software tune, nice race exhaust, gruppe M intake kit etc.

M3 hands down unless feel and sound is not important to you.

FStop7 · 06-23-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRB_E90

M-Sport 335i has M3 Suspension and Seats.

No.

Nawaaz · 06-23-2009, 01:23 PM

I haven't driven a 335i before, but I just know that the M3 is on another level regardless. You're comparing a totally different engine, chassis, and driving experience. The M3 defintely has the nod over the 335i any day. The 335i is good. The M3 is great.

Ado · 06-23-2009, 01:28 PM

I've driven both, owned the 335 for 2 years and bought the M3 when it came out. The 335 can not be compared to the 335 when it comes to the quality of the drive. If you have the money for either or I would get the M3.

The downside to the M3 when compared to the 335 is 1 the price and 2nd the torque. I miss my torque of the 335 every day but that's something that will be fixed soon with a Supercharger.

Hamann330 · 06-23-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Pretty sure M-Sport is aesthetics only in the US (wheels, steering wheel, shifter, bumper, etc.). The suspension for the M-Sport will be the same as the ZSP 335i. I don't think that means we're shortchanged in the US -- I think the "regular" ZSP suspension in the US is the M-Sport suspension outside North America.

Anyway, to the original question -- if I were the one making the choice, I'd pick the M3, no question at all. That said, my advice to the OP is to get the 335i. Sounds like OP is into FI engine modding.

I am sure M3s are great! I am just saying the potential on 335 may be greater than M3 in terms of power and handling. (as you can chip the car and get 50+hp more, and a nice set of COs for handling). So if my assumption is right then why people choose M3 over 335?

However, I do agree nothing beats the sound of V8, I am sure M3 is great out of the box (basically no mods needed). But after I bought the S4, it is a great all year round car but the potenital for modding is just not there. You can invest on a set of downpipe for $2k+ and gain maybe 10hp. Not a very good dollar: power ratio. I have my eye set on the new M3 as my next car (summer only), and this is just part of the research I started to do.

Again, anyone's feed back is appreciated, goods or bads. Please do be reasonable though. I will go and test drive both some day when I am ready to buy~~ I just dont like to go kick tires when I am not ready for one.

Hamann330 · 06-23-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ado

I've driven both, owned the 335 for 2 years and bought the M3 when it came out. The 335 can not be compared to the 335 when it comes to the quality of the drive. If you have the money for either or I would get the M3.

The downside to the M3 when compared to the 335 is 1 the price and 2nd the torque. I miss my torque of the 335 every day but that's something that will be fixed soon with a Supercharger.

How much would a SC cost? I hope its not like MTM for Audis.....

drivendriver · 06-23-2009, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamann330

So if my assumption is right then why people choose M3 over 335?

Some people like to know what they are getting into, and are not into modding.

If I buy a 335, add a chip and a set of CO, I end up with a car that is significantly different from the one I bought, and that I may or may not like.

HP, torque and 0-60 times are not everything. Each car has its own character. A slower car may have a better "feel" for some intangible reason. If I buy a car, it's because I like its character, so I don't want to mess it up. Hence, no drastic mod.

More generally, my philosophy regarding this kind of dilemma is simple: if you don't have to have the more expensive alternative (and you don't sound like you have to have an M3), then get the cheaper one.

I had a 135 for a little while. It was a great car. I really loved it. I could easily have turned it into an HP monster. But then I made the mistake of driving an M3 and decided that I had to have one. So I sold the 135 and ordered an M3. It took me about 5 minutes to make up my mind. If it takes you longer than that, then you should probably get the 335 (or a 135, actually).

imballin2day · 06-23-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamann330

How much would a SC cost? I hope its not like MTM for Audis.....

Around $15k or more.

M3 Montreal · 06-23-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hamann330

How much would a SC cost? I hope its not like MTM for Audis.....

ESS has a supercharger that will be coming out on the market in the next few months that is around 11.5 k and about 12 hours of labor. Dyno has it at 560 WHP with the charger and tune. Freeing up the exhaust would add some more to that.

KRB_E90 · 06-23-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FStop7

No.

My Bad - But I get Lemans Blue!
Bottom Line - wanna spend under 50K - go 335 - want to go over 50K, get the M3.
The gas / cost / guzzler killed it for me - maybe in 6 years i'll hook up with the next gen. M3.

06-23-2009, 07:19 AM	#23
KRB_E90 Private First Class 12 Rep 175 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	I was in the same spot you are in - I went with the 335i M-sport. Don't get me wrong - the M3 is a sick...SICK machine. 335I has more low end power but the M will eat it in the end. I love the look of the M3, but with the M-Sport package you get some M3 goodies that will make you happy - and save you 20K as well. Gas Guzzler tax plus poor MPG - think about the long haul and in the event gas prices go up, you'll feel it at the pump. I have a 85 Jeep CJ7 I just finished restoring which gets 12 MPG - don't need two of those! So if money is not a object for you - go get the M3. For me, being 33 with a house and 2 little ones, the 335I makes more sense now- plus with M-Sport you can get LeMans Blue - I was sold. My car is on the boat now on the way over - I can't wait.
	Appreciate 0

06-23-2009, 07:24 AM	#24
Yellowlab New Member 2 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 2021X7M50-Loaded-arriving soon Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Well this is going to sound stupid, but I got the M3 because the seats were so comfortable, and the suspension much more comfortable then a 335i. I know it does not make sense...
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06-23-2009, 07:34 AM	#25
consolidated Lieutenant Colonel 205 Rep 1,864 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2016 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 1999 Porsche Spec B ... [0.00] 2014 Ram 1500 Laram ... [0.00] 2007 Porsche GT3 RS [10.00] 2013 Tesla Model S 85 [0.00]	I got the M3 because I didn't know the 335i existed. To the OP, this is full on jihad topic, why don't you search before ignition. You'll understand once you read up.
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06-23-2009, 07:38 AM	#26
armyav8tor n1smo 97 Rep 1,483 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S [0.00] 2016 Corvette Z06 [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [10.00]	Depends on what you want to do with the car. If you want a daily driver that can take on track duties then the M3 is for you. I've owned both, the M3 is superior in every way possible.
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06-23-2009, 07:51 AM	#28
Gofast111 New Member 1 Rep 5 Posts Drives: FAAAASSSSTTTT!!!! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: JHB iTrader: (0)	I live at high altitude....6000ft, the 335i is the answer, or the supercharged M3 that is running around Johannesburg....leaving everything in its wake!
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06-23-2009, 07:57 AM	#29
ching First Lieutenant 11 Rep 315 Posts Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	Both cars are great. The M3 is a better track car out of the box, but you can make the 335 perform really well on the track with appropriate time and money. Some part swap outs are obvious, but it really is culmination of many changes to the M3 (over the 335) which make it a really great car. Power mods on the M3 are expensive (on a dollar/value ratio), but M3 owners like the flexibility the rev range provides.
	Appreciate 0

06-23-2009, 10:14 AM	#31
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Please test drive both and make your own decision. My decision may not be the same as yours, coming from a previous 335 owner and also a previous B5S4 owner.
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06-23-2009, 11:22 AM	#33
1cleanm6 Brigadier General 441 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: M5 comp/Range/i3S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Earth iTrader: (7)	to be honest they are both good in there own ways... the new 09 335's with the mtech package are BEAUTIFUL and ready to go... Pros for 335: more comfy ride much better power down low a 350 dollar jb3 will get you right on par with m3, with race gas you will be beating them Pros for m3: very sexy engine v8 better handeling/braking rear diff better looks I like to think the m3 is the older brother of the 335, it does everything much better with a lot more experience... Its no question, if you can afford the M, get the M and never look back. Its the BETTER car in everyway except down low power and gas mileage
	Appreciate 0

06-23-2009, 12:23 PM	#35
330CIZHP Major 62 Rep 1,211 Posts Drives: BMW 330 CI ZHP Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Having driven a bone stock M3 and a highly tuned 335, I don't deem it even a comparison. Simply different leagues. The highly tuned 335 was very quick, but it sounded and felt downright boring and bland. It sounded not much different than a regular I6 3-series. The stock M3 launched an aural assault and kept screaming "no one gets past me" as it wailed up to 8500 rpm. Another thing I noticed, the M3 chasis is capable of handling way more power than what the 4.0 Liter V8 has in M3 for straight line or turns, which means you feel speed, braking, lateral acceleration and acceleration a lot less in the M3 than the more inertia-happy 335 and will give you an unsettled feel with a sense of g-forces, which the M3 does not. I am sure the "feel" of torque comes from the fact that the M3's chasis handles inertia a lot more competently with less bodyweight transfer than the 335's chasis does, which results in the throw-back feel in the 335, which the M3 does not have at all. So M3's limits are a lot higher in every respect than that of the 335. I could only imagine how good the M3 sounds and feels with a software tune, nice race exhaust, gruppe M intake kit etc. M3 hands down unless feel and sound is not important to you. Last edited by 330CIZHP; 06-23-2009 at 01:04 PM..
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06-23-2009, 01:23 PM	#37
Nawaaz Brigadier General 221 Rep 4,643 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	I haven't driven a 335i before, but I just know that the M3 is on another level regardless. You're comparing a totally different engine, chassis, and driving experience. The M3 defintely has the nod over the 335i any day. The 335i is good. The M3 is great.
	Appreciate 0

06-23-2009, 01:28 PM	#38
Ado King Kong 57 Rep 771 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I've driven both, owned the 335 for 2 years and bought the M3 when it came out. The 335 can not be compared to the 335 when it comes to the quality of the drive. If you have the money for either or I would get the M3. The downside to the M3 when compared to the 335 is 1 the price and 2nd the torque. I miss my torque of the 335 every day but that's something that will be fixed soon with a Supercharger. __________________ 08 E92 M3 - AA ECU, AA Pulleys, AA Air Filter, AA Short Shifter - CURRENT E92 335i - Vishnu V3, Exhaust, Intake, BOV, CDV Delete - SOLD 1991 850i Dinan Twin Turbo - SOLD
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