It is funny to hear yourself echoed throught the hallways of M3post.com. I know no one is quoting me - it is simply that most of us share the exact same opinions on the modded vs. stock debate and especally the modded 335i vs. stock M3. Like the title of my post said I simply wanted to point out that "hopping up a 335i got a lot cheaper".
Jason: I am right there with you. Much of my opinion in this "debate" is based on modding my E36 M3 as well! You could definitely go a bit more "sleeper" though and get those $ figures down quite a bit (
advocate ...
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As far as modding the M3 this will surely be right around the corner. The car is way less pushed to its envelope compared with the E46 M3. With software, intake modifications, removal of the OEM charcoal filter, raising the redline a bit and exhaust mods I bet there is an easy 35 hp to be had. But again nothing like modding a FI car.