08 M3 or 11 335is...Thoughts?

[PowerLex]

Guys,

Been looking around for some time now for an e90 M3. Found a used 08 M3 in my area with around 54k miles, jerez black with red leather interior. No EDC, no navigation, manual, moonroof, and premium package. Carfax indicated the transmission was replaced when an object struck it from under the car on the highway. Dealer confirmed this was performed through BMW. Dealer is asking $29,985.

On the other hand, I found a 2011 335is in lemans blue down the street with only 21,173 miles, DCT, good carfax. Dealer is asking $29,995.

I originally wanted the M3 but am wondering if this deal on the 335is is too good to pass up. The car will strictly be a daily driver, which is why I'm starting to lean towards the 335is.

Given the added age, mileage and transmission history on the M3 I'm not sure if I should run away.

Let me know what you guys think on the decision and also if you think the asking prices are fair.

Thanks

[dparm]

I wouldn't worry about the transmission thing.

Drive both and go with your gut. The 335is is a nice car (and has a lot of M3 parts in it) but in the end it's not an M3.

[R3dliner]

^
what he said. Every time you see a M3 in the 335 you will start having buyers remorse.

[Amirsm3]

I can't do the mirrors they put on the 335i, lol. Something about them just don't fit. If you end up with the 335is, retrofit the M3 mirrors

Definitely test drive both and go from there.

[PowerLex]

Thanks guys. Anything in particular I should be looking for on an M3 around that mileage? Major services coming up? Anything to look for upon inspection? If the car had rod bearing issues is this something I could hear upon startup? Do you think the EDC is a must have for a daily?

Thanks

[loveskiing]

Go for the 335is...why drive a car that will put a chit eating grin on your face each and every time you run it to 8400 rpm?

[thasuperdude]

Find an 09 or newer M3. It has the newer iDrive system. Trust me on this.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by PowerLex

Thanks guys. Anything in particular I should be looking for on an M3 around that mileage? Major services coming up? Anything to look for upon inspection? If the car had rod bearing issues is this something I could hear upon startup? Do you think the EDC is a must have for a daily?

Thanks

Just get the car's service history and make sure it had all of the maintenance performed. Shouldn't be too hard. If you want the second opinion, ask if you can get a PPI performed by a trusted BMW shop at your expense.

As far as the rod bearing concern, no, you really won't know.

EDC will be a matter of personal preference. If you're not sure, find another M3 (with the same size wheels) that does have the EDC and test drive it. A non-EDC car will ride a bit firmer than an EDC one in comfort mode, but it's very subjective and some may not be bothered by it. If the other car also has DCT, that will be an interesting comparison too since you've mentioned it'll be a daily.

[PowerLex]

Originally Posted by dparm

Just get the car's service history and make sure it had all of the maintenance performed. Shouldn't be too hard. If you want the second opinion, ask if you can get a PPI performed by a trusted BMW shop at your expense.

As far as the rod bearing concern, no, you really won't know.

EDC will be a matter of personal preference. If you're not sure, find another M3 (with the same size wheels) that does have the EDC and test drive it. A non-EDC car will ride a bit firmer than an EDC one in comfort mode, but it's very subjective and some may not be bothered by it. If the other car also has DCT, that will be an interesting comparison too since you've mentioned it'll be a daily.

I'll definitely try to get every bit of service info. I'd prefer the DCT, both for DD convenience and the wife can't drive a manual. So it would just be easier to find a DCT in case she needs to shovel the kiddos around. Only problem is the DCT models I am finding are either much higher mileage, 70k+, or priced about $5k higher for some reason.

Gonna go and see both cars today and try to pick a direction.

[SSJTrunks523]

Just put a deposit on an '11 DCT. I drove the MT and meh? I have always had MT cars and am putting my 328xic 6-speed out to pasture.

What's the budget? I found a bunch in the 20k mi range at BMW dealerships with full service records. You might need to look outside local area.

First post fyi

[SSJTrunks523]

Originally Posted by thasuperdude

Find an 09 or newer M3. It has the newer iDrive system. Trust me on this.

What this guy said

[PowerLex]

Originally Posted by SSJTrunks523

Just put a deposit on an '11 DCT. I drove the MT and meh? I have always had MT cars and am putting my 328xic 6-speed out to pasture.

What's the budget? I found a bunch in the 20k mi range at BMW dealerships with full service records. You might need to look outside local area.

First post fyi

I want to stay under or around $30k. I've looked nationwide, there are only like 50-60 sedans nationwide from what I remember. It's tough!

I also have been looking at used ISF's. I owned one back in 08 when they first arrived. Great car, rock solid, and would be cheaper to own than the M3. Just always felt like it was missing something.

[PowerLex]

Originally Posted by thasuperdude

Find an 09 or newer M3. It has the newer iDrive system. Trust me on this.

Trying to. Part of the appeal of the M3 I'm looking at is that it doesn't have navigation or EDC. Wondering if having less things to break is actually a bonus!

[dparm]

OP, try CarMax. If the car is available at another location, you can pay to have it shipped. I had to do this -- mine came from LA.

[katchup]

M3. I had a really nice 335 back in the day and it lasted 3 months before I had remorse.

[SSJTrunks523]

The 30k mark is what is making it hard to get anything newer. Do a quick internet search though. You'd be surprised what you can find outside of local for deals. (Mine is 1000 miles away)

From a straight cost comparison, remember that the 335is is a turbo (easier to tune and more people who can), and better gas mileage.

Do you have additional cash for the M3's gas? Do you prefer the MT? Are you going to track it? How much do you want the M emblem? These are all personal questions, and no one can answer them for you.

Practicality says to buy the 335is. But practicality would mean that none of us would be here. No one would buy a Ferrari and we'd all be comparing our aero-Prius mpg improvements.

For me: Never having owned a M car, and always wanting, one I purchased an M3. I got the chance and took it. For the same money I could have gotten another brand new 328xi. It's all about what you want in the end.

[ailikesiliu]

M for sure, if you get the 335is you will feel regret every time you see an M on the road, it is just not the same. Trust me, been there done that.

[Danny_K]

Coming from a full bolt on 335 there is simply no comparison to even a stock M3. Go M3, even if you have to go higher miles to stay in the same price point.

[ArthurL]

You're asking an M3 forum which car you should go with... hahah

Go with the M3-

[cmo_93]

The 335 is a great car in its class....it is not in the M3's class....

[335iArchitect]

Originally Posted by SSJTrunks523

What this guy said

If you can afford to wait, great advice.
I went from a FBO '11 335is to a '11 e92 M3 and haven't looked back since

[roastbeef]

"i sold my m3 and upgraded to a 335is."

-no one