From 335 to M3

[Recker]

Hey guys.
Im sure this has been asked before, but i want some real world feedback.
Ive currently got an E90 335, but looking to upgrade to an E92 M3.
Has any of you done exactly that? Just like some feedback on differences between the 2. Servicing, maintenance and living with the M3.
Cheers

[XIX]

Originally Posted by Recker

Hey guys.
Im sure this has been asked before, but i want some real world feedback.
Ive currently got an E90 335, but looking to upgrade to an E92 M3.
Has any of you done exactly that? Just like some feedback on differences between the 2. Servicing, maintenance and living with the M3.
Cheers

I did, though it was my wifes 335 I sold and my M is charged, so not really the same.

M3 is more raw, wont always be quicker, but driven correctly will always be more fun. 335 rarely put a proper smile on my face when I drove it, this does everytime (again its charged).

Everything is more expensive, and the car in general is higher maintenance.

Definately do it, I have owned 4 Ms and I loved them all and they are the only ones of my cars I have missed (40+ cars). But dont expect it to be a bullet or turn too many heads (exhaust does help that) , but that won't change how much fun you are having!

[Recker]

Originally Posted by XIX

I did, though it was my wifes 335 I sold and my M is charged, so not really the same.

M3 is more raw, wont always be quicker, but driven correctly will always be more fun. 335 rarely put a proper smile on my face when I drove it, this does everytime (again its charged).

Everything is more expensive, and the car in general is higher maintenance.

Definately do it, I have owned 4 Ms and I loved them all and they are the only ones of my cars I have missed (40+ cars). But dont expect it to be a bullet or turn too many heads (exhaust does help that) , but that won't change how much fun you are having!

Thanks mate

[Rajvosa]

if you love the low end torque of your 335, do not get the M3.

if you love to sit 4500rpm and above, definitely M3 is for you.

[JJH]

You did not mention if your 335i is modded or not - that can effect how you might feel about the difference between the two. I moved from an FBO E92 335i to an E92 M3. I drove a few M3s to get a real feel for the differences before deciding on the switch and yes, there are some.

People always talk about the M3 as having character. And I will say the same. The 335i was a torque monster at low revs - no doubt that the huge kick in the butt is a rush and hugely addictive. In the end that was not enough to sustain my interest in the vehicle. The M3 with a Stage 2 tune and ehaust has more than enough power even for me (when compared to the 335i I came from). The engine has character (sound, power delivery and all the right noises) and thrives on revs but that is also where it is most entertaining.

While my 335i was a huge improvement in the handling department compared with a stock 335i, it lacked the finesse and balance that the M3 has — despite running M3 control arms, bushes and upgraded Bilstein/Eibach suspension; a Quaife diff, etc. The M3 wins here.

It is those two things: the engine character and power delivery; and the handling balance that swayed me to the M3 and I have not regretted it one bit.

You need to have some drives in a couple to make up your own mind.

[Recker]

Originally Posted by JJH

You did not mention if your 335i is modded or not - that can effect how you might feel about the difference between the two. I moved from an FBO E92 335i to an E92 M3. I drove a few M3s to get a real feel for the differences before deciding on the switch and yes, there are some.

People always talk about the M3 as having character. And I will say the same. The 335i was a torque monster at low revs - no doubt that the huge kick in the butt is a rush and hugely addictive. In the end that was not enough to sustain my interest in the vehicle. The M3 with a Stage 2 tune and ehaust has more than enough power even for me (when compared to the 335i I came from). The engine has character (sound, power delivery and all the right noises) and thrives on revs but that is also where it is most entertaining.

While my 335i was a huge improvement in the handling department compared with a stock 335i, it lacked the finesse and balance that the M3 has — despite running M3 control arms, bushes and upgraded Bilstein/Eibach suspension; a Quaife diff, etc. The M3 wins here.

It is those two things: the engine character and power delivery; and the handling balance that swayed me to the M3 and I have not regretted it one bit.

You need to have some drives in a couple to make up your own mind.

My 335 is stage 1 tuned, it is torquey down low and have heard the M3 isn't like that. I think i just want that M pedigree. I also love the sound of the E92 M3

[Xx__xs]

335 dime a dozen. m3 still rather prestigious.

had an n54 for 2 years before my m3. m3 wins in every category

[Recker]

Originally Posted by System Of A...

335 dime a dozen. m3 still rather prestigious.

had an n54 for 2 years before my m3. m3 wins in every category

And now I've got wastage rattle!

[brownb_2]

If you'll miss the torque, just get a f80

[JJH]

Originally Posted by Recker

My 335 is stage 1 tuned, it is torquey down low and have heard the M3 isn't like that. I think i just want that M pedigree. I also love the sound of the E92 M3

That's the prime difference you will notice but that is simply force fed (in my case ProTuned Stage 2) vs NA. You'll adjust your thinking and adapt but in the end the M3 is far more rewarding. The M3 is sublime in the sound department for sure and we're spoiled in the aftermarket dept. The 335i cannot even compare here ....

[Ski1]

The only case for 335 over M3 is the drag strip of you want to super-boost the N54. Handling wise and in terms of control finesse there is absolutely NO comparison.

[E90M3_Guy]

Hey Recker. Did you end up doing the upgrade from 335 to M3? Would be interested to know your thoughts.

[DOCTOR.Y]

From E92 LCI 335 to e92 LCI M3, both are stock and have similar mechanical conditions.

M3 more comfortable than 335, thicker tyre, edc and softer seats - handle the bumps pretty well.

M3 more firmer than 335, significant less body flex and body roll.

M3 more predictable in any circumstance. Sharper throttle and grippy chassis.

M3 uses a lot more fuel than 335.

[BM335M]

Im also looking at upgrading my E90 335i (MHD Stage 2+) to E90 M3 in the near future. Ive never owned N/A car before, all my previous cars have been turbo (03 WRX, 04 STi, R32 GTR, 335i) and bit skeptical about all out performance from the N/A V8.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by BM335M

Im also looking at upgrading my E90 335i (MHD Stage 2+) to E90 M3 in the near future. Ive never owned N/A car before, all my previous cars have been turbo (03 WRX, 04 STi, R32 GTR, 335i) and bit skeptical about all out performance from the N/A V8.

if you are a turbo guy, you probably want to stick to your preference, and get an f80 m3...

[questionable]

Buy a 1m it’s the best compromise, I went from a 135 to a e90 m3, hated it. Brought a 1m and loved it

[BMWM3TS]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

if you are a turbo guy, you probably want to stick to your preference, and get an f80 m3...

Big price difference between a e9x m3 and f80m3. Yes once a boost junky always a boost junky. Like most circa 10 year plus performance cars , chalk and cheese between stock and tweaked. Stock is crap. Not much of a numbers increase in a tune and its all about throttle response in terms of noticeable improvement. With a tweaked exhaust, standout over a boosted car is the 3rd to second gear dct downshift blip. Very addictive. That said the novalty of the engine note has worn off and I am missing that 3 to 4 second brutal insta boosting hit. Will be going back to a twin turbo'd 4 door (m5 f10 looked the goods but reckon on a gas axed Ferrari v8 motor is now the go) when the upgrade price is circa $ 25k to 30k. Yes will be holding on to the m3 for a bit before that happens. That said, bang for buck a lot of motor car currently for the price and reckon depreciation is all done.

[BM335M]

Correct, big price difference to get the F80. 1M is 2 door and i need a 4 door.
Boost is addictive but the 335i does not have the character of a real M car hence my reason looking to upgrade. How livable is the M3 as a daily car?

[DOCTOR.Y]

Originally Posted by BM335M

Correct, big price difference to get the F80. 1M is 2 door and i need a 4 door.
Boost is addictive but the 335i does not have the character of a real M car hence my reason looking to upgrade. How livable is the M3 as a daily car?

Fuel consumption is really bad: 13 335 vs 19 M3 for me driving same road for a month or so.

Dct is a bit more clunky than 335 but engine is smoother so together not a big deal.

M3 has very strong engine brake effect, thus this car cannot slide like 335. Pretty much release throttle means braking the car. You need to constantly give throttle.

Cabin is a bit noisy than 335: induction noise and exhaust drone a bit at 2000rpm point

M3 Ride comfort with edc settings as comfort is better than 335 with same inch of wheel.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by BM335M

Correct, big price difference to get the F80. 1M is 2 door and i need a 4 door.
Boost is addictive but the 335i does not have the character of a real M car hence my reason looking to upgrade. How livable is the M3 as a daily car?

It's extremely liveable. I drive mine most days to work, I have a Tahoe and a FJ62 but for spirited commuting, the e9x M3 is unbeatable in the price range.. it's just a special car.

[E90M3_Guy]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

if you are a turbo guy, you probably want to stick to your preference, and get an f80 m3...

What SFCM3 says makes sense. If you're accustomed to the torque of a turbo, you'll really miss it with the N/A S65 V8.
I know I do coming from a big capacity, American-style V8. The M3's flat-plane crack just exaggerates the lack of inertia.

[BMWM3TS]

Originally Posted by BM335M

Correct, big price difference to get the F80. 1M is 2 door and i need a 4 door.
Boost is addictive but the 335i does not have the character of a real M car hence my reason looking to upgrade. How livable is the M3 as a daily car?

Driven them back to back? One downside as a daily is fuel consumption particularly when dialed up and stored on the m button is very thirsty.