The power on my 335I is instant, no turbo lag at all, where as the power on a M3 is mainly at the top end of the rev range.

I agree that the M3 is the more desirable car, but the 335I is probably a better choice if used as a daily drive.

One thing to remember is the cost of ownership.

My previous car was a Seat Leon Cupra K1, and i actually got a £60 refund after transfering my insurance over to the 335I, but they wanted an extra £200 for an E46 M3

 

Wait until 14/1/10 and get a copy of Total BMW, they have tested back to back these cars, the 335 used was our Mr mark@vorny's very own car. You can let the article guide you:thumbsup

 

I have never seen Total BMW, where can i get it from, Kevin?

 

What a nice dilemma to be facing!!!

Have you taken both out for a proper test drive yet?? You may find one 'fits' you much better than the other etc etc!

 

Cheers mate.

 

there was an american video posted on here with 135i vs 335i vs e46 m3.

iirc the e46 m3 had the slowest 0-60 and the slowest 1/4 mile, but was very slightly quicker round the track. i believe the outcome of the video was the 135i was overall the fastest and best all rounder. the 335i in my opinion did that well against the e46 m3 that it will probably worry the m3 owners

 

I think I found the video;

http://www.insideline.com/bmw/m3/20.../bmw/m3/2002/comparison-test-2002-bmw-m3-vs-2008-bmw-135i-vs-2008-bmw-335i.html

Looking forward to the Issue on the 14th/15th.

What is the point in the 335i if the 135i is faster? There's not much difference other than space. Or am I mistaken?

 

it would be cheaper to own a 335i and its looks fresh as its new shape.

 

Very different cars. We had a little play at Santa Pod, and the M3 was quicker off the line than my auto 335i, but as soon as the turbo's get in their stride the gap pulled was closed down. Handling wise, the M3 set up is ahead of the 335i.
Both cars re-mapped, the edition is out on the 15th Jan IIRC.

 

I think they are very different cars for different purposes. The M is going to be a lot more focused and not as nice to live with on a daily basis. Whilst the 335 is going to be more modern and easy to live with.

If I had never owned a M I know what I would choose. Having owned one I would take the more luxurious option!

Ian

 

The M3 has a normal aspirated engine just like you like it then there is only one answer to your question M3 all the way. But the 335ci has two turbos 1 each for thre cylinders so there is no much lag if any at all but its not an M3. So M3 vs a very nice new looking 335ci. I don't know. But the M3 has the history behind it thats for sure.

 

These are the two cars in the forthcoming feature;

http://www.youtube.com/user/MVSportTuning#p/u/0/XaB2TNaSg5k

http://www.youtube.com/user/MVSportTuning#p/u/4/kRp-8dh0vPU

 

Drive both as theya re 2 very different cars yet, both are exceptional cars in thier own right.

The twin tubo models that BMW are producing now are superb (like many turbo cars in the modern age). The engines have next to no turbo lag (many start delivery the goods at around 1,500/1,8000rpm), the power delivery is always strong throughout the entire rev range with no abrupt power spikes. This makes for effortlessly travelling at very brisk speeds in complete comfort and I personally find this to be more relaxing as you never have to hit certain revs etc for power to come in (for brief overtakes, climbing hills etc). Handling wise, even non M based BMWs are very well set up from the factory and personally I cannot fault them for still being able to provide a chassis that offers some comfort but its finely tuned enough to be able to competently handle any situation that you put it in. (Over an E46 M3 - I would not think twice about opting for a 335i).

I have driven a family members SMG version E46 M3. Personally I now dislike having to rev engines to get the car to shift and they also lack rampant surges of acceleration when you may need it in the lower half of the rev range. The chassis is very sublime, whilst its focused and will be firmer, BMW manages to make it comfortable enough for everyday driving. Its a far more involving experience and one where you have to drive the car harder to to appreciate its capabilities.

 

how much for either car?

 

335ci without a shadow of doubt. More useable power, more tuneable and more torque!

 

335s are about 19k, and you can get an m3 for 11k upwards, thats quite a dif in price! i would have thought if it was an e46 m3 then a car on camparision would be a 325 on an o6! they are around 12k, e92 shape.

 

335 for 19k? When I looked the minimum price was 25k and they went up from there.

 

Definately drive both... and drive a few of each if you can.... especially the M3's as they are all so different.

Whilst the 335 is quicker once mapped i know a few people who have gone back to the M because its simply not as exciting to drive.

I believe, as someone mentioned earlier, that the power of a 335 is much more useable..... the M3 needs to be driven hard to get away from some cars whereas the turbo'd 335 has more of a snap...

I have had a play with a few 335's and in standard form there is nothing in it...not noticeable anyway and the ones that have been mapped, whether its the 335i or the 335d, will beat the M3 to be honest as a few of us found out at santa pod:hihi.....:frown... mine is a sharp one to with a remap pushing out the same sort of bhp as the one shown in the video above proven by a couple of rolling roads.

Even tho i own an M3, i think you should go for the 335...i love the M and will keep it for a long long time but go for the newer shape/technology:thumbsup

Just my opinion of course

 

E46 M3 for me without a shadow of a doubt..
You cant even compare these cars they are completely different!!

 

The forthcoming edition of EVO magazine which subscribers receive today has an interesting comparison of a Morego tuned E92 335i, with 382bhp vs an E92 M3.

Highlights;

0-60 335i, 4.6s, 0.1s quicker than M3
1/4 mile identical at 13s, but M3 higher speed
Up to 0-80mph, the 335i has the edge, then the M3 takes over
All in gear increments up to 100mph, the 335i takes the honours

Both auto's, so manual 335i would be quicker still, manual M3 slower as gear ratio's higher according to the write-up.

As per commentary from several members, M3 has the edge chassis wise, but 335i declared an easier day to day prospect.

 

straight 6 sounds right in a m3 a v8 dont, id have e46 m3 anyday... actually id have a e36 m3 and spend the money id saved on it

 

In my view, go for the 335ci, it's probably 6 years newer so it means updated technology, updated styling too. Things would have improved significantly between the e92 & e46.

parts maybe cheaper as well because it's non-M, insurance maybe cheaper too because they don't consider this a super performance car

I had the same question when buying a e46 328ci, I could have gone for the e36 M3 but I ended up with the e46 328ci because it was much newer and better looking & more comfortable.

 

I just want Mark@vorny's 335i, because it is soooo nice!:cool