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E92 335i coupe vs E46 M3 coupe

20 messages,  Last post on Jun 16, 2007 at 9:03 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW M3, BMW M, Coupe

Messages Page 1 of 2

#1 of 20 E92 335i coupe vs E46 M3 coupe by m3guy

Oct 17, 2006 (3:57 pm)

Has BMW dethrone the E46 M3 by creating the E92 335i? Just wanted to get everyone's opinion.
 
IMO there are many features on an M car that differentiates it from a regular 3 series.
 
-steering ratio
-braking
-gear ratio
-suspension
 
I think the 335i is really fast but it would never beat a E46 M3.

#2 of 20 Re: E92 335i coupe vs E46 M3 coupe [m3guy] by habitat1

Oct 17, 2006 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: m3guy (Oct 17, 2006 3:57 pm)
I have yet to drive the 335i coupe. But I have to believe that even if it was nearly as quick as the M3, the handling of the M3 would be much more sports car like. The previous 330i with performance package and sports package was nice and tight, but in a sedan/coupe sort of way. The M3 took it to another level. Perhaps not to my 911S level, but about half way there.
 
The other thing I immediately noticed about the M3 vs. 330i was the free revving nature of the engine and higher redline. All giving the M3 a far more visceral feel than a standard or sport 3-series coupe. My guess is that, even if they could, BMW would not take the 335i coupe to this level of sportiness. They would lose a lot of buyers who would think it was too hard core for daily driving. And make it that much more difficult to sell their next generation M3 to those who thrive on hard core.
 
The new 550i 6-speed with 360hp and 360 ft.lbs of torque looks - on paper - to be close to the previous generation M5. But it's not.

#3 of 20 M3 vs 911 by jjohnjohn

Oct 29, 2006 (12:03 pm)

I read the comment above remarking the M3 is not at the 911 level. Can you elaborate? I am considering getting a 911 over my current 2004 M3 SMG - great car but always wondered if the Porsche is really better and worth its crazy value. Why the 911S compared over then 911 4S or just simple 911? Thanks, hope to hear from you.

#4 of 20 YES!! (until the next V8 M3 comes out) by dwoodruff

Nov 02, 2006 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: m3guy (Oct 17, 2006 3:57 pm)
I am a previous owner of a 330ci, then an M3. After spending a few hours in a 335i, I ordered one. It is a FAR better car than the M3. Believe me, the 335i is the king of sport coupes right now. It is faster than my M3. The 335 feels like it has far more than 300hp. I wouldn't be surprised if we later start hearing that these cars actually have 350hp. Especially at altitude (I live in Denver) where normally-aspirated vehicles lose power, this turbocharged engine is INCREDIBLY strong because it does not lose altitude-related power. It has power way down low, the turbo lag is gone in the blink of an eye, the car shoots forward with the thrust of an amusement park ride and the engine winds freely to 7000 rpm. It's really incredible. Go drive one. Only then will you truly understand. It is the fastest "normal" cars I have ever driven (not counting Ferrari 360 or Porsche 911 TT). And unlke the e46 M3, this e90 is also a sublime experience. It is quiet and docile when you want it to be, yet angry and astoundingly fast when that's what you need. For the money, this is an unbelievable car.
 
Incidentally, to me it's not just about money. I contemplated a Porsche 997 and even a (used) 911 Twin Turbo. I drove the 335i back-to-back with a 2003 911 Twin Turbo, and the 335i wins hands-down in the overall car experience. Sure, the 911TT is a lot faster (scary fast). But in the end, the 911 is small inside, primitive feeling, and feels squirrely and jittery compared to the 335i. I know, I know, they are a completely different class of cars. But to me the 335i made more sense, because it's $50k cheaper than a USED 911TT, it's still pretty damn fast compared to every other car out there, it's a far more comfortable car to be in, and I don't have a track to drive 150mph anyway.

#5 of 20 Re: M3 vs 911 [jjohnjohn] by fedlawman

Nov 02, 2006 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: jjohnjohn (Oct 29, 2006 12:03 pm)
The BMW M3 is a 2-door sedan. It has a terrific engine and suspension, but it cannot escape it's 3500# curb weight and 107.5" wheelbase. In my opinion, it's a very quick and sporty sedan, but it's no "sports car."
 
The Porsche 911, on the other hand, is a sports car (although not in a Lotus Exige / Mazda Miata sort of way). It weighs 400# less than the M3, and has a 15" shorter wheelbase. It's very quick and perfectly suspended, but much more nimble and communicative compared to the portly M3.
 
I find the ride/handling of the 911 to be just about perfect for daily driving - especially with PASM engaged (I would never turn it off). I don't see how anyone could think it's darty or unsettled.
 
I also think the 911 is easily worth the extra $20,000 over the M3. In my opinion, the Porsche beats the BMW in every qualitative & quantitative area except passenger/cargo space. On the other hand, I don't think these cars belong in the same category - kind of like cross shopping a Mustang and a Crown Vic.

#6 of 20 great thread by smithsonga

Feb 06, 2007 (6:53 am)

this is a great discussion.
 
I am determining if I get new 335 coupe or slightly used M3.
 
I also have concerns the M3 may just dump in value within next 2 years and I can lease a 335 at pretty good rates.

#7 of 20 Re: great thread [smithsonga] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 06, 2007 (9:32 am)

Replying to: smithsonga (Feb 06, 2007 6:53 am)
Well they don't "dump" but when a new version of an M comes out, the old one is "old news", (technologically speaking I mean) so yeah depreciation is to be expected...as it would on any higher priced vehicle. If you want a real beating, buy a German V-12. But an older M that shows good care and fastidious maintenance should hold reasonable value.

#8 of 20 Re: great thread [smithsonga] by vegaszen

May 04, 2007 (10:48 am)

Replying to: smithsonga (Feb 06, 2007 6:53 am)
I tested the g35. Lexus 350
and 335.
 
the previous poster was dead on.
 
this car kicks serious butt.
 
Go drive one.
You will want one right away.
....lease it.
I wish I could but buying is right for my situation otherwise I would lease it too.
 
K

#9 of 20 Re: great thread [vegaszen] by dougsilver

May 04, 2007 (11:26 am)

Replying to: vegaszen (May 04, 2007 10:48 am)
That brings up a question that probably does not belong on this thread but maybe you can direct me to the right place. My impression by reading various posts that include discussions about BMW is that many/most lease rather than buy the BMW. The several times in the past that I have tentatively looked into leasing ended quickly as I have always been told that leasing makes sense if you keep a car 2 or 3 years but if you keep longer then buy. If that is the case, do most BMW owners only keep 2 or 3 years?
 
I tend to keep cars more than 5 years and generally put a decent amount down to keep reasonable payments. So where am I going wrong?
 
Thanks,
 
Doug

#10 of 20 Re: great thread [dougsilver] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 04, 2007 (1:20 pm)

Replying to: dougsilver (May 04, 2007 11:26 am)
You aren't. Leases have hidden expenses beyond the advertised "$399 a MONTH!!!" and you will come out far ahead if you buy the car AND if you hold onto it. If you buy the car and re-sell it after 3 years, you'll still be ahead of a lease holder, but not as much--it rather depends on how much equity you have in the car.
 
People change cars frequently because the new ones are always so appealing.

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