Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i

16 messages, Last post on Jul 01, 2008 at 6:06 PM

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Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i - As we've already seen in plenty of comparison tests, the 2008 BMW 335i offers levels of refinement, comfort and performance unmatched by any coupe in its segment — but it comes with a price. (more)

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#2 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [KarenS] by rmrc Apr 29, 2008 (12:28 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Apr 29, 2008 9:01 am) I’ve had two 2003 E46 M3s and now currently have an E90 335i 6MT Sport. All three cars were (335i still is) subjected to multiple BMWCCA driving schools and daily driven. While I haven’t driven the 135i I agree with your conclusions between the M3 and 335i. The M3 is the more focused of the two with a suspension which works well for the occasional track day but rides on the firm side for my daily driving which equates to about 20k miles of freeway a year. The M3 is raw by comparison and the high strung 3.2 liter six must be spun to produce the thrust of the N54. The 335i on the other hand can be both relaxed and very fast. The N54 offers a huge plateau of torque from as low as 1400 RPM which makes freeway passes little more than an afterthought without requiring a downshift. The 335i sport seats are far more comfortable and just as supportive as those found in the E46 M3. Even with the crummy RFT tires the 335i offers a much more comfortable ride. I miss my M3s and the limited slip dif on CCA track days but for the other 99% of my driving the M3 is no match for my 335. And for those that take it to the track a set of track wheels with a square setup and r-comps will dramatically improve the 335.
#3 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [Kar by leftcoastman May 08, 2008 (7:51 pm)
Replying to: KarenS (Apr 29, 2008 9:01 am) This test is a little unfair to the 335i, don't you think? Look at the option packages chosen. The 135i has the sport package with the summer performance tires and better suspension. The M3 is obviously equipped with performance tires and a taut suspension. The 335i was NOT equipped with the sport package and instead comes with skinnier ALL SEASON tires. I don't think anyone should be surprised that it would be slower on the track. I surmise if you got the sport package on the 335i, the wider summer performance tires would erase all performance deficiencies. Replies to this message: nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 8:51 am) fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 11:02 am) nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 6:17 pm) and 1 more... lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 12:00 pm) and 2 more...
#5 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [Kar [leftcoastman] by nkeen Jun 28, 2008 (8:51 am)
Replying to: leftcoastman (May 08, 2008 7:51 pm) Doesn't the base package on the 335i coupe (but not the sedan) include the sport suspension? I think the coupe sport package adds the sport seats, staggered wheels sizes, summer performance tires and higher top speed limiter. I do think these cars are getting too fat and heavy. The 135i weighs considerably more than a Porshe Cayman. And a coupe should not have a pillar between front and rear side windows. The E90 coupe looks like a considerably bigger car than the sedan. Overall, I'd like to see a taller glass areas, no pillar between front and rear side windows, less bulk (crashworthiness willing), availability of quality cloth seats (like the cars sold in Europe), 2,500 lb curb weight. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 11:02 am) nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 6:17 pm) fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 6:24 pm) lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 12:00 pm) fedlawman (Jun 30, 2008 12:47 pm) and 1 more...
#6 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [nke by fedlawman Jun 28, 2008 (11:02 am)
Replying to: nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 8:51 am) I can't think of any coupes that don't have a B Pillar. Structural rigidity and crashworthiness pretty much require it. Crashworthiness also has raised beltlines, making a taller glass area that much harder to pull off in a coupe. 2500 lb curb weights are gone forever. Replies to this message: nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 6:17 pm) fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 6:24 pm) lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 12:00 pm) fedlawman (Jun 30, 2008 12:47 pm) lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 3:34 pm)
#7 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [nke [fedlawman] by nkeen Jun 28, 2008 (6:17 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 11:02 am) Afraid you're right. I think there are one or two exceptions though re the B-pillar -- How about the Bentley Brooklands or Continental? And re curb weight there's always a Lotus or a Morgan Replies to this message: fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 6:24 pm)
#8 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [nke by fedlawman Jun 28, 2008 (6:24 pm)
Replying to: nkeen (Jun 28, 2008 6:17 pm) You're right, of course. Though I was basically only thinking about "real cars" - cars that I wouldn't be afraid of parking at the mall for a couple of hours or commuting to the city in.
#9 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [nke [fedlawman] by lovemyclk Jun 30, 2008 (12:00 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (Jun 28, 2008 11:02 am) "I can't think of any coupes that don't have a B Pillar." Well, there is the current-gen MB CLK... Replies to this message: fedlawman (Jun 30, 2008 12:47 pm) lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 3:34 pm)
#10 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [lov by fedlawman Jun 30, 2008 (12:47 pm)
Replying to: lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 12:00 pm) You're right. I never noticed... Replies to this message: lovemyclk (Jun 30, 2008 3:34 pm)
#11 of 16 Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [lov [fedlawman] by lovemyclk Jun 30, 2008 (3:34 pm)
Replying to: fedlawman (Jun 30, 2008 12:47 pm) Elegant coupe, but does not "do it" for me as much as the 1st-gen, which I owned. When I 1st saw that lipstick-red CLK430 at the Atlanta Auto Show, I HAD to have one (in black, though). BMW 335 Coupe is a splendid piece as performance coupes go, but they do have a B-pillar. Can live with it given the performance from the TT I6 and good chassis balance.