View Poll Results: Which oh which?
New 335i Coupe
72
60.00%
Slightly Used E46 M3
48
40.00%
Voters: 120. You may not vote on this poll
What you rather have, M3 or 335i?
05-23-2007 | 12:34 PM
#42
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From: Swansea, MA
I voted for the new 335i... but I'd rather have an e10 with an E30 s14 engine... that would make it a M2002 
If I actually had to pay for it myself, I'd want a ROW BMW 120i, but then I'd have to move to Europe...
If I actually had to pay for it myself, I'd want a ROW BMW 120i, but then I'd have to move to Europe...
05-23-2007 | 01:19 PM
#43
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From: Chicago Burbs
Originally Posted by Loseit
this is the question which is killing me.
M3:
proven reliability (04-06), NA engine (more stable IMO), More ergonomic interior, driver oriented cockpit, no modding necessary(short of blower not really practicle either)
335:
newer, warranty longer, torque, modibility (although it will mess up warranty).
M3:
proven reliability (04-06), NA engine (more stable IMO), More ergonomic interior, driver oriented cockpit, no modding necessary(short of blower not really practicle either)
335:
newer, warranty longer, torque, modibility (although it will mess up warranty).
Pretty much my thoughts.
I like the 335 more since it does provide a lot of low end torque for daily driving. Im sometimes not a fan of hearing the engine scream at higher revs on a daily basis like the M3. Also the 335i does have cooler options like Comfort Access and Idrive.
Although, I been seeing M3s with under 20k miles for around $37k. I mean is the 335i worth $10k more than a slightly used M3.
I also would love SMG. But still, $37k is a lot of money for a car that might soon look out of date.
Last edited by Crazy Bimmer; 05-23-2007 at 01:22 PM.
05-23-2007 | 01:25 PM
#44
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Funny, I went through this same thing when I bought the A4. It was between a used S4 or a new A4.
Looking back im kinda glad i didnt get the used S4 (B5) since they do look outdated now. Im sure i would had more fun in the S4 though.
Looking back im kinda glad i didnt get the used S4 (B5) since they do look outdated now. Im sure i would had more fun in the S4 though.
05-23-2007 | 05:06 PM
#45
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Funny, I went through this same thing when I bought the A4. It was between a used S4 or a new A4.
Looking back im kinda glad i didnt get the used S4 (B5) since they do look outdated now. Im sure i would had more fun in the S4 though.
Looking back im kinda glad i didnt get the used S4 (B5) since they do look outdated now. Im sure i would had more fun in the S4 though.
See, that's the thing.
These "specialty" cars are somewhat exempt to the looking out of date thing since they are a specialty car. The 330 would look dated and the M3 not so much. The E36(?) M3's still look sweet. And are still popular. The definately catch my eye everytime I see one.
As far as the torque is concerned ... i didn't feel a huge difference. Maybe i should go drive one again.
I went and test drove a 645 and 650 on Monday. That takes care of the torque problems completely
The one huge minus was the sunroof doesn't open up....jsut tilt open!
05-23-2007 | 05:48 PM
#48
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From: Charlotte
335. It would be easier for me to live with every day. The M3 is a very fun car to drive, but it would get on my nerves after awhile driving it all the time. Plus M cars mean more maintnence.
The convertable solves that problem 
Originally Posted by Loseit
I went and test drove a 645 and 650 on Monday. That takes care of the torque problems completely
The one huge minus was the sunroof doesn't open up....jsut tilt open!
The one huge minus was the sunroof doesn't open up....jsut tilt open!
05-23-2007 | 06:49 PM
#49
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From: Communist, NY
335......
I had the E46 M3, nice car.....but the 335 just makes for a better everyday driver.
The 335 won't handle as well, but it can still hold its own and has the typical BMW driving dynamic experience.
To me the E46 M3 still looks good but is getting a little long in the tooth style wise.
I had the E46 M3, nice car.....but the 335 just makes for a better everyday driver.
The 335 won't handle as well, but it can still hold its own and has the typical BMW driving dynamic experience.
To me the E46 M3 still looks good but is getting a little long in the tooth style wise.
65ish me thinks.
05-23-2007 | 08:08 PM
#53
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From: Better Neighborhood, Arizona
Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
slightly used M3. I personally dont like the new BMW styling and love the styling of the E46 M3 so that would be my main reason.
05-24-2007 | 10:41 AM
#58
Drifting
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From: Alpharetta, GA
Originally Posted by bigman
A factory motor built for boost is always in most cases built for much more boost than the manufacturer throws at it. If anything, stock for stock a factory boosted motor is usually built stronger than an NA motor. The reason people think that NA's are more stable is because you dont see heads/cam/exhaust/intakes blowing motors up. Whereas turbo guys can get out of control and push too much boost past the compression limits of the motor, thus blowing it. Think about how many guys blow NA motors with Nitrous applications. Turbos get a bad rep because of all the idiots adding more boost and not upgrading their fuel system, or bolting on bigger turbos and thinking it's ok. The beauty of a turbo car is that you can safely make 50-100 more horses for the most part with just bolt ons and tuning on a stock internal motor. To get that in an NA car, it would take boost(which if you have a high compression motor is a no-no), stroking the motor, or camming it up & going aggressive with the heads, thus killing the every day driveability.
Not to mention the new styling is sex in person
05-25-2007 | 01:24 PM
#60
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From: IL
E46, to date IMO it is one of THE best designs BMW has ever made. It was unique, to me, the 335i heck even the new M3, just looks like another 3 series. But the E46 M3 always was an individual, not only that, seeing one drive by, it gives off such a commanding presence, you can't help but say :wow: Also, if you plan to mod, the possibilities are endless, and plenty of support if you ever have a problem. M3 all the way sala.
05-25-2007 | 01:39 PM
#61
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From: Communist, NY
Originally Posted by cTLgo
E46, to date IMO it is one of THE best designs BMW has ever made. It was unique, to me, the 335i heck even the new M3, just looks like another 3 series. But the E46 M3 always was an individual, not only that, seeing one drive by, it gives off such a commanding presence, you can't help but say :wow:
My Jeep SRT gets more attention than my M3 did (SG Met/Imola red int./oem 19s).
So, it wasn't like I had a really bland combo.
05-25-2007 | 01:44 PM
#62
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From: Chicago Burbs
Originally Posted by cTLgo
Also, if you plan to mod, the possibilities are endless, and plenty of support if you ever have a problem. M3 all the way sala.
335i already has so much out on the market and increasing by the buttloads.
Cant do too much with the M3 engine unless you went FI which costs A LOT.
05-25-2007 | 02:30 PM
#65
teh Senior Instigator
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From: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Originally Posted by Beltfed
Um, not so much anymore......a coupe that came out in 01 and was not extremely limited is not going to give off a "commanding presence" at least in major metro areas.
My Jeep SRT gets more attention than my M3 did (SG Met/Imola red int./oem 19s).
So, it wasn't like I had a really bland combo.
My Jeep SRT gets more attention than my M3 did (SG Met/Imola red int./oem 19s).
So, it wasn't like I had a really bland combo.
ironically my GTO gets more looks and comments then my '55 does. Still puzzles me
05-25-2007 | 02:31 PM
#66
teh Senior Instigator
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From: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Originally Posted by Fibonacci
An industry friend told me that the 335 comes from the factory underrated and puts down 350whp?!?! 
dyno's I've seen haven't been anywhere near that. I think the average has been around 270 hp 300 lb ft to the wheels
which puts it at about 350 crank HP (which does show the car is underrated)
05-25-2007 | 02:36 PM
#68
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From: Chicago Burbs
05-25-2007 | 03:03 PM
#71
teh Senior Instigator
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From: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
Does the goat come with an LSD?
Not the greatest, not the worst. It's a pretty good dana unit, but it can't handle a TON of abuse.
I'll replace mine in the future w/ a Kaaz unit
(I actually think it's going to be my next mod after brakes) But I may just wait for the car to get out of warranty to do the rear diff.
05-25-2007 | 06:18 PM
#76
Drifting
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From: 905
Originally Posted by derrick
I'd go with a 335i ... E46 M3 is going to be trumped by the new model V8 thus the resale value will go down the tubes. I will admit the looks of the E46 does appear better to me but the current gen 3-series is growing on me.
although, i'd question how hard the previous own drove it.
05-25-2007 | 09:48 PM
#78
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Both are out of my price range but it would be a tough call. M3's are high maintenence I do know that. I'd probably go with the 335i coupe a this point.
If this was 2004 again I'd have been all over the MMC M3 I could have afforded it.
If this was 2004 again I'd have been all over the MMC M3 I could have afforded it.
Last edited by Brandon24pdx; 05-25-2007 at 09:50 PM.
05-25-2007 | 11:42 PM
#79
Suzuka Master
Joined: May 2007
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From: Maryland
I was faced to this same situation a couple of months ago. It's up to you. The ///M3 is definitely the sports car with the greatest handling, incredible inline 6 and aggressive stance.Also you get an M car which is not as exclusive as it used to be but it's a pure sports car.It's simply perfect for track days or spirited driving.The car is asking and is made to be driven hard.As for the 335i(my choice) it's a more mature car.It appeals by it's smoothness,absent turbo lag, less stiffer suspension and better feeling for everyday use. The E46 undoubtly looks better but the 335i is definitely the wise choice.But in the end it all comes to you. Do you want a sports car with the M logo or a refined german coupe with almost equal performance? Good luck with which ever you use...With either of them you definitely end up with the Ultimate Driving Machine 
