[LP700-4]

Hey guys,

Came across an opportunity to purchase a 2009 E90 M3 sedan. Yes with a 6 speed manual. Car is from U.S with 75k kms. I really love the E46 M but finding a decent one is like finding a unicorn so I've pretty much given up.

Anyone have experience with these newer Ms and know anything about their reliability?

I love my TL to death and that's another issue if I want to give up the nav and sound system and tech that it has and go to a car where it's a base bare bones but with only performance in mind.

Fuck I don't even know anymore, RS help me make a decision

[Geoc]

#yolo

[nma]

i think you just came on here so that people tell you to buy it lol

[mb_]

Buy it!!! Pending PPI of course

[freakshow]

don't do it. If an e46 is on your mind, wait it out and find the perfect one.

[320icar]

Four doors are great. But itb'd straight six is also good. But I've also driven an e9x m3 and that v8 rumble is very hard to beat

[BrRsn]

I testdrove an e90 m3 SMG and it completely shat on all cars I had ever driven or owned.


It's one thing to be able to afford an m3/c63 when you're in your thirties, it's a whole 'nother thing to have a car like that in your 20s. I'd do it

[heleu]

I don't think E90 M3 reliability would be better or worse than E46 M3.

If you're worried about big ticket item going(e.g. rod bearings) get an aftermarket warranty. That will limit your risk to items that cost only... a few thousand dollars. lol.

[bicboi]

At 75k km be prepared to pony up the big bucks when the repair bills come in. As said earlier, do a full PPI on the vehicle and see if anything needs to be done. If you have enough money to do repairs/maintenance after the fact then do it. But if you only have enough money to just purchase the car then I'd say wait for an E46 M3.

With that said the e9x m3 is a stellar vehicle and will no doubt be a blast to drive.

EDIT: If you are worried about re-sale I wouldn't do it. Ex-US vehicle with presumably >100k km at the time you sell it, will be worth peanuts.

[Gerbs]

Do it!

[turbomelon]

having just sold my m3, I can tell you that the car during my three years of ownership has been pretty reliable.

There were a handful of little issues that came up, but it was all covered under extended warranty and didn't really affect the vehicle in any way.

The biggest part of keeping an M3, is the running costs. I had apportioned a large sum of contingency funds for the regular maintenance of the vehicle which helped. Of course you could do the work yourself, or take it to a private shop, but at the time keeping the vehicle under warranty was my primary concern.

Brake Fluid Changes -$680
Front Brakes after 65-80k kms - approximately $1800 bucks
Rear brake pads after 75-85k kms- approximately $900 bucks
M3 Specific Oil- approximately $25/qt cheaper if purchased online.

and of course tires, but a set of four Michelin PSS last about 2 years, which is better than my c63 which needs a new set of rears every year approximately.

This is just a small sampling of the costs of ownership. My biggest problem with the car, was it was just too fun to drive quickly which resulted in litany of speeding tickets.

[Pumbaa]

IMO, M\\\ cars are more reliable than non M models.
Have you consider E90 M3 coupe? I think that's more valuable overtime.

[ilvtofu]

Despite it being technologically inferior to your TL, you'll find the chassis rigidity and steering feel so much more satisfying to the Acura. The manual shifter is not amazing on the E90 and I didn't enjoy tracking the car in stock form at Mission but easy fixes if you're willing to dip into aftermarket and get nicer tires. I hear the E92 is nicer to drive but have never had the chance to compare back to back so I don't know.

[knight604]

I'd say get the car you want e46 m3 ... for like 20k and then 10k on mods hueuhe

[xXSupa]

Have you consider E90 M3 coupe? I think that's more valuable overtime.

Unfortunately, those don't exist. I think you mean the E92 M3.

I personally feel a well maintained E90 M3 will be worth more than a E92 M3 in the future. E90 M3's are super rare, there's not that many out there. E92 M3 on the other hand, tons out there.

[versep]

I thought the E90 M3's came with Logic 7 sound system as standard, just like 330i/335i? If that's the case, the Logic 7 system is way better than the fully loaded TL I test drove. It made the TL's sound system sound like AM radio. If you require even more sound performance, take a look at Focal BMW OEM replacement speaker systems.

There is quite a bit of tech even in a base M3, although the tech is mostly for vehicle performance.

[LP700-4]

So a little bit more about this car: I looked through some owners manual and stuff and found the car is from New Jersey? Has a very recent service reciept with some listings such as: owner found rough idle after cold start or something like that, replaced crank sensor and a bunch of other stuff including a new clutch. Why a 75km car needs a new clutch i have no clue.

Also found a reciept from blitzkreig about a pre-track inspection? Also replaced with track pads i believe so Im gonna assume the car has seen the track then, therefore meaning i will probably pass on this one.

[lowside67]

I personally feel a well maintained E90 M3 will be worth more than a E92 M3 in the future. E90 M3's are super rare, there's not that many out there. E92 M3 on the other hand, tons out there.
The E36 sedans were produced in lower numbers and a much shorter production timeframe as well but the reality is 99% of the buyers out there want coupes and the sedans are hard to sell and sit around forever. Some people ask for a price premium but most are priced well under coupes to just get them to go away. There were even fewer convertibles sold than sedans or coupes and they are worth the LEAST of the 3 bodystyles.

[chin3se604]

Keep the TL man!

jk, good luck on finding one! I gave up on trying to find a TL Type-S and got me a Bimmer.

[evlee]

Don't do it bro

[twitchyzero]

if long term, go for it
if you get bored of your cars within a few years and you're thinking about resale..nope...esp with the exchange rate
post a pic, I wanna know what colour it is!

[SpeedStars]

Sort of off topic...are you selling the TL for it or are you staying with both?

[nabs]

What is it with people in Acura's wanting to upgrade to bimmers all the time. lol.

I'm on the lookout as well.

[mlum6969]

4.0 V8 M3 with manual!?! go for it!!

[xjc11]

Hey guys,

I love my TL to death and that's another issue if I want to give up the nav and sound system and tech that it has and go to a car where it's a base bare bones but with only performance in mind.

Fuck I don't even know anymore, RS help me make a decision


You might not miss that sound system with the m3's s65 V8 :sweetjesus:

Not to mention that the E generation BMW will probably be the last of the naturally aspirated M engines

[LP700-4]

Sort of off topic...are you selling the TL for it or are you staying with both?

Can keep both I guess but only 1 garage spot so one of them will have to sleep outside. Which I don't want either to do best to sell it to someone who will use it

[denham]

I drove at E90 on track at Mission a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. The engine lacks a little low end but it loves to rev, and sounds pretty great too. It's missing a bit of connection that earlier BMWs like an E30 318is give you, for example, but in return you get a whack load of power and great refinement and comfort and sound.

[a00755836]

So a little bit more about this car: I looked through some owners manual and stuff and found the car is from New Jersey? Has a very recent service reciept with some listings such as: owner found rough idle after cold start or something like that, replaced crank sensor and a bunch of other stuff including a new clutch. Why a 75km car needs a new clutch i have no clue.

Also found a reciept from blitzkreig about a pre-track inspection? Also replaced with track pads i believe so Im gonna assume the car has seen the track then, therefore meaning i will probably pass on this one.
if your considering a car from the states, the conversion rate currently isn't too healthy for canadians. price of car * 1.21 (current conversion rate) x import fee x other fees.

ive even hold off on getting mods online shipping to point Roberts for my car.

[TOPEC]

You might not miss that sound system with the m3's s65 V8 :sweetjesus:

Not to mention that the E generation BMW will probably be the last of the naturally aspirated M engines

not the 1M :troll:

[LP700-4]

if your considering a car from the states, the conversion rate currently isn't too healthy for canadians. price of car * 1.21 (current conversion rate) x import fee x other fees.

ive even hold off on getting mods online shipping to point Roberts for my car.

Want to clarify this is a US car but has been imported to Vancouver since 2010 i believe.

Most likely gonna call this one off for now, I love the V8 and good god cant imagine what a muffler delete would do, but i guess the E46 is truely the one i want. I agree that the shifter feels weird and less direct than one in a E46 M. I can probably get one for 20k ish meaning i can save almost half and feel less bad about parking it on the street if it comes to that.

[sexyaccord]

c63 amg is the only 4 dr version i would get.
m3 i would go with the e92 coupe

[Traum]

The biggest part of keeping an M3, is the running costs. I had apportioned a large sum of contingency funds for the regular maintenance of the vehicle which helped. Of course you could do the work yourself, or take it to a private shop, but at the time keeping the vehicle under warranty was my primary concern.

Brake Fluid Changes -$680
Front Brakes after 65-80k kms - approximately $1800 bucks
Rear brake pads after 75-85k kms- approximately $900 bucks
M3 Specific Oil- approximately $25/qt cheaper if purchased online.

and of course tires, but a set of four Michelin PSS last about 2 years, which is better than my c63 which needs a new set of rears every year approximately.

Whoa~ Those numbers are just completely off the charts! How can this type of maintenance possibly be so expensive?!

At the dealership, a typical Japanese car's brake fluid change is ~$150 - $200, including parts and labour. If you DIY, Motul RBF 600 sells for $20 per 500mL.

On the family German car, I seem to remember us paying ~$1500 for a complete 4 corner brake job. This included pads and rotors changes on all 4 corners, and of course includes labour as well. I already thought that was bloody highway robbery since I am used to paying $30 - $40 for a good quality rotor, and $150 for performance pads per axle on my car.

And, is M3 oil made out of liquid gold? $25 per quart is basically Motul 300V pricing. If you are buying online, Motul 300V can be had for ~$20 per quart.

[TOPEC]

^i believe the S65 engine specifies for 5W-60 weight oil plus been BMW LL-01 approved, theres not much choices out there

[turbomelon]

Whoa~ Those numbers are just completely off the charts! How can this type of maintenance possibly be so expensive?!

At the dealership, a typical Japanese car's brake fluid change is ~$150 - $200, including parts and labour. If you DIY, Motul RBF 600 sells for $20 per 500mL.

On the family German car, I seem to remember us paying ~$1500 for a complete 4 corner brake job. This included pads and rotors changes on all 4 corners, and of course includes labour as well. I already thought that was bloody highway robbery since I am used to paying $30 - $40 for a good quality rotor, and $150 for performance pads per axle on my car.

And, is M3 oil made out of liquid gold? $25 per quart is basically Motul 300V pricing. If you are buying online, Motul 300V can be had for ~$20 per quart.

I was initially taken aback as well when doing initial research on the m3's running costs a few years ago. However, if you have a warranty, the easiest way to ensure it stays in place is by going through a dealership.

I'm sure it's partly due to the hourly charge out rate, and then of course the markup on parts from the dealership. Additionally, they create a system of seemingly proprietary procedures.

One example that immediately comes to mind is the high cost of changing a battery at the dealership. Every time you change your battery in the e90 m3, you need to go to a dealership to 'reprogram' the battery to ensure it will run optimally. After installation and parts I recall being quoted at $500.

Idrive knobs, just the aluminum trim ring for the pre-LCI versions cost about $200 for the part and then another $150 for install (essentially popping it into place).

As always, buying the car is the easy part, keeping it running always takes either a lot of your own effort or the necessary funds to get the vehicle serviced by someone else. Places like Nixon are about half the price for labor and if you purchase parts from an online provider you could find them at 70-80% of the price if you're willing to risk having a warranty claim denied by a dealership.

[jmanhas]

I can't say for the E90, but the E46 is just a totally different experience.
I sold my e46 m3 2 years ago, and I just picked up my second one. Although on paper the E46 is noticeably slower, it doesn't feel that way when you drive it. The exhaust note is intoxicating, and the feeling of being connected to the road cannot be replicated, even in the E9X M3 in my opinion. I'm not going to say which car is better for you, but I can say that the E46 is definitely more raw in terms of performance and road feel. If you do decide to get the E90, I would personally wait until the perfect one comes around (local canadian/bc car, fully loaded with nav, the colour that you want as well) since you said you'd really miss the tech in your TL-S.

[westopher]

Warranty is likely over so no need to be buttraped with sand by the dealership for this one. East coast car though? No thanks unless it's about 20% less than the other options around here. As for the track thing? Don't worry about that. People who track their cars often pay a lot more attention to maintenance than the average driver. I think this specific example may not be worth it for you if you really want an e46 though.

[TouringTeg]

I see the same words describing older performance cars such as raw, road feel, and connected. Newer cars are getting progressively more numbing and people who really enjoy driving are shifting back towards manual analog cars. Would partly explain the run up in prices of E46 M3, E30 M3, NSX, 997.1 GT3, 964/993, etc.

The newer versions are faster and more comfortable but they do not provide the same driving experience. Newer cars also have warranty and generally less repairs required. It all depends in what you are looking for in a car.

E46 M3 just posted in CL thread:
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4870966697.html

[Nomomo]

I know Don Nimi's sister has one. E46 with under 25,000km on it. It sits in the garage while she drives the kids in the evo.

[Z3guy]

So a little bit more about this car: I looked through some owners manual and stuff and found the car is from New Jersey? Has a very recent service reciept with some listings such as: owner found rough idle after cold start or something like that, replaced crank sensor and a bunch of other stuff including a new clutch. Why a 75km car needs a new clutch i have no clue.

Also found a reciept from blitzkreig about a pre-track inspection? Also replaced with track pads i believe so Im gonna assume the car has seen the track then, therefore meaning i will probably pass on this one.

I would save $10 grand more and get a newer lower Kms local car. 75k Kms and the car been tracked seems to like you are going to spend allot of money on maintenance and repairs. Bad idle and crank sensor replacement seems odd to me. IMO, I would not do it

[Z3guy]

I have owned e36, e46, and currently an e93 m3. The e46 m3 feels very connected and lively, especially when it was new. However, compared to the e90 m3s it no comparison. The brilliant inline 6 has decent low end torque and loves to revs, but is really gutless compared to modern sports sedans. I would get a clean e46 m3 for a few years enjoy it and than just work your way up the ladder as finances permit. You can't go wrong with any m cars. Except mz3. I love mz3 too! They just handle horribly

[Z3guy]

The E36 sedans were produced in lower numbers and a much shorter production timeframe as well but the reality is 99% of the buyers out there want coupes and the sedans are hard to sell and sit around forever. Some people ask for a price premium but most are priced well under coupes to just get them to go away. There were even fewer convertibles sold than sedans or coupes and they are worth the LEAST of the 3 bodystyles.

The e36 verts in the long term are going to be the most highly sought after. Give it another 10yrs

[westopher]

North american E36s are honestly never going to be sought after.

[lowside67]

The e36 verts in the long term are going to be the most highly sought after. Give it another 10yrs
We have the quote in writing but I absolutely believe that the highest value ones will be the bubble wrapped like new coupes. Guess we'll see in 2024.

Mark

[Amaru]

For my money the e46 M3 is the best car BMW has ever made, and one of the best cars of the 21st century. Incredible engine, beautiful and ageless body style, and practical for most day-to-day needs.

That said, the e46 isn't getting any newer, and the e92 is in a whole new league performance-wise.

Apologies if this has already been asked in the thread, but why not an e92 335i? I am biased because I own a 2009, but it's around the same as the e46 m3 in terms of straight-line performance, and cost of ownership should be a bit lower than with an M3 (of any gen). You also get the more modern styling... Not to mention the fact that $5k in simple ecu and bolt-on mods will put you in the 450bhp range.

I recently bought my '09 335 coupe -- local, no accidents, 6spd, 62,000kms -- for $22k. Definitely better value than an e46 m3 IMO, as long as you don't mind going forced induction (and the lag is almost imperceptible, at least in the twin turbo N54).

I actually personally prefer FI for a daily driver, since you can use the power more often (and without waking up every one in the neighbourhood revving to 8500rpm).

[jmanhas]

335i is definitely fast, and torquey. But when it comes to performance, its not just about horsepower. The 335 feels like a regular 3 series, with twin turbos thrown on top to improve its "performance". The E46 M3 was specifically made to be driven as a raw sports car. Perhaps i'm a bit biased, but I personally feel the E46 M3 has a much more timeless look, probably due to the fact that the 3series is as common as a honda civic in Richmond. You'd be getting a lot more car for the money compared to the 335i. But if its luxury/technology that concerns you more, then the E9X 335i is probably a better car for you.

I've considered the 335i as well, which allowed me to see the pros and cons for both cars. When i was looking for a car, my main concern was about the driving experience. After having driven both and comparing them side by side, it was a no brainer for me. (I'm not using my car as a daily, but just a summer car)

[westopher]

Don't get me wrong, the 335i is a great car, but as said the differences in the car are far greater than just the motor.
A NA M motor @5000+ RPMs is to fucking die for regardless.
As far as the BMW M cars go. The oldest start at maximum fun and drop down as the generations pass.
The oldest also start at minimum practicality and reliability and increase as generations pass. The e46 is the ultimate of both worlds in that regard.

[Z3guy]

North american E36s are honestly never going to be sought after.

Not by enthusiasts but by collectors due to low production numbers. It is a gamble though

[Tapioca]

For my money the e46 M3 is the best car BMW has ever made, and one of the best cars of the 21st century. Incredible engine, beautiful and ageless body style, and practical for most day-to-day needs.



That would probably be the E39 M5.

Why not an E39 M5? V8 and probably a more analog experience than the E46 M or the E90 M. Plus 4 doors which is pretty useful if you plan to keep the car long-term and commands more respect in the parking lots, etc. (if that's your thing). Same maintenance issues, of course, but if you want to get an M car, you gotta pay to play. Or just buy a E46 ZHP (the last DIY-friendly 3-series) if you want to drive something that just "works".

One last thing, just because you can afford a BMW (any BMW) doesn't mean that you can afford to drive one. At the very minimum, you should be prepared to turn your own wrenches. Buy a good set of Torx wrenches, setup a laptop and load it with the appropriate diagnostic software, find some good part suppliers, and read BMW forums. For a late model BMW with fewer OEM part suppliers, set aside $400-500/month for repairs and maintenance. Good luck.

[westopher]

Not by enthusiasts but by collectors due to low production numbers. It is a gamble though

I'd say it's totally the opposite. Enthusiasts will always be looking for e36s as they are great cars to drive. Collectors won't care because they actually produced lots and they were neutered in the throttle body department. I think there were like 70k of them made. Mine is 1 of 137 though, although with the interior swap it's now 1 of 1.

[Tapioca]

I'd say it's totally the opposite. Enthusiasts will always be looking for e36s as they are great cars to drive. Collectors won't care because they actually produced lots and they were neutered in the throttle body department. I think there were like 70k of them made. Mine is 1 of 137 though, although with the interior swap it's now 1 of 1.

The E36 is a great platform; it's just too bad the interior is pretty poor compared to the E46 (our family has had the E36 and E46). Definitely more entertaining to drive than the E46.

I drove a Honda for 10 years and I got my feet wet in the BMW pool with an E30 (a 325is, no less). Thinking about it again, If I were the OP, I would start small and get something like a late-model E36 with a stick shift and understand how BMWs work and drive. Once comfortable, then move up to something like an E46/E90.

But, on the other hand, YOLO.

[LP700-4]

I can't say for the E90, but the E46 is just a totally different experience.
I sold my e46 m3 2 years ago, and I just picked up my second one. Although on paper the E46 is noticeably slower, it doesn't feel that way when you drive it. The exhaust note is intoxicating, and the feeling of being connected to the road cannot be replicated, even in the E9X M3 in my opinion. I'm not going to say which car is better for you, but I can say that the E46 is definitely more raw in terms of performance and road feel. If you do decide to get the E90, I would personally wait until the perfect one comes around (local canadian/bc car, fully loaded with nav, the colour that you want as well) since you said you'd really miss the tech in your TL-S.

Theres just something so special about E46 M3s right? I mean you've only bought 2 lol. Ive only driven one once and nothing else has been able to replicate or beat that experience. The E90 feels more like a muscle car for some reason, straight line the torque is brutal.


E46 M3 just posted in CL thread:
2003 BMW M3 (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4870966697.html)

I dont want some beat up 200k M3 either tho. I want one thats 2003+ and under 100k kms with a 6 speed. Ive been looking almost every day on CL and to this day none of them match my criteria.


Apologies if this has already been asked in the thread, but why not an e92 335i? I am biased because I own a 2009, but it's around the same as the e46 m3 in terms of straight-line performance, and cost of ownership should be a bit lower than with an M3 (of any gen). You also get the more modern styling... Not to mention the fact that $5k in simple ecu and bolt-on mods will put you in the 450bhp range.

I recently bought my '09 335 coupe -- local, no accidents, 6spd, 62,000kms -- for $22k. Definitely better value than an e46 m3 IMO, as long as you don't mind going forced induction (and the lag is almost imperceptible, at least in the twin turbo N54).

I actually personally prefer FI for a daily driver, since you can use the power more often (and without waking up every one in the neighbourhood revving to 8500rpm).

I actually drove a 2012 335i sedan 6MT a couple days ago, the car is fantastic when it comes to power but it doesnt feel as balanced and handle as well as any of the M cars.

Call me picky but im not too interested in any BMW that doesnt have an M on it. Go M or go home is my mentality right now.

[bomiheko]

You can upgrade the suspension to Kw V3 and add M sway bars and it'll handle much better than the M3. A sweet thing about the 335i is the tunability and mods. A cheap $400 JB4 chip boosts the car up 80hp. Add in intercooler, intake, downpipes and exhaust, you get almost 430hp with just over $2k in mods. The 335i I'm driving outruns so many cars, they always have a shock to their face because I kept the outside appearance quite stock. I wish I had a M badge though, but if I were to get a M car, it'll have to be a E92 M3 or E39, F10 M5, but I'm totally satisfied with this 335i. Puts down way more torque than the E92 M3.

[westopher]

No LSD in a 335i though is there?

[jasonturbo]

Hmmm I repeatedly considered buying an E90 M3.. never could pull the trigger though.

Compared to my E46 M they were just missing something, sure the V8 has a certain unique "urgency" to it, but something about the car just didn't' feel right to me.

Having said that, it's still a lovely car - though I do believe the E series cars have the fastest wearing interior BMW has ever made, to me this is a major con.

Now having driven the F80 M3, I wouldn't for a second consider the E90, the F80 is just amazing, a real step forward even with the slightly dull engine note… I came very close to leasing one over the GTI but would have felt sad seeing what the Alberta winter did to it.

335i… does not compare to an M car IMO, totally different driving experience. That's not to say the 335i isn't a good car, but the trend is for 335i owners to graduate to an M3, not the other way around.

[TOPEC]

dudeee, OP is looking for a M3, not a 335 LOL, so stop telling him to get a 335 n throw money into it to make it better than a M3. for all we know, OP aint gonna mod his M3 so what makes u think he'll mod a 335?

no one with a M3 will wish they had gotten a 335 instead

[westopher]

I think, if the OP wants a REPLACEMENT for his car, an e90 is the best choice. If he wants something less practical and more fun, an e46 is the best option, and if he wants something to add to his driveway and keep the TL as a daily an e36 M3 would be the best choice.

[Amaru]

335i is definitely fast, and torquey. But when it comes to performance, its not just about horsepower. The 335 feels like a regular 3 series, with twin turbos thrown on top to improve its "performance". The E46 M3 was specifically made to be driven as a raw sports car. Perhaps i'm a bit biased, but I personally feel the E46 M3 has a much more timeless look, probably due to the fact that the 3series is as common as a honda civic in Richmond. You'd be getting a lot more car for the money compared to the 335i. But if its luxury/technology that concerns you more, then the E9X 335i is probably a better car for you.

I've considered the 335i as well, which allowed me to see the pros and cons for both cars. When i was looking for a car, my main concern was about the driving experience. After having driven both and comparing them side by side, it was a no brainer for me. (I'm not using my car as a daily, but just a summer car)

Agreed on all points.

If you're simply looking for the best driving experience, e46 M3 is a no brainer.

If you're looking for a practical daily driver that is a blast to drive, the e92 335 is probably a better overall buy.

I actually drove a 2012 335i sedan 6MT a couple days ago, the car is fantastic when it comes to power but it doesnt feel as balanced and handle as well as any of the M cars.

Call me picky but im not too interested in any BMW that doesnt have an M on it. Go M or go home is my mentality right now.

No, non-M BMW's are obviously not tuned for track performance. With mods, you can easily achieve similar track performance numbers, but an M will always be a much more pure-bred performance car.

For most people (myself included), the comfort, practicality, and cost of ownership benefits make the 335 a more appealing alternative.

If you're into the prestige of owning an M, or if you simply want the best driving experience out of the box, then I would think both e46 and e92 m3's would work nicely.

Anyway, sounds like you know what you want. Good luck in the hunt!

dudeee, OP is looking for a M3, not a 335 LOL, so stop telling him to get a 335 n throw money into it to make it better than a M3. for all we know, OP aint gonna mod his M3 so what makes u think he'll mod a 335?

Well, for starters, the S54 motor in the e46 M3 has far more limited potential in terms of bolt-on mods.... it's a better package out of the box by far, but the 335 offers excellent bang-for-buck value. Dump $5k into a 335 and you'll destroy e46 M3's on the track.

Also... relax. We're trying to offer the OP helpful suggestions because the 335i is valid, comparable car. It's obviously not the car he's looking for, but we're simply trying to help the dude by making a suggestion.

no one with a M3 will wish they had gotten a 335 instead

Haha. You're not a BMW owner, are you?

Lots of e46 m3 owners wish they had a 335... hell, I know at least one personally. There are lots of dudes on Bimmer forums that have dumped their M3's in favour of 335's. It's a newer car that's just as fast in a straight line, but with more modern styling, more comfort/technology, better potential for modifying, and most likely lower cost of ownership.

Don't get me wrong, in stock form and in terms of pure driving enjoyment, both e46 and e9X M3's are superior to any non-M 3-series. But there is plenty of reason for someone looking at e46 M3's to also consider an e9X 335. If it's not the OP's cup of tea, that's cool, to each their own... but let's not get carried away and suggest that no-one would ever want to 'downgrade'.

[westopher]

I think topec was referring to swapping between m cars to non m cars from corresponding generations.

[Traum]

Well, for starters, the S54 motor in the e46 M3 has far more limited potential in terms of bolt-on mods.... it's a better package out of the box by far, but the 335 offers excellent bang-for-buck value. Dump $5k into a 335 and you'll destroy e46 M3's on the track.

The N54 and N55 in the 335i / 135i is a phenomenal engine, but only in street use. When taken to the track, the sustained stress induced by track use has a much higher chance of causing stuff to break in the N54 and N55 than in the e46's S54.

I would advise against hardcore flogging of a 335i on the track. It doesn't mean you can't take the car out to enjoy it at the track. Just don't flog it, and don't beat the crap out of it trying to squeeze every last drop of performance it has. You don't want to head home on limp mode or on the back of a tow truck.

[TOPEC]

Lots of e46 m3 owners wish they had a 335... but let's not get carried away and suggest that no-one would ever want to 'downgrade'.

i was strictly talking about a e9X m3 to a e9X 335... no one with a e9x M3 will wish they had gotten a e9X 335 instead

Well, for starters, the S54 motor in the e46 M3 has far more limited potential in terms of bolt-on mods.... it's a better package out of the box by far, but the 335 offers excellent bang-for-buck value. Dump $5k into a 335 and you'll destroy e46 M3's on the track.

dump $5k into what? a big turbo setup so u can out run a m3 in a straight line n cant turn for shit? or into a nice set of coilovers along with some bushings only to have the torque of the turbo motor end up burning out the inside tires in corners because of the open rear diff? what about the other issues that the n54/n55 platform face? the turbo motor does not take heat well, bmw themselves added external oil coolers for their "factory tune" n ppl r finding even with the external oil cooler added, its still inadequate on the track... n this is all with stock hardware. then theres the direct injection issue with carbon build up...

he already made it clear hes not interested in non m cars, so stop trying to shove it down his throat about a 335's "potential" to beat a e46 M3 when OP was looking at a e9X M3

Haha. You're not a BMW owner, are you?

y yes i do have a 335 as a daily, thank you for asking

[jmanhas]

Theres just something so special about E46 M3s right? I mean you've only bought 2 lol. Ive only driven one once and nothing else has been able to replicate or beat that experience. The E90 feels more like a muscle car for some reason, straight line the torque is brutal.


Since i sold my old M3, I've went through multiple cars trying to chase that same connectedness and road feel i experienced with the M.
I got a 2010 TL SH-AWD 6 speed (clutch was so soft, it felt like i was playing battle gear, but super comfy and techy on the inside), Integra Type R (Raw as hell, slightly uncomfortable due to harsh suspension and JDM recaros), FX35 (kinda random but comfy. I always liked that car), E55 AMG (Childhood dream car with endless amount of torque and intoxicating exhaust note), then back to the E46 M3.

All cars had its perks and they were all fun to own. But at the end of the day, i still ended up back in another E46 M3! I do miss my old laguna seca blue though..

[gripenM]

am I the only one who thinks the E46 M3 is a good car but not a Great car?

it handles likes a truck compared to the E36, I would even say the E9x M3 feels sharper than the E46.

also E46 interior quality is not as great as the E36 either.
Just take a look at the E46 door handles and watch the door seals for peeling and hanging down.
the S54 is a good engine though
overall, the E46 M3 is the only gen I would skip out on

as for the 335i vs M3 argument, once you go M, you'll never look at a regular series car again.

[westopher]

You know how to make a man feel good about his e36. Truthfully after driving both the e46 and e36 though I really enjoy my e36 more. It feels so much smaller. The e46 really is a better car though. Its a LOT faster.

[jmanhas]

I've always wanted to compare the E46 M3 to the E36 M3, i wonder how much more raw the E36 would feel

[westopher]

This summer we can swap for a drive if you want.

[prolepsis]

If you really want an E46 M3 instead of an E9x M3, my suggestion is that you pass on the E90 M3 and wait for the right E46 M3; otherwise, you may always wonder or still want an E46 M3. (Based on what you've written in this thread, looks like you're planning on passing on this E90 M3.)

Having said that, I've always really liked the E9x M3s and always wanted one, but I'm also coming from an E39 M5, so I'm okayish with the overall heavier weight of the E9x versus E46.

I've owned my E92 M3 stick shift for a little over a year now and it's a great all-around car.

For me, I find the E9x compares more to an E39 than E46, based on the larger size of the E9x generation. E39's engine has more low end torque, but the E9x's engine revs higher and faster, and feels more frantic.

In owning M cars, as others have said on this thread, you'll want to budget some extra funds for anything that pops up unexpectedly, even if you're on top of things for regular maintenance. Maintenance costs and parts costs are higher.

I come from a Honda family as well, so the difference in maintenance is definitely noticeable. There is a noticeable difference in driving feel between the two companies, as I've driven a number of Hondas and BMWs.

Good luck with your search!

[ah gon]

I'm on the same boat.the one u r intetested is in grey color?

[The_AK]

All this talk of 335i, my only gripe would be cost of owning a turbo car. Anyone know how e46 m3 vs 335i vs e90 m3 are in terms of engine reliability? My friend former owner of 335i (now owns an e90 m3) had some electronics issues when it came to his turbos but dont remember what it was exactly.

[bomiheko]

All this talk of 335i, my only gripe would be cost of owning a turbo car. Anyone know how e46 m3 vs 335i vs e90 m3 are in terms of engine reliability? My friend former owner of 335i (now owns an e90 m3) had some electronics issues when it came to his turbos but dont remember what it was exactly.

The 335i I'm driving has been relatively reliable. Only thing we had to change was the VANOS selenoids. The turbo problem you mentioned is probably the wastegate rattle. If the car was under warranty, it can be replaced. Sometimes they give you new turbos as well. But its not a problem that decreases performance or reliability, just the sound of it is annoying. I've been driving this car for 5 years now and want a change so looking for a m3 or s5. Put 100k kms on it and never had any major problems. I have already put aside some money for the water pump that's gonna fail anytime soon.

[jmanhas]

I've had a few friends who owned the E92 335i's and majority of them had the issues with their fuel pumps, bringing it to the dealership multiple times during their years of ownership. Out of all of them, only one has the 335i left. After asking them, their only recommendation was to stay far away, especially the first year production 335i (2007)

[Tapioca]

^ A neighbour of mine has a 335i and it seems like his loaners are parked in his spot more often than his car.

Another thing to consider is that the DIY community is very active on the E46 compared to the E9x. Once you have a problem, you're more likely to find the cause online so you can either fix it yourself, or at least tell your specialist what the problem is and not end up on a wild goose chase to fix it.

[The_AK]

^ A neighbour of mine has a 335i and it seems like his loaners are parked in his spot more often than his car.

Another thing to consider is that the DIY community is very active on the E46 compared to the E9x. Once you have a problem, you're more likely to find the cause online so you can either fix it yourself, or at least tell your specialist what the problem is and not end up on a wild goose chase to fix it.

Thanks for feedback guys. I would agree on this part as a 330ci owner, e46 M3 seems more appropriate for the diy enthusiast. Not sure how many guys turn wrenches on their e90s.

[j3welz]

I've owned both the 335i with FBO mods and switched to an E92 M3 about 2 years ago. Honestly, I've had pretty much every single thing go wrong with the 335i (turbos replaced, fuel injectors, vanos solenoid, multiple hpfps). Thank god I had an extended 3rd party warranty that covered me, but wisely got rid of it when that ended and got myself into an M3.

So far, the only things that's gone wrong on me in 40k is a seized caliper and a slow DCT transmission leak, both repaired under CPO warranty. The maintenance costs aren't so bad if you have work performed by an indy and you supply your own parts. I'd estimate about an avg of $1,500/yr including tires factored in. Although, the M3 is not without issue, there seems to be a possible rod bearing clearance problem affecting a small % of engines. Knock on wood this doesn't happen to me, but I'll probably be replacing them when I get to 100k.

Blown motors, Bearing failure S65 Registry. (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=786615)

As for the driving experience, there really is no comparison. Revving that V8 past 8000rpm is something that can't be described in words. It's funny because I remember the first time test driving it, it felt very lackluster as I couldn't rev it past 5000 due to the short test drive.

[The_AK]

^Steven that you? lol

[TOPEC]

I've owned both the 335i with FBO mods and switched to an E92 M3 about 2 years ago. Honestly, I've had pretty much every single thing go wrong with the 335i (turbos replaced, fuel injectors, vanos solenoid, multiple hpfps). Thank god I had an extended 3rd party warranty that covered me, but wisely got rid of it when that ended and got myself into an M3.

So far, the only things that's gone wrong on me in 40k is a seized caliper and a slow DCT transmission leak, both repaired under CPO warranty. The maintenance costs aren't so bad if you have work performed by an indy and you supply your own parts. I'd estimate about an avg of $1,500/yr including tires factored in. Although, the M3 is not without issue, there seems to be a possible rod bearing clearance problem affecting a small % of engines. Knock on wood this doesn't happen to me, but I'll probably be replacing them when I get to 100k.

Blown motors, Bearing failure S65 Registry. (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=786615)

As for the driving experience, there really is no comparison. Revving that V8 past 8000rpm is something that can't be described in words. It's funny because I remember the first time test driving it, it felt very lackluster as I couldn't rev it past 5000 due to the short test drive.

seems like the most common issue with the M3 is the bearing failure affecting early release, and also the DCT transmission leak as well. mine was seeping oil n the pan/gasket was replaced under warranty.

[liukb]

Currently have an e92 335i, not really any major problems so far at 60k besides water pump issue few months after warranty expired...Few times I've been considering switching to an e46 m3 instead, but unsure since its an older car. any suggestions?

[Energy]

I chose the e92 335i over the e46 m3 because it was newer and came with a warranty.

I wouldn't trade my car for an e46 m3, it would have to be an e92 M3 if I ever switch to an M.

[Tapioca]

Currently have an e92 335i, not really any major problems so far at 60k besides water pump issue few months after warranty expired...Few times I've been considering switching to an e46 m3 instead, but unsure since its an older car. any suggestions?

It depends what you're looking for in a car. Are you looking to get your hands dirty, or a more direct/old-school driving experience? Or are you looking for something newer, probably fewer issues, and something that is faster?

The E46 M3 is probably the last of the old BMW - no fancy systems and relatively common-sense engineering (subframe issues notwithstanding). Of course, like any older car, it will have issues unless it was maintained by a diligent owner. Most of the E46 M3s have probably passed through several owners by now who likely skimped on maintenance.

[j3welz]

^Steven that you? lol

Haha yep. How you liking your E46?

[wonton1017]

Flame suit on but the m3's v8 has been a no-go for me since forever. Sounds orgasmic, but getting owned by otherwise stock tuned 335i is never going to feel good.

True, the handling does not feel anywhere close to an m3 though even with coilovers, but spending $1k on control arms, sway bars and subframe bushings will make it come real close. Either way, how many of us track our cars enough to make use of the handling superiority?

300hp/300torque stock, 360/380 with just a $100 tune, 400+/420 with tune, exhaust, DP and intake that can all be had for less than $1000.

HPFP and water pumps are the main issues with the car, but after 2 years of owning a now 6 year old car, I've never had to bring my car in.
It's like that with every car, some people are just unlucky and end up with a lemon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm bored of the e92 335i already but it's because of the weakass looking fenders, boring hood and dated angel eyes.

Yeah, you can't compare a non-M to an M but I think for the e9x generation you can. The F8x M3/M4's are just insane, now for THOSE you can't compare.

[bomiheko]

Flame suit on but the m3's v8 has been a no-go for me since forever. Sounds orgasmic, but getting owned by otherwise stock tuned 335i is never going to feel good.

True, the handling does not feel anywhere close to an m3 though even with coilovers, but spending $1k on control arms, sway bars and subframe bushings will make it come real close. Either way, how many of us track our cars enough to make use of the handling superiority?

300hp/300torque stock, 360/380 with just a $100 tune, 400+/420 with tune, exhaust, DP and intake that can all be had for less than $1000.

HPFP and water pumps are the main issues with the car, but after 2 years of owning a now 6 year old car, I've never had to bring my car in.
It's like that with every car, some people are just unlucky and end up with a lemon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm bored of the e92 335i already but it's because of the weakass looking fenders, boring hood and dated angel eyes.

Yeah, you can't compare a non-M to an M but I think for the e9x generation you can. The F8x M3/M4's are just insane, now for THOSE you can't compare.

I see you parting out your car, what you gonna drive next? :)

[j3welz]

Flame suit on but the m3's v8 has been a no-go for me since forever. Sounds orgasmic, but getting owned by otherwise stock tuned 335i is never going to feel good.

True, the handling does not feel anywhere close to an m3 though even with coilovers, but spending $1k on control arms, sway bars and subframe bushings will make it come real close. Either way, how many of us track our cars enough to make use of the handling superiority?

300hp/300torque stock, 360/380 with just a $100 tune, 400+/420 with tune, exhaust, DP and intake that can all be had for less than $1000.

HPFP and water pumps are the main issues with the car, but after 2 years of owning a now 6 year old car, I've never had to bring my car in.
It's like that with every car, some people are just unlucky and end up with a lemon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm bored of the e92 335i already but it's because of the weakass looking fenders, boring hood and dated angel eyes.

Yeah, you can't compare a non-M to an M but I think for the e9x generation you can. The F8x M3/M4's are just insane, now for THOSE you can't compare.

Lol, this is what every 335i owner says, including myself when I had one. And you won't be outrunning any generation of M3s at a stop light, those mods and the amount of torque the car produces at only 1500rpm practically make 1st and 2nd gear unusable at WOT without a LSD, esp considering how much it rains here in Vancouver.

[Energy]

Flame suit on but the m3's v8 has been a no-go for me since forever. Sounds orgasmic, but getting owned by otherwise stock tuned 335i is never going to feel good.

True, the handling does not feel anywhere close to an m3 though even with coilovers, but spending $1k on control arms, sway bars and subframe bushings will make it come real close. Either way, how many of us track our cars enough to make use of the handling superiority?

300hp/300torque stock, 360/380 with just a $100 tune, 400+/420 with tune, exhaust, DP and intake that can all be had for less than $1000.

HPFP and water pumps are the main issues with the car, but after 2 years of owning a now 6 year old car, I've never had to bring my car in.
It's like that with every car, some people are just unlucky and end up with a lemon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm bored of the e92 335i already but it's because of the weakass looking fenders, boring hood and dated angel eyes.

Yeah, you can't compare a non-M to an M but I think for the e9x generation you can. The F8x M3/M4's are just insane, now for THOSE you can't compare.

Add E85 and the car flies :)

Lol, this is what every 335i owner says, including myself when I had one. And you won't be outrunning any generation of M3s at a stop light, those mods and the amount of torque the car produces at only 1500rpm practically make 1st and 2nd gear unusable at WOT without a LSD, esp considering how much it rains here in Vancouver.

Sure, hypothetically even if you cannot use ALL the power off the line the midrange power and passing ability of a modded 335i is just amazing. And the engine is just so smooth and the torque is perfect for day to day driving. No E46 or E92 M3 is going to pass me in straight line unless they've gone FI.

Not knocking the M3 in terms of handling but M3 owners should just accept that they have less power.

[westopher]

Its funny because people say "the 335i is way faster than the M3 in a straight line with mods" but then also say "you'd never feel the difference in handling anywhere but the track."
If you are driving hard enough to feel the power straight line power difference, you are going to drive hard enough to feel the handling difference.
I'm not an M snob. I drive the 2nd shittiest m3 ever made. (the shittiest is the e30, I still want one but seriously, its a 190hp 4 banger with a power band like a heart rate monitor) It couldn't compare to a new 335i. But a 328i of my generation couldn't equate to my m3. The e30 325is was faster in a straight line than the e30 m3 but it wouldn't ever be a better car. You could make it handle better than a stock m3 but the stock m3 would still be the better car. You could supercharge your e46 330i and make it faster than the e46 m3 but it still wouldn't be the better car. A car is the complete package more than the numbers that can be achieved with it.

[wonton1017]

^From what I can see, the majority of the people here make use of torque more than horsepower and handling when driving in the city.

Lol, this is what every 335i owner says, including myself when I had one. And you won't be outrunning any generation of M3s at a stop light, those mods and the amount of torque the car produces at only 1500rpm practically make 1st and 2nd gear unusable at WOT without a LSD, esp considering how much it rains here in Vancouver.

And how does the handling help in Vancouver then?

I see you parting out your car, what you gonna drive next? :)

Not sure yet :P

[TOPEC]

Its funny because people say "the 335i is way faster than the M3 in a straight line with mods" but then also say "you'd never feel the difference in handling anywhere but the track."
If you are driving hard enough to feel the power straight line power difference, you are going to drive hard enough to feel the handling difference.

because every 335 owner likes to brag about how they can keep up with a car that costs $20K more, but knows that when it comes to turns their $20K less car wont be able to keep up so they always fall back to the "oh u wont feel the handling difference unless ur on the track pushing the car" saying.

lets face it people, a M3 is a M3, no amount of money spent on a 335 will make it a M3 no matter what...

[gripenM]

Let's put it this way...
would you rather an import model with thick make-up and boob implants?
or a natural victoria's secret model :considered:

sure I'd do both, but i know what I'd prefer ;)

[mikey2781]

I don't understand what's with this HANDLING addiction. If I drove from North Van to Langley, I make at most 10 turns lasting at most 1 minute in a whole 2 hour of driving.

So where else would handling benefit me?

I used to have a Mustang and everyone was like your car can't handle, but I never needed the handling performance.

[Z3guy]

Flame suit on but the m3's v8 has been a no-go for me since forever. Sounds orgasmic, but getting owned by otherwise stock tuned 335i is never going to feel good.

True, the handling does not feel anywhere close to an m3 though even with coilovers, but spending $1k on control arms, sway bars and subframe bushings will make it come real close. Either way, how many of us track our cars enough to make use of the handling superiority?

300hp/300torque stock, 360/380 with just a $100 tune, 400+/420 with tune, exhaust, DP and intake that can all be had for less than $1000.

HPFP and water pumps are the main issues with the car, but after 2 years of owning a now 6 year old car, I've never had to bring my car in.
It's like that with every car, some people are just unlucky and end up with a lemon.

Don't get me wrong, I'm bored of the e92 335i already but it's because of the weakass looking fenders, boring hood and dated angel eyes.

Yeah, you can't compare a non-M to an M but I think for the e9x generation you can. The F8x M3/M4's are just insane, now for THOSE you can't compare.

E92 M3s getting owned by 335i! that is funny especially with an open diff. How do you get the power down to the ground? It is hilarious when people say I spent $1000 on a tune and exhaust and can beat an M3. Sure you get power, but it is at the expense of reliability. Save you money on 335i mods and save up for a factory tuned car. haha!

[Z3guy]

I don't understand what's with this HANDLING addiction. If I drove from North Van to Langley, I make at most 10 turns lasting at most 1 minute in a whole 2 hour of driving.

So where else would handling benefit me?

I used to have a Mustang and everyone was like your car can't handle, but I never needed the handling performance.

regardless if you are taking turns at crazy speeds, having a car that responses & reacts to your every input at lower speeds is what is important to me. That is why light cars are so enjoyable to drive.

[j3welz]

^From what I can see, the majority of the people here make use of torque more than horsepower and handling when driving in the city.



And how does the handling help in Vancouver then?



Not sure yet :P

Quite simple, making a left turn at a green light in the rain from a standstill. If you want to make that turn quickly, your DSC is going to be lighting up like a Christmas tree and cutting power mid turn.

[mikey2781]

How often are we turning that quickly to the point where the traction control kicks in?
The m3 weights half a ton more than a non m. Make the m3 a convertible and it literally becomes pointless with an added 400lbs and costs 5k more.

Why does no one compare with the 335xi then? 335xi with a tune and intake takes sub 4 seconds to go 0-60. No traction problems with that then

[mikey2781]

Also agree with the fact that m3s are always better in every aspect but not for the e9x generation. Look at the e46, m3 in that Era destroys the non m. F8x destroys f3x. The lines are pretty blurry between the e9x m3 and the non ms.

[wonton1017]

I think ppeople are misunderstanding what I'm saying. I'm not saying the 335i is better , it definitely isn't. They are just faster in a straight line and people like me are pretty happy with the excellent handling the non-m bmws. But m3 doesn't have a clear victory over the 335 and that's the problem.

Been eyeing the m4 or gtr for a while now, e9x m3 will not be on my list , ever. I love them and they look sexy as hell but they are not for me and many people feels the same.

[Z3guy]

"clear victory"?? what does that mean? from the cars you are "eyeing" you are obviously a force induction guy Vs NA guy. I personally appreciate NA over forced induction. When I trade my E93 cab in, I was considering the F80 M4, but all that torque through 2 tires is overwhelming and quite frankly not useable. For similar money (2015 M4 Vs 2012/13 991s), for me, the driving experience is far superior. I am intrigued about the upcoming awd M2s though......

[Traum]

I don't understand what's with this HANDLING addiction. If I drove from North Van to Langley, I make at most 10 turns lasting at most 1 minute in a whole 2 hour of driving.

So where else would handling benefit me?

I used to have a Mustang and everyone was like your car can't handle, but I never needed the handling performance.
:facepalm:

This is akin to asking, we really only need 30 or so hp (maybe even less) to keep a car moving. If I drive from N.Van to Langley, I make at most 10 acceleration runs lasting at most 1 min out of the whole 2 hrs worth of driving. So why do we need 300hp cars?

Where else would the horsepower benefit me... :suspicious:

My dad used to drive a 60hp Datsun, and has taken our family all over the place (including going out of town). We never needed anything more than those 60hp!

:troll:

[westopher]

Thanks for saving my the typing traum:hotbaby:

[trollguy]

this thread sucks. so are you buying an E90 LP700-4-1234566788

[mikey2781]

:facepalm:

This is akin to asking, we really only need 30 or so hp (maybe even less) to keep a car moving. If I drive from N.Van to Langley, I make at most 10 acceleration runs lasting at most 1 min out of the whole 2 hrs worth of driving. So why do we need 300hp cars?

Where else would the horsepower benefit me... :suspicious:

My dad used to drive a 60hp Datsun, and has taken our family all over the place (including going out of town). We never needed anything more than those 60hp!

:troll:
That's actually my the point I was making, if torque and power means nothing then neither does handling

[LP700-4]

this thread sucks. so are you buying an E90 LP700-4-1234566788

Gonna calm down a bit and look at other options in that price range. C63 comes to mind or maybe if theres any available a 2015 STI. E46 M3 will always be a car i want to own someday, unfortunately like i said theyre impossible to find in a clean low mileage form.

Didnt think this thread would become a 335i vs M3 debate haha.

[jmanhas]

best of both worlds?
convertible with a hardtop, unless you're planning to track your E46
2001 BMW M3 E46 Cabrio w/ Removable Hardtop (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4875285569.html)

[bomiheko]

I'm thinking of a C63 now that one popped up. Around 35k kms 2009 model fully loaded for $43k. Gonna get my finances right and see what happens.

[Z3guy]

Add E85 and the car flies :)



Sure, hypothetically even if you cannot use ALL the power off the line the midrange power and passing ability of a modded 335i is just amazing. And the engine is just so smooth and the torque is perfect for day to day driving. No E46 or E92 M3 is going to pass me in straight line unless they've gone FI.

Not knocking the M3 in terms of handling but M3 owners should just accept that they have less power.

How about stroker motor making 527hp? 335i owners are hilarious

[mikey2781]

How about stroker motor making 527hp? 335i owners are hilarious

What's more hilarious is youve spent around $50k for the full dinan package on top of a $90k car and you compare it to a $50k car.
I'm sure Energy implied "no e9x m3 can beat him in a straight unless owner spends absurd amount money"

I hate actually hate the look of my brother's e90, ugliest sedan of its class in that generation.

[Z3guy]

^ you are funny as well. That is the response from juvenile kids on m3 forums. Let me guess what you think......" Get a supercharger and coilovers and you will kill a dinan car" haha! I love revscene for people like you.

[mikey2781]

^ you are funny as well. That is the response from juvenile kids on m3 forums. Let me guess what you think......" Get a supercharger and coilovers and you will kill a dinan car" haha! I love revscene for people like you.

Let me guess what YOU think, golden iPhone user?

M3 owners to 335i owners: "bro, I have an M car" / "bro, I have an i Phone"
You to m3 owners: "bro, I have a dinan M car" / "bro, I have a golden i Phone"

Dude you're like a step above everyone and smarter than all those juvenile kids on the m3 forum.

I don't know how many people out there actually believes a Dinan car can outrun a supercharged M3 with whatever the top of the line suspension parts are made for the M3, but you're the first I've seen.

Seeing is believing, and I do not see any numbers or convincing videos on the Dinan M3.

[gripenM]

i don't care if the 335i is faster in a straight line and this and that...
335i guys seem to have such a complex and always have to defend themselves.
the M3 guys are never the ones to start this stupid argument
the 335i's aren't bad as daily's of course. That's what they're built for
And I even really like the 335is

but at the end of the day, 5-10 yrs from now, I'll look at the 335i same way i look at
an E30 325i or an E46 330i or an E36 328i: I won't
I won't even give them a second glance, they're all the same: an old BMW

M cars on the other hand, I will always give them a second glance, no matter how old
they're just special

[Z3guy]

Let me guess what YOU think, golden iPhone user?

M3 owners to 335i owners: "bro, I have an M car" / "bro, I have an i Phone"
You to m3 owners: "bro, I have a dinan M car" / "bro, I have a golden i Phone"

Dude you're like a step above everyone and smarter than all those juvenile kids on the m3 forum.

I don't know how many people out there actually believes a Dinan car can outrun a supercharged M3 with whatever the top of the line suspension parts are made for the M3, but you're the first I've seen.

Seeing is believing, and I do not see any numbers or convincing videos on the Dinan M3.

First off wtf analogy? Whoever said dinan cars are faster than sc m3? Have you heard about oem level reliability with warranty vs a. Voodoo mix of parts you researched on forums lol! I am sure you would have no issue buying a used m3 that has been supercharged haha!

[mikey2781]

...
335i guys seem to have such a complex and always have to defend themselves.
the M3 guys are never the ones to start this stupid argument ...

335i guys defend themselves like how suby, evo and any car guys defend themselves They bought their car for a reason, and a good reason for their own purposes.

I did a quick search, and um the arguments came from 2 m3 owners one after another. One e46 and one e36 owner.

One guy was like, why not a 335i? and boom, the 2 m3 owners had to talk about the cheesy "driving experience".

I don't even have a 335i, my brother does and I've driven it many times. I destroy that car easily with my stock F80 M3.
But the E9x M3 was just so out of place. Weight is just no longer like the past m3's, it's a different kind of car.


First off wtf analogy? Whoever said dinan cars are faster than sc m3? Have you heard about oem level reliability with warranty vs a. Voodoo mix of parts you researched on forums lol! I am sure you would have no issue buying a used m3 that has been supercharged haha!

" Let me guess what you think......" Get a supercharger and coilovers and you will kill a dinan car" "

Not sure how else to interpret that.

And buying a 4.0L to 4.6L stroker kitted M3 that's out of warranty makes it sound any better?

[gripenM]

335i guys defend themselves like how suby, evo and any car guys defend themselves They bought their car for a reason, and a good reason for their own purposes.

I did a quick search, and um the arguments came from 2 m3 owners one after another. One e46 and one e36 owner.

One guy was like, why not a 335i? and boom, the 2 m3 owners had to talk about the cheesy "driving experience".

I don't even have a 335i, my brother does and I've driven it many times. I destroy that car easily with my stock F80 M3.
But the E9x M3 was just so out of place. Weight is just no longer like the past m3's, it's a different kind of car.

Negative. look again. 335i owners are the ones who end with a snide comment.

so the E9x M3 is out of place?
the F80 M3's weight is not that far off from the E90 M3 either,
the E92 is just under 3500 lbs the sedan being slightly heavier.

The F80 M3 is just 10's of pounds different from the E9x

and the non-M car you claimed was "half a ton" lighter than the same gen M3?
The 335i is actually heavier at just under 3600 lbs

good on you for getting an F80 M3 though:thumbsup:

[westopher]

335i guys defend themselves like how suby, evo and any car guys defend themselves They bought their car for a reason, and a good reason for their own purposes.

I did a quick search, and um the arguments came from 2 m3 owners one after another. One e46 and one e36 owner.

One guy was like, why not a 335i? and boom, the 2 m3 owners had to talk about the cheesy "driving experience".

Assuming I am the e36 owner being I'm the only e36 m3 owner in this thread. I never once made a comment about a "cheesy driving experience." I don't like the implications of me being insulting or confrontational in this thread when I clearly haven't been.

[jmanhas]

All I did was state why I chose my car based on my experience. I know everybodys not the same, or else we would all drive the same cars. I purposely worded my post so it wouldnt seem like I'm bashing on the 335i because I do appreciate the car for what it is, it just isnt for me.

[AudiFreak]

Reading this thread gave me a headache..

[underscore]

A bit off topic but didn't someone recently determine that Dinan "tuning" doesn't actually do anything?

[j3welz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUD1c5LezYo

[meme405]

I know very little about BMW's, but I wouldn't believe someone trying to tell me that an standard 335i is better than an M3.

What's next? A WRX is better than an STI? A Lancer Ralliart is better than a Evo? An S600 is better than an S65 AMG?

You can argue that certain aspects based on what you want out of the thing might be better in one vs the other, and you can argue that the premium to purchase an M3 vs a 335i might not be worth it, but to try and say flat out that a 335 is a better vehicle is just dumb. It's clearly not, as any automotive journalist or driver will tell you that M cars are among some of the best cars to drive.

[The_AK]

What have I done...

[multicartual]

Listen to all of the butthurt guys throwing numbers around of engines they don't have and horsepower they don't make, bench racing and speculating on a forum


Jesus this is why I'm going to drive a piece of shit but then just work out more than you guys and dress better, you know, things that matter in life!

[mikey2781]

@meme405, no one said 335i is better please read and re read again. They basically only said acceleration is faster and therefore is more usable as a daily.

I can laugh at all the tuned 335i owners if they think their faster than my f80 on a straight. But e9x owners can't.

This is why you don't see people comparing non m e46 with m3s and you don't see f3x 335i/435 compare themselves to F8x. There is no comparison between those.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUD1c5LezYo

Awesome, the typical video that the "juveniles" on m3post replies with.

[Z3guy]

^ you should have bought a gtr lol!

[trollguy]

A bit off topic but didn't someone recently determine that Dinan "tuning" doesn't actually do anything?

does their 'tuning' include throwing on a SC? lol

i've had the pleasure of driving a E39 Dinan5 way back in the day.. yup, it works and never skipped a beat. hhaha

[Z3guy]

^ on e39 M5 and e46 M3. When you go Dinan, you are not buying "good value hp", you are buying reliability, driveability, and resale value.....

[meme405]

@meme405, no one said 335i is better please read and re read again. They basically only said acceleration is faster and therefore is more usable as a daily.

Ohhh. Sorry I was confused, I didn't realize acceleration was the single metric used to judge how good of a daily driver a particular vehicle would be.

I forgot that you have to use LC from one red light to the next down Robson.

:rukidding:

[mikey2781]

@meme405 so there are 2 things you're implying here:
1. M3 is a better daily driver than a 3 series.
2. Handling is therefore more important for a daily driver
3. And you STILL do not understand that they never said they are better cars.

First of all, you have a bagged fx35. Why? Because you like the car, you want it to look good. Why not a x6m or a better suv? Because it costs a shit load more and does not benefit YOU.

And I'm sorry too but I didn't know I had to turn faster than the non ms on the Granville to downtown bridge. Nor did I know I have to beat a light to save 1min with my wheels squealing to eat my kintaro ramen.

Reason you chose your car is same reason why these 335i guys chose their cars. Cheaper yet faster in a straight than m3 and yet same practicality, luxuriousness, and more comfortable than an m3.

AFAIK, my brothers 335i does not have lc so idk...

[mikey2781]

^ you should have bought a gtr lol!

Nope. Have 2 kids that I drive every day and they chose the colour of my car which the gtr does not have.

[smoothie.]

DINAN a total scam or not? (http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=797129)

[Qmx323]

lmao

imagine this topic on bimmerpost

[BrRsn]

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/images/eps-gif/TangentLine_1000.gif

[pb.kidz]

Do it..

I love my 335i

[meme405]

@meme405 so there are 2 things you're implying here:
1. M3 is a better daily driver than a 3 series.
2. Handling is therefore more important for a daily driver
3. And you STILL do not understand that they never said they are better cars.

First of all, you have a bagged fx35. Why? Because you like the car, you want it to look good. Why not a x6m or a better suv? Because it costs a shit load more and does not benefit YOU.

And I'm sorry too but I didn't know I had to turn faster than the non ms on the Granville to downtown bridge. Nor did I know I have to beat a light to save 1min with my wheels squealing to eat my kintaro ramen.

Reason you chose your car is same reason why these 335i guys chose their cars. Cheaper yet faster in a straight than m3 and yet same practicality, luxuriousness, and more comfortable than an m3.

AFAIK, my brothers 335i does not have lc so idk...

I have no idea why I am getting dragged into a discussion about my own vehicle, but lets go.

I'm not gonna say money was no object when I bought my FX, but I will say that I looked at everything from a ford edge sport up to a X5M and even a Cayenne GTS.

And you know what I wouldn't take either of them over my FX. That Porsche has douche status, and I'm not a BMW person.

As for the other options I wouldn't even take the newer generation FX35/FX50 over my car. That's how much I actually like my FX, which is why I bought it, which is why I drive the shit out of it, which is why I will never sell it. In fact if I had the ability, I would pay full MSRP ($65k-$70k) to buy a brand new 2008 FX35/45 full load off the showroom floor right now.

As for the rest of your argument, as I said, if you are going to try and argue that the 335i a better car based on a $ to value comparison, then that is fine, but that's completely different to what was being said earlier.

The M3 is a better car than the 335i. PERIOD.

Is it the right choice for everyone? No of course not. That's why the 335i still exists.


Why does it so happen that everytime someone wants to try and make a go at me they drag my barney purple coloured FX35 into the mix? Don't you idiots realize I don't give a fuck what you think about my car?

Stay tuned next week I am going to put on a Bosu exhaust and launch potatoes 300ft into the air.

Fuck ya'll.

[trollguy]

is it really barney purple

[meme405]

is it really barney purple

Official colour is Avery Matte Brilliant Blue Metallic.

In bright light it's 100% a sharp looking blue. In darker light however the way it reflects light does make the colour look really different compared to daytime.

EDIT: Barney Purple is courtesy of another Gem of a member:

Oh yea cause that's what happened you Barney driving fucking faggot. You better watch what you fucking say.

[trollguy]

:lol: good quote.. :lol ::lol:

[knight604]

evolve > dinan

[underscore]

does their 'tuning' include throwing on a SC? lol

i've had the pleasure of driving a E39 Dinan5 way back in the day.. yup, it works and never skipped a beat. hhaha

I don't know anything about SC'd BMW's, just that the Dinan tunes that are plugged in and loaded don't actually do anything.

[trollguy]

I don't know anything about SC'd BMW's, just that the Dinan tunes that are plugged in and loaded don't actually do anything.

oh.. haha.. placebo effect. i like it

[fliptuner]

I'm just here for vid of the potato gun exhaust.

[iHeat]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLU0HumL0wo

gintani supercharged m3 >>>>>>>>> over any 3 series :sweetjesus:

[mikey2781]

I have no idea why I am getting dragged into a discussion about my own vehicle, but lets go.

I'm not gonna say money was no object when I bought my FX, but I will say that I looked at everything from a ford edge sport up to a X5M and even a Cayenne GTS.

And you know what I wouldn't take either of them over my FX. That Porsche has douche status, and I'm not a BMW person.

As for the other options I wouldn't even take the newer generation FX35/FX50 over my car. That's how much I actually like my FX, which is why I bought it, which is why I drive the shit out of it, which is why I will never sell it. In fact if I had the ability, I would pay full MSRP ($65k-$70k) to buy a brand new 2008 FX35/45 full load off the showroom floor right now.

As for the rest of your argument, as I said, if you are going to try and argue that the 335i a better car based on a $ to value comparison, then that is fine, but that's completely different to what was being said earlier.

The M3 is a better car than the 335i. PERIOD.

Is it the right choice for everyone? No of course not. That's why the 335i still exists.



Wow can you just admit that you read everyone's comments incorrectly? For the third frickin' time, NO ONE SAID 335I IS BETTER THAN THE M3.

Let me make this simple:
1. no one said 335i is better
2. everyone knows m3 is better OVERALL
3. 335i is faster in a straight after a cheap tune
4. 335i is funner to mod, every mod can be felt
5. m3 is NA, 335 is FI. choose your poison, i choose FI = why i waited for the F80.
6. Handling is equally as important as acceleration for daily driving
7. 335i is the better daily driver for 100s of reasons

Porsche has a douche status LOL. Infiniti's also have a douche status.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo1Gj7dFQrs

[LP700-4]

http://i.imgur.com/RcAqfHa.jpg?1

[jmanhas]

I don't understand what's with this HANDLING addiction. If I drove from North Van to Langley, I make at most 10 turns lasting at most 1 minute in a whole 2 hour of driving.

So where else would handling benefit me?

I used to have a Mustang and everyone was like your car can't handle, but I never needed the handling performance.

this post kinda contradicts #6 on your list :suspicious:

[meme405]

this post kinda contradicts #6 on your list :suspicious:

He contradicts himself in his own post:

NO ONE SAID 335I IS BETTER THAN THE M3.

...

7. 335i is the better daily driver for 100s of reasons

I guess I'm confused when someone says something is better, I usually don't assume that the thing that's better is worse than the other thing in 100's of different ways... I'm a fucking idiot though, so w/e



As for this:

Porsche has a douche status LOL. Infiniti's also have a douche status.

Yes and mustang drivers are all douchebags, and honda drivers are douchebags, and buick drivers are all 65 years old, and every guy with a big truck has a small dick. I get it.

[mikey2781]

I guess I have the simplify this to 1+1

I said:
M3 is the better overall car.
335 is the better daily driver.

better daily driving != better overall car
...

You just quoted a whole sentence out of a whole paragraph and then ended up using ONE word for the argument.

I mean I'd be confused too if I read 1 word out of every sentences that existed.

[meme405]

I guess I have the simplify this to 1+1

I said:
M3 is the better overall car.
335 is the better daily driver.

better daily driving != better overall car
...

You just quoted a whole sentence out of a whole paragraph and then ended up using ONE word for the argument.

I mean I'd be confused too if I read 1 word out of every sentences that existed.

No I just like seeing people squirm after they make 10 stupid arguments just to get back to what I said myself the first time I posted in this thread. Go back and read my first comment. here let me help you:


You can argue that certain aspects based on what you want out of the thing might be better in one vs the other, and you can argue that the premium to purchase an M3 vs a 335i might not be worth it, but to try and say flat out that a 335 is a better vehicle is just dumb. It's clearly not, as any automotive journalist or driver will tell you that M cars are among some of the best cars to drive.

If you want comfort and sure maybe the better car is the 335i, but I have no idea why in the fuck you are buying a 335i if you want comfort, buy a fucking lexus, or the A5 (which is a shockingly nice riding vehicle).

In terms of your definition of "better as a daily" you use the arguments of:

1. Its faster in a straight after you pour some money into it and tune it.
2. its funner to mod because you can feel the mods
3. its a better daily because of 100's of reasons

Here are my responses:

1. Both cars are fast beyond anything you would ever use anyways, fuck your my dick is bigger than yours cause my car traps the 1/4 mile 2mph quicker. I can make a foxbody mustang trash either car in a straight line for literally 1/3 the cost.

2. I can feel the mods much better than both these cars in a EK civic hatch, hell I could start with a ford pinto and by the time I finish with it, I will feel like I am driving a formula 1 car it will be so much better. You started with a shittier car of course the mods are going to make it feel better.

3. Really 100's of reasons that you are too lazy to give me?

Your arguments are so fucking weak, I guess I find it tough to move past that.

[mikey2781]

No I just like seeing people squirm after they make 10 stupid arguments just to get back to what I said myself the first time I posted in this thread. Go back and read my first comment. here let me help you:



If you want comfort and sure maybe the better car is the 335i, but I have no idea why in the fuck you are buying a 335i if you want comfort, buy a fucking lexus, or the A5 (which is a shockingly nice riding vehicle).

In terms of your definition of "better as a daily" you use the arguments of:

1. Its faster in a straight after you pour some money into it and tune it.
2. its funner to mod because you can feel the mods
3. its a better daily because of 100's of reasons

Here are my responses:

1. Both cars are fast beyond anything you would ever use anyways, fuck your my dick is bigger than yours cause my car traps the 1/4 mile 2mph quicker. I can make a foxbody mustang trash either car in a straight line for literally 1/3 the cost.

2. I can feel the mods much better than both these cars in a EK civic hatch, hell I could start with a ford pinto and by the time I finish with it, I will feel like I am driving a formula 1 car it will be so much better. You started with a shittier car of course the mods are going to make it feel better.

3. Really 100's of reasons that you are too lazy to give me?

Your arguments are so fucking weak, I guess I find it tough to move past that.

I SINCERELY don't understand what is so hard in grasping the fact that no one ever said 335 is the better car.

This statement right here already shows how narrow-minded you are:
"If you want comfort and sure maybe the better car is the 335i, but I have no idea why in the fuck you are buying a 335i if you want comfort, buy a fucking lexus, or the A5 (which is a shockingly nice riding vehicle)."

Did I say the only thing people look for is comfort? Nope. You misread again.

I think a lot of people have never driven a e9x non-m. When stock, those things handle better than my old 350z with coilovers, sway bars, and strut bars. I highly doubt you've ever driven one by the way you just said that line right there. I really can't believe you just compared the 335i to the A5. 335i compares to the S5, 328i compares to the A5. This is common knowledge.

You're basically saying the best engine (n54) in its class is worse than the engine in the Lexus (dated v6) and A5 (dated v6 or powerless 2.0 turbo). And you're also saying that the best car in its class is worse than the Lexus and A5. You know those reviews and ratings are there for a reason.

Let's say my arguments ARE indeed weak, atleast they are true and agrees information all around the world to back it up. And atleast I don't misunderstand the arguments and repeatedly base my arguments on a misunderstanding even after being told.

And I don't know about you but I make use of my F80's enormous "DICK" on the highway quite often. The handling? Not so much.
Hell I'd go as far as saying I use my F80's enormous dick in the city. I wouldn't buy a car with a shitload of power if I wasn't going to make use of it.

**Edit**
How is the M3, in any way, better than the 335i in terms of daily driving?

[mikey2781]

Anyways, lets agree to torque and horsepower is useless to many people on this forum.

I'm going to get flamed for posting this, but you guys know its true.

I'm aiming this argument towards those who track their cars less than twice a year.

"Funner to drive yet all we do is try to get onto a road that can get us from point A to point B the fastest."

Traditional/Common RS viewpoint:
1. Older a "factory tuned" car, the better (Old cars are lighter, so FUNNER TO DRIVE)
2. Building on #1, even better than cars made 20 years later because they are "FUNNER TO DRIVE"
3. Manual is the best, FUNNER TO DRIVE
4. DCT/AUTO is boring, rather sacrifice a LOT of acceleration times
5. N/A engines are the best, more connected so FUNNER TO DRIVE
6. Torque/HP is useless, cuz "NEVER GETS TO BE USED IN THE CITY". Yeah right, I've seen so many RS members driving MUCH faster than traffic.
7. Handling is everything, we must all hit the apex at every turn at high speeds.
8. Name of a car is everything.
9. All the advancements (every company going strictly AUTO/DCT and FI engines) in the auto industry means nothing.
10. Must stay strong and not give in to the new technology

I'm out of here, so many people are defending the E9X M3 yet they know nothing about the cars they are being compared to. Because M.
Brb, let me put more M3 emblems on my car because it seems like the word M3 itself is life changing.

[Simplex123]

M3 is definitely FUNNER TO DRIVE
/thread


lol but shit, if you go into a BMW thread and start shitting on handling then..

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=38658&d=1360580951

[meme405]

I SINCERELY don't understand what is so hard in grasping the fact that no one ever said 335 is the better car.

This statement right here already shows how narrow-minded you are:
"If you want comfort and sure maybe the better car is the 335i, but I have no idea why in the fuck you are buying a 335i if you want comfort, buy a fucking lexus, or the A5 (which is a shockingly nice riding vehicle)."

Did I say the only thing people look for is comfort? Nope. You misread again.


Your so fucking dumb, you claim to understand that the M3 is a better overall vehicle, yet somehow claim the 335i is a better daily driver. As if the reasons the M3 is a better overall car do not make it a better daily driver.

Its not like the M3 is a stripped out racecar. The m3 is just a car with better suspension, a bomb under the hood, and some wider tires.

You still have not told me what about the 335i makes it a better daily.

I'll tell you what I look for in a daily, and explain why I talk about comfort:

1. Comfort
2. Luggage Space
3. Cup holders
4. Maintenance
5. Fuel Efficiency
6. seating capacity

So lets analyze:

1. Comfort - the 335i is a more comfortable setup, the m3 doesn't glide like the 335i does. WHich is why I brought up comfort previously. But like I said if your MAIN concern is comfort, get and S5 (when I said A5 I meant S5). that thing rides much better than the 335i or the M3.

2. Luggage space - their the same fucking car

3. Cup holders - Same fucking car

4. Maintenance - totally up in the air, although the FI system on the 335i is a nightmare so although scheduled maintenance on the M3 might cost more, it might actually be more reliable

5. Fuel Efficiency - surprisingly the two aren't actually that much different, but I concede the 335i wins here

6. Seating capacity - They are the same car.

So where exactly do you see some definitive win that makes the 335i a better daily driver I have no fucking clue. But keep mouthing off about how "I don't get it". But really maybe its because you suck at explaining yourself.

Or maybe its jsut the fact that I am so fucking confused about how one car can be "Overall better" Yet worse at the same time...

EDIT: You haven't added anything new to this discussion in your last 5 posts, so unless you plan on making some sense, i'm done posting, since I am just making myself look like an idiot deflecting your unreasonable, and bullshit arguments.

[underscore]

For fuck sakes, they're both pieces of shit, buy a Lada if you want the perfect balance of power, handling, and DD qualities.

[trollguy]

this thread sucks

[kchan]

this thread sucks

lets enjoy your rav4 and my celica together

woop woop :whistle:

everyones talking about horsepower and here we are with our hands down our pants enjoying the 100whp we love

back on topic: OP - just go with the car you truly desire most, dont settle for something just because you want to quickly get something - either way both cars aren't perfect
i love both the e46 / e9x m3 - they both have their pros and cons

[trollguy]

your hands have 100whp? sheeit... that's some intense........ self lovin

[smoothie.]

rough.

[white rocket]

this thread sucks

yup.

[mikey2781]

You just answered your own question... You pointed out that the 335 is the same as the m3 in many ways except better fuel efficiency and comfort. How can you also deny torque makes a car a better daily?

[Amaru]

because every 335 owner likes to brag about how they can keep up with a car that costs $20K more, but knows that when it comes to turns their $20K less car wont be able to keep up so they always fall back to the "oh u wont feel the handling difference unless ur on the track pushing the car" saying.

Yes, that's exactly right. Please note that at no point in this entire thread has anyone suggested that the 335 is a superior track car than the e46 or e92 M3, at least not in stock form.

Outside of a track environment, the kind of "handling" you're talking about is irrelevant. Nobody is trying to shave a tenth of a second off the right hander at W. Georgia & Howe. Your M3's 28mm sway bars really aren't making any fucking difference at all in that situation.

You are confusing "driving feel" or "driving characteristics" with "at-the-limit handling at a track". They're not the same thing.

You could argue that the M3 of all generations is a more pleasurable car to drive, especially on a twisty rural road at 3am... and you'd be absolutely right, IMO. Even on a dollar-value basis, very few cars can deliver as much automative awesomeness as the M3/M5.

BMW knows that the type of person who buys an M3 is happy to sacrifice ride quality for a more responsive front end and forgo a spare tire in exchange for better weight distribution. They'll always aspire to make the //M lineup a more raw driving experience that delivers maximum enjoyment, even if it hurts practicality or adds to the sticker price.

On the other hand, the 335i caters to the vast majority of drivers who want a fast, fun-to-drive vehicle that handles nicely on a twisty road... as long as the car remains practical for daily use and the price doesn't stray too far above competing vehicles.

On the morning commute to work in traffic, on the way to Wal-Mart to pick up Xmas gifts, on the I5 to Seattle in heavy rain..... I really don't need to have an M3. The "handling performance" you refer to is meaningless, and much of the time a smoother ride, quieter cabin, and $25k in the bank is more appealing than the added driving pleasure that the M3 delivers. If that's not your cup of tea -- if you prefer uncompromising driving dynamics and the feel of an NA motor at 8k RPM to a smoother ride or a spare tire -- cool, get an M3.

I find it amusing that the M3 proponents who have chimed in on this debate are accusing 335 owners of getting defensive or having a chip on their shoulder. As far as I can tell, no-one has disputed the superiority of the M3 as a car... the 335 was simply suggested as a possible alternative for the OP, who was looking at E46 M3's but complaining about how hard it was to find one in good condition with low mileage. A 335i solves both of those problems, and it's still a fast, fun daily driver with good potential for excellent straight-line speed at low cost. It is not by any means a bizarre suggestion, nor does it infer that the M3 is somehow a worse choice.

There, I've solved the argument. :fuckyea:

[Timpo]

DO IT!!!

Liberty Walk BMW M3
http://stancewords.stanceworks.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/lb-performance-bmw-e92-m3-rotiform.jpg
http://whatmonstersdo.com/blog2/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/WMD_9106.jpg
http://www.vjpn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20140315_LB-Performance_Body_Kit_Ver2_for_BMW_M3_E92_001.jpg
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/liberty-walk-bmw-e92-m3-is-more-than-powerful-photo-gallery_5.jpg

[TOPEC]

here buy this instead, CHEAP

2014 BMW M5 Competition Package LOW KMS M Carbon Ceramic Brake (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4886813463.html)

pro the exact same one that crashed into the bus stop

[LP700-4]

http://ehealthwoman.com/apple/images/9.gifi think you just came on here so that people tell you to buy it lolhttp://ehealthwoman.com/apple/images/34.gif

How do we get rid of these spammers that come on here and copy paste what someone else said like 4 times a day :suspicious:

[westopher]

Local car!
Low KMs!
No smoking!
No pets!
Only drifted into one bus stop!

[LP700-4]

Did not expect thread to be bumped. So as an update I did give this guy a call

***2008 BMW M3 SEDAN**FULLY LOADED 6 SPEED MANUAL*** (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/4887809016.html)

Got the VIN and did a quick check, report tells me there was an accident and then reported for auction but asked the sales over the phone and he did not want to disclose over the phone lol wtf. Did some more googleing and seems like no ones ever heard of their dealership (Fleetwing Enterprises). Car is cheap with the tech pkg i want but sketch as fk dealer.

[mikey2781]

LOL c'mon dude. $27k for an e9x m3?
For one in an acceptable condition would be atleast $48k.

[rooster328]

2009 BMW M3 Coupe DCT (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/van/cto/4889167752.html)

Not a bad deal it seems

[LP700-4]

^ Only looking for 6MT at this point

LOL c'mon dude. $27k for an e9x m3?
For one in an acceptable condition would be atleast $48k.

08 sedans are around 35-40k. But yea that one is cheap as hell. Doesnt hurt to ask right? :concentrate:

[Qmx323]

^

Mileage is (somewhat) high and could be an under the table rebuilt...

but if you do your due diligence... go for it, can't go wrong with a 6 speed V8 rear wheel drive sedan :fuckyea:

[westopher]

^

Mileage is (somewhat) high and could be an under the table rebuilt...

but if you do your due diligence... go for it, can't go wrong with a 6 speed V8 rear wheel drive sedan :fuckyea:
I don't know. Some scary things could hide even from a PPI in some instances.

[wonton1017]

Should probably not get an 08 of any e9x, they come with the old CCC navigation system and the control on that is horrible and not to mention the very dated software.

And that post of liberty walk m3's... the second one is a 335i.

[TOPEC]

^correct, 09+ has the new CIC navigation system which is way better than the first generation iDrive. i believe somewhere along they again updated the software.

also i think most of the bearing failures to the engine r mainly MY08. quickly skimming the forums seems to point that its safer to go with a MY10/11+

[Z3guy]

Did not expect thread to be bumped. So as an update I did give this guy a call

***2008 BMW M3 SEDAN**FULLY LOADED 6 SPEED MANUAL*** (http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/ctd/4887809016.html)

Got the VIN and did a quick check, report tells me there was an accident and then reported for auction but asked the sales over the phone and he did not want to disclose over the phone lol wtf. Did some more googleing and seems like no ones ever heard of their dealership (Fleetwing Enterprises). Car is cheap with the tech pkg i want but sketch as fk dealer.

if the price is too good to be true, it probably is....anyone that doesn't disclose mileage or accidents.....I would just keep walking.....

[hud 91gt]

I hope in the future when buying a sports car, I never pass it by due to it's navigational system software. What is this world coming to.

[wonton1017]

I hope in the future when buying a sports car, I never pass it by due to it's navigational system software. What is this world coming to.

The navi controller knob is also what you use to select your phone/music/radio/drive settings/ac settings. Although I never use my navi because of how hard it is to use anyways, the added buttons on the controller and improved UI of the navi/entertainment system makes my daily commute that much better.

[gripenM]

in my 08, once everything is set up (M drive settings, bluetooth, speed dial etc)
I just plug in my USB and push the up/down button on my steering wheel to skip tracks
I may have used my Navi like once, and it worked great too.

It is definitely faster/easier on the 09+ but my point is, you just don't use it as much as
you think you would.

[rriggi]

Don't worry about bearing failures.. Replace oil regularly with Castrol 10W60 or LiquiMoly 10W60 and don't bounce off the limiter at every shift, but you do need to occasionally drive the car hard. There are cars out there with over 200,000kms on the original bearings.

CIC navigation can be retrofitted at a cost, so if you find a good car and want the updated system it can be done afterwards, but to be honest you will be paying for the look as they function nearly the same. I've been playing with doing this but its totally pointless.

Things to worry about? S65 and S85 are solid motors, and if taken care of, will take care of you:fullofwin:

However, on a lower mileage car, expect the throttle actuators to go eventually, they are a poorly designed system that uses nylon gears which wear out and need to be replaced. Dealer cost will be over 1,600 per unit, you will have 2 of them. I did find replacement units for 400 a side, so do some research. Its not a big deal, and if you are mechanically inclined you could swap them yourself.

If you're 20-30, don't hesitate and buy this car. You honestly wont look back for a second. I squeezed my finances to buy my M5 and although it has made money tight for me being in school and all, it puts the BIGGEST smile on my face everytime I go for a drive.

[mikey2781]

Once again, the CIC vs CCC navigation thing is purely subjective. People look for different things in cars.

Why buy a car for 3k cheaper and spend 2k + time on retrofitting it?

Look at these people thinking the m3 is purely a track car. Yet they rarely or never track it.

So yes, there are people who actually care about small things like this when buying a sports car.

If luxury and entertainment system don't matter, why not gut your cars? I'm sure there are a few people here who have done it, good for you guys.

Its basically saying drone doesn't matter because I like it, so go buy a shitty exhaust. This can't be applied to everyone.

[hud 91gt]

You have a point. But i'll share my asshole/naive/prejudicial comment right now. I have a feeling the people who care about Navigation systems, are probably also the ones interested in the technology infested Nissan GTR's. Don't hit me. Haha. Both do nothing for me. but I do understand where you are coming from if you are looking for an everyday car.

When it comes down to trying to find the right sports car, when there are few to choose from. A navigation system would be one of my lowest priorities. But who am I to judge, I've never had 50k to blow on a car. Infact, i've never owned a car new enough to even have the option of navigation :p I do wish I had Bluetooth though. hahaha

[mikey2781]

Nothing wrong thinking like that. Every technology has its costs, some people prefer refinement and some people prefer the raw feel.

I daily my car and drive 200km+ so no I am not going to get a car for the raw feels. I don't want to buy a raw feeling car with less luxury/comfort and another strictly for daily driving. I want one that has a good balance in between because I'm greedy like that. I want one that can fit my kids in and once they get out of my car I can go do silly things with it and have technology save my ass.

I don't wanna be like "Hey kids, we only get to ride the cool car on the weekends. Today we have to drive the RAV4"

[LP700-4]

For an E46 obviously I wouldnt care for the nav package as its probably too old to be any function anyways. But for a relatively new E90 one with and without tech are approx the same price so i'd want to look for one that has it, not because im gonna use the nav or even need it but its just nice to have. Go on road trips it'd be nice to have nav and a good sound system on the ride.

Still don't know what I want. I think at this point im gonna keep looking for E46's since they are in current budget. E90's and 35-45k cars can be fit into the budget but i'd rather not at the current moment.

[Z3guy]

^ I would rather have a minty 04/05 E46 M3 Vs a beat up 08 E92 M3.