335i vs e46 m3

[M52TUB28]

Had a couple questions. 1 - Does anyone have any good videos of races between the 335 and e46 m3?? If you do can you please post the link for them. Thanks! Secondly, I guess I'll leave it open to discussion, which is better? By better I mean speed, handleing, day-to-day driving, and overall best bang for your buck??

[M52TUB28]

Since i posted i guess i'll reply first. i will openly admit i am biased to the e46 m3, it is one of my favorite sport cars ever created and i dream of owning one one day soon. aside from that, no only do i think the m3 is better looks wise (and by that i mean the 4 tailpipes lol), sounds better, and in my opinion drives better. and at the end of the day, althought i do love the 335 as well, it is not an M and M's just have something about them you cannot match!!

[polizei144]

personally if i had the choice between a 2006 e46 m3, and a 2008 335i, i'd pick the e46. maybe im biased but id just rather own an M.

[M3GT#38]

I believe there is no denying the 335 is a quick car and a good match for the M3 in a straight line, but it's the overall driving experience of the E46 M3 that makes it a better car IMO.

[AlpinweissM3]

I think it comes down to which one you look at and like more. Sounds like you are pretty head over heels for the E46 so that is probably the route you should go. Now that being said the 335 is pretty much equal to the E46 even on the track. Not to mention the 335 has better brakes a more tunable engine and a newer stiffer chassis. I think you will be happy no matter what car you choose.

[CraigMakDaddy]

My vote is deffinitely for the e46 M3. Although the 335i is an impressive machine the e46 M3 will deffinitely be more bang for your buck because it is old now. The price will include either alot or at least some depreciation depending on what year you get. I mean, you can get a 2001 M3 for under $30,000. If that isn't bang for your buck, I don't know what is. If you prefer a newer one the price is still going to include some depreciation thanks to the 2008 M3 being out. i am also pretty sure the e46 M3 will handle quite a bit better as well. Now, if you chip the 335i and get its HP up to 400+ thanks to the turbo. That might change things. I went for a used e46 M3 as opposed to buying a new model for the same price and I stand by my decision 10000%. And yes, I agree that you can't replace the feeling of seeing that M-Badge on your car.

[Bunta]

Thats a tough choice both are great cars, I would be more inclined to say the M3 as far as it will be the better bargin for price. Im not sure in your part of town but in atlanta i have yet to find one used 335. Get the M

[Crusher_13]

Dinan 335i Vs. E92 M3

Sorry I meant to edit this last night but I could not be bothered. Obviously this is the wrong M3 in the video. I have seen an E46 M3 Vs. E92 335i video but I cant remember where.

I still believe the following in reference to the E46 and E92 M3...

For me you cant go past the potential of the 335i.

I like a harsh ride so coils and stiffer sways I can handle. And of course the 335i being a turbo means there are some fairly easy power gains. Intake, exhaust, BPV upgrade and of course the ECU remap or re-tune.

[sean454]

I think everybody who has an e46 m3 has at one point wondered this. I couldnt handle it so I went to the dealership and told them I wanted to drive one just to settle this debate. so they let me! the 335i is definatly a quick car but it has such a smooth power to it that its not as fun as the powerband on the m3. is it AS FAST? somewhat.. 1/4 mile no way. 1/8 mile yes. as far as handling the 335i will not touch the m3 in the tight twisties the suspension is way too soft. do not get me wrong the 335i is a great car. The m3 is much more raw. It has a more direct feel. now to end the whole debate... go drive an m3 around for a day and then drive a 335i. which one gets more looks? lol 335i is just another bmw to some. The M stands out though. Either choice is a great one. just depends if you want a true sports car or a luxury coupe with a fast engine.

[AlpinweissM3]

Originally Posted by sean454

I think everybody who has an e46 m3 has at one point wondered this. I couldnt handle it so I went to the dealership and told them I wanted to drive one just to settle this debate. so they let me! the 335i is definatly a quick car but it has such a smooth power to it that its not as fun as the powerband on the m3. is it AS FAST? somewhat.. 1/4 mile no way. 1/8 mile yes. as far as handling the 335i will not touch the m3 in the tight twisties the suspension is way too soft. do not get me wrong the 335i is a great car. The m3 is much more raw. It has a more direct feel. now to end the whole debate... go drive an m3 around for a day and then drive a 335i. which one gets more looks? lol 335i is just another bmw to some. The M stands out though. Either choice is a great one. just depends if you want a true sports car or a luxury coupe with a fast engine.

The 335 is equal to the M3 in the quarter mile and is about equal with it in handling. Might not feel like it but trust me it is. Lets also not forget the E46 M3 stock suspension is very soft too. I have spent tons of time on track and the streets in both cars stock and modded they both have very strong performance points and weak ones. Just to put in perspective for you at the last track day the fastest BMW was not a M3 but rather a 335. It was even faster than the E90 M3 that was out there that day. I am not trying to talk up the 335 but you can't deny that it is on par with the E46 is every performance category.

[fairweatherpunk]

All I have is an e36 325. I've never had the pleasure of owning an 36 or e46
m3. I have driven a couple of e46 m3's. But I love modifying cars. I'm not a purist of anything. Being that the 335 is turboed and has a whole lot of room for upgrade (not to mention a little cheaper that the brand new m3) I have to say I'm going with the 335. I do like the classic look of the e46's though. It's still hard to like the more e90 looking bimmers of now.