[myboris]

Hi Guys
Currently own E90 320D (remapped). nearly 50 now and been promising myself some real power for the last 20 years. My £10K budget looks like it will get me a 2002/4 M3 or a 2006/7 335i.
I've seen comparisons between later model M3's and 335's but cant find any with the earlier model ones. Any of your thoughts would be appreciated as my current car is the most powerful ive owned. The 320D i have is so good there is part of me saying stick with it but i feel ive got to do this now or never
cheers

[nicktyler]

If you want power go for the 335i and map/mod it a bit. the running costs are also lower than the M3.

[drobbie]

I couldn't go back to an E46. I think the E9x is far nicer to sit in (and look at).

335i out of those 2.

or a 645i.... (I am getting old aren't I??)

[Kassim786]

335i would be my pick.... Decent power, modifying ability, maintenance


let's be honest although you won't get the same respect as an ///M car you still will scare a lot if the boy racers of with the twin exhuasts

[phil200tdi]

57 onwards 335i is lower tax..

LCI saloon on 58 plate.

[myboris]

Originally Posted by drobbie

I couldn't go back to an E46. I think the E9x is far nicer to sit in (and look at).

335i out of those 2.

or a 645i.... (I am getting old aren't I??)

645i ? , interesting. Not over keen on the looks. the figuers look similar but does it deliver the power in the same way a 335i does?
heard nothing but good thinks about the 335i engine

[myboris]

Originally Posted by phil200tdi

57 onwards 335i is lower tax..

LCI saloon on 58 plate.

yeh , 57's always seem to be just out of budget unfortunately

[myboris]

Originally Posted by Kassim786

335i would be my pick.... Decent power, modifying ability, maintenance


let's be honest although you won't get the same respect as an ///M car you still will scare a lot if the boy racers of with the twin exhuasts

[zltm089]

if it's between 335i v/s e46 m3

I'd take the 335i anyday!...

If you're not bothered on looks or if the 46 looks a bit "outdated"....then I think a manual e46 m3 will provide a better driving experience on track.

a stage 1 remapped 335i will leave an e46 m3 on a straight....

Carl, if you don't agree....I'll be waiting for you at the pod.

[BMWChap]

335 wouldn't put a smile on your face imho ...but this would everytime you get in.... I'd trade my E92 in today if I could find one with the perfect spec!

[MrBen]

Definitely drive both (and some others) and make your own decision - horses for courses and all that!

With a similar budget (I presume that doesn't include your current car) my slightly daft decision was to keep the 325 as the daily driver and buy an early Porsche 996 as a toy. It's not perfect, and if certain things went wrong it could be financially uncomfortable, but it's unlikely to depreciate, it's very quick, and the noise it makes is even better than an M3, plus there is something special about it and I've always wanted a Porsche!

[myboris]

Originally Posted by MrBen

Definitely drive both (and some others) and make your own decision - horses for courses and all that!

With a similar budget (I presume that doesn't include your current car) my slightly daft decision was to keep the 325 as the daily driver and buy an early Porsche 996 as a toy. It's not perfect, and if certain things went wrong it could be financially uncomfortable, but it's unlikely to depreciate, it's very quick, and the noise it makes is even better than an M3, plus there is something special about it and I've always wanted a Porsche!

no unfortunately my budget is including my current car.
i would love to try a few but when buying my 320 i found it nearly impossible to get a test drive unless you as good as said you would buy. found it very annoying.
im leaning towards a more refined ride which seems to be pointing towards the 335i. i was considering a 330 or 335d but from what ive read the difference is like night an day to the 335i

[P 5UML]

i have driven both and as mentioned previously - the ///M seriously does put a smile on your face

i understand people say the 335 is quicker more refined etc but the point is that the E92 feels 'safe' when your booting it around, the E46 is more 'Raw' and put you on edge and its all about the way the power is delivered.

thats my opinion

[myboris]

Originally Posted by P 5UML

i have driven both and as mentioned previously - the ///M seriously does put a smile on your face

i understand people say the 335 is quicker more refined etc but the point is that the E92 feels 'safe' when your booting it around, the E46 is more 'Raw' and put you on edge and its all about the way the power is delivered.

thats my opinion

cheers for that.
its going to have to be my daily commute to so would you still go e46?
and like i said before, will i get someone to let me try an e46, i understand its hard to separate time wasters from genuine buyers

[ArsE92]

They are both obviously very different cars. I've just had my 335i JB4'd and DCI'd and every day I can't wait to drive it. I've had it almost three years which is the longest I've ever had a car.

Are you in Leigh-on-Sea or Leigh (Lancs)?

[myboris]

Originally Posted by ArsE92

They are both obviously very different cars. I've just had my 335i JB4'd and DCI'd and every day I can't wait to drive it. I've had it almost three years which is the longest I've ever had a car.

Are you in Leigh-on-Sea or Leigh (Lancs)?

leigh Lancs, i see your north west

ive had my 320D 10 month and that feeling only lastest a few weeks

[ArsE92]

Originally Posted by myboris

leigh Lancs, i see your north west

ive had my 320D 10 month and that feeling only lastest a few weeks

Cool. I'm near you so if you want a demo I might be able to pop up

[myboris]

Originally Posted by ArsE92

Cool. I'm near you so if you want a demo I might be able to pop up

fantastic, thanks for that. cant see an option to PM?

[jimborae]

Hmm yes my 335i has more power than the E46 M3 but I think the M3 is a more pleasurable "driving" experience, especially in the twisty bit's if you're comparing an unmodified 335i to an M3. Also the E46 has better build quality and absolutely timeless looks, its a modern classic. The 335i obviously is more upto date in terms toys and gadgets but you pays your money takes your choice.

[myboris]

Originally Posted by jimborae

Hmm yes my 335i has more power than the E46 M3 but I think the M3 is a more pleasurable "driving" experience, especially in the twisty bit's if you're comparing an unmodified 335i to an M3. Also the E46 has better build quality and absolutely timeless looks, its a modern classic. The 335i obviously is more upto date in terms toys and gadgets but you pays your money takes your choice.

And it swings the other way

does anyone know how the e46M3 auto compares to the manual?
i know the manual will be more engaging but i would like an auto for the first time

[jimborae]

They didn't do an auto E46 M3 as far as I know only SMG.

[P 5UML]

yea the SMGI or SMGII they do in the E46 M3
SMG is great but can be a little jerky in traffic, once it learns your driving style and you have set it up the want you want its sublime to drive! the changes are by no means smooth but in a weird way its nice to get that lil kick back when hooning it around

again this is nothing against the 335 as they are amazing cars too! just if i had the money for me it would be the E46 M

regarding driving one, see if there are any dealers near you selling one and take it for a test drive? i test drove about 3-4 until me and my friend found the right one! the SMG for me is a little more fun than the Manual as you can also get a CSL rev match done on it, holds the revs higher when in corners , plus the use of the paddles is always great