Would you rather have a E46 M3 or a E90/92 335i, and why?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

E46 M3 6 speed manual vs E90/92 335i 6 speed manual, what would you choose and why?

I'm pretty certain I would like to replace my Subaru with one of those, but both seem to have pros and cons.

[Cos]

Bit different price points no? I mean an E46 M3 is going to run you in the 20's where as an E90 would probably be in the 30's and E92 in the 35's.

Also since you are getting rid of the superboob wouldnt that mean you would want to winter drive it? If you plan to pick up a winter car I would get an E46. If this is going to be a DD I would do a E90 with Dinan chip.

[dj_rice]

E90/92 cause its new and its factory turbo.

[Redlyne_mr2]

What are you using the car for?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

E46s are going for $15-35k right now I see, and there are at least 3 335i locally under 30k right now, as low as $23k. Car will be my only car but we have a beater Jeep too that I drive.

[Cos]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
E46s are going for $15-35k right now I see

I have been looking at these as well, besides bastardchilds with 200,000km there arent any others. The red one on auto trader is a guy in the UK who speaks like a nigerian.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Redlyne_mr2
What are you using the car for?

Daily driver, auto x, a bit of track use, family vehicle (lol right).

[Tuner1]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Daily driver, auto x, a bit of track use, family vehicle (lol right).

Not much track use after October 2011 unless you plan on taking a long drive ;)

These two cars are surprisingly different and I would caution anyone against buying either without test driving them first.

If you are a power guy get the 335i, no question! If you want a race-inspired engine and a sharper feeling chassis get the M3. The M3 is a better looking car...as a two-time E90 owner I am allowed to say that :D


Rob

[tehwegz]

http://www.rimsorizer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/Februari/beyeren/lanczos.jpg

nuff said

[AE92_TreunoSC]

m3's dont need fuel pumps replaced every 50,000kms.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Well my parents have owned a E46 323ci, E90 325i, E82 135i and E85 Z4M now, and they all are so different. The Z4M has amazing braking and handling but is murdered in a straight line by the 135i, the E90 was kinda ho-hum, and the E46 felt nimble but underpowered.

[g-m]

335 because we aren't at sea level. I agree with the quote that an M3 is slower than dog shit on a hot day.

[Nakadah]

If that was me I would consider 335i or 335xi E92. I just like the look of it, I like Turbo cars and most importantly I like to drive newer cars.

[Team_Mclaren]

The E46 is dated everywhere you look.

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by g-m
335 because we aren't at sea level. I agree with the quote that an M3 is slower than dog shit on a hot day.

This, I'd go with the 335 no question.

[Commanderwiggin]

I may be biased but...e46 M3 all the way :love:


http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/miscellaneous/m3turbokit/kentonstg2.75/complete/kenton4.jpg

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/miscellaneous/m3turbokit/kentonstg2.75/kenton275dynographs.gif

[Scat E46]

^ Gawd Damn.

Both cars are sexy, e46 still looks great.

I have owned 2 e46's (non m), loved them. My friend has an e46m, do a lot of work on it, love it to.

If I were to BUY one, I would do a 2 door 335.

why?

Looks a touch newer, more features, iDrive, turbo, chipped it would beat a e46m.

[Redlyne_mr2]

If its a daily 335.

[Hakkola]

Originally posted by Scat E46
chipped it would beat a e46m.

In Calgary would it even need a chip to beat an e46m?

[dingmah]

335i all the way, cause it's newer.

[Everlast]

E46 M3 owner here. Voted for the 335 due to elevation.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I'm leaning towards the 335i mostly because of our altitude but also maintenance parts are almost 1/2 the price of the M3. Also because I can not find a single M3 locally with good service records.

[CSMRX7]

The E46 has better feel, and is more fun to drive, and I think is better looking. But it is slow, a bit dated, and likely more expensive to maintain.

The E92 is quicker in a straight line, more comfortable day to day, but a bit numb.

[benyl]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
m3's dont need fuel pumps replaced every 50,000kms.

E92s don't have subframe issues and the rest of the E46 issues.


Originally posted by Hakkola

In Calgary would it even need a chip to beat an e46m?

A simple boost controller allows the 335 to beat an E9X M3. The E46 doesn't have a chance.



I've owned both at the same time. You want handling? E46. You want a DD? E9X. You want to race stop light to stop light? E9X.

The E9X 335 has something like 80% of the M suspension. You need about $2K to bring it up to M spec. Many of the M suspension components are exactly the same save the M stamp and part number. Do that, and you have the best of both worlds (except for the track width).

[CSMRX7]

Originally posted by benyl


E92s don't have subframe issues and the rest of the E46 issues.



A simple boost controller allows the 335 to beat an E9X M3. The E46 doesn't have a chance.



I've owned both at the same time. You want handling? E46. You want a DD? E9X. You want to race stop light to stop light? E9X.

The E9X 335 has something like 80% of the M suspension. You need about $2K to bring it up to M spec. Many of the M suspension components are exactly the same save the M stamp and part number. Do that, and you have the best of both worlds (except for the track width).

I wouldn't go that far. You don't have the M3 diff or steering rack or brakes, or transmission or seats.

But that being said the 335 is definately a more comfortable daily driver.

[2000TL]

For daily driving the e92 335i is much more comfortable, especially within the city. The e46 M3 is such a classic car and stock for stock with respect to exterior styling e46 M3 in my opinion wins. Insurance wise the e92 335i is cheaper. My e92 335i had 2 fuel pumps replaced. Other than the fuel pump, and the fact that it is so common on the roads, it was a great car.

Have you considered an e39 M5?

[colinxx235]

^

At risk of sounding like a noob, but because I'm curious. Currently tryig to decide between a 07-08 335i or Xi (not sure how big of a difference), Audi S4, or maybe a Acura TL type-s (cheaper/reliable option)


Are the fuel pumps covered under recall or whats the cost to fix them? When they have issues does the entire car become undrivable (need a tow basically what i'm asking)? Also curious what some of the beyonders got for brake life and how much they are to replace.

[2000TL]

With Regards to the fuel pump, the car goes into limp mode which means you can still drive your car but with substantially less power. There are many signs that a fuel pump is about to go bad, but its usually hit or miss with the dealership in terms of replacing them. Sometimes they replace them right away prior to any signs of fuel pump issues and sometimes they wait till the fuel pump has gone bad. My car sounded like a lawn mower with long cranks on start up. I even had white smoke coming the second time it was replaced.

[Evo prec]

I think you should go with the E90/E92 335 over a E46 for a number of reasons. I personally have owned a 2002 and 03.5 E46 M3 and dont get me wrong i did like them both alot maybe due to my age but the reliability is just not up to par.

I had a manual and a SMG and both had problems nothing major but just due to the reason of it being a M car they are very expensive. The SMG i had was decent no huge problems until my SMG pump went and that was a huge repair bill. The vanos starting going after about 3 years of ownership the subframe was cracking due to wear and tear. It would be stupid to buy one of these cars used now due to the numerous problems that keep popping up. Dont listen to the people that tell you all this stuff is covered because it isnt unless you buy some of the last years the model was made.

I currently own a E90 335 after selling my 03.5 M3 last year and love it. If you are daily driving both cars i woud take the 335 any day. Alot smoother less problems better gas milage just over all i think a better car. the M3 started to feel dated and i think look dated just before i sold it and to tell you the truth having warranty is the biggest positive out of all.

As for winter driving i drove both my E46 and E90 both in the winter both lowered and the E90 was alot better due to the newer traction control systems.

Another fact i would consider is that E46 M3s are a dime a dozen now, not like they were when i purchased my first one 7 years ago. And if you do buy M3 do your research very very carefully as these cars can cost you alot of money.

[94boosted]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Daily driver, auto x, a bit of track use, family vehicle (lol right).

How important is autocross to you? At all of the CSCC and SASC events I've been at I've only seen a very small handfull of 335's show up and none of them did very well. The E46 M3 is a lighter car with a supperior chasis in the twisty's IMHO and as a result these cars actually do quite well in auto-x. Now I'm talking stock for stock I'm sure if you did some suspenion, brake, wheel and tire work the 335 would do a lot better in autocross. As for tracking the car up here the 335 being a turbo will make a boat load more power and probably destroy the old M3.

[Euro_Trash]

I test drove both before choosing - I found the 335 boring as hell to drive, plus I see 20 every day. As a commuter it would be a good car

[colinxx235]

Originally posted by 2000TL
With Regards to the fuel pump, the car goes into limp mode which means you can still drive your car but with substantially less power. There are many signs that a fuel pump is about to go bad, but its usually hit or miss with the dealership in terms of replacing them. Sometimes they replace them right away prior to any signs of fuel pump issues and sometimes they wait till the fuel pump has gone bad. My car sounded like a lawn mower with long cranks on start up. I even had white smoke coming the second time it was replaced.


When they go/are about to go, do they consequently cause damage to happen to other areas of the vehicle? It seems the the issue is mainly with the inconvenience of taking it to get repaired. At least they are under warranty (I would really like to purchase an 08). I guess I still need to continue research before I decide on the car. I know I would like the coupe. But between i or xi and manual/auto (dct?), It might take a bit to decide between an S4/335 which is the more practical to own/less maintenance costs.

[funkedelic2]

I have had both cars. I would rather have the 335i anyday. It's newer, most comfortable, has a ton more potential than the m3 and is twin turbo which is just bad ass.

The m3 is a great car but imo doesn't work as a daily or an all season car as well as the 335i.

I think they both look great.

I'd rather than an e92 m3, which i will soon! ;)

ps - what kind of subaru do you own? Im looking for a wrx right now.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Driven them both and I'd take the E92 335 over the E46 M3 any day. Chip the 335 and the gap widens even more. E46 M3 chassis is great but it's hard to ignore how much better the engine is in the 335, especially at Calgary's altitude.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Looks like 335i it is guys!

I have a 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Limited for sale now!

[JAYMEZ]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
Driven them both and I'd take the E92 335 over the E46 M3 any day. Chip the 335 and the gap widens even more. E46 M3 chassis is great but it's hard to ignore how much better the engine is in the 335, especially at Calgary's altitude.


:werd:

Ive owned both cars , my 335i was chipped and was alot more fun than the E46 , as much as I love the M3.. its just getting outdated now.. It was a killer car in its time.

[benyl]

Originally posted by CSMRX7

I wouldn't go that far. You don't have the M3 diff or steering rack or brakes, or transmission or seats.


Here is the thread that states the Suspension on the E92 is the 95% the same as the M3:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177028

Tischer sells a package of all the parts.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=818976&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

I was only talking about suspension. I didn't say you would have an M car. I said for $2K, you could have the same suspension.

[Sorath]

to twin cam and colinxx

my e92 335xi is for sale

:D

[CSMRX7]

Originally posted by benyl


Here is the thread that states the Suspension on the E92 is the 95% the same as the M3:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177028

Tischer sells a package of all the parts.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=MorePartInfo&PartID=818976&siteid=214672&catalogid=4462

I was only talking about suspension. I didn't say you would have an M car. I said for $2K, you could have the same suspension.

I know that you can do the "suspension" for that, but the other parts outside the suspension are a significant reason the suspension feels and performs as it does.

I just don't want to give the original poster unreasonable expectations.

[dandia89]

Originally posted by Everlast
E46 M3 owner here. Voted for the 335 due to elevation.
just curious since ive seen this mentioned before... but with the price difference of the two, wouldn't a hpf kit resolve this and make the M3 better

[colinxx235]

Haha yah I wish Sorath, between the color/coupe/package/xi its pretty much exactly what I'm looking for.

Unfortunately my budget is not quite 42K and I'm going to have to sacrifice either a little KM's or import/search oop to find something that is :(

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Lol my budget is $30000 but there's a few kicking around between $23000-30000 locally. Also I don't want a IX, just a I.

[colinxx235]

^

I'm surprised given how much you've talked about subarus and wanting awd that you would pick the I over XI, any specific reason for that?

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

AWD is boring I've come to realize. I enjoyed my RWD Nissan a lot more, it handled way different especially under power. Maybe an STi would be more fun with a controllable diff.

[benyl]

Originally posted by dandia89

just curious since ive seen this mentioned before... but with the price difference of the two, wouldn't a hpf kit resolve this and make the M3 better

An HPF kit is $15K plus install. That doesn't include the upgraded clutch required.

[g-m]

or the fact you're putting boost (lots of it) to an N/A engine and the inherent problems that'll cause down the road.

[Sorath]

Originally posted by colinxx235
Haha yah I wish Sorath, between the color/coupe/package/xi its pretty much exactly what I'm looking for.

Unfortunately my budget is not quite 42K and I'm going to have to sacrifice either a little KM's or import/search oop to find something that is :(

lowered to 36, buy buy buy ^_^

[Sorath]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
AWD is boring I've come to realize. I enjoyed my RWD Nissan a lot more, it handled way different especially under power. Maybe an STi would be more fun with a controllable diff.

then when you buy an sti and find out that its a more boring car than your legacy

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

I'm not buying an STi unless I start making a ton of money and pick one up for a winter car.

[Hakkola]

:thumbsup: For going I instead of XI, XI is a waste of money.

[Loose]

I finally drove an M3 and was astounded at how dated the interior felt. I think a 335 with modified suspension would do the trick for me. Even with Sport Pack, it's a bit soft.

FYI (I have a E90 330i and am shopping for upgraded suspension)

[bigbadboss101]

Saw an interesting lime green M3 at Calgary BMW. The grey X5 outside looks hot.

[cars5431]

I just bought a 335 I. Its an 2009 with Dinan stage 2. It's lots of fun, so I would recommend the 335