[Vlad]

I figure that the feedback will depend heavily on where I post this, but alas, I thought I'd try the F30 post first.

I have the decision to make whether to pull the trigger on a mint 2012 M3 MT with competition package (and all sorts of options) or a 2014 F30 335i. The 335 is a little cheaper and obviously newer tech and better economically, while the M3 has 20k miles, but speaks to the heart. I've always lusted over the E92 gen Ms and this one seems a wonderful fit.

Any input is appreciated.

[drob23]

M3 no question if you can deal with the frequent fill-ups.

[bmwauug]

I'd probably go with the m. That said it depends on how you plan to use the car. The 335 won't disappoint and you can tune it up etc and get the m sport asthetics but in the end it's no m. The e92 v8 is the real pull.

What about holding out for the m4?

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

I'd probably go with the m. That said it depends on how you plan to use the car. The 335 won't disappoint and you can tune it up etc and get the m sport asthetics but in the end it's no m. The e92 v8 is the real pull.

What about holding out for the m4?

The dealer has two M4s in the lot, but at around $75k it's out of my comfort zone at this point. Obviously you get a lot better value in a CPO than a brand new car...

The plan is to hold on to this car for 2 years and then splurge. The M3 seems like the more sensible, yet thrilling choice.

[P-Bass]

M3, completely different animal, if you want a sports car, the last of the true, pure drivers cars with a hydraulic steering box.

335 if you want more luxury.

[bmwauug]

If I was in your exact situation and if the 2012 is a cherry I'd grab it. You can assess the LCI F30 335 or M3/4 in two years. I personally am still chasing an M3(for me I need a "family" sedan) - I plan to get one after my current 335. the v8 is the pull, only thing to consider is the thrist and driveability if a DD.

[Vlad]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

If I was in your exact situation and if the 2012 is a cherry I'd grab it. You can assess the LCI F30 335 or M3/4 in two years. I personally am still chasing an M3(for me I need a "family" sedan) - I plan to get one after my current 335. the v8 is the pull, only thing to consider is the thrist and driveability if a DD.

I am definitely leaning towards the M3. Thirst is not really much of an issue, I won't be putting a lot of mileage on the car anyway. As a family car, we have our Range Rover, this will be the supplemental fun ride.

[bmwauug]

do it!

[tallshortguy]

Unless you have a real long commute, I too would go for the M3.

[ZilberGrau ZHP]

I would reflexively say the M3 but I really hated the interiors of the E92 generation of BMW
not only plain and uninspired but what was up with all those little dual buttons for the radio etc... obviously the driving dynamics make up for it but jsut sayin-- was always a sticking point for me.
Nothing like a good ol E46- best interior ever.

[KGIL]

Have you driven the F30? That will help you make up your mind......and real quick. Go with the M3.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Vlad

I figure that the feedback will depend heavily on where I post this, but alas, I thought I'd try the F30 post first.

I have the decision to make whether to pull the trigger on a mint 2012 M3 MT with competition package (and all sorts of options) or a 2014 F30 335i. The 335 is a little cheaper and obviously newer tech and better economically, while the M3 has 20k miles, but speaks to the heart. I've always lusted over the E92 gen Ms and this one seems a wonderful fit.

Any input is appreciated.

It depends what you are looking for .
If you go to the track a lot then m3 for sure.
If this is your daily driver then you should consider pros and cons of each.
the F30 is newer, better gas mileage, more comfortable when driving, more room , also it has a faster power delivery than the M3 ( sine it is smaller engine with turbo vs the big V8).
Do not forget that the F30 can easily be modified to achieve a lot more HP.
If you are looking for a sporty car with a nice V8 exhaust tone then M3 is you car.

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by Ze4eMCe

I would reflexively say the M3 but I really hated the interiors of the E92 generation of BMW
not only plain and uninspired but what was up with all those little dual buttons for the radio etc... obviously the driving dynamics make up for it but jsut sayin-- was always a sticking point for me.
Nothing like a good ol E46- best interior ever.

Ha, yes indeed the E46 is a nice cockpit. I would have a hard time paying $75k and then all the depreciation that goes along with that. I bought my E46 M3 with 5k miles and I got such a good deal it was worth more than I paid for at least two years after. I didn't buy it as an investment, but you get my meaning.

If the DD for you is short than go for the ///M.

[dc503]

Originally Posted by Vlad

. I've always lusted over the E92 gen Ms and this one seems a wonderful fit.

Cars purchases are usually irrational...you might as well get the one you lust after.

[Falafel Combo]

Hard to give you an honest answer without knowing the specifics of your situation, but you are comparing 2 different cars here. At least compare the e92 to a 435i f32. Not a 335i f30.


I vote for the f30. I sold my 6MT e92 M3 comp pack for the 6MT f30 335i M Sport and have no regrets 10,000 miles later. It really depends on your needs. Obviously the f30 suits mine better.


A couple of asides.

-The e92 M3 is waa-haaaay over rated as a daily driver IMO. Actually it is flat out a poor choice as a daily driver car. Keep that in mind. Terrible gas mileage, low torque, feels sluggish under 4000 RPM, feels heavy, poor miles per tank range and feels no different than an e92 335i around town. Everything else is awesome.

-The 6MT in the e92 M3 was mediocre at best. Long, imprecise and rubbery-feeling shifts. The 6MT in my f30 is a great deal better.

-The 6MT as a subject really does not seem to suit the V8 power plant all that well. I would seriously consider the DCT. I've been a manual guy my whole life - still am - but if I were to my another e90/92, I would opt for the DCT.

-The e92 M3 is a much better "visceral" experience. Sounds better, handles better and just feels more solid than almost any other car I have experienced. But as a daily driver, you will rarely get to taste that. The only reasonable excuse to buy an M3 is if you plan on using it at the track, and do not want a dedicated track car. Other reasons include bragging rights, small package, disposable income, cool factor, M experience, ...

[hanszilla]

Originally Posted by Vlad

I figure that the feedback will depend heavily on where I post this, but alas, I thought I'd try the F30 post first.

I have the decision to make whether to pull the trigger on a mint 2012 M3 MT with competition package (and all sorts of options) or a 2014 F30 335i. The 335 is a little cheaper and obviously newer tech and better economically, while the M3 has 20k miles, but speaks to the heart. I've always lusted over the E92 gen Ms and this one seems a wonderful fit.

Any input is appreciated.

Go with your gut feeling. Drive both, see what you like. I've driven the E92 before and it's great, albeit maintenance is a bit expensive.

I don't know what your finances is like but, if this is going to be a daily commuter take into account the wear and tear, maintenance, upkeep, insurance and such. Just remember in this case money buys happiness, I would spend that few extra bucks a month in order to be happy.

Personally I had the chance to get the E92 and I skimped out on it both times, I favored the F30 but that's mainly because my significant other and I already have a sport car for our quarter life crisis.

Bottom line if money is not an issue got with the E92, you'll be happier with it. F30 335 is great but, it doesn't make your heart flutter when you go WOT. And the wail of the V8 is amazing; the N55 even with both the MPPE and the MPPK doesn't come close to it.

[hanszilla]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Hard to give you an honest answer without knowing the particulars of your situation, but you are comparing 2 different cars here. What's the point? At least compare the e92 to a 435i f32. Not a 335i f30.


Long story short, I vote for the f30. I sold my 6MT e92 M3 comp pack for the 6MT f30 335i M Sport and have no regrets 10,000 miles later. It really depends on your needs. Obviously the f30 suits mine better.


A couple of asides.

-The e92 M3 is waa-haaaay over rated as a daily driver IMO. Actually it is flat out a poor choice as a daily driver car. Keep that in mind. Terrible gas mileage, low torque, feels sluggish under 400 RPM, heavy, poor miles per tank range and feels no different than an e92 335i around town. Everything else is awesome.

-The 6MT in the e92 M3 was mediocre at best. Long, imprecise and rubbery-feeling shifts. The 6MT in my f30 is a great deal better.

-The 6MT as a subject really does not seem to suit the V8 power plant all that well. I would seriously consider the DCT. I've been a manual guy my whole life - still am - but if I were to my another e90/92, I would opt for the DCT.

-The e92 M3 is a much better "visceral" experience. Sounds better, handles better and just feels more solid than almost any other car I have experienced. But as a daily driver, you will rarely get to taste that. The only reasonable excuse to buy an M3 is if you plan on using it at the track, and do not want a dedicated track car. Other reasons include bragging rights, small package, disposable income, cool factor, M experience, ...

Amen. I agree with you 100%, as much as I like the M3 for me personally it doesn't really suit my needs. Aesthetically M3 is a lot better, but on paper when you're really looking at the specs on paper the F30 should edge it out. Although when you go WOT it sounds nice on the M3.....but, they make these things pretty fast nowadays you'd have to switch to manual mode and keep it in the first gear to hear the noise otherwise you'd crash to things....

[snowghost]

Originally Posted by alpinweiss 335i

Hard to give you an honest answer without knowing the specifics of your situation, but you are comparing 2 different cars here. At least compare the e92 to a 435i f32. Not a 335i f30.


I vote for the f30. I sold my 6MT e92 M3 comp pack for the 6MT f30 335i M Sport and have no regrets 10,000 miles later. It really depends on your needs. Obviously the f30 suits mine better.


A couple of asides.

-The e92 M3 is waa-haaaay over rated as a daily driver IMO. Actually it is flat out a poor choice as a daily driver car. Keep that in mind. Terrible gas mileage, low torque, feels sluggish under 4000 RPM, feels heavy, poor miles per tank range and feels no different than an e92 335i around town. Everything else is awesome.

-The 6MT in the e92 M3 was mediocre at best. Long, imprecise and rubbery-feeling shifts. The 6MT in my f30 is a great deal better.

-The 6MT as a subject really does not seem to suit the V8 power plant all that well. I would seriously consider the DCT. I've been a manual guy my whole life - still am - but if I were to my another e90/92, I would opt for the DCT.

-The e92 M3 is a much better "visceral" experience. Sounds better, handles better and just feels more solid than almost any other car I have experienced. But as a daily driver, you will rarely get to taste that. The only reasonable excuse to buy an M3 is if you plan on using it at the track, and do not want a dedicated track car. Other reasons include bragging rights, small package, disposable income, cool factor, M experience, ...

I never drove an E92 M3, but after owning the F30 335i, I really don't miss the E46 M3. But if the OP really yearns for the ///M, why not; and can always sell it a year or so down the road and not take a beating.

[300hp]

I think if you are on the fence then don't buy an F30 thinking you can turn it into an M3, you won't be able to do that.

If you are buying an F30 for what it is (I.e it's not an M3) then you should be happy.

Personally with PPK and MPE I am very happy with what I have. I like its modern interior, tech, performance, sound and how it compares with everything else in its class.

Since you are on the fence I would go with the E92 M3. I was never on the fence and therefore have nothing to regret, a place I doubt you will be able to get to if you go the F30 route.

[Cyberdemon]

Do you like to think with your heart or your brain?

The F30 is probably the more sensible choice...you need to decide which priorities are more important.

Also if you are considering a M3 Coupe why not consider a M235i? It has a lot of the sportier performance of the M3 and size with the daily luxuries of the F30.

[Sharp_Cai]

F30 is more of a family sedan for daily use.

If you are the person who likes NA engine with V8 power then get the M3 E92 quick. BMW has been replacing their NA engine with turbo. Soon you will not able to find any of their models come with NA engine.

[bmwauug]

Originally Posted by dc503

Cars purchases are usually irrational...you might as well get the one you lust after.

So true. Same reason I surf for all the mods. In general, life has taught me when deciding between two options, default to the bigger engine.