[DefBringer]

I thought this thread might be helpful for someone like me who is having a hard time deciding between a 2011 E92 335is and a 2011 E92 M3.

I drove the M3 first, upon the dealer's suggestion. I'm not sure what was wrong with the E90 M3 I had driven a year ago, but this car was a different beast - much more taught and not as sloppy. (bad tires on the E90?) I checked, it did *not* come with the Competition Package so that wasn't it. Frankly, after driving it, my 335i just felt like a luxo barge. The steering and throttle response is simply breathtaking...reminding me of the catlike reflexes of my old Lancer Evo. As nice as the 335 sport package seats are, the ones in the M3 are just on a whole other level - much better side bolstering. Again, reminded me of the Recaros in my Evo. Clutch travel is shorter, much easier to snap off shifts. Driving the 6 speed was simply a joy.

The leather interior was a step up. Definitely softer leather on the armrest...not sure if this is parted of the extended novillo?

But the engine...I know I will get a lot of **** for this, but I really think BMW screwed up here. After driving a (bone stock) 335i, this engine really leaves you wanting for torque. The dealer encouraged me to take this car out for as long as I wanted and drive it as hard as I wanted. He asked me to stay under 4500rpms (but with a wink)...I didn't. I let the engine wind out and most assuredly the power really comes alive just above that range. Impressive acoustics aside, it reminded me of the S2000...for a car that you want to quickly dart around on public roads (which is full of unexpected stops and gos unlike a race course where one can/should drive consistently) it is almost fatiguing. I do not want to want to bounce off the rev limiter to enjoy my V8. I realize this engine is a technical marvel but compared to a crude instrument such as a Chevy LS3/LS7, an engine that delivers more power, more torque, and with better fuel economy...it really makes me wonder if BMW should stick to developing turbo 6s?

Regardless, this is the most athletic BMW I have ever driven...I would love to be able to take one to the track.

Next up is the 335is.

I drove a silver 335is with the stock 18" wheels and DCT.

God is DCT nice. This is the first "automanual" car I've driven that has finally got it right. You will find yourself shifting much more in these cars, keeping the power right where you need it more often. The N54 continues to be an amazing engine but frankly I could not feel that this car was any quicker than mine (perhaps needs a break-in?). After driving the M3, this engine was just intoxicating...it is simply a better engine for a daily driver.

Unfortunately this car had very little else to get excited about for a current 335i owner. Despite the sporting pretense, this car handled just like any sport packaged coupe. There is a noticeable and irritating disconnect between driver input and vehicle reaction...this is most evident at higher speeds where the 335is simply wallows back and forth on the tires as if you're driving on a roadway layered with banana peels. I understand that BMW doesn't want to cannibalize M3 sales by offering a more aggressive suspension package on these cars, but I did expect a 2011 335is to be more buttoned-down and tighter than my 4 year old garden-variety 335i.

FYI, on a particular stretch of highway I noticed 28mpg in the 335is and 23mpg in the M3. Average fuel consumption rate in the M3 was 8.9 mpg and 18mpg in the 335is. I don't know how hard these cars have been driven so draw your own conclusion.

FYI pt 2 - I found the $1900 upgraded stereo in the M3 a complete waste of money. The $900 Hardon Kardon upgrade in the 335is, however, seemed definitely worth it. Although frankly I prefer my Logic7 system to either.

Despite the way in which you must push the M3 powerplant (alter driving style), the M3 is the only car I would consider upgrading to. It truly is a different car, and probably not for everybody.

The only compelling reason to get the 335is is just to get DCT. For a guy like me who doesn't care a lot about all the other cosmetic bits, the DCT is the only real value this car brings over the 335i.

[positiveions]

thank you! that was simple and yet informative. Did the 335is had that dancing move on the FWY? i had that problem on the ZHP and couldn't rectify the problem. changed tires and suspension, and still performed the same.

[Ron1n]

Tramlining ftl.

[jvowles]

thank you - good to get a perspective on these cars.

[John 070]

I would never get an M3 due to fuel consumption, cost of maintenance, and cost of insurance. Even to get a 335i (not an is) today, it's like $4100 more than in 2k7 (and no matter how much you pay you get 2 less speakers than in 2k7). I'm not willing to pay that differential for the same car. But there are those who are, look at the folks who have already gotten their 2nd E92. Ditto with the M3--Not willing to pay a gas guzzler tax which is essentially a penalty. Not until my employer gives me a car allowance...maybe next job! LOL

[Saintor]

The only compelling reason to get the 335is is just to get DCT

I don't understand; you can get DCT in a M3 as well (a 2900$ option though instead of 1575$). Frankly, transmissions aside, the M3 (specially the E90) is a deal compared to the 335is and it is not 500$ of gas yearly that will change that.

From Acurazine

[ss134]

I would reccommend you test drive an M3 with M DCT - this is even better than the DCT in the 335IS and gives the driver the option of always being in the powerband with the flick of the paddles - can also be used in D for when you want to just relax making the M3 a better daily driver as well.

[ABSSF80]

doesnt the 335is come with a n55 engine?

[John 070]

Originally Posted by MSport335i

doesnt the 335is come with a n55 engine?

No, it has the N54. I'm wondering (search is my friend LOL) if it has a different 37.2 software, or maybe a different DME....

[John 070]

Originally Posted by DefBringer

FYI, on a particular stretch of highway I noticed 28mpg in the 335is and 23mpg in the M3. Average fuel consumption rate in the BMW was 8.9 mpg and 18mpg in the 335is. I don't know how hard these cars have been driven so draw your own conclusion.

That is interesting, because one would think the 335is could do better, and that the M3 wouldn't be that good. I used to follow M3 threads where it was typical for owners to complain their HIGHWAY mileage was in the teens.

My 335 with 37.2 managed over 32 mpg for a certain 20 mile "stretch" at 67 mph, but I don't think it's sustainable. 67 is a relatively low highway speed, and 20 miles is a short distance. Perhaps the M3's 23 is like my 335's 32, it happened but is not sustainable....

[DefBringer]

Originally Posted by ss134

I would reccommend you test drive an M3 with M DCT - this is even better than the DCT in the 335IS and gives the driver the option of always being in the powerband with the flick of the paddles - can also be used in D for when you want to just relax making the M3 a better daily driver as well.

They didn't have a DCT M3 there to test but I think I will consider ordering it since it will help me to keep the car in the power. I wish it weren't such an expensive option.

[Delta0311]

Dude you sold me. I cannot wait any longer. I'm getting the M3 next summer. I was going to wait till 2012 but screw it.


BTW how hard is it to drive DCT if your used to driving steptronic?

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by MSport335i

doesnt the 335is come with a n55 engine?

No it still has the N54.

[Brunotheboxer]

From someone who has a 335is on order, I agree with the op pretty much 100%. The reason I ordered the "is" over the regular 335 was because I was going to get the Msport pack anyway so for me I spent only an extra 3K on the "is" for improvements I feel are worth it over the regular 335. I never had any expectations that the 335is would handle any differently at all compared to the 335. The DCT is in fact one of the main reasons as well as the extra cooling features, the n54, the loud exhaust, ferric wheels, 320hp and 332 lbs plus an extra 50 pounds of boost for 10 seconds. Edit: (I meant to say it makes another 50 pounds-feet available for 10 seconds. My bad.)

The M3 is the superior car. Comparing it to the 335is is like apples and oranges. For what I wanted in a daily driver its exactly what I wanted. The M3 is much more car than I need. Flame away as I could care less. I got a GREAT deal on the 335is and have zero regrets about my decision. Use the argument that I paid all that extra money for 20 horses. Again that does not bother me in the least if thats what you think. But when I'm driving to Cape Cod this summer in my new car I know one thing. I will be happy with what I own.

[Argent60]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

Comparing it(M3) to the 335is is like apples and oranges.

+1


Comparing

M3 is to 335i/is

as

335i/is is to 328i

Actually, when you really think about it, it makes even less sense.

[Speed_Addict]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

...an extra 50 pounds of boost for 10 seconds.

I think you meant torque - But 50 pounds of boost would be cool however, I think the N54 would need to be made out of unobtainium.

[Bimmer335i]

Good post, OP. I'm in a situation where I really wanted an M3, but now there's this 335i(s), and I'm not sure now...One thing for me is that I do not want to deal with the potential fuel pump issue with the 3. Yet the M3 is such a beast and looks and all, but like a poster said, the lux penalty, insurance, tax, and other additional associated costs really make me have to reconsider...On the other hand, my friend just pulled the triggered on the Audi S4...and that thing ain't too shabby either...As for daily driving, yeah I agree, the 3 is just simply awesome.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by Speed_Addict

I think you meant torque - But 50 pounds of boost would be cool however, I think the N54 would need to be made out of unobtainium.

I stand corrected and made a wrong statement. It makes another 50 pounds-feet for 10 seconds. My bad.

[DefBringer]

Originally Posted by Bimmer335i

Good post, OP. I'm in a situation where I really wanted an M3, but now there's this 335i(s), and I'm not sure now....

I'd highly recommend just driving both. The 335is is one hell of an amazing car. My impressions that I've shared here are really just from the perspective of someone who wants a more raw and edgy car. I'm not really craving more power, the 335i is plenty fast for me.

[DefBringer]

Originally Posted by John 070

That is interesting, because one would think the 335is could do better, and that the M3 wouldn't be that good. I used to follow M3 threads where it was typical for owners to complain their HIGHWAY mileage was in the teens.

My 335 with 37.2 managed over 32 mpg for a certain 20 mile "stretch" at 67 mph, but I don't think it's sustainable. 67 is a relatively low highway speed, and 20 miles is a short distance. Perhaps the M3's 23 is like my 335's 32, it happened but is not sustainable....

By no means should my experience count as hard, verified data. I was driving around 65 mph, windows up, A/C off, on a level stretch of straight, open highway. I was surprised the M3 registered such high mpg. More than likely it was an anomaly. But I am certain I was cruising and not coasting.

I have a hard time believing the M3 is only capable of 20mph in ideal cruising situations. Perhaps I need to spend more time in the M3 forums to see what those owners are observing.

[BayMoWe335]

Honestly, I think the M3 V8 is pretty sweet, but its gas mileage and torque are a joke. The 505 HP LS7 makes ridiculous power and isn't subject to the gas guzzler tax. At 7 liters, it weighs just 450 pounds and redlines at 7,000 RPM. The M3 V8 weighs 445 (from this source http://www.kenrockwell.com/bmw/m3/2007/engine.htm). Either the LS7 is an incredible engine, or the M3 needs to make more power and weigh less. I think it's both here.

Not trying to compare GM with BMW here, but for all its "technological" flash, the M3 V8 seems to leave something to be desired. For as good as the TT I6 is, the M3 V8 should be a lot better than the reality.

[TotalPower]

my 2011 is VERT is averaging 26mpg while using MPGreen (1200 miles total on car). I have owned the car a little over 2 weeks. First week was mostly city driving with VERY LITTLE freeway (20 miles out of 300 or so). The second week has been lots of high way driving (about 700 miles and another 200 on city streets).

Throughout the break in process I have kept it around 75-80mph on the freeway, and speed limit on streets trying to keep this beast under the radar. I have gas'd up with premium fuel in the early mornings (cool fuel!) and have already had the car in stop n go as well as at full stride for streches of freeway.

I specifically bought the e93 IS over the M3 coupe because I am not a die hard track junkie-though I will track the car- and I have an RSX-S that I have to wind up to 8K and it just gets annoying...It's nice to hear the N54 in the morning and then I say :
HELLO TORQUE!