[MTHRAR]

So, I put a deposit down on an 07 335i today. I test drove this car two weeks ago and when I test drove it, it had an engine malfunction. Turns out it was related to a cut vacuum hose when they replaced the HPFP (I'm aware of HPFP, Wastegate Rattle, and many other possible problems). After all of this and contemplating I put the deposit down because its the color combo and all the options I wanted and it's a 6spd which is actually kinda hard to find in my area. Obviously, I am going to test drive it again and make sure everything is good to go...

My real question is how many of you went from an e46 M3 to the 335i and what are your thoughts concerning both? I am still wavering a bit because I have a feeling I might miss the ///M. Going from an 02 M3 coupe with about 63k on the clock (Carbon Black/Cinn) to an 07 335i coupe ( Montego Blue/Black) also a CPO.

Thanks for reading a newbie's question in my quest to gain more knowledge on the e9x.

[Jonny550]

Ive never owned an m3 but performance wise these engines dont stop their is alot of potencial in them than an m3 ( minus HPF) but bolt on wise it surpasses the m3 by alot.

[idrift4wd]

I have never owned a E46 m3, but i can tell you, maintenance will be apart of your schedule. 335i was made but certainly not a perfect car. many can say my car has never had 1 problem wrong, but in reality, over half of the n54 owners have problems. just hope you get a lemon free one!

I love my car, i dont care how many times its been in the shop, i think its well worth the money and time.

[MTHRAR]

Yeah, I understand Maintenance will be part of this decision, but at least it will be under the CPO warranty. I love my M3, but I am looking for something different and new. I just hope the 335i can live up to my expectations. I've heard mixed reviews, I just hope I'm making the right decision.

[ferrari6891]

Usually, people say that when you go ///M, you don't go back. I'm not saying this being biased...I'm just telling you what I have read on these forums. Personally, I wouldn't want to deal with all the problems that a lot of n54 owners have had like hpfp, etc. Look at it this way, you're getting a nice car anyways..

[MTHRAR]

Originally Posted by ferrari6891

Usually, people say that when you go ///M, you don't go back. I'm not saying this being biased...I'm just telling you what I have read on these forums. Personally, I wouldn't want to deal with all the problems that a lot of n54 owners have had like hpfp, etc. Look at it this way, you're getting a nice car anyways..

Believe me, I want an 08 ///M, but it is out of my price range at this point in time. I look at it this way, the 335i will be a segway to an 08 or 09 ///M after the warranty of the 335 runs out and I end up trading it in or selling it. I am hoping to have this thing paid off in 3 years, so I would think the prices of the ///M would be more affordable at that point in time and have the luxury of a CPO for maybe 1 or 2 years.