Oops, I drove an M3.

rondocap · 10-25-2012, 05:00 PM

OK, so like everyone else I have read the dozens and hundreds and thousands of M3 vs 335i threads, and this is not one of them.

I decided to finally see what the fuss was all about, and drive an M3 - a convertible E93 to be exact, with DCT.

Now, I had relegated myself to be satisfied with the 335i, believing that it is a fast, stout sporty car for the money and very engaging.

But, what the hell. I put the M3's top down, I put it in M mode, and prepared to exit.

The first few shifts from 1st, 2nd, and to 3rd I had already seen the difference. Immediate, fast shifts, instant power, and race car noises. To be quite honest, I did not even notice or care to notice the power and if it is close to my power kit 335i with sport suspension. The power delivery was so intoxicating that you don't even care to think about the straight line speed. It definitely pulls very hard.

I hope you guys can follow me on this, as this has been my quest for the "perfect" car that satisfies what I feel an exciting car should, here's my back story:

The first really fast car I was ever in was a Corvette Z06 from 2002, my dad's friend. I was immediately blow away by the power, pull, and most of all, the noise that seemingly drowned you in the cabin. Superbly exciting. Obviously it was lacking in refinement and interior panache - but otherwise who cares when it goes like that.

Since then - I've drove pretty much most of the exciting cars in the under $100k price range and came to a sad conclusion: While fast, they are a bit too pedantic and lacking a bit of soul. I believe this is the criticism that is thrown at a lot of the modern luxury super car mixes of today.

But the M3 captured that feeling for me. The sound, with the top on or off, was just unbelievable. It sounded like a muscle car. Downshifts were shockingly exciting. Car pulled immediately. My 335i has a beautiful exhaust note, but I was thrown for a surprise.

In my mind, that does it. The 335i is a great car - but no need to even compare it to the M3. They don't feel the same, don't be fooled by the similar interior and body. Even modded, you can't get that instant shot of adrenaline that the M3 offers to the 335 - due to the nature of the engine and transmission.

So yes, I will continue to enjoy my 335i - but now I'm on to what other people have been talking about, and the M3, this generation - is something I definitely have to own in the near future.

GB///M · 10-25-2012, 05:08 PM

I felt exactly the same as you did when I first test drove the coupe. I was hooked and had to have it! And you're right they really are two completely different cars and cannot be compared, I especially know about this because I have both

WilliamS · 10-25-2012, 05:11 PM

Good call. I work at a dealer we've had a few m3's since I bought my 335. Completely different animals. Power is one thing, but the sounds they make bring a tear to my eye and a tighter pair of underpants.

Saintor · 10-25-2012, 05:12 PM

An acquaintance paid for a few laps on a racetrack with a F430... A drive with an E92 M3 was also included. He explicitly stated that he was more impressed with the ride in the M3!

Doctor///M · 10-25-2012, 05:36 PM

yup, 2015!!! The suspense..

Dozhdbog · 10-25-2012, 06:05 PM

In 2016 I hope to buy the M3 sedan (is it redundant to say that now that they're splitting the 4 and 2 doors into 3 and 4 series, respectively?)

rondocap · 10-25-2012, 06:07 PM

The current M3 is so good that I am little bit afraid, actually - almost certain - that the next one won't have the same magic. Sure, it will be faster, more efficient, and overall a better car - but if the E60 to F10 M5 is any indication, it may lose a little bit of that magic. That V8 is just so rich, I don't think turbo cars are ready yet to match that excitement.

fun2drive · 10-25-2012, 07:34 PM

There is always a significant difference between the 3 series and the M3 and hopefully always will be.
I guess that is why I am still holding on to my M3/4 and am looking to get the newest CPO M3/4 or the new F model M3. I like the idea of the V-8 having owned some healthy ones but the fuel mileage really sucks.
My 335i is fast but again I agree with the OP they are different cars using the same body and many of same components...

Dark_Knight_335 · 10-25-2012, 07:59 PM

My friend just picked up the new M5 bro- he is a big bimmer enthusiast- and after 3 days he tells me they improved on his 2006 M5 in every way. He loves it.

John 070 · 10-25-2012, 08:05 PM

It's kind of like this. Brooklyn Decker is easy on your eyes, very easy. Your g/f is gorgeous, but you know that BD has the edge. You spend one night with BD, and go back to your g/f. And you're totally ok with what you've got, for real. That's a 335.

John 070 · 10-25-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

My friend just picked up the new M5 bro- he is a big bimmer enthusiast- and after 3 days he tells me they improved on his 2006 M5 in every way. He loves it.

Weird, I've heard the opposite, the '06 would be more raw than the new one. The price tags are so bloated, imho a wise person doesn't get any new BMW, they've all gone down in every way but price (a buck thirty for a M6 that was in the showroom, f that)...

Dark_Knight_335 · 10-25-2012, 08:08 PM

BD will drain your wallet too, much like M3

Dark_Knight_335 · 10-25-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

My friend just picked up the new M5 bro- he is a big bimmer enthusiast- and after 3 days he tells me they improved on his 2006 M5 in every way. He loves it.

Weird, I've heard the opposite, the '06 would be more raw than the new one. The price tags are so bloated, imho a wise person doesn't get any new BMW, they've all gone down in every way but price (a buck thirty for a M6 that was in the showroom, f that)...

It beats the piss out of it in speed, torque, exhaust note, and tech. I've been in it, I would agree.
It's no V10, but it'll do....it'll do

Sam335ix · 10-25-2012, 08:14 PM

I am waiting for 2014 m3, I know it's not a v8 but I want the turbos :-)

theblackmamba · 10-25-2012, 08:17 PM

Drove the M3 both dct and 6 speed, and both 335i 6mt and auto.

For the money, I'd buy two 335's and mod the shit out of one and go to work in the other. Just my .02 -- nothing special about the m3 that makes people say "holy" shit next to a semi modded 335i.

John 070 · 10-25-2012, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

It beats the piss out of it in speed, torque, exhaust note, and tech. I've been in it, I would agree.
It's no V10, but it'll do....it'll do

Yeah, I guess so...I haven't driven one but I sat in one and it was sweet. One real plus is they didn't go electric power steering! M's are sacred!

edirtaynine · 10-25-2012, 08:26 PM

i'd pick an M3 over any modded 335 any day everyday. even if the modded 335 could smoke it on a dragstrip or even the twisties... the m3 is also about the driving experience - not just sheer power. the sound, the feel, the looks, the ride, the engine, the suspension, the transmission... just the sum of all of those things put together perfectly.

CarForHire · 10-25-2012, 08:41 PM

In all honesty, I might not ever purchase a new BMW again, unless I somehow begin to fall in love with forced induction cars.

Bingobimmer · 10-25-2012, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

It's kind of like this. Brooklyn Decker is easy on your eyes, very easy. Your g/f is gorgeous, but you know that BD has the edge. You spend one night with BD, and go back to your g/f. And you're totally ok with what you've got, for real. That's a 335.

Spot on!

rondocap · 10-25-2012, 09:36 PM

OK, so I took my 335i out for a spirited drive tonight to get that "feeling" back, ha. It's not so bad.

One major thing that is spoiled though, I don't care how certain aspects of the 335 may come close to the M3 - it can never have that instant, rifle-bolt sharpness. That's what I take away from driving the M3 the most - the sheer precision and explosiveness of the reactions - downshift, and bam - it goes. The 335 is a bit..lazier, give the turbos.

The downshift noise is great too. I really was expecting the car to sound more muffled like the M5 from the inside, but to my pleasant surprise it sounded like an American muscle car!

I'm putting the performance exhaust on my 335i ASAP, try to capture some of that magic. ;D

eisenb11 · 10-25-2012, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rondocap

I'm putting the performance exhaust on my 335i ASAP, try to capture some of that magic. ;D

Ha ha, good thing you didn't drive a M3 with the Performance Exhaust option.

My GF thought it was a huge waste of money until we started the car then immediately declared it... "worth it".

Night and day difference from the stock exhaust.

Braumin · 10-25-2012, 09:56 PM

Give it some time, the memories of the M3 will fade, and your 335 will still make you happy

Or at least you can hope the memories will fade. I was driving an e46 325i for the last four years, but then I just drove a Ferarri 458 and instantly knew the 325 would never do it for me again. I got a 335i and love it, but still I feel I need more power.

Maybe it's best to just dream about cars like the M3 and then you never get disappointed by your existing ride!

10-25-2012, 05:00 PM	#1
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	Oops, I drove an M3. OK, so like everyone else I have read the dozens and hundreds and thousands of M3 vs 335i threads, and this is not one of them. I decided to finally see what the fuss was all about, and drive an M3 - a convertible E93 to be exact, with DCT. Now, I had relegated myself to be satisfied with the 335i, believing that it is a fast, stout sporty car for the money and very engaging. But, what the hell. I put the M3's top down, I put it in M mode, and prepared to exit. The first few shifts from 1st, 2nd, and to 3rd I had already seen the difference. Immediate, fast shifts, instant power, and race car noises. To be quite honest, I did not even notice or care to notice the power and if it is close to my power kit 335i with sport suspension. The power delivery was so intoxicating that you don't even care to think about the straight line speed. It definitely pulls very hard. I hope you guys can follow me on this, as this has been my quest for the "perfect" car that satisfies what I feel an exciting car should, here's my back story: The first really fast car I was ever in was a Corvette Z06 from 2002, my dad's friend. I was immediately blow away by the power, pull, and most of all, the noise that seemingly drowned you in the cabin. Superbly exciting. Obviously it was lacking in refinement and interior panache - but otherwise who cares when it goes like that. Since then - I've drove pretty much most of the exciting cars in the under $100k price range and came to a sad conclusion: While fast, they are a bit too pedantic and lacking a bit of soul. I believe this is the criticism that is thrown at a lot of the modern luxury super car mixes of today. But the M3 captured that feeling for me. The sound, with the top on or off, was just unbelievable. It sounded like a muscle car. Downshifts were shockingly exciting. Car pulled immediately. My 335i has a beautiful exhaust note, but I was thrown for a surprise. In my mind, that does it. The 335i is a great car - but no need to even compare it to the M3. They don't feel the same, don't be fooled by the similar interior and body. Even modded, you can't get that instant shot of adrenaline that the M3 offers to the 335 - due to the nature of the engine and transmission. So yes, I will continue to enjoy my 335i - but now I'm on to what other people have been talking about, and the M3, this generation - is something I definitely have to own in the near future.
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10-25-2012, 05:08 PM	#2
GB///M Captain 163 Rep 819 Posts Drives: M3 CS, X5 M60i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	I felt exactly the same as you did when I first test drove the coupe. I was hooked and had to have it! And you're right they really are two completely different cars and cannot be compared, I especially know about this because I have both
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10-25-2012, 05:11 PM	#3
WilliamS GoofBall 50 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 N54 Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (2)	Good call. I work at a dealer we've had a few m3's since I bought my 335. Completely different animals. Power is one thing, but the sounds they make bring a tear to my eye and a tighter pair of underpants.
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10-25-2012, 05:12 PM	#4
Saintor Banned 79 Rep 2,446 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MTL, Canada iTrader: (1)	An acquaintance paid for a few laps on a racetrack with a F430... A drive with an E92 M3 was also included. He explicitly stated that he was more impressed with the ride in the M3! Last edited by Saintor; 10-25-2012 at 05:40 PM..
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10-25-2012, 05:36 PM	#5
Doctor///M Brigadier General 1792 Rep 4,216 Posts Drives: 2023 AUDI RS6 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2023 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] BMW M2 Competition [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [0.00] 2015 M3 [9.52]	yup, 2015!!! The suspense.. __________________ 2020 F87 M2 Competition /l\ LBB /i\ Executive Package 2013 E70 X5M /l\ Space Grey /i\ Full Silverstone Leather /l\ LED Headlights /i\ Comfort Access /l\ HUD /i\ Ventilated Seats /l\ 22" BBS SV BMW CCA Member
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10-25-2012, 06:05 PM	#6
Dozhdbog Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,849 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	In 2016 I hope to buy the M3 sedan (is it redundant to say that now that they're splitting the 4 and 2 doors into 3 and 4 series, respectively?) __________________ 2011 E90 / Premium Package / Stage 2 PPK / Performance Suspension
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10-25-2012, 06:07 PM	#7
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	The current M3 is so good that I am little bit afraid, actually - almost certain - that the next one won't have the same magic. Sure, it will be faster, more efficient, and overall a better car - but if the E60 to F10 M5 is any indication, it may lose a little bit of that magic. That V8 is just so rich, I don't think turbo cars are ready yet to match that excitement.
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10-25-2012, 07:34 PM	#8
fun2drive BMWCCA 149159 38 Rep 847 Posts Drives: 13 128i Vert/ 14 JGC Diesel Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Florida Panhandle iTrader: (1)	There is always a significant difference between the 3 series and the M3 and hopefully always will be. I guess that is why I am still holding on to my M3/4 and am looking to get the newest CPO M3/4 or the new F model M3. I like the idea of the V-8 having owned some healthy ones but the fuel mileage really sucks. My 335i is fast but again I agree with the OP they are different cars using the same body and many of same components...
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10-25-2012, 07:59 PM	#9
Dark_Knight_335 Came to the N55 Darkside 1112 Rep 12,740 Posts Drives: 2011 335 E93 M-Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (28)	My friend just picked up the new M5 bro- he is a big bimmer enthusiast- and after 3 days he tells me they improved on his 2006 M5 in every way. He loves it.
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10-25-2012, 08:05 PM	#10
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	It's kind of like this. Brooklyn Decker is easy on your eyes, very easy. Your g/f is gorgeous, but you know that BD has the edge. You spend one night with BD, and go back to your g/f. And you're totally ok with what you've got, for real. That's a 335.
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10-25-2012, 08:08 PM	#12
Dark_Knight_335 Came to the N55 Darkside 1112 Rep 12,740 Posts Drives: 2011 335 E93 M-Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (28)	BD will drain your wallet too, much like M3
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10-25-2012, 08:14 PM	#14
Sam335ix Major 65 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: 335 ix performance edition Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Redskin Country iTrader: (0)	I am waiting for 2014 m3, I know it's not a v8 but I want the turbos :-) __________________ 2011 e90 KW V1, JB4, BMS Dp, BMS Intake, CP, Alpina Flash, ISO, E85 Coming soon to the garage: 2014 M3 Maybe M5
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10-25-2012, 08:17 PM	#15
theblackmamba Banned 78 Rep 2,287 Posts Drives: 0 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: 1 iTrader: (8)	Drove the M3 both dct and 6 speed, and both 335i 6mt and auto. For the money, I'd buy two 335's and mod the shit out of one and go to work in the other. Just my .02 -- nothing special about the m3 that makes people say "holy" shit next to a semi modded 335i.
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10-25-2012, 08:26 PM	#17
edirtaynine Major General 81 Rep 6,092 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	i'd pick an M3 over any modded 335 any day everyday. even if the modded 335 could smoke it on a dragstrip or even the twisties... the m3 is also about the driving experience - not just sheer power. the sound, the feel, the looks, the ride, the engine, the suspension, the transmission... just the sum of all of those things put together perfectly. __________________ e90post killed plastidip Just say no to painted stock wheels jm3as hooks it up
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10-25-2012, 08:41 PM	#18
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	In all honesty, I might not ever purchase a new BMW again, unless I somehow begin to fall in love with forced induction cars. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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10-25-2012, 09:36 PM	#20
rondocap Captain 154 Rep 622 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (1)	OK, so I took my 335i out for a spirited drive tonight to get that "feeling" back, ha. It's not so bad. One major thing that is spoiled though, I don't care how certain aspects of the 335 may come close to the M3 - it can never have that instant, rifle-bolt sharpness. That's what I take away from driving the M3 the most - the sheer precision and explosiveness of the reactions - downshift, and bam - it goes. The 335 is a bit..lazier, give the turbos. The downshift noise is great too. I really was expecting the car to sound more muffled like the M5 from the inside, but to my pleasant surprise it sounded like an American muscle car! I'm putting the performance exhaust on my 335i ASAP, try to capture some of that magic. ;D
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10-25-2012, 09:56 PM	#22
Braumin First Lieutenant 40 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Regina, SK, CAN iTrader: (0)	Give it some time, the memories of the M3 will fade, and your 335 will still make you happy Or at least you can hope the memories will fade. I was driving an e46 325i for the last four years, but then I just drove a Ferarri 458 and instantly knew the 325 would never do it for me again. I got a 335i and love it, but still I feel I need more power. Maybe it's best to just dream about cars like the M3 and then you never get disappointed by your existing ride!
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