It should come as no surprise to readers of AutoSpies.com, that our favorite part of this job, is being able to test all the amazing cars that are either coming soon or already creating the buzz on streets around the world.
The BMW 335 is one of those kind of cars.
About three weeks ago, we were given the 2007 BMW 335 sedan (Manual, sport, premium, premium sound)from BMW corporate, as a long term review car.
If you’re regular reader, you know I have been driving a couple Carrera S’s over the past two years, as my daily drivers.
And they have been great to say the least.
But after driving the new 335, I’ve sold my Carrera S and am perfectly happy and in some ways happier, with this BMW.
And the BMW costs HALF as much!
I was also thinking of getting an M5 or a 550i but after living with the 335, I’m not sure I would be happy spending so much more, for such a little performance and functionality increase.
Yes, the 335 is THAT good!
I know, you’re thinking 001 has lost his mind…what could the 335 possibly do better than a 911 Carrera S?
So here’s my list…
1. It’s almost as fast from 0-60 and 0-100…give or take one second (see R&T test chart pics below)
2. I can put real people in the back seat
3. It has a factory MP3 and satellite radio solution
4. It has the best Bluetooth setup and sound quality of any brand on the market
5. It feels more connected to the road at higher speeds… 100-140
6. It has free scheduled maintenance
7. It just about HALF of the price of the 911...Are the 911 and others REALLY worth twice as much for such a minimal performance difference?
8. Can’t prove it that it is safer but I have greater peace of mind safety-wise with the BMW based on previous crash test results and insurance rankings
9. The trunk is HUGE and you can get even more space with the fold down seat option
10. The interior IP (Instrument panel) is more intuitive has a better, easier to access layout
11. You can control a lot of the cars features (radio, phone, etc.) from the steering wheel without having to spend a grand extra for a multifunction wheel
12. In town, I’m getting 22MPG on the 335 vs. 17.5 on the 911 and 28MPG highway vs. 21MPG highway on the 911
So there’s my case but also remember, this is not just BMW 335 vs. Porsche here…I would pick a 335 (Coupe if it was my $) over ANYTHING that’s on the market right now. Including cars like the 535, 550, M5, E550, GS450, Infiniti G&M, etc.
The new 335 is REALLY good…maybe TOO good!
And if you think BMW can’t make things any better, the 135 is anxiously waiting in the wings, to confound the competition even further.
And then, soon after the diesels...
For the longest time people have said the Corvette is the best bang for the buck car but I would argue today that the new 335i, has stolen that crown.