BMW M3 vs. BMW 335i

Let me introduce myself, as this is my first article for AutoSpies.

I'm Motor2, and I'm Motor1's cousin. When it comes to cars, I'm the sort of guy that continues to buy the exact same model I bought originally each time they make a new one.

My wife got an X5 4.4i in 2003. We loved it. So last year, we bought an X5 3.0sd.

I bought an M3 Convertible also in 2003. I loved it. So earlier this year, I bought the new convertible. Except this time, it isn't an M3. It was a 335i.

Fuel prices are through the roof. And if I continued the way I was going, I'd probably be stuck with some wimpy 320d diesel sedan.

So I compared the M3 Converitble (2008) with the 335i Convertible (2008).

On the 335i, I had optioned for the automatic gearbox plus the M Sports Pack, and also the removal of the vehicle number. Everyone who drove or walked past my car assumed it as an M3. But it wasn't.

Okay, obviously the M3 is much more fast (nearly a whole second). But the 335 isn't slow. it reaches 100km/h from 0 in 5.6 seconds, good for a hard-top convertible. Yet it consumes 3 litres less than the M3. 3 litres! It still can reach the same speeds as the M3, and is over 75 kW less powerful than the M3. But there is only a 1 second difference between the two!

Now obviously if you were a dedicated BMW M3 fan, you wouldn't do what I did and decide to get the 335i that looks like an M3. But if you don't really care about loosing under a second in a 0-100 leap, why bother with the M3 Convertible? The same could probably speak for the M3 Coupe against the 335i Coupe.

So, if you are considering buying an M3, stop. Think about whether you need to be that 0.8 seconds faster. Think about whether you would like to trade that in for better efficiency which in the end means you have more in your pocket. And you'll have more in your pocket from all the money you've saved.

Because I did, and the 335i with the M Package and no 335i badge is physically the same as the M3 from the above average car enthusiast's eye. And .8 seconds doesn't matter when I saved enough to buy a home theatre system and a 60 inch flat screen TV.

So, what do you think? Is it worth spending the bucket load of money buying the M3, then the bucket load of money for it's fuel. Or is it worth saving heaps on efficiency and the cheaper price to buy the 335i, and just get rid of the 335i badge and get the M Pack?

motor1 - 7/18/2008 1:16:33 AM

+3 Boost

Yep I'd get the 335i. I wonder why Mercedes-AMG and BMW M don't start making diesel models, like the M3d or the S65 CDI AMG

Agent63 - 7/18/2008 1:38:34 AM

+5 Boost

That's a big jump, M3D "OR" the S64 CDI. Maybe you meant C63 CDI AMG. Anyways, for those who want that V8 power then the M3 is the choice. For those who want a fast coupe that handles very well but doesn't need the M3 adrenaline rush the 335i will still satisfy your needs.

Wimmer - 7/18/2008 7:33:00 AM

+4 Boost

Mercedes has the CLK320 CDI in Europe which is the closest to a 335d competitior. But whereas the 335d is sportier the CLK320 CDI is still more of a cruiser placing emphasis on decent handling and top comfort. I've driven it too. It's fast, refined and comfortable - the perfect cruising machine. No match for a 335d but it wasn't designed to be a "sports car" in that sense.

Agent63 - 7/18/2008 1:46:27 AM

+5 Boost

BTW,

I've got 5.0 with a 335i. I've seen 4.9 as well.

BmwVoyager - 7/18/2008 2:17:15 AM

-3 Boost

lol 100000000th "m3 vs 335I" articles ive seen on the interwebz lulz -___-

StickShiftCamry - 7/18/2008 2:50:38 AM

-1 Boost

Alotta ppl have 335's - 2 ppl i know who have it have nooo clue about how much capability their car has. U get a new M3 for sound and exclusiv...

henbmw - 7/21/2008 11:50:04 AM

+1 Boost

You clearly have never driven an M3. M3's differ from their more mundane cousins in more ways than just 0-60 times. That's what is so ignorant about this article. Your not paying a chunk of change for a 'faster 335i,' you are paying for a overhauled beast with a masterpiece in its engine bay. Go test drive the two side by side and you will see that the M3 is far more than a tuned 335i.

motor1 - 7/18/2008 7:06:10 AM

+5 Boost

Are you some wanker or something, calling people who cant afford an M3 and buy a 335. You probably drive some pissy japanese car

gooch - 7/18/2008 7:44:49 AM

+3 Boost

I get the M3 with a sunroof. Your comment is totally wankerfied. An M3 convertible -- okay, sure, but a mere sunroof means hardly anything. The only people who could tell a difference between an M3 with a sunroof and without are named Hamilton, Alonso, Raikkonen, Massa ...
get the drift? Go somewhere and play.
The M3 is a different animal than the 335i. The 335i is fast, no doubt, but the M3 is all about tactility.

motor1 - 7/18/2008 9:20:29 AM

0 Boost

^^^^^COMMENT ABOVE^^^^^
You're talking to this IS3andme guy, right?

AutoSupplies - 7/18/2008 4:50:44 AM

+1 Boost

You base your decision solely on the fact that the M3 is 1 second faster than the 335. But that is 1 second out of shaven off 5-6 seconds. That is around a 20% reduction in time. And how do you rationalize getting a 335 over an M3 solely on 1 second? In the same way you should have factored in a 7 second car for another 10K less! There are so many factors and emotions that lead people to buy M3s. Quit trying to make yourself feel better by stating this 1 second and less gas rationalization. And I bet you feel terrible when you get complemented for your M3 despite it being a 335. Is this the reason for your de-badging?

PrancingHorse - 7/18/2008 5:37:01 AM

+6 Boost

Honestly what are you guys smoking because i own a 08 M3 DCT coupe and i have personally done 0-60 in 4.4 (after the 1200 mile breakin) and the M3s handling and dynamics is a whole differnt ballgame than a 335.Try taking the 335 to a track and you will see why the M3 costs so much more.I have friend who has 335 and side by side the vehicles look like a gym rat and a geek.Most 335 owners should just pony up the extra $$$s because deep down they really want the M3.And as far a gas if i can afford a $80,000 car $5.00 gas is not going affect me.

motor1 - 7/18/2008 7:42:49 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah but he is comparing the 335i vs. M3 convertible models!

HSCenterconsole - 7/18/2008 8:26:02 AM

+1 Boost

Let's leave the real car comparison articles to the professionals at Autoweek, Car & Driver, Automobile, etc.

mpwr - 7/18/2008 8:38:01 AM

+2 Boost

sacrilege

mpwr - 7/18/2008 8:51:36 AM

+2 Boost

Badge or no badge, those who care can see the lack of lump under the hood/bonnet, so

Badges we dont need no stinking Badges

sorry but I had to

HSCenterconsole - 7/18/2008 9:21:25 AM

+2 Boost

I wish I could deboost this entire article.

holmstar - 7/18/2008 9:55:18 AM

0 Boost

what's wrong with saving money if you personally don't feel the need to have the performance of an m3? If you don't need/want that kind of performance, then buying the m3 is a waste, regardless of how wealthy you are.

Just my 2c.

holmstar - 7/18/2008 9:59:25 AM

+3 Boost

trying to trick people into thinking your car is an m3 when it isn't is über-lame though.

KZ258 - 7/18/2008 10:03:18 AM

+2 Boost

why didnt you get the manual?

HSCenterconsole - 7/18/2008 10:15:20 AM

+3 Boost

Getting this car with the automatic pretty much screams "poser" in my book. Man up and get the stick.

Nothing is more poser than removing the badges and trying to trick people into thinking it's an M3.

07mcs - 7/21/2008 2:28:23 PM

+1 Boost

the M3 has bonnet scoops and also side vents, plus the exhaust is quad tip as opposed to dual tip.

E92_M_Power - 7/18/2008 10:06:35 AM

+4 Boost

No doubt, 335i is the best in its class, and with pro-code can give M3 a run, but its still not the M.

t_bone - 7/18/2008 10:29:23 AM

+3 Boost

I'm with you for everything except the de-badging. That's just way too self-conscious.

lenkun - 7/18/2008 11:08:50 AM

-1 Boost

So what you're saying applies to people who buy the following convertibles vs. the hardtop?

Bugatti Veyron Convertable
Mercedes-Benz SLR Convertable/Speedster
Enzo/F430 Scudera Convertable
Lamborghini Convertable
911 Turbo S, GT-2, GT-3 RS Convertibles
Lotus Elise Convertibles
Honda S2000

They are all great handling and performance vehicles for the road and for the track.
And how do you explain when Detroit and Nissan release convertable versions of their supercar?
1. Corvette ZR1 Convertable
2. GT-R V-Spec Convertable
3. Dodge Viper Convertable

bmwdrvr - 7/18/2008 12:23:35 PM

+3 Boost

well for one the elise isnt a "convertible"
im not supporting anyone but the fact your comment was boosted saids alot about posters here......one its "convertible" and 2nd alot of the fcars you listed arent convertibles but targas, where the missing roof "section" isnt going to add weight...at all....not to mention some of the cars you listed arent available as Coupes but Targa, or convertible only....not to mention you are comparing cars that havent been created yet...weird comment....and I promise you a fabric piece over the occupants isnt adding weight lol, like a rag top, or hard top convertible

NARunner - 7/18/2008 4:03:51 PM

+2 Boost

lenkun - I'm not sure what a 911 Turbo S is, but I'm guessing that because THERE IS NO SUCH CAR, it's not available in a convertible. And I do know that the GT2 and GT3 AND GT3 RS models are NOT available in convertible form either. ALSO, how are the Veyron and the S2000 on the same list????

MAN, you are lame!!! You continue to surprise us all with your ridiculously foolish comments about cars that don't even exist on today's market!!!

lenkun - 7/18/2008 8:28:47 PM

-2 Boost

NARunner
I guess you really don't know too much about cars do you? I guess this is a good place for you to start learning. The Veyron and S2000 are on there because they are convertibles and they are used on tracks. The S2000 was built as a convertible from ground up and yet it's high performance. I am just trying to say that convertible could be better than hardtop on the track because of less weight and lower center of gravity. Why do you think the M3 use carbon fiber for the top? It's to reduce weight. So a M3 convertible will have a lower center of gravity than a M3 with a carbon top. Get it?

Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet (Convertible)
http://www.seriouswheels.com/cars/top-2005-Porsche-911-Turbo-S.htm

GT-3 RS Convertible
http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/cargraphic-gt3-rsc-38/big_CargraphicGT3RSC3.82_01.jpg
http://static.blogo.it/autoblog/cargraphic-gt3-rsc-38/big_CargraphicGT3RSC3.84_01.jpg

IS3andME:
And here is the ZR1 Convertible
http://www.maui.net/~toystore/car09.htm

And here is the Corvette Z06 Convertible
http://www.genaddi.com/Z06/

And remember, the $1/2 Million Porsche Carrera GT with the mid-engine V10 is also a convertibel!
bmwdrvr
Targa is just another word for convertible. Cabriolet, Roadster, Speedster, drop-top, Spyder, ragtop, T-top, and etc are all the same.

You see guys, I back up my words with facts! It's always fun to take some of the fellows here to school so they learn a lesson or two about cars.

Htay7500 - 7/19/2008 8:03:13 AM

+1 Boost

lenkun: what you've posted is actually done by in-house tuners, not something that the automakers have made. oh and thats not a zr1. the c5 never came in a zr1 trim.

Htay7500 - 7/19/2008 8:10:22 AM

+2 Boost

"It's always fun to take some of the fellows here to school so they learn a lesson or two about cars."

like you? you said you knew a lot about cars when you said that the BMW on fire was a 5 series when it was a 7.

motor1 - 7/19/2008 9:41:21 PM

0 Boost

I can't afford it? He can't afford it? I have a Mercedes S500, BMW X5 4.8i, BMW M6 and Lexus LS. I can't really afford it, can't I?

Motor2 has a BMW X5 4.8i and a 335i Convertible optioned out.

So don't tell us that we can't afford it.

NARunner - 7/20/2008 10:48:12 AM

+3 Boost

lenkun, you are the biggest f**king moron i have ever seen.

Targa tops are NOT synonymous with spyders, convertibles, and drop tops you idiot. A targa top is a roof that is usually completely removed from the vehicle for a "semi-convertible" configuration. That's why the 911 Cabriolet and the 911 Targa ARE NOT THE SAME CAR douchebag.

I apologize for the Turbo S comment, I actually thought you were making a point about RELEVANT NEW MODELS, not a 3 year old used car. Same with the ZR1 comment, I didn't realize you were talking about the 10 year old 1988 ZR1.

That GT3 RS convertible is a terrible looking photoshop, again, THE CAR DOESN"T EXIST you stupid sh*t. See the "Cargraphic" sticker pasted on the side? You think that's standard from Porsche? Or an option?....idiot.

And as HTay said, that Z06 is an aftermarket convertible. Go into a chevy dealership and order up a Z06 convertible and watch them laugh.

And finally, the Carrera GT is a TARGA, NOT A CONVERTIBLE YOU GIANT F$%^&* MORON!! Go take a long walk off a short pier and let the grownups talk.

henbmw - 7/21/2008 11:44:16 AM

+1 Boost

I've never seen 'convertible' spelled in so many ridiculous ways. Or an argument so ridiculously idiotic. Thanks Lenkun for these wonderful contributions.

HSCenterconsole - 7/18/2008 11:32:37 AM

+1 Boost

You've never seen a Ferrari 430 Spider?

LexSucks - 7/19/2008 9:33:03 PM

0 Boost

"Never seen a Enzo or F430 convert, again, the weight gain for that would f up the mission, wasn't the whole goal of the Scuderia to be light weight..."

- Follow the link below. It includes a race between the F430 convertible and the F430 coupe. The performance is virtually identical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSdO5erhKfI

LexSucks - 7/19/2008 9:34:01 PM

0 Boost

I mean cut-and-paste into your browser :-) Its not a link

Htay7500 - 7/18/2008 1:17:38 PM

+3 Boost

lol. you kill me again MT!!!!!

audirevolution - 7/18/2008 1:52:31 PM

+1 Boost

You're actually kind of funny.

motor1 - 7/21/2008 8:42:30 AM

+1 Boost

You are an absolute wanker, aren't you? Dicks like you should go and stalk fellow seedy men on myspace.

chinojk - 7/21/2008 9:23:05 AM

+1 Boost

autospies is a breeding ground for bmw owners

chinojk - 7/21/2008 9:35:39 AM

+1 Boost

"Are you some wanker or something, calling people who cant afford an M3 and buy a 335. You probably drive some pissy japanese car"

Great...guess we can see some unbiased blogs from you in the future huh

henbmw - 7/21/2008 11:34:43 AM

+1 Boost

Convertibles are for women.

supermoto - 7/21/2008 6:38:28 PM

+1 Boost

As a happy 335i owner, the new M3 is just not earth-shatteringly more appealing to me for some reason. I think my next car will be a Carrera S instead (yes I can afford it, thanks).

BTW, convertibles should only be driven by women and guys who play on the other team.