Collateral Damage: Did BMW’s 335is Accidently Shoot Down Their Own M3 Instead Of Audi’s S4?

What we have in the 2011 BMW 335is coupe and convertible models is a classic special-edition ploy. You know the routine: A model that's been on the market for awhile, yet still has a couple years before its scheduled full-tilt overhaul, gets some choice pieces to spark a little demand in the face of newer competitors.

Typically we're down on these exercises, which more often than not involve special badges and a pack of existing options rolled into one fairly lame special edition. But wait, just because it's a ploy doesn't necessarily mean it's lame. Witness the 2011 BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible. The 335is, which will go on sale this spring, is rated at 20 more horsepower than the newly introduced 300-hp 335i and comes with a unique and very tasty exhaust system, some additional cooling capacity, plus a body kit and trim package that should be identifiable to at least BMW enthusiasts, if not your average buyer. All this beats the hell out of special chrome wheels and a "Limited" badge.


2011 BMW 335is Photo Gallery

2011 BMW 5-Series Photo Gallery

2010 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

BondMI6 - 1/27/2010 2:30:49 PM

+3 Boost

I dont think so- this argument came around when the 335 first came out. Fact is both cars typically have different types of buyers so cannibalization should be minimal between the two.

As for the S4, it's not exactly flying off dealer lots like the S5 did-62k for a V6 small sedan is pushing it IMHO......

recca7 - 1/28/2010 12:49:36 AM

+4 Boost

it does not look better than the m3..the m3's flared arches alone looks better than this car...m3's has a more aggressive looks

thstone - 1/27/2010 2:42:58 PM

+2 Boost

No, this simply gives a buyer who wants an M3 but can't really afford it another option and a little exclusivity instead of the standard 335i.

The real question is how thin can BMW slice the marget segments and still make money?

M35MT - 1/28/2010 4:50:42 PM

+1 Boost

+1

People buy the M3 because they want the real deal: the M3 - no matter how close the cheaper alternative comes.

BMW fans should understand this quite well, as they never seem to find more affordable substitutes to the 3 series a viable option, unless they simply can't afford a BMW.

Agent00R - 1/27/2010 4:01:48 PM

-2 Boost

It is a totally legitimate argument as the new S4 is one helluva car that was said to have "beaten" the 335.

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?t=2763732

Has nothing to do with revolving around Audi, it is a head-to-head comparison.

darzav - 1/27/2010 4:42:58 PM

+2 Boost

BMW is just redesigning their 3-series line up. I can see the next M3 will be much more powerful than this while the 335is will be a direct competitor to the S4 the next M3 will challange the RS4. So, I dont think BMW accidentally shot down anything.

dlin - 1/27/2010 7:01:24 PM

+3 Boost

Of course not.

This 'is' doesn't even upgrade the 335's soft suspension, unlike the performance package of E46. Therefore, the gap between it and M3 remains for any serious driver, other than those drag racer.

mpwr - 1/28/2010 9:08:07 AM

+2 Boost

what an inane question...
these are only equivalent to the same person who buys a Lexus/Acura/Cadillac and thinks that its the same kind of car. In other words if you make that judgment based on styling/gadgets and horsepower numbers there all in the same league... Which of course they are not. Not even on paper.
some people who own a M3 do actually use it to 9/10's and I'm annoyed by this post.

dlin - 1/30/2010 1:50:25 PM

+1 Boost

Agreed. This 'is' is not even up to the E46 performance package. That said, maybe BMW will realize and come up with real McCoy later?