Which looks better the BMW 335i sedan or the 335i coupe?

Okay, I was initially planning to get the BMW 335i coupe. Under the assumption that it was lighter than the sedan and had the same exact engine (3.0 liter inline 6 turbocharged) I thought the coupe would obviously be quicker than the sedan.

Well, Car and Driver just tested the 335i sedan and it turns out that it is not only quicker from 0-60 mph (4.8 for the sedan vs. 4.9 for the coupe) but also through the 1/4 mile (13.5 seconds for the sedan vs. 13.6 for the coupe) when compared to the coupe.

I should note that the 335i coupe was tested with an automatic transmission and the sedan with a manual. I'm betting that the .1 second differential through 0-60 and the 1/4 mile was because of the auto coupe vs. manual sedan and not because the sedan has slightly better weight distribution.

The sedan is also more convenient with the 2 extra doors and not to mention it costs $3K less on the base price.

There is a problem though. The color combination I wanted was montego blue which is offered on both the coupe and sedan but with creme beige interior which is exclusive to the coupe.

Which car looks better, because for me performance wise they are the same and $3K is not much when you are already spending around $45-50K.

Only if they made the 335i sedan tailights identical to the coupes......this decision would have been a WHOLE LOT EASIER.

kart1 - 9/26/2006 3:01:39 PM

+2 Boost

Coupe

GermanNut - 9/26/2006 3:04:37 PM

-1 Boost

Agent 001, I'm convinced you are paid by BMW to make this site pro-BMW.

A second literally, after I sent this submission in, you post it.

No wonder all the pro-BMW, anti-everything else material on your website.

What's your secret, secret Agent 001?

GermanNut - 9/26/2006 3:06:51 PM

0 Boost

When I send in Audi material, some of it never gets posted and you send me back e-mails saying post something else.

When I put Audi in the tags, you never post it.

Notice how I don't ever mention "Audi" in the tags, because I know you'll censor it.

On the other hand, when I do anything about BMW, you post it.

C'mon, let us know your secret, Mr. Agent 001.

GermanNut - 9/26/2006 3:07:41 PM

0 Boost

I'm sure you have a deal with BMW North American, for this website to be pro-BMW.

GermanNut - 9/26/2006 3:08:19 PM

0 Boost

* BMW North America

Agent004 - 9/26/2006 3:16:44 PM

+4 Boost

Welcome to GermanNut's blog, not always German, but definitely always a Nut. ;)

Chip-

KinGofNY - 9/26/2006 3:23:48 PM

+1 Boost

neither... over priced -- over rated

Agent009 - 9/26/2006 3:38:03 PM

+1 Boost

GermanNut- Funny we see comments that we are a Pro Audi site or a Pro Mercedes site too. It all depends on the viewpoint I guess. We turn down a lot of submissions; most of these are simply duplicates of submitted content. While not every article can be approved, we do appreciate all submissions. A few simple tips: Try to make your posts a well-written summary with a picture or two and you probably will get posted. Simple one or two liners with no pictures or originating links are more prone to have the "deny" button pressed.

MunichRob - 9/26/2006 3:49:56 PM

+1 Boost

GermanNut I'm sure they are quicker to post articles on BMW rather then Audi becuase the Bimmer blogs tend to be more popular...Just like the car company.

Loki - 9/26/2006 4:17:06 PM

+1 Boost

The front and sides (especially) of both coupe and sedan are breathtaking - but the tail end of both designs looks too plain and inexpensive. No such thing as a perfect car.

CBR2200 - 9/26/2006 4:21:30 PM

0 Boost

Neither, both are equally ugly as hell. Get an IS350 or an S4.

BMW4DH - 9/26/2006 4:53:58 PM

+3 Boost

GermanNut:

Difference between times of 4.8 and 4.9 can be attributed to many factors...I doubt that a comparable test between the two (335i Sedan and Coupe, same conditions, same day, both manual) would result in a better time in the sedan. The Coupe will be faster.

Anyhow, your reasoning for picking one over the other (for the sake or 0.1 sec to 60) should not be the determining factor in what vehicle to buy. There are both good attributes to either vehicle.

I currently own an M3 (with a ESS Supercharger good for almost 500hp) and have just put an order on a black 335i Coupe for its sophistication, chassis, high level of comfort (compared to M3), reliability, etc.

BMW4DH - 9/26/2006 4:57:50 PM

+1 Boost

BMW lists the sedan reaching 0-60 in 5.4 and 5.6 for the manual and automatic respectively. On that note, 5.3 and 5.5 for the coupe.

These are the times you should pay attention to. Not C&D who generally tests for much faster times and has tested these two vehicles in different days and conditions.

Agent009 - 9/26/2006 5:46:54 PM

+1 Boost

munichrob- We really try not to post any brand more than others intentionally. Overall it is safe to say BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and Lexus are all well represented.

Hyundai - 9/26/2006 6:16:19 PM

0 Boost

3-Series sedan is the ugliest car on the road.

IS 350 is gorgeous.

I wonder where this is gonna go? Maybe nowhere, because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Idiots like you crack me up.

JRobUSC - 9/26/2006 7:02:06 PM

+1 Boost

looks are subjective but personally I like the coupe better, the rear especially. And the front. And the side. I just like the coupe. You'll also see far fewer of them on the road so it'll be more exclusive. As for the interior, the "Creme Beige" looks no different than the beige interior in the sedan, don't let that sway you. They do have an awesome white/black interior they offer outside of the U.S. but for whatever reason it's not here. The Coral Red interior is awesome, though I don't think it would like good with Montego Blue.

528i - 9/26/2006 8:10:27 PM

+1 Boost

the sedan has more space..

Hyundai - 9/26/2006 8:13:36 PM

+1 Boost

You use an architectural reference (albeit, a true one) to validate a design that I simply do not like?

I would not say Eiffel Tower and e90 are in any way the same level of design prowess.

Many thought that Antoni Gaudi's Casa Mila was ugly when it was first built, and even today it is ugly. He built it to spite the people he was building it for. The only reason why it is appreciated in any way at all today is because it is not looked at as a building anymore. People have grown to accept it as a landmark of Spain.

The design of Casa Mila certainly didnt change the direction of architecture, just as the boring and akward design of the e90 isn't going to change the direction of automotive design. The 6-Series is a different case. At first I was not the biggest fan of it, but after seeing it more and more, the curves, lines, and shadows began to settle in my head. The 6-Series is a new flavour that was shocking at first because nothing like it was ever made. The e90 has been on the market for some time now. Something about how the corner of the headlights look and the rear-3/4 don't go well together..

2JZSoarer - 9/26/2006 9:44:46 PM

+1 Boost

They both look like Honda Civics to me !!!

spiritfilled - 9/26/2006 10:21:38 PM

+2 Boost

Looks are subjective, and actually, Casa Milla is regarded as an architectural beauty, Gaudi has inspired the great Santiago Calatrava who creates some of the most striking and beautiful architectural manifestations in the world. I like some of the Lexus designs, but they have their problems, firstly the IS, it lookslike it is diving into the ground, the ES is nothing more than a nicer Camry, the GS looks ok, but bloated, the new LS looks the 5 fm the side. I do have issues with the tail lights of 3, not executed properly, but all Bimmers are beautiful to me,

spiritfilled - 9/26/2006 10:23:00 PM

+1 Boost

though they could be a little bit more tidy in their execution

Mazman - 9/26/2006 11:26:05 PM

+2 Boost

335i Coupe or Sedan?....Depends on your needs, and what you find more comfortable while waiting for Roadside to show up.

M53R - 9/27/2006 7:54:43 AM

+1 Boost

i think the 335 coupe is better, in terms of looks ofcourse. Both r good, the coupe is better.

vrg1 - 9/27/2006 10:54:46 AM

+1 Boost

What kind of a pin-head would compare the automatic to the manual ?

Hyundai - 9/27/2006 11:14:48 AM

+1 Boost

No doubt, Casa Mila is significant in architecutre, however, it will never be duplicated because, number one, it is not practical, and number two, it is simply an interesting anomaly with sentimental value.

Casa Mila did not inspire Calatrava's work.

BM3W - 9/27/2006 2:35:57 PM

+1 Boost

They both look very nice. I wouldn't say either looks better than the other. Depends if one wants four doors or two doors.

Hyundai - 9/27/2006 3:40:04 PM

+1 Boost

In my opinion, the sedan looks like a runt and the coupe is beautiful. Contrary to BM3W's opinion, the looks of the car does not depend on whether you want four doors or two doors, AND, other cars exist besides BMWS! :`O

BIG SHOCKER!

Parkinglot2 - 9/27/2006 4:17:30 PM

+2 Boost

sedan front: looks good rear: total desaster! side: nice

coupe front: ok, side: ??? rear: ok

BM3W - 9/27/2006 4:41:25 PM

+1 Boost

MikeG...

In your opinion the sedan my look like a runt. But there is one thing for sure that runt sure can sprint from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. And yes other cars do exist besides BMW but none are more interesting to follow. Although Audi is making a case. Lexus and Infiniti are BMW posers.

Hyundai - 9/27/2006 8:47:09 PM

+1 Boost

Um, no they aren't. They all have VERY distinct personalities and characteristics, both driving, and style, amenities.

Hyundai - 9/27/2006 8:47:31 PM

+1 Boost

Keep on clutching to your BADGE.

S4cabriofox - 9/27/2006 9:21:09 PM

0 Boost

Lexus is pretty obviously after BMW and Mercedes, however, they're not QUITE posers. The people who drive them are, however.

Lexus's new motto:

"The Passionate Pursuit of BMW."

bigslick83 - 9/27/2006 9:28:48 PM

+1 Boost

i call shenanagins on this article...

everyone knows your just gonna buy an audi for the interior and pretend you are involved with this HUGE decision (i mean it is a tenth of a second were talkin about here) about a bmw where you are just torn between a coupe and a sedan.

i think the only reason people chose any coupe or sedan is this: the coupe is sportier and the sedan on the other hand is practical for kids, stuffing bodies in the trunk, ski gear, etc.

Hyundai - 9/27/2006 9:48:14 PM

+1 Boost

Yea, Bill Gates was trying to be BM3W when he drove his LS 430.

vin1 - 9/27/2006 10:14:23 PM

+1 Boost

The coupe is the better looking of the 2(I don't like the sedans rear taillight treatment), but I can't wait to see the coupe m-sport aero in person!

asu_lee - 9/27/2006 11:25:25 PM

+1 Boost

s2000.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3778769429691738555

beemaze - 9/29/2006 11:28:18 PM

+1 Boost

The coupe looks better simply because of the better rear end tail light design. The sedan's rear end is just plain ugly. I'm wondering what BMW will do on the 2008 M3 sedan to make it look better.

mojo81 - 5/21/2008 8:48:09 AM

+1 Boost

I went through this excercise myself as I wanted the practicality of the sedan but couldnt get past the ugly front end which looks strange and cheap. Although it drives as nice as the coupe, cheaper and more practical...I chose the 325i coupe! simply because of the amazing looks all around (best looking car ever on the road in my opinion). The interior is more spacious and the steering wheel is nicer plus the cream beige is very nice!
As for the BMW competition, I have never been a fan of the "bad boy BMW" image. Audi looks nice but is not very reliable (based on experience). They also change their models too quickly and just lack the sharp handling that BMW has. Its either FWD which sucks or quattro which lands you a more expensive deal thats just not worth it.
Lexus is getting there but still lacks the driving feel of BMW. Infiniti has cheap interior finish and Merc is just not young enough!