[gtsussex]

So for those that don’t know my current steed is a reasonably loaded 335d with ACS power upgrade, ACS RS suspension, body bits and custom exhaust.

I still remember the first time I drove the M3 – in fact I drove it before most of the sales guys at Chandlers as just happened to turn up at 8.30 on Saturday it was registered!! I was overwhelmed by it then – it only had 25 miles so I could hardly push it but just felt on a different level to my car.

I had been hugely disappointed when I got my 335d – hated the suspension but loved the drivetrain. I took the leap into ACS world with the springs and well, we know what happened from there, don’t we?! Someone had to be the first!!

More power came next and then Michelin Pilot Super Sports. By now I wanted more and so RS kit was fitted. It really gives the car astonishing levels of control.

During all this time I had driven various M3/4 and couldn’t help but feel their dampers were lacking. Whilst I loved everything about them, I also couldn’t forget the huge depreciation hit my car had taken and the lack of discounts on the M3/4. Time to sit and wait.

Fast forward to a couple of months ago and I drove the ACS M4 with the RS setup. Holy crap!!! This is what the M3/4 should have always been – was utterly brilliant.

That got me thinking – would an M3 be feasible next year and was it worth shelling out more cash for over my car (which don’t get me wrong I love – it’s very well set up)?

I’d heard via the grapevine that the LCI M3 had had some changes on damping. Quick scout of BMW OEM revealed nothing had changed (although it now showed the competition package stuff). So I thought it was time to have a try.

Despite various repeated requests to my local Chandlers, as usual, nothing. So went back to Brighton (where my contact had moved from Hailsham and where we bought M235i Vert) and no problem – I could have a car whenever (he knows me well).

Due to work commitments my test drive had to be condensed down to today. I picked the car up around 10am this morning. The first two hours were just about playing with everything but one thing was clear – this wasn’t the car I drove a year ago (and actually about 4 months ago with ACS car without RS kit). I was very honest about fact I hated that ACS M4 without RS (was transformed after it). This car felt totally different.

Met up with wife (as easier if she’s on board), gave her a 5 mins instruction guide on modes and off she went. Came back 20 mins later giggling.

I then did trip to office in easy mode just going with traffic to get an idea of day to day. Car was easy, though rear tyre noise through car is greater than F30. You don’t really notice anything until you boot it and revs hit above 4k. 40 miles bumbling along gave me 29.5mpg. Okay, you don’t buy this car for MPG but today has shocked me – it gobbles a lot less fuel that our M235i Vert.

So to go over things –

Engine – it’s torquey enough to please a diesel driver. M235i drives me mad as needs revs to compete with my car. M3 you can drive along at under 2k and it’s not fussed at all. It doesn’t pull at those revs like my car (and you wouldn’t expect it to) but it’s still impressive. Power wise, it’s enough. Today was slippery and it was enough.

Traction – the biggie!! There’s no beating around the bush here. If you want to win the traffic light GP, have a tuned 335d – it WILL win every time. The M3 was struggling at 70mph to get full power down, let alone 0mph. But treat the car with respect and you’ll be surprised at how much traction you can get. The TC in normal mode is very cautious but that’s great for overtaking in dubious conditions. It's also great to know that STMBO can feel like a hero with me safe in knowledge she can't harm herself. Just short shift and let the torque accelerate you at what is still a very impressive rate. Turn it off and it opens up another world that I love where you actually have to modulate the throttle rather than mashing things but you're rewarded with better progress without the systems cutting things.

Suspension – I’m sorry but BMW have retuned those dampers. This is a very different car to old M3/4’s. That wallowy feeling in Efficient has been hugely reduced. Sport no longer feels like a massive compromise exhibiting vertical chop like before. It’s not as good as the ACS RS kit when pressing on but upside is a docile car when you want it.

Brakes – in a different league to my car in terms of feel. I am still trying to work out whether carbons are worth another £100 a month. Reality is for most the standard brakes are brilliant.

Steering – I love the solidity of the steering in feel. I wonder why BMW have to make it so stiff in Sport and Sport +. For me Comfort the whole time.

Modes – I love the fact you can change the character of the car at the press of a button. I set M1 to chilled everything and M2 to something a bit more interesting. I love the fact that the HUD changes as well.

Noise – this is a biggie. Sorry but I wouldn’t change it. Efficient mode is great and quiet. No drone. Sport + just makes me laugh. Locals to me will know the tunnel at Lewes. Just giggled. I can’t see any reason to want something more to be honest. Inside it's fine - have never had a problem with it.

Looks – just meltingly gorgeous. I followed the wife in the Disco on way back from school run and it just looks sooooooo good. Stopped at petrol station to bung in some more V Power before returning and just couldn't help looking at it..... Trying to work out colour combo now.

Interior – that carbon fibre is fab. Seats actually felt harder in base than my car but were comfortable. Love the Merino leather. Love the instruments – they are different enough to feel special. Full leather no brainer.

So I think that covers everything. So what happened? I’ve ended up ordering one for delivery in March. I have done a VERY good deal – just have to keep mileage down on my car.

How did I feel when I got in my car to drive home? Actually a huge amount of respect. My annual mileage has dropped hugely – if it hadn’t, I’d have ordered another 335d (with leather dash and individual). Blatability on my car at low speeds is frankly extraordinary and the M3 can’t touch it. Onto the A27 and again, foot flat down and my car just shoots to horizon. But you know, even with dealing with traction, the M3 just would leave it. Question for some I suppose would be, is that just too fast - I could understand that predicament.

Is the 335d enough for most? Sure, it's beyond comprehension how good my car is at everything. But as I parked up in that M3, I knew I’d just made my decision. It has the ability to get on with day to day stuff but still deliver a giggle. My car demands respect (and gets it) but at no point do I giggle and I suppose that's the difference.

So car is ordered for March next year. At the moment it’s Mineral White with Full Black Merino but I’m still working out if worth going for San Merino Blue.

Oh and overall for the day – 25.1mpg which I think is frankly astonishing.