[EvenKeel]

So, was driving in to work this morning and was in a generally peppy mood. By way of background, I have a '14 335i Msport, well optioned out, including DHP.

I usually have a good bit of driving to do for the first half of the week - dropping child off to school, picking up....through traffic etc. I typically have the car in comfort mode and enjoy the supple ride, easy steering and quiet interior.

This morning I put her into Sport Plus mode with the tranny in S mode. Had the drivers side window down and could hear a nice rumble each time the tach passed 3K. Car felt so peppy and controlled. Couldn't help but admire the stunning duality of this vehicle. On one hand it can be so docile and comfortable, on the other, it can be quite exciting and fun.

I also get the sense that most sports car drivers (excluding the heavy hitters...vettes, 911s etc) have a healthy dose of respect for 335s.

Since its cooler now, I'm riding on my non-staggered A/S tires on 400M wheels. Car still has a nice bit of stick to it (staggered summer tires on 403Ms are stacked in the garage)

I see all the fuss about the e90, missing hydraulic steering, body roll compliants etc. None of that even entered my mind as I was enjoying myself this morning.

alla salute!

[riimiX]

completely agree and i'm noticing the same thing on my daily commute. car feels like two different animals; comfort mode + D for stop & go... sport + DS for highway -- so freakin twitchy!

<3

[ft1330]

After driving in Sport even once I feel like I'm driving a Buick when I go back to comfort. It's so unresponsive in that mode and the transmission feels very laggy.

[300hp]

I said it before, you don't know your car until you have met her exhaust

[daberlin]

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

I also get the sense that most sports car drivers (excluding the heavy hitters...vettes, 911s etc) have a healthy dose of respect for 335s.

I own a 911 AND just bought a new EB 335i. Huge respect for it - for what it is. Might not be as fast as my P-Car, but really enjoy the commute in it. Would I rather track/race in my 911? Sure. Take a trip from LA to Napa? Totally take the F30.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by EvenKeel

So, was driving in to work this morning and was in a generally peppy mode. By way of background, I have a '14 335i Msport, well optioned out, including DHP.

Have you driven a non-DHP car?

I'm curious because one of the things I could not stand about my F30 M Sport 335i (aside from the boosted steering feel) was how floaty and soft the suspension/ride was. Lots of body roll. Even some of my female passengers noticed it. Car felt very jittery and skittish at high speeds. It had to go.

I just had the standard M Sport suspension though (RWD).

On the flip side, I did enjoy the following about the car: the incredible ZF 8-speed "Sport Auto." transmission and the silky-smooth feel/sound of the turbocharged, 3.0L inline six cylinder.

[AweSam8]

Eco-pro mode to Sport mode is a little insane too!

[34.50]

I think this is mostly true for all AMG, M, and RS/S cars. They can be very calm and easy going when you're at ease on the throttle. Then all hell breaks loose when you want them to (and you get that grin on your face). Gotta love German cars

[EvenKeel]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Have you driven a non-DHP car?

I'm curious because one of the things I could not stand about my F30 M Sport 335i (aside from the boosted steering feel) was how floaty and soft the suspension/ride was. Lots of body roll. Even some of my female passengers noticed it. Car felt very jittery and skittish at high speeds. It had to go.

I just had the standard M Sport suspension though (RWD).

On the flip side, I did enjoy the following about the car: the incredible ZF 8-speed "Sport Auto." transmission and the silky-smooth feel/sound of the turbocharged, 3.0L inline six cylinder.

Have not driven a non-DHP car extensively. Does a DHP car still have a decent amount of body roll in Sport and Sport+, the answer to that would have to be, Yes. However, having said that, over time, as I've developed confidence in the chassis, I'm not troubled by the roll....it takes a fraction of a second to settle and the car really sticks.

Agree 100% about the ZF 8HP45 and the powertrain.

[DesertSmokeBBQ]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Have you driven a non-DHP car?

I'm curious because one of the things I could not stand about my F30 M Sport 335i (aside from the boosted steering feel) was how floaty and soft the suspension/ride was. Lots of body roll. Even some of my female passengers noticed it. Car felt very jittery and skittish at high speeds. It had to go.

I just had the standard M Sport suspension though (RWD).

On the flip side, I did enjoy the following about the car: the incredible ZF 8-speed "Sport Auto." transmission and the silky-smooth feel/sound of the turbocharged, 3.0L inline six cylinder.

You know, I go back and forth on the MSPORT suspension on my F30 335. On the one hand, I want it to be tighter but on the other, living in Downtown San Diego and doing a lot of driving in LA, I appreciate the compliance said suspension offers. If I spent more time battling circuits than potholes, I'd want a more taught suspension but as it is.....

[Gastoys]

My neighbor's 335i gets respect from vettes and 911s when he keeps up with them, but then again he is running 370whp.

[snowghost]

I'm pretty sure I would have never bought my E46 M3 if my 325i were a 330i instead. IIRC they are 225hp and very quick. I had the M54 in a 530i.

I feel the same way about the F30 choices and opted for 335i out of the gate. Hoping it will keep me away from the new M3 when it comes out.