[anotheran]

Originally Posted by eddieinotayev

Do you want a fake sports car just to win a few races you see on the streets? Or do you want a True sports car that will put a smile on your face every time you drive. I'm not sure about everyone else but i believe the answer is pretty simple.

He's right, I should be getting something like a GT3 or a McLaren. I am just punishing myself with a sedan

[jgoens]

This reminds of the e90 335 vs 328 days...but I think price point needs to be put into perspective. If a modded 335 was the same price as a comparable M3 then it is a no brainer for me as I would take the M3.

Everybody has a price point and we all strive to have what we can afford. My 335 with all options and the mods I have done hardly breaks the bank but based on my budget and what I want to spend an M3 would have been over the edge of what I feel like spending.

While it's a great review and offer of perspective, especially for someone who has a $10k spending sway, the comparison probably does not apply to most people.

In many cases with people with performance BMW's it really comes down to what makes you happy.

[goj]

The M3 is a fun car and it seems like you had an unreliable 335i.

The e9x m3 is highly compromised as a daily driver, at least in my application. It has terrible gas mileage and a bad torque curve meaning you have to rev it up super high to get any punch from your 414hp engine from a stand still.

Also the e9x version of iDrive/nav was simply terrible. The routes were completely obscure and roundabout unless the route was simple.

I love the e9x m3 it has great charm but I could never own one

[Michael Schott]

The E90 M3 may be the last really great 3 series. Fabulous engine steering and suspension tuning.

[tsbrown]

M3 and normal 3er...very different cars. Having owned an E46 330i ZHP for 5 years, then a new E90 M3 for over 6 years then trading it for an F30 340i, there is no doubt the M3 is built for a different purpose than mere mortal 3ers. But that's why I have the 340i now instead of the M3 (E90 or F80).

But to call the E90 M3 a true sports car? That's a bit strong. It's a great car - absolutely loved mine - but it's no sports car...it's just too heavy. Good brakes but barely enough for 30 minute track sessions on stock pads.

Also, the S65B40 is a fantastic engine but not without its faults. Like Throttle Actuators ($1900 apiece, there are 2) and needing to keep tabs on rod bearing wear. Not all engines will experience that issue, but it's $2500 or more to fix.

BTW, since you're in KY did you buy my old M3...Space Gray with Fox Red interior and 6MT?

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by jgoens

This reminds of the e90 335 vs 328 days...but I think price point needs to be put into perspective. If a modded 335 was the same price as a comparable M3 then it is a no brainer for me as I would take the M3.

Everybody has a price point and we all strive to have what we can afford. My 335 with all options and the mods I have done hardly breaks the bank but based on my budget and what I want to spend an M3 would have been over the edge of what I feel like spending.

While it's a great review and offer of perspective, especially for someone who has a $10k spending sway, the comparison probably does not apply to most people.

+1

Originally Posted by tsbrown

M3 and normal 3er...very different cars. Having owned an E46 330i ZHP for 5 years, then a new E90 M3 for over 6 years then trading it for an F30 340i, there is no doubt the M3 is built for a different purpose than mere mortal 3ers. But that's why I have the 340i now instead of the M3 (E90 or F80).

+1

New, the entry level for an M3/M4 is same as a FULLY optioned 340i. In some cities the M is simply too harsh for daily driving (potholes, gravel roads) and many drivers (particularly in Northern states) want the AWD versions. If we choose M3 for a daily, a set of winter wheels is another $3K. Besides, the cost of an M elevates the payments into territories that put it out of reach for us mere middle class peasants.

Since this comparison seems to be a used 2013 M3 vs. 2013 F30 335i, we all know the M3 is going to be much more performance oriented and the M will certainly fit the WOW factor, but for a daily driver and daily practicality the differences are rather dramatic and should be well thought out before plugging down our hard earned $$$.

E90 M3 Advantage:

• Hydraulic vs 1st run electric steering, the E90 wins (although newer F30 models upgraded electric steering is much improved)
• Performance HP: 400HP V8 vs. 300 HP 3.0L, although the F30 reacts very well to modifications, it's a minimum $5K bill to get the 335i to the HP levels of the M
• Handling, the M will corner, handle better at higher speeds, a known

F30 335i advantage:

• Electric Steering is easier in parking lots and tight spaces
• the larger F30 has more room (especially the trunk) and a larger back seat.
• The mileage is nearly double on the 335i vs the M (18 vs 30 MPG)
• you get the newest model (at least till the new G20 next year)
• Driveability, the M is too harsh for many environments for daily commutes
• AWD version, comes with all seasons for year round driving in snowy areas
• lower insurance costs

I'm sure there are many other Pro/Con items, but this is just what comes to mind off the top of my head. For myself, the 335i RWD is quite good with out being harsh. The MPPK and MPE help in the performance area and give 340HP ($3K of mods). This gives me very good performance without the negatives of the M3.

[H2O]

Went from e90 m3 dct to 340awd 8at 6 month ago. No regret at all. M3 was a great car, but 340 as a daily can do so much more.

[ceedawg]

Obviously the M3 is a built homogenous car from the race car while the 335i is more a compromise between street and sport,so to me its stupid obvious that they are built for two different purposes! Say hello to the M2 and M235i for me wiil ya! The V8 M3 is not a superior car in everyway. Only for what it was built for so its pros will be different than the 335i's pros. Very inefficient V8 cousin of the V10.

While I like the new M3/4 I think they are superior to the old V8 car, Oh and Audi has learned its lesson too building the crappy V8 in the RS4 now going back to a turbocharged V6.

PS Why did BMW wake up and go back to making the M3 an inline 6 by the way and now turbo charged? Guess they learned something from the N54 335i huh!! Never mess with perfection. Inline turbocharged 6 baby!

[JAhmed]

Originally Posted by jmg

Neither is the M3 an M4.

They are both sporty sedans/coupes.

This. No variant of the 3 series is a "sports car".

Nonetheless, hope the OP enjoys his purchase. Love the V8 in the E90 M3.

[jinxremoved]

When I was deciding on my next car, I made this same comparison and decided I'd rather build my 335 the way I wanted it than get a V8 M3. Do I wish a F80 was comfortably in my price range? Sure (although I actually prefer the understated styling of the F30). Would I trade my current care for an E90 M3? Not under any conditions.

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by JAhmed

This. No variant of the 3 series is a "sports car".

Nonetheless, hope the OP enjoys his purchase. Love the V8 in the E90 M3.

Speaking of proper sports cars, you have a profoundly excellent one. Nice.

2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - [6MT/X73/PTV]

[N0Chill 335i]

Originally Posted by jinxremoved

When I was deciding on my next car, I made this same comparison and decided I'd rather build my 335 the way I wanted it than get a V8 M3. Do I wish a F80 was comfortably in my price range? Sure (although I actually prefer the understated styling of the F30). Would I trade my current care for an E90 M3? Not under any conditions.

This for me as well. My mechanic was selling his excellent e90 M3 for the same price I got my F30 for with about double the miles (2010 45k). I just couldn't drive that car every day. Between the maintenance costs and abysmal gas mileage, it made no sense to me. I'm not a "daily driver" AND a separate "fun" car kind of owner. I want a car that does both and gives me the balance of everything I want in 1 car. So I went with the 335i because I could modify it to be what I want it to be without breaking the bank and I don't care to have to push my car to 8 tenths or higher to get the performance feel out of it. The F80 was also not in my price range as I hate leasing cars.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by N0Chill 335i

This for me as well. My mechanic was selling his excellent e90 M3 for the same price I got my F30 for with about double the miles (2010 45k). I just couldn't drive that car every day. Between the maintenance costs and abysmal gas mileage, it made no sense to me. I'm not a "daily driver" AND a separate "fun" car kind of owner. I want a car that does both and gives me the balance of everything I want in 1 car. So I went with the 335i because I could modify it to be what I want it to be without breaking the bank and I don't care to have to push my car to 8 tenths or higher to get the performance feel out of it. The F80 was also not in my price range as I hate leasing cars.

Unless you keep your car for more than 6 years there is no financial incentive to buy.

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by kpgray

F30 335i advantage:[LIST]
[*]the larger F30 has more room (especially the trunk) and a larger back seat.



.

This is a good point as there are many performance comparisons going on. I had an e90 335 and now my f30 335 is far superior to me in style and space. Since 95% of my driving is not about performance, comfort level becomes important.

[lo_xyooj]

Originally Posted by kpgray

+1




+1

New, the entry level for an M3/M4 is same as a FULLY optioned 340i. In some cities the M is simply too harsh for daily driving (potholes, gravel roads) and many drivers (particularly in Northern states) want the AWD versions. If we choose M3 for a daily, a set of winter wheels is another $3K. Besides, the cost of an M elevates the payments into territories that put it out of reach for us mere middle class peasants.

Since this comparison seems to be a used 2013 M3 vs. 2013 F30 335i, we all know the M3 is going to be much more performance oriented and the M will certainly fit the WOW factor, but for a daily driver and daily practicality the differences are rather dramatic and should be well thought out before plugging down our hard earned $$$.

E90 M3 Advantage:

• Hydraulic vs 1st run electric steering, the E90 wins (although newer F30 models upgraded electric steering is much improved)
• Performance HP: 400HP V8 vs. 300 HP 3.0L, although the F30 reacts very well to modifications, it's a minimum $5K bill to get the 335i to the HP levels of the M
• Handling, the M will corner, handle better at higher speeds, a known

F30 335i advantage:

• Electric Steering is easier in parking lots and tight spaces
• the larger F30 has more room (especially the trunk) and a larger back seat.
• The mileage is nearly double on the 335i vs the M (18 vs 30 MPG)
• you get the newest model (at least till the new G20 next year)
• Driveability, the M is too harsh for many environments for daily commutes
• AWD version, comes with all seasons for year round driving in snowy areas
• lower insurance costs

I'm sure there are many other Pro/Con items, but this is just what comes to mind off the top of my head. For myself, the 335i RWD is quite good with out being harsh. The MPPK and MPE help in the performance area and give 340HP ($3K of mods). This gives me very good performance without the negatives of the M3.

+1 You couldn't say it any better to cover me as well. Don't get me wrong I wanted to fly down to FL to pick up an e92 M3 so so bad but living in WI with crappy roads and harsh winters I had to settle for the 335i.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by N0Chill 335i

This for me as well. My mechanic was selling his excellent e90 M3 for the same price I got my F30 for with about double the miles (2010 45k). I just couldn't drive that car every day. Between the maintenance costs and abysmal gas mileage, it made no sense to me. I'm not a "daily driver" AND a separate "fun" car kind of owner. I want a car that does both and gives me the balance of everything I want in 1 car. So I went with the 335i because I could modify it to be what I want it to be without breaking the bank and I don't care to have to push my car to 8 tenths or higher to get the performance feel out of it. The F80 was also not in my price range as I hate leasing cars.

Those are valid issues with the E90 M3 but if it was me I'd do it depending on my annual mileage and financial status . If I could afford, it would be worth it.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

My own personal opinion. Had no interest in a E90 M3 vs either my 335is/JB4 or 435MPPK/MPE. If I did not have 3 sportscar choices to drive, 1 mine all the time, 2 my of kids on occasion I would have gotten the M4 over the 440MPPSK/THP.

The turbo 6 would have made it a good enough DD for me with our local roads. The V8 always needed to be wound up to get into its best performance curve was slower them my lightly moded 335is & IMHO its not the best choice for a car that sees traffic.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by kpgray

E90 M3 Advantage:

• Performance HP: 400HP V8 vs. 300 HP 3.0L, although the F30 reacts very well to modifications, it's a minimum $5K bill to get the 335i to the HP levels of the M

I think you'd be surprised how close you can get with a tune on the F30. The S65B40 engine in the E9x M3 is 414 BHP, 300 lb-ft at the crank and about 350 BHP at the wheels based on dyno results and there isn't much available as an easy HP increase.

A Dinan tune for ~$2100 will get you to 360 HP/392 Trq on the N55 335i, at the wheels. The S65 engine is still phenomenal, and the sound at 8000 rpm...sublime. The M3 feels faster and more solid, planted as it should. But the N55 and B58 are capable of more power/torque with a tune.

[itsrichierich]

Someone who use to work for my boss stopped by a few weeks ago in his E90 M3 comp package. Beautiful car. We joked around about trading cars. Well he approached me seriously the other day and now he has me thinking.

2011 M3 DCT with Alpine white on Fox Red interior. 52k miles. He said if I add $5k on top of my car, we can trade. I seriously considered it but I enjoy the F30. After going stage 2 with FBO, dialed in (for the most part) Bilstein PSS10 coilovers, my car pretty much checks every box besides V8 sound.

[FastDriver]

Thanks. This is exactly what I'm considering. I'm in the market for a fun 4-door sedan. $30k max. Preferably 15-20k. Have considered CTS-V, E60 M5, Porsche Panamera, E63 AMG, Charger Scat-pack/392, and a couple others. The gen 2 CTS-V is a stand out for reliability but is on the expensive side.

In this market, I think I can get a pretty decent E90 M3 for ~30k. I think I can get a pretty decent F30 335i or E90 with the N55 and M6 for 15-20k. I do care about reliability and would only consider an M3 with rod bearings already done or a price that allows me to pay to get them done (3k less). I am fond of the N55 engine, because of its reliable reputation, which my X5 has lived up to.

From this thread, I gather it would take ~$5k in mods to make the N55 run like the S65. Ok. So, assuming I had sport suspension in the F30, who wins on the track/ HPDE day? What would the suspension and brake upgrades need to cost, if anything, to equal the M3? At that point, should I care about getting a 335 with sport suspension?

I do NOT care about "true" sports car status, and I do NOT care about others' perception. I care only about functional differences and the financially optimal choice to maximize the fun factor in my daily driver. I do like V8s, and do consider the M3 better looking. OTOH, I appreciate the updated amenities, reliability, mpg, and the sleeper status of the F30.

[AllaVodka]

Well, fwiw I debated between the e90 m3 and a 340i. I still love how the e90 looks. Ended up getting a thp 340i… what lost it for me on the e90 was the lack of technology and torque. You really need to get that car going like 65+ to feel the beastly v8, and I'm just not on highways that often. Still could be my favorite looking m3. Will be a classic for sure