[tuco44]

I owned a 2009 E90 M3. I traded it in a year because I did not care for the low torque of the NA V8, the fuel bill was high, and I generally felt the car was over-rated.

Just my opinion, so all the V8 M3 fanboys don't need to get their pants in a knot....

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by tuco44

I owned a 2009 E90 M3. I traded it in a year because I did not care for the low torque of the NA V8, the fuel bill was high, and I generally felt the car was over-rated.

Just my opinion, so all the V8 M3 fanboys don't need to get their pants in a knot....

I don't know that I'll ever get this knot out of my pants that you just tied...

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

The small torque figure in the M3 is a downfall, like I mentioned earlier. It shouldn't really effect daily driving though, unless your doing hard accelerations every merge and from every stop. And yes, a lightly modified F30 335i could surpass it in a straight line, but you could also strap a VF blower to an S65 and run easy 11's in the quarter. I've never driven one admittedly, but have ridden in, for fairly long distances, and the suspension was totally adequate comfort wise the entire time. The seats are comfortable, and it is plenty modern enough. The F30 is more modern with more features, but to me that doesn't edge it out over the M.

My main point is that the M3 is just sooo much cooler than the F30. That may mean more to me than to others, so be it. I would rather walk out to an M3 every day than a 335i. That's really what it comes down to for me. It will also hold value better as was discussed above.

I'm glad we're having this discussion. Equal advocates on each side for OP to make a decision

This is great stuff! Me too so glad and appreciative of everyone's opinion both sides. I'm planning to test drive the M3 next weekend. Super curious to experience the low torque people are talking about. As for the over-all ride I can only compare it with my e90 M sport package

[Moupe]

If it's to keep long term, I would rock the e90 M3 24-7, 365 you feel me?! It's the last of an NA brees fa sho that's one of the hundred reasons why my S54B32 M Coupe ain't going nowhere yadidimean?! These turbocharged motors just don't sing like high revving NA motors do.

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by Moupe

If it's to keep long term, I would rock the e90 M3 24-7, 365 you feel me?! It's the last of an NA brees fa sho that's one of the hundred reasons why my S54B32 M Coupe ain't going nowhere yadidimean?! These turbocharged motors just don't sing like high revving NA motors do.

Haha I feel ya bro! Have you had any issues with rod bearings?? That seems to be a hot topic on M3s

[Moupe]

Originally Posted by Mpack23

Haha I feel ya bro! Have you had any issues with rod bearings?? That seems to be a hot topic on M3s

Mine is a 2002 S54 M Coupe with the S54B32. BMW had issues with the rod bearings on this motor as well although the issue is blown out of proportion in my opinion. Much of it has to do with how the engine was treated, especially with thick weight 10w-60 when cold. I would say change them out as preventative maintenance if you do decide to get the M3. Also, people who stuck by the 15K OCIs were definitely not doing their engines any favors.

[otay]

Heart: M3. That glorious V8 sound!
Head: 335i. 8/10ths of the fun, better safety, ergonomics and operating costs.

If you decide on 335i, I know of one that's been amazingly well take care of.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23644821

Good luck with whichever way you go!

[TXDaddy]

Daily driver = lots of miles. Old BMWs with V8s, lots of miles, and multiple owners do not hold value. Get the 335 and drive it into the ground...

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by TXDaddy

Daily driver = lots of miles. Old BMWs with V8s, lots of miles, and multiple owners do not hold value. Get the 335 and drive it into the ground...

That's why you buy a newer M3 with less miles and as few owners as possible... problem solved.

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by Moupe

Mine is a 2002 S54 M Coupe with the S54B32. BMW had issues with the rod bearings on this motor as well although the issue is blown out of proportion in my opinion. Much of it has to do with how the engine was treated, especially with thick weight 10w-60 when cold. I would say change them out as preventative maintenance if you do decide to get the M3.

Thanks bro, yea that might be the safest way to go to just replace the bearings at some point. I'm planning to test drive the M3 this weekend. Can't wait!

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by otay

Heart: M3. That glorious V8 sound!
Head: 335i. 8/10ths of the fun, better safety, ergonomics and operating costs.

If you decide on 335i, I know of one that's been amazingly well take care of.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=23644821

Good luck with whichever way you go!

Dude you nailed it. Thats exactly how I'm feeling right now:

Heart: M3
Head: 335

Initially I felt M3 was the unanimous decision but today the 335 "votes" are surging. In my head M3 has a narrow lead.

[simonc1]

If you're not going to daily this car then the M3 is the obvious choice. But not all M3's are created equal when holding value though so keep that in mind (color combo, transmission, year (late model is better), options (ZCP will hold more value), mileage, # of owners, etc). Finding a clean E90 M3 with a manual transmission will be harder.

Just have a nice rainy day fund for repairs/maintenance and make sure to stay ahead of things. Although the main issues (rod bearings/throttle actuators) will need to be addressed you'll want to make sure you stay on top of bushings, inspections, and all the normal routine maintenance. 10w60 oil is more expensive (oil changes will require 8 quarts+filter and will be like $120 in parts alone) and tires can get eaten up quickly (are you gonna put cheapo tires or Michelin PSS or something quality).And remember that M3 parts are usually 2-3x the price.

There's no doubt it's a more rewarding car but dont' let your heart get ahead of what the total cost of ownership (proper ownership) is.

I sound like an old man now but that's my 2 cents.

[kern417]

The low end torque in a turbo car is addicting. I could only do an e90 if it was for track duty only. But for regular chugging around town I'd want to kill myself.

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by simonc1

If you're not going to daily this car then the M3 is the obvious choice. But not all M3's are created equal when holding value though so keep that in mind (color combo, transmission, year (late model is better), options (ZCP will hold more value), mileage, # of owners, etc). Finding a clean E90 M3 with a manual transmission will be harder.

Just have a nice rainy day fund for repairs/maintenance and make sure to stay ahead of things. Although the main issues (rod bearings/throttle actuators) will need to be addressed you'll want to make sure you stay on top of bushings, inspections, and all the normal routine maintenance. 10w60 oil is more expensive (oil changes will require 8 quarts+filter and will be like $120 in parts alone) and tires can get eaten up quickly (are you gonna put cheapo tires or Michelin PSS or something quality).And remember that M3 parts are usually 2-3x the price.

There's no doubt it's a more rewarding car but dont' let your heart get ahead of what the total cost of ownership (proper ownership) is.

I sound like an old man now but that's my 2 cents.

Man, thanks for breaking it down for me. With great power comes great responsibility I guess. How do I know if a 2011 e90 M3 is ZCP??

[jinxremoved]

I considered this question two years ago before I bought my 335.

I ended up passing on the M3 because the motor didn't do it for me. I want a car that has more available power in more spots for daily driving and the V8 just doesn't have that. It was also going to be several years older with less gas mileage. I also felt like I was more comfortable modding the 335 because the engine was already set up for forced induction.

I haven't driven an M3 in a while, but with the suspension set up and LSD, I don't think I'm missing much. Obviously a modded car is different than a stock one, but I thought I'd give my perspective. Also, for what it's worth, it's hard to "invest" in cars. You're going to get a 335i for a good price because the used ones have depreciated already and there's really no way to know what the E9x M3 market will look like in the future.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by Mpack23

Man, thanks for breaking it down for me. With great power comes great responsibility I guess. How do I know if a 2011 e90 M3 is ZCP??

ZCP is the competition package on the E90. The easiest way to tell is by the wheels, and the ZCP has a half inch lower ride height. Those are the only visual cues that I can remember.

[storM3trooper]

Originally Posted by jinxremoved

I considered this question two years ago before I bought my 335.

I ended up passing on the M3 because the motor didn't do it for me. I want a car that has more available power in more spots for daily driving and the V8 just doesn't have that. It was also going to be several years older with less gas mileage. I also felt like I was more comfortable modding the 335 because the engine was already set up for forced induction.

I haven't driven an M3 in a while, but with the suspension set up and LSD, I don't think I'm missing much. Obviously a modded car is different than a stock one, but I thought I'd give my perspective. Also, for what it's worth, it's hard to "invest" in cars. You're going to get a 335i for a good price because the used ones have depreciated already and there's really no way to know what the E9x M3 market will look like in the future.

Thanks man it's nice to hear from someone who has already walked the same path. Ever had the feeling "I wish I got the M3 instead"?

I was convinced that the natural move from an e90 328 is to a f30 335 until I stumbled upon the e90 M3. I will check it out on Sat and then I'm checking out a f30 335 with all the bells n whistles on Sunday. I can't wait!

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by Mpack23

Thanks man it's nice to hear from someone who has already walked the same path. Ever had the feeling "I wish I got the M3 instead"?

I was convinced that the natural move from an e90 328 is to a f30 335 until I stumbled upon the e90 M3. I will check it out on Sat and then I'm checking out a f30 335 with all the bells n whistles on Sunday. I can't wait!

I was on the fence between an e90/92 m3 or 335/340i. I ended up in a 435i gc that I enjoy. To answer the question, yes, I do often find myself longing for that high strung v8. I don't regret getting the 435, but i regret not having the m3, if that makes sense. Sometimes I still peruse around for a nice low mile clean e92 m3, but then I get into my car and forget about it. I know I made the right choice. I have the car that perfectly walks the line for practicality and enjoyment. I got a car that both my "head and heart" wants. It's a great match for both head and heart, even if it's not the perfect match for either.

[jinxremoved]

Originally Posted by Mpack23

Thanks man it's nice to hear from someone who has already walked the same path. Ever had the feeling "I wish I got the M3 instead"?

I was convinced that the natural move from an e90 328 is to a f30 335 until I stumbled upon the e90 M3. I will check it out on Sat and then I'm checking out a f30 335 with all the bells n whistles on Sunday. I can't wait!

Not once have I wished I'd gotten an e90 M3. I've thought about the F80, but the difference in performance compared to the costs associated with selling and buying/leasing a new car don't make sense to me. I also like the understated/sleeper way my car looks, but I know that is probably the minority opinion here. I've never had a thing for V8s, so that might be part of it. I loved my e36 M3, but it became a pain to maintain.

[TF3090]

Objectively speaking, I think it's pretty safe to say the F30 335i is a better car than the E90 M3.

I didn't grow up as a BMW enthusiast, so I don't have the nostalgia/heart for the M3 like a lot of people here do. It's a great car and will always have more history and pedigree than any 335i, and I can see why it would be a fun track car... but there are better purchases if you're looking for a street car. For all the same reasons mentioned in this thread (F30 has better technology, luxury/comfort features, safety, lower cost of ownership, and most importantly IMO the engine is much more practical for street use).

The E90 M3 was the first BMW I ever drove, and I was mostly disappointed with the engine. It sounds better than the new M3 for sure, but I'd personally much rather have a turbo and the newer tech/interior/body.

[lahodny]

Originally Posted by Mpack23

Im not worried about using M3 for daily but the impression I'm getting is that one would rather preserve the M3 and avoid daily use as much as possible in order to A. Hold its value and B. Minimize wear n tear/maintenance.

Yes, have to do some research/homework on rod bearings and throttle actuators. Looks like those are it's main issues and they even occur at low mileage based on what I've read so far. Do you think it's better to get one that has a bit higher mileage but service records show that rod bearings have already been replaced??

In regards to "preserving" it, I am reminded of an experience I had many years ago with my Torch Red 1995 Corvette. I was at the gas station when man in a wheelchair called me over. He asked me if it was a trailer queen or my daily driver. At the time it was my DD and told him so. He told me that if he could drive again and had a car like that, he would drive it and enjoy it every single day. That always stuck with me.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by lahodny

In regards to "preserving" it, I am reminded of an experience I had many years ago with my Torch Red 1995 Corvette. I was at the gas station when man in a wheelchair called me over. He asked me if it was a trailer queen or my daily driver. At the time it was my DD and told him so. He told me that if he could drive again and had a car like that, he would drive it and enjoy it every single day. That always stuck with me.

Commuted Jersey Shore to Wall St for 25 years in a '67 Coupe 427 TriPower 4MT & ran Englishtown on Sundays. Believe like the other old fart cars are to drive.


Cobra sees more daily use then the 440.