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2009 m3 or 2010 335i - Help me decide!

Discussion in 'E90/E91/E92/E93 (2006-2011)' started by JackK, Jun 29, 2009.

    JackK guest

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    I'm looking at a '09 m3 sedan versus ordering a '10 335i sedan with M Sports Package. Mid life crisis heart wants the m3, brain says get the 335i. Worth the price? - $66K versus $53K? Will I regret not gettng the m3? Will m3 people "ridicule" me for getting the M sports package? Help!
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    MGarrison

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    M cars are more special, now and forever, than your more standard bimmers - I say go for the M3 unless the the extra money is a significant factor for you.
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    granthr

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    +1 Especially if you think you might adding modifications to the 335i to make it more sporty. Might as well start with that in the first place. :)

    Although if it was my money I would buy the Diesel! 335d FTW! :D
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    pseto

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    is this a daily driver? if so, then 335i would prob be a better choice since the gas savings is significant and the ride a little smoother. not sure why anyone would ridicule you for the M sport package since many people who drive a 335i end up modding it with M3 stuff anyways.

    if this is a weekend/track car, then the M3 is a no brainer. no mods necessary out the box, but that tends to change after a while :)

    JackK guest

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    Thanks for the feedback. 335i M Sports Package is the way to go

    I'm not really a track guy so the 335i M Sports Package with lower price and gas miledge seems the way to go. Another question though..

    Can you get a special order of Carbon Leather Interior trim instead of the standard trim packages available for a 335i with the M Sports Package?I think the Carbon Leather Interior trim with Black Dakota leather would be hot with the space grey exterior and an M Sports Package on a 335i.

    What about getting Cloth-alcantara trims? Any feed back on that?
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    CSBM5

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    I sure wouldn't call the ride a "little smoother" in the 335 ZSP since the 40 and 35 series runflats are very harsh over sharp-edged pavement, concrete roadway joints, etc. The M3 is actually a MUCH better compromise between handling and ride. Have you ever driven them both back-to-back to compare? If you do that, you'll quickly see the difference. A lot of that difference is in the runflats which have extremely stiff sidewalls.
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    pseto

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    i assumed that the RFTs would come off; they suck
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    pseto

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    good luck getting any of those in the 335 if you're in the US. i'm not sure what the priority 1 options nowadays, but i doubt any of those would be on the list.
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    CSBM5

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    In terms of outright performance, I've found that they (i.e. 18" very high-end tires) perform extremely well. I've driven and instructed on track and autox many times in E90 330/335 with 18" RFTs, and both the Bridgestone RE050A and Michelin PS2 ZP are excellent tires from a performance standpoint. The only downside to them is the rough ride which of course makes for excellent transient response from the tire.:cool:

    ACM1899 guest

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    328, 335, 550, etc are all just numbers. That ///M though is what a BMW is ment to be.

    Spend the extra money and get the M.

    GL.

    davkim39 guest

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    M

    As previously mentioned, M cars are special (exclusivity, performance, subtlety). The M3 will be a car you will want to keep forever. The V8 is also something special, especially since I believe most manufacturers are already focused on modifying smaller engines (750i twin turbos, 2010 S4 is supercharged) instead of keeping larger engines with beautiful exhaust notes and smooth torque ranges. I would always take a naturally-aspirated car over a turbo or supercharged car.

    Assuming both cars are new, just pay a little bit more for the car you love. You will be much happier ever time you get in and drive. Mid-Life Crisis should have no regrets, assuming you can afford either car.

    The only time I would recommend a 335i over M3 would be affordability and whether it was a used M3 versus new 335i. You want warranty coverage, especially on 3-series as several kinks with sunroofs and a/c continue to be minor problems. You have to be cautious with used high-performance cars, as a car that has been tracked can be rough regardless of low mileage.

    srobmw guest

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    My 335 lease is up and I acted on the mid-life crisis. Should be taking delivery of the M in a few days.:D
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    az3579

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    So how much you gonna charge for rides? :D

    srobmw guest

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    More than you can afford, son.:p
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    shanneba

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    Get the M3 - and only the M3
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    catmundu

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    BUY THE M3!!!!!!!!!!!!! we just got back from m school and 1 of our classmates regrets not getting the m vs his new 335. not to mention, i want one now. :D +1 on the naturally aspirated vs turbo reasoning also. :)

    that car is amaaaazing! DO IT!
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    Kurt Helm

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    Either car has its own merits. I just bought a new Z4M Roadster (E85M) rather than the newer Z4. The primary reason is that the M is a purpose-built vehicle whereas the new Z4 is more of a competitor to the Mercedes SLK. It's not a snob-appeal matter, it's just that an enthusiast really appreciates the M set-up and it's ability to deliver on the promise.

    I think its the same with the two vehicles you're considering - the 2010 is clearly a great car, but the M is the M; if you can appreciate the difference, it's worth it, if you can't, then stay with the 2010.

    BR,

    K. Helm
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    shanneba

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    Amita,

    When are you going to get your E90 M3 to add to the collection?

    JackK guest

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    Thanks to all for feedback on 335i vs m3

    Awsome.. Thank you! Overwelming response which is highly favorable on the m3. Now if I only have the guts to pull the triggger -in two weeks... Gas milege is awful, a muscle car, and $12K more. Jeez. This is keeping me awake nights! ( I'm just a working guy who's best car was a 240Z in 1979. ) Nothing but kids and mortgages since. NOW.. it's my turn. The $65K +- is a stretch but possible.

    i'm not really a track guy ( but could be if I pick up a new hobby..) Virginia International Raceway (VIR) is a only an hour a way! but I only drive 10,000 miles a year. I love to drive but I'm in the city/expressway. Should I go for the m3 sedan with space grey, black novillo leather, carbon leather trim, technology, premium, fold downs, nav, and smartphone,?

    I think I want you to talk me into it. Is this a car to keep for 10 years versus the 335i a turn in at year 3?

    JackK
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    granthr

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    I am telling you go for the Diesel!!!!!! :D Or at least test drive the thing. Great mpg and 425 ft lbs of torque! That is more than an M5! :D

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