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      08-14-2008, 03:47 PM   #1
ken5285
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e46 M3 or E92 335i

Just putting out a survey or discussion. Since I am new to this forum, I'd like to introduce myself to all of you here. I am currently in Lawrence, Kansas. About to make a big move in buying a car and would like to see some suggestions, ideas or advice. I've been looking at a lot of e46 M3's for sale between 2002-2004 with and without smg. I am really falling in love with the e46's and am ready to upgrade from Acura to BMW. It has always been a childhood dream to won a bimmer. On the other hand, I am also contemplating between the M3 and a leased new 2009 335i sedan or coupe. For the money, reliability, performance, maintenance and other stuff I have not mentioned here, which do you guys think would be a better buy? Thanks guys and girls in advance for your posts. Look forward to reading them.
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      08-14-2008, 04:04 PM   #2
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This is definitely a hard decision, welcome to the forum.

Some pros of the E46 M3 are-
-It's an ///M car.
-It has more aggressive styling.
-It has an LSD.
-It would be a better car to take to the track.
-It's cheaper.
-It is a NA motor (+ or - to some)

Some pros of the 335i are-
-It is newer (the latest of BMW technology).
-It has more out of the box tuning capability.
-It is a twin turbo (+ or - to some)
-It has a factory warranty.
-It is much faster with a little (might already be faster than the E46 M3 stock???)
-It is a sleeper.

Someone else may want to add more to this list later, but both cars have award winning engines for many years in a row and both are similar in speed although the 335i may be faster stock, still unsure. Either way you can't go wrong.
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      08-14-2008, 05:48 PM   #3
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      08-14-2008, 05:48 PM   #4
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i dont want to sound like a M snob or anything, but i'd take E46 M3 over 335 any day.... completely different world
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      08-15-2008, 12:24 AM   #5
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M3 if you want edgy, noisy, more maint cost and more track ready

335i its always good to have a brand new car. more advance chassis, etc.

you cant loose with either one.
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      08-16-2008, 06:15 PM   #6
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335i, that torque is a winner if you don't track your car and if it's going to be your DD. PLus, I'd be cautious getting a sports car such as the e46 used, people drive the snot outta them.
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      08-17-2008, 12:55 AM   #7
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this should be a poll?
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      08-22-2008, 03:51 PM   #8
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      08-22-2008, 03:59 PM   #9
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e46 M3.. but it has to be the later yr w/ smart options like Competition Package and Nav
find a 05 in Silver grey with low miles in the low 30s and thats a very fair deal

the 335 are no longer kings since the release of the new Ms
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      08-23-2008, 09:47 PM   #10
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I would honestly pick the M3, because its the m3 its always been my favorite car and I would go for it. Maybe its not as good as the other one in some areas but its an m3 can't get any better then that lol.
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      08-30-2008, 12:24 PM   #11
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335i is an amazing car, my friend has one, and its a thrill to drive....however, the answer to your question is simple.....M3!
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      09-01-2008, 02:00 AM   #12
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ken - are you still here???
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      09-04-2008, 05:10 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GnokGnik View Post
335i, that torque is a winner if you don't track your car and if it's going to be your DD. PLus, I'd be cautious getting a sports car such as the e46 used, people drive the snot outta them.
+1. exactly what i was gonna say
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      10-26-2008, 11:45 AM   #14
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low mileage e46 M3 w/ SMG. Then sent it to HPF and let them go crazy. When you get it back, learn how to drive it. Then put an ad in the local newspaper challenging ANYONE in the state of wherever u live (lol jk kansas) to a race. You wont lose.
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      10-26-2008, 03:48 PM   #15
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I have an e92 M3, 335i and e46 M3 and to be honest I enjoy the heck out of the e46 M3, sometimes more than the e92 M3. I dont drive the 335 much since I got it for the old lady to run into curbs and stuff with besides its a chick car.
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      10-27-2008, 01:14 AM   #16
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The fact of the matter is that an M3 will always be and M3 even 20 years from now, while a 335i will probably be sitting in a junkyard.
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      10-27-2008, 12:38 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Japanese_Racer View Post
The fact of the matter is that an M3 will always be and M3 even 20 years from now, while a 335i will probably be sitting in a junkyard.
+1 agree
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      10-27-2008, 07:38 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken5285 View Post
Just putting out a survey or discussion. Since I am new to this forum, I'd like to introduce myself to all of you here. I am currently in Lawrence, Kansas. About to make a big move in buying a car and would like to see some suggestions, ideas or advice. I've been looking at a lot of e46 M3's for sale between 2002-2004 with and without smg. I am really falling in love with the e46's and am ready to upgrade from Acura to BMW. It has always been a childhood dream to won a bimmer. On the other hand, I am also contemplating between the M3 and a leased new 2009 335i sedan or coupe. For the money, reliability, performance, maintenance and other stuff I have not mentioned here, which do you guys think would be a better buy? Thanks guys and girls in advance for your posts. Look forward to reading them.
The difference between a new vehicle and a used vehicle is like night and day. Purchasing a vehicle such as an m3, out of warrenty, is something of a gamble. An m3, although bmw quality, is a performance automobile therefore suceptible to failure far more so than a say Honda Civic. On the other hand, if you can afford a 335 that car is sick. Sure it isnt an m3, but it is a tt 6cylinder BMW with hecka curb appeal. And the pleasure of a car purchased from a dealer, new car smell and all, is lible to give you a chubby! 335 hands down
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      10-28-2008, 01:16 AM   #19
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both are great cars. Really it comes down to YOUR needs. If you want more comfort and straight line power get the 335i. If you like twisties and handling then def. e46
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      10-30-2008, 05:08 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by camaross305 View Post
both are great cars. Really it comes down to YOUR needs. If you want more comfort and straight line power get the 335i. If you like twisties and handling then def. e46
Straight line power, get the 335i? That's funny considering it puts down less total torque on the road than the E46 M3, in all 6 gears. Plus there's not another car on the planet as moddable as a E46 M3. It's the clear choice, and there's still many around with under 10K miles (and many of those are several MYs old). That's cool!
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      10-31-2008, 10:14 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by matt beard View Post
The difference between a new vehicle and a used vehicle is like night and day. Purchasing a vehicle such as an m3, out of warrenty, is something of a gamble. An m3, although bmw quality, is a performance automobile therefore suceptible to failure far more so than a say Honda Civic. On the other hand, if you can afford a 335 that car is sick. Sure it isnt an m3, but it is a tt 6cylinder BMW with hecka curb appeal. And the pleasure of a car purchased from a dealer, new car smell and all, is lible to give you a chubby! 335 hands down
This from someone who drives a 78 Lincoln Conti

Quote:
Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider View Post
Straight line power, get the 335i? That's funny considering it puts down less total torque on the road than the E46 M3, in all 6 gears. Plus there's not another car on the planet as moddable as a E46 M3. It's the clear choice, and there's still many around with under 10K miles (and many of those are several MYs old). That's cool!
Thats what I'm screamin
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      10-31-2008, 08:54 PM   #22
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I've had both and definitely E46 M3 with ZCP. The M3 is just so much more exciting and fun to drive.
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