[Cadillac Johnson]

Hey everyone, newb here.

I've searched and the 335i vs. M3 threads all turn into pissing matches. That's not what I'm looking for. I sold my second Evo recently with plans to order a 335i. Coming from an Evo, I'm going to need to mod the 335i to be truly happy with it. The one I drove in stock form was nice, but just not good enough.

The MSRP comes to just under $50k optioned out. With the planned mods; PROcede, custom TBE, intake, LSD, TC Kline Smart Designs, UUC sways, wheels/tires, Stoptech BBK, M-Sport kit, steering wheel, plus some other cosmetic things. With all that it will bring the total cost to roughly $75k not including installation..

Now, with all the above aforementioned parts this car, IMO, would look just as good, it would also have more horsepower, WAAAYY more torque, handle better, brake better, basically be superior in every performance aspect. But, is it worth it? Would I be better off saving money by getting an M3?

I'm not trying to make an M3 by the way, I'm perfectly happy knowing my 335i will embarrass your M3, but once again is it really worth it putting that into a 335i instead of getting the car modded from the factory?

I guess, in reality, I'm looking for validation that modding the 335i is the right way to go.

So, your thoughts?

[BMW F22]

those 2 cars are nothing compared to the chick in your avatar. Now that's gonna be a good ride.

[Coldintake]

I don't see how you got 25k of mods with the stuff you listed.

Regardless,
unless you're on the waitlist for the m3, be prepared to pay alot. Also, if you are leasing, the m3 is gonna cost absurd amount compared to the 335.

[Cadillac Johnson]

Originally Posted by Coldintake

I don't see how you got 25k of mods with the stuff you listed.

Regardless,
unless you're on the waitlist for the m3, be prepared to pay alot. Also, if you are leasing, the m3 is gonna cost absurd amount compared to the 335.

The BBK + wheel/tires are $12k alone.. it adds up quickly, I was suprised myself..

Anyway, I live in Milwaukee, so if I cant get a dealership to guarantee me MSRP, I'm sure one in a neighboring state will.

That's not really the point though..

[nmulax]

If you're going to spend that kind of money in the 335i, I say hold for the M3. But that's me; I'd rather drive a stock E92 then a modded 350z. I'd rather spend less time wrenching, and more time out driving the car.

The seats alone on the M will probably be to die for.

[nmulax]

As for the price on the M3, I think you're right.

Sure, it'll get marked up in cities like NYC, Chicago, LA, Miami, etc. But what about the dealership in the backwoods on North Dakota? I don't think he's got a line out the door of potential customers. Go to where the best price is.

[astra]

the 335 is more tuneable

[nmulax]

I think we already know the 335 is more tuneable.

It's a quesiton of should he go the heavily modded route, or go with the M3 and stay close to stock.

[Cadillac Johnson]

Well, I wouldnt say it's heavily modded, the only "power" parts are the PROcede, exhaust, and intake. That's it. From what I've read about the PROcede, it feels just like stock, only a whole lot faster.

Then coilovers, sways, LSD, brakes etc. nothing that's going to really hurt the drivability. I'm very confident that it could be driven daily with no problems.

Problem is, I know how good the 335i can be. I dont know how good the M3 is going to be.

[Pretender]

By the way, this kind of posts should end. There're 335 posts related to this topic out there. From these you should see whatever the mod you put in, there's no comparision with the M3.

[Coldintake]

I wouldn't drop 25k on mods if that is your intention... 10k in itself is pushing it.

[ArmyBimmerDude]

Originally Posted by Pretender

By the way, this kind of posts should end. Instead, do a search. There're 335 posts about this topic...

+1

[Cadillac Johnson]

Originally Posted by Pretender

By the way, this kind of posts should end. There're 335 posts related to this topic out there. From these you should see whatever the mod you put in, there's no comparision with the M3.

Originally Posted by Cadillac Johnson

I've searched and the 335i vs. M3 threads all turn into pissing matches.

Perhaps you didn't read the first post, if not, I quoted the second sentance for you..

This is what I'm trying to avoid, you say there's no comparison with the M3. Why? Is it the Badge? Please say no..

Look, we know the specs of the new M3, the 335i I have "built" would have more horsepower, probly 150ft/lbs more at the wheels. Your not going to convince me, that the M3's suspension/handling will be as good as TC Kline Smart Design 2-ways with UUC sways, and Quaife LSD. Your also not going to convince me that the M3 will have better brakes than a 4 wheel Stoptech BBK.

I'm not going to argue that point anymore, as I said in the first post, I want to avoid a pissing match. The M3 will be good, no doubt, but if you think performance wise it would compete your kidding yourself.

If you have something to add about the topic at hand, feel free, otherwise I ask you kindly not to bother posting further.

[SDYANKEE]

Originally Posted by Pretender

By the way, this kind of posts should end. There're 335 posts related to this topic out there. From these you should see whatever the mod you put in, there's no comparision with the M3.

+1

....the 335 he is concocting here would humiliate an M3 in every way, shape, and form, looks included IMO. I hope you're basing this off of something no one knows about, and not the M badge, otherwise that's sad

[nimamilani]

go with whatever makes you happy and you can afford

[scottp999]

Whatever you dicide, hurry up, the waiting list for an M3 is getting long and there won't be too many monthly allocations. You could be waiting until 2009. Have you talked to your local dealers about their wait lists and allocations?

[Spool]

Oh lord


If you can afford it, get an M3...

seems like you can, so get an M3...i'm starting to see 335i's everywhere...old women are driving it too...

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by Cadillac Johnson

The BBK + wheel/tires are $12k alone.. it adds up quickly, I was suprised myself..

Anyway, I live in Milwaukee, so if I cant get a dealership to guarantee me MSRP, I'm sure one in a neighboring state will.

That's not really the point though..

You will definately get MSRP in Indiana--not that far from Milwakee--don't even stop in Chicago--they will rape you there.

I'm not a mods-crazy guy, so I would just wait and get the M3. But that seems to be your cup o tea, so maybe the 335 would be a better fit for you.

I am assuming you are going to purchase either one? Doing all those mods to a lease might be a HUGE pain to take off prior to turning the car back in.

[atha]

tuned 335 is faster on the real life than then new m3 i think. this due to the torque.
pesonally o dont mind if there are a lot of cars looking like mine .(i m a fan of understatement) and its just a matter of time untill there gonna be plenty of m3s out theere too.
comparing price to what car u get i assume that everybody agrees is that 335 is a bettet deal.
the price for the new m3 is that high that it start goes really close for a light used 997 turbo or a really good tuned example of 996(ruf, techart...) my opinion is that at this level i d never go for the m3 although a porsche is always much more i your face . porsche turbo is a porsche turbo :-)

[liquid]

i would go with the m,

[E90Russ]

It's simple.

If you're a tuner, gear head of type guy, who likes working on his car and the latest aftermarket technology... get the 335i. You'll need to play with it out of the box like you mentioned.

If you're just wanting an excellent car in general without having to touch anything, get the M3.

[hotrod2448]

I say do what you want and don't worry about what others think. I personally enjoy working on my vehicles. I take a great deal of pride in installing and fabricating parts for my cars and not having a cookie cutter off the assembly line car. To me that makes a modded 335 just as good as an M3 since, it's cheaper and I know I wouldn't leave the M stock for long anyway. Which something you might want to consider. Are you going to leave the M stock or will you eventually start fettling it as well?

If you aren't into that stuff than a stock M3 is the way to go.

Edit: Poster above said the same thing just much shorter while I was typing.