[Jason]

Here's a nice initial overview of the 2011 335is experience from our friends at BIMMERFILE

For all 335is info and media, see our OFFICIAL 335is INFO THREAD.

Here’s a thought; the 335is is more of a replacement for et E46 M3 than the current M3. It’s got similar power (320 hp) with decidedly more torque (332 ft-lbs) for performance that is equal if not better than the previous M3. It’s powered by a six cylinder powerplant like the M3 (albeit turbocharged) and weighs about the same (i.e. about 200 lb. less than the current M3).

We got a chance to spend an afternoon with the 335is recently and walked away thoroughly impressed. While we plan on having a much more thorough test later in the year, we can conclude a few things right away. For starters, this thing sounds nasty. When I first cranked the cold engine I literally had to ask a BMW representative if that was the final exhaust note. I simply couldn’t believe BMW could and would be that aggressive. But they are and it is.

Then there’s the sound it makes under power. Simply put this is the best sounding non-M car I can ever remember from of BMW. I’d even rank it a notch above the Z4 35is in tone and volume. But what really made the hair on my neck stand up was the pops on overrun as you lifted off the throttle. For the first time ever I feel like I hear the true character of the N54 without the shackles of mass market. If BMW didn’t have to worry about sales, you get the feeling that every car with this engine would sound like this. It’s made for the enthusiast and it sounds nothing short of perfect.

With sport button engaged I set out to explore the hills around BMW’s home office in Woodcliff New Jersey. The 335is tested had the stock 18″ wheels but little else in the way of options. In fact the only option of note was the exceptional DCT transmission. The raw quality of the engine note was surprisingly well mated with the DCT. Rev matching resulted in glorious engine notes and the seamless performance felt inline with what you’d expect from the sound. It all adds up to what could perhaps be one of BMW’s best performance sedans without the M badge.

Inside there’s an uncomfortable amount of special badging. However if you look back at some previous low volume BMW models, it’s not entirely without precedent. Do we like it? No. Could we live with it knowing how the great the car is as a whole? Absolutely.

It’s a great car that rather surprisingly holds its own against not only competing products but the mighty M3. We’ll leave the pricing debate for our full review later this year. But we’ll leave you with this. The 335is is priced well equipped for less than the E46 M3 was just a few years ago. Yet it’s arguably faster, more comfortable, loaded with modern technology and much easier to live with. After driving it I have to admit it’s a proposition that would be hard to ignore.

Written by Gabe

[CarForHire]

Good stuff.

[CollinsE90]

let the tuning companies begin , if it becomes as promising as the N54 with tuning, it might be my next bimmer

[j330xi]

I CONCUR!!

Exhaust clip:

[Wizzle335]

Why oh why would they up the power and still give us no LSD option...

[fdsasdasdf]

the 335is is more of a replacement for et E46 M3 than the current M3

Nooooooow the 335is makes a bit more sense.

Though, many people buy the E46 M3 because they like the body style better than the current.

[bsamoul]

siiiiick

[CarForHire]

Double Post.

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by Zell

Nooooooow the 335is makes a bit more sense.

Though, many people buy the E46 M3 because they like the body style better than the current.

I would take a clean E46 M3 over a 335is.

[smaxon1]

I can't wait!

[Oulixes]

The 335is is a handsome car, designed not to appeal to M3 buyers.

[Vintage]

awesome exhaust note - thanks for the video clip

[JoeyBananaz18]

wow. sounds like a monster. is that what the performance exhaust sounds like?

[Fugly M3]

is it just me or does anyone else think the little badges below the fender signal light are tacky, really tacky

[MusclezMarinara]

N54 motor in the IS so JB3 still works :P

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

I would take a clean E46 M3 over a 335is.

+1.....this from a tuned e92 335i owner.

Cheers,
e46e92

[Php]

Originally Posted by CarForHire

I would take a clean E46 M3 over a 335is.

Me too. 335is is still a tuned up 3 series, makes sense for folks that want a more unique/rare daily driver than a regular 335 and would occasionally do some aggressive driving. M3 is a M3, even if it can't out perform the new 335is, M cars are just not the same.

However, chicks prefer the new body style over an E46 M3 anyday. So if impressing young/hot ladies is top priority, go with 335is.

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananaz18

wow. sounds like a monster. is that what the performance exhaust sounds like?

This seems even louder than the BMW Performance Exhaust ! I'm not 100% sure but it seems so...

But I listened to an e92 M3 passing by (don't know if it had an aftermarket exhaust) and that V8 sound surpasses any 335i with any exhaust...and this comes from a Performance Exhaust owner...

[EZ_TUR90]

Originally Posted by j330xi

I CONCUR!!

Exhaust clip:

sounds great!

[Bimmerboy888]

Sounds good!

[Fugly M3]

i cant believe they didnt give the vert shadowline trim

[CarForHire]

Originally Posted by E46M54325Ci

i cant believe they didnt give the vert shadowline trim

But a black kidney stock..