[sives]

Hey .

I know i did a thread a year ago about comparing a 335i , 335d and a e46 m3. I have read through that. Now i would like to know about the comparison of 335i and e46 m3.

As i have driven a mates e46 m3, but not a coupe 335i.

Question i ask are relating to insurance and also fuel consumption.

I know roughly the cost of the e46 m3, thanks to the m3 cutters forum.

But i would like to know about the 335i. Looking at 06-08 ones.

The e46 m3 are going for 6-9 now. so willing to spend like 8k for a e46 m3 in most probably LSB(laguna seca blue).

From what i have seen on ebay/autotrader etc. i have seen the 335i coupe go for like 7-10k. Dont mind spending more for this. But as the new 3/4 series are out. Is the price gonna drop. Is this the right prices for this. Only issue is that i dont know what colour to go for, as the same blue like lsb (santorina blue ) is rare and above my price range.

Looking at getting one in july -august this year.

Also as i know i will intend to do some cosmetic and performance upgrades. I have read about the jbd and intercool mod on the 335i. What performance gains do i get.

When you compare the standard mods(suspension and brakes) with the e46 m3 and the 335i. what are the costs.

Truthfully i was swaying towards to a e46 m3 due to owning a m3 being nice thing to have. But the performance and the idea of the 335 e92 being newer has had a effect too.

i will be coming from a slow e46 318ci. so both are fast in my terms lol.

I know if i get the e46 m3, i will either go to the route of either a csl airbox and alpha n remap or get a supercharger. (this will be in 2 years tho. ) Is there any upgrades which i can do better, other than a e92 m3.

Insurance wise i am 26 year old, been driving since july 2006(7 years but 8 by the summer). 6 years no claims. living in cranfield low risk postcode.

Thanks sive.

[gangzoom]

E46 M3 owners will tell you to get the M3, 335i owners will tell you to get the 335i.

Regarding depreciation early 335i have taken a big hit already and I doubt prices will fall much due to the 4 series coming out.

Running costs for 335i seem to depends on lucky you are. Get a bad one and it seems the car will spend more time in the garage than on the road, hence some people will say don't buy one without AUC warranty.

I've had mine for 2.5 years and servicing costs are roughly £200-250 a year, I do a oil service every 12 months and ignore the conditional based servicing rubbish). Only fault has been a leaky auto transmission gasket which is quite common on all E9Xs. MPG wise longterm average over most city roads 23 mpg which is not bad. Overall my 335i has been much cheaper to run than my old 350Z.

Modification wise it's endless but in my view stock the 335i is not a great handling car, after all it has to share the same suspension bits as every other E9X.

To get it anywhere near a M3 handling wise as a minimal I think you need a LSD which is £2-2.5k fitted, better dampers/springs £1-1.5k. Birds BMW do a total suspension/LSD kit for the 335i which really sorts out the car but all in its close to £5k fitted.

Powerwise it's endless you can spend £5k on hybrid turbos and run 450-500bhp or be happy with 360-70bhp via a remap. Personally I think even stock the 335 has more than enough BHP.

Good luck with your decisions, for me the E46 range is simply too old to even consider, the only one that would interest me would be a CSL. But a stock 335 in my view is comprised interms of handling (compared to a M car) and you need to spend a fair amount to sort out its handling.

[windymissile]

Im staying out of this one. Someone will be along soon telling you to get a 320d.

WM

[Dirty Tool]

I own a 335i ... but IMO you should get an E46 M3.

[dobbo99]

my post from another similar thread.

I had an e92 325i for nearly 3 years. Loved that car, wasnt the fastest but was just a good all rounder.
I sold it in May last year after 3 years ownership and 20k miles, mainly because had just moved house, needed a bigger car for our recent arrival and generally because I would get something better in the future.

I then bought an e46 M3 in September. Its not an e92. Doesnt look as modern IMO, despite the e46 being iconic. The inside isnt spacious either, again IMO.
But put simply, its as fast a car as you'll ever need on an open road, and is still quite nice to look at and be behind the wheel.

mines 2004, its £200something to tax and I think was £40 more to insure per year than the 325i.
Fuel wise Im seeing 21/22mpg, the 325i used to give me 25/26mpg - not huge differences considering the performance available. Im sure it would be more economical if I actually drove it further - I only do about 20miles a day.
It was due an oil service from an Indy (£100) when I bought it, and will do another one in about 6k, then I have Insp 1 service, which again I will get done by an independent and will probably cost 500-600quid.

I paid £8750 for a cared for e46, Im finding it difficult to better its epic value for money and I keep up with cars worth much much more. Im loath to drop another £10-12k to upgrade it as a result.

Ive never driven a 335i, but it will not be an M. They give you a very different feeling.
Have you ever driven one? If not then I suggest that you do.

[richk84]

Why don't you drive both cars and then pick the one you like.......

[SO8]

I had the E46 M3 engine in a Z4M Roadster - awesome engine ... and fuel consumption not too bad for what it gives. I got 21-24mpg on a route I now get 36-38mpg in a 330d so I don't regard it as bad. Urban is about 15mpg government figures so if you do get stuck in traffic it will drink. The most I got out of it was 28mpg on a run.

I have driven a Z4 35i with the 335i engine in and the midrange is monsterous and it feels quicker doing overtakes than the Z4M did ... which is totally linear all the way to the red line.

Manual gearbox on M3 is very notchy - which is why I got rid of my Z4M ... it was impossible to drive it smoothly and I hated that. Great engine, c**p gearbox !

Which would I have M3 or 335i ... M3 in my book - as for the money you may get a better condition M3 but just beware of the servicing costs which are huge !! 335i has had quite a few issues. M3 hasn't.

[phil200tdi]

If hard on the limit cornering is your thing the an M car is what you need.

If you want effortless power and giant killing ability then a modded 335i can't be beaten. The number of mods for the 335i is quite bewildering.

At the age of car you are buying it will likely need new bushes and suspension work anyway. A 335i can be upgraded to M3 spec fairly cheaply...

Supercharging an e46 M3 sounds like a huge money pit...

[G82Dude]

Never owned a 335i and never will. Have owned two E46 M3s (both SMG II). M3 is just such a different car (when compared to my E46 330Ci and "standard BMWs"); I loved them both. The noise, that engine, the looks of the car. Still considered today to be one of the best sports coupés built. I managed on average 26 MPG, but it would quite easily do over 32 on a run. Use the revs (and it needs/loves to be revved) and you will drop to 20 or less.

If you bought and ran an M3 now, you're unlikely to lose out much when you trade it in as long as you maintain the servicing and look after it. Dealer servicing isn't cheap though, but many independents will offer a better deal, as long as they know what they are doing (and make sure they do).

Earlier cars (before 52 plate) had issues with oil pump and bearing contamination due to poor third party pump supplies, so that work has to have been done (all under warranty) or it's another engine! Doubt many would have survived to now if it hadn't been done - but just something to think about.

Question is, do you want a turbo car with it's plusses and minuses (not sure if there's more plusses or more minuses with the 35i engine from what I have read on here!) or a thoroughbred with one of the finest straight-six N/A engines built?

Ultimately, drive both and you chose. Neither are particularly cheap cars to own and run but offer completely different driving experiences.

[zltm089]

some good posts...

to the op, the jbd is for the 335d

the jb plus is for the 335i....

or better the jb4...which gives out more power!...

powerwise you're looking at 60/ 70bhp with just a remap and no other mods.

[m20b25]

Given the choice I'd have an e46 M3.

If my car allowance allowed to have an older car I would have one. In my opion they are one of the best looking alround cars available (with the 18s). In my eyes it a proper M BMW. New M3/4 look a little fancy for me.

[stevens]

Originally Posted by windymissile

Im staying out of this one. Someone will be along soon telling you to get a 320d.

WM

come on I thought your comments on the previous thread were valid and in this particular situation would be even more so.

To the OP:

In my opinion, as a E92 M3 owner, you would be better off with the E92 335i vs the E46 M3, purely because as much as I like the e46 M3 (it really is a very good car), the fact you have mentioned fuel and modding suggests your worried about it. 335i wil always return MPG more when you want it to, any M3 will not no matter what you try.

Forget about MPG ask about fuel range (how much does it cost to fill and how many miles do I get out of that). And parts are always more on any M3 as they are a one off.

That being said, if ive picked up what you have posted as incorrect and your more than comfortable with 250/300 miles out of £90 then the e46 M3 is all good

[stevens]

not to mentioned 335i engine mods will return more for less money (initially)

[sives]

Thanks for all the replies. Time to answer your posts

[sives]

Originally Posted by gangzoom

E46 M3 owners will tell you to get the M3, 335i owners will tell you to get the 335i.

Regarding depreciation early 335i have taken a big hit already and I doubt prices will fall much due to the 4 series coming out.

Running costs for 335i seem to depends on lucky you are. Get a bad one and it seems the car will spend more time in the garage than on the road, hence some people will say don't buy one without AUC warranty.

I've had mine for 2.5 years and servicing costs are roughly £200-250 a year, I do a oil service every 12 months and ignore the conditional based servicing rubbish). Only fault has been a leaky auto transmission gasket which is quite common on all E9Xs. MPG wise longterm average over most city roads 23 mpg which is not bad. Overall my 335i has been much cheaper to run than my old 350Z.

Modification wise it's endless but in my view stock the 335i is not a great handling car, after all it has to share the same suspension bits as every other E9X.

To get it anywhere near a M3 handling wise as a minimal I think you need a LSD which is £2-2.5k fitted, better dampers/springs £1-1.5k. Birds BMW do a total suspension/LSD kit for the 335i which really sorts out the car but all in its close to £5k fitted.

Powerwise it's endless you can spend £5k on hybrid turbos and run 450-500bhp or be happy with 360-70bhp via a remap. Personally I think even stock the 335 has more than enough BHP.

Good luck with your decisions, for me the E46 range is simply too old to even consider, the only one that would interest me would be a CSL. But a stock 335 in my view is comprised interms of handling (compared to a M car) and you need to spend a fair amount to sort out its handling.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah i have asked the m3cutters and e46zone forum about this before. This end up with the answer you said above lol.

From what i have read on here, and seeing the posts about the issues with early 335i turbo issues. That worried me abit but, like what people have said, these issues would have been most probably been fixed by the warranty.

Most of the servicing i do myself now, The really hard bits i give it to a mate, who i trust alot. So maintenance is not gonna be the problem. Just wanted to know what you lot payed if i ended up going to the independent dealers.

From what you have said about mpg, its roughly the same on a e46 m3. I am averaging around 28-30 mpg on the current car, so both cars are not gonna be a problem.

Thats one of the drawbacks of the 335i, they should have fitted LSD, but then people would not have bought a m3 then.

The mods wise in terms of performance is something i was not sure about. But now i got some knowledge. I agree the power from stock is good enough, but whatever i get i will keep for a good few years. (owned the current car for 5 years now). So will end up wanting more power at one point.

Thanks mate. There are pros and cons of both, will have to drive the 335i to see what i like.

[sives]

Originally Posted by windymissile

Im staying out of this one. Someone will be along soon telling you to get a 320d.

WM

Lol its cool mate, say whatever you like. Its your opinion, so its alright.

[sives]

Originally Posted by Dirty Tool

I own a 335i ... but IMO you should get an E46 M3.

Thanks mate, still on the side of the e46 m3.

Originally Posted by dobbo99

my post from another similar thread.

I had an e92 325i for nearly 3 years. Loved that car, wasnt the fastest but was just a good all rounder.
I sold it in May last year after 3 years ownership and 20k miles, mainly because had just moved house, needed a bigger car for our recent arrival and generally because I would get something better in the future.

I then bought an e46 M3 in September. Its not an e92. Doesnt look as modern IMO, despite the e46 being iconic. The inside isnt spacious either, again IMO.
But put simply, its as fast a car as you'll ever need on an open road, and is still quite nice to look at and be behind the wheel.

mines 2004, its £200something to tax and I think was £40 more to insure per year than the 325i.
Fuel wise Im seeing 21/22mpg, the 325i used to give me 25/26mpg - not huge differences considering the performance available. Im sure it would be more economical if I actually drove it further - I only do about 20miles a day.
It was due an oil service from an Indy (£100) when I bought it, and will do another one in about 6k, then I have Insp 1 service, which again I will get done by an independent and will probably cost 500-600quid.

I paid £8750 for a cared for e46, Im finding it difficult to better its epic value for money and I keep up with cars worth much much more. Im loath to drop another £10-12k to upgrade it as a result.

Ive never driven a 335i, but it will not be an M. They give you a very different feeling.
Have you ever driven one? If not then I suggest that you do.

Thanks for the reply mate.

From what i have seen, e46 m3 still has a nice look(might be biased as i own a e46). But it is a nice car.

When i sat and drove my mates e46 m3, you can tell the difference between a standard e46 and a m3. Felt so much better. Tax is alright is the 01/02 m3 the same tax. As i am paying the same for the 318ci. Insurance wise for me is like 700-900.

Looking at doing not that mileage as i am doing Masters. live in cranfield and will drive like 20-30 miles a week just for food shopping or going to my mates. Live like 60 miles away so calculated mileage to be like 300-500 miles a month.

Only issue is that i have been told that the inspection services you should not do it yourself, you should get it done at a independant garage. but still prefer to do it myself.

The price is good for that, if you don't mind me asking what mileage is yours. Value for money is very good for what it gives out.

I was looking at the m3cutters and them supercharging it with the ESS kit. its nice to see wht you can do to them. but one guy i know very well has the csl airbox (steel grey one with the cinnamon interior). He said don't bother with the charger, get the csl airbox.

Need to get a chance to drive one now. Thanks mate.

Originally Posted by richk84

Why don't you drive both cars and then pick the one you like.......

Good point, which i will do, but wanted to see opinions if anyone has owned both.

[sives]

Originally Posted by SO8

I had the E46 M3 engine in a Z4M Roadster - awesome engine ... and fuel consumption not too bad for what it gives. I got 21-24mpg on a route I now get 36-38mpg in a 330d so I don't regard it as bad. Urban is about 15mpg government figures so if you do get stuck in traffic it will drink. The most I got out of it was 28mpg on a run.

I have driven a Z4 35i with the 335i engine in and the midrange is monsterous and it feels quicker doing overtakes than the Z4M did ... which is totally linear all the way to the red line.

Manual gearbox on M3 is very notchy - which is why I got rid of my Z4M ... it was impossible to drive it smoothly and I hated that. Great engine, c**p gearbox !

Which would I have M3 or 335i ... M3 in my book - as for the money you may get a better condition M3 but just beware of the servicing costs which are huge !! 335i has had quite a few issues. M3 hasn't.

Thanks for the reply mate.

Would love to own a z4m , but out of the price range.

In london sometimes so not fussed if it drops. you get used to it now.

I thought the manual gearboxes were the better ones compared to failing smg box. tried the smg box as it was the first time.

Yeah i have been told about the servicing costs and sub frame issue.

Thanks mate.

Originally Posted by phil200tdi

If hard on the limit cornering is your thing the an M car is what you need.

If you want effortless power and giant killing ability then a modded 335i can't be beaten. The number of mods for the 335i is quite bewildering.

At the age of car you are buying it will likely need new bushes and suspension work anyway. A 335i can be upgraded to M3 spec fairly cheaply...

Supercharging an e46 M3 sounds like a huge money pit...

More of a limit cornering guy, so it sways me to the m3.

Thats one thing i like the 335i few mods and it will go much quicker.

Don't find the issues with the suspension , as i would end up spending money in some good set of coilovers. Also polybush the front rear suspension. Doing it on my current e46 now, so not a issue.

Supercharging is not cheap option, if i get the m3 i would most probably keep it for a long time and end up chargering it myself.

[scflaw]

i drive a 335 and i'd tell you to drive a M135I. Those cars are a blast to drive. The 3 series is a porker in comparison. (or at least mine is)

[sives]

Originally Posted by uke92dude

Never owned a 335i and never will. Have owned two E46 M3s (both SMG II). M3 is just such a different car (when compared to my E46 330Ci and "standard BMWs"); I loved them both. The noise, that engine, the looks of the car. Still considered today to be one of the best sports coupés built. I managed on average 26 MPG, but it would quite easily do over 32 on a run. Use the revs (and it needs/loves to be revved) and you will drop to 20 or less.

If you bought and ran an M3 now, you're unlikely to lose out much when you trade it in as long as you maintain the servicing and look after it. Dealer servicing isn't cheap though, but many independents will offer a better deal, as long as they know what they are doing (and make sure they do).

Earlier cars (before 52 plate) had issues with oil pump and bearing contamination due to poor third party pump supplies, so that work has to have been done (all under warranty) or it's another engine! Doubt many would have survived to now if it hadn't been done - but just something to think about.

Question is, do you want a turbo car with it's plusses and minuses (not sure if there's more plusses or more minuses with the 35i engine from what I have read on here!) or a thoroughbred with one of the finest straight-six N/A engines built?

Ultimately, drive both and you chose. Neither are particularly cheap cars to own and run but offer completely different driving experiences.

Thanks fr the reply. Like what you have said above. when i sat and drove the m3 it felt in another league compared to the boring 318ci. How have you found the SMG box , as its famous for issues.

Thats alright like what i have said before the fuel consumption is alright for a car like that.

Dont think i will trade it in, if i get one mate. as i tend to keep cars for some time.

Will check that out with ther earlier cars as i will getting ones in that year. So much want a LSB one tho. Wish they made them in the e92 range.

Hard choice there. answer will be only found once i drive the 335i.

don't mind spending if its the right car which puts a smile on my face

Originally Posted by zltm089

some good posts...

to the op, the jbd is for the 335d

the jb plus is for the 335i....

or better the jb4...which gives out more power!...

powerwise you're looking at 60/ 70bhp with just a remap and no other mods.

oops my bad. Had a feeling i would make this mistake. Cheers for the details mate.

[sives]

Originally Posted by m20b25

Given the choice I'd have an e46 M3.

If my car allowance allowed to have an older car I would have one. In my opion they are one of the best looking alround cars available (with the 18s). In my eyes it a proper M BMW. New M3/4 look a little fancy for me.

Thanks for the reply mate.

Totally agree that they still look nice, especially in rare colour. Prefer the 18s than the 19s, looks to blingy.

Originally Posted by stevens

come on I thought your comments on the previous thread were valid and in this particular situation would be even more so.

To the OP:

In my opinion, as a E92 M3 owner, you would be better off with the E92 335i vs the E46 M3, purely because as much as I like the e46 M3 (it really is a very good car), the fact you have mentioned fuel and modding suggests your worried about it. 335i wil always return MPG more when you want it to, any M3 will not no matter what you try.

Forget about MPG ask about fuel range (how much does it cost to fill and how many miles do I get out of that). And parts are always more on any M3 as they are a one off.

That being said, if ive picked up what you have posted as incorrect and your more than comfortable with 250/300 miles out of £90 then the e46 M3 is all good

Thanks for your opinion mate.

Fuel is not a major issue, its the reason why you buy a car like this, if you are worried about fuel i would consider the 335d. Which at one point i did, but not a fan of the dervs. (dont wanna start a war here tho now).

The parts are always gonna be more. Would love to own a e92 m3 but thats double the money i have.

From what i have read the m3 e46 gives around 250-300 but sometimes if you are gentle you can get to 350. But thats if you are lucky or you are going downhill.

No problems mate. I must have misled people to think i was worried about fuel. like what i said before , if you want performance expect fuel bill to go up.

Originally Posted by scflaw

i drive a 335 and i'd tell you to drive a M135I. Those cars are a blast to drive. The 3 series is a porker in comparison. (or at least mine is)

Ditto in this too. been in one and they are fast. NIce cars too.

[G82Dude]

Originally Posted by sives

Thanks fr the reply. Like what you have said above. when i sat and drove the m3 it felt in another league compared to the boring 318ci. How have you found the SMG box , as its famous for issues.

So, from my perspective, having owned 2 E46 M3s with SMG II and lived with them - and ignoring that Muppet Clarkson who drives a car for 10 minutes and then decides if it's rubbish or not - I loved SMG II. I never had a problem with it, nor did it ever fail; can't say I had heard a lot of issues with it either TBH (maybe SMG I, which was pants!?). BUT! You have to learn how to drive SMG II - just like you would a manual. You really can't keep your foot flat down when you change gear (poor diff!) but simply lift off slightly for perfect changes - you get to learn how to get the best from it. It makes an already great car that little bit more special and unique for my money.

And you can get decent MPG from an E46 M3 and no worse than a 335i from what I have read from those owners bemoaning ~23-26MPG - and remember it's a 343HP, 3.2L 6 cylinder, not a 1.0L Fiesta! But use the revs - and you will - (the noise!!!) and it will drop!