[spicytofu]

If you can afford a M3 with somewhat relative easy, what reasons do you have for NOT getting it? Assume you are buying brand new and it was for a fairly good price, but not an insane deal.

Reason im asking is I was planning to get a new M3 but the dealer did not have any. They had to order it. All they had were 335s and 328s so I ended up getting a very very good deal on a 328 I could not pass up. Later, I joined this forum, did lots of reading and studying and I think buying an M3 probably would not have been a smart move. My plans are to keep the car as long as possible and have no major repairs in the next 10 years or so. (Buying a home) M3 would have been nice and I get bragging rights, but at the cost of what? 335i/is, well, it was all in or nothing.

Maybe its the 335 owners saying "haha...look a 328..." or maybe its all in my head....

[Eugeinus]

If you can afford an M3, and that car is right for you, get it. If it makes you feel good, buy it. If you are buying for "bragging rights", you're missing the point IMO. There are endless reasons for buying/vs not buying, but those are all irrelevant from other peoples POV's. Do what makes you most happy.

There are plenty of threads on 335i's vs 328's on the main forums, and I think they are all retarded. People buy cars based on personal and emotional reasons. Some 335i guy scoffing that someone bought a 328i just shows how stupid some car owners can be.

If you're happy with your 328, then more power to you. It's a great car. If thoughts of an M3 wake you up at night, I'd say a visit to the dealer is in order

[spicytofu]

Thanks man, good point. In the end we are all BMW owners, no reason to pick on others. I dont really like to brag on what I have, but I surely dont want others to think they are better just because I have the "cheaper" stuff. An M3 flew by me this weekend, then slow down to my speed and gunned it. Maybe he was showing off or just saying "heys whats up?" I would be happy to be different with a M3, but as stated, it would be extra money that couldve been put to better use. OK just needed to vent a little and enjoy my "cheaper" 328, which BTW, i am enjoying every bit of it.

[Laid Black 335i]

You realize 335i with just a tune will hurt an M3 owners feelings right?

Also, nothing wrong with a 328 if you just want a chill car.

[D's Bimmer]

I have an e46 M3 and a e90 335i as a Daily Driver. The main reason I didn't go with the newer M3 sedan as a Daily Driver is the fuel consumption and heavy mileage I drive for work.

[cssnms]

Well, I could of purchased an M3, but when I drove it, and while it is a perfectly capable track car, I didn't care for it all that much by comparison with some of the other torque monsters that I was also considering i.e. C63 and CTS-V.

In fact, I was a nano-second away from pulling the trigger on a C63, but on my way to test drive an M5 (which sold before I got to the dealer) out of curiosity I asked to test drive the 335d. Now seeing how I liked torque I was pleasantly surprised by how this diesel drove and it didn't sound like a diesel. After weighing all of the variables such as performance, economy, price etc and some nudging from my wife we decided the 335d was the more practical option and it provided enough of a rush during daily driving to keep a smile on my face -- not to mention I kind of liked the novelty of it -- you don't see to many on the road. And with the money I saved I was able to put some of the $ towards modifying my a car to make it even more unique.

[Raja Ventureshield]

most people can't tell the difference between a M3 and a 328i, so in some ways you are fine. I think the na 328s are going to last a much longer time than a tt 328 or 335. M3s are good but they are like little brats, always wanting a mod. That's one reason for not getting a M3 period.

[jdnguye90]

328 is a great car, BMW quality is not only limited to the 335 or M3. Screw those that think less. They most likely bought the car for compensation, rather than the bliss of driving and appreciation for German engineering.

[flip4335]

I bought my 335i before the M3 came out...no regrets. I drove my son's e90 M3, and while it was nice, I prefer my 6MT Old School and simple DD. With my COBB tune, it feels even better.

[Spydeputy]

I have a 335xi w/ a JB4 and love it. I was looking at a new M3 or a 335is last winter. Decided to get the 335is and added DINAN Stage II, and never looked back. Both are awesome machines!

[MDyDinanM]

I think it's funny how you say BMW and not have any major repair costs in 10 years in the same sentence.

All BMWs, Ms and non-Ms will have repair costs, some major, some not. The current generation e9x M3 has been fairly reliable. Especially the DCT transmission when compared to the SMG. But you are right, it is cheaper to maintain a non-M car.

Also, there is nothing wrong with having a 328. A BMW is a BMW.

[Sam335ix]

Because I am waiting until 2014 m3 :-)

[bigdaddycane]

In this scenerio I think the best fit is the 335. Like others said with upgrades it can run with or out run an M3.

The M3 is a great car, but with the uncertainties of gas prices (it's a bit of a pig) and increased insurance prices, the 335 is easier on the wallet. My 335 can get 30 mpg if I stay out of the gas on the highway. No way an M3 can do that.

If money is not an option, the M3 is a no brainer. It has all the right pieces and parts and is perfectly balanced. The only mod you might need is wheels.

My $.02

[gizmo335i]

If the price would have been equal, I would have gotten an M3 without hesitation vs. the 335 or any other 3 for that matter. I love all 3's...so I'm not in that category of thinking I'm better than a 328 owner just because I have a 335.

If anything I would want the M3 just for the cosmetics vs. other 3's....the more flared fenders/etc.

So $$$ was the problem for me...I wanted something with low miles...and even an E46 with low miles is pricey...

[cityazndan]

All 3 series cars have my love haha. In fact, I do applaud your decision for a 328i in these times..

IMO, I went with the 335i because of the better MPG and once tuned it can keep up/overtake a stockish e9x M3. Even more so with the RB turbos coming in (soon enough). Plus I'm a sucker for dual-tip exhausts :P. Quad tip layout in the M3 (just seems too cramped in the center).

EDIT - The above poster's sig has quad-tip done right.

[zeel]

I don't hate on the other models. I wanted an M3 but I drive 30k+ miles a year and the gas mileage + mod friendly + cheaper 335i was a better fit for me. I drove a 328i loaner and thought it was fun.

[PSUSMU]

I was going to say fuel economy, but my 328xi gets 16mpg during rush hour.

[diamondbimmer92]

Because my XI isn't just faster.. it's 4 wheel drive too

[Eric the Ricer]

That's why

[tres]

all 3 series are great cars. Its all about your joy I love to work on my car and mod it. I test drove both m3 and Is on the autobahn and chose the IS and never looked back, because I could do more mods with an IS than an M3.

[spicytofu]

After reading the posts, I feel better about choosing the 328 over the M3. Maybe I wouldve been better off with a 335i/is. I dont do track, I dont race, I just enjoy the ride. M3 wouldve been way too powerful for me and 335, good balance between power and MPG. 328 isnt too bad, only ~60 horses less and with my driving, i maybe only use 70 of the 230 under the hood. The 335 wouldve costed me 15k more and the M3, well...I saved me LOTs of Wendy's chicken nuggets

Originally Posted by mdyaman

I think it's funny how you say BMW and not have any major repair costs in 10 years in the same sentence.

All BMWs, Ms and non-Ms will have repair costs, some major, some not. The current generation e9x M3 has been fairly reliable. Especially the DCT transmission when compared to the SMG. But you are right, it is cheaper to maintain a non-M car.

Also, there is nothing wrong with having a 328. A BMW is a BMW.

I do not expect it to be maintenance-free, but I dont want engine/tranny rebuilds. Maybe water pump breaks or A/C, those I can handle myself. Anyhow, I might probably trade it in 10 years....for a M3 lol

[cotmfk]

I got the 335 bc of turbos. I love turbo spool and how easy it is to get big power out of stock turbo cars. My ideal would be the M3 with a turbo motor (which is coming). The M3 has better handling, better looks, nicer interior, etc, etc.