[dxb335d]

Enjoyed that thoroughly. Every car I have owned for the past 7 years has been a toy, so I can only imagine how good the M3 would be and how much fun to have as a fast saloon car which can do track work/trips to the shops with ease.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by pjs

A great read, and I agree with virtually all your 335i comments.

I've only ever driven a palmersport e92 m3 with DCT and it was in a different league.

With the 25k miles a year I do, i'm happy to 'make do' ...

If i drove 25K miles a year i would probably have a 320d so i hardly think a 335i is 'making do'! It is a fantastic car for covering longer distances as well - with a decent range..........the M3's fuel warning' light comes on with 1/4 of a tank left. The first long drive i did was last month and it was also the first time the 'fuel warning' came on...........i saw that i had 1/4 of a tank left so didn't worry.I only just made it to the NEXT garage which was 40 odd miles away, the car took 61 litres when i got there meaning i had 2 litres to spare............when the car gets below 1/2 a tank now i start to panic

Originally Posted by ak335

Nice write up, congrats on the ///M

Thank you!

Originally Posted by zltm089

Quick question....about your dct gearbox....


Does it allow full control of the gears? i.e will it allow you to change gear even if it means going in the "red" zone/ over reving?

Or does it have that "protection engine" bullsh*t, that will only allow you to kick down, if the speed is within the range....?

In before, people asking me, why would you want to over rev etc....I LIKE FULL CONTROL OF THE GEARS, IF I WANT TO KICK DOWN, DROP DOWN TO 2ND GEAR AT 100MPH, THIS SHOULD BE MY CHOICE/ DECISION AND NOT SOME CAR COMPUTER...(Not that i would do that)

You have full control of the gears as in you can rev the car to the limiter and keep it there and it will not shift up, it will let you change down to whatever revs you like as long as the revs do not go above the max - so in theory you can drop it down a few gears so it hits 8000+ if you wanted to but it will not let you downshift into the red zone............this is a good thing because when you are coming up to a roundabout for example you can just bang away at the left paddle knowing that when you hit the roundabout your revs will be near perfect for max acceleration when you are going around/coming off ........without having to worry about the 'money shift. I've always had manual cars but i love this gearbox - it makes the car both faster and easier to drive - its awesome.

Originally Posted by johnnydad

Brilliant and detailed piece of writing - tells me so much I wanted to know!

One question - what tyres was your 335i running?

Thanks! - I was running the standard 18" RFT michelins.

Originally Posted by nicko44

Thanks for that really informative and thoughtful write-up ss134. It is far and away the best written "double test" that I have had the pleasure to read (and I have read a great deal). You go into just the kind of detail that forum readers want to hear, and avoid the superficial glibness that you find all too often in the motoring press.

I was particularly interested in your comments about throttle response and the different feel in the power curve as between the M3 and 335i. Having just driven an N55 engined E93 335i (with DCT), I also was struck by just how much of the power is available on a light throttle (much like in any modern diesel turbo), and how you don't get an awful lot more power when you complete the throttle movement to the floor. Very different feel to my "evolved" 330i, where the last bit of the throttle movements provokes the response....."OK then, you want to get mean and nasty!" and you are greeted with a very determined snarl and quite a bit more pace (always admitting of course that the 335i is still significantly faster).

I also found the N55 engine was really much more comfortable with changing up at 5800 to 6000. You got it perfectly when you said that you almost felt unkind in keeping it hanging on till 6500 or 7000rpm. The car seems to breathe a sigh of relief when you change up and hit the next higher gear at around 5000rpm.

As regards the comparison with the M3, I'm afraid I have never driven one. However I have spent quite a time in my son's C63, and whilst this car is not as "toppy" as the M3, it does have a beautifully linear power curve from the low 1000's all the way up the rev range, and this is something that only a large capacity high revving NA petrol engine can provide.

We should enjoy this breed of car before the emission regs kill them.

Thank you for your kind comments - i had a 'run in' with a C63 on the autobahn a few weeks ago - it sounded awesome...........we were neck and neck from 100mph + until i hit the limiter............he was definately de restricted

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Excellent write up SS134 and one that’s long overdue, you’re right about there not being a decent and accurate back to back comparison before, if you ask for owners opinions, they assume you’re a troll looking to fire up some great debate, so thanks for posting.

On the subject of handling, was your comparison based on a 335i with run flats fitted?

Also have you had any issues with the DCT when driving in traffic, such as lag or hesitation and lastly, did you drive a manual M3?

Hi Del - Yes my 335i was totally standard. No issues with DCT at all, apart from not being able to resist the throttle blipped downshifts in town.......turning every head within 50m and making myself look like a right c**k!

Originally Posted by kdiz

This was a really good writeup I think you have summerised everything in a fair way as well.

I think your right with what you say about two totally differernt cars. I personally am going to shoot for the 335i as I don't do that much driving and i think that would suit my driving style for now atleast, especially coming from an almost 20 year old car the handling on the 335i will probably be in a differernt league to what i have now

You will not be disappointed with the 335i's handling coming from 90% of cars on the road let alone a 20 year old car i guarantee you - enjoy the car and post up some pics when you pick it up

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

Great write-up! Really well written, and impartial at that. It's been a long time since I got such an objective view on both these cars, and that from someone who has even owned both (most people just comment on these cars and have never even driven any of them).

I also agree with what you write, it sums up very nicely my own impressions when I had the chance to test drive the M3 (an E92 though) before buying my 335i. And it's great that you got an E90 M3, there are so few of them which makes them much more special (also bearing in mind that the next M3 won't come out as a sedan most probably).

If you're in Germany, come over to the Nürburgring on the first week-end of October! Then you can indeed drive your M3 on its home turf (and experience some modded 335i if you're interested).

Alpina_B3_Lux

Thanks mate, would love to meet up with you on the 'ring in Oct but i'm back in the UK until late Oct and then off overseas for a month until Xmas back in Germany - maybe next year. Any new mods on your 'beast'??

[ss134]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Enjoyed that thoroughly. Every car I have owned for the past 7 years has been a toy, so I can only imagine how good the M3 would be and how much fun to have as a fast saloon car which can do track work/trips to the shops with ease.

Thanks Carl, what did you replace the DXB with and hows the new house?

[dxb335d]

House is fantastic buddy. Can't fault it. All I ever wanted really.

Spending money on fun stuff at the moment so not even thought of a car. Let alone counted the pennies. LOL

[ss134]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

House is fantastic buddy. Can't fault it. All I ever wanted really.

Spending money on fun stuff at the moment so not even thought of a car. Let alone counted the pennies. LOL

Makes sense mate, there are definately a lot of things in life far more important than a car.

[Em135eye]

Brilliant write up ss - I love the "real world" comparisons rather than utter BS about understeer/oversteer/track driving BS that most mags seem to write about.

Really good to hear a owners view - I found that a million times more enlightening than any mag review. They'll rave about a Clio Sport but forget to tell readers that customer service is zero and they fall to bits. Or wax lyrical about every Porsche but forget to tell readers that Porsche are utterly ruthless with warranty claims, etc, etc.

Ouch about the range though - this is one thing M cars really fall down on - small tanks and nasty thirst making range very poor. Fine having low mpg but in a luxury car, however sporty, you need a BIG fuel tank or you kill that performance advantage over long distances.

Now go and buy some more cars so we can read your reviews on them too!!

[MTRHEAD]

Having just made the exact same move as yourself but in E92 form (including the move from manual to DCT) I'm really impressed with your review and can concur with everything you have said.

One thing you didn't comment on was the move from manual to DCT, how was it for you? I found the "disconnected" feeling really hard to get used to. It took me a few weeks to really get over this. Now I'm beginning to see what people mean though when they say it "completes" the M3 and I think I've gotten through it. I think it actually allows mere mortals to get more fun from the M3 but it took me far longer than I predicted to get over the change.

My 335I is still on the drive, its fantastic and I'll be all misty eyed when it sells, different cars for sure but both fantastic in their own way

[doughboy]

Sounds great mate, good write up too. Good to compare both cars factory standard as thats what really matters.

if they made an M3 tourer I'd have bought that in the first place! NA all the way, especially with all the unique M3 attributes.

....but the JB3 on my 335 i has revealed a different car altogether, not an M3, but a pity BMW didn't see the light like Alpina have done and make a factory 400bhp N54.

Enjoy it, I hope I can get my hands on one some time, last of a kind I reckon.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Sounds great mate, good write up too. Good to compare both cars factory standard as thats what really matters.

if they made an M3 tourer I'd have bought that in the first place! NA all the way, especially with all the unique M3 attributes.

....but the JB3 on my 335 i has revealed a different car altogether, not an M3, but a pity BMW didn't see the light like Alpina have done and make a factory 400bhp N54.

Enjoy it, I hope I can get my hands on one some time, last of a kind I reckon.

You would definately appreciate the M3 Mike, and a tuned 335i is a dangerous beast to mess with!

[ss134]

Originally Posted by MTRHEAD

Having just made the exact same move as yourself but in E92 form (including the move from manual to DCT) I'm really impressed with your review and can concur with everything you have said.

One thing you didn't comment on was the move from manual to DCT, how was it for you? I found the "disconnected" feeling really hard to get used to. It took me a few weeks to really get over this. Now I'm beginning to see what people mean though when they say it "completes" the M3 and I think I've gotten through it. I think it actually allows mere mortals to get more fun from the M3 but it took me far longer than I predicted to get over the change.

My 335I is still on the drive, its fantastic and I'll be all misty eyed when it sells, different cars for sure but both fantastic in their own way

Hi mate - glad you agreed with me.....would have been slightly embarassing if you had come on and said i was talking BS
This is my first non manual car and i was concerned before i bought it that i would feel disconnected as you said but i never did - i got used to it really quickly. I always drive in S5 though - even through town!
In a few years all performance cars will be coming with these gearboxes as the only option, many already are - time to embrace the technology i suppose.

[willhollin]

Great review Steve, I would love to have an M3!

[ss134]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Brilliant write up ss - I love the "real world" comparisons rather than utter BS about understeer/oversteer/track driving BS that most mags seem to write about.

Really good to hear a owners view - I found that a million times more enlightening than any mag review. They'll rave about a Clio Sport but forget to tell readers that customer service is zero and they fall to bits. Or wax lyrical about every Porsche but forget to tell readers that Porsche are utterly ruthless with warranty claims, etc, etc.

Ouch about the range though - this is one thing M cars really fall down on - small tanks and nasty thirst making range very poor. Fine having low mpg but in a luxury car, however sporty, you need a BIG fuel tank or you kill that performance advantage over long distances.

Now go and buy some more cars so we can read your reviews on them too!!

Thanks mate - you are spot on about the range, what were they thinking about by keeping the same size tank as a 318d? It does wear a bit thin when youre stopping for fuel every 1.5 - 2 hrs on the autobahn.

[ss134]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Great review Steve, I would love to have an M3!

Hi Will! When the new one comes out with its turbo's and improved fuel efficiency - a lot of people will not even look at the V8 M3, could be an awesome second hand buy in a few years time..........or you could buy mine when i sell it next year

[swanny71]

Great write up

[JJD]

Really enjoyed reading that! Interesting to read an owners experience particularly regarding the throttle response, handling, fuel stops etc.

Also like to say both your cars look great, the M3 is particularly stunning

[ss134]

Originally Posted by JJD

Really enjoyed reading that! Interesting to read an owners experience particularly regarding the throttle response, handling, fuel stops etc.

Also like to say both your cars look great, the M3 is particularly stunning

Thanks for your comments - much appreciated!

[elucid]

Very informative and enjoyable read. Thanks

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by ss134

Makes sense mate, there are definately a lot of things in life far more important than a car.

Easily said when you have a tasty one

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by ss134

Thanks mate, would love to meet up with you on the 'ring in Oct but i'm back in the UK until late Oct and then off overseas for a month until Xmas back in Germany - maybe next year. Any new mods on your 'beast'??

Nothing spectacular, just the aluminium radiator from AR design that has been installed yesterday. I don't have the car back yet, though.

And the methanol injection cabling needs to be sorted out, it doesn't function properly right now. That will be done in 2-3 weeks probably.

Before the Nürburgring trip I will also have camber plates installed and the suspension recalibrated. That will be the last piece for this year. Beginning of 2011 it's time for the Turbo Dynamics stage 2 and some nice low compression pistons and titanium rods.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[MTRHEAD]

>I always drive in S5 though - even through town!

Yeah I promised myself I would leave the car in D2 around town to do my bit towards saving the planet, that idea lasted about a day once I got the car. I've gradually been dialling up the S numbers as each week goes by. Did you find any real difference in mpg with the various settings, I haven't noticed much myself, mpg is always fantastic (as in fantasticly low)

All this talk of taking the M3 round the 'ring has gotten me thinking about a little trip next year to do the ring (or indeed any track) for the first time. Mind you after watching that you tube video of the M3 upsetting an Evo's sprint round the circuit didn't do much for my confidence

[ss134]

Originally Posted by elucid

Very informative and enjoyable read. Thanks

Thank you!

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Easily said when you have a tasty one

I know, but it's true - there are definately much more important things in life than what car you're currently driving.

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

Nothing spectacular, just the aluminium radiator from AR design that has been installed yesterday. I don't have the car back yet, though.

And the methanol injection cabling needs to be sorted out, it doesn't function properly right now. That will be done in 2-3 weeks probably.

Before the Nürburgring trip I will also have camber plates installed and the suspension recalibrated. That will be the last piece for this year. Beginning of 2011 it's time for the Turbo Dynamics stage 2 and some nice low compression pistons and titanium rods.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Youve really given your car the full works - if i ever see a E90 335i with Alpina front spoiler pulling up behind me on the autobahn with Belgian plates i might pull over
What is the VMax on your car out of interest and what Bhp are you running at now????

Originally Posted by MTRHEAD

>I always drive in S5 though - even through town!

Yeah I promised myself I would leave the car in D2 around town to do my bit towards saving the planet, that idea lasted about a day once I got the car. I've gradually been dialling up the S numbers as each week goes by. Did you find any real difference in mpg with the various settings, I haven't noticed much myself, mpg is always fantastic (as in fantasticly low)

All this talk of taking the M3 round the 'ring has gotten me thinking about a little trip next year to do the ring (or indeed any track) for the first time. Mind you after watching that you tube video of the M3 upsetting an Evo's sprint round the circuit didn't do much for my confidence

Not tried any other settings TBH............... S5, Normal EDC, Power on, MDM on, Servotronic sport is all i use apart from on the autobahn where i turn MDM off and have full stablity/traction control on.

Maybe with the power button off and driving in D2 or less smoothy would give a few more mpg.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by ss134

Maybe with the power button off and driving in D2 or less smoothy would give a few more mpg.

Steve. stop talking about mpg. filth.