[Davidlindsey]

I remember when i first decided i would like a 335i reading up all the road tests etc and one of them said..." the 335i could be the best car in the world ", i wasn't totally convinced but i was eager to find out.

I went for an E92 coupe and as i rack up a few miles i am becoming totally smitten with it, it is just incredible
i openly admit i do not have access to be able to test all the other cars that would be considered the 335's competition but the 335 is so good i don't feel the need

I know there are faster cars, better equipped cars etc, but there can't be many others that do everything to such a high standard.
I have driven 20 odd miles this morning in mine and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

N54

[SteveC]

As an all-round saloon car capable of carrying 4 adults in comfort, the 335i certainly ticks most of the boxes. But drive an M car and you really notice what's missing. If you never explore the outer limits of your cars' performance and handling, then its a great car. If you do, then you're likely to prefer an M car by a fairly large margin.

[Davidlindsey]

An M car will definitely gain in performance and handling but does the more focussed nature of an M car compromise it in other areas ?..i.e buying and running costs, fuel economy, ride comfort, cabin noise.........

This is what i mean, when you consider all angles, is the 335 a real contender?...petrol or diesel.

[AlanYoro35i]

Originally Posted by Davidlindsey

An M car will definitely gain in performance and handling but does the more focussed nature of an M car compromise it in other areas ?..i.e buying and running costs, fuel economy, ride comfort, cabin noise.........

This is what i mean, when you consider all angles, is the 335 a real contender?...petrol or diesel.

other cars certainly compromises other area's M3 = high insurance cost (17mpg vs 22mpg)/servicing cost more etc but if you like an m3 you will like it's sound and the ride comfort is actually very good!! No worse than our cars running RFT!!

[SteveC]

I would prefer an M3 or even an M135i (obviously as I have one). My neighbour would almost certainly prefer the extra comfort and economy of a 335i or d.

[phil200tdi]

As an all rounder the 335i is hard to beat. Diesel torque, petrol noise and character. As an everyday car it's more relaxing than an M car and much better on fuel..

Even with over 100k miles now - I can't justify changing it.. If I do it'll likely be for another N54/55 (z4, e92 dct or M135i)..

[Kerr]

When you take everything into consideration, it stands out as a very good car.

You can get a relatively new car for not a lot of money, the running costs are about that of a hot hatch and the real world performance is very good.

It really is a great balance of value, speed, image and costs.

Especially when looking at the used market, it is a stand out bargain in my opinion.

[Boz335i]

Had a spirited drive to the Cotswolds and back this weekend after reinstalling the JB4. All A and B roads. It made me really appreciate how good the car is.

My missus hates the car, she says it hurts her neck as the acceleration is too brutal and the car's too fast, she prefers a NA engine. I guess I know when I'm going to accelerate, so I can brace myself.

[Davidlindsey]

i dont think its comparable to any hot hatch only on straight line performance maybe, but even if a hot hatch has the same power, they are all front drive and they cannot lay 1st and 2nd gear like the 335 can, from the traffic lights they are easy pickings

i would like to try a remapped 335 to see if traction in a straight line is compromised, as this is one of the cars strengths imo.

[Greg330]

It is an awesome car!

The other halfs Mini is off the road so shes been driving the 335, she hated the car! But after a week behind the wheel loves it!

I'm struggling to get the key back!!

[335ier]

Agreed with everything except for the ride.

My old 335i almost made my teeth fall out even with the run flats changed,

The biggest surprise with the M3 when I drove it was how much more comfortable it was.
Over the last couple of years or so I have slowed up in my driving (yes I still have a quick blast now & then, after all it would be rude not to in the M) but if you are in the mood for some low speed pottering about an M3 with EDC on comfort is a pretty damn nice place to be.

I've had this car for 3 years now and still love it. (Even if I am getting old before my time!)

[Kerr]

Originally Posted by Davidlindsey

i dont think its comparable to any hot hatch only on straight line performance maybe, but even if a hot hatch has the same power, they are all front drive and they cannot lay 1st and 2nd gear like the 335 can, from the traffic lights they are easy pickings

i would like to try a remapped 335 to see if traction in a straight line is compromised, as this is one of the cars strengths imo.

I was only comparing a 335i to a hot hatch in terms of running costs.

Standard v standard a 335i is faster on a staight than any of the hot hatch backs.

[zltm089]

Originally Posted by Kerr

I was only comparing a 335i to a hot hatch in terms of running costs.

Standard v standard a 335i is faster on a staight than any of the hot hatch backs.

standard...

I'm smoking hot hatches for breakfast....

[gangzoom]

I'm sorry but even after spending £6k on mods my 335 still doesn't feel as good to drive as my mates E90 M3. Stock the 335 has some major handling problems, no LSD/understeer/very poorly damped and crushy suspension on anything bigger than 18inch wheels.

The 335 is a very good car but lets not pretend the 335 is in the same league as the M3. If my wife allowed it I would seriously consider PX my 335 in for a E90 M3 (and take a massive hit on all the mods I've spent on the car), the NA V8 is so tempting...

All the arguments about economy/running costs is pointless, my wife's Civic cost £13K brand new has more gadgets than my 335, is more than fast enough on M ways, much more economical/comforable/practical/reliable than my 335, does that make it a better car??

[phil200tdi]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

My missus hates the car, she says it hurts her neck as the acceleration is too brutal and the car's too fast, she prefers a NA engine. I guess I know when I'm going to accelerate, so I can brace myself.

+1 my GF moans about this all the time.

[willhollin]

I would say the 335d is a better all rounder.

[phil200tdi]

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

My missus hates the car, she says it hurts her neck as the acceleration is too brutal and the car's too fast, she prefers a NA engine. I guess I know when I'm going to accelerate, so I can brace myself.

+1, a tuned 335i is pretty brutal, especially in 2nd and 3rd, to run it WOT on A-roads through those gears takes max concentration, it seems to go from 30 to 90 in about 3 or 4 seconds, past 5 cars where a normal car will just make 1.

No way I can get past a smidge of throttle without the missus shouting, i've started using sixth more now as the low revs disguises the acceleration a little...

Something an N/A can't do anyway.

[nicktyler]

I suppose it depends whose world you are in.

I also have the neck wine coming from the passenger seat when the missus is sat there. It is silly how quick you can get to big speeds with absolutly no drama. I always think there is something wrong and it feels slow but then watch the dial turn and it becomes apparent that it is just an illusion and I must have just gotten used to it.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by nicktyler

I always think there is something wrong and it feels slow but then watch the dial turn and it becomes apparent that it is just an illusion and I must have just gotten used to it.

It's hard to watch the speedo for obvious reasons, but it just seems to sweep round at an alarming increasing rate..

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by willhollin

I would say the 335d is a better all rounder.

No - too thirstly. The best all rounder is the 330d...........

[creepy coupe]

The best car in the world is whichever works for you.I went from a 335i to an M3 and initially missed the low end shove from the turbo six.But nothing felt so fantastic as the M chassis when flicking through a series of bends.Now a straight six turbo in a proper M chassis should be really something special