[zltm089]

Hi everyone! I am considering getting a 335 M sport coupe. I am into my racing/ track cars and performance/ handling is very important to me. I would like to know how is the 335 M sport coupe on handling and performance? Obviously can't afford the m3, thus the 335 M is the only alternative...(or maybe not)

So I would be grateful if anyone who actually knows about their 335 M, could give me some feedback. and how does it compare to other Japanese racing cars like Honda Type Rs and NIssan 350 Z etc (obviously the Jap cars are like toys, but I want to know about performance on track )

Also, anyone could tell me how is the handling compared to the M3...obviously on the M3 you are getting more BHP, but whats the difference in handling? Does the 335 understeers a lot?

cheers...sorry for the long thread!

[dxb335d]

You will kill 350z and Type R, on the drag strip, B road or race track, 335diesel or Petrol.

You can tune to beat a M3 also. The car is great in stock form on track and responds well to handling modifications. A LSD is also a good mod for this car. Will lower lap times considerably.

At the end of this, it still isnt an M3, and drives differently to an M3. I think you could make a 335 quicker round a track than one with ££££ but it may cost a fair whack.

[zltm089]

thanks for the quick reply dxb335d, read some of your posts. looks like you know your car...any difference between the automatic/ paddle shift gearbox and the manual 6 speed one? .....not sure if i cud do the racing technique such as downshifting and heel-toe with an automatic one. My frend had the old m3 e-46, with paddle shift and he said that its "awesome" ...any opinion? Manual or auto?

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by zltm089

thanks for the quick reply dxb335d, read some of your posts. looks like you know your car...any difference between the automatic/ paddle shift gearbox and the manual 6 speed one? .....not sure if i cud do the racing technique such as downshifting and heel-toe with an automatic one. My frend had the old m3 e-46, with paddle shift and he said that its "awesome" ...any opinion? Manual or auto?

The auto box is a conventional auto box with a torque converter. The E46 M3 with SMG is a semi automatic, eg you can hit the rev limiter, or over rev the car on downshifts.

A proper gearbox.


The Auto in the 335 is well matched to both the 335d and 335i, its good fun with the paddles and is good on track. A manual would offer some more interaction but i dont believe can take the tuning aswell as the auto.

I have a 335d, which only comes with auto. Due to the torque (same box as the 335i, worth bearing in mind considering the torque after tuning the 335i)
and is good, its even ok on track.

The 335i auto would be easier on track as you could shift down (paddles) with the bigger rev range at your desired time.

You will be on the road more than track, so take that into consideration when looking.

Go test drive an auto and manual. (If its 335i your after)

See what you think.

But if you do heel and toe alot, you really need the Manual mate.

[willhollin]

335i with DCT, wouldn't mind having a go in one of those.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by willhollin

335i with DCT, wouldn't mind having a go in one of those.

Yeah i was going to mention that. Think the OP is buying used though. Not many DCT on the market at a good price yet i dont think.

[rogerxp]

Sorry, can't help with any track input, I've owned both a 350Z & 335i (manual) but never tracked them. Both awesome cars though.

My mate is selling a cracking 335i M Sport (manual) if interested, think he'll take £25k-£26k (I'm guessing) for it - see the 'classified' section.

Good luck, and have fun, with the search.

[marlie]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

A manual would offer some more interaction but i dont believe can take the tuning aswell as the auto.

Mate the MT 335i handles tune better than the auto box...

No one has reached my 386 Bhp 430lbs TQ with a remap yet!!

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by marlie

Mate the MT 335i handles tune better than the auto box...

No one has reached my 386 Bhp 430lbs TQ with a remap yet!!

Not with a map know. But other 335i have run more HP than that with a tuning box.

Even Kin turned down the power on his because he was worried about the manual box.

[Porscha!]

Can somebody please explain to me why the Automatic will take tuning better? Can you not uprate the clutch and gearbox in a manual 335i?

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by Porscha!

Can somebody please explain to me why the Automatic will take tuning better? Can you not uprate the clutch and gearbox in a manual 335i?

of course you can, but then the CLUTCH will be stronger, not the gearbox.

[Porscha!]

Yes I also mentioned the gearbox too? Can you not replace that with a better item?

I'll use my classic cars to give an example, with an MGB be it an 1800, a tuned 1800 or a V8 engine some people like to fit a 5 speed gearbox they do this by fitting a conversion it using a Ford Sierra gearbox. Can't you do the same kind of thing with the 335i using perhaps a stronger gearbos from an E92 M3?

[trixman]

Porscha... I think nobody has really done that due to the cost. When you talk about swapping out gearboxes etc you might as well go for the M3. I think the attractive aspect of the 335 is the inexpensive way to up the power (to a degree) due to the turbos. It's the second from top of the line of 3 series, wouldn't put it past them to make an upgrade for the M3 when they start doing supercharge kits etc.

To the OP, a large upgrade path is adding the LSD (Quaife), e92fan will definately give you his opinion on that one, apparently transforms the handling (as well as acceleration). Only cars upto mid 07 can have it upgraded easily enough, as after that point they started welding the diffs.

That, a big brake kit and a reflash and you should be good to go.

[piston-pirates]

I haven't researched how much extra the M Sport costs over a normal 335i is it a lot more and what are all the extras you receive in the M Package?

If its a lot more I would consider getting getting the Standard model and spend the extra cash installing Coilovers and some other Track goodies.....?

[zltm089]

Thanks for the comments everyone! yeh, not sure on what exactly you get for the M SPORTS PACK. I'd assume, the body kit as it does look nicer than the normal 335 SE. maybe the suspension? (anyone could comment on this?)

Think going to consider only manual transmission now. The only reason is because I want more control over the gears, whereas the auto doesn't give you this. (unless you go for that DCT system like on the m3s)

read a post on the 0-60 time....so anyone has the proven figures? LOL don't want to start a new debate on this thread now!

My uncle and my cousin both drive BMWs (a 6 series and a 318 saloon) I have always been quite impressed with the general comfort and stability of BMWs. I drove my friend's z4 and was very much impressed with the stability (the tyres are just sticky round corners!!!)

I am actually in a dilemma. Don't know which one to go for, a 335i M or a Honda Integra Type R ....one at £23k and the other at £11k .....big price difference and different cars... still trying which one will give me more pleasure. Since I am now a fairly mature young "professional" with a decent job, have to get the car to match the lifestyle! but on the other hand I still miss my teenage years and the Integra does provide some fun!

[dxb335d]

335i overall is a much nicer car. Its faster and more tunable, but is alot more money.

The M sport and SE 335 has identical suspension and sport seats. The wheels are different on the two varients and obviously the Msport looks more aggressive.

Steering wheel is also different. ALthough the best wheels come with the SE in 19" form. In my opinion anyway LOL

[Yahoo]

You do get different seats as standard on the m-sport - cloth and alcatera. You also get a short throw gear lever, anthrecite headlining, black window trim and, when new, the upgrade to leather upholstery is cheaper.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by Yahoo

You do get different seats as standard on the m-sport - cloth and alcatera. You also get a short throw gear lever, anthrecite headlining, black window trim and, when new, the upgrade to leather upholstery is cheaper.

sport seats exaclty the same mate. Didnt know about the short throw gear lever, but i would imagine manual 335i se would have this also.

You can spec the shadowline easy enough or look for a used SE with it.

[Yahoo]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

sport seats exaclty the same mate. Didnt know about the short throw gear lever, but i would imagine manual 335i se would have this also.

Wrong mate!

Seats are not exactly the same, check the configurator. Although the seats may be the same shape, on the SE you get cloth as standard, £540 to upgrade to cloth/leather or £1240 for full leather. On the m-sport you get cloth/alcatera as standard and it is £1000 to upgrade to full leather.

Shadow trim is £350, it is £435 more to upgrade to 19" wheels on SE than on m-sport and £250 to upgrade to alu trim which is standard on m-sport.

Oh . . . . and the short throw gear level is specific to the m-sport, the se gear lever is a horrible long thing. Along with the much nicer steering wheel and exterior treatment the m-sport is a must imo.

[dxb335d]

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... i must be inferior to you then as i have an SE. I may be in the minority but i prefer the looks of the SE. I aint the only one.

[Yahoo]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... i must be inferior to you then as i have an SE.

[CD]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo... i must be inferior to you then as i have an SE. I may be in the minority but i prefer the looks of the SE. I aint the only one.

i preffer the SE looks too carlos , all bar the front bumper that is
( the SE silver mesh on the front bumper especially on a black car really ruins it for me )