[335DPOWER]

Well have owned my e46 m3 vet for all of 10 weeks now (although only covered 600 miles in that time) think I know the car well enough to give it a review and compare it to my previous e90 335d m sport.

well first impressions were excellent I love the way these look even amongst the newer e9* they still imo hold there own so as soon as I set eyes on her it was a great start.

The drive home was great the sound is something I have missed allot since trading my old Subaru in for the 35d so the windows were down for near on the whole way home

The first chance I got to give it a little bit of beans was on the m4 on the way home now this was the only time I would say I was a little disappointed.
I planted my foot at about 50 in 6th annnnndd nothing so I dropped to 5th annnd nothing had to go all the way back to 3rd to git the old girl to move but once she starts it's bliss

I like the way you need to give it a life so to speak to get the full potential out of the engine (not to say I have reached the full potential) but it loves to be revved hard and when it is it sounds and feels great.

The 35d in all honesty was a better all round car but to me was a lot more distant to drive I feel a lot more engaged driving the m3.
It has giving me that want to drive for the sake of it feeling back ageing something I never really had with the 35d.

The chassis fells a little wobbly at higher speeds but it is a vert after all, I would in all honesty say it feels quicker than the 35d it just feels more alive but this maybe due to the sound and smg gearbox(holding the gears for longer) but only to start with low speeds (50mph) and under anything above that and I wouldn’t really want to bump in to a 35d as I think I would be handed my arse

The smg box took a little getting used to as I thought it would be similar to the auto in the d but it’s nothing like it it is more of a manual box without a clutch pedal so to speak (people whom have used one will know what I mean) but know im getting used to it I am pleased I went for the smg over the manual it just feel special to drive.

The interior feels a little dated compared to the e90 but is still a nice place to be the seats are decent and I love the memory as im a good 6 inch taller than my mrs and moving the seat all the time in the e90 was a pain.

The boot it massive for a vert and I fit my double buggy in the back and still have a fair bit of space and the rear seats accommodate the two recaros child seats nicely

Also am averaging 24 mpg compared to 27mpg out of the 35d so isn’t to bad

The sat nav sucks as is a 04 edition can I update this to 09 edition with postcode?

So all in all love the m3 but miss the 35d both grate cars in there own way but would I go back to a 35d probably not would I buy another m most definitely ( but next time will be in the form of a 5er estate)

The only mods so far are an m3 lip spoiler,small bullet areial and my private plate but im sure there will be more to follow

A pic of old and new
[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Not the best review but you get the idea (kinda)

[parapaul]

I can tell you're enjoying it! The E46 is still one of the best looking cars on the road IMO.

I'm amazed by that fuel economy - or lack of it - from the 335d though, must make the change to the M3 even sweeter!

[rogerxp]

Good 'mini' review. I'd take your M3 all day long over a 335d (but I am averse to an auto box) and yours looks great; fabulous colour combo.

Someone in my offices has also just 'downgraded' (I mean like me as opposed to you) to an E46 330i Coupe and he's upgraded his SatNav which will be the same as yours (his is a 55 plate) with these guys http://www.bmwnavi.co.uk/. He says it's brilliant, full postcode, speed cameras, etc, and a no-brainer at the price. I know nothing about this company though except what this chap said (he's going to show it me in action soon as I might do it for the X3).

24mpg is pretty good though, that said you've only done 600 miles, I'm getting 29mpg and I hoon it everywhere.

[335DPOWER]

Thanks guys (am deffo loving the mnisss)

Thanks for the link roger just what i have been looking for

[Hoops]

Have to say it looks stunning - great colour combo too - i personally love the E46 shape and its fast becoming a real icon - i will be really sad to see mine go - ive had 2 E46 M3's and 2 E46 M3 CSL's and i will doubtless have another in the future - my first E46 M3 was the SMGII and i have to say i didnt really like it but the CSL box is absolutely sublime and almost as good as the box was in my GT-R! Hope you continue to enjoy your car.

[briers]

The m3 is a different beast - a real drivers car. Not to say the 335d isn't. As you say, it's lazy.

Congrats on the change, very very nice colour combo too. Looks great!

[vikzE92]

its the exact car I was after before I went for the 335d I found one in a lovely almost purple blue/black colour and red leather and it moved!! Hope I wont regret the 335d now but I can always come back to an M3 in the future! Great choice and enjoy!!

[zltm089]

sweet!...enjoyed ur mini review!

[Boyd1963]

Looks fantastic.

Must admit that I am contemplating "downgrading" to something "a bit tasty"

Had a run out in an 05 Carrera 4S and it blew my socks off. Got the old ticker going and the hands sweaty!

[Hoops]

997 C4S is a still a great great car and more than holds its own - only disappointment is the lack of power due to the weight - i had the C2S and for some reason i just assumed it was always going to be quicker than it was - but handling is phenomenal and the cabin is still a very nice place to sit with perfect driving position.

[mikeysix]

Your cab is a belter mate. Really mint combo! My mate has leant me his m3 with the smg box untill I get my 'downgrade' in a week or so. I'm in no hurry though, comin from a mapped e90 320 into the m3 is bananas! Best car I've driven! The power, handling, looks and that noise!!!! Great cars