[daveclarkone]

Why is everyone so excited about the straight-line performance. What about the handling attributes, styling, exclusivity, interior quality and tradition of the M3? I much prefer the M for these attributes.

Plus, the turbo ain't seen a full year of use and abuse to be sure its mechanicals hold long term as they do like the M3. There is a learning curve for ALL new technology. I personally would avoid a new model in its first year.

[mosportM3]

In my opinion it's all marketing for a new car on the block....it has to be sold somehow. Also, there was some other info I remember reading about the 335 that mentioned they slightly increased boost to road tested cars to give a greater impression on the road test to automotive journalists.....it could be true but in pretty much all road tests or at least the ones I've read the M3 is quicker....

the 335i has some good torque but it's like driving a slightly smaller version of a 550i...it's no M car...

[mm28]

bring it, more the better!

[Sly1]

Originally Posted by capirest

Still ugly in my book!

But I guess you'll believe that the E90 M3 will be gorgeous. That will be like saying a girl is butt ugly, but she becomes a beauty by adding lipstick. My expectation is that the M3 will look almost identical to the 335.

[Sly1]

Originally Posted by daveclarkone

Why is everyone so excited about the straight-line performance. What about the handling attributes, styling, exclusivity, interior quality and tradition of the M3? I much prefer the M for these attributes.

Plus, the turbo ain't seen a full year of use and abuse to be sure its mechanicals hold long term as they do like the M3. There is a learning curve for ALL new technology. I personally would avoid a new model in its first year.

How many owners track their cars? Maybe 20% of those who own M3s and maybe 1% of those who own a 3 series. So what the average Joe will experience with his car is how it performs on the street, and for the vast majority of drivers that means straight line performance. A driver has to be insane to push his car much beyond 80% on the twisties unless he has a death wish. There are just too many immovable objects on the street like trees, lamp posts, bridge abutments to greet drivers who get too carried away in the twisties. Since the M3's handling attributes can only be safely explored on the track, I can see why enthusiasts get excited about straight line performance.

[CHEM E M3]

My cabrio M3 doesn't even take 5.5 seconds to clear 0-60 Complete nonsense. I'll take on any 335i any day. How does a car advertised in 2001 as 0-60 in 4.8 seconds all of sudden drop to 5.5 seconds? And by the way, now these journalists are putting a 335i in the same territory as the M6 for crying out loud In the south especially, with temperatures exceeding 95 deg F consisently for months, those turbos could prove troublesome over the years even with premium octane/detergent fuel.

And how is this car shifting as well as an SMG II? Sounds pretty much impossible to me guys. But we'll take it out on the track, I've said too much as it is.

335 owners M3

[ThatOneGuy]

Originally Posted by HiRide

dude, calm down. no one here likes the 335i, and we're talking about the bogus review... If your tired of reading, then why did you read this post and then post yourself...? save yourself and all of us the extra irritation and just skip this one...

Sorry guys, one glass of wine too many last night. Kind of flew off the handle, hope nobody was too offended.

[drunk hal]

Yes, with a turbo car it would be VERY easy to give the automotive journalists a ringer.

No reason to be apologetic ThatOneGuy, these threads are stupid and are all the same. I know I don't have to click on it, but I don't even want to read the ****ing title.

[doublearon20]

I have driven the 335 coupe several times, I have to say, they are pretty equal off the line, though the 335 seems faster because of the massive amounts of torque from 1800 RPM's to 6000, handling wise the 335 is pretty close but would never compare at a track. What people don't understand is that the M3 is a totally different car, they shouldn't be compared simply because they have similar 0-60 times. The M3 is more of a purpose built vehicle than the 335, and you can't compare apples to oranges.

[normcaldwell]

With respect to straight-line acceleration:
Force Inducted engines vs Naturally Aspirated engines.
Apples vs Oranges.
Especially, engines that have basically the same displacement, 3.0 vs 3.2 liters.
Gear ratios also come into play.

With respect to handling:
Every review I've read indicate the expected result; the 335i (or any 3'er for that matter) has very good steering response and other handling characteristics - but the M3 is the better handler.
This is more of an apples to apples comparison.