[335rocket]

just curious. Have never driven the new M3 and was wondering how it compared power wise to the 335i.

[ihyln]

There are going to be people here who say that a tune and a coilover kit = M3 but that's not the case. The best thing about the 335 is that it's an all around excellent car, good torque down low, still very quick without a tune, even faster with a tune, and at a good bit cheaper than a M3. I only suggest getting the M3 if you plan on tracking your car seriously. Powerwise the M3 is very good but it doesn't really kick in until about 3900RPM. I'm currently in the process of getting my ECU tuned for better low end torque to fix that issue.

[BES335xi]

tuned 335i will beat an m3. search the forum there's lots of threads about it.

[bknight]

i think the general consensus is that for everyday driving, the availability of torque down low makes the 335 a great choice, whereas the M3 really comes into its own higher up in the rev band. clearly there is a prestige factor with the M3 too.

[leftcoastman]

In a straight line, with a tune, the 335i will win.

On a track, a stock 335i vs. a stock M3 is no contest. The M3 will dominate. An out of the box, reasonably competent track weapon.

With about $10k in mods (tune, lsd, coilovers, proper tires), the tuned 335i will dominate a stock M3 on the road course. At least that has been my experience having encountered 3 of them on the road course. Granted there are driver differences, but this was all in the "instructor" group, fwiw.

A forum member went out and compared part numbers and measured geometries between the M3 and 335i and if you take out the shocks/struts/coils, 98% of the suspension parts are identical. Coilovers will fix the shock/strut/coil disparity. You can buy the 2% from mileoneparts (mainly consists of bushings)

But if you track heavily, plan on getting the upgraded oil cooler. I didn't limp with the OEM cooler, but I am much more relaxed with the VK Motorwerks cooler.

FWIW - I have nearly 50 track days under my belt on my tuned 335i. Still hasn't blown up yet, despite my fears, lol.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Originally Posted by ihyln

There are going to be people here who say that a tune and a coilover kit = M3 but that's not the case. The best thing about the 335 is that it's an all around excellent car, good torque down low, still very quick without a tune, even faster with a tune, and at a good bit cheaper than a M3. I only suggest getting the M3 if you plan on tracking your car seriously. Powerwise the M3 is very good but it doesn't really kick in until about 3900RPM. I'm currently in the process of getting my ECU tuned for better low end torque to fix that issue.

well said