[sonic1]

Came across an 08 6spd E92 M3 with 35k miles very fairly priced, turns out I prefer my 09 E90 LCI 335i as a daily driver. Thinking of simply selling the M and getting rid of it, read a few comparison threads between the cars before purchasing figuring N/A would grow on me. Although the M is a better car hardware wise, I don't track and feel the 335 is a better car for my use. Mostly drive for commuting to and from work, occasional highway pulls, long trips, autocross 1-2x/yr.

Any thoughts on my experience so far and plan to sell my M? Plenty of guys switch from 335 to M3 and seem to love it, the S65 has a torque output that doesn't excite me much at all. My 335 has 80k miles and while in good shape, felt it was time for change and eventually would require some serious maintenance. Putting a few grand into my old car doesn't seem like such a bad option after all.

M3 pros

- sound
- prestige
- lsd


335 pros

- more fuel efficient
- higher low end torque
- much lower cost/hp ratio (high bang for buck mods)

[Kevinl]

And you can buy two n54 cars and still have money left for mods

I personally don't care for the M3 yeah the car looks better and the chassis is setup from the factory but the motor is a ticking time bomb and can't compare to a tuned n54

[racermp]

so i recently purchased a 335i n55 e90. i test drove a 09 m3 dct with 71k miles. it was a great car and it was pretty cheaply priced, 26k. however 2 things drew me back after driving them back to back, the low end torque, and mpg. mpg may not be huge and these days it doesn't matter too much as it did a few years ago. however the lack of 335i like low end torque killed it for me. but once you get over 4k rpm, it's way better than a 335i in terms of sound, motor rev happiness that you will never find ever again, the quicker steering rack, etc. very tough choice.

if you drive all freeway, keep m3. if city, 335i.

[mxa121]

I have owned the following:
'10 335i 6MT
'09 M3 DCT
'10 335i AT (current daily)

So, I can give you a fair opinion here.
For a daily driver, no question, the 335i is superior. It is agile, good power from any rpm, less maintenance costs, and more efficient than the M3.

When I bought the M3, it was a dual purpose track/street car, and it was fantastic at doing it. The only reason I have a 335i again is because I have a separate track car. So now I have the best of both worlds. 1 track car that I can abuse happily and 1 daily driver that is excellent to live with.

[rsyed07]

If you decide to sell the M let me know, I've got a friend who's trying to get rid of his SRT8 Challenger for a E92 M3.

[max_330i]

It honestly depends on where you live and your preferred driving style. Everybody dreams of owning an M3 but the honest truth is that it's not a daily driving machine. You are correct that you will achieve much better gas mileage and low end torque in the 335i.

This is not directly applicable to your case but I love driving my N52 car to work every day. It's easily fast enough to pass most of the clunkers on city streets, but not fast enough to earn me a speeding ticket every time my right foot gets heavy-- plus it's considerably more comfortable than an M car. There is tremendous value in a balanced and usable car

[ATLIEN]

Originally Posted by max_330i

It honestly depends on where you live and your preferred driving style. Everybody dreams of owning an M3 but the honest truth is that it's not a daily driving machine. You are correct that you will achieve much better gas mileage and low end torque in the 335i.

This is not directly applicable to your case but I love driving my N52 car to work every day. It's easily fast enough to pass most of the clunkers on city streets, but not fast enough to earn me a speeding ticket every time my right foot gets heavy-- plus it's considerably more comfortable than an M car. There is tremendous value in a balanced and usable car

I agree. People are probably going to kill me on here but I am going to say it anyway. I have a 335i with an mhd tune and it's super fast but the problem is this. My commute is 5 miles through a two lane mountain pass and the mhd tuned car is, wait for it, too fast, YIKES! I actually enjoy the stock tune for my commute. When i am going on the open road or need a thrill i simply add the tune.

[roadkillrob]

As much as I would like an M-car, I think between the stick and a rigid ride quality, I would not enjoy it for a daily commute if it involved much traffic and not the best roads, 335i with the better ride and much more torque is easier to live with and a bit more fun for stoplight launches in my book.

[sonic1]

Appreciate the input folks. Going to sleep on both cars and make my decision by this weekend!

Thanks!

[sea6speed]

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

I agree. People are probably going to kill me on here but I am going to say it anyway. I have a 335i with an mhd tune and it's super fast but the problem is this. My commute is 5 miles through a two lane mountain pass and the mhd tuned car is, wait for it, too fast, YIKES! I actually enjoy the stock tune for my commute. When i am going on the open road or need a thrill i simply add the tune.

Add an LSD and drift through there

[Bent_remy]

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

I agree. People are probably going to kill me on here but I am going to say it anyway. I have a 335i with an mhd tune and it's super fast but the problem is this. My commute is 5 miles through a two lane mountain pass and the mhd tuned car is, wait for it, too fast, YIKES! I actually enjoy the stock tune for my commute. When i am going on the open road or need a thrill i simply add the tune.

flame on

[Jozy]

i'm not surprised at all. i totally agree with everything you said.
the m3 has better looks, "prestige", better handling/chassis setup.

but the 335i is definitely the one to drive normally. i don't care what the m fanboys are gonna say. i would not like to drive at boiling rpms on the highway in 3rd gear at speeds that would make me lose my license just to be in the power band to overtake other cars.

plus you have an e90 LCI which makes the car even better. power, torque, practicality, looks (LCI E90 models look very nice IMO)

full package....

[tlow98]

I personally think the stock M ride quality is better than stock 328/335 with run flats.

Nobody else? Maybe i just hate the run flats so much I'm seeing red.

[007_e350]

Look for an n54 with upgraded turbos, the are a few for sale in classifieds

[ATLIEN]

Originally Posted by Bent_remy

flame on

Ok, I put my tune back on. It's not coming off anytime soon!

[ATLIEN]

Originally Posted by sea6speed

Add an LSD and drift through there

True. It's amazing here in east Tennessee.

[JasW]

Originally Posted by ATLIEN

True. It's amazing here in east Tennessee.

It's amazing everywhere.

[Dark_Knight_335]

And M car is absolutely, positively not a practical daily driver- and anyone that says so is lying to themselves, and lying to you.

If you want a daily driver stick with the 335.

Better yet, sell both and spring for an N55, as you never know when that ol' N54 will do you dirty

[sonic1]

Any other input here guys? Need to make a decision between the two cars soon, no longer have the space and one or both absolutely must go!

[mxa121]

Sell the M3.

[Mr. Tasty]

Originally Posted by mxa121

Sell the M3.

.

[ritzzzzzwik]

Give each one to a friend for a few days and let him to do as he pleases. Keep the one that you miss and worry about the most.

Where are you located? I'll be happy to take the M