[Neon01]

Yep, certainly asking this to a very biased group, but I'd like to get new perspectives on my options.

I'm looking at an '06 M3 with extended warranty and maintenance through June 2012. It's Interlagos with the competition package and alcantara interior and basically all the other options (including SMG but excluding power seats). This one is $48k.

I'm also thinking about a 335i coupe for euro delivery possibly early next year. With a euro delivery I should be able to snag this one, decently loaded, for about $41-42k (just above ED invoice).

I have owned 2 M3s in the past (one '04 E46, one '99 E36 track monster) and do track my car usually anywhere from 2-7 times a year. This car would be a daily driver and my only car.

Here are my pros and cons for each, and I'd like to get some perspectives on these.

M3
+Elite - it's got the "M" factor
+Limited slip diff (good for track)
+Better handling out of the box
+Better brakes
+Color (can't get 335i in Interlagos)
+SMG - wife can drive it if necessary, and also easier to shoot about town if necessary
+Warranty - already has warranty with 5 years and about 90k miles left on it, this would exceed the 335i even if I bought the 335i next year. VERY nice to have NO maintenance bills for the next 5 years
-More expensive by about $6k (at least when you consider interior mods planned - see below)
-Not my favorite interior - M-alcantara. Had this on my last M3 and didn't care for it. Also doesn't have adjustable bolsters and I don't feel the standard M3 seats are supportive enough (i'm skinny), so I would want to either replace the front seats with Recaros or swap them for full power (and adjustable lumbar/bolster) OEMs. Would also want to redo entire interior where M-alcantara is with solid tone alcantara, probably adding about $1500 to the cost
-About the same or slower in a straight line (considering mod potential for 335i)
-Dated interior look (still looks fantastic, but not as "swanky" as the new E90 design - no door accent lights, gauges dated, no dual zone climate control, etc)
-Somewhat dated exterior look. Looks stunning, but still slightly dated compared to E92
-resale potentially an issue with alcantara interior

335i coupe
+mostly opposite of M3 cons (newer style, interior, more features, cheaper, etc)
+European delivery. My wife has never seen Europe and we would be planning a fantastic trip with this. Plus possibly fulfilling a lifetime "to-do" of driving the 'Ring.
+Fast and very tunable on account of turbos
+Would get a new car and not a used car
+Has cruise control (no CC on ZCP)
-Some concern over turbo reliability
-Shorter maintenance and warranty (without additional cost)
-Would need to do the minor mods to make it look more sporting (M steering wheel, lip spoiler, short shift kit, etc) adding to overall cost
-Doesn't handle as well on a track, maybe even the road (no LSD, soft spring rates)
-Steering ratio more "street", less "track"
-Will probably look like "just another 3-series" in 2-3 years
-Some concern that in 2-3 years BMW will release a performance package model (ZHP for E46) late in production run, will be disappointed that I missed that boat
-No LED taillights (minor, but still)

That's about the gist of it. Comments about the list? I've posted this over at M3forum to see what they think as well. I understand that a truly unbiased response is tough, but it's appreciated.

[BMW F22]

welcome to the forum
The 335 actually performs on virtually the same level as the current M3. IMO you have a very tough choice here. I've always wanted an M3 and will get one some day. With that being said, the current M3 will look outdated once the new M3 comes out. The 335 will offer you pretty much the same performance and a more comfortable ride. I would go with the 335.

[dmboone25]

I would get the M3 if a new one wasn't about to come out....At least the 335 will have the same "new" bodystyle--you've owned an E46 and E36--stepping into an E9X 335 might be the best for you.

[stooken]

I was in the same boat but I went for the new 3'ers because the looks aren't outdated as the E46 M3.

[itsbrokeagain]

I will say..drive for drive, the M3 will probably give you more giggling fun coming out of a hard sweeper than the 335 will out of the box.

Mine just feels like a boat...then again its just riding on springs. I need a decent coilover kit and a rear swaybar to tame down 3500lbs of car. I loved how tight the M3 feels when driving it.

[canucklion]

if you have the financial means and time, why not do an ED on the new M3?

[RRGOO7]

get the m3 ....thats coming from a 335 owner

[John 070]

Seems strange to own 2 M's and not want a 3rd? But I wouldn't want to spend more money to go from an '04 to an '06. definitely no to a 335 imho, it's a great car, but it's not M Power.

[aris214]

i would say 335i because you might get bored with 333hp in the M3, which is a lot more expensive to get more power than the 335i. A chip for the 335i will run you the price of an exhaust for the M. Plus, the euro delivery is a great opportunity to experience Nurburgring

[Tam@SupremePower]

The e46 M3 is a great car. But I would prefer to get a 335 since I just do normal driving and never plan on going to the track with my car.

[Hotan Braskey]

I just had to get rid of my '05 M3 ZCP and I miss it every day. The 335 would make a little better daily driver, as it has great torque and softer suspension settings, but I don't think it matches the M3 for sheer excitement. This is no knock against the 335- I think it is a very impressive car, but the M3 just has a little taughter feel, especially with the faster steering rack on the Competition Package. You really can't go wrong, so enjoy!