Picking a BMW
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The cars have pretty different characters to them. The M3 is high strung compared to an E90 330i. The S54 engine in the M3 needs more maintenance. The chasis in the E90 is probably better, but with softer suspension (stock). The M3 will have a mechanical LSD, the E90 won't.
The E90 330 is kind of short-lived deal. BMW has all but retired that engine infavor of the parallel-turbo I6 that is in the 135, 335, and 535. If one were getting into an E90 they might want to consider getting the turbo engine instead, as that car is as fast as the old M3 in many regards.
That M3 was the last of the Banglized BMW designs.
You should drive both cars. I suspect they'll feel like entirely different animals.
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Honestly, I think that the E46 M3 is an overrated car. I see them all the time around town.
~I know a few Bosnians who own 2 black convertible m3s,
~A silver one that a white guy drive.
~My mom's best friend who have that yellowish shit color... Look something like this (click)
~LT had a white one,
~one of my friend who owns a bubble-tea shop in fargo is either going to buy a M3 or S5..If your pocket is deep, then what you need is something fresh, unique that no body else have yet. I personally think that the E92 is an awesome performance/appearance car. That's just my .02 cents...
BTW... does anybody here know if the fender on the E46 is a scoop or just a badge?
and what about the E92? Never paid any attention so I'm kinda curious... lol -
Spec_R;216472 wrote:
Honestly, I think that the E46 M3 is an overrated car. I see them all the time around town.
~I know a few Bosnians who own 2 black convertible m3s,
~A silver one that a white guy drive.
~My mom's best friend who have that yellowish shit color... Look something like this (click)
~LT had a white one,
~one of my friend who owns a bubble-tea shop in fargo is either going to buy a M3 or S5..If your pocket is deep, then what you need is something fresh, unique that no body else have yet. I personally think that the E92 is an awesome performance/appearance car. That's just my .02 cents...
BTW... does anybody here know if the fender on the E46 is a scoop or just a badge?
and what about the E92? Never paid any attention so I'm kinda curious... lolM3's ??? Overrated? Bosnians M3's don't count, they are prob salvaged and shitty.
M3 HANDS DOWN, I've driven plenty of E90 / E92s (I had one for three weeks as a loaner car), I'd still pick the E46 M3 over any of them.
E90/E92 series cars are really nice, but they feel like a cruiser car, something like a 5 series should feel... If your just looking for a comfortable ride, and you like the E90's styling... but the M3 is def. the more fun car to drive (and its an M)
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Thanks for the insight everyone, I'm still on the edge on what to get. What concerns me about the M3 is that it is getting a little dated, and it is harder to extract power from it. I'm starting to look at the twin turbo 335i's, and the C6 Corvette. Thanks to depreciation, I might just be able to afford these.
2005 Mercedes-Benz C240 4Matic
1993 Mazda Rx-7 Twin Turbo (sold)
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If it were up to me, I think i'd look into the new 135i..
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2008/1/135iCoupe/Features_and_Specs/Default.aspx
I heard they have a special edition one that has CF hood, roof and trunk and the rest is white..
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If you're concerned that you won't get more power out of the M3 then it's probably not the right car for you.
I'm making the assumption that you're not Bill Auberlin or somebody or similarly experienced, so around the racetrack, you'll be slowing down an E46 M3, not the other way around. Same for the 335, but probably to a lesser extent.
A stock 335 will edge out a M3 in straight line speed in the mid range. Modified 335s are faster still.
However, in a straight line, a $5000 pony car will tear either BMW wide open. Don't buy a BMW for straight line speed.
Based on what you're saying, I'd get the 335.
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bubba;216806 wrote:
If it were up to me, I think i'd look into the new 135i..http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2008/1/135iCoupe/Features_and_Specs/Default.aspx
I heard they have a special edition one that has CF hood, roof and trunk and the rest is white..
I second this!
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thrash;216906 wrote:
If you're concerned that you won't get more power out of the M3 then it's probably not the right car for you.I'm making the assumption that you're not Bill Auberlin or somebody or similarly experienced, so around the racetrack, you'll be slowing down an E46 M3, not the other way around. Same for the 335, but probably to a lesser extent.
A stock 335 will edge out a M3 in straight line speed in the mid range. Modified 335s are faster still.
However, in a straight line, a $5000 pony car will tear either BMW wide open. Don't buy a BMW for straight line speed.
Based on what you're saying, I'd get the 335.
335i's are nice nice cars... I've driven a few (had one for a loaner too)... but they just don't feel the same as M's. Theres a sort of raw feel that the M has, while the 335i while it might be as fast, it just doesn't seem like while your in the car...
I'd be happy with either, but I'd still take the M over the 335i
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Jim -- I agree with you 100%
Based on how I read this guy's questions and answers, I don't think he's after the "raw feel" of the M3. When you start talking about how new it looks and how much more you might get out of the motor, you're probably not going to appreciate the unique qualities of the M3 as much as the differing qualities of the 335i.
I've got a 1st gen M5 which is considerably more raw (and slow) than either the E46 M3 or the 335
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id say the 335i and for 1200 more, you can go with the vishnu stage 0 upgrade (390-400 hp)
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