BMW M3 vs 335

K

Kompete

Expert Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2005
Messages
1,880
Reaction score
3
Recently had a chat with a bmw rep who said that the E92 M3 (309kW) would have trouble running away from the E92 335 (225kW), at altitude (e.g. on the highveld), given the 335's twinturbo which compensates for the lack of oxygen (where the M3 would suffer a 17% knock on power)

Some friends of mine concur and in addition believes that the 335's engine rating is actually understated (not sure why bmw would do that)

I tested the 335 this morning and was definitely impressed (it f**s off effortlessly:D), but cannot say whether it will match the M3 (since I have not yet driven the M)

I cannot seem to find an article where someone has actually done the comparison on the SA highveld.

Any opinions or real facts?
 
While both cars are amazing, the 335 is highly understated.
Stock standard they can do a 13.4 quarter mile.
I'd say 1st and 2nd it would escape the m3, but when that v8 kicks in in 3rd it would run away from the 335.

1st and 2nd in the new m3 arent THAT impressive. Kinda the same as the e46, if not slower.
 
Ye I agree 335/135 is faster than the M!
 
Never seen a dice between the two (probably one on Youtube though ...) but apparantly up here they're very close. I wouldn't say the 335i ever jumps the M3, but certainly very close at reef altitute.

I think the Topcar review summed it by saying, paraphrased : 'if you've just bought an M3 at reef altitude, and a 335i stops next to you at the traffic light - you best stop playing with your radio and start concerntrating ...'
 
Last edited:
Dolby said:
I think the Topcar review summed it by saying, paraphrased : 'if you've just bought an M3 at reef altitude, ad a 335i stop next to you at the traffic light - you best stop playing with your radio and start concerntrating ...'
Click to expand...

lol :D:D:D
 
If you looking at 1/4 mile, yes the 335 will 'just' win, but overall the M3 is superior.
Not taking away anything from the 335, its a brilliant car.
 
does that 'performance' justify more than 200k difference in price? i suppose the 'm' badge carries a price tag but so much? sorry for asking the 'stupid' question... :D
 
I'm more scared of racing a 335i than a m3, although the m3 has the v8 engine and it sounds o so sweet, but that's about it for me, sure it's got the whole electronic ls diff going on, etc... but I'd still take the 335 because you could spend an addition say R40k - R50k and you'll make the new m3's cry even at the coast...
 
If I was spending my own cash, I'd take a 335 and pocket the change, but actually I'd prolly take ma 135 and pocket a little more change.
 
BlueCollar said:
If I was spending my own cash, I'd take a 335 and pocket the change, but actually I'd prolly take ma 135 and pocket a little more change.
Click to expand...

then why dont you just buy a freekin 1980 car for R20 000, buy recaro's to make it comfy, and mod the shyte out of it for R80k , then pocket the balance R180k :rolleyes:
 
CaTcH21 said:
then why dont you just buy a freekin 1980 car for R20 000, buy recaro's to make it comfy, and mod the shyte out of it for R80k , then pocket the balance R180k :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I think what he means is that the 135i is an even better deal than the 335i (which in turn is a better deal than the M3) when it comes to bang for your buck.
 
Highflyer_GP said:
I think what he means is that the 135i is an even better deal than the 335i (which in turn is a better deal than the M3) when it comes to bang for your buck.
Click to expand...

I know what he is saying, but its personal preference when it comes to cars.
Yes he would rather buy a 135i, but that doesnt give me the right to then say how stupid he is because he could have got have this or that car for this price and blah blah. Every car has its + points over another car.

People who buy M3's or other mid-super cars dont just buy for speed, the M3 must be having so much more than the 335i to give it that crazy price tag.
 
CaTcH21 said:
I know what he is saying, but its personal preference when it comes to cars.
Yes he would rather buy a 135i, but that doesnt give me the right to then say how stupid he is because he could have got have this or that car for this price and blah blah. Every car has its + points over another car.

People who buy M3's or other mid-super cars dont just buy for speed, the M3 must be having so much more than the 335i to give it that crazy price tag.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, but keep in mind that the ///M is BMW's motorsport division, meaning that you expect pure performance. It doesn't bode well if lesser models can offer superior performance to the flagship.
 
Highflyer_GP said:
Fair enough, but keep in mind that the ///M is BMW's motorsport division, meaning that you expect pure performance. It doesn't bode well if lesser models can offer superior performance to the flagship.
Click to expand...

I remember in the E36 era the 328 was called the poor mans M3. Maybe the same could be said for the 335?
 
sox63 said:
I remember in the E36 era the 328 was called the poor mans M3. Maybe the same could be said for the 335?
Click to expand...

comparing apples to oranges..

335 is the reason BMW fanatics around the world are up in arms.
How dare they make a non ///M comparable to the E92, this is Madness!

THIS IS TWIN TURBO *kick*
 
I have seen a 'chipped' 335 annihilate the new M3 :) but completely....

And it simply doesn't make sense what BMW have done: ///M is suppose to be like Audi's "RS" or "S" models, correct? I don't see any A4 been quicker than a RS4 ;) or in that fact, an A3 been quicker than the S3..... I honestly think 135, 335 is money better spent than on an M3.
 
Last edited:
Highflyer_GP said:
Fair enough, but keep in mind that the ///M is BMW's motorsport division, meaning that you expect pure performance. It doesn't bode well if lesser models can offer superior performance to the flagship.
Click to expand...

True that. I think bmw engineers either underestimated the performance of the vehicle or did not think thru the economic consequences of their design (i.e. potential cannabilisation and/or destroying the M brand).

Was lucky enough to again drive the 335 this morning and I must say although it is very quick off the mark, its does not 'thrill' me. In other words I dont get the sense that I'm going very fast (maybe its the lack of a decent soundtrack, or that its so effortless, or the fact that there were no other cars around (320's, GTI's, M3) to pwn :p
 
Kompete said:
Was lucky enough to again drive the 335 this morning and I must say although it is very quick off the mark, its does not 'thrill' me. In other words I dont get the sense that I'm going very fast (maybe its the lack of a decent soundtrack, or that its so effortless, or the fact that there were no other cars around (320's, GTI's, M3) to pwn :p
Click to expand...

I think it may be becuase, the 335 is aimed at people that want the "go" without the "show". They just want to blend in. No loud engine note and stuff to wake up the kiddie sleeping in the back. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X