BMW e46 M3 02-04 or 2009 E92 335i

[ken5285]

Just putting out a survey or discussion. Since I am new to this forum, I'd like to introduce myself to all of you here. I am currently in Lawrence, Kansas. About to make a big move in buying a car and would like to see some suggestions, ideas or advice. I've been looking at a lot of e46 M3's for sale between 2002-2004 with and without smg. I am really falling in love with the e46's and am ready to upgrade from Acura to BMW. It has always been a childhood dream to won a bimmer. On the other hand, I am also contemplating between the M3 and a leased new 2009 335i sedan or coupe. For the money, reliability, performance, maintenance and other stuff I have not mentioned here, which do you guys think would be a better buy? Thanks guys and girls in advance for your posts. Look forward to reading them.

[M633CSi]

Uhh test drive both. make sure the M3s in good condition and maybe has service records because people tend to push Ms to their limits most the time.

[Brandon12V]

I would buy the non-SMG e46 and call it a day.

[jcrist]

slappy

[ken5285]

Is the Smg version not fun to drive?

[DarkPhantom]

335i ftmfw, updated i-drive w/ 80gb hdd, twin turbos, easily modded...

[m3r6Chris]

I would say SMG is fun on track, but not very comforting on the street.

[AzzMan]

I'd go either SMG M3 or steptronic 335i- the steptronic is faster and more comfortable and much easier to drive in traffic, and the SMG M3 is more fun IMO to drive than a 6sp, granted I haven't driven a 6sp M3 but I've driven other 6sp cars and the SMG M3 and I can't see myself ever bothering to look at a 6sp M3 since the SMG is avaliable. I also like the look of the M3 more, but the 335i is new and has a warranty, but will depreciate like a brick.

I would go for the M3 but you should drive both and see which you like more.

[TopasBlau46]

SMG has a poor track record for reliability, and no one can talk crap for how reliable the 335i's will be because it's fairly young.

The E46 M3 is an all around better performer, and will cost you at least $5-10K cheaper, for a decent one.

A New or even used 2009 335i (although there is no 2009 335i available yet), will cost you 42K+

It all boils down to what you're willing to pay, and which you prefer.

[AzzMan]

SMG has a poor track record for reliability, and no one can talk crap for how reliable the 335i's will be because it's fairly young.

This is definitely true, if you're even a bit worried about reliability then considder SMG out, IIRC Kevlar had an '01 SMG M3 for about 6 years and it never gave him any bad problems, but I'm sure he kept up on maintenance. You just never know. Obviously, of course, the M car is going to cost more in general to maintain on average than the 3 series coupe, which is all the 335i really is.

[MagnumX]

I have driven the auto 335i, manual 335i, manual e46 m3, and smg e46 m3. My vote goes to the manual e46 m3. Both are great cars in whatever package you choose but I just loved the manual m3 so much more(opinion). As far as the best bang for your buck I would also say the e46 m3 because these cars have already lost so much value that they will not be drastically dropping in price anytime soon. This has been a highly debated question though so my only real advice for you is drive both cars in the trim you like to see what fits you best. Good luck.

[Amir@AvusAutosport]

e46 M3 if you're buying. I'd choose buying a nice M3 over leasing anything

[apollo322]

I was pondering the same thing about 18 months ago. I chose the E46 M3 6 speed. It's the used car bargain of the decade right now.

[Juicy Double]

As far as performace goes, the 335 can keep up with the m3 in just about all conditions. In fact, despite being more comfortable and lacking an lsd, they have occasionally lapped tracks faster than e46 m3's.

Keep in mind also that the motor is much more flexible and tourqey, and thus more at home in daily dricing conditions than the M3.

The M, however, is more involving and entertaining. Harder edged and more lively, and likely a little bit faster straight line.

[ohnoes]

This is definitely true, if you're even a bit worried about reliability then considder SMG out, IIRC Kevlar had an '01 SMG M3 for about 6 years and it never gave him any bad problems, but I'm sure he kept up on maintenance. You just never know. Obviously, of course, the M car is going to cost more in general to maintain on average than the 3 series coupe, which is all the 335i really is.

No such thing as an '01 SMG M3.

There's not a huge difference between SMG and 6 spd., in terms of reliability--because the only thing that really goes bad on SMG cars is the hydraulic pump. Granted, it can be pricey to fix, but it's not a reason in and of itself not to get an SMG car. However, I would get an '03+ SMG car, as I've heard they're slightly less prone to failure.

That said, I haven't driven an SMG yet, but I really love my 6 spd. It's definitely not the best manual on the road, as shifter feel is somewhat vague and the clutch is certainly stiff and not very forgiving--but it is a ton more involving and is more conducive to an intimate connection to the car than SMG. That being said, I'd like to drive an SMG soon to really put it through its paces and compare.


I have driven the auto 335i, manual 335i, manual e46 m3, and smg e46 m3. My vote goes to the manual e46 m3. Both are great cars in whatever package you choose but I just loved the manual m3 so much more(opinion). As far as the best bang for your buck I would also say the e46 m3 because these cars have already lost so much value that they will not be drastically dropping in price anytime soon. This has been a highly debated question though so my only real advice for you is drive both cars in the trim you like to see what fits you best. Good luck.

Agreed. Having driven an 335i myself (6 spd.), it was a fantastic car, but it's no M. Yes, it can do everything almost as quickly ast he M3 done, but most of the fun of the journey is in getting there, not arriving.


As far as performace goes, the 335 can keep up with the m3 in just about all conditions. In fact, despite being more comfortable and lacking an lsd, they have occasionally lapped tracks faster than e46 m3's.

Keep in mind also that the motor is much more flexible and tourqey, and thus more at home in daily dricing conditions than the M3.

The M, however, is more involving and entertaining. Harder edged and more lively, and likely a little bit faster straight line.

The N54 is certainly a marvel of engineering--a truly fantastic motor. But, it's no S54. It doesn't rev to 8,100 RPMs and sing a symphony of auditory ecstasy. It doesn't have nearly as much character as its peaky counterpart. And it's just not nearly as fun. It does have a lot more torque available at lower RPMs, so it's a more civilized daily driver, but not everyone cares about that. :devillook


That all being said, I wouldn't hesitate to take a 335i if it were offered to me. Owning an M3 is like owning any other used car--only far more expensive. The cost of maintaining this thing should absolutely be factored into the purchasing decision, especially if you want to get one of the bargain basement, high-mileage '01-'02s floating around for high teens or low 20s. I made that decision and I somewhat regret it. With the amount of money I've put into my car, I could have had a lower-mileage, 2004 M3 with less rattles (there aren't too many, but I'm pretty OCD about the ones I hear) and headaches.

To the OP, no amount of advice can possibly be tantamount to a test-drive. I urge you to go out and try both, see which you like, and report back. We'll then be able to fine-tune our advice based on your feedback and make it far more useful.

[typeS4]

I would buy the non-SMG e46 and call it a day.


/thread

[drexplode]

E46 ftw!

[weenstan]

E46 if I were you, many of the reasons are already listed.

[G328i]

E92 335


The only thing better than a brand new BMW is a Brand new BMW with 2 turbos :)

[TopasBlau46]

As I said before, E46 M3. Same performance, if not better, and you're driving an M car man. Better suspension, better road feel, it was MEANT to be pushed to the limit. Oh, and on average for 10K cheaper.

Granted, the E92's do look sick, I still have a soft spot for the E46 in general, or the M3 more specifically, that won't be going away anytime soon.

[zinbiel]

I would tend to lean toward the 2009 335i. You will get amazing performance that will parallel -- and perhaps even exceed -- the older M3, in addition to the perks of owning a new car (i.e., warranty, first owner). The 2009 335i Sedan is also getting some plastic surgery, so its lines will be a little more agressive and sporty. (Does anyone know if the 2009 Coupe will receive an update?)

BMWs, in general, tend to hold their value well. This means that the M3 you like may only be, say, $10000 less than a new 335i. Personally, I'd probably lease the 2009 sedan, and if the coupe is to be updated I would certainly go that route. And make sure you get the sport package!

It's a tough choice because M3s are gorgeous cars. If you do go for the M3, find one with the 19" wheels -- very nice on this car. Whichever you choose, you will be happy. Driving a BMW is a rewarding experience -- you won't regret it.

Good luck!

[Mr. Somebody]

I really like my 335i, fun to drive and still civilized for daily use. Newer, better gas mileage, and more practical...also a lightly modded 335i will smoke an E46 M3.

[Shieldze1025]

I'm having the same debate right now, still can't decide. My personal input as of now (pre-test drive's) is that the 335i is obviously newer and more reliable. The M3 will cost more to maintain just because it's an M, but for that matter any BMW is pricey to maintain.

I feel that for the same price you can do some work to either car and get an amazing performance machine.