E46 M3 vs. 335i Coupe vs. 135i Coupe

duqit submitted on 04/28/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:18 PM
from: www.edmunds.com

[40] user comments | category: Spy Shots

Tags: Bimmer Battle

Bimmer Battle

It's not until late in our cross-country test bash that the defining differences between the 2008 BMW 135i, 2008 BMW 335i and our long-term 2002 BMW M3 become crucial. We're vectoring along California State Highway 190 approaching Death Valley and climbing to the 4,963-foot summit of Towne Pass, and then the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engines of these 1 Series and 3 Series BMWs begin to carve out a decided advantage over the normally aspirated mill of the brilliant but aging M3.

The less frenetic acceleration of the current-generation cars becomes their most profound strength on this long, steep climb above 3,000 feet. Fewer gearshifts, more accessible power and a less demanding load on the driver are good when ripping across straight sections of desert road at barely sub-mach velocity.

But only a few hundred miles back, where the road was smooth and winding and the air was far denser, the M3 had been in its element. The question, then, is which is the better machine?
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dlin - 4/28/2008 3:34:08 PM

+2 Boost

I wonder what it'd be like to give 335 an LSD and wider rear tires.

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JRobUSC - 4/28/2008 2:28:33 PM

+3 Boost

Allow me to get this out of the way since anyone who spends any time on this site knows what is coming:

"F*CKING LIARS AT EDMUNDS MUST BE ON BMW'S PAYROLL TO SAY THAT POS 1-SERIES IS BETTER THAN A 3-SERIES AND TIED WITH THE OLD M3! 1-SERIES SUCKS!!!!!!!"

There, it's done. Ok? Now all the 1-Series haters out there can keep to themselves.

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dlin - 4/28/2008 3:37:37 PM

+3 Boost

Don't be over-reacting JRob. Nobody will be stupid enough to hate 1 series for its performance excepet maybe the NA hardcore. It's the other parts.

dlin - 4/28/2008 3:58:31 PM

-1 Boost

Like, say, this one - "good luck getting more than two people in this car — when even an average-size driver sits behind the steering wheel, the rear-seat foot room is uselessly small."

JRobUSC - 4/29/2008 10:02:33 AM

+2 Boost

dlin, yes, the rear seats are small. It's a small two door car, what were you expecting? That same "rear seats are useless" comment is also true for the closest priced competitor to the 1-Series, the G37. You don't buy compact coupes so you can cart around groups of people. Complaining about the rear seats in a compact coupe is like complaining about your penis being too big. It's a silly argument. Buy a bigger car then. Like a four door.

dlin - 4/29/2008 4:17:34 PM

0 Boost

Truth is, G37 has more rear leg room than 6 series, which I believe you won't call a compact coupe.

JRobUSC - 4/29/2008 5:31:04 PM

+2 Boost

the rear seats in a 6-Series are there pretty much only so you can tell your insurance company it's not a two seater. And FYI they're just as not spacious as the rear seats in a Lexus SC or Jaguar XK.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/1/2008 6:40:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

dlin, the G37 has significantly less rear seat room than the E92, and my S4, and the Merc CLK and the A5/S5. Not to mention, the EX35's back seat is even smaller! It's utterly ridiculous! It may as well be a two-door!

bulldogz - 4/28/2008 2:45:20 PM

+1 Boost

factor in the $3000 chip kit for the 335 and it makes for a very alluring vehicle IMHO.

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AE86 - 4/28/2008 4:22:11 PM

0 Boost

When you only have 1 wheel drive, why make the situation worse with a chip? The 1 & 3 series are both in desperate need of an LSD.

I am really insulted BMW does not include LSD on these "premium" cars.

I really wanted to like the 135i. I have a 1995 E36 (the only e36 with LSD) and wanted to upgrade to the 135i. I will probably end up with an e46 m3 or an r32 (wish I could get a manual).

abcd - 4/28/2008 4:36:54 PM

+2 Boost

AE86:
"The 1 & 3 series are both in desperate need of an LSD."
do you know better what they need than bmw engineers ?
check motor trend track times where they tested 135i and new M3 and other cars :
evo x -152,92sec
M3 -154,2sec
135i -156,34sec
c63 -158sec
is-f - 158,6sec

links:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sports/112_0805_bmw_m3_lexus_is_f_mercedes_c63_amg_comparison/photo_16.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0806_bmw_135_mitsubishi_evo_mr_comparison/photo_12.html

as you can see 135i doesn`t really need LSD .

kthor - 4/28/2008 6:07:32 PM

+1 Boost

You're insulted? It makes no sense to be insulted by a hardware choice by an auto company. Anyway, the 1 Series has an electronic LSD that is getting goods reviews and the 3 will likely get it soon on high performance models.

AE86 - 4/29/2008 12:08:55 AM

+1 Boost

I don't understand why fanboys who don't own, nor drive at track events tout track times as an argument for not having an LSD.

As a matter of fact I DO know better than BMW's engineers. I am myself a mechanical engineer and work in the auto industry.

I do own an M3 and I have been to several track events including the Nurburgring.

I also used to be in high school and had an RX-7 that I loved to do one wheel burnouts with its 90hp rotary with no LSD. Those days are over and I WILL NOT pay $30k+ for a car that is ONE wheel drive.

YOU can sit there and tell me how great the electronic LSD is but I actually drive my car and I am annoyed when one wheel loses traction while accelerating around LOW speed corners.

AE86 - 4/29/2008 12:18:02 AM

+1 Boost

I also have a friend that wanted to buy a 335i but decided to take a ride in a chipped 335i before making the purchase. The lack of traction convinced him to order the M3 merely due to lack of an LSD. Ridiculous! I AM Insulted that the clowns on this site like to talk about how beautiful the IS-F is or how amazing the new BMW M1 concept is, but don't appear to actually drive any of the cars they drool over.

The Z8 DID NOT Have an LSD. The IS-F does not have one (try driving it in the rain without traction control, not fun).

Boxsters & Caymens do not have LSD. Most Lotus Elises do not have it. How can everyone be so hip to have a car with > 300 hp and not notice the traction control constantly raining on there parade. Granted, this is America, land of cell phones and cup holders BUT instead of arguing about how great of a deal the 1 series is at $40k+, why not make your dissatisfaction to the auto makers known?

Kinger - 4/30/2008 6:28:39 AM

+1 Boost

But the lack of LSD doesn't stop the Boxster, Cayman or Elise from handling brilliantly. The fact of the matter is that most people don't push the cars far enough to warrant the inclusion of an LSD on most performance cars. Plus the extra cost and complexity probably puts some auto-makers off including them in their performance vehicles. Plus modern traction control systems are now including artificial LSD systems, granted it'll probably never match the real thing but it's more than enough for most drivers.

gooch - 4/28/2008 2:51:19 PM

+2 Boost

I don't necessarily call myself a Bimmer fanboy, but I have loved BMWs since the 1970s and pre-date the "yuppie" fascination with the high price, rather than the driving satisfaction, of owning one of these cars.
As such, when the Motorsports cars came over to the States, I was immediately smitten, because it was BMW's essence down to the core. I've driven a 335i sedan, and sure, it was fast, luxurious and handled great. I love the looks with the sport package's 18" wheels and it was the right size. It would have been a great car for me, I'm sure.
But it was not quite as thrilling as the E46 M3 I also test drove. I mean I was literally grinning like a fool while driving that car. The response of the brakes and throttle, the Jaguar D-Type exhaust noise (at least from the inside of the car) and the right-now turn in were absolutely perfect. The car wasn't the fastest I've ever driven, but it felt better than anything I've had the pleasure of piloting. Even the ride was surprisingly civil, as far as I'm concerned, and that's over the potholes of DC.
So yeah, I could see where they came up with their rankings.
The cars have different purposes, but it is easy to tell they're from the same family tree. An enthusiast could get a 335i and never know what he or she is missing; a yuppie could get an M3 (because its the most expensive 3) and be forever resentful of the immediate responses and firm ride.
More likely, the yups will go for the 335i; the enthusiasts who celebrate what BMW's true essence is will take the Motorsport version.

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gooch - 4/28/2008 2:53:41 PM

+4 Boost

Oh, I bought a 325i sport package, but needless to say, I'd take the E46 M3.

AE86 - 4/28/2008 4:28:02 PM

0 Boost

Agreed 99%. The Evo IX is a much more visceral car and to this date is the most entertaining street car I have ever driven.

The E46 M3 is a great car. I prefer the E36 and would love to get my hands on a Euro spec E36 M3.

The E46 exhaust sounds like it is broken from the exterior!

Htay7500 - 4/28/2008 6:28:50 PM

+1 Boost

"Even the ride was surprisingly civil, as far as I'm concerned, and that's over the potholes of DC."

like CT ave.?

maccarthur blvd, which starts in bethesda going into g-town is probably the best driving road, aside from the weekend bikers.

gooch - 4/29/2008 7:14:07 AM

+1 Boost

I admit, from the outside, the E46 M3 exhaust sound is horrible, but the only thing I noticed from the inside was a more raw straight-six rip. I thought it was awesome, although I must admit I'd probably change it to a Dinan or Supersprint anyway.

bmwfan1513 - 4/28/2008 4:25:28 PM

-2 Boost

I do not like the 2002 M3. I like the new one but comparing it to the 1 Series and 3 Series would be unfair. Both the 3 Series and the 1 Series are good. I want the 135i with the cold weather package, premium package, and the sport package. Also, I would get the navigation system and iPod adapter. Automatic transmission.
:-) MY DREAM CAR :-)

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AE86 - 4/29/2008 12:21:47 AM

+4 Boost

BMW fan and an auto tranny??

S4cabriofoxone - 4/29/2008 5:48:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

BMW fan who doesn't like the E46 M3?

AE86 - 4/29/2008 6:52:43 PM

+1 Boost

Good catch, I was just looking at the slush box...

dwatson - 4/28/2008 4:39:48 PM

-1 Boost

Ok, their misguided rationale is clear to me....

They're gonna do this story on the 335 vs the 135 but then these young journalists decide they want to have a BMW orgy and throw in the old M3 just so they can all get their balls off driving around the track (which it would have also done to me).

This could have been a better test if it were between only the 335 and the 135. These kids merely got sidetracked by the M3 because it's loud, flagrant, and fun.

In conclusion, their editor should have prevented these kids from going on a tangent.

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kthor - 4/28/2008 6:12:07 PM

+3 Boost

Three fun BMW coupes with similar power...that's a great idea. Especially for E46 M3 drivers like me who would like to know how they compare on the track.

montyz81 - 4/28/2008 4:49:23 PM

0 Boost

Nice car, still too expensive though

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kthor - 4/28/2008 6:14:23 PM

+1 Boost

It's true, not everyone can afford a BMW. It is worth it once you step up though.

JCH335i - 4/28/2008 5:27:35 PM

-2 Boost

All 3 awesome cars; criteria by which they rate them is stupid.

First, the M3 is a 6 yr old car, they have the base price of 30,000, obviously it will get a price rating of 100. The personal, which would likely apply towards looks, etc... is 5% of the valuation!

Im sorry that all just seems stupid when the perfomance of the 3 cars is so close.

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porsche911 - 4/28/2008 7:15:06 PM

-4 Boost

If I had an option to buy a MazdaSpeed 3 Sedan w/ 4 doors, I would not even bother with the 1 Series. 4WD (I think) and at $22,500 w/ 263hp ... and $12K LESS than the 135...I would love it.But someone at Mazda really needs to see that.

In this comparo, I would prefer the M3 over the other 2, not taking into account the money needed to buy one. The M3 was and will remain a great car and a beautiful engine.

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JRobUSC - 4/29/2008 10:11:51 AM

+4 Boost

the MazdaSPEED3 is
a) front wheel drive, not AWD, and while it handles quite well for a FWD vehicle it's still FWD. It's also
b) much slower than any of these cars, by a good margin. And finally, it's
c) a Mazda. You don't take a Mazda3 over a BMW, especially not an M3 or any of the new turbo models. And I say that as someone who likes Mazdas and used to have one and would buy the majority of their products today. But over a Honda or Toyota, not over a BMW.

huu76 - 4/28/2008 9:43:59 PM

+1 Boost

E46 by a couple of miles.

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MunichRob - 4/28/2008 10:31:33 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I never really pay to much attention to anything Edmunds does...The reason? Comparison results such as the one I just read.

I don't understand how the test numbers for the 335i & 135i show it out-performing the E46 M3, & on-top of that the 1 & 3 are both more luxurious, comfortable & newer than the dated M3. Yet the 335 is 3rd to the M3 & 135i tied for 1st?

If anything the 335i should be in first place here. It's the heaviest because it's the largest, most luxurious, comfortable & practical car here, and yet according to edmunds it out-performs the M3!

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AdHominem - 4/28/2008 11:17:15 PM

+1 Boost

It was a track day comparo, that's all. The M3 is fun on the track. If they do a luxury oriented comparison it will look different.

amazinBimmer - 4/29/2008 1:28:28 PM

+1 Boost

the only news here is that MB probably comes in 4th, 5th and 6th with lexus and the s4/5 tieing for 7th. well done followers!!

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weaponX - 4/30/2008 8:55:56 AM

+2 Boost

Having driven a 6-spd E46 M3 daily for 4 years I can honestly say it’s one of those cars that almost can’t be driven slow. Even idling the car’s hyper and frenetic character oozes through the steering wheel. And don’t even bother hitting the sport button, since the throttle becomes way too sensitive to be driven comfortably at anything less than a kamikaze pace. Its raison d’etre only becomes evident on wide open roads and the track. The car then transforms from a hyper, uncomfortable, stiff little coupe into a positively brilliant driving machine. Its character can’t be any more different to the 335i, who feels a lot more subdued and comfortable. But, ultimately lacking for those seeking a car with an edge.

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IS3andME - 4/30/2008 9:32:09 AM

0 Boost

There is a black 135i at BMW dealership that I am drooling over. Fact is I am emotional attached to my IS300, plus it does have a LSD. And it is a slush box, factor in 5K for a vortech supercharger, and I get the same performance as the E46 M3 and 135i...

If I did get the 135i it would be with the auto., because I live in the Wash. DC area, and traffic here is horrendous. It wouldn't warrant getting the manual.

Man, a black 135i, with light weight BBS wheels, Brembo big brake kit, 35 percent tint on windows, a LSD, and a chip would be the fantasy...

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