Input wanted- 335 forum member moving to M3

solidaudio1 · 08-19-2014, 06:10 PM

My 2009 E92 335i is at 65k miles. No CPO warranty. Mods are aftermarket intercooler and a fairly aggressive tune. I love the car, it's super quick, although the x drive suspension is a little floaty. On Sunday I test drove a 2008 E93 M3 6mt. Only 13,000 miles, asking price is $38k. It's at a Toyota dealership, of all places. Clean car fax, one owner, but looks like the dealership bought it at auction, which seems odd for a Toyo dealer that sells commuter camrys and corollas. I was just about to add KW coilovers to my 335 but the sound of the M3 V8 was pretty addictive and driving a manual was a treat. Didn't have the low end torque of my tuned N54, but it sure was fun to drive and felt so raw compared to the 335. The dealer has been sitting on this car since January, according to the car fax. I'm talking numbers with them, they are trying to offer me KBB for my E92, which is in absolutely perfect condition, and will only move the M3 price down to 37k. I love the car but am hesitant to buy a convertible, with the added weight and flex, and I'm also wondering about the M3 in winter...I live in central New Hampshire, the winter is rough here, partially plowed roads with lots of hills, so traction is a real plus. My x drive 335 did fine this past winter with some aggressive snow tires. Being in a hilly, snowy area you end up having to start and stop on inclines frequently. Any input from M3 drivers, especially former 335 guys, would be appreciated. Wondering primarily about winter driving and whether or not I should hold out for an E90 or E92 M3 and not bother with the 'vert. Or some input from former 335 guys that don't think it was worth the jump to the M3, if there are any, that is. Thanks to whoever wants to chime in or offer some input to aid, or possibly hinder, my decision.

Ezio · 08-19-2014, 06:20 PM

i drive my M3 in the winters with snow tires. Wasn't a problem last winter. i was kind of shocked how well the car did to be honest. I remember telling my father how well the tires did. i live in MI BTW so we get a decent amount.

I would never buy a convertible M3. I feel like adding that much weight to a car is beyond stupid when buying a performance car. (sorry vert guys)

i would go sedan or coupe. personally i find the coupe the best looking.

Shredicus · 08-19-2014, 06:21 PM

Personally I'd hold out for the right m3 if you arent looking for a vert. It'd be a big compromise especially since you are already happy with your current ride, making it seem like a lateral move.

solidaudio1 · 08-19-2014, 06:31 PM

Thank you guys, I appreciate the input.

kerrit · 08-19-2014, 06:36 PM

The vert weighs 441lbs more than the coupe so you are going to take a big hit in the acceleration and handling department.

there are plenty of members that drive their cars in the snow, just need great snow tires.

TommyLights · 08-19-2014, 06:45 PM

Don't get a vert. I went with an e90, supercharged it and never looked back at my FBO e92.

E46M3forRay · 08-19-2014, 08:16 PM

I own both, e90 335i and e90 M3 and I love both. They both drive differently and i'll drive them depending on my mood. Since I live in sunnyfornia, I opted for the 335i with sport package and I usually would take it out if I just want to drive at the legal limit and feel the rush of the torquey twin turbo. On the contrary, my M3 will get driven after watching F1 or Tudor sportscar champ or Continental sportscar.

Nothing wrong with verts though as I used to own an e46 vert myself. It's fun for date nights and you'll feel that everyone is looking at you when turning in to an intersection. It's just a whole different feeling. Even though it's going to be on the porky side, handling is barely compromised. I'm sure M engineers thought this out on the drawing board. I did a few track days on my e46 vert and even it's not the fastest, I was still able to achieve what I wanted to do that day, and it was to have fun.

Now go drive what you like and report back. lol

m3ray · 08-19-2014, 08:22 PM

I am with the majority...xnay on the vert.

BrewRifle · 08-20-2014, 07:49 AM

I would not get a vert unless you were 100% set on getting one (I'd never be). The added weight and hassle + lack of a CF roof to me is a no go. There are plenty of M3's to choose from and I wouldn't hesitate to fly out to see one and have it shipped or drive it back to your home state. I agree on the power differences going from an N54 to the S65, but once you supercharge you'll forget all about those turbos

Good luck on your search!

mercedesc63 · 08-20-2014, 08:09 AM

The M3 sucks in all weather conditions. You don't care about your M3 if u drive it in snow.

I wouldn't never drive it in snow as it regularly throws off alignment in cars and it can ruin the undercarriage driving in snow because of ice/hard snow/etc on the ground. It can cost 800$ per replacement and bad tire alignment also causes the driving quality and tires to go. Also the fact is that it just sucks to drive in rain and it flat out bad in snow and is prone to getting suck easily.

I hardly liked driving the 335XI I had in the snow. If your going to drive your car half the year in snow you should get one that drives good in all weather conditions. Like an Audi or 435xi or a 235xi. With snow tires. Or keep both cars.

Amirsm3 · 08-20-2014, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mercedesc63

The M3 sucks in all weather conditions. You don't care about your M3 if u drive it in snow.

I wouldn't never drive it in snow as it regularly throws off alignment in cars and it can ruin the undercarriage driving in snow because of ice/hard snow/etc on the ground. It can cost 800$ per replacement and bad tire alignment also causes the driving quality and tires to go. Also the fact is that it just sucks to drive in rain and it flat out bad in snow and is prone to getting suck easily.

I hardly liked driving the 335XI I had in the snow. If your going to drive your car half the year in snow you should get one that drives good in all weather conditions. Like an Audi or 435xi or a 235xi. With snow tires. Or keep both cars.

Talk about a bold statement

My car goes through a little extra maintenance during the winter. It's not that big a deal.

solidaudio1 · 08-23-2014, 01:00 PM

I drove a 'vert again and think I caught the bug. Negotiating with dealer about E93. Only issue for me now is that it's jet black, which I hear is a really tough color to keep looking good. My 335 is titanium silver, which hides everything. Dealer is asking $38k for the car, price has dropped over time according to cars.com. I think they'll negotiate a little more considering fall is coming and vert sales in New England will be dropping off, not to mention they've had the car on their Toyota lot since January.

Amirsm3 · 08-23-2014, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solidaudio1

I drove a 'vert again and think I caught the bug. Negotiating with dealer about E93. Only issue for me now is that it's jet black, which I hear is a really tough color to keep looking good. My 335 is titanium silver, which hides everything. Dealer is asking $38k for the car, price has dropped over time according to cars.com. I think they'll negotiate a little more considering fall is coming and vert sales in New England will be dropping off, not to mention they've had the car on their Toyota lot since January.

Honestly, I wouldn't settle. Wait for a car you really want.

E46M3forRay · 08-23-2014, 02:51 PM

If OP gets the price he wants and car checks out fine, why not? Color should be the last thing in mind unless you have OCD. lol

Nothing wrong with verts too and it's plenty enough for stop light assassins.

Yvette · 08-23-2014, 02:51 PM

if you ask me i am not a fan of vert,
i moved from 335, z4mc to m3, all i can say is do it

Amirsm3 · 08-23-2014, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E46M3forRay

If OP gets the price he wants and car checks out fine, why not? Color should be the last thing in mind unless you have OCD. lol

Nothing wrong with verts too and it's plenty enough for stop light assassins.

It just sounded like he was having some hesitation due to the color is all.

solidaudio1 · 08-24-2014, 09:24 AM

If the price is sweet enough, I can live with the black, though I prefer AW or TiAG. I can't see the color while I'm driving, anyway. The dealer has been sitting on the car since January, so I imagine they want it off the lot eventually. The fact that it's got only 13k miles makes it more attractive than the other M3's I've looked at. Thanks for all the input to everybody who has posted, great to get some perspectives from current M3 drivers, much appreciated.

08-19-2014, 06:10 PM	#1
solidaudio1 Private First Class 17 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E93 vert Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NH iTrader: (1)	Input wanted- 335 forum member moving to M3 My 2009 E92 335i is at 65k miles. No CPO warranty. Mods are aftermarket intercooler and a fairly aggressive tune. I love the car, it's super quick, although the x drive suspension is a little floaty. On Sunday I test drove a 2008 E93 M3 6mt. Only 13,000 miles, asking price is $38k. It's at a Toyota dealership, of all places. Clean car fax, one owner, but looks like the dealership bought it at auction, which seems odd for a Toyo dealer that sells commuter camrys and corollas. I was just about to add KW coilovers to my 335 but the sound of the M3 V8 was pretty addictive and driving a manual was a treat. Didn't have the low end torque of my tuned N54, but it sure was fun to drive and felt so raw compared to the 335. The dealer has been sitting on this car since January, according to the car fax. I'm talking numbers with them, they are trying to offer me KBB for my E92, which is in absolutely perfect condition, and will only move the M3 price down to 37k. I love the car but am hesitant to buy a convertible, with the added weight and flex, and I'm also wondering about the M3 in winter...I live in central New Hampshire, the winter is rough here, partially plowed roads with lots of hills, so traction is a real plus. My x drive 335 did fine this past winter with some aggressive snow tires. Being in a hilly, snowy area you end up having to start and stop on inclines frequently. Any input from M3 drivers, especially former 335 guys, would be appreciated. Wondering primarily about winter driving and whether or not I should hold out for an E90 or E92 M3 and not bother with the 'vert. Or some input from former 335 guys that don't think it was worth the jump to the M3, if there are any, that is. Thanks to whoever wants to chime in or offer some input to aid, or possibly hinder, my decision.
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08-19-2014, 06:20 PM	#2
Ezio Brigadier General 380 Rep 3,934 Posts Drives: 2023 Alfa Romeo, 2023 m240i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: MI iTrader: (0)	i drive my M3 in the winters with snow tires. Wasn't a problem last winter. i was kind of shocked how well the car did to be honest. I remember telling my father how well the tires did. i live in MI BTW so we get a decent amount. I would never buy a convertible M3. I feel like adding that much weight to a car is beyond stupid when buying a performance car. (sorry vert guys) i would go sedan or coupe. personally i find the coupe the best looking.
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08-19-2014, 06:21 PM	#3
Shredicus Major 529 Rep 1,122 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Spokane, WA iTrader: (12)	Personally I'd hold out for the right m3 if you arent looking for a vert. It'd be a big compromise especially since you are already happy with your current ride, making it seem like a lateral move.
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08-19-2014, 06:31 PM	#4
solidaudio1 Private First Class 17 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E93 vert Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NH iTrader: (1)	Thank you guys, I appreciate the input.
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08-19-2014, 06:36 PM	#5
kerrit Major 347 Rep 1,097 Posts Drives: Melbourne Red e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 E90 M3 [0.00] 2014 M5 CP [0.00]	The vert weighs 441lbs more than the coupe so you are going to take a big hit in the acceleration and handling department. there are plenty of members that drive their cars in the snow, just need great snow tires.
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08-19-2014, 06:45 PM	#6
TommyLights Colonel 213 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: Man Join Date: Jul 2010 iTrader: (12)	Don't get a vert. I went with an e90, supercharged it and never looked back at my FBO e92.
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08-19-2014, 08:16 PM	#7
E46M3forRay Güdentyte 1157 Rep 1,196 Posts Drives: GT3 & 1M Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (9) Garage List 2023 Model 3 [6.50] 2022 T4R TRD Pro [5.00] 2011 1M [6.67] 2014 991.1 GT3 [10.00]	I own both, e90 335i and e90 M3 and I love both. They both drive differently and i'll drive them depending on my mood. Since I live in sunnyfornia, I opted for the 335i with sport package and I usually would take it out if I just want to drive at the legal limit and feel the rush of the torquey twin turbo. On the contrary, my M3 will get driven after watching F1 or Tudor sportscar champ or Continental sportscar. Nothing wrong with verts though as I used to own an e46 vert myself. It's fun for date nights and you'll feel that everyone is looking at you when turning in to an intersection. It's just a whole different feeling. Even though it's going to be on the porky side, handling is barely compromised. I'm sure M engineers thought this out on the drawing board. I did a few track days on my e46 vert and even it's not the fastest, I was still able to achieve what I wanted to do that day, and it was to have fun. Now go drive what you like and report back. lol __________________ CURRENT - 991 GT3 \| Future Classic 1M \| Model 3 \| T4R TRD Pro Lime Rush SOLD - MB M2 CS \| SMB F80 M3 CS \| E90 M3 \| E90 335i \| E46 M3 Vert \| E39 M5 \| E34 525i Last edited by E46M3forRay; 08-19-2014 at 09:18 PM..
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08-19-2014, 08:22 PM	#8
m3ray Banned 101 Rep 701 Posts Drives: '09 e92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	I am with the majority...xnay on the vert.
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08-20-2014, 07:49 AM	#9
BrewRifle Lieutenant Colonel 420 Rep 1,678 Posts Drives: 2011 MCB E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.56] 2013 BMW X3 35i [0.00] 2009 BMW 135i [8.00]	I would not get a vert unless you were 100% set on getting one (I'd never be). The added weight and hassle + lack of a CF roof to me is a no go. There are plenty of M3's to choose from and I wouldn't hesitate to fly out to see one and have it shipped or drive it back to your home state. I agree on the power differences going from an N54 to the S65, but once you supercharge you'll forget all about those turbos Good luck on your search! __________________ 2011 Monte Carlo Blue E92 ///M3 - ESS VT2-625
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08-20-2014, 08:09 AM	#10
mercedesc63 Captain 256 Rep 928 Posts Drives: 02 BMW Z3M Coupe S54 Slicktop Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	The M3 sucks in all weather conditions. You don't care about your M3 if u drive it in snow. I wouldn't never drive it in snow as it regularly throws off alignment in cars and it can ruin the undercarriage driving in snow because of ice/hard snow/etc on the ground. It can cost 800$ per replacement and bad tire alignment also causes the driving quality and tires to go. Also the fact is that it just sucks to drive in rain and it flat out bad in snow and is prone to getting suck easily. I hardly liked driving the 335XI I had in the snow. If your going to drive your car half the year in snow you should get one that drives good in all weather conditions. Like an Audi or 435xi or a 235xi. With snow tires. Or keep both cars. __________________ Gone but not forgotten: 2007 E63 M6 SMG, 1999 996 Carrera Cab AT, 2007 & 2008 E90 335xi AT, 2011 E93 M3 DCT, 2X 2002 E46 M3 SMG & 6MT, 2016 F80 M3 DCT
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08-23-2014, 01:00 PM	#12
solidaudio1 Private First Class 17 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E93 vert Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NH iTrader: (1)	I drove a 'vert again and think I caught the bug. Negotiating with dealer about E93. Only issue for me now is that it's jet black, which I hear is a really tough color to keep looking good. My 335 is titanium silver, which hides everything. Dealer is asking $38k for the car, price has dropped over time according to cars.com. I think they'll negotiate a little more considering fall is coming and vert sales in New England will be dropping off, not to mention they've had the car on their Toyota lot since January.
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08-23-2014, 02:51 PM	#14
E46M3forRay Güdentyte 1157 Rep 1,196 Posts Drives: GT3 & 1M Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (9) Garage List 2023 Model 3 [6.50] 2022 T4R TRD Pro [5.00] 2011 1M [6.67] 2014 991.1 GT3 [10.00]	If OP gets the price he wants and car checks out fine, why not? Color should be the last thing in mind unless you have OCD. lol Nothing wrong with verts too and it's plenty enough for stop light assassins. __________________ CURRENT - 991 GT3 \| Future Classic 1M \| Model 3 \| T4R TRD Pro Lime Rush SOLD - MB M2 CS \| SMB F80 M3 CS \| E90 M3 \| E90 335i \| E46 M3 Vert \| E39 M5 \| E34 525i
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08-23-2014, 02:51 PM	#15
Yvette Major General 761 Rep 7,408 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (19)	if you ask me i am not a fan of vert, i moved from 335, z4mc to m3, all i can say is do it
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08-24-2014, 09:24 AM	#17
solidaudio1 Private First Class 17 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E93 vert Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NH iTrader: (1)	If the price is sweet enough, I can live with the black, though I prefer AW or TiAG. I can't see the color while I'm driving, anyway. The dealer has been sitting on the car since January, so I imagine they want it off the lot eventually. The fact that it's got only 13k miles makes it more attractive than the other M3's I've looked at. Thanks for all the input to everybody who has posted, great to get some perspectives from current M3 drivers, much appreciated.
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