first of all let me introduce my self i am new to the forum my name is paulo gomez, i currently own a 2003 m3 and i wanted to change it for the new 335i coupe. My question is should i buy it manual or steptronic.

sorry posted it in the m3 section could a modertor change it to the 3 series thread section thanx

manual

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the M3 better than the 3-series? Why "downgrade" from M3 to 3-series?

well i wouldnt say downgrading, i think the new 335i is a lot faster i drove a friends coupe its faster than my m3 remember mine is the inline 6 its not the new v8 and the 335i is an inline 6 twin turbo, besides if you chip it, get an exhaust for it and a good intake ,i bet i would be near the new m3, besides my car is 2003 i would be getting a 2008 335i newer model much more technology, the only thing im having trouble is deciding if i should buy it manual or steptronic??? :eyecrazy

well i wouldnt say downgrading, i think the new 335i is a lot faster i drove a friends coupe its faster than my m3 remember mine is the inline 6 its not the new v8 and the 335i is an inline 6 twin turbo, besides if you chip it, get an exhaust for it and a good intake ,i bet i would be near the new m3, besides my car is 2003 i would be getting a 2008 335i newer model much more technology, the only thing im having trouble is deciding if i should buy it manual or steptronic??? :eyecrazy

Lol. The new 335 is not faster stock for stock than the E46 M3. It's a tad slower, again stock for stock. Chip the 335 though and you're considerably faster than the E46 M3.

Also, why did you post in the E9x M3 forum?

More technology is a silly reason to "upgrade" and lose a bunch of money on new-car depreciation. Frankly, the E46 M3 to the E9x 335i is not an upgrade, it's a downgrade from pure fun-factor perspective, and really it's almost as good a daily driver.

But your choice. I'd personally go with a manual.

Just mod your M3, jesus... your giving up a MOTORSPORT car for a 3 series?

Just mod your M3, jesus... your giving up a MOTORSPORT car for a 3 series?

The man's got a good point...don't get me the wrong, the 335 coupe is an amazing car, but it's not a M car...trust me, my friend bought an E36 M3, I bought an E46 330ci...even though my car looked nicer and was more luxurious, etc. I still think his car was a much better drive...hands down...b/c his car even though was 5 years older then mine, it was still a M car!

OP, I had an '02 M3 and now have an '08 335i coupe on order. If it wasn't for the 7000ft altitude I live at, I would have bought a used E46 M3 instead. Unfortunately an M3 up here would be fairly gutless.

Seriously, my M3 was just incredible as a (daily!) driver's car. Handling, engine, looks, it had it all. If I was going directly from that car to a new 335i, I'd be somewhat dissapointed at how toned down the new car is. I posted on this board about how quiet and isolated the 335i driving experience was and whether I could mod it somehow, just to be able to hear the engine, and got nicely flamed. :-)

On the other hand, if you find your M3 to be overly harsh and you don't like keeping it in the upper rev range to get the power, then you might actually be very happy switching to a 335i...

He said that he will get a chip and exhaust. With just that it will take a e46 M no problem and with that exhaust piknm, im sure you wont have a problem with hearing your car. Its a new car more technology, more power, and warranty. The M3's interior also look a bit outdated if you ask me compared to the E9X's. I have a manuel and with the step it feels like you have less control of your car.

P.S. E46 M3 would be my second choice : )

OP, I had an '02 M3 and now have an '08 335i coupe on order. If it wasn't for the 7000ft altitude I live at, I would have bought a used E46 M3 instead. Unfortunately an M3 up here would be fairly gutless.

Seriously, my M3 was just incredible as a (daily!) driver's car. Handling, engine, looks, it had it all. If I was going directly from that car to a new 335i, I'd be somewhat dissapointed at how toned down the new car is. I posted on this board about how quiet and isolated the 335i driving experience was and whether I could mod it somehow, just to be able to hear the engine, and got nicely flamed. :-)

On the other hand, if you find your M3 to be overly harsh and you don't like keeping it in the upper rev range to get the power, then you might actually be very happy switching to a 335i...

Hello all:

What "pikeNM" said!

Up here, the M3 does not run with a stock 335i, much less one that has been modified. I almost went for the '06 M3 but (as previously posted) the salesman talked me into trying the 335i.

Hey "pikeNM" - what did you do with your M3? I have a spot in my driveway where it could fit really nice.

nm335: I sold it 4 years ago in Seattle and bought a cheap E30 instead. I wanted a project car to tinker with and the E30 was great for that. I guess you'll have to find something else for that empty spot in your garage! :-)

I re-read the OP's original post, and I missed the part where he's asking about buying a MT vs AT. I think this is actually kind of important. Most people who are in love with the "M" in M3 would generally NOT consider getting a slushbox. The M3 didn't have one, and most slushbox drivers wouldn't have liked the SMG one bit.

So, if you're focused on straight line performance and would honestly consider an AT, then moving from an M3 to a chipped 335i makes a certain kind of sense. If, however, that road you're driving on has twisties on it, and you live for that perfectly rev-matched heel-and-toe downshift, then you're going to want to stick with the M3 and its three pedals.

Just depends on your priorities.

RuskiBimmer: What you said above about warranty is important though. I can see the OP wanting to sell the M3 rather than start to incur its significant maintenance costs over the long haul. On the other hand, if altitude wasn't a factor, I'd buy a $25K M3 and invest some money in maintenance and replacement parts, rather than buy a $42K+ 335i with full warranty.

Having driven and worked on both cars, they are both well worth it, however the new E92 chassis is a bit stiffer and has more creature comforts. Upgrades, if you're going to mod the new E92 is more modable vs the E46 M3, however not taking anything at all away from the M, the M is a baddd-ass car, it will boil down to your personal driving experienc e and wants/needs in a car.

Instead of arguing what car you want just answer is question.


MT-why would you want an AUTO.

And to all the M3 guys...don't be mad that the basic 335 is just as fast, and faster in most cases than an older M3 :) It's okay really.

why would you ever want an auto for a 335i? :eyecrazy

why would you ever want an auto for a 335i? :eyecrazy

Some of us that have had injuries to the left knee and depress a clutch for extended periods.

I bought a 335i coupe with the automatic and am very happy with my decision. In my opinion the new 6-speed automatic is a perfect match for the twin-turbo engine. After a little practice with the paddle shifters you would be amazed by the control you have. Or just put it into sport mode and let it shift for itself - it's a very rare time indeed that you find it in the wrong gear.

Prior to owning this car you couldn't have convinced me that an automatic would be something I would want.

I love a nice manual transmission but for this particular car the automatic is a very nice piece.

Some of us that have had injuries to the left knee and depress a clutch for extended periods.
Excuses I tell ya :stickoutt. I have had a knee surgery and still have an unrepairable meniscus tear on my left knee and can still use the clutch, it's actually good to keep it moving ;). Just kidding, not all knee problems are the same.

I bought a 335i coupe with the automatic and am very happy with my decision. In my opinion the new 6-speed automatic is a perfect match for the twin-turbo engine. After a little practice with the paddle shifters you would be amazed by the control you have. Or just put it into sport mode and let it shift for itself - it's a very rare time indeed that you find it in the wrong gear.

Prior to owning this car you couldn't have convinced me that an automatic would be something I would want.

I love a nice manual transmission but for this particular car the automatic is a very nice piece.

The question isn't if the AT is a good option, it's if you like to drive and control the car more.

And if you do a search most of the complaints about the car come from the tranny...lurching, shifting and all sorts of issues seem to be complained about...not the case with MT. People complain about the CDV but I think it's just getting used to the car because I don't notice anything about it anymore. Just took a bit of getting used to, like every car I've driven.

nm335: I sold it 4 years ago in Seattle and bought a cheap E30 instead. I wanted a project car to tinker with and the E30 was great for that. I guess you'll have to find something else for that empty spot in your garage! :-)

I re-read the OP's original post, and I missed the part where he's asking about buying a MT vs AT. I think this is actually kind of important. Most people who are in love with the "M" in M3 would generally NOT consider getting a slushbox. The M3 didn't have one, and most slushbox drivers wouldn't have liked the SMG one bit.

So, if you're focused on straight line performance and would honestly consider an AT, then moving from an M3 to a chipped 335i makes a certain kind of sense. If, however, that road you're driving on has twisties on it, and you live for that perfectly rev-matched heel-and-toe downshift, then you're going to want to stick with the M3 and its three pedals.

Just depends on your priorities.

RuskiBimmer: What you said above about warranty is important though. I can see the OP wanting to sell the M3 rather than start to incur its significant maintenance costs over the long haul. On the other hand, if altitude wasn't a factor, I'd buy a $25K M3 and invest some money in maintenance and replacement parts, rather than buy a $42K+ 335i with full warranty.

Hello "pikeNM":

So what does that "power" button on the M3 do? Heading out of SF toward Santa Rosa, I hit the buton, like the salesman told me, and it made quite a difference. Hit 115 and climbed quickly. Not as quickly as the 335, but not bad.

You mention the heel and toe. The wife's X5 and my 540 are manuals. Let me tell you, heel and toe while wearing size 15 shoes is not an option. One reason why I am sticking with the 540i so long (Have not driven the 335 in almost three weeks) is that I am tying to get the throtle "blip" just right. The 'step on the 335i does it with proper Teutonic precision.

No question......MT....no matter how good the auto is on the 335...its still not a manual....the only reason I wont buy a new Ferrari...No clutch...oh wait, its because I cant afford a Ferrari..nevermind

No question......MT....no matter how good the auto is on the 335...its still not a manual....the only reason I wont buy a new Ferrari...No clutch...oh wait, its because I cant afford a Ferrari..nevermind
You can get any current Ferrari model with a clutch and a regular 6-speed manual transmission..

Well shit now I have to go buy me one....oh wait I still cant afford em...damn it...I will own one some day....even if it is a 88' 328 GTS

How often you take the ferrari out? that thing is hot. The 335 is prolly faster though.

Hello "pikeNM":

So what does that "power" button on the M3 do? Heading out of SF toward Santa Rosa, I hit the buton, like the salesman told me, and it made quite a difference. Hit 115 and climbed quickly. Not as quickly as the 335, but not bad.

You mention the heel and toe. The wife's X5 and my 540 are manuals. Let me tell you, heel and toe while wearing size 15 shoes is not an option. One reason why I am sticking with the 540i so long (Have not driven the 335 in almost three weeks) is that I am tying to get the throtle "blip" just right. The 'step on the 335i does it with proper Teutonic precision.

Admittedly, I've never had to try heel-and-toe technique with size 15 shoes. Damn. :-)

Do you mean the "sport" button on the E46 M3? As I recall, that was basically just a different electronic throttle map, so pushing the pedal the equivalent distance caused the computer to open it up a little more. Gives the illusion of more power, because the pedal is more responsive. In practice, I found it caused me to be less smooth, so I left it off and just gave it more pedal when I needed to.

Admittedly, I've never had to try heel-and-toe technique with size 15 shoes. Damn. :-)

Do you mean the "sport" button on the E46 M3? As I recall, that was basically just a different electronic throttle map, so pushing the pedal the equivalent distance caused the computer to open it up a little more. Gives the illusion of more power, because the pedal is more responsive. In practice, I found it caused me to be less smooth, so I left it off and just gave it more pedal when I needed to.

Hello "pikeNM":

Not if I recall correctly. The button was labelled "Power". Oh well, not that important. I bought the 335i instead.

Hello "pikeNM":

Not if I recall correctly. The button was labelled "Power". Oh well, not that important. I bought the 335i instead.

Huh, well my car didn't have that. :-) I know the E60 M5 has a button that actually does increase power output. I think the button was labelled "oh sh*t"

How often you take the ferrari out? that thing is hot. The 335 is prolly faster though.

Thanks. I drive the Ferrari a few times per week when the weather is nice.

The 335i is somewhat faster but not nearly as much fun to drive. The 328 does 0-60 in about 5.7 seconds and the 1/4 mile in about 14.0 @101 mph.