Hello,

I am considering getting a 997 Carrera S (used) or maybe even a 996 turbo next spring. These will be much different cars than my current BMW 335 (2007). This will probably be my DD, and I plan to track 3 or 4 times per year with your occasional autocross.

My 335 is currently running 330 whp and 351 wtq on the dyno with GIAC stage 1, AMS FMIC, AR Design DP and Bastuck Exhaust. GIAC stage 2 is around the corner and I suspect will put me in the 350/360 whp and 370/380 wtq range. I also have KW coilovers, iForged 19's and a host of cosmetic mods.

My car only has 17k miles and will either sell the car and get the 997 Carrera S or 996 turbo. My other option is to just keep the 335 and in about 5 years or so look at a 997.2 turbo (used).

Any thoughts on what you think I should do? Are there any other former BMW owners that can chime in? This would be my first porsche so any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance

 

I’m a former owner of BMWs and I have absolutely no regrets moving to Porsche. The car conjures passion like no other vehicle that I’ve ever owned. It never gets old, never gets boring, and turns even mundane errands into adventures. Highly recommended!

 

I went from a 335i to a 997.2 C4, you won't miss it one bit.

 

I owned a 335i 2 years ago as a complement to my Boxster S. No comparison, Porsche.

 

335i is a great, roomy, GT car. The ergonomics and looks are first rate. On the track it is a pig. It is not meant for the track.

I went from a Dinan 2007 335i to a 2009 C4S w/Sport PASM (a must for track work) and couldn't be happier.

 

We loved our E92, it was alot of fun and fairly reliable (excusing the HPFP issue) and worked very well as a DD.

BUT.....it's absolute love for our C4S. It's power, precision, and shear beauty will win you over. Drive it and you too will become a believer.

Good luck with your decision.

 

You'll only miss the 335 from an utility standpoint. Even with your mods and extra hp- it can't make the BMW steer and handle like the 911. After test driving the current M3, I'll admit the engine and power delivery is phenomenal - but in every other way, the 911 just felt more.... alive.

 

+1

After owning 3 BMWs, this year I was looking into upgrading my 330 to a 335 or M3. After test driving a 911 C2S, there was no turning back. I am so VERY glad I got a used 911 C2S instead of a brand new bimmer. Huge difference in responsiveness and agility. I agree with Sayboy, the 335 and M3 feel over weight and sluggish compared with a 911.

Get a Porsche, you will not regret it.

 

I went from an E46 M3 to a 996 40th and just bought a C2S 997.2. I much preferred my 40th anni to the E46. The 997.2 is leagues better. The 335 is a great car. But its best as a fast sport sedan. It will never be confused with a 911 as a sports car.

The 997.2 is an amazing car. With PDK you can drive in normal auto and its very civilized. You can then stiffen it up and go sports or sports plus. Its really quick - I believe its quicker than the current M3 (which is nice but a compromise)..

I dont believ you'll miss it - unless you want space.

 

if you get a 997 you wont miss a thing.. if you get a 996 you will miss the feel of a new'ish car..

 

I'm hoping to be an ex-335... nay, BMW, owner. I'll try to get a used 997.2 once the new model is out, and after I pay off my car. Too many d-bags I personally know w/ them, as well as the forum I used to frequent. Assuming of course I have money after I buy my own place...

I took the 335i once to the track but I was scared of the cooling and HPFP issues... and I pulled out my shift **** as well.

The 335i is a good GT but a sports car it ain't. Not even w/ all the mods in the world.

 

I loved my Dinan M3 and thought that was a great car.......until I bought a Porsche. For a DD, I would suggest getting a 997.2 C2S.

 

You will miss the torque if you go with the c2 and miss the space with either choice haha, but other than those factors you will be in one of the greatest machines ever built.

 

I went from an 08 E60 M5 to an 08 C4S, absolutely no regrets other than some of the utility factor... my golf clubs and hockey bag will both fit in the back of the C4S (not at the same time of course) so all is well in my world! There really is no substitute.

 

I just bought M3 because I need bigger car, but if I could get 997 instead I would in a heart beat.
At least I also have a Cayman S, but it soon will be gone
M3 is not a true sports car, let alone 335i.
997 is in another league, not even close, even though some magazines try to favor the bimmer, like in a recent 997 C2 vs M3 comparo.

Steering feel in a Porsche is the best there is, M3 feels numb in comparison.
Once you get Porsche you won't turn back. Do it, you'll love it!