the 335 is deff the better daily driver but by no means does that count the m out as not being one, i am partial to the m because it is an m and the difference between the two is clear, i also have one. The m stock will provide tons more fun and a more raw experience

 

If anyone who loves driving ever tried driving a M hard on a sunny he/she will never wanna go back to Non M. 335 is a good car a nice all around sport sedan that can be tuned to kill many exotic monsters (straightline only). However 335 is awefully boring when u trying to drive fast. The steering just isn't delicate, throttle isn't very responsive, suspension is quiet soft lots of bodyroll, the top of the rev range is ridiculous and stupid, the engine sound like its a fat pig. All these things combined togather making it a very boring car indeed.

Personally the more i am into cars the more i realize its not all about power and torque. Whether a car is good or not depends on how it makes u feel. Take a test drive but i doubt any true performance driver will take 335 over e46m

 

Since you said this won't be your DD, may be you will be modding this car? If yes, 335i. If not, M3.

To me, mod or not, M3.

 

So well put.

Agreed with everything here. If you want boost, 4 seats, and have the fun of the M-then I suggest you go with an evo. Otherwise, you can save the cash you would spend on the 335i and get a s/c for your e46 m.

 

I'd cast my vote for the 335i but mods are a must!!

 

It honestly comes down to the feel you are looking for. Raw(er) vs. Soft(er).

Every time I bring my M3 in for service I get a 335 loaner (auto sedan). It is a nice car and drives well. It's fast and a great highway curser (don't get me wrong, it's not a slouch in the handling department). But after a few days I can't wait to get back into my M. It's just different, in a good way ... it's edgy. It's my preference by far.

 

My 03 M3 SMGT has been great DD for almost a year. Fun and no issues.

 

My 03 M3 SMG has been great DD for almost a year. Fun and no issues.

 

I would go with the 335i definitely. I have driven both and the M felt tighter and more responsive but a set of coilovers on the 335 would take care of that. The M3 feels like a dog until it is revved up whereas the 335 has excellent torque from 1800rpm. I am a sucker for turbocharged engines though.

 

stupid question. stupid thread.

 

the 335 is faster while the e46 m3 handles better. your pick! personally i love the newer body style.

 

I personally would go with the E46 M3 just for the name, but the 335 is gorgeous on it's own.

 

it depends on how much money you have.. but if moneys not an issue and its not a daily driver i would say m3 e46 anyday no doubt

 

if money isn't an issue, an E92 M3 would be the best choice

 

I don't have either car. In fact I am trying to decide between a 996 Cab and an E46 M3 Cab.

I was at the BMW dealership last week..drove the 335 for fun even though I'm not really interested in it and I drove the E46.

They are parked next to each other.

Looks: M3 (335 looks like a "moms car", while the M3 has "Prensence")
Bulge in the Hood, Hood Bulge, Vents, lip spoiler, and my favorite the exhaut tips.

Amenties: 335, idrive,ipod,bluetooth etc

Performance: TIE 335 gets off the line faster. But as stated the M3 handles better feels like a "sports car". Its not always comfy, its not trying to be smooth its trying to be FAST.

What did it for me was when I started the car. The 335 has push button, but when I started the M3 it pushed all of my buttons.

The engine revs up, you hear the deep bore as it screams, you see the engine warm up lights on the tac, waiting and waiting for them to disappear one at a time. Its an experience...

Needless to say I will be getting the M3 as soon as I find the one that I am looking for.