Hey guys, first post here but from what I've read you guys know your stuff.

I need help deciding between a 2011 335i coupe or a slightly used M3 coupe...

I was set on a new 335i coupe but am starting to think I will be missing out if I go that route. This will be my first BMW purchase.

What I know for sure is that I want a well equipped coupe, the exterior to be Le Mans Blue, and a manual. Budget is definitely a consideration as well.

The biggest factors for me are luxury, great driving experience as a daily driver, budget (monthly payment, gas, insurance), and awe/aggressive factor.

Also, your opinions on the interior would be helpful as well.

I look forward to your opinions!!

Thanks,

Chris

 

If you can afford the M3, go for that.

Otherwise you'll always be thinking what if..

 

The other big problem is finding an M3 with the options that I want... So that means buying a new M3... what about leasing?

Is there anyone that could argue FOR the 335i?

 

No argument for the 335i. You can find some great deals on M3's out there. A lot of cars with less than 10K in mileage for around $50K.

 

we have a couple in stock, 1 coupe (white), 1 convertable (black) both are 2011. they run from 74-79,000 along with a lot of new 335i. after driving both of them, the m3 is amazing, but there is nothing wrong with the 335. all depends on what you are looking for in your automobile.

 

Really?? That would be perfect. Any links? I haven't had any luck finding a CPO M3 with the options I want or even close...

 

The 335i is a nice car, but you'd really want to go after the 335is to be similar to an M3 in the overall package. But it's still not an M3, you can get similar power and features, but you're never going to get to hear the noises that fantastic V8 makes, or have the awe factor of the Carbon Fiber roof.

The 335is is a new facelifted model, so you'd have to go new. M3s should be coming off leases a lot soon, and with the facelifted model coming out there should be a slight slide in pre-facelift models prices. Not that you can really tell the difference between the facelift and pre-facelift.

I hate to be "that guy", but I've gotta agree with the others. If you can swing the M3, it'll be worth it. The cool factor of the CF roof, and the fantastic M steering wheel and seats are worth it alone.

 

Does the carbon fiber roof look good on Le Mans or anything other than the Alpine White? I was initially thinking of going with a moonroof...

 

I think it looks awesome with white and red. I like it on blue, but decide for yourself.

 

Sorry cant support the 335 when you are considering the M3. I have driven my friends 335 and drove one on a track. I was very impressed with the 335, then I went to the 2 day M-school in S. Carolina and we drove the hell out of the newM3,M5, and M6. I went there planning on testing out my future purchase the M6, but the M3 was much better in every category then the other 2 cars. All 20 of us and the instructors thought the M3 was by far the best track car and all around DD between the different cars we had. So I did not end up getting the M6, and instead looked at the M3 but then I test drove the new 997.2 and could not go back to beemer.
Also wanted to really emphazise that the manual in the M3 pales in performance to the new DCT tranny. Please test drive both trans before you decide and you will probably see what everyone at the M-school realized.... manual inferior to DCT.
Good luck, whichever you decide you will enjoy.

 

Any links to pics showing the CF roof on a Le Mans coupe?

 

Hmmm... what about the argument that the DCT takes away from the joy of driving a manual??

 

I can dig some pictures up for you. Count me in the DCT camp too, but I can see the joy argument. M3s are one of the few cars that I don't mind using the clutch in in traffic. But personally, I'd still get the DCT because it'll shift faster than me, I don't have to worry about the clutch in normal driving, and my wifey could drive it if she needed to(she has no intentions on learning to drive a manual transmission). Keep in mind, I'm a young guy (23), so I'm part of the flappy paddle, playstation/gran turismo, ADD stricken generation.

So on to some nice LeMans Blue pics (I haven't seen this color in person, but I'm still a sucker for white and red ) Thanks to the guys on e90post from which I have graciously hotlinked the pictures without any permissions or what not, lol.




The one I posted earlier is Interlagos Blue.

If you do end up buying new... BMW Individual paints are sweet. This one is Laguna Seca Blue


Monte Carlo Blue (my favorite of the blues)


Phoenix yellow (shouts look at MEEEEE!)


Dakar Yellow


Hellrot

 

Nice, thanks for the pics. I definitely think the CF roof looks good with the lighter colored exteriors... I'm still not sold on the CF with the Le Mans tho... I saw that pic before but it doesnt give a good look at the roof like some of those other pics.

I will definitely need to test drive a DCT soon. I'm worried that after the novelty wears off that I will be regretting not goin wit the manual.

 

Test drive them both and see which one puts a bigger smile on your face. If you have the money I would go with the m3.