I felt like I should post my thoughts after selling my beloved 2003 e46 ZHP sedan 6-speed, and moving to a 2011 e92 335i M-Sport, 6-speed.

Both cars are stock un-modified.

We were considering and also test drove the e92 M3 with DCT before placing the order on the 335i, and we didn't like it as much for several reasons:

-We thought the 335i looks better than the M3.
-We didn't like the dual-clutch transmission (although it's amazing technologically), and the 3-setting for suspension, 7-settings for gearbox ferocity, and another M button etc... We would be messing around with tuning the car all day instead of driving.
-At the time of the test the 335i's suspension felt better (unless you're on a race-track).
-You can't order the M3 with full tan interior like you can in the 335i, it's mixed with black on the doors for example, and in our 335i the doors are truely full tan. Also you only have 1 wood trim option in the M3, and it's the very dark one I thought was not very nice.

The dealer didn't have a manual M3 to test and we ended up going with a 335i M-Sport.


The good things about the 335i compared to the ZHP:

-The H/K system in the ZHP was designed for people who hate music, the new H/K (upgraded) system in the E9x is well worth the money, and is just in a different league compared to that in the ZHP.

-More power. The N55 is smooth, with no noticeable turbo-lag other than when you let go of the gas slowing down some, and fully accelerating again you feel a slight turbo hesitation. In that situation it spools up pretty quick and power is smooth again.

-Interior seems to be much better made, with higher quality plastics and materials. In the e46 I had the dash trim getting loose and rattling, the window pillar fabric was peeling (replaced the pillars), sunroof shade was loose and various plastics had the 'soft' coating starting to wear out (and for reference, my ZHP was very well kept). But, the car is new...

-Navigation works very nice in the new 3-series. And the adaptive cruise control is a nice gimmick.


Now, the bad:

-Steering was better in the ZHP. Felt sharper and more involving.
I just read in C/D that the new F30 3-series will switch to electonic assisted steering- FAIL.

-Those annoying 'beeps' and 'glings' in the new 3-series. Beeps from the seat belt if you're driving 5mph without it, and glings when you start the engine, get in the car etc... Why? Am I sleep walking and I don't know I am in my car going to start the engine?
Also, I liked the window switches in the center better than on the door.

-The ZHP seemed to have less body roll, and the suspension felt stiffer as well. For example, oversteer was more involving and sharper in the ZHP, and the ZHP felt more aggressive to drive (handling wise).

-Even though the exhaust note on the 335i sounds amazing from the outside, inside the engine doesn't sound that nice. I personally preferred how the ZHP sounded like from the driver's seat.



Overall, if the e46 had a proper sound system like the new 3-series upgraded H/K, I probably wouldn't have upgraded. Instead, I would get a supercharger kit for the ZHP.

If you have any questions about these cars I'll be happy to answer, or if you disagree/agree I'd like to hear as well!

 

I drove the 335 and the 2011 m3 7speed and agree with the transmission.

Both are sweet rides and I thought about the extra 100hp that should have been in the e46 m3. I did a major audio install myself and just put it back to stock for trade in next week.

I conviced my girlfriend of 20 years to buy the 335i (still looking) and I ordered the 2011 m3 6speed with only leather, wheels and carbon interior.
(Best of all worlds)

 

you bought an m sport 335 and you thought it road better then the M3?
My m3 was more sporty or more cushy then both my 335's depending on selection..

 

I still prefer it over the M3.
The 335 already has more torque and is better in manual for daily use. The M3 would be better for me only on a track.

Anyway after a Dinan computer upgrade (when one comes out for the N55)+LSD it would be almost perfect.