[larryn]

It all boils down to one factor for me. I'd take the 335, only if it were offered with a factory limited slip. A chip would make the power even more useless, if it couldn't put it to the pavement.

[MoreCowbell]

335...I think it's a no brainer!!!

[Tony]

335 all the way. E46 M3 is yesterday's news, dated design, dated interior, dated everything.

[stressdoc]

Option C: 335 with few options (save $) on short lease, then buy E90 M3 in two years.

[gscone]

Neither. I'll just wait for the v8 M3.

[DeuceDeuce]

I wrestled with the same decision. I was about to trade in my 2004 325i for an e46 M3 when the press release for the e92 cars hit. I ultimately put a stop on the M3 and jumped on the waiting list for the 335. I'm third on the list at my preferred dealer. I've decided on black sapphire with coral red interior, sport pkg., nav. man. trans. For me it came down to an aversion to ordering a car that is "end of life" no matter how fantastic it is I'd rather drive the 335 for two years and trade it on the V8 M3 sometime in '08 or whenever it gets released. -Keith

[stressdoc]

Option D: 335si w/ ZSG, LSD, M-sports pack.
I think they have to sell all the M3s before they can release the si though...

[rayman]

335i for sure....

[MoreCowbell]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Option D: 335si w/ ZSG, LSD, M-sports pack.
I think they have to sell all the M3s before they can release the si though...

Nobody even knows if that one wil exist.

[MoreCowbell]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Option C: 335 with few options (save $) on short lease, then buy E90 M3 in two years.

I personally don't see how you could fathrom ordering this car with out ZPP and ZSP. It wouldn be criminal in my book.

[gscone]

Originally Posted by gluck75

I personally don't see how you could fathrom ordering this car with out ZPP and ZSP. It wouldn be criminal in my book.

Ditto!

[astra]

hey booster... that's a hot car

[kevE90]

M3

how come poll is closed?

[Jason]

Originally Posted by kevE90zsp

M3

how come poll is closed?

reopened

[Pretender]

Sorry...I set it up for only 2 days. I thought it'd be a quick poll.

[Eiso]

new body style...

As tempting as the M3, they are getting old, once the new style coupe + M3 coupe is out...they are going to look even older.

In my opinion, once BMW changes body style, the older ones look old and dated to me.

[Marcus Frost]

Sorry to revive a slightly old thread, but the answer to the poster's question should without question be the E92 335i. I think traditional BMW enthusiasts simply are not aware of what a significance the N54 engine is going to have for BMW. It is a remarkable departure from the traditional BMW engine philosophy and if it's done right, the M3 crowd is going to have a LOT to worry about from the N54 - E46 OR E90/E92. Be afraid M3 owners, be very afraid. I really find it almost amusing at how little excitement the 335 / N54 is generating, and I really think it's because BMW owners are simply not privvy to what potential this motor could have, being they are used to the high-revving & delicate motors typically engineered by BMW.

There haven't been that many cars with twin turbo inline 6s made in the past decade, but two of siginifcant note are the Toyota Supra Turbo, and the Nissan Skyline GTR. Now, yes it is very early in the game to mention the 335 with those two cars, but without getting into a long winded speech, very quickly you all are going to see just how easy it is to tinker with a turbo inline six engine. I see so much potential I can barely hold back the drool!

As you can probably gather from my signature, I am a bit of a turbo fanatic - and with good reason. Here's a link to my last inline-6 turbo vehicle...

http://www.t04r.com/member.php?show=marcus.frost

FWIW, I have owned an E46 M3, 2004. 6-Speed.

-m

[climkt]

i would not buy either car. i would wait, grit my teeth patiently and wait for the e92 m3 or e90m3.

[BenMW]

The e92 M3 is going to be Expensive....too much for me. Im loading up the E92 335i. and Im going to love it.

[RaptorKTM]

M3 all the way. Who wants to buy some turbo when you can get even more power from a naturally aspirated engine. M3 all the way. Or just go for E90 and put a supercharger.

[Marcus Frost]

Originally Posted by socalm3

M3 all the way. Who wants to buy some turbo when you can get even more power from a naturally aspirated engine. M3 all the way. Or just go for E90 and put a supercharger.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but this is exactly the BMW philosophy I mentioned... Yes, the E46 M3 has 33 more hp, but do you know how easy it is to get extra horsepower from a factory-turbocharged car? Refer to the cars in my post:

2006 A4 2.0TQ 200hp/207tq -> Remapped ECU -> ~250hp/280tq
2004 SL600 RENNTech 500hp/590tq -> Remapped ECU -> 625hp/745tq
2001 S4 2.7TT 250hp/250tq -> New Turbos, Intercoolers Fuel System, Full Exhaust, couple of other minor tweaks -> 450hp/480tq

If the E90 M3 comes out with 400hp, I would go as far to predict by the time the M3 hits showrooms, there will already be mods for the N54 to put it close to that power, and they will be extremely reasonably priced

-m

[Asiann]

I love the M3 but a fully loaded 335 might be worth it.