What is the difference between 335i and m3

In comparison, the i is more of an ideal all-rounder, with fast-road driving in mind. The M3 features heavier steering leaving it feeling far more refined and planted in the twisties, alongside predictable throttle-control on acceleration from the naturally-aspirated V8. From the big bonnet bulge, the wide-arches, and the quad-exhausts, it certainly has a significant presence on the road. Although they both feature the same wheelbase and dimensions, the only identical elements between the M3 and the i are the chassis, doors, and trunk.

As car enthusiasts, we feel that something is appealing about having the rarer options on the road. When it comes to finding the perfect car for you, some will prefer the highly-strung, 8,rpm redline of natural-aspirated power that the M3 provides over the tire-shredding N54, which could well be the deciding factor.

Given that the i typically runs around 8psi, with a mild and conservative setup made with efficiency and reliability in mind, it leaves plenty on the table.

However, hp is still achievable with the necessary bolt-on mods and a tune. Would a tuned i be a serious contender against the M3 on a drag strip? However, with that said, when it comes to the twisties and the all-around oil delivery, limited-slip differential, suspension, and braking package, the i is certainly no match for the M3. In just about every scenario in road driving, a tuned i may well represent the better choice, but when it comes to pushing the limits at the track, we would certainly be opting for the M3 platform from the start.

The guys over at BimmerBoost did precisely this, and it appears the i owners ruffled their feathers along the way, too. I believe the N54 to be an inferior platform. I believe the N54 is nothing more than a BMW value tuning platform. Although reliability issues can often be the luck of the draw, the overall consensus when it comes to i vs M3 reliability will come as a surprise to many.

While many have been delighted with the i or M3 reliability, others have been left disappointed. Given that the i will be the more tempting proposition to many, given its incredible value-for-money power potential, it could well come at a cost further down the line. If any further issues arise, you can count on even less money spent on maintenance. Water pump, fuel pump, wastegate, and injector-related niggles can often set you back four-figure sums when you least expect it.

Although the N55 saw a slight improvement in the reliability-department, we would still expect some issues to arise sooner rather than later. On the other hand, the naturally-aspirated V8 in the M3 is a far simpler engine, with fewer things to potentially go wrong, which is why the S65 took the International Engine of the Year award in , , , , and When it comes to fuel economy, the i is undoubtedly going to be the winner, or perhaps the d may even be a consideration for those of you clocking up high mileage.

The main difference is the leather seats, with premium Novillo leather in the M3 compared to Dakota leather in the i. Slightly thicker carpets, an improved steering wheel, and some optional carbon-fiber trim upgrades are the only real changes inside, but nothing too exciting or game-changing.

In the end, for me, the company car tax was the real killer - at pretty much double the BIK charge vs the new N55 i, and taking into account the fact that my car is the secondary family motor and therefore generally only used for commuting - I just couldn't justify the difference in cash that the M3 diverted to HMRC. I also suffered with the gearbox issues on the DCT software now resolved which was a real irritation. I miss the M hugely, but have nearly the same smile every time I get in the as I had with the M3 - the pay off for not having quite as big a smile, is an extra holiday!

The M3 certainly, and without any doubt, felt much more 'special' than the standard E9x - snd i guess it depends on how much that's worth to you because as you have mentioned, in the real world, there is barely anything in the getting-from-a2b-performance.

Think i'll probably try again with the next gen though!! Originally Posted by ss Thanks Helen Hope you've been out having fun in the new motor, make the most of it before the crap weather sets in A great read, and I agree with virtually all your i comments.

I've only ever driven a palmersport e92 m3 with DCT and it was in a different league. With the 25k miles a year I do, i'm happy to 'make do' Last edited by pjs; at AM.. The M3 feels more special. But is it more special than a seriously well modified i kind of special? Excellent write up, great read.

Infact i'm gonna read it again and pinch myself as I just bought a i lol. Originally Posted by m1bjr. Never driven either car but that is a great review. Will have to stick with my d Thats one review I was waiting for!!!! Enjoyed reading this!!! Thanks for posting The way you describe the i The engine part and handling charactristics were well described and clear Ah damn it The throttle bit, you mentioned is spot on Are you guys planning to become car journalists or sumfin?

I want an M3!!! It might not be as fast as a GTR or have a four wheel drive quattro system, but there is something about M3s that attracts me So for me, it will have to be M3 first, and then modded i Lieutenant Colonel. Quick question Does it allow full control of the gears? In before, people asking me, why would you want to over rev etc Not that i would do that.

Brilliant and detailed piece of writing - tells me so much I wanted to know! One question - what tyres was your i running? Thanks for that really informative and thoughtful write-up ss It is far and away the best written "double test" that I have had the pleasure to read and I have read a great deal. You go into just the kind of detail that forum readers want to hear, and avoid the superficial glibness that you find all too often in the motoring press. I was particularly interested in your comments about throttle response and the different feel in the power curve as between the M3 and i.

Having just driven an N55 engined E93 i with DCT , I also was struck by just how much of the power is available on a light throttle much like in any modern diesel turbo , and how you don't get an awful lot more power when you complete the throttle movement to the floor.

Very different feel to my "evolved" i, where the last bit of the throttle movements provokes the response I also found the N55 engine was really much more comfortable with changing up at to You got it perfectly when you said that you almost felt unkind in keeping it hanging on till or rpm. The car seems to breathe a sigh of relief when you change up and hit the next higher gear at around rpm.

As regards the comparison with the M3, I'm afraid I have never driven one. However I have spent quite a time in my son's C63, and whilst this car is not as "toppy" as the M3, it does have a beautifully linear power curve from the low 's all the way up the rev range, and this is something that only a large capacity high revving NA petrol engine can provide. We should enjoy this breed of car before the emission regs kill them. I guess I may look at this a little different than others, I have wanted an M since the E30 so it ain't goin nowhere.

My turn I guess. Same scenario with the rest I suppose. The Cooper is the shopping car and my partner uses it to zip around the city. It's also a lot easier to park and we need not worry too much about the location of the parking spots. A totally different driving experience also because of its go-kart handling and front wheel drive.

We won't be changing our cars anytime soon but I am considering something on 2 wheels as a weekend toy. Originally Posted by M3E92Junkie. All times are GMT The time now is PM. BMW Garage. Mark Forums Read. Comparison of M3 and i. User Name. Thread Tools. Appreciate 0 Tweet. Find More Posts by fontana Find More Posts by aussiem3. Find More Posts by amk Quote: Originally Posted by fontana You want to compare M3 vs i.

Find More Posts by zenderm3.