BMW M3 v BMW 135i v BMW 335i | BMW Battle | Edmunds.com

[@pros70t5]

I had an e46 m3 and I currently drive a 335i. The 335i doesn't come close to the m3 when it comes to the feeling. It just connects you with the road in a way the 335i can't. However the 335i is more comfortable, more modern and with $1500 you can have a 400+hp rocket. If you want something sharp precise refined go with the m3, if you want something more suitable for an everyday drive go with the 335i

[@edmfperez]

after owning two coupes and one m3 convertible i wouldn’t have it any other way

[@ninjamoto21]

2:28 ughh what a beautiful sound

[@mohammedalaskary342]

2:40 soon as I heard that, I chose my winner.

[@rclemons81]

This was brilliant. Currently considering all 3 of these. Great comparo.

[@harryguo]

E46 M3 in 2008: it's cheaper... oh how times have changed

[@ericwaltrip6184]

If you plan on keeping one long term get the e46 it’s a guaranteed collector car in another 10-20 years that look has aged very well

[@nederkaas]

Hmmm, I test drove both a mint 2005 M3 SMG and a 2011 335i Manual both with a comparable mileage and my choice went for the 335i. Because stepping into the 335i was like going into another century. Everything felt tighter, much more modern, is more fuel economic when I need to and with an extra $500 I got a JB4 tune which makes the car dyno at 340Whp. I am happy with my choice and love my 335i daily driver.

[@AquaStevae]

This comparison appears to be sponsored by BMW, trying to boost the POOR sells of the 135i, compared to the sales records of the 335i. The differences in times between the 335i and the 135i are driver error close, so the 135i being praised here is so backass-akwards that it made me actually laugh. The praise should be towards the 335i, which matched the much lighter 135i, and did it with more weight and a much better interior and usable space. That's a hell of a feat! Furthermore, I've driven all three cars and the 135i does NOT drive anywhere nearly as well as the 335i does. The 135i is all over the place on normal roads when driven hard, and not nearly as predictable and comfortable as the 335i. The chassis on the 335i is much better, and you can feel it as soon as you start driving it hard, as it drives so many times better on "any surface" than the 135i does. The 135i is unpredictable and thus gives less confidence when driving it hard, and I actually liked the older M3 (2004) better than the 135i for handling. Lastly, we had one guy in our car club who actually built a 135i (FBO), with several others who had built 335i's, and the more the 135i was built, the worse it drove. This was the exact opposite with the 335i's.

[@aaryanbhardwaj5293]

12years too late mate

[@techtician2726]

@@aaryanbhardwaj5293 Nope, as long as the vid is up, the points are useful.

[@AbhiKohli]

What a great and honest review! The guy spoke nothing but pure truth... a BMW can only be beaten by its family members... no outsiders allowed! I love everything about every BM... too good!

[@FuscoX4]

Nice road test...I've driven all three cars and couldn't agree more with the review.

[@sadjosj]

@toprules The M3 is based on the e46 which was first released in 1997 which served as a base for the 2001 M3. I am from Australia where the 0-100kmh time is taken into account (roughly 62mph). The M3 in question is manual (no paddle shifts).

[@rangeyer]

I have an 02' M3. It's awesome. you have good taste in cars.

[@Estoril_Blau]

Active Autowerke sells a tune that will yield 70 ft/lbs of torque and 55rwhp, add an intercooler and an exhaust and that will help free up quite a bit more power as well.

[@stevew145]

When this was made, less expensive yes, but it doesn't have warranty, parts have "///M" on them and are subject to the BMW surplus + the "///M" surplus so you have to dig extra deep when shocks or brakes or what have you need replacing. Factor in the super ease of tuning the 35i's to well over 400 hp and I think the decision is clear...

[@psmTARDCORE]

@stolenalan I believe they are. But it will not have the same power as the M3 but the weight of the 1 series is where it will show. It will def be something to look forward to.

[@robbie1490]

Listen to that m3's sound! I love all these cars, but that m3's I6 just sounds amazing.

[@Streetracingpunk72]

@jkindian 5.4 seconds isn't bad for an old E46 that has undoubtedly seen quite a bit of aggressive driving. You need to remember, if it's a long term test for Edmunds, it most likely has 60k+ on the clock and is probably several years old. Spring Mountain Motorsport Ranch is also at 3400ft (1034m) above sea level. Everything comes into play, too, including the Nevada heat, the tires, etc. Highly doubt you could do better given the conditions.

[@theclarkhome]

Numbers seem to vary widely for the 335i. Car & Driver were getting consistent 5s 0-60 times out of a tester, and even managed a couple of runs at 4.8 - and that was on a hot day with a hot car. Tires play a big role in the 0-60 test with that amount of torque at the rear wheels.

[@Njderig]

I am talking about American spec BMWs. I remember reading in R&T magazine that the E46 M3 ran a 0-60 of 4.9 sec. And R&T mag usually give more conservative times (since they dont get a ringer car) like other mags like Car & Driver. Car & driver almost always rate 0-60 times .2 quicker than R&T with the exact same car.

[@carman493]

The others are still great performing vehicles for the fun to drive factor, just lacking in the horsepower and overall handling. Our 128i is loaded with every luxury/tech option and no sport package. It still handles well, although it pushes in the corners, especially with the all season tires. The dynamics are still confidence inspiring and enjoyable. The 128i still runs a mid 14 second 1/4 and hangs with a 350z and 330i on the highway.

[@carman493]

This video was a great insight into the realm that slightly used vehicles could be better in price for performance than a new vehicle. However, I think the title is misleading. The E46 M3 does not have the updated technology available in the 135i and 335i, nor does it have the new vehicle warranty or free maintenance. If a pure weekend/track toy is the desire, get an E46 M3, for a daily, 135i/335i is the best choice on the basis of tech/reliability, safety, performance & piece of mind.

[@Blackbird5150]

the N54 motor used in the video has TWO turbos. the N55 has the twin scroll turbo you are talking about.

[@font9a]

I'm surprised the 135i was so favorable in the handling department. I've read the 135i has terrific understeer and the wheelbase is short & gets bucked on difficult surfaces. I personally love the 135i's styling, and think it's one of the best looking road cars today. It's lovely, IMHO. I also love the understated style of my 335i. 911s get an awakening when I annihilate them in a 60-100 mph drag! M3 is razor sharp, but screams CACK, even if it's the best handling coupe BMW has ever made.

[@amcheung10]

@juancho939 i think they chose the E46 m3 because it was in the 300HP range like the 335i and 135i

[@TheBlackdragon936]

E46 M3 coupe American and euro version are 4.6-4.8 to 60. SMG version has launch control. Manuel is as fast as SMG but only in the right hands. Verts are 5.2 normally because of the extra weight If not well maintained M3 about 5.5. I won an E46 M3 in sliver SMG with pilot super sport tires and I do it in 4.5 but that's because of my tires. I can once in a while do it in 4.4 but I have to have little or no tire spin off the line. All stock other than tires, suspension and brakes.

[@rangeyer]

I have an 02 and love mine. I'm putting a bilstein pss10 coilover kit on it in the spring

[@demoskunk]

@Kev50027 if warmed up properly during its lifetime, an engine should not show horsepower loss until about 150K miles. an M3's engine should not be reved above 4000rpm until the oil temp gauge reads about 160, otherwise you sould slowly warp the cylinders over many years. i think if the driver had dumped the clutch at 3000rpm, he might have gotten under 5 sec to 60 and 13.3 sec in the 1/4 mile.

[@mybizuk]

Great Video. Bet you guys cant wait for the 335d. Ive done a 13.3@106mph in mine.

[@psmTARDCORE]

@Ro11out24 not on that year. Those numbers have been achieved but the are not the average for the e46. the E92 is a different story though.

[@Cretz]

a couple of things: 1) I am pretty sure that they use different ratings for engine output in Europe than in the U.S. (only slightly that is - BHP) 2) The Edmund's M3 is 6 years old and has over 55,000 miles on it.

[@Acct1941]

Ever consider, that since it was an '02 it had become slower after being thrashed around on a long-term fleet? And was years older.

[@Jamzkangster]

@callumroberts1 Exactly. im saying the v8 m3 and the 335i/135i are totally different when it comes to price and performance. One is around 60K while the other two start @ mid/high 30K. Comparing this m3 with those two, as an alternative option would defeat the whole purpose of this video, (which one is a better buy at stock prices.) Of course with tuning involving, these two can get similar performances, but not everyone is a tuner therefore it makes sense they used the older m3.

[@AetiusPraetorian]

Wow! I actually heard the same retoric when the RS4 was tested, and later when the C350 AMG was tested. Funny thing was, the 335i was dissed when it was raced against the Mercedes and the RS4. I wonder which is correct? At least here in Germany the fastest cars on the Autobahn are almost always (in this order) Audi, Porsche, BMW and believe it or not Benz makes it to the passing lane as well! I look forward to the new 3 series though, this looks dated.

[@03basesedan]

13 flat, no. maybe if you use the ringer from the car and driver test, but stock e46 m3's run from 13.3-13.5 stock at 104-107.

[@SignificantPodcast]

Because you can buy a Burger Tuning JuiceBox3 for $400, get the same 80 horsepower boost, and keep your BMW factory warranty if you have the sense to take it out before you service it. Any questions?

[@adlsn335]

the sport/m packages only adds slightly better looks, only thing that can actually change performance is wheater is has the M suspension or not.

[@specialagentslowhand]

"...control in the hands of the driver, not the technology." I love that. I was a bit surprised at the results as well. If the new 335i beats the older M3, it is a testament to BMW's continuous improvement in design. Speaking purely aesthetics though, the new 3 series looks like a Pontiac whereas the older M3 was completely unique.

[@font9a]

Merc and Audi are luxurious touring cars. The MB BS is a staggeringly fast dragster. For everyday driving give me the Ultimate Driving Machine from Bavaria. Sublime.

[@362chop]

I have 2010 335 coupe.AWESOME!!!!Lexus is not in same league.Although it is a less expensive alternative.Did that help?

[@whiskeyactual.]

Lol, you sound like a real fan boy, its so entertaining haha.

[@megamanxtc]

If the 335 had a sport package, it would have shadowline trim around it's windows. If the only difference is top speed limit, why when ordering a performance suspension, does the kit differ by if you initially had sport package or not?

[@markcusbarrybus]

love the sound of the e46 m3 though

[@Kev50027]

@jkindian It's a 2002, so it's lost some power over the years and many miles.

[@font9a]

I agree that the S5 is absolutely gorgeous. My 335i is staid in comparison. But in the performance department 4.5 sec 0-60 times, and 60-120 in about 8 seconds is absolutely stupendous in my BMW. The inline 6 is sublime with twin scroll turbos producing 380 RWHP and 380 RWT with a BMS Stage 3. Zero turbo lag, no whine, beautiful exhaust note. The S5 wins the beauty contest undeniably (and performance rocks, too), but the BMW will always be the Ultimate Driving Machine.

[@RembertoBeltran]

Love the e46 M3 exhaust note!

[@DxModel219]

@bigQraz and how about the 2008-2011 M3 ? i believe its the best of all BMWs hands down.

[@nukemiller1]

thanx for the advice. when I get enough money I definately will.

[@DivideBYZero69]

I have an E46 M3 and a 1 series (fully loaded, bar NAV) and there is no new tech that is really a big deal in rhe 1. What you will find is the stuff that was new, advanced and exclusive in the M3 is now standard in the high spec 1 series. Not only that, but my M3 has the advance Intravee II iPod integration with full OEM Nav/Wheel controls. That and my M3 still has a BMW warranty.

[@viggoM35]

Good comparison test I like the lighter, smaller 135i though I don't really like the headlight design they went with, too Japanese looking But in my opinion German automotive engineers design the best cars in the world bar none I've owned mostly BMWs (over 200k miles driven on them)

[@theclarkhome]

Back in 2008 when they posted this they would've been running a car with the N54 motor which is actually a twin turbo. It was a few years later before BMW changed it to the N55 which was the single twin-scroller, and even then the 335is still used the N54.

[@lgrO34]

ok boy i agree with you to say that most of AMG model are not for track like S65 amg CL65 amg E63 amg or C63 amg but if you take a SLS amg or SL63-65 amg... it's made for track and the 65 black série for sure but i agree most of BMW are sporter than benz 335i> C350CGI of course for exemple

[@277777g]

well depending on the spec of M3 what they have American version base model M3 it takes 5.5 sec but European does in 4.8 sec

[@viktord1]

yea that's true. i exaggerated a little bit. i just always liked the sound of a straight 6 better than a v8

[@whothaplaya]

@Dobura Because the new M3 is way ahead in performance than the 335i and 135i so the comparison would be pointless.

[@8MunchenBayern8]

how would more weight give better handling? more weigh equates to more mass slowing the car down.

[@bmwlover0809]

This description is for another video, not this one

[@opwave79]

Was initially interested in the 135 to replace my old Z3, but now maybe I should find myself a preowned M3 instead. Always wanted an M3 anyway.

[@jrs89]

This was really a nice comparison. I surprised me that BMW would let the 135i beat the 335i. Thats good actually. Most car companies try to protect their market segments by purposefully holding their lower end cars back to preserve the prestige of the more expensive cars (Does the Cayman sound familiar?).

[@sixyears]

both the 135 and the 335 have the same engine, the 3.0L bi turbo 6 cylinder. What I mean by Bi turbo is that the engine has two turbos for half of the engine. So for a each turbo is only working for 3 cylinders. Any bmw with the 35i designation will have the 6 cylinder 3.0L bi turbo engine. The 335i was the 1st BMW to be offered with this engine.

[@BryanMaltais]

Yep, 135 is fractionally quicker b/c of its lighter weight, but it's cramped and with little storage, despite the report saying it's as comfortable as the 335. I'll take my 335i any day for drive-ability.

[@ladin425]

nothing beats the sound of the s54 engine!

[@M3Conv]

The American E46 M3 is less powerful than the Euro E46 M3 as it has been fitted with an extra catalytic converter. Even so 5.4 sec doesnt sound right. The Euro versions should do it in around 4.8 sec?

[@nukemiller1]

really? I own a 2005 3.25i and wanted to aspire to the 3.35i. whats the complaint. is the power not all that good for the 50k it costs? after looking at the dealership, I saw the M3 for only a few thousand more dollars than the 3.35i. just curious about the car thats all.

[@Jamzil]

I always wanted to see this comparison because they all use the same engine! Also seems interesting that they all stop with the same amount of ft.

[@megamanxtc]

I would have to disagree because if you decide on ordering BMW Sport Suspension Kit, there is a difference between ordering the kit for a non-sport and a sport suspension model (by VIN). Admittedly, I'm not sure what exactly the difference is.

[@brettholomew21]

Are those 19s heavier than stock? I'd wager that they are.

[@youngb1ood]

lol very good reference. kudos to you on that. imma start using that bummer also.

[@872463051]

@jkindian wow, somebody doesn't know much about cars. It's a 2002 car, which means its about 6 years old at the time. Cars lose quite a bit of power each year, meaning it is not as quick of a car as it was when it first came out. This also explains why it did better on the track than in the 0-60 type tests, because its handling isn't as effected by time as much as it's power is.

[@ultramoo]

in my opinion: 135i - for younger boys/men (20-35yo) with a slightly less budget but still prefer some luxury 335i - for men (30-50+) with more cash to spare and want more features and comfort. over all, both have speed, grunt, and that awesome feel when driving. Forget the specs, both cars are amazing. I love my 135i and enjoy driving it just for fun - not just to get from a to b - Maybe after 5 to 10 years I may upgrade to 335i when I have a bigger family.

[@Beatle1107]

@hassanrb91 I agree. If you use the paddleshifters and put the transmission on SPORT mode in both the 1 and 335i, you can do 4.6ish-4.7 easy with the quarter around 13 like you said. :)

[@djkasdjkasdjdjdj]

I'm thinking about the maintenance and fuel consumption between this two cars if i use it daily, and the performance and how long should i service it regularly to keep the engine always at the top performance

[@wellshii]

they are twin turbo...idk if bi turbo means twin

[@schneegeist]

I enjoy my 06 M3 6spd. It's true you feel every pebble, crack and paint stripe in the road, but there's nothing like it.

[@postersurfman1]

@avidfan185 The 335i coupe. They both have the same twin turbo engine powering the vehicles and the 335i has more interior room. But if you want more space, the 335i also comes in a sedan(4 door) model. In a straight line the 135i wins because it weights a little less. Remember, the maintenence cost on BMWs are high! Buy 1 with 30k -60k miles on it. It will be 7-15 grand cheaper.

[@Spirited_Driver]

What a great video.

[@gravedgr01]

The difference is the the Edmunds drivers are launching like you would launch your own car (preserving the clutch). Magazine reviews do clutch-dropping to get those quick numbers, and the test cars rarely make it past a few thousand miles before requiring repairs.

[@UMOdegaard]

Why did they put in the old M3?

[@SWPF2708]

I think you're right. the 135i would be my car to choose. Driving is not about numbers it's about emotions. When I see a BMW 135 coupé every heartcell screams: "want have!" because it's so damn beautiful. I think it's a pity that you took the old M3, because the new one is a very emotional car, too.

[@e39black540]

(PART 1) I think the 335i twin turbo coupe looks a little better than e46 M3 of course 335i is a newer body style, don't get me wrong, e46 M3 is beautiful and unique with its pure 3.2L inline 6 that produces 333hp that's amazing engineering . And e46 3 series was and probably is, one of the most successful, and reliable BMW's ever made. I am a Bimmer fan, i love them all. In my opinion the E92 M3 is the most beautiful M3 BMW has ever made.

[@camabron1]

The 0-60 time here of 5.4 secs. for the M3 seems rather slow, more actual times are in the 5.0 range in line with the 135i.

[@nonagon1]

I think you missed the context of that post. In this case sideways means drifting, with the back sliding out as you go around a turn. The previous poster made a comment that you couldn't do it with an electronic LSD (like the 135i has). There are many examples that show it is possible...but of course a real LSD would be best.

[@manacor11]

How is the 335 easier to tune than the 135 when they have the same engine...?

[@McAndrew009]

how much slower is a 325,328,and 330 than a 335?...are the models other than the 335 still enjoyable to drive?

[@mao12345]

an M3 that only get 5.4s 0-60? has the transmission been worn down or something? I thought E46 M3s run 4.7-.4.9s?

[@PaceyPimp]

16 minutes ago I have a 335i Chipped everything else is stock and i have done this test and i have one. I only have 375HP 400+tq and its no joke it´s close but M3 loses especially in high terrain or uphill. The suspension is better and the brakes but for me the brakes are good enough the suspension is better if you get sport package like i did and the need wider tiers as it skids out too much with stock tires when you chip the car and help also in curves. And for the price its so much better

[@Baltahfeek]

@RicardoSS85 The135i is a fantastic car. Still, no other car in the same class or category makes the 335i stumble, they say it at the outset of the video. The two cars (335i and 135i) are not in the same category class. One example is the 335i is bigger and heavier than 135i, its a 3 series not a one series. Therefore, the two cars can't be fairly compared head on.The same engine on the 135i doesn't make it in the same class.

[@MBrabusG55]

Which car should i buyy? 2007 IS350 or 2007 335i sedan or any other sedan for around same price?

[@Njderig]

I LOL'd when he said "even volvo" as if its such a surprise.

[@decamerondix]

Bimmers? I've always thought it would be beamer

[@DivideBYZero69]

I didn't find it anywhere, it's written in black and white on my Registration papers, 3246cc. Essentially it is only 5cc short of being called a 3.3, so it's not as wrong as you might like to think, but still not right. Now, the "6.3" AMG, that's also not correct, but MB don't seem to be getting all bent out of shape like you are about it.

[@Berrald]

youmils03 said it... @ MunchenBayern, a CLK DTM is upwards of 250k, hardly an appropriate comparison

[@RicardoSS85]

@Baltahfeek So, no car in the 3 series category makes it stumble, but a car from a lower category (1 series) actually does? If that doesn't add up for the 335i fail (and the 135i major win), I don't know what does!

[@megamanxtc]

This video is comparing a sport packaged 135i vs a non-sport 335i. I'm sure that made a difference in their comparison.

[@hockeyholic8]

@bigQraz 184-204hp diesel depending on year (similar torques, but m3 has it over more range) vs 333hp high reving performance car, most tests say 0-60 in 4.8 seconds... i demand respect lol..

[@TheDarkRainbowSide]

I'm only 14 but i'm gonna save money for the BMW M3 3,2 Coupé, 2001. Can't Wait :D

[@crazyphilly555]

Depending on the year though. Twin turbo before 2011

[@Marcoshary]

Is the M3 cheaper than 135i in the US?

[@liweih21]

Hi, what is the background music? can be found somewhere? want to use as ring tune?

[@duro845]

Less expensive wait til maintenance comes around

[@Voidreape]

geoff of

[@EpiCYTGaming]

Be sure to read edmunds review on my blog before you buy. Go to *edwinreviews. com/edmunds-com-review/* Thanks. Tudor.

[@TheCheezuzChrist]

Can wait for the 1///M

[@propchef]

@feistiindahood Um, you might want to check that. Remember that we're talking about an e46, not and e90