Can't decide between a BMW 335i or an M3? Well, starting in 2011 you'll have a third choice to fret about via the new 335is. Offered on just the coupe and convertible, the 335is comes with a handful of performance and cosmetic modifications to make it stand out from the base 335i. The price of admission is an extra $7,000 on top of the 335i.
That is, well, a rather hefty chunk of change. Is it worth it? Conveniently, I had a short opportunity to decide when driving a 335is coupe at a BMW press event. First, I'll point you to Inside Line's first drive article for all the nifty details. But in brief, you get a different version of the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-6 engine (320 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque plus an overboost function to briefly raise torque to 370 lb-ft), a sport exhaust, an M Sport body kit, special wheels and the option to order the DCT automated manual transmission. Interestingly, the 335is is a North American market product only; Europe doesn't get it.
Nail the throttle and the overboost function can certainly be felt, especially if you drive the 335is back to back with a regular 335i. If you're at a dealership, I'd recommend trying it. It's not a huge difference, but BMW claims a reduction in the 0 to 60 mph sprint by about 0.2 or 0.3 seconds, which seems reasonable. The sport exhaust is definitely a nice addition. It's not overly loud but adds a nice snarl to the exhaust note.
The suspension tuning isn't any different than what comes with the sport package, and 335i coupes come with this as standard already. But the ride quality/handling balance is nearly ideal with the sport package for an enthusiast-oriented luxury sport coupe, so this is hardly a negative. The sport seats and meaty steering wheel (also from the sport package) also add a nice sporting twist to the driving experience. The DCT transmission is pretty much the same unit as on the M3, but BMW has dialed back the shift speed and engagement to better match the 335is' demeanor.
Whether this is all worth $7,000 (or more if you order DCT) will probably depend on what your plans are. For somebody who was planning on buying a 335i and then adding a few aftermarket mods, the 335is definitely makes sense. Sure, it'd be cheaper to go aftermarket, but the 335is gives you piece-of-mind via the factory warranty. And the 335is is indeed something special with a bit of heritage backing the "is" moniker. But for the opposite ends of the 3 Series spectrum -- the general 335i buyer or the prospective M3 buyer -- I'd say to sit out. Buyers of the 335i won't find enough different with the 335is to justify the cost, while the M3 is still on a higher -- and completely justified -- level altogether, even if it is another $9,000.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor
By blueguydotcom
on May 21, 2010
09:49 AM
Way too expensive for too little in upgrades. The jump on the ZHP in the e46 was about 3k over the normal sport package and you got far more upgrades (engine, suspension, exhaust, tranny, interior, exterior).
For 7k this is little more than an ECU enhancement, exhaust and some exterior panels.
By clarkma5
on May 21, 2010
07:35 PM
I didn't realize the 335is just had the same suspension as the sport package 335i...that really rules it out as being interesting at all for me. Basically just an engine chip and a cosmetic package on a 335i for $7000? No thank you, it would need a divine suspension to justify that sort of price.
By estreka
on May 22, 2010
06:23 AM
Personally, I prefer the aftermarket anyway. You can get some real quality products at competitive prices.
Even Dinan offers better deals, and those are warrantied (384hp/421tq for $8K).
http://www.dinancars.com/store/product.php?productid=3895&cat=505&page=1
By mlh
on May 24, 2010
09:56 AM
Is it just me or does the convertible with the top up look much better than the coupe?
By blueguydotcom
on May 24, 2010
12:13 PM
The convertible looks sharp top down or up (like the old 240SX coupe v. hatchback). But the 3 series convertible is an elephant in terms of weight and handling. That the M3 is available as a convertible is even more perplexing. It's the antithesis of sporty.