[335ier]

Ok, so I see alot here go from a 335i to a M3. I took the M3 out for a test drive and was very disappointed. When you have a remapped twin turbo engine the torque is amazing and fuel economy is very acceptable considering the performance of the thing. I am sure around a track the M3 would be better however how many people actually take there cars to a track on a regular basis or even have the balls and skill to push these things to the limit to justify 21 or so mpg? I am still to test drive the Alpina s bi turbo, but I imagine it is an easier car to live with 31 mpg 400hp almost 25% more torque than the M3 and non back breaking sports suspension you can also get a limited slip diff on the options list for £1600 for the M car feel this car to me sounds like a mechanical masterpiece.

Has anyone here ever considered or driven the Alpina B3 S BI Turbo? What is it about the M3 that I am missing?..or is everyone missing the Alpina B3 S?

[Em135eye]

Uh oh...

[themetz]

The Alpina thing doesn't do it for me...

[zltm089]

why were u disappointed? ...

[Estoril Sport]

I choose an Alpina for the following: cheaper car ownership, e.g on fuel, servicing, road tax just £190 (PLG rate). Depreciation is expected to be no less than an M3. Alpina’s own suspension setup.

Exclusivity only 3 B3 Coupes where imported in 2009, car is not shouting look at me I’m an M3!

Do don’t have to rev it high to get enjoyment out. Low end exhaust tone, the auto box is good in manual mode smooth and quick changing. The power just keeps on coming, no end to it.

Downside: If you are ordering a car to your spec you could be waiting to arrive generally 6 months! And forget discount, I think an M3 would have been cheaper to buy after adding on the extras and you might have to pay a surcharge!

I look forward in reading your commets after your test drive 335ier!

[Ant Man]

335ier,

I couldn't quite understand the last part of the last sentence but I was going to buy a 335i and instead went for the M3. Heart and head both gave the M3 the nod.

Am I glad? You bet Every time I start the M3 in my garage from cold, it's an event. The fast, rough and very mechanical sound echos off the walls before the V8 clears it's throat and settles down It's truly glorious.

Compared to the 335i, the M3 feels more mechanical, is noiser a low speeds and I really feel part of the driving experience. It's very different from the more civilised 335; I really feel engaged when driving it, especially in M mode with the damping, throttle map and steering changed for sport driving. I didn't get these feelings when briefly driving 335i. As soon as I sat in the M3, it felt special and right.

With EDC in comfort mode it's also far better over bumps than the Msport 335 too.

The M3 isn't for everyone and you should but the car that gives you the most pleasure and at the end of the day, only what matters to you is important

[335ier]

The reason the M3 disappointed me was the extreme light steering feel, lack of in gear push just didn't equal the fuel mpg in short the engine felt like a downgrade. Everything else especially that cool suspension/M button was good, but I felt for such a significant price jump the M3 lacked a wow factor. I remember when I test drove my 335i within 5 Minuit's I knew I was going to buy the car. After the drive I got back into my car and the 335i engine (remapped) felt so much more agressive....which put the smile back on my face.

[Em135eye]

Bbbut but but but - the M3 has a V8 - that's enough reason alone!

[335ier]

I am sorry to say that V8 just needs more! the sound is only good from outside. Unlike other v8s I have driven it has no drama. boooo!!

[BGM]

if i had the money i would have an Alpina over m3 any day of the week..

i don't have the money (not yet anyway) so it's not really an issue.. but the more B3s that get bought between now and when i want to change my car the more choice i'll have

very very nearly went for a D3 last last year.. but was put off by the lack of Nav

B3 doooo iiiitttt!!!

[swanseahammer]

Originally Posted by BGM

if i had the money i would have an Alpina over m3 any day of the week..

i don't have the money (not yet anyway) so it's not really an issue.. but the more B3s that get bought between now and when i want to change my car the more choice i'll have

very very nearly went for a D3 last last year.. but was put off by the lack of Nav

B3 doooo iiiitttt!!!

+1

[BGM]

ahh swansea.. i'm in swansea too at the moment

working at the good old dvla

[wayne71]

Can I have my license back please?

[dxb335d]

You need to drive it like a tosser for it to feel quick. At 40mph don't drop to 3rd drop to 2nd etc.

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by BGM

very very nearly went for a D3 last last year.. but was put off by the lack of Nav

And the gutless bottom end perchance?.......

[creepy coupe]

You know something 335eir, I’m glad you posted you thoughts, because for some time I have been considering the M3 and have driven three different cars up to now, I’ve been a bit reluctant to say too much for fear of sounding like the poor relation, who can’t afford one and is just spouting sour grapes.

The truth is, all three cars I’ve driven, not one has left me thinking, I must have this car. Now that’s not to say the M3’s a bad car, more about how good the 335i is.

I also found the straight ahead steering to be a bit vague and the engine noise too only really be noticeable with the windows rolled down. In fact my car with the exhaust valve disconnected sounds more noticeable on part throttle.

The strange thing is I’d still own one, I have a itch that’s needs scratching, I also think you need to be with the M3 for a few days to really appreciate it for what it is, the lightening throttle repose you just don’t get with a turbo engined car, no matter how lag free they might be. The turn in at higher road speeds, the way the thing looks over an M Sport 3 series ( a matter of opinion) The strange thing is, every dealer I’ve been to, when I ask them for a PX value on mine, all have looked at me, like I’m not serious and why would I be trading in a 335i with DCT for one, maybe their onto something.

If I do buy one it will be a pre owned and one with the later idrive and nav. Having had the later version, I don’t think I could go back, so March 2009 on really, also they have dropped a bit in price, to an acceptable level.

[Em135eye]

Originally Posted by YvesD

And the gutless bottom end perchance?.......

No no no no - just the lack of nav. Critical to any car these days on our enormous and impossible to navigate island...

[xenon]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

Bbbut but but but - the M3 has a V8 - that's enough reason alone!

I stopped and held my breath - a post from 335diesel that I agree with!

But it didn't last for long until he started banging on about sodding nav again....

Normal service is resumed.

[creepy coupe]

Well he does live in Cornwall, they still think black and white telly's are cutting edge.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

No no no no - just the lack of nav. Critical to any car these days on our enormous and impossible to navigate island...

I am using nav as an interchangeable term to mean idrive