[Dylanize]

Ok I know this may be a biased forum based on my question but I'm gonna ask anyways.

High(er) Mileage 6spd 335i or

High(er) Mileage 6spd E46 M3?


The E46 M3 has been a dream car of mine since it came out. But I know they can be hit or miss especially higher mileage.

However It seems like the same can be said about the 335i.

My budget is 20k preferably less

I am pretty handy as far as DIY, so regular maintenance isn't the scary thing for me, just major things I probably can't do at home.

This would be my daily driver, so that part makes me lean towards the 335.

I'd love to hear your input on this, especially any previous E46 owners!

Thanks guys, just tossing the idea around :P

[Zach1328]

Tough question as they're very different cars. Are you going to be modding it? Do you want the most bang for your buck? Do you want the better handling car?

The 335i obviously has way more potential - I'm sure you've seen and heard about plenty of n54's that are pushing down 400+whp with a minimal amount of mods.
An FBO e46 M3 would be lucky to put down 325whp.
On a 335i FBO + Meth + e85/race gas you'd be looking at upwards of 450whp. A naturally aspirated e46 M3 is never going to keep up with a fully modded 335i.

However, the e46 M3 is going to handle better and probably get more looks than a 335i.

I'm sure this isn't the answer you're looking for, but test drive both and see which one you like better. I was once looking for a 335i or e46 m3 and ended up opting for the more luxurious 535i.
I recently purchased an '07 335i too because of my addiction to the n54. The n54 is truly a great engine! In the end, they're both great cars/engines and you really can't go wrong with either.

[awesomee92]

For a higher milage car I would always go with a naturally aspirated engine, E46 M3 all the way.

[bender rodriguez]

Id pick the one that leaves the most money to fix all the things that will break on it.

[Zach1328]

Originally Posted by awesomee92

For a higher milage car I would always go with a naturally aspirated engine, E46 M3 all the way.

Good point. You never know when you'll need new turbo's and get hammered with a $5k+ repair bill. At the same time - you gotta pay to play!
Worst case if I blow my turbo's I'll be completely content with upgrading to some RB's!

Don't get hung up on reliability of the cars though. At the end of the day its all about luck and how well you maintain it. Some n54's will go 150k miles with no issues, while some e46 m3's may rack up $10k in repairs alone before 150k. Or vice versa.

[thestimp]

Hands down M3, naturally aspirated and less can go wrong. With a technical system like the 335 when you have a fault, you have a fubar. Plus the M3 is just an all round car already where as the 335 needs to constantly pump money into to keep it in modders shape. M3 is also the best in its class, since forever.

[oregondonor]

Super tough decision.

Personally I tend to shy away from high mileage used vehicles. There were issues with the E46 M3s that were later resolved. Oil leaks and head gasket are the two I know of from owners I personally know. I would spend a lot of time carefully selecting the M3. Single owner that is willing to divulge all issues would make me rest easy.

The M3 has a status that the 335 will never have. Even my buddies E36 M3 gets more props than my lowly E92.

I prefer the E9x body style over the E46 and I like the fact that a non-M car can make more horsepower.

My vote would be for the 335. Probably more based on looks than anything else.

[Zach1328]

Originally Posted by thestimp

Plus the M3 is just an all round car already where as the 335 needs to constantly pump money into to keep it in modders shape. M3 is also the best in its class, since forever.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean "best in its class", but I would disagree with that. If you're talking performance - there are better cars. If you're talking comfort - there are MUCH better cars. If you're talking handling - again, there are better cars.

Also, I own 2 n54's and haven't had to "pump" money into either one of them. The 3 big things to keep it in "modders shape" are spark plugs, ignition coils, and oil changes. Nothing the e46 M3 won't need from time to time.
Before I bought my 535i the mechanic at my indy shop warned me about the reliability of the e46 m3 and the 135/335/535 n54's.

I asked which one costs more to maintain/repair and he just laughed - told me they're both very expensive to maintain.
Although, at the end he added in that he see's more e46 M3's in his shop than n54's.
Again, this comparison SHOULD NOT take reliability into account. They're both expensive to maintain and it really comes down to which one you're willing to put the money into!

[mmm def]

I had both an E90 335 and an E46 M3-tough decision, both awesome cars. I liked the E90 335 more as a DD with all that low end torque and taller gearing, it's just easier day to day. The M3 was more fun and engaging. If I had to make the decision now, I'd go with the E46 M3. I'd be scared with the reliability on a high mileage 335 more than the M3.

[uberbeast21]

well i too had the option between the 335i and an e46 m3 in my opinion you should go with your dream car the m3 because you only live once.