Boost is the stuff...

[BMW135I]

So I have been tolling with the idea of either going aftermarket on my car or getting an e92 m3 (as a bday present to myself)

So as most enthusiast do, it's endless research, conversations, etcc when making such commitments, what's the best, what goes wrong, cost vs worth etc.. Referring both to buying another car and the aftermarket stuff..

Anyway, cut a long story short, I always wanted to own an m3, that was the next step in my car life even tho I could have got one when I got the 135, it wasn't the right time, didn't want to be too young so got the x35 instead (twice) a 335i before the gti and then the 135.

So I went to test drive an e92 m3, good looking car, sexy as hell, ticked all the right boxes.. Except it was manual.

Now, taking into account this has been the dream, the plan, the yah yah moment that is going to change my driving experience To enable me to live what I have wanted to, but somehow I was substantially disappointed, was it the particular m that I test drove, was it because it was manual, I don't know, but all I could think of is how much stronger and thrilling my 135 is.

I did a bit of city driving and highway, so got a fair amount of testing done, but there is something missing. I liked how the car handled, puts the tail out at gear changes, feels quite strong once it gets going and I guess that is the nature of a v8 and I'm not sure if I like it more than my car. Not saying that an m3 is a bad car, because yes even after all that, I just have to have one but perhaps not until my x35 doesn't being me this much joy, I don't know, perhaps this one was a dud, and I need to check a few more, which I will do.

Anyway, the point of this thread is these boosted x35 cars are just phenomal, as jame135 said it as well, the torque is fantastic, been pushed back in your seat, great feeling, It felt good when I jumped back in my car, so perhaps for now i need to enjoy that.


To the guys that say, x35s are for guys that can't buy m3s...It's all about choice, it's not about money. Anyway, I will progressively test out a few over a period of time Abd decide closer to my birthday,

Until then, looks like I will be getting software for the x35.

 

[moranor@axis]

once you get into the high RPM it should be apparent where the V8 is better... torque curve is Flaaaaaat all the way to redline :rollsmile:

 

[SKYF]

i feel that there are a lot of guys who buy M3's just for the name and bragging rights. They know nothing about an m3, but just to have the bragging rights:nonono:
And those that do not own a x35, they really dont know how great a car it is

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Are you down by the coast or at altitude, I imagine driving an M3 at altitude after driving an X35 can feel a bit underwhelming (power wise).

 

[Twinz]

Try test drive the M3 DCT version as well. Perhaps this will persuade you. The M3 e92 is such an acomplished and capable machine its almost too much car for anyone to handle.
:inlove:

 

[SP33DYV]

Here's my take. I have test driven in the region of 10-12 e90 M3's last year before I got the 1M. Every single one of them felt different, performance wise. Some felt super strong and some felt only slightly better than my e46 330i. I think it has a lot to do with the adaptation. Remember the car adapts to your driving style. Maybe get them to reset the adaptation before taking it for a test drive.
I got a dealership to reset the adaptation on an e90 N54 335i, and it felt awesome, but not as awesome as the strongest e90 M3. The E90/92 M3's are awesome cars.:thumbs:

 

[boost3d]

Spend some money and put a jb4 in your x35 and it'll take your car to an entirely different league

:thumbs:

 

[George Smooth]

Sounds like a letter to Dr. Ruth or whatever she is called.

I have the belief that once you drive a turbo charged car it is impossible to drive a Naturally aspirated car with the same joy again.

 

[msm]

I can relate to this totally, especially after jumping out of my 330d and test driving a E46 M3 - the boost certainly spoils you when you find a M car "lacking".

However, there is a solution to the lack of boost for the E90 M3:

G-Power M3

Have a M car and boost :rollsmile:

 

[BMW135I]

Are you down by the coast or at altitude, I imagine driving an M3 at altitude after driving an X35 can feel a bit underwhelming (power wise).

At altitude.. So perhaps there is the difference. The car was good but just not great I think, as I expected.

I did have a fuel smiles And it was more about the look Abd the sound up top.

These cars are world renowned and I am by no means saying a x35 is better, I'm saying it is flippin good

---

Sounds like a letter to Dr. Ruth or whatever she is called.

I have the belief that once you drive a turbo charged car it is impossible to drive a Naturally aspirated car with the same joy again.

This is true, I think only after driving a n/a car again it is in your face how different it is.

 

[Josh-ZN]

for me, turbo cars make me happy

non-turbo cars dont make me as happy.

for others, its the other way around. go with what makes you happy - thats my theory.

:rollsmile:

 

[ASH]

Is an X35i up to the task of being thrashed like an M3, lap after lap?

It think that is where the differences come in, as well as handling balance and braking.

An M3 will always have its admires no matter how slow/fast it is, it is that type of vehicle.

 

[BMW135I]

Agree on handling and balance and I'm also saying that a x35 is not a better car, I am going to get one, perhaps the right one.. The newer m3 or even the e92... What I am saying is that what a joy to jump back into my own car, boost for me is by far more exciting RIGHT NOW. From low down it pushes you back in your seat = big smile.

I'm not looking for a track car and the driving either on the track I would do.. Like I said its more about experience. I felt as tho the m takes to long to get going and getting there is not as exciting as my 135

I must say it felt pretty weird driving a manual after so long

The sound of the m is just epic, the seats are great, driving position fantastic, tail happy power when revving the hell out of if is awesome. In my 135, I can change at 4k rpm with no issues..and it pulls like crazy.

Anyway, I love m3s and if I do get one, I can see lots and lots of test driving and I will definitely have to get a little daily drive as well, for now gna get the jb4 and see how that goes.

 

[135I coupe]

I love the M3, also tested it but there is nothing like turbo power! :rollsmile:

 

[E82 N55 fan]

i reckon the m3 is a much different beast at the coast. i will never by a naturaly aspirated sports car at the reef... to me it just feels that you losing out on 15-20 percent of the car's potential. but then again its not all about power and with the m3 you getting allot of other goodies like handling, sound, looks etc

 

[outlaw335]

I have the belief that once you drive a turbo charged car it is impossible to drive a Naturally aspirated car with the same joy again.

Agreed! Was almost impossible finding a replacement for my 335. The 63 keeping me happy for now but I still miss the twins..

 

[Twinz]

The 63 keeping me happy for now but I still miss...twinz

Thanks for missing me :=):

 

[outlaw335]

The 63 keeping me happy for now but I still miss...twinz

Thanks for missing me :=):

:rollsmile:

 

[Sherwin@xcede]

I disagree but it may be just a case of personal preference. My opinion is from owning both OEM & big turbo cars & NA & now supe, & from driving these cars everyday. Boost is addictive, no doubt. But a responsive high-revving howling engine gives you a satisfation no boosted car can give. And I suppose, in turn, boost can give you a satisfaction no NA car can give.

I was driving a GT3 RS the other day & that surge of the the powerband when the cams kick in & how it holds peak power past 8000rpm & revs with a hoarse raspiness up top is spine tingling. Much the same as revving an M3 to 8400rpm going through a tunnel or the Formula 1 sound of a V10 M5 climaxing in a crescendo of symphon.

 

[Twinz]

Well said Sherwin :thumbs: