Upgrade from 335i Coupe to M3 Convertible

[Tag11]

As per the title, I'm considering switching from my 335i Coupe to an '09 M3 Convertible which has been brought to my attention.

The car looks and sounds fantastic, and not that performance is the most important factor, but I'm a little underwhelmed by the power difference, in fact, I'm not entirely sure if the M3 Conv with the extra weight is in fact quicker than my 335 (Highveld altitudes). What's the official verdict here?

As for comfort, the 335i Coupe is far smoother and more comfortable, but my car is getting a bit long in the tooth and I'm looking for an upgrade - what do you upgrade to if not an M3, and the deal on this convertible seems pretty good.

I had a Z4 previously (1st gen) and while this M3 convertible is stiffer and less rattly than the Z4, it's by no means a perfect drive - it does get a scary amount of attention thought (albeit always males!)

Comments welcome.

 

[ASH M]

I like to see how this one turns out :fencelook:

 

[zama]

Get the new M5 :idea:

 

[Twinz]

New M5 or the new 335. :thumbs:

New M3 is still too far away to be in the selection. :thumbs:

 

[Seether]

The title should read "downgrade from ..."

:fencelook:

 

[Tag11]

Get the new M5 :idea:

New M5 or the new 335. :thumbs:

New M3 is still too far away to be in the selection. :thumbs:

I'm looking at what looks to be a good deal on a used M3 Cab... the M5 and even a new 335i is not on the cards.

The title should read "downgrade from ..."

:fencelook:

This is the part that worries me... in terms of a daily drive, I honestly feel I'd be hard pressed to find something to better the 335i Coupe. But like I said, it's time to move on from this car and what do I upgrade to if not the M3, the fact that I've found a decent Convertible (price is good) is a "bonus".

Is the general consensus that the M3 convertible is not a great car?

 

[MikeR]

:thumbs: nothing wrong.

 

[herr bmw]

go for it

 

[Phumi]

Nothing like an M, its the bench mark...Go for it

 

[Tag11]

Thanks everyone... I think I'm going to go ahead, will post pics after getting it

 

[TheMo]

Just Get it :rollsmile:

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Cant wait to see pix :thumbs:

 

[Tag11]

One more thing... it isn't the M-DCT - just manual with M Dynamic pack - I have no doubt the DCT is more popular and will resell better (maybe 70/30 on popularity) - but apart from that, I have nothing to worry about, right?

Still under motorplan, so BMW assures me of sheer driving pleasure.

 

[M3_FTW]

I went the other way, E90 M3 to 335i coupe (freeing up some cash for my business)

The 335i is a better daily driver, but it is no M3. I wouldnt suggest going for the Vert, I would rather get an E92 M3.

Just my 2c

 

[Seether]

Thanks everyone... I think I'm going to go ahead, will post pics after getting it

:facepalm:

 

[Tag11]

I went the other way, E90 M3 to 335i coupe (freeing up some cash for my business)

The 335i is a better daily driver, but it is no M3. I wouldnt suggest going for the Vert, I would rather get an E92 M3.

Just my 2c

Thanks everyone... I think I'm going to go ahead, will post pics after getting it

:facepalm:

Gee, you guys certainly don't help the cause - I'm trying to avoid buyer's remorse.

You don't exactly provide reasons for your advice/opinion, please could you?

Thanks.

 

[Nukleuz]

Tag11,

You are asking people for there personal opinions.
You are obviously going to get a million different answers.

We all know that the 335's are almost , if not as fast as the m3's up here at the reef. But that does not mean its slow, if you are more than happy with the "speed " of your 335, then why not get the m3 which is as fast, just prettier, nicer interior, more sought after and after all , an M car.

 

[M3_FTW]

In my opinion the ///M moniker doesnt belong on an convertible. I have driven plenty E46 M3 verts as well as E9x M3 verts. They all felt watered down compared to their Coupe/Sedan counterparts.

Performance difference is quite large, my E90 M3 used to PK the Vert V8's.

I feel that the Vert's are for the poseurs out there. But if it works for you then thats all that counts.

---

Tag11,

You are asking people for there personal opinions.
You are obviously going to get a million different answers.

We all know that the 335's are almost , if not as fast as the m3's up here at the reef. But that does not mean its slow, if you are more than happy with the "speed " of your 335, then why not get the m3 which is as fast, just prettier, nicer interior, more sought after and after all , an M car.

Agree with you on all parts except the interior bit. They are pretty much identical. Biggest difference is the seats.

 

[Seether]

In my opinion the ///M moniker doesnt belong on an convertible. I have driven plenty E46 M3 verts as well as E9x M3 verts. They all felt watered down compared to their Coupe/Sedan counterparts.

Performance difference is quite large, my E90 M3 used to PK the Vert V8's.

I feel that the Vert's are for the poseurs out there. But if it works for you then thats all that counts.

+1

what he said ... couldn't put it better than that

 

[Tag11]

Folks, thanks for the candid answers... I completely understand and agree that opinions are personal, but it's human nature to try and get consensus from the masses, that's why forums like this are fun as well as useful.

Ultimately it's my decision as I have to pay and live with it, and I have personal taste which must be fulfilled.

If I had to be brutally honest, having owned a Z3 and a Z4 in the past (younger = poseur), I'd admit to rather wanting an E92 M3 Coupe as I'm past the whole top-down loud noise and rattles that a convertible offer. Likewise, I could do with less attention.

But I think this is a good deal, so I'll force myself to suffer with a drop-top for a while ;-) Perhaps in a year or so I'll get an E92 M-DCT (Can't see myself paying over a bar for the new one)

Thanks again for all your comments - feel free to submit more - will get pics by the end of the week.

 

[M3_FTW]

Folks, thanks for the candid answers... I completely understand and agree that opinions are personal, but it's human nature to try and get consensus from the masses, that's why forums like this are fun as well as useful.

Ultimately it's my decision as I have to pay and live with it, and I have personal taste which must be fulfilled.

If I had to be brutally honest, having owned a Z3 and a Z4 in the past (younger = poseur), I'd admit to rather wanting an E92 M3 Coupe as a I'm past the whole top-down loud noise and rattles that a convertible offer. Likewise, I could do with less attention.

But I think this is a good deal, so I'll force myself to suffer with a drop-top for a while ;-) Perhaps in a year or so I'll get an E92 M-DCT (Can't see myself paying over a bar for the new one)

Thanks again for all your comments - feel free to submit more - will get pics by the end of the week.

I have an awesome exhaust for it if you want. MP Approved :=):

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