I'm thinking about a BMW 335D as a nice commuter/daily and keeping the S as a weekend/track toy.

Apparently if you remap these 350BHP and 600 torques is within easy reach? Plus 38mpg on a run.. They look awesome too and all the reviews seeem good.

I had a 330 E46 a couple of years ago and really liked that, so this could be a good option

Anyone had any experience of them? Any caveats or drawbacks to consider? I'd be looking at the M Sport coupe (4 door looks horrible from the back IMO!)

 

I have a 535d, estate as the practical family beast.

I can only give my views on the engine / performance as the rest isn't relevant to you if you're after a 3'er.

Mine is standard (still under BMW warranty). Obviously the 5 T is heavier than the 3 C - but rarely does it feel lacking in the go department. In a straight line I reckon the S would be similar performance stats. A lighter 3 would be a little quicker.

On a motorway run it'll get 42mpg (at 70 mph), drops a little the higher you go!

For the day to day London suburbs driving it hangs around 33 mpg.

Mine's the auto, so slightly less economical than the manual, but not many people don't tick the auto option.

 

m1bjr is the resident 335i fan boi and modifier.

M3 coupe here. 22mpg is my running average and that is 97 octane.

On good road surfaces not so bad, but E90 series 3 has run flat tyres. Not so good on country roads.

The M3 doesn't have run flats. Is softer on the 18" wheels but not so as 19"ers

 

I used to drive round in my Dad's 635d (with M Sport) and now X5 35d when the S was getting repaired and the engine is sublime, so smooth and the power delivery is very linear. The only problem is that just as you get going it runs out of puff and has to change, maybe this is coming from a S2k where they just rev and you don't have to worry for a while but its just a trait of having a diesel I think. So you would need the auto tbh.

They are a fantastic engine in a straight line, but not great on country lanes as you are forever hunting for the power band. Pretty economical too, the X5 which is a beast gets about 28mpg and the 635d was about 33-40mpg, both figures on a motorway run.

Would I get one to replace the S2k? No way, but as a beater they are pretty good.

 

Yes I have nearly bought one as second car but didn't want get it on tick as good ones are around 17k and can't afford one now.

Good mpg and superb performance, yes we've had one on the rollers was around 340bhp though, with monster torque.

Would have to get m sport kit though.

Love them.

 

not torquey enough.

 

See now I've just been talking to a friend who has the petrol... he averages 27mpg on his way to work which is better than my S.. and from a twin turbo 3 liter.. And petrols are a couple of grand cheaper than the diesels, would be more fun on twistys... uh oh...

 

It will have a lot more than your VXR when remapped, around 530ish lb ft.

 

They fetch a big premium. Diesels will feel quick but they will never feel special. The noise is just shyte.

You'd get a 2006 M3 for that money, or go to 25k and get a v10 M5 (this is my plan)

But then i do fug all miles atm

 

I had a 335D tiptronic.

Quick, quicker then the S over 100mph but not below. Mine was standard.

Kept getting electrical problems with mine, major so i got rid.