Wow! 335i test drive

[SCA]

So I was on the road today and swung by BMW of Chattanooga where they had received a 328 black, auto and PP, 335 silver, step, SP & PP, and a 335, space gray/coral red, 6 speed, SP and PP (sold). There may have been addtional options.

I am still unsure about the exterior design, but I must admit that Space Gray/Coral Red rocks!

I took the silver, step for a very quick drive (1-2 miles). HOLY SHIT! This car is f'ing fast. It seriously makes the 330 seem like a boring snail. The amount of torque available in the low rev range is just incredible! You can certainly hear the N54 more than a N52 when your foot is into the throttle and the exhaust sounds great (throaty)! Unlike a select few I felt the the E92 balance was not nearly a good as the E90. The ride was a little rough, almost choppy. In fact, so much so that I questioned if the shipping blocks were still installed. I have to state that it is just evil that BMW AG did not offer this engine in the beginning.


I took some pics with my cell phone, but I am having issues with Verizon.

Go test drive this car!

[Optimus Prime]

Go test drive this car!

No :mad2:

I'm satisfied with the 330 and I fear driving the 335 will make the remaining time with the 330 miserable. :ack:

[SCA]

No :mad2:

I'm satisfied with the 330 and I fear driving the 335 will make the remaining time with the 330 miserable. :ack:

That's how I felt and in fact I initially turned down the short drive. I told the rep that I was fearful that I would end up hating my car, but the more I talked to the sales rep and the more I looked at the car, I said "Screw it, lets go!"

[lemming]

So I was on the road today and swung by BMW of Chattanooga where they had received a 328 black, auto and PP, 335 silver, step, SP & PP, and a 335, space gray/coral red, 6 speed, SP and PP (sold). There may have been addtional options.

I am still unsure about the exterior design, but I must admit that Space Gray/Corel Red rocks!

I took the silver, step for a very quick drive (1-2 miles). HOLY SHIT! This car is f'ing fast. It seriously makes the 330 seem like a boring snail. The amount of torque available in the low rev range is just incredible! You can certainly hear the N54 more than a N52 when your foot is into the throttle and the exhaust sounds great (throaty)! Unlike a select few I felt the the E92 balance was not nearly a good as the E90. The ride was a little rough, almost choppy. In fact, so much so that I questioned if the shipping blocks were still installed. I have to state that it is just evil that BMW AG did not offer this engine in the beginning.


I took some pics with my cell phone, but I am having issues with Verizon.

Go test drive this car!

i'm excited about this car, too. i would love this drivetrain in the wagon configuration, though!

(not to be a smartass, but have you driven a G35 or something with a v8? it might put some perspective on this --no doubt this is exciting for BMWphiles, but it's really just BMW getting with the times).

[SCA]

(not to be a smartass, but have you driven a G35 or something with a v8? it might put some perspective on this --no doubt this is exciting for BMWphiles, but it's really just BMW getting with the times).



I have not driven a G35 in several years, but I haven driven an SL500 and 745iL occasionally within the past year. The butt dyno says the 335 torque feels stronger than the 745, but not nearly there on the SL500. I will say that the 335 felt quicker than my friend's former '04 STi.

[lemming]

I have not driven a G35 in several years, but I haven driven an SL500 and 745iL occasionally within the past year. The butt dyno says the 335 torque feels stronger than the 745, but not nearly there on the SL500. I will say that the 335 felt quicker than my friend's former '04 STi.

did you feel any lag?

or softness below 2500rpms?

[SCA]

In my very brief test drive I noticed none, nada, zero...;) I will state that my foot was in it throughout the TD.

I came to a complete stop twice and then punch it, each time I was forcefully thrown into the seat back. The power always came on strong and fairly quick. :D

[rumatt]

Why did you have to post this?


:mad2:

[SCA]

Why did you have to post this?


:mad2:


:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


A coupe is no longer practical for me, but the N54 moves to the sedan SOP 09.06

[FC]

Why did you have to post this?


:mad2:

:+1

[ARCHER]

:+1

No shit! We’ve only had the ZHP for a few months and you go and do this...

[ff]

When you consider the price, this is more car than the same money that was spent on a certain 2002 330i. I still don't want to call it a bargain in the segment, but as far as BMW's prices go, this really is. The 328 sedan should be real interesting.

[SCA]

Hopefully I will get an opportunity to test drive the 335 6 speed at my local center later this week.

[Plaz]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163972

:ack:

[FC]

:ack:

:+1

On a brand-spanking new engine like that, I'd wait one if not two years before I'd pull the trigger.

Shame.:(

[SCA]

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163972

:ack:


I also saw that, but as someone else mentioned to me, it is being blown out of proportion.

Just an FYI, there have been many reported cases of the N52 going prior to the break-in being completed. In fact one of them was delivered from my local center. The engine failed on the way back to the owners home on the west coast

[iateyourcheese]

I also saw that, but as someone else mentioned to me, it is being blown out of proportion.

Just an FYI, there have been many reported cases of the N52 going prior to the break-in being completed. In fact one of them was delivered from my local center. The engine failed on the way back to the owners home on the west coast

Many reported cases... :ack: That just shouldn't happen with a modern engine.

[Doug]

In my very brief test drive I noticed none, nada, zero...;) I will state that my foot was in it throughout the TD.

I came to a complete stop twice and then punch it, each time I was forcefully thrown into the seat back. The power always came on strong and fairly quick. :D

No smokey funny car style burnouts?

[SCA]

No smokey funny car style burnouts?


lol...nope. I look forward to spending some quality behind the wheel of the manual trans 335 though.

[ff]

That just shouldn't happen with a modern engine.

I agree. They shouldn't stall while waiting at red lights either.

[zeroday]

I also saw that, but as someone else mentioned to me, it is being blown out of proportion.

Just an FYI, there have been many reported cases of the N52 going prior to the break-in being completed. In fact one of them was delivered from my local center. The engine failed on the way back to the owners home on the west coast

I'm REALLY close to cancelling my 335 order. I've gone through this kind of thing before with other FMY cars. no way i'm going through it again. How did you hear of other problems like this? Any links?

[SCA]

I'm REALLY close to cancelling my 335 order. I've gone through this kind of thing before with other FMY cars. no way i'm going through it again. How did you hear of other problems like this? Any links?



Mainly at www.e90post.com

[Theo]

Is TD on vacation or is he just avoiding this thread all together since the 335i sedan was introduced. =P

[Sharp11]

Is TD on vacation or is he just avoiding this thread all together since the 335i sedan was introduced. =P

I think "TD" in this case means "test drive" - why the thread poster didn't just spell it out is a mystery :dunno:

Ed

[SCA]

I think "TD" in this case means "test drive" - why the thread poster didn't just spell it out is a mystery :dunno:

Ed


1. I felt like it and 2. it has been used here previously. :mad2:

Lastly, I believe TBM3C is just commenting that is unusual that Tom has not chimed in yet, especially given that he owns an E90 330.

[undefined]

I think "TD" in this case means "test drive" - why the thread poster didn't just spell it out is a mystery :dunno:

Ed

Why don't you go by EdConnecticut over at the Fest?

:D

[Theo]

Lastly, I believe TBM3C is just commenting that is unusual that Tom has not chimed in yet, especially given that he owns an E90 330.


Ummm yup.

[SCA]

Ummm yup.



That is what I thought. ;)

[TD]

I hadn't been avoiding the thread. I just haven't really felt that I've had anything to add.

I've got a lease on a 330i for another 2.5 years (give or take a month). And I can't see getting another E9X after this one (need more variety).

Eventually I'm sure I'll drive one. And I'm quite sure it'll be fast.

For some reason, the latest E9X news all sort of underwhelms me. I see the threads and "spy pics" and yawn.

I have my car. It is extremely good, if not a bit boring.

[Theo]

I hadn't been avoiding the thread. I just haven't really felt that I've had anything to add.

I've got a lease on a 330i for another 2.5 years (give or take a month). And I can't see getting another E9X after this one (need more variety).

Eventually I'm sure I'll drive one. And I'm quite sure it'll be fast.

For some reason, the latest E9X news all sort of underwhelms me. I see the threads and "spy pics" and yawn.

I have my car. It is extremely good, if not a bit boring.

Ahhh see I flushed him out!! jk

In all seriousness though, you got a great deal on your lease. From some of the threads I have been seeing at BF talking about 36 month leases on the 335i being around $750 a month for 36 month term, I would be happy with the deal you got. =)

[SCA]

Re: the E92 335i from a ZHP owner.

It does look much better in person....I just drove a the manual 335 demo...it had 34 miles on it...WOW...this thing is rocket compared to my ZHP 330...WOW...the car idles in the upper 100's and just blipping the gas while letting the clutch out gets you up over 1K and the freaking TORQUE is THERE!

WOW WOW WOW

I was pleasantly pleased that you can definitely hear engine noise in the cabin starting at 3-4K...it has pull in every gear!

This engine will be a silent assassin...nobody can guess how quick it is unless you actually drive it!!!

[lemming]

Re: the E92 335i from a ZHP owner.

It does look much better in person....I just drove a the manual 335 demo...it had 34 miles on it...WOW...this thing is rocket compared to my ZHP 330...WOW...the car idles in the upper 100's and just blipping the gas while letting the clutch out gets you up over 1K and the freaking TORQUE is THERE!

WOW WOW WOW

I was pleasantly pleased that you can definitely hear engine noise in the cabin starting at 3-4K...it has pull in every gear!

This engine will be a silent assassin...nobody can guess how quick it is unless you actually drive it!!!

poor kids.

they've been so brainwashed by HP/litre and stratospheric redlines that they've never encountered real torque before in their lives.

:D

[killerdeck]

Thought this thread was interesting. Claiming about 315-325 hp and 330 - 340 torque for the 335 based on dyno:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165005

[Jeff_DML]

Thought this thread was interesting. Claiming about 315-325 hp and 330 - 340 torque for the 335 based on dyno:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165005

interesting, evo/subaru turner doing BMWs now:?

thanks for the link

[rumatt]

First Attempt: we 'Tooned' a 335i (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165585)

The gains were greatest at higher engine speeds. At 7000rpm, we picked up nearly 70whp with richer-than-stock A/F ratio. Peak WHP increased from 278 to 310whp at 6000rpm. Torque from 288lb-ft to 311lb-ft

[iateyourcheese]

First Attempt: we 'Tooned' a 335i (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165585)

A nice "toon". The stock engine really dies off near redline, doesn't it. While it's the first tune, it makes the engine so much more interesting. Before, the driver would hit 5.6 - 6k rpms and need to decide whether or not to shift. This tune broadens where the engine is at peak power (~ 5600) to a flat spot between 6000 to 6500. Now, take the engine to 6500 rpms or higher, shift, and you'll end up with better power delivery.

[FC]

A nice "toon". The stock engine really dies off near redline, doesn't it. While it's the first tune, it makes the engine so much more interesting. Before, the driver would hit 5.6 - 6k rpms and need to decide whether or not to shift. This tune broadens where the engine is at peak power (~ 5600) to a flat spot between 6000 to 6500. Now, take the engine to 6500 rpms or higher, shift, and you'll end up with better power delivery.

I agree, and it is pretty awesome to see this type of thing from BMW on a non-M car.

[IndyMike]

I drove the 6sp Space gray/Coral demo everyone has yesterday.

Aesthetically, I am really digging the exterior style of the coupe. The front facia is way less offensive than the e90. The e92 has a more rounded facia, and where the e90 has a cleft in its chin spoiler the e92 has a more aggressive and better integrated appearance; plus the demo's color combo is dynamite. The only better combo IMO would be Sparkling graphite with Coral red, and possibly Montego blue with Saddle brown.

As far as driving dynamics goes, I felt lukewarm about the overall performance of the 335. While it did feel quicker than my ZHP, it really wasn't appreciably quicker to my butt dyno. That might be because my car at 11.5k miles is nicely broken in, whereas the e92 hasn't been loosened up yet. Plus it has the same isolated feel that the e90 has, to wit that it handles and performs very capably, but it's not very fun or involving.

I had thought I might have moderate interest in the saloon derivitive, and asked the CA to notify me once their demo comes in in October. But given my reservations about the exterior and interior (still can't warm up to the cold driver eccentric dash design) faux paux's, plus the substantial increase in price I don't think I'll bite.

Design wise, other than the rear vents and dual climate controls at this point I honestly can't find anything about the e9#'s that I like significantly better than my ZHP.

Performance wise (power, shifting, steering & handling) my car is not far below in any category.

So while the numbers do point to the e9# being superior, viscerally to me it all gets lost in translation due to the perceptive loss of road feel. No doubt the run-flats have something to do with that.

But man, I do really like the appearance and color combo's available on the coupe.

It may warrant a few more test drives of the manual to see if I could live with its shortcomings.

[lemming]

I drove the 6sp Space gray/Coral demo everyone has yesterday.

Aesthetically, I am really digging the exterior style of the coupe. The front facia is way less offensive than the e90. The e92 has a more rounded facia, and where the e90 has a cleft in its chin spoiler the e92 has a more aggressive and better integrated appearance; plus the demo's color combo is dynamite. The only better combo IMO would be Sparkling graphite with Coral red, and possibly Montego blue with Saddle brown.

As far as driving dynamics goes, I felt lukewarm about the overall performance of the 335. While it did feel quicker than my ZHP, it really wasn't appreciably quicker to my butt dyno. That might be because my car at 11.5k miles is nicely broken in, whereas the e92 hasn't been loosened up yet. Plus it has the same isolated feel that the e90 has, to wit that it handles and performs very capably, but it's not very fun or involving.

I had thought I might have moderate interest in the saloon derivitive, and asked the CA to notify me once their demo comes in in October. But given my reservations about the exterior and interior (still can't warm up to the cold driver eccentric dash design) faux paux's, plus the substantial increase in price I don't think I'll bite.

Design wise, other than the rear vents and dual climate controls at this point I honestly can't find anything about the e9#'s that I like significantly better than my ZHP.

Performance wise (power, shifting, steering & handling) my car is not far below in any category.

So while the numbers do point to the e9# being superior, viscerally to me it all gets lost in translation due to the perceptive loss of road feel. No doubt the run-flats have something to do with that.

But man, I do really like the appearance and color combo's available on the coupe.

It may warrant a few more test drives of the manual to see if I could live with its shortcomings.

curious and curiouser.

that an e46 has much better "feel" than an e90/92.

i know i drive a numb lead sled, but in my old fogey memory, the e46 was novocaine compared to my e36s.

surprising? no. i think BMW gets enough criticism as it is for making the e46m3 suspension too "harsh" so they put too many softening bushings between the chassis and the car seats.

[Sharp11]

It may warrant a few more test drives of the manual to see if I could live with its shortcomings.

Once you get past all the marketing hype over the 335, the 328 with its lighter weight (by some 200lbs) in a simple configuration, perhaps a premium package and that's it, could be the more fun and tossable choice. Probably more reliable, and economical, too.

It still comes in around 40k, so equipped, but I'd be willing to bet it'll be a good used bargain in a few months.

Anyway, it's the one I'd be looking at, I simply don't need to get to a Starbucks eight tenths of a second quicker.

Ed

[lemming]

Once you get past all the marketing hype over the 335, the 328 with its lighter weight (by some 200lbs) in a simple configuration, perhaps a premium package and that's it, could be the more fun and tossable choice. Probably more reliable, and economical, too.

It still comes in around 40k, so equipped, but I'd be willing to bet it'll be a good used bargain in a few months.

Anyway, it's the one I'd be looking at, I simply don't need to get to a Starbucks eight tenths of a second quicker.

Ed

the Roundel said that the automatic in the 335i is one of the most advanced units on the market. typically with turbos, sometimes the preloading of the torque converter is a better powertrain choice, IMHO.

i'd opt for the e90xiT, but it weighs the same as the CTS-V, but it's down on power by 200#ft (the more important number) and 170hp. i'm hoping (in vain) for a 335xiT.

[JST]

Once you get past all the marketing hype over the 335, the 328 with its lighter weight (by some 200lbs) in a simple configuration, perhaps a premium package and that's it, could be the more fun and tossable choice. Probably more reliable, and economical, too.

It still comes in around 40k, so equipped, but I'd be willing to bet it'll be a good used bargain in a few months.

Anyway, it's the one I'd be looking at, I simply don't need to get to a Starbucks eight tenths of a second quicker.

Ed

The 328 is basically this year's 330 minus a few hp. I've driven an E90 330, and wouldn't call it "tossable."

The E90 is a very nice open road car, but it's not tremendously involving. Adding a bunch of power makes it a much nicer open road car, and while adding weight does nothing for its involvingness or tossability, these aren't the car's strengths anyway and the marginal cost (as far as I can tell) in these categories is pretty small.

In short, the 3.0L TT engine makes the E90 better at what it does best, and the attendant extra weight doesn't really make it much worse at what it isn't good at anyway.

[Theo]

I drove the 6sp Space gray/Coral demo everyone has yesterday.

Aesthetically, I am really digging the exterior style of the coupe. The front facia is way less offensive than the e90. The e92 has a more rounded facia, and where the e90 has a cleft in its chin spoiler the e92 has a more aggressive and better integrated appearance; plus the demo's color combo is dynamite. The only better combo IMO would be Sparkling graphite with Coral red, and possibly Montego blue with Saddle brown.

As far as driving dynamics goes, I felt lukewarm about the overall performance of the 335. While it did feel quicker than my ZHP, it really wasn't appreciably quicker to my butt dyno. That might be because my car at 11.5k miles is nicely broken in, whereas the e92 hasn't been loosened up yet. Plus it has the same isolated feel that the e90 has, to wit that it handles and performs very capably, but it's not very fun or involving.

I had thought I might have moderate interest in the saloon derivitive, and asked the CA to notify me once their demo comes in in October. But given my reservations about the exterior and interior (still can't warm up to the cold driver eccentric dash design) faux paux's, plus the substantial increase in price I don't think I'll bite.

Design wise, other than the rear vents and dual climate controls at this point I honestly can't find anything about the e9#'s that I like significantly better than my ZHP.

Performance wise (power, shifting, steering & handling) my car is not far below in any category.

So while the numbers do point to the e9# being superior, viscerally to me it all gets lost in translation due to the perceptive loss of road feel. No doubt the run-flats have something to do with that.

But man, I do really like the appearance and color combo's available on the coupe.

It may warrant a few more test drives of the manual to see if I could live with its shortcomings.


Great write up Mike!!

Btw, dont you ever drive your car? Sheesh, I have almost 12K on mine after 1 year.

[JST]

As far as driving dynamics goes, I felt lukewarm about the overall performance of the 335. While it did feel quicker than my ZHP, it really wasn't appreciably quicker to my butt dyno. That might be because my car at 11.5k miles is nicely broken in, whereas the e92 hasn't been loosened up yet. Plus it has the same isolated feel that the e90 has, to wit that it handles and performs very capably, but it's not very fun or involving.

...

Performance wise (power, shifting, steering & handling) my car is not far below in any category.

So while the numbers do point to the e9# being superior, viscerally to me it all gets lost in translation due to the perceptive loss of road feel. No doubt the run-flats have something to do with that.

But man, I do really like the appearance and color combo's available on the coupe.

It may warrant a few more test drives of the manual to see if I could live with its shortcomings.

Wow. To me, the performance difference between the 335 and my car was night and day. As I wrote elsewhere, the 335 made my car feel like a slug.

OTOH, I agree with you on the question of involvement--the E90 is generally less involving than a ZHP E46, though the throttle and clutch feel/response are markedly better in the new car.

[IndyMike]

Once you get past all the marketing hype over the 335, the 328 with its lighter weight (by some 200lbs) in a simple configuration, perhaps a premium package and that's it, could be the more fun and tossable choice. Probably more reliable, and economical, too.

It still comes in around 40k, so equipped, but I'd be willing to bet it'll be a good used bargain in a few months.

Anyway, it's the one I'd be looking at, I simply don't need to get to a Starbucks eight tenths of a second quicker.

Ed
I think the 'value' play will definitely be the 328. I'd love to find one with a stick to try it out.

I'm even toying with the idea of dumping the Escape and getting the awd model.

Via ED and optioned the way I would want it (htd seats, power seats, ZSP, leather, metallic paint, Logic 7, 18" rims) I could probably get it for $38,300 which is exactly the price I paid for my ZHP.

[IndyMike]

Wow. To me, the performance difference between the 335 and my car was night and day. As I wrote elsewhere, the 335 made my car feel like a slug.
Hard to say; maybe the one Dreyer-Reinbold has is a dog. :dunno: And I did detect a bit of turbo lag.

It just didn't blow my hair back the way I thought it would. It reminded me more of the 540i/6 than the E46 M3.

OTOH, I agree with you on the question of involvement--the E90 is generally less involving than a ZHP E46, though the throttle and clutch feel/response are markedly better in the new car.
Yeah, I did like the throttle and clutch feel, too. There was never any groping around, trying to find the gateway to any of the gears.

Although I do like the ZHP shift knob, and short shift kit better. After 2 1/2 years I think I've finally figured out the quirkiness of the ZHP, and where the gateway for the gear I'm trying to engage has likely moved to since the last time I engaged it. :)

So it's kind of a Mexican standoff in my mind.

I'm positive that the 335 could take the ZHP in a drag race. But at the price delta and my perceived shortcomings of the 335 E9# I'm equally positive that the ZHP is still quite the match when all areas are graded out.

To me the ZHP has the perfect blend and balance of sport, luxury with near perfect ergonomics and enough usable power for 99% of life's daily driving requirements.

But IMO for the enthusiast that is willing to trade that blend for more power, then the 335 is the ticket.

It definitely raises the bar higher in that regard. But unfortunately along with it the price bar.

[lemming]

Hard to say; maybe the one Dreyer-Reinbold has is a dog. :dunno: And I did detect a bit of turbo lag.

It just didn't blow my hair back the way I thought it would. It reminded me more of the 540i/6 than the E46 M3.


Yeah, I did like the throttle and clutch feel, too. There was never any groping around, trying to find the gateway to any of the gears.

Although I do like the ZHP shift knob, and short shift kit better. After 2 1/2 years I think I've finally figured out the quirkiness of the ZHP, and where the gateway for the gear I'm trying to engage has likely moved to since the last time I engaged it. :)

So it's kind of a Mexican standoff in my mind.

I'm positive that the 335 could take the ZHP in a drag race. But at the price delta and my perceived shortcomings of the 335 E9# I'm equally positive that the ZHP is still quite the match when all areas are graded out.

To me the ZHP has the perfect blend and balance of sport, luxury with near perfect ergonomics and enough usable power for 99% of life's daily driving requirements.

But IMO for the enthusiast that is willing to trade that blend for more power, then the 335 is the ticket.

It definitely raises the bar higher in that regard. But unfortunately along with it the price bar.

it ain't cheap, fellas.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164168

seems really overpriced to me.

[equ]

I think the 'value' play will definitely be the 328. I'd love to find one with a stick to try it out.

I'm even toying with the idea of dumping the Escape and getting the awd model.

Via ED and optioned the way I would want it (htd seats, power seats, ZSP, leather, metallic paint, Logic 7, 18" rims) I could probably get it for $38,300 which is exactly the price I paid for my ZHP.

This really doesn't make all that much sense. If you find the 335i about as fast as your zhp, you will find the 328 dog slow. I don't care what bmw says, the hp/tq numbers on the e90 328i are both lower than the e46 zhp (especially the tq) which is a lighter car. Unless some e90 genies are magically massaging the driveline, I don't see a speed upgrade from your 330. If you get a good price on your 330, it may be a sensible economic decision, that's a different matter.

[FC]

This really doesn't make all that much sense. If you find the 335i about as fast as your zhp, you will find the 328 dog slow. I don't care what bmw says, the hp/tq numbers on the e90 328i are both lower than the e46 zhp (especially the tq) which is a lighter car. Unless some e90 genies are magically massaging the driveline, I don't see a speed upgrade from your 330. If you get a good price on your 330, it may be a sensible economic decision, that's a different matter.

:+1

Plus you are giving up the more sporty feel, etc. Nevermind lower cost and a more unique car.

I see a zhp only once every few months 'round here.:dunno:

[rumatt]

I see a zhp only once every few months 'round here.:dunno:

You need to drive your car more. :devcool:

[FC]

You need to drive your car more. :devcool:

I do, and did A LOT until the ZHP was phased out of production. There are TONS of E46's here, but very, very few zhp's - particularly in Imola Red.

[lemming]

I do, and did A LOT until the ZHP was phased out of production. There are TONS of E46's here, but very, very few zhp's - particularly in Imola Red.

that's actually quite true.

the most popular 3er i see everyday is the 325xi (likely slushie). the 2nd most popular model is the 325, then the 330i. actually see quite a few 330xi's. don't see many ZHPers.

[IndyMike]

This really doesn't make all that much sense. If you find the 335i about as fast as your zhp, you will find the 328 dog slow. I don't care what bmw says, the hp/tq numbers on the e90 328i are both lower than the e46 zhp (especially the tq) which is a lighter car. Unless some e90 genies are magically massaging the driveline, I don't see a speed upgrade from your 330. If you get a good price on your 330, it may be a sensible economic decision, that's a different matter.

:+1

Plus you are giving up the more sporty feel, etc. Nevermind lower cost and a more unique car.

I would use the 328xi as a replacement for my current daily driver mule Escape, not the ZHP. The Touring would remain the family vacation and utility mobile and the ZHP the weekend warrior.
I see a zhp only once every few months 'round here.:dunno:
Likewise. And I like it that way.

[killerdeck]

All this talk of ZHP vs 335 makes we want to chime in. I have 2 hours behind the seat of both a manual 335 w/o SP and an auto 335 w/ SP. Currently, I would not trade my ZHP for either one of these cars. Yes, the 335 can go a lot faster in a straight line than my car. Yes, the 335 is a beast with its 300+ hp. Yes, the 335i coupe has a nice exterior. However, I cant get over the fact that the 335 has floaty steering and tends to be jumpy in the rear quarters when giving it any throttle in a turn. After driving it very hard through many different conditions (light rain, wet, dry, etc) I would not give my car up for the 335 currently.

[SCA]

I cant get over the fact that the 335 has floaty steering and tends to be jumpy in the rear quarters when giving it any throttle in a turn.

Amazingly that is how quite a few of us felt about the E46. I suppose nothing has changed? :dunno: