I Couldn't Help But Compare The 2016 BMW M4 To My Old 2009 335i

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
04/14/2016 at 07:39 • Filed to: BMW, M4

I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed owning and driving a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! not too long ago. All those good memories came flooding back as soon as I came across this 2016 BMW M4. BMWs are so unmistakably BMW that I couldn’t help but compare this brand new M4 to my 2009 335i that I used to own.

BMWs have always had their signature styling cues. Aside from the iconic BMW kidney grilles, you know when you’re in one because the interior hasn’t changed all that much from what it was in the 2009 335i. Things are certainly more refined, but it’s apparent that BMW went with the philosophy of “Ah it’s perfect, no need to change much of anything!”

Just like what you might see with any BMW M-car, they don’t let you forget that this is, in fact, an M4 . You’ll encounter lots and lots of Ms. I gave up counting after I came across the 114th M.

The 2016 BMW M4 comes with numerous options and packages and although this one didn’t have many, it did have things like: 19” Wheel 437 M Mixed Tires, Fineline Anthracite Wood Trim and Advanced RTTI. I sure could use RTTI in my car, because “ R eally T errific T ire I nflation” sounds like an important feature to have.

This car belongs to a true enthusiast and avid track-goer, Trent, who recently went from a 991 911 to this. He was looking for something a bit more livable as a daily driver like the M4, which he could also take to the track. And although the M4 is more comfortable, Trent mentioned that the 911 was a more engaging and thrilling experience at the track, requiring more effort from the driver, whereas the M4 is comparatively duller and almost too easy to drive.

Trent has been doing this for so long that the thrill of driving at a mere 155 mph and taking turns at over 100 mph have lost their luster. I guess it’s just like anything else. Nachos, loaded with jalapenos, can taste great if you haven’t had them for a while, but eat them every day, and you might want to throw up.

But for someone like me–I’m not a big fan of nachos. I like quesadillas better. An M4 would be the ideal track car for me since I probably go as often as I visit Antarctica.

So the next time I go to a track day, which may very well never happen, I would hope that the M4 takes good care of me as I drive down a straightaway at 140 mph. Until, of course, I become so overconfident after a few laps, that I decide to turn off the computers and then go barreling into a wall.

Things on the inside

The 2016 BMW M4 has a traditional BMW interior–high quality, yet simple. You can tweak all kinds of settings on the car from steering sensitivity, throttle sensitivity, ride comfort to how aggressively the transmission shifts. It is all very easily done and intuitive. Of course, the only setting I ever need in a car is the “ fastest and sportiest possible setting ” and if BMW provided me with just one button to do that in the M4, I’d be pretty happy.

The I-Drive media center largely works the same way it did in the 335i. The display looks nicer and the graphics are better with higher resolution but I did like that in the 335i, the display was housed in the dome and blended in with the dash. In the M4, the display screen awkwardly sticks up and looks like it should go down into the dash. But it doesn’t.

The Torquey DCT transmission

I’ve become a fan of paddle-shifting ever since I bought my IS-F. The shifts in the IS-F are so quick, that flipping through all eight gears is way more fun than I thought it would be. In a car that you drive every day, rain or shine, having a shiftable automatic is convenient. If I’m shoving salty french fries into my face, I’d want an automatic. If I’m browsing through Spotify to find the perfect tune, I’d want an automatic. Or if I’m in stop-and-go traffic, which is almost all the time these days in Austin, having an automatic allows you to forget about shifting and get lost in the latest TED talk podcast about happiness.

But it’s hard to be happy when you encounter an SUV that cuts you off and starts driving at least 20 miles slower than you are. At this point, you can feel the unstoppable rage building up inside you and the only way you can quell this raging fury is to downshift with a quick tap, floor it and then pass the 80 year old driver in the SUV while flipping him off. How dare that old man cut you off?

The DCT in the M4 shifts so quickly and smoothly that gear changes are almost imperceptible. The extra torque does wonders in terms of enhancing the daily driving experiencing and that’s what I enjoyed about my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . Whereas you had to squeeze power out of the E92 by revving high, there is lots of low-end turbo torque to take advantage of in the M4, same as the 335i.

Who doesn’t love a nice, solid-sounding thunk?

The doors and trunk close with such gravitas and an aura of superiority that I had to close the doors over and over. The solid sound of the door closing shut reverberated throughout the parking garage where I was carefully carrying out my scientific thunk-tests. The owner, Trent, had this stupefied look on his face wondering what I was doing to his car.

The trunk in the M4 opened automatically. Laying down on the ground and waving my arms did the trick which I demonstrate in the video.

What about the crappy exhaust?

I thought it sounded so horrible when first starting up the car. It was loud and dissonant, and while sitting as a passenger in the car, I wasn’t happy. What the hell was this? Not only did it not sound great, it was artificially enhanced through speakers.

But as I spent more time in the car and particularly when I started driving, the sound grew on me. It had a decent growl when accelerating and maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that there was some sound augmentation going on inside the car. I did hear some moments of greatness with the exhaust sound outside of the car that I captured on video.

I’m just glad that BMW got some kind of sound out of the engine in the M4 because in the 3.0L turbocharged 335i, there was no sound at all. I’ll take whatever noise I can get.

The M4 is the ideal track car and daily driver

After being in a very stiff, back breaking IS-F, the comfort of the M4 was a welcome relief. Even the stiffest Sport + suspension setting felt fine to me. Some might say that the M4 is a bit too refined or a bit too isolating and boring, but I think it’s perfect. It’s practical too. Can’t find a babysitter? No problem. Put your two year old in a carseat in the back and hit your local racetrack to do some laps.

BMW has built a car here that is the rare combination of mastery at the track as well as amazing daily drivability. But is it really worth 4 times as much as a used 2009 335i? Depends on how much money you have!

The new M4 is outstanding. No question. But if you can’t afford one, you won’t be missing out on a whole lot by going with a modified used 335i that can be obtained for much cheaper. It’s not an M-car, but drive it for now to satisfy your BMW cravings and enjoy an amazing car. Then buy a used M4 eight years from now when it will only cost you $30K. Or better yet, buy a used 640 hp ZL1 for the same price!

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DISCUSSION (100)

LongbowMkII > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 08:22

I don’t understand how you can’t get noise out of a turbo inline six.

This honestly just seems like the most luxurious 3 series despite the dozens of Ms.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 08:25

BMWs aren’t really known for their sound. They keep them subdued.

Paullubbock > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:02

I don’t understand anyone who would trade a 991 911 for any BMW unless they just need the extra room.

ThatGuyWhoBuysUnreliableCrap > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:03

335i... ive been debating looking at getting one of these... Honestly if i get the job im trying too, i dont really want to deal with my WRX for the commute (its loud, harsh, manual, and has almost no good qualities for a commuter car). I just kind of assumed buying an 80k mile BMW with TWO turbos... i may run into some....reliability issues, do you have any advise?

I am Jack's complete lack of compassion > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 09:14

I love the engine sound my 335i makes and I dunno what he’s talking about.

Pops_McAwesome > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 09:24

I miss the intake sounds my 525 E60 made. It had a 6 speed and the noise it made when downshifted and throttle was applied was almost intoxicating. Sure it was slow, but that intake sound. I miss it.

Ramsey Bolton > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 09:29

I got a Dinan 3 (e92 2008), and the exhaust sounds awesome, but I also saw a 335i at a stoplight just last night and it had some cheap aftermarket thing on it that sounded closer to a Civic than my car.

Vashvashvashvashvash > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:33

Oh the livability of a BMW. It’s just so great, until

The HPFP dies in the first year stranding you, or

The turbo’s decide to die a rattly death costing you over 10k, or

The serpentine belt gives, and somehow manages to bend all your valves in the process, or

Any of a number of other exciting things.

Ed > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:37

The 335i doesn’t have a good exhaust note? That’s a shame; even my 335d will growl a little when you get on it.

JoeJoe > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:39

I would like to know how you can reconcile calling yourself an enthusiast while actually liking flappy paddle gear boxes.

Prome > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 09:40

These new turbo I6 engines from BMW don’t sound good at all, especially compared to the NA motors from the past.

I’ve never been a big fan of the way Inline 6 engines sound tbh. Most higher end V6s sound better.

Ryan Stewart > Ed
04/14/2016 at 09:40

It does, its just subdued. I think he wants the ricer sound.

Kahless > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:40

maybe a stupid question but how is an m4 more livable daily than a 911?? theyre both small 2 seat coupes with back seats that are useless. the m4s is less useless and maybe a little more trunk space but still. im really considering a 997 as my next car and I did have some concerns but I was going to overlook them because its a 911.

syaieya > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:46

Bmw exteriors always seem to age better than most but those interiors have never thrilled me. That mentality of dont break whats working has never left me sitting there thinking “this is a nice place to be.” As a side note though, i dont know if its that practicality with age thing setting in or a product of modern styling, but more now than ever im finding the sedan version of cars are just as attractive as the coupes in current cars. Before it either looked like one was compromised but now im hard pressed to find an awkward one vs the other

Michael > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 09:47

Tell that to the E92 M3, it sounds incredible even in stock form

TulsaMtnBiker (OkieRising) > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 09:48

As previous ‘15 model owner, what the hell is RTTI? I don’t recall any such option on the ‘15. (EDIT: I think that is the real time traffic information? If so, I thought that was automatically included with the free year of BMW services?)

Otherwise, I agree with most your points. I personally liked the exhaust at cold start, a bit loud and raspy, but sounded like it had purpose. Not to mention, it has a surprising amount of trunk space, with the seats folded down I was able to fit an Ikea dresser in my car!

Legun > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 09:50

S54, S50B32, S65, S85? Not known for their sound? Are we talking about the same BMW?

tbassny > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 09:53

Tell that to my family and neighbors every time the S65 goes through a cold start at 5 in the morning! It’s set off car alarms next to me.

Jim Pinckney > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 09:56

Yeah, I have a 2011 335i, and it sounds pretty damn good stock.

Blown2K2S2K > ThatGuyWhoBuysUnreliableCrap
04/14/2016 at 10:01

The later ones have 1 turbos, but are also more reliable. When I spent the money, I passed over the N54 for the N55.

Plus the N54 will need the head scrubbed every 2-3 years at $600 a pop.

commonsensible1 > Paullubbock
04/14/2016 at 10:04

Ditto. 991 911 for an M4? Nobody who I know who considers themselves a “driver” would make this “trade”. Unless the wife is telling him that he needs to buy a car that has a bigger trunk for the stroller... and she wants it for trips to get her hair and nails done.

GTVR6 > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 10:05

I’m with you - My 335i is a little muted but with the windows down it sounds nice. I had a 330Ci and it didn’t exactly sound that much louder. If you want a more aggressive tone, they have cat back systems that could help.

HolmerS > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 10:08

Do you have stock exhaust? I ask because I too have a 335 and I can barely hear the exhaust notes it makes. What little can be heard is ok, but it leaves tons of room for improvement.

SoManyBlueCars > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:12

V-8 M3 would like a word with you.

Alex87f > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:15

I would assume the backseat of the M4 is far, far more useable than that of the 911. And it’s got a proper trunk, which, combined with fold-down rear seats, means you can pack a lot of stuff should you need to.

Don’t get me wrong though, when arguing with myself whether I should spend my imaginary money on a 991 or an M4, we always agree the 991 is the better choice.

HolmerS > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:15

I already have a 335 and like you, I love it. But it’s getting on in age and I am way past the norm for me on switching cars. But I like my 335 and have been considering just doing some upgrades like a Dinan stage 2 or 3 and a wrap to make it feel new again. I have just under 70k miles on it now, and it’s paid for so this seems like a better move right now. Any thoughts on doing this that you would like to share are appreciated.

Damasconian > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:17

Kinja'd!!!

I picked my M4 up in Munich September of 2014 and have loved every mile I’ve driven it.

Good: low end torque, exterior, super fast iDrive, 6-MT & that Sakhir Orange color!

Bad: too many driver selections, cold starts with valves closed, interior not up to C Class.

Its a great car and one that gets better with time. Chris Harris, C&D & Pistonheads UK all mentioned this in their long term testing.

Damasconian > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:19

Great review.

Rick Cavaretti > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:21

2009 is ‘old’?

Julius > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:23

E60 M5 disagrees with your comment...

David Komendanchik > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:27

My ZHP E46 with the stock stainless sports exhaust sounded great and my Wife’s M-sport X3 sounds about 7/10ths of that but still good.

serega13 > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:27

You lost me after you said “shiftable automatic is fun".

E92M3 > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:30

Getting in and out is a lot easier. An M4 will go up my driveway without scraping, a 997 won’t. I assume a 991 won’t either. Parking, maneuvering is easier in the M4 (even though they both have big hips).

iceman > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:33

This may be the dumbest comment on here. E46 m3's are known for their raspy metallic sound, 335i’s sound amazing with an exhaust, e92's have one of the best sounding v8's ever made, e60's m3's sound like sex. The new bmw’s may “keep them restrained” but theyre catering to a new demographic now

iceman > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:35

Was wondering this as well. A standard 991 cant be noticeably stiffer can it? Gotta be the backseats

CalBearsFan99 > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:39

Whereas you had to squeeze power out of the E92 by revving high...”

Not sure what motor swap you had, but the N54 falls flat on its face near redline, even when running a tune in my E60. 3k-5k rpms seem to be the sweet spot.

(PS, can I get ungreyed?)

finn's arm > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:40

lolwut?

Oh4sh0 > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:44

Starting at only 65k.. certainly makes the Chevy SS a little more attractive.

Ducky > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 10:50

I read your article on the 2009 BMW, and all I could think of is that if you only had to own ANY car for 3 months, it’s possible to look back fondly on them because that’s almost never enough time for something to crap out on you. I was a bit disappointed that you didn’t get to tellus about the ownership experience over say, a 3 year period... you know, for science =)

Bunty Brown > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:50

Ingress/egress is a little easier in the F82. Backseats are also slightly bigger, more amenable to adult passengers. I think the other issue here is he’s comparing to the 991 specifically, which was a not entirely reliable platform, not to put too fine a point on it. 997's were much improved in that regard.

Chewbaccam > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:51

Backseats are far more accessible in an M4, you can fit adults back there (well, I’m assuming so, I can fit 6ft adults in the back of my e92 M3). In addition, the trunk space is much larger. I can fit golf clubs in the trunk and you can also fold the rear seats down to make the trunk even larger. In a 911, I’ve been told there have been Tetris like methods in getting golf clubs in the rear seats, or putting them in the passenger seat and seatbelting it in, but its definitely less practical from that standpoint. A 911 will still probably be my next car despite the practical shortcomings however haha.

ThisABurner > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 10:56

LOLZ, I guess you’ve never heard a E39 M5, or E60 M5, or E46 M3....

Johnnyazz > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 10:57

I dont know about the new gen, but old gen e92 had magic back seats, you could fit anyone comfortably there. difficult to get in, but had more rear legroom than a dodge dart, or ford focus.

Syscrush > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 11:11

Thanks for an interesting, thoughtful, and informative review.

Whereas you had to squeeze power out of the E92 by revving high

Isn’t shifting gears and revving the shit out of an engine to get to that top end rush one of life’s finest pleasures? I’ll never understand the above attitude from enthusiasts.

It had a decent growl when accelerating and maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that there was some sound augmentation going on inside the car.

YOU SHUT YOUR WHORE MOUTH!!!

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 11:12

As a 335is owner, I love showing new M3/4 owners what a good BMW exhaust should sound like.

But in all seriousness, I’m much more excited about the “pleb” M2 that can hang with it’s more expensive brother, and looks much much better.

throwmeaway_4 > Bunty Brown
04/14/2016 at 11:13

991 is the current generation (the one after 997)

TheSpeedAddict > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 11:14

Hey bro, what year was your 335i? I don’t think you mentioned it anywhere in the article.

Ivan > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 11:16

135i has very noticeable exhaust note, where people ask me if I have aftermarket or“performance” exhaust. 135is and 335is have even louder exhausts, which tend to drone a bit. So it can be done. Stock F80 exhaust is extremely subdued for an M car. I think it’s a marketing ploy by BMW to force buyer to buy their “performance” parts, which in M car should come standard.

Art > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 11:20

The 911 doesn’t have rear seats, have you ever seen someone in the back seat of a 911 because I haven’t.

Art > syaieya
04/14/2016 at 11:22

The M3/M4 interior is nice and all but it sure needs a complete make over. The M3/M4 interiors are high quality with quality materials but design wise they live a lot to be desired.

Damasconian > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/14/2016 at 11:25

As a M4 owner, I love showing 335is owners how slow and heavy their cars are.

But in all seriousness, I’m much more excited about the “pleb” 330 that looks as good, but doesn’t pretend to be something its not - a real M car.

All in good fun my friend.

Kahless > Alex87f
04/14/2016 at 11:27

im not spending imaginary money. 991 is out of my price range but you can get a 997 for a reasonable price. m4 isn’t even on my radar because it is also too expensive, neither is any 4 series. while I was looking I found insurance on bmws to be about 15% higher for comparable cars than Cadillac or MB.

its only me, no wife no kids. just a great dane and she normally sits up front in the passenger seat with her butt in the seat and front feet on the floor.my top 2 are a 997 and ‘16 F150 cause this is texas and people say I need a truck. I had a cobalt for 10 years until it died twice. now ive just been riding my motorcycle every day for the last year and a half.

Steve > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 11:28

As one who had a 2007 335i with the intention of occasionally tracking it, I was disappointed to find that it would go into “limp” mode after two or three laps at the track, and I look at the latest horsepower figures from the turbocharged six and wonder if they’ve now incorporated sufficient cooling to make it is a usable track car. For me, the 07 was an impetus in choosing a 2014 IS350. The Lexus is not as highly purposed as the 335, but it doesn’t overheat, offers similar driving enjoyment to the BMW and offers the real luxury that it will keep doing so for many years without significant repairs. My 335 had three fuel pumps in its first 15,000 miles, a “feature” I did not expect in a well engineered car. BTW, I drove a new RC-F and found the ride much too flinty.

axiomatik > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 11:39

Why would it be surprising that current BMW 3-series feels similar to the previous model?

NiceGuyRob > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 11:39

I carried four adults and weekend luggage in my 2001 M3 and other than getting in and out, everyone was very comfortable. Plus as noted above, when the seats are folded down, I could fit rifle cases, bicycles, and tons of luggage but not all at the same time obviously. I also drove several times across the country in that car and not once did I wish for anything.

Rock517 > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 11:40

I had a 2008 E92 and loved the engine and exhaust sound, too. He’s high. Or deaf.

AM3R shamefully returns > Ed
04/14/2016 at 11:50

Not true at all, my 335i sounds great stock. You can hear it echoing in garages, and in first gear there's a nice burble when you get off.. Totally false statement lol.

Zendax > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 11:52

I’m 6'4" and I’ve sat in the back of a 2003 BMW 325Ci convertible (with the top up) many times. Cramped, but doable. The newer 3/4 series are significantly bigger so the backseat is very usable if not comfortable for long trips.

While you can daily drive a 911, it’s not very practical as an only vehicle, while the 3/4 series BMW is.

Jayhawk Jake > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 12:04

More trunk space, more ride height, more comfortable.

Damasconian > Art
04/14/2016 at 12:15

You are correct. Materials are top notch, but it still doesn’t look at modern at a C Class interior.

Textured Soy Protein > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 12:16

By the sword of Kahless!

Kinja'd!!!

Anyway, generally speaking the main difference between your typical BMW coupes and a water-cooled 911 is the 911 is a smaller car overall, but the front cabin is more space-efficient because there’s no transmission tunnel like the BMW.

The 4-series back seat you can maybe get an adult in there in a pinch if they’re not too tall but they won’t be happy. The 911 back seat is for luggage and small children.

An air-cooled 911 is incredibly narrow and two normal-sized adult males in the front seats will be constantly rubbing elbows.

dudr13 > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 12:30

One of the reasons that I went from a 911 to a Cayman is that the rear seats of the 911 are essentially useless, and the Cayman has a hatchback with a surprising amount of storage in the front and back. I’m married with a 4 year old, and the three of us rarely went on trips in the 911 together, because we’re all tall and it’s cramped, so I realized that the Cayman wasn’t at much of a disadvantage (either my son or wife rides next to me in the Cayman’s front seat.)

Compared to the 911, the M4 has a much more usable, although still not great, back seat.

RyanFrew > syaieya
04/14/2016 at 12:33

The e9x sedan was easily a better looking car than the coupe.

TookOfAFool > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 12:50

How do you get the dog on the bike?

n54 & s38 > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 12:50

You should hear my E34 M5. Granted, it has an intake and exhaust, but that thing rumbles at idle like a muscle car. You can hear it from a block away

SoManyBlueCars > tbassny
04/14/2016 at 12:51

Mine too!

n54 & s38 > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/14/2016 at 12:52

Yeah I have a 335xi but I've heard that the 335is sounds just amazing with the BMW sport exhaust. If I wasn't cheap and unemployed right now, I'd love to add it to mine.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Damasconian
04/14/2016 at 13:04

Hehe. The M4 is fatter and uglier than the previous E92. ;) but yeah, my 335is while sounding amazing and quick enough, would get thrown around by an M4. Very true.

However, the M3 still looks handsome. Hard to beat the 4-door config.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 13:10

How else do you think you get 25whp out of doing an intake on a 335i?

BMW muffles the shit out of the intake, so you can hardly hear the turbos. Dual cone intakes or any performance intake remedies the problem- and the stock diverter valves (blow off valves) are quiet and leak prone, and the factory exhaust is quiet.

So until you do an intake upgrade or something, don’t expect any turbo noise.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > I am Jack's complete lack of compassion
04/14/2016 at 13:10

are you stock tho?

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > Pops_McAwesome
04/14/2016 at 13:11

a 525i and 535i do not sound remotely the same; an NA six will be louder than a turbo six. because turbos act as mufflers.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > Ed
04/14/2016 at 13:12

It sounds great with a light exhaust mod.

Pops_McAwesome > Plecostomus is a starred commenter
04/14/2016 at 13:15

I didn’t know that I said that they sounded the same.

Damasconian > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/14/2016 at 13:17

Its actually about 200lbs lighter. Sits lower and wider than previous gen too. Slightly longer - I wish it had same length as 08 model. Dont hate on it until you’ve driven one. Im sure someone with a 335is can find a F8X to drive, that was my favorite configuration of your gen. But not a fan of the auto.

fdawg4l > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 13:21

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Pictures or it never happened.

Puddingpopper > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 13:25

The nice thing about the 2009 is you weren’t forced into having a giant LCD screen on your IP. That car is perfect without it. Screens suck.

Johnnyazz > RyanFrew
04/14/2016 at 13:26

Depends. Pre facelift? no fucking way. E90 06-08 were pretty frumpy

09-13 or whatever were pretty nice.

E92 was good looking enough to get pretty much 0 facelift.

Foo2rama > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 13:33

Huge trunk and a useable back seat.

Foo2rama > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 13:34

Or just get an E46M3 and have the best of all worlds...

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Damasconian
04/14/2016 at 13:39

Fatter doesn’t mean “weight” necessarily but it does mean bigger. Fat actually weighs less than muscle. I know it is actually lighter, but oddly it’s bigger as you’ve just said.

I’ve driven plenty of F8x cars. I get loaners every service because I’m lazy. And I’ve already driven the M4 (not M3) and yes, I’m much more excited about the M2.

To each their own, didn’t mean to offend, thought we were just busting balls.

Gearhead > HolmerS
04/14/2016 at 13:42

Keep in mind that you have some wear items coming up in the next 10-20k. I have a 08 335i with 95k on the clock. Your water pump and thermostat are going to need replacing soon. They tend to fail around 80k. There are probably a few gaskets (valve cover, OFH) that could use a refresh. It would be a good idea to change the transmission fluid soon. If you haven’t done an intake valve cleaning, you are already overdue. That said, these are all relatively simple things with very well documented online guides, so if you have a toolset and the willingness to tackle a project you can knock out all of these in a few weekends for ~1000 in parts (and drive the car during the week still).

I love my 335 and plan on maintaining it for a long time yet. I just plan ahead for things that are known wear items.

M > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 13:45

Yeah bro, a 2009 is super old.

(sorry, not sorry, but could hardly get past your headline. are we supposed to get new cars every 2 years, is that it? I would guess that a 2009 would not be considered that old to most readers.)

MrGonglach > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest.
04/14/2016 at 13:50

This guy knows not of what he speaks....

liker > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 13:51

The 991 is noticably stiffer even with PASM, noisier (usually in a good way though), and harder to get in and out of. The frunk is small and the back seats are super-cramped - more for bags or jackets than full-size people.

MrGonglach > Damasconian
04/14/2016 at 13:52

Cough...340i...Cough, cough.....

liker > Bunty Brown
04/14/2016 at 13:53

re improved platform, 991 came after 997

liker > Steve
04/14/2016 at 13:59

M4 temperature gauge indicates no overheating on track, even in high ambients. In fact, it changes very little from street temps.

Damasconian > Voice of C. Montgomery Burns
04/14/2016 at 14:07

We are having fun, no offense man. I can tell you like cars, as do it. I am not a BMW fanboy at all, its my first one actually. Have owned Acuras, Mustangs, Honda’s and my first car was a Mercury Sable. The best vehicle I have ever owned was a 2007 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4x4. Go figure.

Vince P. > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 14:08

have you seen the new M4. its almost the size of the older 7 series cars.

easily one of the biggest coupes on the market

Damasconian > MrGonglach
04/14/2016 at 14:08

No bud. We were talking about that previous gen of 3 series. They had a 330 then a 335is. 340 is only on this gen.

Voice of C. Montgomery Burns > Damasconian
04/14/2016 at 14:13

My first BMW was the ‘06 330i Sedan w/ Sport Package. I loved the 162 style wheels.

Fun_Clunker > LongbowMkII
04/14/2016 at 14:15

The E9x N54 335i has very nice exhaust noise, but is pretty quiet on the engine front stock.. You don’t really get a good amount of sound until you replace the piping with hard pipes.

HolmerS > Gearhead
04/14/2016 at 14:15

Thanks for the input. I’ve already replaced the water pump, thermostat, and battery, and the gaskets are next on my list. Fortunately I have a mechanic for a neighbor that specializes in German cars so I can either ask for help if I get stuck or need his computer to clear/reset oil change intervals or do things like introduce a new battery to the car. And when I don’t feel like doings things myself, we trade services too. I keep his computers up and running and he takes my car, fixes and returns it to me for just parts.

I like my 07 too. But I’ve owned it longer than any car in my past by far and I have the urge for something new. That’s why I was thinking of adding power with a Dinan upgrade and the wrap to make it look fresh and different. Figured that would be cheaper and probably a better idea than doing what I really want and finding a used F-Type I can afford. I just don’t know anybody that has done the Dinan upgrade and wondered if they thought it was worth it or if it had many adverse effects.

tsmit > Kahless
04/14/2016 at 15:04

fit 3 people comfortably in my 996 no problem and has plenty of room for groceries or what nots just no ikea trips

Bunty Brown > liker
04/14/2016 at 15:04

Yup, derp. Thinking of the 996.

Bunty Brown > throwmeaway_4
04/14/2016 at 15:04

Yup, derp. Thinking of the 996.

Plecostomus is a starred commenter > Pops_McAwesome
04/14/2016 at 15:12

no, but the original comment is regarding the sound of a turbo six and you mentioned an NA BMW I-6, which in all likelihood has a better sound than a turbo six

Gearhead > HolmerS
04/14/2016 at 15:29

Sounds like you have a great deal with the neighbor.

I haven’t heard too much about the Dinan setups either. The JB4/Proceed/Cobb tunes +intake and downpipe seem to be the most common setup. I put a JB4 on mine and it is a noticeable difference over stock. Intake and downpipe are next on the list.

There is something great about having a paid-off car.

Pops_McAwesome > Plecostomus is a starred commenter
04/14/2016 at 15:30

I understand now. N52, N54 whatever it takes.

gregoryw > Torque Affair
04/14/2016 at 15:38

I don’t think you’ll be hitting 140 MPH on your first track day in an M4, champ. At least not in the United States. Most tracks cap out at about 128 MPH, and you need to have the perfect exit speed on the last corner to reach it. Watkins Glen is slightly faster. Other tracks you don’t get much above 115 MPH.

For the price BMW is charging, you are way better off with a Porsche. Then you’ll get a car that rolled along the line at a snail’s pace while quality was built in, instead of a BMW out the door job where the dealer network has to fix everything the factory screwed up.