Comments on: Real-world BMW 335i 0-60, 1/4 mile times

By: Des

Des — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 03:06:22 +0000

To the guy with the is350:

I found this article on it http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=106607. If you look at paragraph 5 you will read this:

But as capable and solid as the car feels when tearing along Angeles Crest Highway, I’m left with an undeniable impression — I’d rather be driving a BMW 3 Series.

So lexus is the one who needs to catch up.

By: Brent

Brent — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 10:40:10 +0000

i currently own a bmw, and love it but have decided to go for the new is350, i think its a great car….i think you lose some with buying the lexus vs the bmw “handling,feel” but i feel there are more gains than losses…for the money i will get alot more options, its alot more comfortable, i can take the service dept off my speed dial…. i just dont see the point in bashing anyone

By: jim

jim — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 23:58:08 +0000

can anyone tell me the differance between the 335i coupe and 335i sedan besides the four doors? hoursepower? I am also wondering why the sport package makes a diiferance on the 150 top speed?

By: chris

chris — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 01:26:46 +0000

this is an interesting site, lots of informative posts sprinkled with the occassional ass. not at all like e46 or e90 fanatics, where everyone is an ass, usually.

the i6 configurations in my knowledge (which is very limited) tends to be more effient than v6’s, im not sure about the flat or “boxer” 6…but i know theyre harder to make effiecient and quiet.

so I guess all in all, its about costs. its easier to R&D a good v6 but the “best” (for lack of a better word) engine types will be the i6 or f6, just look at the international engine of the year awards or porsche and subaru’s success.

as for the 350 vs. 335i thats been beaten dead already, we own a is350, which is fast…but is uber lazy around the corners, and a 330i, which is a much nicer all around car.

im going for the 335i whist my older brother (who is also my business associate…awwww!) is going for the e92 m3. cant wait!

By: hedhuntr1

hedhuntr1 — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:35:42 +0000

I drove everything, and I mean everything, even comparable. Lexus, Infiniti, Corvette, Mustang GT (great car for the money!) etc. Other than the Porsche Cayman S, nothing is even close to the overall driving experience of the BMW. The Porsche was incredible also but a 2 seater for $20k more…. I couldn’t do it. Sorry to the Nissan and Toyota guys but the Infiniti’s, Lexus’ and Acura’s just don’t even compare as far as handling and driving. I don’t know how the Germans do it but every BMW I drove felt like it knew where I wanted it to go and anticpated my moves. You could argue the Japanese give you more bang for the buck, for that matter the 400 hp corvette was no slouch for $45k, but I am getting this car to drive. I’m not cruising to impress people, put spinners on it or blast the 13 speakers with my windows down. All of those are nice cars, the lexus styling is very nice and build quality is incredible but if you haven’t driven a BMW in years you really should, if you like ot drive. Even knowing their reliability will be less than a Toyota (I had a great Highlander) or Honda and knowing I am paying too much of their profit, I ordered one anyway. When I go to the mountains of NC and VA and drive the Dragon’s Tail, skyline drive, etc. I will have a huge freaking smile on my face. When I haul the kids to soccer in my SUV I’ll be wishing I was driving the Bimmer.

By: otis wildflower

otis wildflower — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 17:54:24 +0000

Wait. Does this have iDrive? Puke.

WTF is wrong with touchscreens anyways, you could always have a ‘wipe screen’ button that lets you get rid of any smudging.

By: 1c3d0g

1c3d0g — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 15:34:01 +0000

Damn, the 3-series is looking good.

By: Dan

Dan — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 08:20:57 +0000

The new 3 coupe is really growing on me. They shaved a lotta ugly off of the sedan to make the coupe.

speaking of the s2000 though, how cool would that be for a tesla-style electric conversion, eh? same peak power, much more torque, available anywhere. On second thought, use a miata. the drivetrain is the best reason to get an s2000, chassis second.

By: Bimmer

Bimmer — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 04:54:14 +0000

gsh,
the current generation of S54 in M3 CSL was as far as BMW could take I6 performance wise, without use of forced induction. That’s the reason why new generation of M3 will have a V8 under a hood.

By: gsh

gsh — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 23:23:33 +0000

i dont know why all these bmw freaks are clamoring about the inline 6. soon all but one the M models will have the V configuration. if the inline 6 was so great and this and that, the M models should be the epitome of that greatness.

By: JC2

JC2 — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:38:46 +0000

Oh yeah I forgot to add it seems the three year olds are all gone we are getting along

By: JC2

JC2 — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 15:38:13 +0000

Ok here to contribute to this argument about the smoothest engine (LOL) here’s something that I would like to add:
In my opinion inline motors recieve the least resistance, and are considerably smoother than V formations.
Inline motors recieve less resistance because gravity is not pushing it against the cylinder walls. In a V formation gravity and the weight will push it against the cylinder walls creating more friction.
And because of less friction they are considerably smoother.
I would also like to add that even though the S2000 motor puts out 120 hp per liter with normal aspiration, think about those 240 hp’s as “skinny horses”. This car doesn’t get that much torque (153 ft-ibs of torque at 7500 rpms) , and you have to rev it 7000 RPM+ to start recieving all that hp and torque. I like the S2000 because it doesn’t have a huge engine, it’s revy and it’s not heavy.

By: Jon

Jon — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 00:55:44 +0000

No, you’re right it is a flat-4, but it is based on a Porsche design.

Jon.

By: Bimmer

Bimmer — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 00:50:03 +0000

Jon,
if you’d know BMW history, then you wouldn’t say that 335i was called because of “fancy Toyotas” IS350. The reason behind 335i being called that is it’s a turbo engine. In late 70’s and early 80’s when BMW released it’s second turbo car (firs being 2002 Turbo) it utilized the same capacity (3.5-liter) as regular car (being E23 735i), so they decide to call it 745i. This car was officially available only in Europe. Because this new engine has the same capacity as normally aspirated 3-liter, to differentiate them BMW is calling turbocharged version 335i. Same as 535d has 3-liter capacity, but has also twin turbo [different setup of turbo, then in petrol engine] (not available in North America).Why not 330ti? Because “t” in 318ti meant “touring” and not ‘turbo”, besides from 2006 BMW got rid of any letters in model names other then “i” – injection, “d” – diesel and “L” – long wheel base. They dont call Coupe anymore “…Ci” they call it as a Sedan “…i” (example: 650i replaced 645Ci).
My other point is that “IS-series” of “fancy Toyotas” was created to compete with 3-Series BMW (world known benchmark in this segment), hence first generation of IS had RWD, inline 6 and was available with manual gearbox. Europe had IS 200, where North America had IS 300. Many car manufacturers looking up to BMW 3-Series. Even SAAB named their models 9 3 and 9 5 (3-Series and 5-series).
If anyone interested in BMW’s (Classic and new) I highly recommend (beside this site) independent BMW magazines from UK: “BMW Car” and “Total BMW”.
-=Bimmer=-

By: mike

mike — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 22:50:01 +0000

I meant a 4 cylinder Boxer…

By: mike

mike — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 21:48:48 +0000

By: mike

mike — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 21:48:08 +0000

Subaru’s STi motor is a >Boxer

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:55:23 +0000

Subaru’s STi engine is a flat-6, and it’s designed off the Porsche boxster model. The flat-engine configuration creates the least amount of friction of any engine.

I disagree with the S2000’s engine being that smooth or great, sure it once got engine of the year because it made 240 hp from a NA 2.0 liter 4-cylinder but it’s an insanely ‘revvy’ engine which needs to be pushed close to its 8250 rpm redline to start to really kick in all those 240 horses; which makes it a flawed engine for day-to-day highway and city driving (if I recall something like only 25 or 30% of the engines power is available at 3000 or less). Whereas of course, BMW’s I6 is a lot more impressive.

Jon.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:38:59 +0000

Actually, the Porsche flat 6’s don’t get 100hp per liter. For example, the Carrera is 3.6 liters w/ 325 hp, and similar specs w/ the Carrera S. But the Turbo and GT3 do get 100+ hp per liter.

By: Renton

Renton — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:37:46 +0000

Jon– I disagree that the best engine in the world is Porsche’s Boxter motor. Where did you read that? That last great Engines of the year were Honda’s S2000 motor, BMW’s corporate I-6 and Subaru’s STI motor. I mean its a great motor and all but Its no S54 from the ///M3.

V6s are built out of compromise. The company can share parts with its V8s, and it is shorter and can allow for more saftey equipment.

The only smoothness in a V6 is due to counterrotating balance shafts. I-6s are inherently balanced and insanely smooth. That is why BMW refuses to get rid of them.

They are the engine of an enthusisast.

You folks need to go out and drive a BMW inline six and get on it. Then we can talk.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:36:18 +0000

Jay,

When speaking of the impressiveness of a cars HP to liters ratio, motor heads usually speak of NA engines and not compressed (turbo / supercharged) engines. What makes a Ferrari F430 so damn impressive is that from its 4.3 liter V8 it gets 483 hp, which amounts to 112.32 hp per liter, without the use of compression. In a compressed engine however, you can always get more power by: upping the boost, using a better blowout valve, getting a bigger intercooler, using more heat resistant / lighter blades, etc…

Regardless, of course BMW’s engines are amazingly impressive, the M3’s 333 hp 3.2 liter I6 is a work of art; I don’t think anyone will deny this. However, if you read by beefs with modern-day BMW none of them are regarding their mechanical aspects. It’s the design / electronics / interior material quality that really puts me off.

Jon.

By: Alex

Alex — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:31:37 +0000

I’ll just wait and see what Car & Driver gets out of the 335i.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:20:58 +0000

Wow people are actually having good conversation on this forum… the haters must all be somewhere else because we are all getting along!

LOL if your talking about a Chevy V6 it’s a whole different story… they do not do as much testing and don’t care about their consumer as much that is why.
I have seen I6s getting 100+ hp per liter (like on this car, the 335i.
It has a twin turbo I6 that puts out 300 hp, out of a 3.0 liter engine. Therefore it gets 100 hp per liter.
But I have not seen many V6s out there getting 100+ hp per liter. Of course I haven’t seen many I6s or V6s getting 100 hp per liter.
But OF COURSE ( ) A porsches flat 6 is much better than the competition, putting out well more than 100 hp per liter.
This is an amazing car, like BMWs slogan “the ultimate driving machine”

By: gsh

gsh — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:20:03 +0000

i think the feeling of smoothness is more related to the transmission, not how the cylinders are aligned =/

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:12:58 +0000

^ It all depends which company made the V6. Audi’s V6 is insanely smooth; MB’s isn’t too bad either. Now, if you’re talking about a Chevy V6, that’s a whole other story…

Jon.

By: R.C. Collins

R.C. Collins — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:46:06 +0000

I would not say the V-6 is worse than the inline 6, but I would say that they typically feel much smoother throught the rev range, and the delivery of power is greater

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:36:22 +0000

Renton,

I’m sorry, but how do you justify that a V6 is somehow worse than an I6? Both Audi and MB use V6’s. Also, the best 6-cylinder engine in the world is flat, not Inline (Porsche’s flat-6 ‘boxster’* engine).

*It’s the name of the engine as well as the car, the ‘boxster’ engine is used in all the Porsche cars except for the Cayenne.

Jon.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:31:41 +0000

Chris,

The latest time table I heard has been Fall 2007 as an 08’ model.

Jon.

By: Renton

Renton — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:16:32 +0000

The Lexus IS350 is NOT available with a manual tranny. Autobox only. You want to row your own gears, you must get an IS250

Also the IS350 is a V6 now.

Inline-6, Manual Transmission, superior feel, superior brakes. Also it is a cooler car to be seen in.

Advantage BMW. Its the friggin benchmark for like forever.

By: R.C. Collins

R.C. Collins — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:13:33 +0000

That second rc collins was an imposter. hey, i have owned both makes, I owned a lexus es, it was given to me as a graduation gift, before purchasing my bmws. my statement though crude was not unsupported by my own experience.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:58:05 +0000

Jon – What is the time frame on the B8? For some reason I’m thinking next fall – is that right? My A4 is still going strong at 117k miles so it could easily last another year.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:55:10 +0000

Chris, wait a bit more for the B8 A4. Trust me; it’s going to be a knockout. The engine is going to be placed 4 inches further back than it is now, allowing for the car to have almost or 50/50 F/R weight distribution, you are going to be able to get it with either the 6-speed manual or a 6-speed S-tronic (what a retarded name, what was wrong with ‘DSG’?), which is the best automatic gearbox in the world, Quattro is going to have a more RWD basis to them, rumors are 40/60 FWD/RWD distribution.

The base 2.0T is being upped by at least 10 horses (some rumors say 20 horses, which would up the engine to 220 bhp). And of course, you will still get the class-leading Audi interior, and oh, yes it won’t be as bad-looking as the bangled 3er.

Jon.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:48:20 +0000

^Materials* yet again, I cannot spell.

Jon.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:47:40 +0000

Jon, Ironically enough, I also own an A4, but its getting old (2000), and I’m seriously shopping for its replacement. As much as I like it (and I really like it – 7 years in a car is a record for me), I need to get something different just for variety’s sake. I was hoping the new IS would be a blend of BMW-fun-to-drive with Lexus reliability, but I was very underwhelmed when I drove it. And I guess we’ll just disagree here, but I was not overly impressed with the interior quality. Ergonomically it was fine (although cramped), but the dash material was too hard and the center console struck me as awkward in person. As far as the drive experience, it left me bored/uninterested. I agree to some degree that the E90 interior is not ideal, but the guage cluster and sport seats are great; the manual transmission is nice too, and I would never consider iDrive. The fun flats are also a downer IMO, but I do see the car overall as an improvement over the e46. Along those lines, I had considered a used e46, but the prices are outrageously high. Far too high compared to a brand new e90…

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:47:20 +0000

^ And that’s fine, to each his own. Again, people will cross-shop the cars and BMW knows this.

Jon.