BMW 335 vs M3: Which BMW Sports Sedan is Right For You?

BMW is famous for making luxury vehicles that also deliver an incredible driving experience. Two of their most popular sports sedan models are the BMW 3 Series 335 and the even higher performance BMW M3.

So should you buy a BMW 335 or splurge on the more powerful BMW M3? Which of these acclaimed sports sedans is the better choice?

The M3 is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts who want track-ready power and handling from their BMW sports sedan. However, the 335 still offers an excellent blend of luxury, comfort, and performance in a more affordable package.

Below we’ll compare the BMW 335 and M3 across price, performance, interior features, driving experience, fuel economy, and safety ratings. Let’s look at what each vehicle offers to help you decide which BMW sports sedan is the best match for your needs and budget.

Pricing – 335 is More Affordable But M3 Offers Performance Value

The BMW 335 starts around $45,000 for a base model, ranging up to the $60,000s when fully loaded.

The M3 has a starting MSRP around $70,000. With all the performance extras added, you can easily get into the $80,000s and above.

So on price alone, the 335 will be the more affordable option for most buyers. However, when you factor in the incredible power and handling abilities of the M3, the higher cost starts to offer some value, especially for the driving enthusiast.

You get a lot more performance for your money with the M3. But if you don’t need track-level handling and speed, the 335 can save you $20,000+ and still provide an excellent sports sedan experience.

Performance and Handling – M3 is Faster and Handles Better

The BMW M3 is tuned for drivers who crave jaw-dropping acceleration and track-worthy handling. Its twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine generates:

• 473 horsepower
• 406 lb-ft of torque

This launches the M3 from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds when equipped with the optional Competition package.

The BMW 335 is no slouch with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that produces:

• 300 horsepower
• 295 lb-ft of torque

However, it goes 0-60 mph in a more modest 4.2 seconds – nearly a full second slower than the M3.

The M3 also dominates when it comes to lateral g-forces on the skidpad, a test of handling ability. It pulls 1.01 g compared to just 0.97 g in the 335.

So on straight-line speed and around tight corners, the M3 outperforms the 335 handily. Serious driving enthusiasts will find the increased power and road grip well worth the upgrade.

Interior Features and Technology – Both Pack Luxury and Tech

Inside the cabin, both the 335 and M3 deliver the elegant luxury cabin and tech features expected from BMW’s 3 Series.

You get amenities like:

• Leather seating
• Power front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Harman Kardon premium sound system
• Gesture controls
• Ambient lighting
• Moonroof

Tech offerings include:

• Large central touchscreen display
• Bluetooth
• Smartphone integration
• WiFi hotspot
• Navigation
• Heads up display
• Wireless charging

M3 models add some performance-focused touches like deep bolstered sport seats and a thick M Sport steering wheel. But overall the core interior luxury and tech offerings are quite similar between the 335 and M3. You get an upscale driving environment no matter which model you choose.

Driving Experience – M3 Delivers Thrilling Performance

Where the M3 really separates itself from the 335 is in the sheer exhilaration you’ll feel behind the wheel.

The M3 accelerates, handles and grips the road with authority that engages you as a driver. You’ll feel connected to the car and road in a way you won’t in a base level 335.

You can push the M3 hard into corners, punch the gas on exit and the sedan responds beautifully. The limit is so high on this finely tuned machine that it’s unlikely most drivers will ever experience all this car has to offer performance wise.

While quite competent, the 335 simply can’t match the tenacious grip and power of the M3. This is a sedan built for high performance driving.

So if you want a sports sedan that delivers stunning acceleration and cornering you’ll feel in your seat, the M3 is the clear pick. You’ll have endless fun finding winding backroads to put the M3 through its paces.

Fuel Economy – 335 is More Fuel Efficient

With great power comes greater thirst – and the M3 demonstrates this clearly.

Fuel mileage estimates for M3 models come in at:

• 15 mpg city
• 21 mpg highway

The BMW 335 gets slightly better fuel economy at:

• 22 mpg city
• 29 mpg highway

While both require premium gasoline, you’ll make more frequent stops at the pump with the V8-powered M3. This is the cost you pay for such incredible performance abilities.

If fuel costs are a concern, the 335 can save you a few MPG while still providing an enjoyable driving experience. The M3 however is clearly not aimed at fuel efficiency.

Safety Features – Both Get Top Safety Ratings

Safety is also a strong suit of both BMW’s 335 and M3 models.

Each comes equipped with essential safety tech like:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Rearview camera
• Parking sensors

You also get more modern driver assistance features:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross traffic alert

These advanced systems help you avoid collisions and unsafe situations.

In crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the BMW 3 Series earns 5 out of 5 Stars for overall crash protection. It gets the top rating of “Good” in all individual test categories as well.

So both the 335 and M3 provide excellent occupant protection and accident avoidance capabilities.

Which BMW is Right For You?

The BMW M3 delivers exhilarating performance and handling for the passionate driving enthusiast. Its lightning quick acceleration, incredible corner grip, and track-tuned abilities create a thrilling driving experience. If you want a sports sedan that makes you smile every time you get behind the wheel, the M3 is easily worth the extra cost over a 335.

But if you can live without the ultimate high performance abilities of the M3, the BMW 335 still provides an enjoyable blend of luxury and power. With its lower price, slightly better fuel economy, and ample performance, the 335 remains an excellent sports sedan choice.

Analyze what’s most important in your sports sedan priorities between price, fuel costs, and performance abilities. If a track car experience is essential, only the M3 will fully satisfy. But for buyers who can pass on unmatched power in exchange for savings, the 335 retains plenty of appeal.

Either way you go, the BMW 3 Series lineup delivers world class engineering and design. Both the 335 and M3 let drivers enjoy the pinnacle of BMW’s sports sedan offerings.

Conclusion

The BMW M3 is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts who crave an incredible performance experience. With its high output twin-turbo engine generating neck-snapping acceleration and tenacious grip around corners, the M3 offers next-level performance abilities the 335 can’t match.

While not cheap, the M3 provides amazing power and handling that makes it worth the significant upgrade over a base model 3 Series for serious drivers. If you want a track-tuned BMW sports sedan that you can push to its limits, the M3 delivers thrill ride performance.