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Tempting. If I were to sum up the 335i 6-speed coupe in one word, that would have to be it. When it originally launched, I felt that the E92 looks were too heavy compared to the outgoing E46 model, but I have to admit that I think this car has aged pretty well. One thing that couldn’t be argued was the performance on tap from the new twin-turbocharged N54 inline-6. While it didn’t offer quite the spin of the S54 in the previous generation M3, it had more usable grunt. Coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the performance figures in real world driving generally indicated that the 335i was as fast as the M3 had been. Inside, the E9x was thoroughly modern, too – if the E46 was the last of the classic driver-oriented dash designs dating back to the late 1970s, the E9x ushered in the new era of electronic-heavy dash design to the 3-series. Is it all bad? No – in fact, in a recent car search the 335i coupe was pretty high on my list of potential candidates because of the sheer bang for the buck quotient. Enter my usual complaint; my searches sifted through hundreds of gray and black examples, but this one really caught my eye because of the unusual combination of Deep Green Metallic and Beige leather:
The E92 is a fairly innocuous-looking car in most cases, with even the almighty V8-powered M3 failing to turn many heads at the stoplight. This 335i has the looks and modifications to attract a bit more attention, most glaringly of which is the 3M Intense Blue wrap, a color not far off the E46 M3’s desirable Laguna Seca Blue. Under the hood a new intercooler and access port from Cobb Tuning, along with some serious breathing improvements including Dinan mufflers behind catless downpipes. A few carbon bits here, some ///M stripes there, and M5 wheels complete the package for a 335i that has both show and go.
In an age of technology which has distanced the driver from involvement in the driving experience, it’s nice to know you can still turn to a few manufacturers to get your kicks. The 3 series sedan is one of the few BMWs left which you can spec with a manual gearbox, and this 335i with a 6-speed manual represents the top of the lineup with the 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 producing just over 300 horsepower. This example comes equipped with the Sports Package, which included tighter suspension, sport seats, staggered size wheels and an oil cooler. While the 340i is now the top dog in the 3 series lineup, this 335i represents about just as much car at a sizable discount.
As I look forward to the next few years and what kind of car I might move into next, the BMW 3 series coupe is always up there on the list. This is a car that seemingly has it all, such as practicality, performance and the availability of a manual gearbox, which, sadly seems to be waning with the newer models. There is also a huge aftermarket for these coupes as well, from mild tunes to wild M3 clone iterations. This 335i Coupe for sale from our friends at EuroWerkz has been treated to some Dinan modifications, inclusive of Stage II software and camber plates.
I’ve covered a series of BMW 3 series Individual cars recently, and I seem to be on a streak of finding neat ones. Today for your consideration are two E92s; one 335i turbo with low miles in a nice color combination compared to a M3 Individual with higher miles. The price is nearly the same between the two examples; which would be the one you’d select?
