I sold my '04 G35c6mt several months ago and bought a 540i auto but I really miss the manual. I'm selling the auto and I'm buying another 6spd but I need a sedan this time.

After driving various cars, I've decided on either a '07+ G35S 6MT or a '07+ 335i Sedan 6spd.

I think the G has a nicer interior and is a better overall value, but then the 335i has better performance and I can get 400 HP with a $1500 Vishnue chip.

The Bimmer will also have better handling out the box.

The Bimmer will cost a couple of more grand but then I'll get all the maintenance covered for free.

I'm torn! Any feedback would be great. Thanks.

 

BMW for short term, Infiniti for long term.

 

If I could affford it I would get the Bimmer, simply for the reasons you stated above.

 

Bimmer does not have better handling out of the box. They virtually have identical numbers when it comes to handling. Bimmer "feels" better when taking turns but when it comes to getting to the limit these cars are virtually identical.
As far as the acceleration goes 6MT G35 is almost as quick as the bimmer. I know someone with G35 sedan 6MT that is as fast as the bimmer in a 60-130mph race. But his car is faster than the average G though. If u can give up the "feel" of the BMW and the refinement then go for the G and save some money.

When it comes to modding for a strait line, then yes, bimmer is a different animal.

 

The free maintenance would definitely be nice, but if I'm not mistaken it wouldn't be a couple grand more. It'd be like 6 grand more (going by what I saw shopping around 4 months ago). So call the money saved on free maintenance a wash.

I was actually just looking at the performance specs of the new 335i and G37 (granted a different car, but very similar to 07+) today while getting my oil changed. The differences are nominal until you get over 80-90mph, then the BMW starts noticeably outperforming. I'm also not sure how much better handling a 335i offers compared to a G35 Sport. I could be wrong on that, but I thought it was pretty even.

I'm really not a power junkie. The (MUCH) better looks and the cheaper price tag are the only incentives I would need to make this choice. I'm sure you'd end up pretty happy with either though.

 

The free maintenance is nice on the BMW, but after reading the fine print when i was looking at cars, i beleive the warranty on the 335i is only 2years, 24k miles. Which is ridiculous. Go with the G35.

 

Then u need a microscope and read the fine print again.
All BMWs are covered with free maintenance 4 year 50k miles.

 

You're right. Still wouldnt buy one though. Nearly every person i know with one has had it in the shop a couple times. And i personally think the G is better looking inside and out.

 

+1

A BMW should be leased. After 4 yr/50K you're looking down a long dark tunnel, don't know what to expect.

 

335

 

I have both, an 08 335i and an 08 G35s 5AT.

Power: There is no comparison, the bmw wins. You can put in a pnp JB3 (580 bucks), and you'll be at about 360whp. Don't forget the 3 is under-rated from the factory, as "most" 6mt 3's dyno (a dyno is meaningless to me, but I'm making a point) in the mid 280's. JB3 3's et at about 112-113 on average. The highest dyno'd g I've seen was 305 or so, again no comparison.

Handling: The 3 feels more solid, more planted in turns, and the steering response is better. I'm assuming you'd buy a sport package 3, so the car is 1/2" lower than a non-sport 3 (versus same height journey vs s in the G).

Interior refinement, it's a toss up and more of a personal preference. Some like the 3, some like the G. The G has more "bells and whistles," but the 3 is more simple in layout. The G has far more buttons than the 3, but the 3 to me is more intuitive.

Interior space: the G wins, trunk space also.

Aftermarket parts availability: 3

Honest feedback, no fanboyish from me. Drive both, decide for yourself.

 

Thanks to all for the feedback.

I've driven both and I totally agree that the 3 is a better car performance wise, particularly straight-line and ESPECIALLY high speeds. The car also feels more balanced and neutral than the G.

On the other hand, the G feels like a luxury car whereas the 3 even with the premium and sport package feels "empty". The G's interior is refined and yes full of "bells & whistles" and that is nice if you're in it daily like I am.

I'm having a very tough time making the choice between all out performance and luxury with decent performance.

Can anyone comment about build quality of the G? I'm talking about things breaking, rattles, noise, funny stuff... you know? If I go with the G because it's more "refined" and it turns out to have all these issues, then I'm really going to regret my choice!

Thoughts?

 

I honestly think the build quality especially in the interior of the G is far below my expectation. My car has only 11k mi.. and seems like I'm finding new rattles and noises everyday. I really did not expect this from a luxury sports sedan.

I would personally get the 335 over the G anyday.

 

Just read up on bimmerforums and boy are people having problems with the 3s! Forget rattles... we're talking about sensors going bad, wastegates malfunctioning, ECUs, NAV, etc... things that are taking weeks to fix.

BUT that said... I HATE rattles!

Anyone here with rattle problems? Can you please elaborate?

I'll take a solid feeling/sounding car anyday over one that sounds like a cheap GM plastic interior. I honestly didn't think the G would be that way. It certainly was tight when I drove it but then again the one I drove had less than 1,000 miles!

 

The problems I had/have so far w/ my 08 G:

1. Pitting/chipping in grill
2. Rattles in steering column/rear deck/sunglass holder
3. Vibration in front passenger seat
4. Panel in steering column coming lose
5. Awkward noise/rattle from exhaust in cold temp.
6. Passenger airbag sensor malfunction