[fatmike]

I bought a 335 Coupe 2 years ago. I am a BMW fan, and I just didn't like the 335. For a short time, I owned both the Boxster and the 335, so I had a chance to drive them both frequently. Ive long since sold the 335.

As a sportscar, the 335 has some serious flaws:

- Steering is waaaaay too light. Very noticeable assist and vagueness compared to the Boxster. After driving the Boxster, I would find myself making many mid-turn corrections in the BMW.
- I found the 6 speed in the 335 to be the worst I've ever driven. Usually BMWs have some "clunkiness" that goes away over time. My 335 never broke in. 2nd gear was always a crapshoot. I know how to shift smoothly - the 335 made me feel like I was an amateur. In my opinion, this is a fatal flaw.
- The run flat tires were loud, rough and totally lacking steering feel.
- Noticeable lack of traction. Run flats? The car has enough torque that you notice the lack of a limited slip differential.
- Throttle response is poor. Kinda like an on/off switch with a delay. They say there "isn't turbo lag". That might be true, but the car is seriously lacking throttle response. Step on it, and you get ...delay...BAM! This means you can't take a corner on the throttle. Combine this with the vague steering and you see why you are making steering corrections in a turn.
- The 335 has a very similar curb weight, length and width as the last generation 5 series. Its really the "new 540i", instead of the new "3".



In its defense:
- The 335 is very fast. It could accelerate with a force that you can only associate with braking in a Boxster.
- Sounds great under wide open throttle. Different than the Boxster's pipe organ, but likeable. Almost a shreek - like a sportsbike.
- Quiet and fuel efficient on the highway. 30 mpg if you were gentle.
- Modern amenities such as the turning headlights and bluetooth are impressive.
- Serveral in-expensive 3rd party tuning options that can get crazy power increases (400+) hp and torque.

If you want a Grand Tourer with a full backseat, the 335 is an OK choice. Although, I think over time the reliability may prove to be a serious issue. The DFI and the turbos will probably be very problematic and expensive out of warranty. However, the 335 is not a sportscar. Don't get confused. I would suggest buying the 335 in an automatic because the transmission would be a better match for the throttle response of the engine.

By comparison, the Boxster has much better driver inputs. The Boxster's center of inertia is right on the driver. The car makes the world magically "rotate" around you as you go thru corners. The Boxster's steering tells you exactly how your doing. The shifter is precise. The engine is crazy smooth and responsive at any RPM and an organist plays in the background as you toss the car around. Very different experience.