Click above to view the shoot-out between the BMW M3 and the Dinan 335i.
This is a head-to-head battle we've been waiting to see: BMW's new M3 versus a Dinan-tuned 335i coupe. But we're only going to talk numbers and let the video tell the tale.
The BMW 335i has proven itself as a credible player in the sports coupe segment, particularly with a tweaked ECU to extract maximum output from its twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline-six. Dinan announced its Stage 3 package a few months back, which includes a fully-adjustable suspension and a handful of engine mods that bring output up to 406 hp and a kidney-punishing 460 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,300 RPM). But it doesn't come cheap. All the necessary Dinan kit to get it up to Stage 3 spec (and get that nifty badge on the boot) costs around $14,000. But compared to the
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Charlie @ May 30th 2008 8:13PM
Um, the base price of the new M3 isn't $71K. It's $53K for the sedan, $56K for the coupe.
Though I'm sure it's possible to option it up to around $70K.
drunkenpublicness @ May 30th 2008 8:18PM
Now wait. The M3 4door starts @ $54,000+ and the 2door @ $56,000+. I understand these cars are new and the stealerships will be busy for the next few months w/ drastic mark-ups to pay for their summer vacations but it can't last forever. So the $71,000 price listed above a little deceiving. For my money and a full warranty, I'd park a pretty white M3 4door in my driveway and never look back.
mkM3 @ May 30th 2008 8:26PM
The ironic thing is that almost no one is paying those ridiculous markups. In fact, you can easily find E90 M3s at under MSRP. E92s are a little harder to get under MSRP but gettting one @ MSRP is a cakewalk. Any dealership not in Florida or California will sell you one right now for that price, and there are tons on lots also.
YouFaceTheTick @ May 30th 2008 8:29PM
2 door 335i via ED will run about 37k with sport package. add on 14k of dinan mods and you're still at 51k. Of course the 14k is too much junk.
M3 2 door also has a gas guzzler, pushing the total to over 59k. Regardless, 8k is a big gap.
Damon Lavrinc @ May 30th 2008 8:40PM
Corrected. Thanks.
Maestro1 @ May 31st 2008 12:29AM
Why is i that in practically every post or every other post someone has to mention the damn corvette or the GTR. I like both but you guys are making me sick of either of them now.
mkM3 @ May 30th 2008 8:22PM
I'll still take that M3. They really ought to have compared equally equipped cars also. The 335i is barely optioned, the M3 is fully loaded.
wrussi @ May 30th 2008 8:24PM
it might be 53k but i dont think you can get an m3 anywhere in the us for that price.
good thing dinan can almost match up the m3 performance. the v8 engine the m3 comes with, even though being na its powerful its just not fast enough for the money and for todays competition. if i had 70-90k i would definately try to get a skyline before i think of an m3
mkM3 @ May 30th 2008 8:37PM
Skyline = G35.
But for the GTR, well, if you can find one at 70k, buy it now. You will instantly have made 20k or so.
IK47 @ May 30th 2008 10:35PM
dinan has tunes for the M3 V8 which pushe it to over 500hp
Joe K. @ May 30th 2008 8:25PM
Meanwhile the corvette blows their doors off with more HP and better MPG from a bigger and better V8... hmmm I just don't see it...
ambientFLIER @ May 30th 2008 8:27PM
Meanwhile either of those BMW's will ride 10x better and will be easier to live with, not to mention one is a BMW and the other a chevy.
YouFaceTheTick @ May 30th 2008 8:30PM
4 seats, real trunk, 30 mpg on the freeway is a reality with a 335i
mkM3 @ May 30th 2008 8:42PM
Z06, yes.
Base C6? It will still be faster but I don't think "blows their doors off" is very reasonable. The vette doesn't have enough seats for a family either.
Now the CTSv, that's probably the closest thing to a 4 seat Vette, and it will indeed give these cars and their competitors something to worry about.
John @ May 30th 2008 9:50PM
Don't bring up a Vette in a post discussing luxurious performance cars that actually look good and have decent interiors. You know better than that.
IK47 @ May 30th 2008 10:21PM
c6 corvette is a cool car.
But the 335i and M3 are more luxury oriented
which is different from what the vette offers.
Remember, the point isn't to just 'go fast', but rather to have the best all around driving experience.
Of course, if you want all out performance, go for the corvette. It's entirely up to you. But if you want something a bit more tame, especially for daily driving, BMW's are a good bet.
fbxcore @ May 31st 2008 1:32AM
@Tick
The vette actually has a pretty formidable sized trunk. I got to see the ins and outs of a Z06 at the LA auto show last year and was definitely impressed with the cargo space considering the car it is. It has pneumatic door handles too..which are really cool.
ambientFLIER @ May 30th 2008 8:26PM
I wonder ow much lag the modded 3.0 has.
digitalink @ May 30th 2008 8:54PM
Not much lag at all. The 335/135/n54 motor uses pretty small turbos. The dinan kit bumps the boost from 8.5 to 13.2 PSI but uses the stock turbos. Lag is a non-issue. (this is coming from a current 335 owner and driver of both dinan and procede tuned 335's.
One last thing. I can practically guarantee the the tuned 335 will embarrass the m3 at a 30+ rolling start. The m3 lsd and wider tire tract is a considerable advantage from the dig and on the road course/turn exit.
I wish the editors included the type of rubber these cars are rolling on.
Dan @ Jun 1st 2008 12:03AM
I know Dinan prides himself on thoroughly testing all of his kits... but I just cannot see how the 335i's stock turbos will consistently withstand the increased load. Did the Dinan kit come with upgraded oil chiller and intercooler?