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There is an art to producing a decent rear-wheel drive performance car – an art that BMW has mastered. Whether it be a blindingly fast super sedan such as a classic BMW M5 or even a pre-owned sporty 2009 Z4, a blend of fine handling and crisp chassis is guaranteed.
Within BMW’s range of cars, there have been numerous stand-out gems. The legendary BMW E36 M3 set a defiant benchmark and is revered among collectors. But while great, the M3 is also the reason why so many enthusiasts fail to acknowledge just how great its less expensive sibling, the 335i has always been. The E92 generation is currently an insane performance car bargain. It may not wear the coveted “M” badge, but the E92 335i coupe is still a gloriously understated performance car.
With a wonderfully muscular engine beneath the hood, the E92 335i Coupe is still a contender today. Offering a superb blend of speed and comfort here are 10 reasons why gearheads should consider the E92 BMW 335i Coupe.
10 The E92 Sweet Spot
The BMW E92 was released in 2006. A striking-looking coupe, it still turns heads today. Very subtle styling hides its true potential. Sitting below the M-Sport model the 335i Coupe is an awesome machine. It’s very fast with brilliant handling. It was the highlight of the range.
Dishing out plenty of power the E92 335i was not as challenging to drive as some rivals. It was approachable and manageable. Getting to grips with its performance never felt frightening. This was a quality BMW performance car; one that remained an accessible item for all.
9 A Phenomenal Engine
The unit fitted to the E92 335i Coupe is a dream. It was also BMWs first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six was good for 302 hp. There was also a stump-pulling 300 lb/ft of torque on tap, which is still plenty of power today.
Straight from the factory, the E92 335i Coupe could hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, the engine pulling all the way around to the 7,000-rpm redline. What it lacks in vocal power it makes up for in raw grunt. This is an engine that rewards will go, anywhere in the rev range.
8 Fast Is Very Affordable
Used prices have seen substantial depreciation. This means the E93 335i Coupe offers plenty of bang for the buck. High mileage cars can be snapped up for a little over $5,000. That’s a lot of pace for the cash. It’s also a good place to start when buying a fast-road car.
Low mileage, well-equipped models can be bought for less than $15,000. The E92 335i Coupe is also considered to be reliable. The N54 engine does have some reported issues, but all are well documented. Overall it’s a great sports coupe – one with huge potential.
7 Better Than The E92 M3
The E92 M3 was the first 3 Series with a V8. To a lot of M3 fans, this was sacrilege. The E92 335i Coupe retained the straight six, albeit with turbos. In daily driving, it was a better car to live with. Its fuel economy could hit 30 mpg, unlike the M3, which rarely saw 20 mpg.
In the real world, the E92 335i Coupe wasn’t that much slower than the M3. It was also far less showy. Drawing less attention from car fans as it passed by. It was something of a sleeper, the E92 335i Coupe feels less highly-strung than the M3, and much easier to drive.
6 The Tuners’ Favorite
The N54 engine is almost a blank canvas for tuning. Its twin-turbo setup gives plenty of options for power increases. A quick off-the-shelf remap can bump power up by 70 hp. Torque will also grow by 65 lb/ft. Those are impressive gains. But could be just the start of something.
Hybrid turbos will see the horsepower rocket. From here amendments to handling and braking are a must. Power is nothing without control. A 450-hp E92 335i Coupe with an upgraded suspension setup can demolish an M3. It will also give other fast cars a good fright.
5 Still A Stylish Ride
Upon release, the E92 Coupe was criticized for being a bit plain. It lacked eye-grabbing spoilers and splitters, but it was a sophisticated design that didn’t need gaudy additions. The E92 Coupe still looks rather plain but still looks fresh. Its lines are crisp and not dated.
The E92 335i can be enhanced with some aftermarket styling add-ons. Subtle changes can elevate the car further. Bigger wheels also add to the appeal. It’s a car that doesn’t need to be radically overhauled, as doing so would lose that stealthy, barnstorming sleeper appeal.
4 Handles Like A Dream
The BMW E92 335i Coupe sends all of its power to the rear wheels. With the engine up front, the balance is superb. Communication through the chassis and steering is excellent, and feedback superb. An E92 335i Coupe delivers stunning ability when driven hard.
At cruising speeds, the E92 335i Coupe acts like a grand tourer. It soaks up road imperfections and eliminates outside noise. It’s a very pleasant place to spend time, being both fiercely rapid and capable yet able to play the part of a civilized executive hauler.
3 They Make Awesome Track Cars
With used prices so low, converting one for track use just makes sense. Stripped out, the 335i Coupe takes on a new guise. It becomes even faster and even sharper. As drift cars, they can compete against the best Japan has to offer. It’s a very talented BMW coupe indeed.
On the track, the E92 335i can be pushed even further. The upper limits of its handling can be explored. With additional modifications, it can be transformed into a heavy-weight contender. It’s a car whose outputs can be scaled upwards when the need arises
2 Multi-Talented Bruiser
Despite being a coupe the E92 335i offers great practicality. The trunk can swallow 430 liters of luggage. Its rear seats will accommodate two adults in absolute comfort. Equipment levels are generous. Plus, it can return over 30mpg when being driven in a sedate manner.
As with most BMWs, fit and finish levels are high. Even the oldest cars will still feel solid. As a performance car, the E92 335i delivers a knockout punch. As a relaxed cruiser, it will cosset in equal measure. It offers a very well-rounded driving experience and a very complete package.
1 Refinement And Luxury
Sitting close to the top of the 3 Series tree, the 335i came loaded with standard equipment. Leather seating was standard and a choice of gearboxes could be specified. Everything had a quality feel. Jumping into the driver’s seat felt like in a home away from home.
A 335i Coupe delivers whether driven close to its limits or wound right back. They’re cars that are happy to play or just serve. This is a BMW that is at home on a traffic-jammed highway or an empty back road. Nothing troubles it, and it always delivers a thrill.
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