Test Drove a 335 Sedan

My car was due for service, so I asked for a 335 sedan as a loaner to test drive while it was in. Just thought I'd share my obeservations.

This was a 335 with premium package and automatic transmission. I've always driven manuals, so the auto did not thrill me. There was obviously a lot of power under my foot, and once it got going, man did it go. But I'm not sure if it was the auto transmission or turbo lag, but it seemed that when I gave it the gas there was a definite pause before the power really kicked in. I've had turbos before and don't ever recall feeling quite this much hesitation, so my guess is that it had to do with the auto. I would guess that it may also have had something to do with the traction control. I could not find the button to turn it off (I'm hoping that its not on permanently), so I know several times it was just plain due to the traction control kicking in.

The car handled well, but I thought it felt heavier than my 330. It did not have the sport package, so I'm hoping that will give the car a tighter feeling.

As far as the interior, I'm not a fan of the dash. It seems way too high, and I always liked the driver centered cockpit in my 330's. The radio controls seemed confusing to me also, but I'm sure spending some time with it would clear that up. Some of the materials were top notch, the leather and the wood trim were beautiful. However, the drink holders looked like cheap afterthoughts. The headliner looked like it was made from a cheap material too. I also noticed the steering wheel did not seem solid, and would give if I pushed on it while stretching my arms out.

I'll be getting one this summer when my lease is up, silver with black leather, manual trans, premium and sport packages, heated seats, and compfort access. I'll be interested to see if I fall imidiately in love with it like i had with my 330. The 335 engine is a obviously a plus, but I'm afraid the rest of the package may not be up to the standard set by the E46.

Just my observations from 1 day with a 335.

Live with it for a week and I bet you'll agree that, great car that the e46 was, the e90 is better in every way. And as for cupholders, what is it with Americans? This is the ultimate driving machine. You are supposed to drive it, not have lunch in it, and driving it should demand your complete attention and concentration. I personally don't think a car should have cupholders AT ALL.

:-)
Lol

I take a nice big steel travel mug of coffee with me to work. I usually don't even take a sip in the car, but I do need some place to put it. I guess the real point was, those things that come out from the dash are CHEAP, and they should not have even bothered. Probably would not have bothered if not for us American's that demand cup holders in our cars.

I also have my e46 in for inspection I + some misc fix, and got E90 as loaner. In my car, it was a 330i with auto and premium but not sport.

I have the same feeling about the throattle leg, but I am 100% sure it is due to their auto. My cowork has E90 325i manual, it is way more responsive. The car feels heavier and tighter compare to my E46 330i sp, and also feels handle better. E90 front seat are narrower, so it holds me in better. It is also quieter (maybe my e46 is getting old).

The interior is a mixed bag feeling.

The better:
The seats, headliner and the placement of the lumination better. The instrument panel is nicer to look (E46's feels busy). The cruise control speed indicator is nice.

The worse:
Dash is high compare to E46, and feels curved away from driver.
Interior material (except headliner) feel lower quality compare to E46, more hard platic, less smooth. But definitely way better than X3 interior.

Overall, I do like E90 quite a lot. They are better car overall, especially the drive. The BMW interior design seems to going in the direction that is not my faverite tho.

eel