For another view on the 335is, we turn to our friends at Kilometer who had a chance to sample the 335is at the same track in Portugal last week. Here’s a quick excerpt:
Purists will likely want the six-speed manual transmission that comes standard, but new seven-speed DCT gearbox will actually get you up to speed more quickly. There’s simply no beating a pre-selected gear and computer-controlled clutch for shifting speed and accuracy. I was able to pull an honest 0-to-60 time of 5.0 seconds on the cool, damp surface of Estoril’s front straight (measured with a vBox performance meter), and that was without the gearbox’s launch control program (which was deactivated in our pre-production cars). On top of being faster, the DCT engages quite smoothly; even lugging around at low speeds it never exhibited the jerkiness that other cars with dual-clutch transmissions often do.
While at the new F10 5 Series launch in Portugal, BMW rolled out the 335is (a US specific model) for a few hot laps in an effort to get some press around the car. While we didn’t make the trek over there, our good friends at Autoblog had some time behind the wheel and have an initial review as result. It’s worth a read to get a sneak but also yet another view of the question many of us have been asking. With the M3 starting at only 8k more, the 335is really worth it?
Here’s an excerpt:
Think of it this way: a 2010 M3 coupe starts at $58,400, to which you must add $875 for destination and a further $1,300 for gas guzzler taxes (a 2011 model has not yet been announced). Total cost? $60,575 – before options. Yes, the V8-powered M3 offers significantly more horsepower (414), but does so at a skyscraping 8,300 rpm and has a comparative dearth of torque – 295 vs. 332 pound-feet – and that’s without considering the 335i’s massive overboost. What’s more, the 335is’ full measure of twist is available from just 1,500 revs, while the M3’s eight-pot needs to be spinning more than twice as fast at 3,900 rpm. Lest we forget, despite its carbon-fiber roof, it also weighs a smidge more.
As you may have picked up from our recently posts, BMW is being very aggressive with changing to relatively new models across the range this spring. So aggressive in fact that they’ve decided to begin 2011 model year starting with Spring production of most models. Some highlights:
The M3 Competition Package is real and includes 10 mm lower suspension, 19” M3 GTS wheels, remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems.
X5 now comes with the N55 single turbo inline six
BMW has introduced value packages to the aging 1 and 3 series models
Most models equipped with the twin turbo N54 inline six will be transitioning to the N55 single turbo for 2011.
Most vehicles receive minor changes for MY2011 in the form of options and new or revised packages, but some models are either all-new (for example, the new BMW 5 Series sedan and BMW ALPINA B7) or substantially updated (3 Series Coupe and Convertible). For existing models, what will not change for the start of the MY2011 are base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices. You can get all the details for the entire range in the official release below:
BMW launched the 2011 335is at Estoril yesterday. The official release is below and the one glaring facts that was not reported on before the official launch was that there is a 6 speed manual being offered! This “is” model will feature 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in manual form from its N54 twin turbo inline six. It will be a more enthusiast oriented offering to slate in-between the 335i and ///M3. It will only be offered in coupe and convertible models. Official public debut is set for the NY International Auto Show.
Special high-performance models exclusively for North American marketplace.
Confirming what may have been this year’s worst-kept auto industry secret, BMW announces the introduction of the BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, each destined to take a place in history among the line of desirable, often collectible, BMW “s” models. Based on the newly-enhanced BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, the new BMW 335is features the award-winning, twin-turbocharged BMW inline-6 engine, specially tuned and equipped to produce 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liters. For the first time on a BMW 3 Series in the US, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control will be available as an option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the DCT, the 335is Coupe is capable of 0-60mph acceleration in 5 seconds flat. The BMW 335is will debut at the New York International Auto Show and arrive at BMW Centers later in the spring. Pricing will begin at $50,525 including Destination for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including Destination for the Convertible.
Compliments of BMWUSA.com come the images of the soon to launch 2011 335is (the official announcement will be January 22nd). The “is” (which is obviously next to the 335 on the emblem) models will feature an up-tuned N54 twin turbo motor, styling cues, larger wheels and other exclusive features. A dual clutch transmission will also be available as an optional extra. This car looks to feature parts directly out of the BMW Performance catalog, the body kit and wheels especially! We are expecting the official numbers and information soon but for now 322hp and 369 lb-ft of torque during overboost are what we are hearing for output. As always we will keep you updated.
For those in the know, the sport package is an essential part of any BMW purchase. And for those really wanting to set their cars apart, the M Sport package gives you all the sport package goodness with a dose of M car attitude. Today we take a look at the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible with the M Sport package. The general design of the M aerokit hasn’t changed too much but it does create a slightly different effect with the larger headlights especially.
As before inside featuring unique trim, M Steering wheel, M Shifter, anthracite headliner and specific M Sport wheels.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
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Sections: E90 3 Series Jan 31st, 2010 4 Comments 
