I’ve had an E46 in my garage for the last 12 years, from an early 328i to a ZHP and most recently an M3. I just got into a 2012 335i M-sport (n55) and figured I’d post a comparo for people interested in these platforms (specifically the m). Both are 6 speed

LOOKS - Neither car is done justice by photos, but the E92 is really not done justice in photos. Much more compact in person whereas in photos it looks kind of long and akward , esepcially the rear with its absence of any fender flares. When I saw it in person thou, with its msport package it looked 10x better than online. However…theres nothing like a CLEAN e46 with csl wheels. While totally subjective…e46 m3 wins

INTERIOR - I think both cars have a timeless interior designs, but the E92 just feels so much better put together. Theres no rattles or creaks, whereas my E46 was plagued with them. I was putting velcro tape on everything, I felt this really detracted from the car if you were driving at normal speeds/no music. The seats in both provide identical support and comfort (my alcantara seats in my zhp take the cake for best seats ever). Also hhaving keyless entry/push start is great in the e92, m3 was void of any such convenienes. HK system in the e92 also waaaayyy better than e46 HK….E92 335i WINS

Engine Performance - the N55 makes more torque at 2000rpm than the s54 does at its peak poweband, and this is noticeable. However, I dont agree with what Ive read online saying the s54 is completely dead unless you rev the hell out of it. It was plenty sufficient for around town driving, but when you open it up ooooh man its an event each time. The sound along with the buildup to redline made it feel special, felt like it was going to explode! (In a goodway lol) The n55 falls flat after 5k rpm so it doesnt inspire you to rev it out. Its great on the highway, you can be lazy and mash the gas in 6th and have decent pickup for overtakes which the m3 isnt capable of. Both are great engines, but the s54 made you feel like you were driving something special whereas the n55 feels quick but utilitarian. Gas mileage is noticeabely better in the n55…E46 M3 wins

Chassis Performance - the ride quality in the e92 with m sport is wayyyy more comfortable than my e46 m3 w stock 19s. The chassis feels stiffer and almost more capeable, but not nearly as exploitable as the e46. you felt like you could manhandle the m3 as you pleased while the e92 is more knowing its capable than feeling it, if that makes sense. Anything over 80mph the m3 suspension is bounds more controlled thou. as I get older I really do appreciate the balance of my e92 msport suspension. Going down windy new england roads at 40-60mph the 335 feels every bit as capable as the m3, but beyond that Im sure the m3 would outperform. The e9x feels wonderful, But theres something about the e46 chassis which feels so good at its limits, intuitive. It feels like what I imagined driving a car fast would feel like even before I ever drove. And everyone who I let drive it felt confident instantly. so albeit close Im going with e46 m3 ftw

Transmission - e46 m3 stick shift felt notchy as hell. Sometimes wouldnt go into 1st rifht away, had to go 2nd then 1st so it could slide in. This gave me anxiety at stoplights, and Id have it in first w the clutch pressed in ready to go. The e92 is way more “crisp”. At lights ill leave it in neutral foot off the clutch, knowing i can move it into 1st no issues. Also has a hill assist which keeps car from rolling back for 1-2 seconds when taking off in first which is nice. …e92 335i wins

I really wanted an e9x m3 but was hesitant on spending 30k+ on a car with 100k miles. Plus the mpg in those is laughable. Found a super clean 335i w 55k miles single owner dealer serviced so pulled the trigger and am pretty happy with it one week in. So yea, thats my take on these two wonderful cars.

Just to be clear I’m talking a car that was just way out of your budget but still bought anyway