As a daily driver, the new BMW 335 is remarkable. A stated 300 hp and 300 lbs. feet of torque allows the car to be quick, very quick indeed. 0 to 60 arrives in just 5.4 seconds, providing- what not too long ago, was super car performance, in a very well priced and well valued, 4-door sedan. Freeway speeds demand more than an occasional glance at the speedometer, the 335 is so effortlessly fast that we constantly found ourselves at well over 80mph. In addition this 335 is particularly fast, the guys at Split Second provided us with a computer plug-in that enhances the factory performance specifications to a reported 360hp and 350 lbs. feet of torque, yet we still averaged nearly 22mpg combined.

We find the 335 aesthetically pleasing, with terrific brakes, great handling and is virtually perfect, ergonomically; everything falls into hand and is exactly where you think it ought to be. The steering is precise and has great feel, the kind of feel that you would normally expect from something costing significantly more. The car simply communicates better with the driver than others in its class. This seems to be true about BMW’s entire model line; their cars are more communicative. If there were a single complaint, it would be that we would like to hear just a bit more of the exhaust note.

How is the car on the track? We can tell you from our personal experience, outstanding! We have had the opportunity to drive the car at Willow Springs Raceway, Button Willow Raceway, and California Motor Speedway. The car accelerates very quickly, and though twin turbo charged, one does not experience turbo lag; the engine simply pulls from 1400 rpm and never quits pulling right up to redline, the torque that this engine delivers seems endless.

On initial turn-in, the car does exhibit slight to moderate under steer; more pronounced if the car is not slowed adequately before the turn. This is not a car that likes threshold braking, but then again, we are not sold on it either. The 335 rewards smooth driver input accordingly. Steering feel is simply superb. With “light hands” the feel that the steering feeds back to the driver is ideal; The steering never feels numb or unresponsive. Tell the car what to do and it simply does it, no argument.

The brakes are terrific; modulation is superb and brake pedal travel minimal. The brakes give great feel and feedback. If you get them too hot, so we have heard, brake fade becomes noticeable. We have yet to experience this issue, but again, we brake early and prefer carrying more exit speed than entrance speed. Overdrive any car designed for the street and the brakes will fade, with the exception of some very expensive sports cars.

Tires are another issue entirely, but only at they pertain to the track. A set of “R” compound Nitto’s, as example, would allow this car to embarrass even more cars on the track than it already does and remember; this is a 4 door sedan! The Bridgestone run-flats are far more than adequate for normal street driving and there is only one appropriate place to drive fast; it is not on the street. On the track however, once the tires get hot, grip becomes suspect at best. Here again we must remember that these are street tires and not designed for this type of assertive driving. We would prefer a tire with better grip than the run-flats, but we do understand the safety advantage that these tires can provide. An option for different tires and a spare would be nice.

What does the racetrack have to do with a car designed for the street? Actually, a great deal. Though most drivers will never push a car to its absolute limits on intent, the day may come they will need to avoid someone or something; the knowledge that a car will simply do what you ask of it is confidence inspiring. Cars designed like the BMW 335 can help a driver avoid an incident rather than just surviving one. We would think that more automobile manufacturers would find this to be as important as BMW does and has, for years.

The car has great balance, is remarkably forgiving and just incredibly fun to drive;
FUN being the operative word. Regardless of what we are spending on acquiring a new car, the car should be fun! In addition BMW includes 4 years or 50,000 miles of full maintenance and no other manufacturer provides this mammoth value.

The BMW 335 is not an M3, it was never meant to be, nor was it designed to be; it is not as raw. Dollar for Dollar however, we strongly feel that the 335 is probably the best car that BMW has built to date.

O.C.C.E

Special THANKS to Dan Wu for the great shot at Ca. Speedway