First comparison: BMW 335i versus CLK 350

[Zafiro]

A german carmag, Autozeitung tested BMW 335i against CLK 350
I dont have more details than these but I think its enough.

The CLK 350 was rated better in chapters auto body and driving comfort, but the 335i was very close.

The 335i was better in chapters engine/transmission and driving dynamics, Particulary engine and driving dynamics was a lot better in 335i than in CLK350.

Both cars were tested with Automatic gearbox. Following amazing times were meassured:

335i / CLK 350
0-100 km/h in 5,3 sec / 6.5 sec
0-160 km/h in 11,9 sec / 14.5 sec
0-200 km/h in 18,7 sec / 23.3 sec

Slalom: 64,5 km/h to 61,0 km/h.
Laptime around their track: 1:46,0 min to 1:50,4 min.

They also mentioned the 335i was faster than M3 E46 SMG around their track, tested in an earlier issue.

 

[Zafiro]

In my eyes, performance wise and handling wise , the 335i destroyed the CLK 350. 4 seconds slower around a track is a huge gap and almost 5 seconds slower to 200km/h.
Mercedes need to release next generation CLK soon or at least offer a new engine. Something between CLK350 and CLK500 but of course the price difference will be larger. CLK350 is too slow compared to a 335i as the ways are now.

 

[EnI]

Performance wise - this is a total slaughter.

When the new CLK is due? 2008, right?

I'm sure new C-class is getting 350 CGI - the 3.5L V6 with DI and 292KM (showecased in Geneva 2006). But ... will MB put same engine in CLK already in 2007, or wait till new Mk in 2008?

But stil ... I guess nobody buys CLK due performance (except AMG), so ...

 

[dOmInIX]

Great times for BMW! I would take 335i in a heartbeat over CLK350!

Damn, it's 8 months since I've been in Austria and didn't buy Autozeitung, SportAuto...

 

[klier]

Faster than E46 M3 on their track?

Wow.

 

[warot]

Faster than E46 M3 on their track?

Wow.

Yea I also find that surprising because I was going to bet on the M3 being better for track use. When it comes to everyday driving, the 335i wins easily. Better consumption, more torque, don't need to rev high. But it doesn't have the suspension the M3 has.

So how the hell does it do it?

 

[Zafiro]

In next issue of Sportauto (out on Sept 15), hors von saurma is testing 335i on both hockenheim and Nordschleife. Lets wait and see if 335i gets close to the M3 laptimes.

 

[Alx]

Times are great for the 335i, and no surprise considering the CLK350 is by no means NOT a track car, the biggest interest is how it is better than the M3, id like to hear more detail on that.

 

[Zafiro]

Times are great for the 335i, and no surprise considering the CLK350 is by no means NOT a track car, the biggest interest is how it is better than the M3, id like to hear more detail on that.

335i is no trackcar either but somehow they manage to make the 335i close to M3. M cars are the only bimmers built for the track. BMW seem to succeed to combine a car good for both track and public streets. But like I said Im still waiting for Sportautos review before I start chearing.

Oh BTW The next M3 better be a something special.

 

[Alx]

335i is no trackcar either but somehow they manage to make the 335i close to M3. But like I said Im still waiting for Sportautos review before I start chearing.

Well if their testing against the CLK350 than expect the same result.

The 335i is built to be a sporty car, and for sure has better driving dynamics, more compact and therefore better handling as the suspension is more sportier as well.

We all know BMW builds more sporty as MB more luxury.

Regardless, a great outcome for a great car!

Odd how the M3 is not as good . Imagine owning an M3 and getting abused by a new 335i on the streets.

 

[Zafiro]

Well if their testing against the CLK350 than expect the same result.

Sportauto supertest is a singletest. No other cars are involved. This is an example of Sportauto supertest.
http://germancarforum.com/showthread.php?t=4807&highlight=sportauto

 

[EnI]

Oh BTW The next M3 better be a something special.

Oh, it is.

The most special stone in BMW crown.
M had two goals: to beat E46 M, and to come as close as possible to 911.
Both goals accomplished. 110%



Everybody is thrilled by the sound the new V8 is making.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

Well if their testing against the CLK350 than expect the same result.

The 335i is built to be a sporty car, and for sure has better driving dynamics, more compact and therefore better handling as the suspension is more sportier as well.

We all know BMW builds more sporty as MB more luxury.

Regardless, a great outcome for a great car!

Odd how the M3 is not as good . Imagine owning an M3 and getting abused by a new 335i on the streets.

Arghh, and don't forget there's a 335 Si coming.
Now seriously the new M3 has to be THAT good. If it doesn't beat a 997S on a track it's going to be failure IME.

Also I expect that AMS and/or AutoBuild will chose the Merc/Audi over it "cause it's a better all rounder".

 

[klier]

In next issue of Sportauto (out on Sept 15), hors von saurma is testing 335i on both hockenheim and Nordschleife. Lets wait and see if 335i gets close to the M3 laptimes.

Ooooh, that's exiting. Can't wait to see those numbers!

Nordslchleife

 

[RikfromBelgium]

Oh, it is.

The most special stone in BMW crown.
M had two goals: to beat E46 M, and to come as close as possible to 911.
Both goals accomplished. 110%



Everybody is thrilled by the sound the new V8 is making.

I wonder how close they came the the AM V8 sound they wanted

 

[Alx]

Everybody is thrilled by the sound the new V8 is making.

Sorry, who is thrilled? Whats the detail on the engine?

 

[warot]

Sorry, who is thrilled? Whats the detail on the engine?

Probably the engineers
The engine is supposed to have over 400 horses and sound like this (Aston Martin V8): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Es44nP836gc

Edit: Here's the engine sound: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=116120

 

[LaArtist]

wow that 335 is no joke.. love it..
if this does that..then i wonder what the M3 will do..lol its gonna do some damage on serious cars..

 

[EnI]

Sorry, who is thrilled? Whats the detail on the engine?

Engine spec are secret even to me - M is really good to keep things in secret (e.g. the M6 carbon fibre roof was the same case).

But everybody who heard the car driving around - being that Munich or the Ring - said the sound is amazing and made them getting goosebumps.




As I said earlier the M engineers had been amazed by AM V8 engine sound, so they had tried to copy the sound - and from what the people are telling me the got it quite right (if not even more exciting).

 

[PC Valkyrie]

Not surprised at all at the results. The CLK350 (like the C350) had no chance against this 335i. It's competition was the 330i in terms of comparable power to weight ratio. This new 335i is quite a car (as I've been repeatedly saying in many posts... ).

Faster than a E46 M3?.....In the right circumstances, it just may be.....

The other thing about this 335i is the potential mods that can be performed easily. Being a forced induction engine means that a simple ECU re-program or changing pulleys can result in significant gains in HP and torque.