widlfiresd

From here.

http://www.automobilemag.com/feature...i_dynamometer/

QUOTE

"BMW says that this engine makes 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. We were so impressed with its power that we couldn’t help wonder if that was a conservative rating. Wasting no time, I swiped the keys and drove to a local dyno shop to find out.

We used a DynoJet chassis dyno, which measures an engine’s power output at a vehicle’s rear wheels. Because of frictional driveline losses, this number is always lower--generally by fifteen to twenty percent--than the quoted power output from the manufacturer, which is measured at the engine itself.

Here’s what we found:

The non-turbocharged 330i, rated by BMW at 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, puts about 200 hp and 180 lb-ft to the rear wheels. That’s roughly a twenty-percent loss. Since they have similar drivelines, you’d expect the 335i to put down 235 hp and 250 lb-ft.



But it didn’t. It put down a whole lot more: 275 hp and 300 lb-ft. A few quick taps on our trusty calculator shows that this engine is likely putting out closer to 350 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque."

bagwell

here's the IS350 dyno....268hp..not near the torque tho.

IronPhoenX

I think BMW is playing some marketing game. They want the 335i classified as entry level luxury performance. That way, they remain the best in performance in it's class.

Also, I think the new M3's speed will not be significantly better than the 335i, unless it does 0-60 in less than 4 seconds. So by stating more differences in hp to the public, it creates a sense that paying more for an M3 is worth the perceived performance gain or "bragging rights". And prevents any overlap between models, within the BMW brand.

diablo1

Even if the raw acceleration numbers aren't very different, I think driving the M3 will still be a completely different experience. The 335i is clearly fast, but it doesn't have all the performance tuning of the M3. Ask M3 drivers why they love their cars, and I don't think most people will list sheer speed as the top reason... So people will still buy the M3, in my opinion, even if they know it's not that much faster than the 335i.

phatboyc

Tanks Bagwell. I always like to have hard numbers in the same post to compare cars. Makes it much easier for reference.

bobbo1978

Agreed, more matured drivers definately follow the same thought process but there are few bad apples, young drivers, who will no doubt drive like an effing *** in thier m3. I have a deposit on the new M, but might switch to IS-F or, an used Cayman if the M is priced too high. I think the new M will be marginally faster than the 335i and probably same voracity as a chipped 335i. Does the 335i appeal to me? Yea, but the M might get carbon roof and hood plus a better tuned suspension.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I believe that was a mistaken assumption that the two drivetrains are similar enough to have the same efficiency, or lack of efficiency. The 335i uses a more refined and efficient transmission. All together it is not anywhere near a 20% loss. I believe the 335i makes more than 300HP at the crank for sure, but nowhere near 350HP.

RyanDe680

I've never seen a dyno above 287hp for the 335i.

newis350

Last night I test drove the 335i sedan, and all I can say is WOW. The 335i has quite a bit of power. Although, the interior does not even come close to the IS interior.

Just on power and performance, what are your thoughts on swapping the is350 for a 335i.

mwaull

Just on power and performance i have heard good things about the 335i . . . but i mean if your going for that, why have a lexus or bmw AT ALL??? The IS interior is way superior to bmw's . . . if youre wanting to trade just for that little difference, i think youre making a huge mistake.

ben_r_

I also looked at the 3 series before getting my IS250, but I couldnt live with the interior... They are seriously lacking even against an Acura. How much more power than the IS350 do you need without getting to the point where you should just get a real sports car and have it as a second vehicle?

sirkfc

Just on power and performance, sure, the 335i is the winner. It's the other factors that the IS really competes well on against the 335i that I'm sure you're aware of.

The depreciation you are going to incur on this swap is going to be a significant percentage of the car price though. So here's the apparent contradiction. If power and performance is so important for you, and the money difference will be insignificant relative to getting that extra performance, then you probably have the budget to go for something even greater than a 335i.

If your budget appropriately puts you in the range of an IS or a 335i, then maybe the swap cost is too big to ignore...

newis350

thanks for the input. I love the interior of the IS, and agree that the BMW interior does not seem as luxurious.

i guess the real question is how do you make an IS350 have the power of the 335i.

Technique

I dunno, the 335i is roughly the same power/speed as the IS350... When I had a 335i for a day I couldn't really feel a significant difference... What are the 1/4 mile times (actual slips from owners, not magazines) for the two cars? I doubt it's that big of a difference... (Stock vs Stock)

Anyway, if the IS350 is not fast enough for you, I doubt the 335i will satisfy you... Look for the 2008 M3, that's my advice... Or the 2008 IS-F actually, that's the best if you hate the BMW interior...

kattanh3

besides the luxury issue,,, lexus is way more reliable than BMW... not only does it break less often, it olso costs less to fix

having that said, besides the financial issue, i'd swap for the BMW, it's just that much more sexy to me ....