The BMW 3 Series is a highly acclaimed model lineup that has been thrilling car enthusiasts for decades. With its perfect blend of performance, luxury, and handling, it’s no wonder why the 3 Series has become a benchmark for compact executive cars. However, amidst the numerous models and variants that BMW has offered over the years, there’s one particular question that has been baffling enthusiasts and sparking debates: Did BMW ever produce a 335is sedan?
The Birth of the 335is: A Coupe-Only Affair
To answer this question, let’s take a step back and explore the history of the 335is. The 335is was introduced by BMW in 2014 as a high-performance variant of the 3 Series coupe and convertible. It was designed to bridge the gap between the standard 335i and the M3, offering a more aggressive and sporty package without the full-fledged M3 treatment.
The 335is was only available as a coupe and convertible, and it was marketed as a unique model that combined the best of both worlds – the agility and handling of a coupe and the power and performance of a high-performance vehicle. With its 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, the 335is was capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in just 5.0 seconds.
The Sedan Conundrum: Why There Was No 335is Sedan
So, why didn’t BMW produce a 335is sedan? The answer lies in the company’s marketing strategy and target audience. When the 335is was launched, BMW was keen on positioning it as a niche model that would appeal to a specific set of buyers. By limiting the 335is to coupe and convertible body styles, BMW aimed to create a sense of exclusivity and uniqueness around the model.
Additionally, BMW’s product planners likely felt that a 335is sedan would cannibalize sales from the existing 335i sedan, which was already a popular model in the lineup. By keeping the 335is as a coupe-only affair, BMW could maintain a clear distinction between the two models and avoid internal competition.
Performance vs. Practicality: The Balancing Act
Another reason why BMW may have avoided producing a 335is sedan is the delicate balance between performance and practicality. The 335is was designed to be a high-performance vehicle, and its coupe body style was seen as integral to its sporty character. A sedan, on the other hand, is often associated with a more practical and family-friendly image.
By keeping the 335is as a coupe, BMW could focus on optimizing its performance credentials without compromising on the practicality and comfort that sedan buyers typically expect. This approach allowed the company to cater to different buyer segments and minimize any potential overlap between models.
The 340i: A Compromise Between Performance and Practicality
While there may not have been a 335is sedan, BMW did offer a compromise between performance and practicality in the form of the 340i sedan. Launched in 2015, the 340i was essentially a more powerful version of the 335i sedan, with its 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque.
The 340i sedan offered a more aggressive exterior design, sport-tuned suspension, and unique interior trim to differentiate it from the standard 335i. However, unlike the 335is, the 340i was not marketed as a high-performance model, and its focus was more on providing a sporty driving experience rather than outright performance.
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
Although BMW never produced a 335is sedan, we can imagine what it would have looked like if it had. Based on the coupe’s design, a hypothetical 335is sedan would likely have featured a more aggressive front fascia, sportier side skirts, and a unique rear bumper with quad-exhaust tips.
Inside, the 335is sedan would have likely boasted a sporty interior with M Sport seats, alcantara trim, and a range of M-inspired design elements. It would have also featured a more aggressive suspension setup, with stiffer springs and dampers to enhance its handling capabilities.
The Aftermarket Solution: Tuning the 335i Sedan
While BMW may not have offered a 335is sedan, that hasn’t stopped enthusiasts from creating their own high-performance versions. The aftermarket tuning industry has come up with a range of solutions to unlock the full potential of the 335i sedan, including engine tuning, suspension upgrades, and aerodynamic enhancements.
Companies like Dinan, Performance Center, and Alpine Motorsports offer a range of performance packages that can transform the 335i sedan into a 335is-like vehicle. These kits often include engine software tweaks, upgraded exhaust systems, and suspension modifications to deliver a more agile and responsive driving experience.
| Tuning Company | Package Name | Power Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Dinan | Stage 2 Performance Engine Software | +40 horsepower, +50 lb-ft torque |
| Performance Center | 335i Performance Package | +30 horsepower, +40 lb-ft torque |
Conclusion: The Elusive 335is Sedan
In conclusion, while BMW never produced a 335is sedan, the reasons behind this decision are rooted in the company’s marketing strategy and target audience. By limiting the 335is to coupe and convertible body styles, BMW was able to create a unique and exclusive model that appealed to a specific set of buyers.
However, for those who crave the performance and handling of the 335is but need the practicality of a sedan, the aftermarket tuning industry offers a range of solutions to unlock the full potential of the 335i sedan. Whether you choose to modify your existing vehicle or purchase a pre-tuned model, the possibilities are endless, and the dream of owning a high-performance 3 Series sedan can finally become a reality.
In the end, the 335is sedan may be an elusive creature, but its spirit lives on in the hearts of BMW enthusiasts around the world.
What is the BMW 335is?
The BMW 335is is a high-performance variant of the 3 Series sedan, which was produced from 2007 to 2015. It was designed to bridge the gap between the standard 335i and the high-performance M3 models. The 335is was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, producing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 335is was only available in coupe and convertible body styles, and not in sedan form. This has led to confusion among BMW enthusiasts and collectors, who often wonder why a sedan version was never produced. Despite its limited production run, the 335is has become a sought-after model among BMW enthusiasts, particularly those who value its unique combination of performance and styling.
Why was the 335is not available as a sedan?
BMW’s decision not to produce the 335is as a sedan is still unclear, but there are several theories. One possibility is that the company wanted to maintain a clear distinction between the 3 Series and M3 models. By limiting the 335is to coupe and convertible body styles, BMW may have been trying to avoid cannibalizing sales from the more profitable M3 sedan. Another theory is that the 335is was intended as a niche model, targeting a specific demographic of performance-oriented buyers who preferred the sleeker, sportier styling of the coupe and convertible.
Despite these theories, the exact reason for the omission of a sedan variant remains a mystery. BMW has never officially commented on the issue, leaving enthusiasts to speculate and debate the topic. Regardless of the reason, the absence of a 335is sedan has contributed to the model’s mystique and exclusivity, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
What are the key differences between the 335is and the M3?
The 335is and M3 share many similarities, but there are some key differences between the two models. The most significant difference is the engine output, with the M3 producing 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, compared to the 335is’s 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The M3 also features a more aggressive suspension setup, larger brakes, and a more extensive range of exterior and interior styling upgrades.
Another key difference is the level of customization and personalization available on the M3. The M3 was offered with a range of optional features, including a Competition Package, which added features like adaptive suspension, a sport exhaust system, and unique 20-inch alloy wheels. In contrast, the 335is was more of a stripped-down, performance-focused model, with fewer options and upgrades available.
Is the 335is a rare model?
The 335is is considered a relatively rare model, particularly in certain markets. According to BMW’s production records, only around 4,000 335is coupes and convertibles were produced worldwide during its production run. This limited production volume, combined with the model’s unique performance and styling features, has made the 335is a highly sought-after collector’s item.
As a result, prices for used 335is models have remained strong, even as other 3 Series models have depreciated. In some cases, low-mileage 335is models have sold for upwards of $50,000, making them a valuable find for BMW enthusiasts and collectors.
What is the 335is’s performance like?
The 335is is known for its exceptional performance, thanks to its twin-turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. The model can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.0 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The 335is also features a range of performance-oriented features, including a sport exhaust system, a limited-slip differential, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
On the road, the 335is is a thrilling drive, with precise handling and responsive steering. The model’s sport-tuned suspension provides excellent body control, making it well-suited to twisty roads and track days. Overall, the 335is offers an exceptional blend of performance and luxury, making it a unique and enjoyable driving experience.
Can I modify my 335i to make it a 335is?
While it’s technically possible to modify a 335i to mimic the performance and styling of a 335is, it’s not a straightforward process. The 335is features a range of unique components, including its twin-turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and performance-oriented transmission. Replicating these components would require significant investments of time, money, and expertise.
Furthermore, even if you were able to replicate the 335is’s performance and styling, it would still not be a genuine 335is. The 335is is a distinct model with its own unique character and history, and modifying a 335i would not confer the same level of authenticity or collectibility.
Is the 335is worth collecting?
The 335is is an increasingly sought-after collector’s item, thanks to its unique performance, styling, and rarity. As a limited-production model, the 335is is likely to appreciate in value over time, making it a wise investment for BMW enthusiasts and collectors.
In addition, the 335is’s combination of performance and luxury features makes it a highly desirable model for driving enthusiasts. With proper maintenance and upkeep, a well-preserved 335is can provide years of driving pleasure, making it a valuable find for anyone who appreciates the thrill of driving a high-performance BMW.