Hot 335is debuts here first

BMW's revamp for 2011 brings new styling but biggest change is 20 hp uptick, plus overboost

Jan 30, 2010

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Special to the Star

ESTORIL, Portugal – BMW is launching a higher performance version of the 2011 335i Coupe and Convertible, dubbed the 335is, in Canada and the United States only.

Huh? Usually the Europeans get all the fun stuff, so what's up?

Apparently, North Americans buy a much higher percentage of high-performance 3-series (335i and M3) than Europeans, and since many here have their cars modified, a factory-tuner version of the 335i was a viable consideration. Additionally, the idea came from the U.S. offices.

The current BMW 3-series, which was launched as a 2006 model, sees a refresh for 2011, getting a new hood and fascia, recontoured grille, headlights with LED "corona rings" and eyebrows, reshaped side sills and LED taillights.

You'll know the hotter 335is model by its dual black kidney grilles, aggressive M Sport fascia, side skirts, high-gloss black mirrors and five-spoke ferric grey 18-inch alloy wheels.

Although you'll probably hear it coming first. The sport exhaust system broadcasts a deliciously fruity burble that escalates to a feral wail as the tach needle swings to the right.

Power is up 20 horses to 320 and torque jumps from 300 to 332 lb.-ft., available from 1500 to 5000 rpm. There is an additional seven-second overboost of 370 lb.-ft. should your Reebok hit the firewall.

Where this power comes from makes for an interesting and slightly convoluted tale.

All 2011 335i models, save this "is" version, will get BMW's new 3.0 L single twin-scroll turbocharged 300 hp straight-six with the trick throttle-less Valvetronic induction system.

Because the "old" twin-turbo 3.0 L engine (which makes exactly the same horsepower and torque) was more tune-able, according to BMW, it continues its tour of duty here with enhanced mojo – mostly achieved via an increase in boost pressure.

This engine is also found in the 2011 Z4 sDrive35is, where it makes 335 hp.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the 335is – optional will be the seven-speed twin-clutch DCT gearbox with steering wheel mounted shift paddles from the M3, without the M's multiple shift settings.

Take one of the most poetic handling rear-drive cars on the road, add a bit more power, lots more torque, a sports suspension, stiffer engine mounts, snug sport seats, functional rear diffuser, an M Sport steering wheel, and you arrive at a vehicle aimed at those who want more than a garden-variety 335i but can't make the financial or psychological leap to a 414 hp V8-powered M3.

We'll see the 335is Convertible first in early spring, followed by the Coupe a couple of months later.

No Canadian pricing has been announced, but I will say there was considerable chatter in the press room when the U.S. guys revealed their 335is Convertible's $59,000 sticker – same as the U.S. M3 Coupe.

I wasn't thinking much about precarious pricing policies while negotiating the first couple of damp and greasy laps at the Estoril racetrack in a 335is Coupe equipped with the DCT gearbox.

I was more concerned with not accordioning this unregistered pre-production model.

I needn't have worried ... too much. If you have to be out on a slick racetrack, a BMW 3-series, and particularly this 2011 "is", is probably the most confidence-inspiring, engaging and "no surprises" car you could ask for.

In fact, as the morning progressed, many of us were selecting the well-judged second position of the stability control that allows just enough rear lateral activity to keep things interesting, but never scary.

And yes, it is a very quick car, nearly reaching the speeds on the short back straight that we saw in the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo here just a few months ago.

The quick shifting twin-clutch gearbox is certainly the fastest and easiest way to get around the racetrack, although a few times it hesitated while second-guessing my intentions.

I also did some laps in an "analogue" six-speed manual-equipped car which, with its ideal heel-and-toe pedal placement, was equally fun, if not more challenging.

We didn't get any public road time, but there's no reason to believe the "is" won't display the same comfort and innate balance of the standard 335i.

There is another balancing act the 2011 335is Coupe must perform – that of walking the price line between an optioned up 335i (about 58 grand) and the $71,300 M3 Coupe.

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