Test-Drove the M3 and 135i

baduncadonk · 04-22-2008, 12:54 PM

Okay, so. . . I am no track whiz, but I have owned a variety of fairly fun autos, including a 1974 2002tii* and a 1970 Boss 302; I am comfortable with basic mechanics and can do pretty much any repair on a car built before 1990, so long as it doesn't involve electrics or body work beyond Bondo. I know nothing about turbos :-)

My 135i, ordered in late-February, is on the good ship Don Juan and should arrive at the dealer by the end of next week. I was trying my hardest to stay virginal and not go look at or drive a 1-series before mine arrived, but I just couldn't keep my cherry intact in the face of so much expectation. I blame 1addicts.

So, bored on a chilly NorCal afternoon, friend and I went and test-drove the new M3 and a 135i. Dealer rode with us in the M3, but just gave us the key to the 135i and let us go out on our own for 45 minutes.

Here are my completely subjective brief reviews. . .

M3 was jaw-dropping. It was razor-taut and monstrously torqued out. If I lived outside of the city of San Francisco and could drive wide-open regularly, I would buy this in a second. It was stunningly awesome in every respect, but I did get the feeling that regular city usage would be very wrong, almost morally wrong, for the M3.

135i was just plain fun. First off, while the 1-series comes off as “cute” in its sizing and stance, the interior feels as high-end as a 3- or 5-series’, the front seating is spacious, and the controls are perfectly sized and arranged (although, to be completely honest, I missed the stick-shift from the M3). The power-delivery comes on much less torquey than M3, but it is deceptively strong--in particular, the engine hauls ass from 50mph to 100mph. The handling is nicely even and I could not get the tires to suggest breaking free, even when going around an on-ramp at 70 mph. The braking is equally impressive. Finally, the ride is surprisingly luxurious; it just felt smooooth, regardless of the surfaces we were on.

At the margins, I did get the feeling that the 135i needs something to improve hard cornering under heavy braking—maybe a beefier swaybar? The engine sound also seemed unnecessarily muted at higher revs—felt a bit like it was not breathing as free as it should under flogging.

Anyway, all in all, we were both impressed with how uniquely fun the 135 is. It has that “overachieving-crackerbox” vibe that the best old Fiats, Datsuns, and the 2002tii had. With remapping, better intake/exhaust, and swaybar(?) upgrades, the 135i should leave those ranks and become off-the-charts fun.

I envy the teenagers who are going to get their hands on these things used in 5 years ;-)

:roundel:

Crowley · 04-22-2008, 01:08 PM

Good read .. thanks for taking the time !

Crowley

mprhead5 · 04-22-2008, 01:12 PM

Nice review. that 4.0 V8 in the M3 is somthing else. I can't wait to get my 135 ordered. I have the 1 bug bad now. pardon me but I don't think you are supposed to corner under heavy braking, unless you got used to sliding muscle cars with the brakes?

M3_Dust · 04-22-2008, 01:28 PM

hmm, the N54 has more torque, probably about 10%, than the S65 in the M3.

energie · 04-22-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baduncadonk

... I envy the teenagers who are going to get their hands on these things used in 5 years ;-)

:roundel:

If this forum is any indication, there are plenty of teenagers getting their hands on brand new 135i's! (I'm in my 30's, btw!)

Tom K. · 04-22-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

hmm, the N54 has more torque, probably about 10%, than the S65 in the M3.

Only 5 ft. lbs. (less than 2%) according to BMWNA The turbo peaks much lower - but the M has a higher redline.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

Tom

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 01:55 PM

I couldn't agree more. Great review.

M3_Dust · 04-22-2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Only 5 ft. lbs. (less than 2%) according to BMWNA The turbo peaks much lower - but the M has a higher redline.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

Tom

yeah but we all know it's underrated and the cars all dyno higher, about 10%more tq than HP, it likely has ~330ft lbs stock.

adc · 04-22-2008, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

hmm, the N54 has more torque, probably about 10%, than the S65 in the M3.

Don't forget the gearing, much shorter in the M3. Torque to the wheels is probably significantly higher in the first 2-3 gears, because of this. That's why it accelerates harder...

Brandon26pdx · 04-22-2008, 04:11 PM

That was probably why the M3 felt more torquey...they usually put a more aggressive final drive in the M-cars.

Thud · 04-22-2008, 05:52 PM

I also drove a new M3.... it definitely pulled like a mofo, not quite as fast or raw as my Z06 was, but the SHREEEEK of the bmw engine at 8000rpm was absolutely addicting.

But, like you said, it's almost as if the car would get offended at you if you only drove it on the road instead of a road course.

The 135i is probably 90% as capable as the M3, but I think even more fun to drive every day.
It's like the difference between a high-priced Vegas hooker, vs. a bouncy college cheerleader that likes to fool around.

I think nothing beats the sound of a high revving V8 but the turbo straight 6 in the 135 has its own special allure, and is more exotic sounding... not a whole lot of cars out there with I-6 engines so it sounds decidedly different from anything other than other BMW's. And the turbos are just icing on that cake!

vivid · 04-22-2008, 05:55 PM

IMO unless you are on the track the M3 is no fun... You have to have the car over 4500rpm before you really feel any power and IMO its not a rewarding car to drive...

I think the 135i is fun to drive, 100% fun to drive unlike the M3...

amdmaxx · 04-22-2008, 06:34 PM

Classic, I would make this my new signature..
:thumbup:
And ye, in city driving more torque down low definitely gives the 135 the edge.. M3 meant to be driven hard and over 4k rpms constantly..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thud

It's like the difference between a high-priced Vegas hooker, vs. a bouncy college cheerleader that likes to fool around.

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivid

IMO unless you are on the track the M3 is no fun... You have to have the car over 4500rpm before you really feel any power and IMO its not a rewarding car to drive...

I think the 135i is fun to drive, 100% fun to drive unlike the M3...

I disagree, M3 is a fun car to drive on track or on street. Point of high revving engine is to reward you when you drive hard. M3 is 10x more rewarding to drive then 135i. If your looking for "Super Fun" then buy a M3 and if you looking for "Fun" then a 135i.

SLrocket · 04-22-2008, 07:50 PM

but "fun" is half the price. i dont think an extra 30k is worth it for "super fun"

but hey, if you have the $$ more power to you.

vivid · 04-22-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW135i

I disagree, M3 is a fun car to drive on track or on street. Point of high revving engine is to reward you when you drive hard. M3 is 10x more rewarding to drive then 135i. If your looking for "Super Fun" then buy a M3 and if you looking for "Fun" then a 135i.

if it means anything I was on the list for an M3 but after a test drive canceled my order. IMO the E92 M3 is not a must have,

BMW Dreamer · 04-22-2008, 08:00 PM

HMMM. I'll take a 135i for my daily driver, and an M3 sedan for my, well, sedan.

I forgot the X6 for winter.

And a loaded Tundra crew max for pulling my 4 new Ski-Doo's.

THEN I WOKE UP.

I guess its just the 135i. Good enough.

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivid

if it means anything I was on the list for an M3 but after a test drive canceled my order. IMO the E92 M3 is not a must have,

I recognize your logo in the M3post but I just don't like how you bashing the new M3. I like both 135i and M3. I just put a order for a alpine white 135i, I do agree 135i is a fun car to drive but I just love the high revving engine that M3 offers. Either way, I will have both car and I love both car.

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff1962

HMMM. I'll take a 135i for my daily driver, and an M3 sedan for my, well, sedan.

I forgot the X6 for winter.

And a loaded Tundra crew max for pulling my 4 new Ski-Doo's.

THEN I WOKE UP.

I guess its just the 135i. Good enough.

I used to drive a Fiji Blue FG2 and replace with my 07 MCS. I love high revving engine and Si's iVtec I4 was a great engine.

vivid · 04-22-2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AW135i

I recognize your logo in the M3post but I just don't like how you bashing the new M3. I like both 135i and M3. I just put a order for a alpine white 135i, I do agree 135i is a fun car to drive but I just love the high revving engine that M3 offers. Either way, I will have both car and I love both car.

please don't take what I say as a bash... I think there are a lot of very good points to the M3 and I still respect it... Its just morphed in to a car that is no longer to my taste.

08AWM3 · 04-22-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vivid

I think there are a lot of very good points to the M3 and I still respect it... Its just morphed in to a car that is no longer to my taste.

I understand your point now. Still, I love both car and both car are fun and fast.

ScullyD · 04-22-2008, 09:01 PM

I'm willing to wager, the M3 is a superior car in almost every way despite some of these comments, and I'll probably trade in for one at some point in time. Simply put, if you need your car every single day, get a 135i, if you need it once in a while and can afford it, get the m3. But, if you're going to mod out your 135i so that it would equal the price of an m3 in total, i think you've likely wasted your money. Buy the M3.

04-22-2008, 12:54 PM	#1
baduncadonk Former 2002tii Owner 12 Rep 98 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2008 iTrader: (0)	Test-Drove the M3 and 135i Okay, so. . . I am no track whiz, but I have owned a variety of fairly fun autos, including a 1974 2002tii* and a 1970 Boss 302; I am comfortable with basic mechanics and can do pretty much any repair on a car built before 1990, so long as it doesn't involve electrics or body work beyond Bondo. I know nothing about turbos :-) My 135i, ordered in late-February, is on the good ship Don Juan and should arrive at the dealer by the end of next week. I was trying my hardest to stay virginal and not go look at or drive a 1-series before mine arrived, but I just couldn't keep my cherry intact in the face of so much expectation. I blame 1addicts. So, bored on a chilly NorCal afternoon, friend and I went and test-drove the new M3 and a 135i. Dealer rode with us in the M3, but just gave us the key to the 135i and let us go out on our own for 45 minutes. Here are my completely subjective brief reviews. . . M3 was jaw-dropping. It was razor-taut and monstrously torqued out. If I lived outside of the city of San Francisco and could drive wide-open regularly, I would buy this in a second. It was stunningly awesome in every respect, but I did get the feeling that regular city usage would be very wrong, almost morally wrong, for the M3. 135i was just plain fun. First off, while the 1-series comes off as “cute” in its sizing and stance, the interior feels as high-end as a 3- or 5-series’, the front seating is spacious, and the controls are perfectly sized and arranged (although, to be completely honest, I missed the stick-shift from the M3). The power-delivery comes on much less torquey than M3, but it is deceptively strong--in particular, the engine hauls ass from 50mph to 100mph. The handling is nicely even and I could not get the tires to suggest breaking free, even when going around an on-ramp at 70 mph. The braking is equally impressive. Finally, the ride is surprisingly luxurious; it just felt smooooth, regardless of the surfaces we were on. At the margins, I did get the feeling that the 135i needs something to improve hard cornering under heavy braking—maybe a beefier swaybar? The engine sound also seemed unnecessarily muted at higher revs—felt a bit like it was not breathing as free as it should under flogging. Anyway, all in all, we were both impressed with how uniquely fun the 135 is. It has that “overachieving-crackerbox” vibe that the best old Fiats, Datsuns, and the 2002tii had. With remapping, better intake/exhaust, and swaybar(?) upgrades, the 135i should leave those ranks and become off-the-charts fun. I envy the teenagers who are going to get their hands on these things used in 5 years ;-) :roundel: __________________ NOW: '09 BMW 135i -- every single option, but not a single mod ;-) RIP: '08 BMW 135i -- Vishnu, Riss intake, H&R sways, KW Variant 2 coilovers, Sprintbooster, Riss Racing catted downpipes, BMW Performance exhaust, tii wheels, cross-drilled rotors, M door sills, 8500K Angel Eyes, etc.
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04-22-2008, 01:08 PM	#2
Crowley Major 54 Rep 1,015 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Good read .. thanks for taking the time ! Crowley __________________ The last words on the powerplant should go to a clearly overwhelmed Hormazd Sorabjee, editor and publisher of Autocar India: “There is something simply magical about BMW’s in-line six. It has a creamy smoothness that makes velvet feel like sandpaper.”
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04-22-2008, 01:12 PM	#3
mprhead5 Private First Class 9 Rep 146 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2007 iTrader: (0)	Nice review. that 4.0 V8 in the M3 is somthing else. I can't wait to get my 135 ordered. I have the 1 bug bad now. pardon me but I don't think you are supposed to corner under heavy braking, unless you got used to sliding muscle cars with the brakes?
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04-22-2008, 01:28 PM	#4
M3_Dust Michelin Man 388 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F10 535i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: on forums iTrader: (0)	hmm, the N54 has more torque, probably about 10%, than the S65 in the M3.
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04-22-2008, 01:55 PM	#7
08AWM3 Machi 27 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: ///M=Machi iTrader: (0)	I couldn't agree more. Great review. __________________
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04-22-2008, 04:11 PM	#10
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	That was probably why the M3 felt more torquey...they usually put a more aggressive final drive in the M-cars.
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04-22-2008, 05:52 PM	#11
Thud Throbbing Member 43 Rep 1,433 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	I also drove a new M3.... it definitely pulled like a mofo, not quite as fast or raw as my Z06 was, but the SHREEEEK of the bmw engine at 8000rpm was absolutely addicting. But, like you said, it's almost as if the car would get offended at you if you only drove it on the road instead of a road course. The 135i is probably 90% as capable as the M3, but I think even more fun to drive every day. It's like the difference between a high-priced Vegas hooker, vs. a bouncy college cheerleader that likes to fool around. I think nothing beats the sound of a high revving V8 but the turbo straight 6 in the 135 has its own special allure, and is more exotic sounding... not a whole lot of cars out there with I-6 engines so it sounds decidedly different from anything other than other BMW's. And the turbos are just icing on that cake! __________________ 2014 Tesla Model S 85kwh Previous cars: 2011 335d / Deep Sea Blue / Saddle brown / sport / premium 2008 BMW 135i / 6MT 2002 Z06 Corvette
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04-22-2008, 05:55 PM	#12
vivid Captain 40 Rep 822 Posts Drives: 135i, 323i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA. iTrader: (0)	IMO unless you are on the track the M3 is no fun... You have to have the car over 4500rpm before you really feel any power and IMO its not a rewarding car to drive... I think the 135i is fun to drive, 100% fun to drive unlike the M3... __________________ Current: 135i, 323i wagon. Sold:GTI Sold: FX45 Sold: E36 M3
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04-22-2008, 07:50 PM	#15
SLrocket Private 8 Rep 74 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	but "fun" is half the price. i dont think an extra 30k is worth it for "super fun" but hey, if you have the $$ more power to you.
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04-22-2008, 08:00 PM	#17
BMW Dreamer Colonel 72 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: Modded 06 TL Manual Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern IL. iTrader: (0)	HMMM. I'll take a 135i for my daily driver, and an M3 sedan for my, well, sedan. I forgot the X6 for winter. And a loaded Tundra crew max for pulling my 4 new Ski-Doo's. THEN I WOKE UP. I guess its just the 135i. Good enough.
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04-22-2008, 09:01 PM	#22
ScullyD Senior 1Addict 5166 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: BMW iX, Porsche GT4 RS Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 M5 CS [10.00] 2022 BMW iX [10.00]	I'm willing to wager, the M3 is a superior car in almost every way despite some of these comments, and I'll probably trade in for one at some point in time. Simply put, if you need your car every single day, get a 135i, if you need it once in a while and can afford it, get the m3. But, if you're going to mod out your 135i so that it would equal the price of an m3 in total, i think you've likely wasted your money. Buy the M3.
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