[Raff10]

I have an 08 335xi manual coupe. Its has a bit over 75K on it. The future holds nothing but costs. I was thinking of selling it/trading it in and using the money to pay off a lease (ill be in a better job situation in a few years). I priced a 435 and it seems that base will cost about as much at the end of a lease as a 135is. Does anyone have any thoughts/comments about going from a 335xi coupe to a 135is? I'm in love with my car truly, and since I have a set of winter wheels AWD is not a necessity.

[tony20009]

The 135is is a fine car. Possibly a bit more fun to drive than an e92.

However the shoulder room in the rear of the 1ers is pinched, to say the least, on the outside, making one sit funny when back there. Most likely that's not an issue on a short hop, but I wouldn't want to have to sit there for more than 15 minutes. (Me: 6'0", 185 lbs, 31" waist) In contrast, two grown men of average American size can sit comfortably in the rear of your E92. Also, much as many folks hate them, but the E92 does have two normal cup holders rather than one that intrudes on the passengers space.

They are basically the same engine, so you aren't going to get any great gains there. Also, regardless of how much you spend to maintain your E92, it will still cost less than buying a new 135is. Do you really think you'll spend more in a year to maintain your 335i than you will in car payments? And even if you did spend that much in year one, how much more could possibly need fixing in year two? Even if it were just half as much, you've still spent less overall. And realistically, neither of those two situations is likely.

I really like the 1ers, but the only one I think worth swapping a 335 for is the 1M, and that only because the 1M has -- even right this minute -- a collectible quality the 335i will never have. If you have no choice but to let go of your 335i, then sure, get the 135is. If it's an optional decision, keep what you have and buy a 435i, or 235i, or 435is, or whatever, later when you are in that better job position.

[135Pats]

135is no question. Who needs 4WD. E8x is a very quirky car, but it also kicks ass. And you get N54+DCT.

[marosmith]

Unless you regularly put people in the back 1 series no question.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

135is no question. Who needs 4WD. E8x is a very quirky car, but it also kicks ass. And you get N54+DCT.

Doesn't he already have the N54 being that his current car is an '08 335i? If he goes automatic, he'll get the the DCT, but if not, he'll have the same motor and tranny that's he's got now. I don't recall if he said one way or the other what his transmission preference is.

No question though that among the cars BMW offer new right now, the 135is is the bang for the buck winner, hands down, if the fun factor is the primary concern. Indeed, given what is available new, were it time to replace my E92, I'd have a hard time choosing between the 135is and the 428i/435i. Odds are though, that I'd go with an F32 as it's going to be a better choice overall for daily driving use and generally more efficient.

[arya328xi]

I would also stay away from a first-year model. If you rough it out another couple of years you can even go for the 2 series which should be priced more reasonably.

[blacknbean]

335is would be my choice. although i dont see how buying another car is cheaper than paying for future repairs if money is your main concern.

[2M]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

135is no question. Who needs 4WD. E8x is a very quirky car, but it also kicks ass. And you get N54+DCT.

135is has N55. only 335is still carries the N54.

[ken1137]

I would recommend the 135is if you dont care about the N55. A true drivers car and a blast to drive every day, and even in the snow w/winters. Go for it !

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by Alpine3

135is has N55. only 335is still carries the N54.

that sucks I had no idea. Theyre so so rare.

No offense N55 guys

[Raff10]

Thanks all! I actually not buying I will be leasing. Ive leased before and prefer buying, but due to my situation leasing is the best bet for me right now, and when I am in a better situation I will be able to own again.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by tony20009

No question though that among the cars BMW offer new right now, the 135is is the bang for the buck winner, hands down, if the fun factor is the primary concern.

I know there were probably a million threads in the past about this but the "is" models are questionable in the bang for the buck department, even with the fun factor involved. Some people would argue that the DCT transmission alone is worth it and others would say that along with the minuscule hp/tq boost is better spent on more worthy mods.

Though I hear they are still a total blast to drive, I personally don't think the premium is worth it. The OP is leasing though but is it wise to ride around a car with such a short wheelbase in snowy territory for the winter?

OP, just wait a year or so then you can hop in a brand new 435i. At least you'll have some wiggle room to negotiate on the price by then unlike now.

[Mardio]

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

I know there were probably a million threads in the past about this but the "is" models are questionable in the bang for the buck department, even with the fun factor involved. Some people would argue that the DCT transmission alone is worth it and others would say that along with the minuscule hp/tq boost is better spent on more worthy mods.

Though I hear they are still a total blast to drive, I personally don't think the premium is worth it. The OP is leasing though but is it wise to ride around a car with such a short wheelbase in snowy territory for the winter?

OP, just wait a year or so then you can hop in a brand new 435i. At least you'll have some wiggle room to negotiate on the price by then unlike now.

Just curious if this future 435i will have electronic steering (f30 crap).

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by Mardio

Just curious if this future 435i will have electronic steering (f30 crap).

I haven't checked the specs BMW have released, but I would bet a large sum that it does indeed use electronic steering. The need for car makers to meet CAFE standards, and the gain in fuel economy that electronic steering yields is just too juicy a fruit to leave on the vine.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by Mardio

Just curious if this future 435i will have electronic steering (f30 crap).

Yes it will as an internal sales manager described on my test drive on Tuesday. Hopefully it's better than the steering on the F30!

[FrozenM3nace]

135is?!?! I never knew they existed till now!

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

I know there were probably a million threads in the past about this but the "is" models are questionable in the bang for the buck department, even with the fun factor involved. Some people would argue that the DCT transmission alone is worth it and others would say that along with the minuscule hp/tq boost is better spent on more worthy mods.

Though I hear they are still a total blast to drive, I personally don't think the premium is worth it. The OP is leasing though but is it wise to ride around a car with such a short wheelbase in snowy territory for the winter?

OP, just wait a year or so then you can hop in a brand new 435i. At least you'll have some wiggle room to negotiate on the price by then unlike now.

OK, I'll bite. What would you think is the bang for the buck winner in BMW's current lineup? Personally, I could see a reasonable case being made for the 135i to garner that accolade as the performance difference between it and the 335is is negligible in all but the most rarefied circumstances. Moreover, despite my belief that tha the 135is is the b-4-b winner, I have to say, I only see a small handful of reasons for buying one:

• One has a clear and demonstrable need for the added at-the-limit performance ability.
• One is buying it with a speculative eye toward its long-term value as a collecter's car
• Among the cars on the dealer's lot, it was the better financial choice than a similar 135i or 335i and choosing it can't be that big a mistake, if it all, as it won't be the last car one intends ever to buy
• One has some personal reason why it's just the one one wants. (of course, were that that case, one wouldn't need to ask us for input...)

I agree that the premium an "is" carries over it's non-is brethren isn't worth it. However, in comparison to an x35i E92/F32, there isn't much a of a premium, so if the practical considerations that the F32/E92 excel at don't really matter much if at all, it's reasonable toss up to choose between them.

I agree too with your final recommendation to the OP, especially as it's the same one I had. I've been known to disagree, but never with me. LOL.

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by tony20009

OK, I'll bite. What would you think is the bang for the buck winner in BMW's current lineup? Personally, I could see a reasonable case being made for the 135i to garner that accolade as the performance difference between it and the 335is is negligible in all but the most rarefied circumstances. Moreover, despite my belief that tha the 135is is the b-4-b winner, I have to say, I only see a small handful of reasons for buying one:

• One has a clear and demonstrable need for the added at-the-limit performance ability.
• One is buying it with a speculative eye toward its long-term value as a collecter's car
• Among the cars on the dealer's lot, it was the better financial choice than a similar 135i or 335i and choosing it can't be that big a mistake, if it all, as it won't be the last car one intends ever to buy
• One has some personal reason why it's just the one one wants. (of course, were that that case, one wouldn't need to ask us for input...)

I agree that the premium an "is" carries over it's non-is brethren isn't worth it. However, in comparison to an x35i E92/F32, there isn't much a of a premium, so if the practical considerations that the F32/E92 excel at don't really matter much if at all, it's reasonable toss up to choose between them.

I agree too with your final recommendation to the OP, especially as it's the same one I had. I've been known to disagree, but never with me. LOL.

All valid points my friend. I just think the 335i is BMW's best bang for the buck vehicle right now. If the OP feels like a change of vehicle that's in his price range and retains most of BMW's lauded dynamics and characteristics, moving on to a 135is isn't a bad idea at all.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by AzureHaze

... I just think the 335i is BMW's best bang for the buck vehicle right now....

To the extent one considers overall utility and ability, I have to agree. Indeed, that's nearly always been the case (barring one offs like the 1M), and I don't really think it will change unless the upcoming 2 series offers enough space to make the F32's added size inconsequential (as the current F30 has done with respect to the 5er) while at the same time offering nearly equivalent handling and performance.

[TrentOSU]

The 135is is a sweet ride...I test drove one and was considering it to my 335 M sport. It's loud, sounds amazing, has a bit more get up and go but I can't get used to that 1er body style. It's a bit feminine to me and just too crunched looking. My girlfriend is looking at a 135 M sport and she loves them but I couldn't. Those wheels on the IS though are sick, that's obvious.

[Raff10]

Thanks again everybody! I'm checking out one dealership tomorrow and another one on Wednesday. Ill be sure to keep the forum posted as to what I decide.

[Be Awesome 335i]

If it were me......135is!!!!