[twwen2]

If was to go down the 125i route, the first thing I'd do would be to get it flashed with an EvolveR tune to bring the N52B30AE back up to 130i levels (~190kw) - that should make it more competetive against a stock 135i.

Coming from the turbo 4-pot GTI, I'm really looking for something with an engine that displays a bit more character. Thus the 3.0L 6cyl in the 1'er is a big drawcard. I've read that the 135i doesn't exhibit the normal turbo characteristics (lag mainly) - I would obviously need to validate that myself.

If I had the means I'd be straight into an E90 M3 and call it a day, but I'm just not sure I can stretch that far at this point in time.