130i vs 135i Manual

[arthurtwp]

Hey guys, I am in the process of deciding between the above 2 and was hoping to hear what others have to say..

Prior to moving overseas, I owned a MY06 130i manual for 9 months and loved every moment of it. I loved particularly the response, the heavy shift with the BMWP SSK, exhaust note and how angry and eager the whole package is. At that point, my budget precluded a 135i. However, as a result of the move, I was forced to sell the car.

As I am due to return to Oz in 6 months or so, been keeping tabs on the 130i 135i used car market, and a few things stood out to me:
1. Manual 130i's with low Km's (< less than 65k's) are really hard to come by
2. Add to the above, LCI manuals are EVEN RARER (saw an AW 130i out of Sydney that was sold before I could make enquiries re a deposit)
3. Similarly manual low Km's 135is command a premium of at least 10-12k (25k compared to 35k). More if you are looking for LCI models
4. Options such as updated sat nav and coral red leather makes everything much rarer

Was wondering what you guys think of the 2 cars, I have read and heard that the 135i does not provide as visceral a driving experience. But having only driven one for a whole of 5 mins, I wouldn't know.

Cheers guys

And a Happy New Year to All!

[kaitan]

Originally Posted by arthurtwp

Hey guys, I am in the process of deciding between the above 2 and was hoping to hear what others have to say..

Prior to moving overseas, I owned a MY06 130i manual for 9 months and loved every moment of it. I loved particularly the response, the heavy shift with the BMWP SSK, exhaust note and how angry and eager the whole package is. At that point, my budget precluded a 135i. However, as a result of the move, I was forced to sell the car.

As I am due to return to Oz in 6 months or so, been keeping tabs on the 130i 135i used car market, and a few things stood out to me:
1. Manual 130i's with low Km's (< less than 65k's) are really hard to come by
2. Add to the above, LCI manuals are EVEN RARER (saw an AW 130i out of Sydney that was sold before I could make enquiries re a deposit)
3. Similarly manual low Km's 135is command a premium of at least 10-12k (25k compared to 35k). More if you are looking for LCI models
4. Options such as updated sat nav and coral red leather makes everything much rarer

Was wondering what you guys think of the 2 cars, I have read and heard that the 135i does not provide as visceral a driving experience. But having only driven one for a whole of 5 mins, I wouldn't know.

Cheers guys

And a Happy New Year to All!

Hi Arthur,

To help you to decide better, first and for most I don't owned any of the car's mention above however I had an e87 120d tuned with 440nm @1600rpm I can tell you that was a pocket rocket yet it's fuel efficiency I traded that in for a E92 335i and then I also have a 1M now.

Both cars give the same feeling(e82 vs e87) in terms of driving experience of course the M is much RAW and brutal with tons of torque. Having said that they are both different one is a coupe the other is a hatch which both are equally small the coupe gives better usability in the boot.

If the budget permits I would say go for the 135i as the performance is at a much higher level compared to the 130i. Beside you've owned 130i previously why go back to the same car again. I personally will not go back to the car that I previously owned(Model) as I know if i'm gonna lose money on a car I rather lose it on another car that I will have difference experience in unless it's collector or it has sentimental value.

Besides if you are at a lights next to a 135i in your 130i you won't even bother trying to gun it as you'll be thinking shit!! It's a better looking and faster car. You will have the regret of not going for the 135i. Money can be earned but experience is priceless.

Hoped this helps....

[_Ryan_]

What will the car be used for?

[woosh]

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

What will the car be used for?

+1

[The Wind Breezes]

If you're in search of a "visceral driving experience" and you're considering these 2 cars then you'll want to go for a 135. They're significantly faster, not significantly heavier, and can be thrashed as much as the other car.

[arthurtwp]

Originally Posted by _Ryan_

What will the car be used for?

Hey guys thanks for the words thus far.

Car would be my daily commute + the very very occasional day at the track. Not planning significant performance mods for now. Maybe performance exhaust (especially if 135I) and tune.

[arthurtwp]

Originally Posted by kaitan

Hi Arthur,

To help you to decide better, first and for most I don't owned any of the car's mention above however I had an e87 120d tuned with 440nm @1600rpm I can tell you that was a pocket rocket yet it's fuel efficiency I traded that in for a E92 335i and then I also have a 1M now.

Both cars give the same feeling(e82 vs e87) in terms of driving experience of course the M is much RAW and brutal with tons of torque. Having said that they are both different one is a coupe the other is a hatch which both are equally small the coupe gives better usability in the boot.

If the budget permits I would say go for the 135i as the performance is at a much higher level compared to the 130i. Beside you've owned 130i previously why go back to the same car again. I personally will not go back to the car that I previously owned(Model) as I know if i'm gonna lose money on a car I rather lose it on another car that I will have difference experience in unless it's collector or it has sentimental value.

Besides if you are at a lights next to a 135i in your 130i you won't even bother trying to gun it as you'll be thinking shit!! It's a better looking and faster car. You will have the regret of not going for the 135i. Money can be earned but experience is priceless.

Hoped this helps....

Haha thanks for the insight. I guess for myself outright speed is not the priority? But I do agree the 135I is a better performance car. And is generally better spec'ed too.

[terminator335i]

totally agree with the others. the 135i is a total sleeper and will blow most aussie v8s out of the water with its n54 engine. it has huge tuning potential and 90% of the guys in this forum will be in this class. However, it has more maintenance cost and more problems (hpfp, no oil cooler on early models, boost solenoids, charge pipe failure and shorter life of the ignition coils and spark plugs and waterpump etc) whereas the na engine of the 130i (n52 engine i believe )will be easier in the pocket, and the straight six is a beauty when you rev it hard.
lci model of the 135i uses the n55 engine, which has less issues than the n54.
pros and cons to both, but comes down to what you will be using it for.

[Smiley1175]

I've owned both in manual and I preferred the 130i. It just felt more raw and a better handling car. The straight 6 was a gem to rev out.
The 135i was amazing for tuning potential. If that's of any consideration then turbo is the only way to go.

Hope that helps.

[dh58]

130i = 6 cylinder
135i = 6 cylinder + 2 turbos

Depends on your needs / goals.

If its a financial decision, probably the 130i. Cheaper to run, less to purchase, not much temptation of additional modification costs.

If you want a fun car and are prepared to pay, 135i.

[Ric in RVA]

I just found a 128i LCI sport 6 speed and bought it...Hard to find too!!!

I think the 128 and the 130 will be fairly similar.

Far more 135i available...but I went for the 128i.

I wanted (in no particular order)

Lower cost of entry.

Lower cost of maintenance. No turbos, no HPFP, No walnut blasting.

The last of the true NA big six BMW engines (it is what MADE BMW).

I wanted to be able to run the car hard and not be going a million miles an hours. I have had fast cars and bikes and find it is far more interesting to run a slower car hard than to run a fast car slow. And the 128 is still plenty quick.

NO DCT or automatics. Manual or nothing.



It is a wonderful car that is more than enough for me on a day to day basis.

Let us know what you get!!!

[1BimmerNut]

I have owned both - still have the 130i. The 130i is 99% of the 135. The only thing its missing is the explosive power delivery of the 135 BUT that means its better balanced, better traction, way better handling car and in terms of visceral appeal mentioned above- please- the scream of a straight 6 (without Turbo)is far nicer than 135. Also the 130 is anonymous - more so than the 135 which I think is a great benefit.
I also get my mountain bike in the back - another bonus
If you can do without the second faster to 100k get the 130 and save $10k.

Negatives: Lower kay 135's are far easier to find - 130i will prob have higher kays

My only regret was not getting a manual as its the first road car that I would take to the track as the balance is so good

[hks200]

my comparison might not be as relevant however I've driven a 335i long term (prelci) and found the consumption horrible for daily driving as I do around 50KM of city driving every day. I now own a 130i manual (pre lci with rather low KM) and for a car with 1375kg it's bucket loads of fun and a great daily. A LSD would make the 130i an absolute gem however it'll do for now , though I'm sure you know since owning a 130i previously.

[MBan]

Hi Arthur,

Good to hear you're coming back to Australia.

Another option would be an E82 125i coupe with a tune to 130i spec. Way more good condition 125i than 130i. In fact, I think there is one for sale on these forums at the moment in that specification.

Happy for you to drive mine the next time you're in Perth, by which time it should be in similar spec to your old 130i. I had it tuned last year - gained 40hp at the wheels - and will be fitting the BMWP SSK later this month.

Cheers
Michael

[_Ryan_]

Originally Posted by arthurtwp

Hey guys thanks for the words thus far.

Car would be my daily commute + the very very occasional day at the track. Not planning significant performance mods for now. Maybe performance exhaust (especially if 135I) and tune.

The driving experience and reliability of the N52, as found in the 125i and 130i, would be my pick for that. Also reduced insurance and running costs.

I just wish it was a little quicker (I've owned much faster cars), but I wouldn't trade the reliability for power on this one.
Keep in mind, if you want to mod in the future, you'd be better off selling the 130i and buying a 135i rather than modifying the 130i.

Enjoy!

[arthurtwp]

MBan
Hey Michael! How are you? I see you are still enjoying your 125i Yeah, be returning in 6 months, hence hoping to get a car sorted by the time i return, especially when low Km's and well-trimmed cars are hard to come by. Did some reading about the 125i tune, seems to be a few options around, all around the $1k mark? BMRAW offers 1 tune too I saw.

hks200 , 1BimmerNut and @_Ryan_
I share your sentiments, re the daily running and upkeep costs. The 130i scream and the intake noise in the tunnel never ceases to bring a smile to my face. To be honest, I would part with the 1sec edge the 135i has just to keep the sensation of a NA engine revving out.

Funnily enough, I had the opportunity to drive an e90 M3 DCT and a toyota 86 almost back to back recently. The e90, whilst a tremendously capable and sensational sounding car, was less.... excitable. Oddly enough, struggling and fighting with the 86 to keep it high in the power band was a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

(my apologies Ryan, it refuses to tag you)

[PG]

Sounds like you need some vtec in your life pity all the good ones are now more than ten years old now. My dc5s was definitely more exciting and useable than my current 135i. faster on a track as well with my novice ability

[kaitan]

Originally Posted by PG

Sounds like you need some vtec in your life pity all the good ones are now more than ten years old now. My dc5s was definitely more exciting and useable than my current 135i. faster on a track as well with my novice ability

I think everyone has a difference perception on what is exciting and usable on a daily basis. Faster on the track but I would say depending on track. High speed with long runs vs tight track IE Wakefield in NSW.

The world is going force induction now I would say if you are comparing NA vs JDM Turbo cars , then I would agree that NA is better as well as sounds but not for Euro force induction in this case the N54/55 virtually no lag.

[arthurtwp]

@PG
It is a shame I agree, a DC5 type R or S2000 with Low Km's and reasonably priced would be amazing. Unfortunately, these cars have hit "cult car" and "ricer car" status and it is neigh impossible to find a good specimen worth a sensible buy. That and I am a bigger sucker for BMWs.

@kaitan
I don't disagree that JDM turbos tend to have a higher spool and more lag. Driven a mates WRX once and whilst the delivery was outright brutal, the dull response detracted from the experience somewhat.

Given what you guys have said, I'm more inclined to get a 130i/125i should a good specimen wander by. Otherwise, the closest equivalent for that price would be.. an 86? Haha

[Simonnn]

Originally Posted by arthurtwp

@PG
It is a shame I agree, a DC5 type R or S2000 with Low Km's and reasonably priced would be amazing. Unfortunately, these cars have hit "cult car" and "ricer car" status and it is neigh impossible to find a good specimen worth a sensible buy. That and I am a bigger sucker for BMWs.

I was on the hunt for an S2000 for a number of years but could never find one I was happy to purchase.. unfortunately as you've mentioned they've fallen victim to P plater tax price wise and its extremely hard finding a clean example

Don't think you can go wrong with either the 135i or the 130i.. from the comments here it looks like the 130i will give you more of a pure driving experience with the NA engine whereas the 135i is more of a rocket in a straight line.

Nothing wrong with buying the same car twice, I'm on my second 135i !

[1BimmerNut]

Originally Posted by Simonnn

I was on the hunt for an S2000 for a number of years but could never find one I was happy to purchase.. unfortunately as you've mentioned they've fallen victim to P plater tax price wise and its extremely hard finding a clean example

I shudder to think about a P Plater pushing on in a S2000 on a wet road. I understand they are great fun up to 9 tenths and then they bite.

This guy has the throttle control of a taxi driver but shows what I mean

This one is amazing - watch the lack of opposite lock once he loses it...

[woosh]

That last one - rubbish rear tyres