Considering a used M3 to replace my 135i

[PA135ii]

https://www.larryshiline.com/vehicle...56925eec996bd4

I have always wanted an M car and my 135i is tuned has an intercooler and still looks great for 127K. I purchased my 135i new and in the last year had the cam seals done and waste gates replaced and upgraded. But this is tempting and was wondering what you guys think. This would replace my 135i and I have another car for winter and daily. Ironically, the M3 is the same year as my 135i but has only 46K on the clock.
Attached is a link to the M3 and a pic of my 2008 135i. Thanks in advance.

[captain slowly]

I say go drive the M3 and decide. The V8 is pretty dead under 4k rpm, but does make some good noises and is nice up top. Also remember that they do have the rod bearing issues, so be sure it has been done so you don't have to.

[Gangplank]

The M3 is $32k & same year 2008. How much will you get for the 135? Looks like you are paying $20k give or take for the M3 maybe??

Personally I'd go dive it, then drive an M2 used, decide which you like better and negotiate hard. I bet you can get an M2 for not much more.

[mfindigital]

There really is no comparison between our cars and M cars, essentially everything that matters is significantly more capable in an M car.

I was in the same boat when I bought my 135i, these M3's were actually about 20% cheaper used 2 years ago than they are now when all the M purists were pissed that these had a V8. Everyone realized how stupid this was (much like the 996 911's, prices are way up compared to 3-5 years ago). Do I regret not getting the M? Ya, a bit because the value is climbing and it's a better drivers car, but I'm still really happy with my 135.
The 1 series, to me, at this point, is now a tuner car much like c5 z06's, 240sx, 350z's, etc. I have a 20 year old cousin who is also a big motor head and he tells me kids lust after the n54's, the "New JZ" rep has really grown in the tuner world over the last couple of years.
The M3 is a true GT car that will outperform the 1, but it's not going to be as cheap/easy/rewarding to modify. So if you love tuning your car, the 135 is great. If you like a perfect GT car from the factory, get the M3. If you want something in the middle, get an M2 as mentioned above.

[duder13]

There still isn’t a car with a usable backseat that I’d pick over a 135i, outside of a 1M, which I don’t think is worth the money (unless you’re buying it to collect.)

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

I say go drive the M3 and decide.

Agreed!

The suggestion to drive a slightly used M2 is a good one as well.

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

I bet you can get an M2 for not much more.

Define "not much more". Casually looking I've yet to come across an M2 close to $35K. Searching nationwide on AutoTrader, I see a $38K, and two at $39.9K. Everything else in the 40s.

Personally I would not move from an 2008 135 to a 2008 M3. But I would buy a used M2 and move vertically in model years from a 2008/9 to 2016-2018 M2.

[PA135ii]

Originally Posted by jkoral

Define "not much more". Casually looking I've yet to come across an M2 close to $35K. Searching nationwide on AutoTrader, I see a $38K, and two at $39.9K. Everything else in the 40s.

Personally I would not move from an 2008 135 to a 2008 M3. But I would buy a used M2 and move vertically in model years from a 2008/9 to 2016-2018 M2.

Problem is I have sank about $5,000 into my 135 over the past 1 1/2 years, so there's that. I do like the M2 a lot but hard to find in that price range.
Now that I finally got a winter / daily driver car in 2017, I can keep the miles down on the 135 or whatever other car which would replace it.
There is something about an M that is special. Hard decision.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by PA135ii

Problem is I have sank about $5,000 into my 135 over the past 1 1/2 years, so there's that.

In theory you can't go on what you've already done, just what you would do next (if anything).

[captain slowly]

Originally Posted by PA135ii

Problem is I have sank about $5,000 into my 135 over the past 1 1/2 years, so there's that. I do like the M2 a lot but hard to find in that price range.
Now that I finally got a winter / daily driver car in 2017, I can keep the miles down on the 135 or whatever other car which would replace it.
There is something about an M that is special. Hard decision.

Here is the thing, this generation M3 with the V8 will continue appreciating in value, and like you said, it is "special". Like I said earlier, drive it and make sure you like the car. If you do, and the maintenance including rod bearings have been done, buy it. Keep it nice, and enjoy it when you can. Long term you won't loose. I would keep the 135i as well (if you can), for no other reason than the fact that its worthless. How much can you realistically get for it with 120k? $10k if you find the right person? Nah, screw that. The $5k you've spent has probably addressed the common issues anyway. This is the reason I'm keeping mine for a while. Can't wrap my head around giving it away.

[PA135ii]

Originally Posted by captain slowly

The $5k you've spent has probably addressed the common issues anyway. This is the reason I'm keeping mine for a while. Can't wrap my head around giving it away.

This is what I've been wrestling in my head for a while now. Thanks for the post. I'm not the only one in this situation.

[fast1eddy]

I briefly considered replacing my 135 with an E92 M3. After test driving it I realized it was just too big for me. No matter how capable it was it was just too much car. I like the size of the E82. The only car I'd replace it with is an M2.

[tock172]

It's hard to say no to a V8, especially the S65B40 of the E9X M3. I wouldn't kick an E90 sedan out of bed if the right one came along. The problem is that I refuse to own one out of warranty, and at this point, I would also need something at least as new as my 135i was similar features. There's no way I would go back to the previous iDrive version or go without bluetooth audio these days.

All of that in mind, something like an M2 or M4 seems like the next logical choice for me. I love the torque.

[swunder]

So I bought my 135is because it was the smallest, fastest and pretty unusual BMW in my price range (25k). M3's of all gens are everywhere, I've never seen another 135is, hardly any 1xx's even.

I do wonder if a e90 M3 coupe would have been better. I do get M3 envy from time to time, though I've never even driven one. But I doubt it'd be worth 10-15k more, plus a few years older, plus extra v8 maintenance (if any), plus being larger/heavier. However maybe M3's are truly magical. I don't say that sarcastically, its possible in my mind.

So I guess my only useful advice is just to go drive one and decide for yourself. I'm kind of afraid to drive one because I might get serious envy, even though I love my 135is.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by fast1eddy

I briefly considered replacing my 135 with an E92 M3. After test driving it I realized it was just too big for me. No matter how capable it was it was just too much car. I like the size of the E82. The only car I'd replace it with is an M2.

Yes and we all know size matters. Wish they had stuffed the S65 in a smaller package at some point.

[Happy Jose]

The One Series is a better car than the entire M fleet with the exception of the M2. And getting a V8 just means more maintenance and weight.

It's too bad the only taste you clowns have is in your mouth.