M235i vs. 135i (or something else) for track and daily

[rezilient]

Hi guys. I did a quick search and read some similar threads but had some specific questions about the 135i.

First of all, the lease on my M235i came to an end and I'm selling after doing the lease buy out. Was considering M2 or another lease but now thinking to buy something instead in the $25K range (so 2013 135i seems possible).

I test drove the 135i in both DCT and 6 speed and both were wonderful. The 1er seems a lot more nimble and engaging than the 2er. The auto on the 2er was terrible in my opinion. Also although it might be down on power a bit the 1er feels a lot lighter on its feet.

I'll be tracking the 135i a few times per year (although it will still be my daily) and was wondering what I should keep in mind when looking for options. My requirement is Nav but otherwise what else should I make sure is included? Does the 135is provide any important performance features?

Does the DCT perform well for track duty? Its obviously very quick and responsive but does it predict gears well when driving hard on technical courses?

Finally, are there any other cars I should be considering in this class? Some others i drove:

2016 Focus ST - actually really like this car, zero turbo lag, great handling
2016 WRX - hated the turbo lag, wobbly shifter feel
2016 GTI - too soft and pedestrian
2013 Golf R - driving this on monday, although its closer to $28K
2016 Evo - turbo lag, crap interior

Other options i haven't driven? Older (like 2008/09) Audi S4, Audi TTS, or M3.

Looking forward to your thoughts.
Thanks.

[Esteban]

The only performance benefit the 135is has over the 135i is PPK2, which adds 20 hp and 17 lb-ft of torque (to 320 hp and 317 lb-ft for DCT). Plus PPK2 upgrades the engine cooling system by adding a larger, more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator, which I'm sure will help keep the engine cooler when tracking. All the BMW Performance goodies that the 135is has (including PPK2) can be added to a stock 135i.

[rezilient]

Originally Posted by Esteban

The only performance benefit the 135is has over the 135i is PPK2, which adds 20 hp and 17 lb-ft of torque (to 320 hp and 317 lb-ft for DCT). Plus PPK2 upgrades the engine cooling system by adding a larger, more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator, which I'm sure will help keep the engine cooler when tracking. All the BMW Performance goodies that the 135is has (including PPK2) can be added to a stock 135i.

Thanks. so the 20hp is through exhaust and intake, or a tune?

[Diver]

The 20hp is a tune. I have the PPK in my car and you can feel it. I strongly recommend ditching the run flats on the 135i and going up one size on the front tires to reduce understeer.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by rezilient

Thanks. so the 20hp is through exhaust and intake, or a tune?

PPK (Performance Power Kit) is a software tune that comes in two versions, PPK1 and PPK2. They both offer the same software tune (same hp and torque), but PPK2 comes with the additional cooling hardware as mentioned above. Both kits also provide a sporty exhaust burbling noise during engine overrun conditions.

[rezilient]

Thanks for the feedback.

Any opinions regarding DCT on the track? In my test drive it felt super quick, much more responsive than the ZF 8spd in the M235i.

Does anyone take their 135i DCT to the track?

[Bullitt]

There can be moments when the DCT won't downshift properly on the track. Read here: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=748957