2009 135i Coupe or 2008 M3 Coupe

syncros · 10-14-2008, 06:44 PM

Hello All.
I ordered a 2009 135i Coupe (Manual, M Sport Package, Bluetooth, Short Shift kit, BMW Performance Exhaust and Suspension) and just learned that I could get a real good deal on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 3,000 Km on it.

My 135i is an October production, so I should get at the end of November. In the mean time, I have to drive a rental car as I have no other car to drive to the office.

What should I do? What should I consider? What you would do if you had this occassion? The M3 is about 150$ extra per month on a 36 month lease in Canada (Laval).

Thanks for your precious advise,
Vincent

MI128 · 10-14-2008, 06:54 PM

You really have to consider if you can afford the M3, you have the $150 more a month on payment, you would get less gas mileage and the insurance would be more also. The M3 is far superior to the 135 IMO. If the M3 meets your financial situation and has the optionsyour looking for then go for it but don't push your budget for a car. Good Luck...

AlienDNA · 10-14-2008, 06:54 PM

If it's me, 135i all the way, but that's because an M3 won't fit in my garage. :biggrin: Of course, if the M3 is Interlagos Blue, all bets are off...

P.S. - Check out tire prices for the M3, too. Stock rubber for the 135 is pretty dear, I can only imagine what M3 tires cost. I know that I'll miss paying $120 for Goodyear F1s on my Miata.

syncros · 10-14-2008, 07:04 PM

I tend to track my cars 2 weekends per year and I'm undecided because my company will pay the rental fees and because I believe that the 135i will be a better car for day-to-day driving while the M3 will be far better on the track... but a M3 remains a M3...

Need more help...
Thanks again, Vince

BForbes · 10-14-2008, 07:08 PM

Just make sure you can handle the payments man. M3> 135i EVERYDAY of the week. Those that tell you otherwise are completely delusional. Its a whole lot of car and you will never tap its full potential legally on the street. Wringing out a V8 to the beat of 8400rpms is pure bliss. Taking my 4cylinger to 82000 makes my heart race every single time. The M3 is the heart and soul of the BMW Franchise. Not the M5, M6, or MX whatever that is coming out.

In such times, I dont think it would be wise to ''stretch it'' on transportation though. There is nothing wrong with the 135i. It will be if its not already a cult favorite. I just think its a no comparison between the two.

-BF

mtla4 · 10-14-2008, 07:08 PM

Take it!!! jump on it 75K car vs 50K forget the 135I. For 150$ more a month holy crap I think I will drop by Laval(I dont lease)but what is the price tag on this demo? Im all pumped all of a sudden
Is that the car in question?
http://www.bmwlaval.com/en/usedcars/...spy?id=2229005

AlienDNA · 10-14-2008, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncros

I tend to track my cars 2 weekends per year and I'm undecided because my company will pay the rental fees and because I believe that the 135i will be a better car for day-to-day driving while the M3 will be far better on the track... but a M3 remains a M3...

Look at it this way: The 135 is powerful, nice handling car and you will have a great time tracking it a couple times a year. The M3 is a very powerful, superb handling car and you will end up living in a tent *at* the track. :biggrin:

syncros · 10-14-2008, 07:26 PM

I actually never drove the 2008 M3 Coupe, but should do so tomorrow afternoon. I'll post my comments on the drive and for what I intend to do (finally)... If only I could get my 135i in the coming week!:smile:

jlee · 10-14-2008, 07:58 PM

i test drove both and ordered the 135i. for the 20K difference, I know the M3 is a far superior car, but I can't even come close to tapping all that potential on my 3 mile drive to work through the neighborhoods. Where the 135i is just fun fun fun all the time..

But I did track the 135i last Friday and that was the first time I had some regret on not getting the M3.

If they were offering financing specials of 0.9% I would have picked the M3

Jeff

BForbes · 10-14-2008, 08:03 PM

I dont really care for the M3 coupe as much as the sedan. : )

josh · 10-14-2008, 08:12 PM

For me, going from an E36 M3 to a 135i has been a huge letdown, particularly in handling. If you're at all used to an M3, a 135i will seem like a step-down.

I'd jump on that '08 M3 in a heartbeat.

lacrosse · 10-14-2008, 08:38 PM

I was faced with the same issue. I ultimately chose the 135 because I would be able to drive the car closer to its limits on public roads (not that I would ever break the law). The M3 is such a capable car I felt (and the dealer agreed) that I would get frustrated driving it because it has so much potential that would remain untapped (thereby encouraging me to break the law).

Noize · 10-14-2008, 08:44 PM

If you can afford it, get the freaking M3! I would dump my car in a heartbeat if I could comfortably afford an E90/E92 M3.

MatthewDFW · 10-14-2008, 08:56 PM

I must side with lacrosse. He speaks directly to the heart of the matter, which is Day to Day Driving in the Real World.

All things being equal, M3 > 135. But within the context of practical, every-day driving, all things are not equal. I fear holding the M3 in a near-perpetual state of "whoa-nellie" would probably be very frustrating. It certainly would've been for me.

I test drove both the M3 and the 135 before making my purchase, and found the M3 to be truly superb - every bit as good as you've heard! However, situations where I could've really pushed the M3 would be very rare indeed, and this figured prominently in my decision to get my 1. So, too, did the fact that this was going to be an every-day car for me.

You did not mention whether your purchase was going to be the only car in your garage, or a special weekend-only vehicle. If time permits, please let us know; this might influence the advice you receive here.

I have learned that one never regrets a Flight to Quality, and the purchase of a machine as fine as the M3 definitely qualifies... but, if - and only if - frustration on public roads is not an issue for you.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. I'm confident you will enjoy either car very much (your 135i specs sound very good indeed).

syncros · 10-14-2008, 09:06 PM

Thanks Mattew, I intend to drive the car all year long.
Even if I didn't test drive the M3, I believe that the 135 is a better day-to-day driving car, but an M3 remains an M3... I'm very confused and I don't know if I should listen to my earth or reason.

Your car looks great.

Thanks again, Vince

BForbes · 10-14-2008, 09:17 PM

^^And a 128i would be a better day to day car than an 135i. The M3's appeal has always been that it was a Jack-of-all trades car. It did everything well.

MatthewDFW · 10-14-2008, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncros

I believe that the 135 is a better day-to-day driving car, but an M3 remains an M3... I'm very confused and I don't know if I should listen to my earth or reason.

Please indulge me in a brief follow up, before I yield the floor to friends and colleagues.

If you don't mind, take a moment to read (or re-read) the full text of Jeremy Clarkson's oft-quoted, glowing review of the 135i, which appears on this site at the following location...

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3248

Bear in mind that Mr. Clarkson's comments put the the 135i in good stead vs not only the vaunted M3, but with every car BMW makes.

It is worth a read. Might remind you why you picked a 135 in the first place.

blacknbean · 10-14-2008, 09:38 PM

id take the m3 all day every day

soupy · 10-14-2008, 10:19 PM

if I were insisting on leasing and with a $150 per month difference, I'd take the M3 without a moment of thought.

ZuerstBMW · 10-15-2008, 12:05 AM

M3

ben14142001 · 10-15-2008, 12:17 AM

Depends. If you value gas mileage and a slightly softer ride, go with the 135. If you want a better performing, and better looking car, go with the M3.

-Ben

3toM · 10-15-2008, 12:18 AM

Syncros,

I've been here. I was going to get the 135i, and then the current economy came along(and a realization that I should get a 4 door with my 2 kids). I was able to payoff my wifes car with the down I was saving for the 135i, put zero down on an M3 sedan and end up paying less on it than the payments on my wifes car and my prior car. But realize that there are other costs. Gas is more (about 18 mpg on the M3 vs about 22? on the 135i). Insurance is more (for me about $100 or so every 6 months for the M3 vs the 135).

If you can afford that, go for it. I am absolutely loving this car!! The V8 power, the handling, the sound of the engine is great (I can't wait to finish the break-in so I can really get the rpms up), and heck I get my 1200 mile oil change/etc covered by BMW. It's an amazing car!

10-14-2008, 06:44 PM	#1
syncros Private First Class 12 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	2009 135i Coupe or 2008 M3 Coupe Hello All. I ordered a 2009 135i Coupe (Manual, M Sport Package, Bluetooth, Short Shift kit, BMW Performance Exhaust and Suspension) and just learned that I could get a real good deal on a 2008 M3 Coupe with 3,000 Km on it. My 135i is an October production, so I should get at the end of November. In the mean time, I have to drive a rental car as I have no other car to drive to the office. What should I do? What should I consider? What you would do if you had this occassion? The M3 is about 150$ extra per month on a 36 month lease in Canada (Laval). Thanks for your precious advise, Vincent
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10-14-2008, 06:54 PM	#2
MI128 Private First Class 10 Rep 134 Posts Drives: 2011 X5 35I M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128 [0.00]	You really have to consider if you can afford the M3, you have the $150 more a month on payment, you would get less gas mileage and the insurance would be more also. The M3 is far superior to the 135 IMO. If the M3 meets your financial situation and has the optionsyour looking for then go for it but don't push your budget for a car. Good Luck... __________________ 2011 X5 35I M-Sport White/Cinnamon/Dark Bamboo/M-Sport/Convenience Package/Nav/Sirius/Heated Seats
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10-14-2008, 06:54 PM	#3
AlienDNA Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 2008 135i LeMans Blue Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Margaritaville iTrader: (0)	If it's me, 135i all the way, but that's because an M3 won't fit in my garage. :biggrin: Of course, if the M3 is Interlagos Blue, all bets are off... P.S. - Check out tire prices for the M3, too. Stock rubber for the 135 is pretty dear, I can only imagine what M3 tires cost. I know that I'll miss paying $120 for Goodyear F1s on my Miata.
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10-14-2008, 07:04 PM	#4
syncros Private First Class 12 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	I tend to track my cars 2 weekends per year and I'm undecided because my company will pay the rental fees and because I believe that the 135i will be a better car for day-to-day driving while the M3 will be far better on the track... but a M3 remains a M3... Need more help... Thanks again, Vince
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10-14-2008, 07:08 PM	#5
BForbes Moderator 557 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	Just make sure you can handle the payments man. M3> 135i EVERYDAY of the week. Those that tell you otherwise are completely delusional. Its a whole lot of car and you will never tap its full potential legally on the street. Wringing out a V8 to the beat of 8400rpms is pure bliss. Taking my 4cylinger to 82000 makes my heart race every single time. The M3 is the heart and soul of the BMW Franchise. Not the M5, M6, or MX whatever that is coming out. In such times, I dont think it would be wise to ''stretch it'' on transportation though. There is nothing wrong with the 135i. It will be if its not already a cult favorite. I just think its a no comparison between the two. -BF __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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10-14-2008, 07:26 PM	#8
syncros Private First Class 12 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	I actually never drove the 2008 M3 Coupe, but should do so tomorrow afternoon. I'll post my comments on the drive and for what I intend to do (finally)... If only I could get my 135i in the coming week!:smile:
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10-14-2008, 07:58 PM	#9
jlee Captain 167 Rep 773 Posts Drives: M2CS+GTS Targa+RRS SVR Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (1)	i test drove both and ordered the 135i. for the 20K difference, I know the M3 is a far superior car, but I can't even come close to tapping all that potential on my 3 mile drive to work through the neighborhoods. Where the 135i is just fun fun fun all the time.. But I did track the 135i last Friday and that was the first time I had some regret on not getting the M3. If they were offering financing specials of 0.9% I would have picked the M3 Jeff
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10-14-2008, 08:03 PM	#10
BForbes Moderator 557 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	I dont really care for the M3 coupe as much as the sedan. : ) __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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10-14-2008, 08:12 PM	#11
josh Private First Class 12 Rep 127 Posts Drives: E36 M3, 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	For me, going from an E36 M3 to a 135i has been a huge letdown, particularly in handling. If you're at all used to an M3, a 135i will seem like a step-down. I'd jump on that '08 M3 in a heartbeat.
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10-14-2008, 08:38 PM	#12
lacrosse Captain 11 Rep 817 Posts Drives: 2006 997 C2 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Carrera C2 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00] 2002 Mercedes ML 320 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	I was faced with the same issue. I ultimately chose the 135 because I would be able to drive the car closer to its limits on public roads (not that I would ever break the law). The M3 is such a capable car I felt (and the dealer agreed) that I would get frustrated driving it because it has so much potential that would remain untapped (thereby encouraging me to break the law). __________________ Gone: 2008 135i/2006 330i Arrived: 2006 997/Black/Sand Beige Leather/6MT/Sports Chrono Plus/19" Vorsteiner V-308s/Factory Nav/Sports Steering Wheel/Contrasting Mats/Heated Seats/Bose /V1/iPod adapter/Parrot Bluetooth/50% all around/Black "911" script/"Gundo Hack"/AWE black chrome tips/H&R adjustable front and rear sways/Rennline shift knob
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10-14-2008, 08:44 PM	#13
Noize Under the radar 41 Rep 840 Posts Drives: FWD in reverse Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In traffic at idle iTrader: (1)	If you can afford it, get the freaking M3! I would dump my car in a heartbeat if I could comfortably afford an E90/E92 M3.
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10-14-2008, 08:56 PM	#14
MatthewDFW Senior Member 14 Rep 244 Posts Drives: '08 135i, '02 X5 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Dallas, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	I must side with lacrosse. He speaks directly to the heart of the matter, which is Day to Day Driving in the Real World. All things being equal, M3 > 135. But within the context of practical, every-day driving, all things are *not* equal. I fear holding the M3 in a near-perpetual state of "whoa-nellie" would probably be very frustrating. It certainly would've been for me. I test drove both the M3 and the 135 before making my purchase, and found the M3 to be truly superb - every bit* as good as you've heard!* However, situations where I could've really pushed the M3 would be very rare indeed, and this figured prominently in my decision to get my 1. So, too, did the fact that this was going to be an every-day car for me. You did not mention whether your purchase was going to be the only car in your garage, or a special weekend-only vehicle. If time permits, please let us know; this might influence the advice you receive here. I have learned that one never regrets a Flight to Quality, and the purchase of a machine as fine as the M3 definitely qualifies... but, if - and only if - frustration on public roads is not an issue for you. Best of luck with whatever you choose. I'm confident you will enjoy either car very much (your 135i specs sound very good indeed). __________________ MatthewDFW BMWCCA 411059 2008 135i =============== Our wee twin turbos may be smallish, but they doth mashie yon backside deeply seatwise. ===============
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10-14-2008, 09:06 PM	#15
syncros Private First Class 12 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Thanks Mattew, I intend to drive the car all year long. Even if I didn't test drive the M3, I believe that the 135 is a better day-to-day driving car, but an M3 remains an M3... I'm very confused and I don't know if I should listen to my earth or reason. Your car looks great. Thanks again, Vince
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10-14-2008, 09:17 PM	#16
BForbes Moderator 557 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	^^And a 128i would be a better day to day car than an 135i. The M3's appeal has always been that it was a Jack-of-all trades car. It did everything well. __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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10-14-2008, 09:38 PM	#18
blacknbean Major 14 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: e92 335i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: LA iTrader: (2)	id take the m3 all day every day
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10-14-2008, 10:19 PM	#19
soupy First Lieutenant 15 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 09 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NoVa iTrader: (1)	if I were insisting on leasing and with a $150 per month difference, I'd take the M3 without a moment of thought. __________________ Alpine White, Coral Red Leather, Sport Package, 6MT
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10-15-2008, 12:05 AM	#20
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 372 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 2023 230i Mineral White Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Apollo Beach, FL. iTrader: (68)	M3
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10-15-2008, 12:17 AM	#21
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	Depends. If you value gas mileage and a slightly softer ride, go with the 135. If you want a better performing, and better looking car, go with the M3. -Ben
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10-15-2008, 12:18 AM	#22
3toM Lieutenant 18 Rep 511 Posts Drives: 2013 335i EB Msport Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Syncros, I've been here. I was going to get the 135i, and then the current economy came along(and a realization that I should get a 4 door with my 2 kids). I was able to payoff my wifes car with the down I was saving for the 135i, put zero down on an M3 sedan and end up paying less on it than the payments on my wifes car and my prior car. But realize that there are other costs. Gas is more (about 18 mpg on the M3 vs about 22? on the 135i). Insurance is more (for me about $100 or so every 6 months for the M3 vs the 135). If you can afford that, go for it. I am absolutely loving this car!! The V8 power, the handling, the sound of the engine is great (I can't wait to finish the break-in so I can really get the rpms up), and heck I get my 1200 mile oil change/etc covered by BMW. It's an amazing car!
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