Thinking about selling the GTI for a 135

[Gregoriovv]

Hello all, as the title states I am tossing around the idea of selling my baby and getting into a 135 (seems somewhat common moving from a GTI to a 1). I have recon'd this forum a bit and hope you guys are a cool bunch and not the "Use the search function you 'tard" type. I just have a couple ?'s. I was thinking of going with a 2012 but have found that the newer models have a slightly different engine. Keeping in mind that I probably won't go too hard core with the mods, what would you recommend- the twin turbo or twin scroll? I will def get the dct as my left knee is shot and may just want to wake the engine up a bit. Is either engine more ecu mod friendly than the other? I will not be putting too many miles on it as I have only 10k on my '12 GTI, if that make any difference.

Any input or opinions would be a big help coming from those of you in the know!

[zamboni]

FWD vs. RWD that make a difference plus inline 6 and 4 cyls you should make the move.

[TheCaptain]

I just made the jump from VW myself, go for it. The 2011 model year is when they switched to the newer N55 engine, which is also the first year that came with DCT so you can't get the older N54 with DCT anyways. That's exactly what I wanted in mine and it's been great.

[IEDEI]

I came from an A3 2.0T quattro (GTI quattro, basically) just a few months ago and I would highly recommend the upgrade to a 135!

it's amazing that I went from a 2.0T putting out 200hp to a 135is with 320hp and I get almost the same MPG on my commute! which is great....

but besides that the 135 is a much more lively car than the GTI and you definitely won't regret it.

[motorchimp]

Yeah you definitely will not be disappointed with the 135, its an amazing car.
The one thing I notice most with the 135is is the ungodly amount of torque it puts out. I came from a base 997 with a little more horsepower, but a far more subtle torque curve and lower top torque number, and I think that's where most of the ooompf for the 135 comes from.

[JeffyD]

Yeah, the torque curve is what will make things really delightful after you make the switch. Which is better than missing the car that was swapped out.

I've never owned a GTI, but have mildly driven one owned by a friend at the time. The overall feeling is just different. I mean, of driving the car. The difference cannot be adequately described. It's just more refined, I suppose, switching from the 4 into the I6. The handling characteristics provided by the RWD, which I prefer but don't evangelize mostly, is far and away an entirely transcendental experience when it's combined with how refined and balanced an I6 is when powering everything.

But then you add the insanity of the turbo'd power plant giving you an ever increasing pull to redline that gives these cars a feeling of intoxicated giddiness. Yes, the curve is mapped out in such a way as to make it less rewarding to really delve into knowing the car in comparison to one that needs to be really played correctly to extract the power all the time. I guess, I'm not a good driver, but I'd assume such would be a bullet point for some with more hardcore pride and principles to work with.

Easy mode, or not, I love this car, the N54/5 engines, and the emotional engagement I feel when I'm behind the wheel. Enough so to have put 2k miles on mine in 3 weeks to the day.

The E36/8 M coupe converted me, and the E82 is proof in the pudding.

I mean, VWs suck.

[one30five]

N55 Models have fuel issues resolved and don't blow charge pipes. There is less turbo leg, if any (in my opinion). essentially the N55 is a reworked and more refined N54. several important things have changed, but its still has the same strong foundation that comes with a BMW straight 6.

The DCT is awesome. I'd prefer a manual, but the DCT is excellent. It will amaze you how intuitive and smooth it is.

Ive heard guys say you can get more HP out of n54 with stock turbos, but i find that hard to believe.

[Overpar56]

If you're thinking about buying a 135 it means there is something you feel is lacking with the GTI. Whatever it might be, compare both cars side by side. If it's torque steer that bugs you, just remember you get the inverse on the 135.

For me it was the lack of headroom and how long it took me to wind up RX 8 from a dead stop. The RX 8 on a twisty road will chew up a stock 135 and you're not beat up doing it, but the 135 is just so wicked fast it's hard to believe.

As for interiors, late model GTIs have better ergonomics than the 135. The stereo sounds pretty good, but it's too many buttons to change modes etc on the Bimmer. M Sport seats are some of the best so get those in the package.

[JeffyD]

The all electric sport seats with side bolster adjustments and lumbar support are leagues above the GTI's offering, crazy person! But, then again, cloth seats are awesome and I secretly envy them.

But, I'm joking. Cars are terrible all around.

[edisapimp]

Originally Posted by Gregoriovv

... what would you recommend- the twin turbo or twin scroll? I will def get the dct as my left knee is shot and may just want to wake the engine up a bit. Is either engine more ecu mod friendly than the other? I will not be putting too many miles on it as I have only 10k on my '12 GTI, if that make any difference.

Any input or opinions would be a big help coming from those of you in the know!

I think someone said this already but the DCT is only available on the 2011 and newer which puts you in an N55 car. By this point there is enough support for both engines in the aftermarket world that if you're not going super hardcore with your mods then you really won't see too much of a difference between the two. Get the newest car with the least mileage for the best price and riiiiiide!

This is my third BMW and I've also owned VWs (A3 VR6 Jetta and VR6 GTI), and I am happy to report that my BMW has not fallen apart yet.

[stormzusmc]

Originally Posted by one30five

N55 Models have fuel issues resolved and don't blow charge pipes. There is less turbo leg, if any (in my opinion). essentially the N55 is a reworked and more refined N54. several important things have changed, but its still has the same strong foundation that comes with a BMW straight 6.

The DCT is awesome. I'd prefer a manual, but the DCT is excellent. It will amaze you how intuitive and smooth it is.

Ive heard guys say you can get more HP out of n54 with stock turbos, but i find that hard to believe.

You find that hard to believe? Look at all the dyno numbers...FBO 85 N54 is around 450whp, FBO E85 N55 roughly 400whp. Gotta love the valvetronic limitations.

That said though both are great, test drive the 135i and you'll fall in love.

FYI The twin turbo is the N54, the twin scroll is the N55.

[TwinTurboed]

If you are not looking to get a ton of power out of the car, the N55 is the more reliable, more refined engine, and the DCT comes with the N55 only.

This is coming from an N54 owner.

[Gregoriovv]

Thanks for all the informative replies guys! Looks like I will be looking at no older than a 2012 then, I want to be sure to have a bit left on the warranty. I've had a BMW in the past, 2004 330zhp, and I would not want another without a warranty! CPO is the way to go IMO. I had a 335 for a loaner once when my old one was being serviced and that damn thing pulled strong so I can imagine what a little car with essentially the same engine would do. I haven't test driven one yet as there aren't any on the dealer lots near me at the moment, not that I wouldn't buy private party.
I guess my next step is to advertise my car to see what response I get to my practically new GTI. I really do enjoy driving it and will miss the hatch practicality but the 135 seems to be more of a go kart which should result in a bigger grin when the right foot descends.

Thanks again everyone!

[stormzusmc]

Originally Posted by TwinTurboed

If you are not looking to get a ton of power out of the car, the N55 is the more reliable, more refined engine, and the DCT comes with the N55 only.

This is coming from an N54 owner.

If all the recall/warranty items have been taken care of the N54 is just as reliable as the N55....

Originally Posted by Gregoriovv

Thanks for all the informative replies guys! Looks like I will be looking at no older than a 2012 then, I want to be sure to have a bit left on the warranty. I've had a BMW in the past, 2004 330zhp, and I would not want another without a warranty! CPO is the way to go IMO. I had a 335 for a loaner once when my old one was being serviced and that damn thing pulled strong so I can imagine what a little car with essentially the same engine would do. I haven't test driven one yet as there aren't any on the dealer lots near me at the moment, not that I wouldn't buy private party.
I guess my next step is to advertise my car to see what response I get to my practically new GTI. I really do enjoy driving it and will miss the hatch practicality but the 135 seems to be more of a go kart which should result in a bigger grin when the right foot descends.

Thanks again everyone!

The 335i doesn't really weigh much more, but it is noticably bigger.

[Ski Killset]

I went from a Mazdaspeed Protege for eleven years to the 135i three days ago, and I can't stress enough how much of a right choice it was. The car is amazing. I'm bummed that I waited so long.

[Prodigy.]

I came from a VW Golf R to the 135i. The Golf was great, the 1er is better.

[Rob Daman]

Originally Posted by Prodigy 72

I came from a VW Golf R to the 135i. The Golf was great, the 1er is better.

Wow that's good to know since they say the R is supposed to be very refined.

I think most ~2.0 turbos just can't get the same power band as a 3.0 liter which is why i moved from a Evo X to the 1. I'm happy with my decision.

[Dilmorecg]

I just traded my GTI in last week for an '11 135i DCT. My GTI was pretty built so the torque was about the same as the 135. The difference from fwd to rwd is something to get used to but I like the way it feels. Its nice going from a fully built car to a stock car that's the same speed. If your GTI is stock it will be a significant difference. The 1 series feels much better quality.

One thing I wasn't expecting is the 1 is way smaller on the inside than the GTI, which I wasn't expecting since they are about the same length and width. There aren't as many places to put small things and all the spots are quite a bit smaller. The trunk is also tiny compared to the GTI but I was expecting that since no hatchback.

[andrey_gta]

Dont forget the DCT aplina flash, I think it applies to n55

[Rob Daman]

Originally Posted by Dilmorecg

The trunk is also tiny compared to the GTI but I was expecting that since no hatchback.

my evo has a smaller trunk than my 135i vert. mitsubishi decided to make more rear seat room which is definitely has in comparison but i have little kids so i'm ok for now.

[Turbo224]

Originally Posted by Dilmorecg

I just traded my GTI in last week for an '11 135i DCT. My GTI was pretty built so the torque was about the same as the 135. The difference from fwd to rwd is something to get used to but I like the way it feels. Its nice going from a fully built car to a stock car that's the same speed. If your GTI is stock it will be a significant difference. The 1 series feels much better quality.

One thing I wasn't expecting is the 1 is way smaller on the inside than the GTI, which I wasn't expecting since they are about the same length and width. There aren't as many places to put small things and all the spots are quite a bit smaller. The trunk is also tiny compared to the GTI but I was expecting that since no hatchback.

Try driving an Audi TT, there is NO WHERE to put anything. Fun car, but i'll be glad for the extra room once I find the right 135.

[brusk]

I hate to state the obvious but go drive one. If the test drive still has you questioning go look at something else. I will say that the 135i's have some rear suspension (loose) issues that for some reason the 3 series don't (some minor M3 suspension bushings fix this). You can usually pickup a 3 series cheaper and have a more luxurious car if you don't think the 1 is a refined as you like. As for the N55 is does have potential but it's slightly limited to compared to the older N54's. If you want more power flash is limited to certain year/months for Cobb but I believe JB4 piggy back is unlimited on that. I'd research your power options as more makes these cars what they really should be.