135i review from E46 M3 and E30 perspective

[Pike]

Before I tell you about the test drive, I have to mention three important factors affecting the test drive:

1) I drove an E46 M3 for 3 years as a daily driver and I became completely used to its power and driving manners. Not that it ever became boring; far from it. But the M3 became 'normal' to me in terms of driving experience.

2) I have a modded E30 these days as my daily driver. Not fast at all, but a very raw, direct driving experience.

3) I was on a first date (over lunch) today, and when she found out I was test driving the 1 series after lunch, she insisted on coming with. You'll find out later why this is generally never a good idea. :-)

Okay, the test drive. I drove a 135i and 335i back to back, in that order. Both auto trannys, so I could compare apples to apples, despite my preference for 6MT. The 1 series looks in person almost exactly like all the pics I've studied all these months. They had it end-on-end in the showroom with the 335i, and I prefer the overall look of the 3 series. It's just classier, and meaner looking, though others have argued the other side. So there you go.

The drive was excellent; much smoother and gruntier than the M3, but also not as unhinged. Still, I immediately noticed 2 differences from the 335i; 1) The sport bolsters were a litle wider, and 2) the 135i engine is definitely more audible in the 1 series. There's really not much I can add to the driving observations others have provided, except to say that it's the closest I have ever come to the experience of driving my E30, in terms of directness. The 3 series just doesn't feel quite as connected. It's a subtle thing though. For M3 drivers, I think once you become to the rather more civilized manners of the 1 series, it's nearly as much fun.

So here's the problem for me. I realized that I secretly wanted to like the 3 series more. I'd really like to have the looks of the 3 series and the better back seat for the trips my friends often make here and there together. But my date sort of clinched it for me. After we drove both, she told me that the 1 series had a... particular effect on her... which I won't elaborate on, to keep it PG. But I have to agree. The 1 was just plain more fun than the 3er, especially when I compared it to my M3 and current E30.

So there I was, with my brain all muddled thinking about the 1 series, the 3 series, and my date (well, mostly my date at that point). Mental note: don't bring dates to car dealerships. Check.

I hope this review adds some value here. I've never, not once, had such a hard time deciding on a car before. The 335i easily wipes the floor with all the other cars I test drove (Saab 9-3 Aero XWD, WRX STi, Audi A5, etc). Wish me luck with the decision.

[boostin]

details on the effect it had on her or ban :biggrin:

edit: and pics :biggrin:

-Chris

[OzF16]

Yeah, chicks and car dealerships are bad news. Back in 1998, I was looking at a '95 325i to upgrade from my '87 325is. I had the unfortunate luck of getting the woman as my sales rep. You don't see too many women selling cars, but this gal was smokin' hot. After our test drive when she told me the asking price, I think I insisted on paying $2K more, but I'm not sure!

[jungcg]

ah go on then - tell us about the effect on the lass...

[mikeo]

Pike, I was there Friday and didn't see the 135i!?! Glad you go to drive it though. I'll be picking mine up mid week.

[dna550]

Sounds to me like the girlfriend's reaction in the 135i is exactly why you get this car!

Were the seats leather or leatherette?

[Oregon]

Originally Posted by dna550

Were the seats leather or leatherette?

The car's or hers?:biggrin:

[alivebacon]

PG?!? That is too funny

You can't do that to me, or the rest of us. Tell us DETAILS sir. DETAILS!

[vanbmw]

I think it is all the torque that gets em....excited...

[Pike]

lol, I'm sure you can imagine what she said. Let's just say that she found the 1 series test drive to be an arousing experience. :-)

The car had leather; I was hoping to check out the 1 series leatherette, but no luck there.

[Esmallstii]

Confirmation for the 1:
It had the same effect on my wife when we drove it yesterday.

[randomquickness]

geez...I better buy some stock in viagra if all the 1ers are gonna have that impact!

[me1.0]

And you know we have all seen the car.

[Bringinthewolf]

Can we assume that you got to test the back seat of the 1?

[Pike]

Originally Posted by Bringinthewolf

Can we assume that you got to test the back seat of the 1?

Hey -- I used to live in the west end up there in Vancouver. I miss that city.

Uh, negatory on the back seat. But it was a very successful date. And NO, there will be NO pics. :-)

[amdmaxx]

she was pretty outspoken for first date..
pix would be nice.. and never let a woman direct you what car to buy.. Unless u been married for 10 years and got kids, then u can compromize on minivan (for her).

[imported_Katera]

My wife liked both the 335i and 135i, but being the cool girl she is she saw the look on my fact driving 1 and supported it 100%.

[adc]

Every time my wife drives the 335i, she comes back with this wistful expression on her face. Then again, she used to smoke any opposing factions at the stoplights when she was driving the M, so I'm not surprised.

I'm curious what effect the 1 will have on her... time for another test drive, I suppose...