2011 BMW 135i vs E46 M3

M34lnch · 07-03-2010, 05:36 PM

I would love to hear some comments from peeps who have driven both the 2011 BMW 135i with DCT and the E46 M3 SMG and

which they would get (assume mint 2006 M3 with low miles costing around 32k)
and why

Thanks

Cuz5150 · 07-03-2010, 05:41 PM

Do not own SMG or DCT. However, from reading the past few years...the SMG = Uber Fail. The DCT is praised like the best thing since "sliced bread"

BMW86 · 07-03-2010, 06:01 PM

+ 1

The DCT has taken the 135i to a whole new level. I wish I had it on my 2009 N54 model. It's unbelievable.

MrRoboto · 07-03-2010, 06:03 PM

135 for sure. Its fun to pass the M3s at the track ;-)

GMT II · 07-03-2010, 06:53 PM

What are the long term maintenance costs on the SMG or the DCT? The DCT is too new to really know but this is a concern if you plan to own. BMW can't get fuel pumps to work; something tells me an electromechanical clutch is a part that vomits dollar bills.

x5mad · 07-03-2010, 07:11 PM

If you plan on keeping your car for a while then you will certainly need to keep in mind the cost of replacing the clutch. In the case of the DCT then this will mean replacing 2 clutches. I don't know the cost but have heard that it is quite costly.

sb335is · 07-03-2010, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x5mad

If you plan on keeping your car for a while then you will certainly need to keep in mind the cost of replacing the clutch. In the case of the DCT then this will mean replacing 2 clutches. I don't know the cost but have heard that it is quite costly.

an e46 m3 is already used and the overall maintenance costs are most likely higher considering its out of warranty. if the car was driven semi hard the control arms might blow out. the SMG isnt the most reliable after many miles. but then you don't have to deal with HPFP and youre driving whats going to be a classic m3 style

fatjoez · 07-03-2010, 07:20 PM

Yeah DCT maintenance is said to be expensive.
BMW DCT<VW DSG

MarkR171 · 07-03-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoturboz

. but then you don't have to deal with HPFP

As of yet, no 2011s have had a problem with HPFP, there's a chance that is no longer an issue.

I would get a DCT 135, in fact, I did. E46 M3s are everywhere, 1 series as a whole are less common. The 135 will be quicker stock for stock while the E46 M3 will have better handling. The 135 will have larger gains for your money when it comes to mods. JB3, M3 suspension components, etc. The DCT is superior to the SMG.

If you can find a pristine '06 M3 with very low miles that looks like new and it wasn't driven hard, then it could be a good deal and worth consideration. Drive both and get what you like better

CarForHire · 07-04-2010, 01:22 PM

E46 M3 SMG is a no..

M34lnch · 07-04-2010, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarForHire

E46 M3 SMG is a no..

why

JHZR2 · 07-04-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMT II

What are the long term maintenance costs on the SMG or the DCT? The DCT is too new to really know but this is a concern if you plan to own. BMW can't get fuel pumps to work; something tells me an electromechanical clutch is a part that vomits dollar bills.

+1 The fluid replacement costs alone are quite high. The DCT holds at the clutch point, so likely there will be higher wear rates, plus heat.

I'd be worried about longevity, though the engineering surely allws you to have a reasonable chance of reaching 100k.

Still is a neat device, and will only get better. One of the penalties of early adoption is higher chance of issues long-term.

M34lnch · 07-04-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

+1 The fluid replacement costs alone are quite high.

Fluid costs of what? Oil change?

So I should clarify:
I plan to lease the 135i, or buy the used M3. So long term costs on the 1 are not a concern for me.

JHZR2 · 07-04-2010, 02:09 PM

VW DCTs require fluid change every 30-36k IIRC. Heat and conditions of the trans are likely why. Anyone know what the BMW maintenance requirements are? If they say lifetime, I wouldnt trust it.

Battleship Potemkin · 07-04-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatjoez

Yeah DCT maintenance is said to be expensive.
BMW DCT<VW DSG

Depends on the manufacturer. You might be surprised to find that the DSG and the DCT are the exact same thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual-cl...rbox#Suppliers

CarForHire · 07-04-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M34lnch

why

Way too many issues. The DCT in the E9x M3 is amazing compared to the SMG in the E46.

moff · 07-05-2010, 03:12 AM

E46 M3 is more of a drivers car and much more track focused. It's also got an amazing engine with real character.

135i DCT has less character, but is much more modern, and much cheaper to run - full BMW warranty, running costs (in the UK) are a third of the M3's.

Money no object - M3 everytime.

Ash83 · 07-05-2010, 11:53 AM

SMG = EPIC FAIL
DCT = The second best thing after the 135i mighty engine

jpd · 07-05-2010, 08:39 PM

You may be tempted by the M3, but beware of high maintenance costs. I would talk to the previous owner before even considering a car of this ilk, beautiful as it maybe.

Fuerza · 07-05-2010, 09:02 PM

Their is nothing wrong with the E46 SMG. Yes it isn't as silky smooth at the DCT but the E46 is a raw beastly car while the newer 135i is fluffy and soft.

JimmyT · 07-05-2010, 09:03 PM

2K11 car with a warranty every time!!!!

TEUFELHUNDE · 07-07-2010, 01:37 AM

This is a thread that makes sense guys. a 135i compared to a e46 m3 hmmm. But i saw this thread under suspensions etc. He is trying to compare our 135i's sportiness to an rx-8. Ha i just find that hilarious.

This forum has been very usefull. I want to thank you guys for your input on very important topics. But mamalukes are everywhere.....rx-8 please!

07-03-2010, 05:36 PM	#1
M34lnch Private First Class 18 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 440i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	2011 BMW 135i vs E46 M3 I would love to hear some comments from peeps who have driven both the 2011 BMW 135i with DCT and the E46 M3 SMG and which they would get (assume mint 2006 M3 with low miles costing around 32k) and why Thanks
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07-03-2010, 05:41 PM	#2
Cuz5150 Major 215 Rep 1,489 Posts Drives: 06-M3ZHP/04-M3 Vert/02Duc998 Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Do not own SMG or DCT. However, from reading the past few years...the SMG = Uber Fail. The DCT is praised like the best thing since "sliced bread" __________________ -Diplomacy is saying, "nice doggie while trying to find a rock"- 07-Z4 coupe-Black/Black/6MT/sport/premium/X 04-M3 vert-Black/Imolla/6MT/Cold/Xenon/HK/ 06-M3 Coupe-Mystic/Black/6MT/ZCP/Xenon/HK/ 09-135i- AW/Bk-Lette/6MT/M-pac/Nav/Hi-Fi/Usb-Ipod/SOLD
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07-03-2010, 06:01 PM	#3
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	+ 1 The DCT has taken the 135i to a whole new level. I wish I had it on my 2009 N54 model. It's unbelievable.
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07-03-2010, 06:03 PM	#4
MrRoboto Brigadier General 1846 Rep 4,836 Posts Drives: VO 1M Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	135 for sure. Its fun to pass the M3s at the track ;-)
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07-03-2010, 06:53 PM	#5
GMT II Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 290 Posts Drives: I ride the bus. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NYC/Staten Isl. iTrader: (0)	What are the long term maintenance costs on the SMG or the DCT? The DCT is too new to really know but this is a concern if you plan to own. BMW can't get fuel pumps to work; something tells me an electromechanical clutch is a part that vomits dollar bills. __________________ 2009 135i Coupe Sedona Red/Beige Boston Leather 6MT / ZPP / ZSP / Nav / Prem. Hi-Fi / Sirius / CA / Heated Seats (you keep the ski bag) / Park Dist. / HD Radio (because it was free)
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07-03-2010, 07:11 PM	#6
x5mad Lieutenant Colonel 352 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: iX 40 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List bmw [0.00]	If you plan on keeping your car for a while then you will certainly need to keep in mind the cost of replacing the clutch. In the case of the DCT then this will mean replacing 2 clutches. I don't know the cost but have heard that it is quite costly.
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07-03-2010, 07:20 PM	#8
fatjoez student 226 Rep 911 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bermuda Triangle iTrader: (0)	Yeah DCT maintenance is said to be expensive. BMW DCT<VW DSG
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07-04-2010, 01:22 PM	#10
CarForHire Major 29 Rep 1,309 Posts Drives: Slow in the left lane. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E90 328i [0.00]	E46 M3 SMG is a no.. __________________ Race car driving is like sex...all men think they are good at it. - Jay Leno
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07-04-2010, 02:09 PM	#14
JHZR2 Major 74 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 91 E30, 11 135i cv Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	VW DCTs require fluid change every 30-36k IIRC. Heat and conditions of the trans are likely why. Anyone know what the BMW maintenance requirements are? If they say lifetime, I wouldnt trust it.
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07-05-2010, 03:12 AM	#17
moff Colonel 1363 Rep 2,495 Posts Drives: X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nottingham GB iTrader: (0)	E46 M3 is more of a drivers car and much more track focused. It's also got an amazing engine with real character. 135i DCT has less character, but is much more modern, and much cheaper to run - full BMW warranty, running costs (in the UK) are a third of the M3's. Money no object - M3 everytime. __________________ Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
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07-05-2010, 11:53 AM	#18
Ash83 Major 41 Rep 1,177 Posts Drives: 135i & RS5 (SOLD)/ 18 CTS-V Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (1)	SMG = EPIC FAIL DCT = The second best thing after the 135i mighty engine __________________ Alpine White, Coral RED , Glacier Silver Aluminum trim, M sport, 6MT, NAV, HiFi, USB-iPod, Bluetooth Performance: JB4\|BMW PE\|DP Cosmetics: BMW Sport Pedals\|Black Kidney Grill
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07-05-2010, 08:39 PM	#19
jpd Lieutenant 5 Rep 572 Posts Drives: Alpine White 135 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	You may be tempted by the M3, but beware of high maintenance costs. I would talk to the previous owner before even considering a car of this ilk, beautiful as it maybe.
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07-05-2010, 09:02 PM	#20
Fuerza Private 0 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2015 Taurus SHO Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: El Paso, TX iTrader: (0)	Their is nothing wrong with the E46 SMG. Yes it isn't as silky smooth at the DCT but the E46 is a raw beastly car while the newer 135i is fluffy and soft.
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07-05-2010, 09:03 PM	#21
JimmyT Redneck Engineer 18 Rep 435 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	2K11 car with a warranty every time!!!! __________________
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07-07-2010, 01:37 AM	#22
TEUFELHUNDE USMC Lance corporal 19 Rep 180 Posts Drives: 2011 135i aw w/coral red int. Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: N.New jersey iTrader: (0)	This is a thread that makes sense guys. a 135i compared to a e46 m3 hmmm. But i saw this thread under suspensions etc. He is trying to compare our 135i's sportiness to an rx-8. Ha i just find that hilarious. This forum has been very usefull. I want to thank you guys for your input on very important topics. But mamalukes are everywhere.....rx-8 please!
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