E46 M3 to 135i

[lucad2]

Hello

I currently own a 2005 BMW M3 and I am looking to move into a 135

I came here just to get some advice from some 1 series owners on what to look out for, or any common problems with the 1 series. I understand the issue with the HPFP but thats all I have herd so far so any advice would be helpful.

Thank you

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

I see this is your first post so you are obviously new here, but this particular topic has been discussed quite a bit. Like dead horse quite a bit. Search is your friend. Having said that, I came from an E46 M3. To sum it up, you might miss some of the refinement and handling but you'll love all the new POWER and low end torque.

[1speedbike]

Here's some helpful threads on the E46 M3 to 135i switch:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=596798
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=605111
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608527

That last one kinda spirals into a not so helpful direction towards the end, but still has a lot of good info.

The problems with the 135i are exaggerated, I think. You're always going to have some people complaining a lot when they got a bad car, but that's not an accurate view of the majority. Nobody goes online to rant about "today my car worked just fine. will update you tomorrow", so you have a disproportionate number of negative posts versus all of the positive experiences. There are HPFP issues, but they have been resolved and the warranty has been pushed to 10 years. The rear 3rd brake light sometimes breaks randomly and falls out, but that's covered under warranty. There was a seatbelt tensioner recall, and a taillight recall but that's all fixed now. And that's about it as far as warranty concerns..

[MZWIE]

I think my biggest issue is that the M3 had a much more visceral feeling to it. A bit more raw. I liked that and frankly I miss it.

My 135 is a great car but it simpy feels more delicate.

[fancyfl1ght]

Low end is brillant, blows away nearly anyone from a stop light. Highway pickup, eh, not so good.

Suspension is good, but not a M that's why people are doing the suspension upgrades from, guess what, M3. ha ha

It really depends on what you do with it. My car is a daily driver so its capabilities are touch upon rarely.

[audimotion]

^ I agree, the e46 M3 is raw, but the 135i is pretty raw too. Especially compared to 335's, Audi's, etc... the rawness of the 135i is perfect. Unlike the M3, which is always an animal, the 135i is a bit tame, but an animal when you want it to be.

[richb811]

Its a big change. But upgrade the suspension a bit, and get a chip and you'll forget about the M3 in no time.

[slim_e90]

I shopped both cars when I got the 135.

My decision was based on it being a newer car, lots of warranty, more updated interior, and easy upgrades for power. The hpfp doesn't bother me thanks to bmw's coverage.

Handling is this cars Achilles heal to me.... Once the e9x m3 parts are in, and better tires, it'll be the best of them.

[KingOfJericho]

I've been pondering going the opposite way but the power of the 135i is just intoxicating. Handling is definitely weak but if I do end up buying this car at lease-end, it's a quick fix. I also adore the look of the car and I had it built, as many others have, to my exact liking which will be tough to replicate in a used car. IF I do leave the car, it'll either be a 2008 4Runner Limited V8 or a 2006-7 Audi S4 Avant (VERY hard to find). I'm positive that the Toyota will be much more practical and reliable and car be modded slightly though not for speed but the Audi is probably a coin toss between the 135 and S4. Audis also don't age well... lots of broken plastic things.

[GuamX1]

I love my 135i with the JB4. Now I am trying to buy a 2004 BMW M3 with 90K miles and the SMG trans for my wife. But is a debate on getting a convertible 128i automatic with 9K miles?

The SMG issues scare me letting her use the vehicle.

[DARK PHX]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Its a big change. But upgrade the suspension a bit, and get a chip and you'll forget about the M3 in no time.

What does the chip do?

[infinitekidM2C]

Originally Posted by DARK PHX

What does the chip do?

if u get procede/jb4 only add about 70 hp lols

[richb811]

Originally Posted by infinitekid2002

if u get procede/jb4 only add about 70 hp lols

Add a few more lols. This is what you'll be doing every time you hit the gas pedal