Help me decide: 135i or M3!

[Bob Z.]

Hello all. I need some advice and want to hear opinions. I like both cars equally and seem to be able to get good deals on each of them so I am torn between which one makes more sense:

> 2008 135i Convertible, Red w/Black leather, Sport, Premium, Comfort Access, etc. ($46,200 MSRP), with 30k miles. 1 owner, warranty expired 7/13/2012.

> 2004 M3 Convertible, Gray w/Black leather, all options ($60k MSRP?), with 32k miles, 2 owners, warranty long expired.

Both cars are almost like new, maintenance up to date, service histories, etc.

I have driven both kinds of cars and again I like them both equally. And the prices are within $1k of each other (the 135i will be about $1k more).

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, opinions, etc....Bob Z.

[T-Dubbs]

i would drive them back to back, and see what you like best

[Colt]

M3. I have a 135i and would get an M3 over it if I could.

[Bob Z.]

I have driven both and like them both; however, they are far apart so driving them back to back is not possible.

The 135i is newer and a turbo vice the M3. The 135i felt more tossable, lighter, etc. I assume maintenance on both is comparable though and resale value is a toss-up I suppose but that is not a concern.

[Bob Z.]

Forgot to add that they are both 6 speed manual cars.

[luv135i]

MSRP now doesnt matter. I dont really care for cloth top verts in any car. I would take a 135i over the E46 M3 all day every day

[Bob Z.]

Agreed...I just through the MSRPs out there for *hits & grins. I don't mind a cloth top and since they both have one that is a wash.

[tuco44]

I had a more current M3 (2009 M3 Sedan) and I now have the 135i Coupe MSport. They were/are both DCT.

In town, I prefer the 135i as the torque comes on so fast, and the lighter weight makes the 1er a ton of fun to drive. On the open road, and devoid of police, I prefer the M3. Overall, I believe I prefer the 135i due to:
- cheaper to buy and operate (1er is way more fuel efficient)
- in town, 135i is more fun. Most of my driving is in town, and semi-urban.
- 135 is lighter
- I like the 135i steering (although I kind of forget how the M3 steering did feel).

Just my 2c.

[NYC6]

Two very nice cars. You have a 'Sofies Choice' tough decision to make. Let us know which way you went.

[dmboone25]

Really depends on what you're looking for...

The N54 is a great engine to tune, so if you are looking for something that is fast in a straight line, the 135 is for you. Turbos change everything, so that is the most important difference in my head between the two. Decent amount of body roll on the 135 compared to the E46 as well...I had a 2008 135, (as well as a 11 N55 135 now), so speaking from experience, the exhaust wasn't great stock. The E82 is about the same size as the E46 (which my dad had) but always felt heavier. Better ergonomics than the E46, which makes sense because it is newer.

The NA E46 M3 would be my choice in a second...that engine is bulletproof and a thing of pure beauty. My favorite BMW of all time and the last NA I6 we will probably see from them...the engine has plenty of "umph" down low, but isn't fast like the 135 would be. It is more of a feeling and higher RPMs and noise--the engine noises and dynamics put the N54/N55 to shame, which is fine because both are cool at what they do. Other cars and the newer E9X M3s will be faster, but the car has plenty of power, driving dynamics, and style to keep you happy...

Good luck with your choice...

[peeti]

Not to mention that the 2008 1 has/will have gone through numerous fuel pumps and other HP fuel issues. I agree, the e46 m3 engine is light years ahead in reliability. And since it's out of warranty, slap a supercharger on it

[Dackelone]

Don't forget with that e46M3 needs valve adjustments every 15K or 30K miles. ? THAT can get kind of pricey over the long haul.

There are many e46M3 guys who have "traded up" to the 135i. Especially once your tune one... there is no going back. IF you were talking about e9xM3 that would be a harder choice.

[roo97ss]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Don't forget with that e46M3 needs valve adjustments every 15K or 30K miles. ? THAT can get kind of pricey over the long haul.

There are many e46M3 guys who have "traded up" to the 135i. Especially once your tune one... there is no going back. IF you were talking about e9xM3 that would be a harder choice.

Having gone this way, the 135 is a way better daily driver. the torque is great, the ride much softer, and doesnt' need to be edgy unless you want it to. In a convertible which i'm assuming you're not looking for a hard edge car, it's tough to beat the 135.

I prefer the e46 m3 in many ways, the seats are way better (nappa leather is so nice), i like the edge of the m3 in it's ride and handling as well as the need to wind it out. I also still like the look of the M3 better, but looks are very subjective.

So why the 135, i was looking for a bit more laid back car to drive daily and it had to be an automatic. Wife said have to have 2 cars for her to drive in the family and I've got my wild vette in a manual for fun. Also, tuned the 135 is impressive, and feels like a different car.

The valve adjustments are expensive on the m3, you will probably need subframe bushings at about 50k, as well as front control arms as well. Vanos issues and failures have been popping up and causing some catastrauphic losses with the s54. That being said, the hpfp, injectors, coil packs, plugs, and carbon build up aren't easy things to swallow on a 135 either.

I've had enough issues with the n54 that i won't own it out of warranty. Either way you're buying a great car.

[zamboni]

135i is the best DD since E46 M3 is expensive to maintain.

[Bob Z.]

Thanks again all. I used to laugh at people who post questions such as I did here since only the buyer can ultimately decide; however, it is nice to hear opinions.

I think I am getting the 135i. It is a 9.9 out of 10 cosmetically and at $25,300 I think it is a good deal. So now I just need to do some research on a mild tune and exhaust upgrade. And I look forward to becoming an active member of the forum!

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Don't forget with that e46M3 needs valve adjustments every 15K or 30K miles. ? THAT can get kind of pricey over the long haul.

It's pretty easy to just do it yourself.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

It's pretty easy to just do it yourself.

Yes, I know. But most will be paying someone to do this adjustment. Even IF you have the special tools, your still gonna need a box of assorted shims which is not cheap. ~$400 I think. ?

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Yes, I know. But most will be paying someone to do this adjustment. Even IF you have the special tools, your still gonna need a box of assorted shims which is not cheap. ~$400 I think. ?

Only once. After that you just spend a few bucks to replace the ones you used. They all have individual part numbers.

Personally, I think it's kind of an awesome level of involvement for the owner.

[Bob Z.]

No need to discuss M3 valve adjustments anymore since I am getting the 135i.

Anyway, is there a place to buy the BMW Performance Exhaust for a the best price?

[zamboni]

Try Tischner or ECS Tunning.

[Bob Z.]

Or maybe the Berk Street Exhaust...seems like a good system at half the cost (?)

If anyone has shopped for this lately let me know the best place to buy!

[TMR013]

Originally Posted by Bob Z.

Thanks again all. I used to laugh at people who post questions such as I did here since only the buyer can ultimately decide; however, it is nice to hear opinions.

I think I am getting the 135i. It is a 9.9 out of 10 cosmetically and at $25,300 I think it is a good deal. So now I just need to do some research on a mild tune and exhaust upgrade. And I look forward to becoming an active member of the forum!

You also might want to check out the Stage 1 Engine PPK if you are looking for a mild tune.