135i vs 335i

BMWRX · 08-22-2011, 08:42 PM

I have just had the opportunity to drive a mate's 335i for a week, and wow, what a car! I love my 135i but the 335i seemed another step up. Now, he's got the DCT transmission whereas I've got AT but I don't think that accounts for the difference I found. And before the question gets asked, we have identically sized wheels and tyres (in fact he's on standard RFT and I've got Bridgestone RE-11's).

The main thing was that the 335i seemed tighter allround. The suspension seemed more precise, the steering was sharper, and the brakes were far touchier.

What the above blurb is leading to is asking what differences are there in the 335i suspension compared to our 135i? Is the hardware considerably different (thicker swaybars, etc) or is it pretty much the same?

I have an M3front swaybar sitting in a box at home. Will this help close the gap?

And my brakes seemed rather soft in comparison. How many km's is normal before changing the pads (obviously has a lot to do with track and/or braking habits)? Or is there something else I need to get looked at (bleeding, etc)?

Orlin · 08-22-2011, 08:55 PM

The 335i is a great car no doubt, especially when bundled with the DCT however it is a fair bit more expensive so you would expect "some" improvements over the 135i. For me all I wanted was that N54 engine...the additional weight, comfort and size really did not matter.

BMWRX · 08-22-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orlin

The 335i is a great car no doubt, especially when bundled with the DCT however it is a fair bit more expensive so you would expect "some" improvements over the 135i. For me all I wanted was that N54 engine...the additional weight, comfort and size really did not matter.

Oh, and one other thing I'd like in my car that I found in the 335i is the exhaust note. Sensational!

Stuart@BMRAutowerkes · 08-22-2011, 09:39 PM

I would've loved to of been able to afford a 335i when I was looking for my 135i

... and previously having come from an E92 325i, the chassis of the E92 is a lot better than the E82 I felt that it was more planted and more stable (perhaps due to the longer wheelbase and slightly wider track).

ansch · 08-22-2011, 09:46 PM

I would say it's the chassis. I dare say my wife's e90 (320i) has a better ride and turn in than the 135i. They do say the e82 tend to understeer and you do feel the push going into a corner. Attribute to the shorter wheelbase?

TimMc · 08-22-2011, 09:54 PM

Apart from the different length wheelbase, I think the basic chassis is the same. The 3 series runs a wider track however due to the smaller offset their wheels have. Everything else being equal, this may help them to sit flatter through a corner.

BBK · 08-22-2011, 10:00 PM

Pretty sure the suspension is different too?

I just felt that the 3 coupe felt much bigger and 'cruisier' which I didn't want in a car. I can see myself in something like that later in life though?

ozzie135i · 08-22-2011, 10:20 PM

BMWRX the big question is would you buy one over the 135i?

BMWRX · 08-22-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozzie135i

BMWRX the big question is would you buy one over the 135i?

If I had the money...in a heartbeat. But in saying that, if I had the money to get a new 335i, I'd stretch myself and pick up a reasonably new C63.

Any thoughts on the brakes? And if the front sway bar will make much difference?

Orlin · 08-22-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBK

Pretty sure the suspension is different too?

I just felt that the 3 coupe felt much bigger and 'cruisier' which I didn't want in a car. I can see myself in something like that later in life though?

+ 1

Orlin · 08-22-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Oh, and one other thing I'd like in my car that I found in the 335i is the exhaust note. Sensational!

Agreed.

Alpine* · 08-22-2011, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

If I had the money...in a heartbeat. But in saying that, if I had the money to get a new 335i, I'd stretch myself and pick up a reasonably new C63...................

Or a mint E92 M3

Did you say something about sound?

aus135i · 08-22-2011, 11:55 PM

with 335 money today wouldn't u look @ a 1M? or Alpine's M3 =)

BMW86 · 08-23-2011, 12:20 AM

I've driven the 335i and felt the same way. It felt a lot more planted and stable at higher speeds. I would only pay a small premium over a 135i to gain the looks of the 335i but since then I've changed out my suspension and I'm very content with how my car drives. As for the comments on the brakes, the 335i pads and fluid were probably in better condition. Anyways, with new 335i money I would rather buy a 1M, C63 or a GTR!!!

Craig I would put that M3 sway bar on and call it a day. Then get an LSD and coilovers!

timbo_3101 · 08-23-2011, 03:02 AM

Have to agree that the E92 (and A5 series) are more refined or stylish than the E82. But for monster fenders and aggression - perhaps consider C63 Black or 1M?

sparoz · 08-23-2011, 04:53 AM

I compared it back to back and picked the 135i. Longer wheelbase and different spring rates. The 1er coupe is the only car in the bmw lineup which had a softer suspension setup to compensate for the runflats.

More precise, but less kart like. Despite the better suspension setup in the 335i, I did prefer the 135i because it felt more responsive to steering input. I also compared it between the DCT and the slush box.

Tit · 08-23-2011, 06:54 AM

My dad has a 335 M Sport DCT with all of the boxes ticked. TV and all the things you don't really need. Indeed it is a fantastic car. It's only about 60kg heavier, so the weight penalty against the N54 isn't that huge. It's more stable at speed and just feels like a step up. Objectively, It is definitely a better car....

BUT - is it a 40-50k step up (new)?? No way.....

I do think the E82 seems to be holding it's value (relatively) better than the E92 on the 2nd hand market....so...if you're in the market for a new or top of the pile second hand 135i, you could probably get a decent 2nd hand 335i for similar money....

On a side note - I don't actually think it's much bigger on the inside (not as much as you'd hope for - maybe 15-20cm wider across the dash and not much more leg room in the rear), though it's more practical for storage space. Most of the 135i storage spaces are stupidly designed!! - WTF is going on with the centre console and console in front of the shifter? Ridiculous!!

ItsHectic · 09-02-2011, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ansch

They do say the e82 tend to understeer and you do feel the push going into a corner. Attribute to the shorter wheelbase?

Most cars will initially understear for safety reasons, I think it might be why they put narrower tyres at the front?

Anyway according to auto.yahoo.com

2009 335i
Curb Weight MT 3571
Curb Weight AT 3582
Track (Front) 59.1
Track (Rear) 59.6
Weight Distribution AT (Front) 51
Weight Distribution AT (Rear) 49
Weight Distribution MT (Front) 51
Weight Distribution MT (Rear) 49

2011 135i
Curb Weight MT 3373
Curb Weight AT 3439
Track (Front) 58.4
Track (Rear) 59.7
Weight Distribution AT (Front) 52
Weight Distribution AT (Rear) 48
Weight Distribution MT (Front) 52
Weight Distribution MT (Rear) 48

Dunno how the wheel track affects handling.

Jeef Beef · 09-03-2011, 02:03 AM

The E9x chassis is just more balanced overall from my experience. The 1er is the slightly pudgier chode form of our older brother. Understeer is also rampant at high speeds in our cars.

In addition to the wider track, E9x also runs slighter wider tyres stock (225 v 215). Of course, that can be easily fixed with new tyres.

With coilovers however, the E82 is completely transformed. I wouldn't give in my car for a 335i.

BMWRX · 12-05-2011, 05:10 PM

Sorry to dig up an old thread (however, it's better than starting a new one), but I was driving behind my mate's 335i last night and the exhaust note was brilliant. How does the exhaust differ from the 135i? Bigger pipes? Different mufflers?

Is there a system out there that will make the 135i sound like a 335i?

Stuart@BMRAutowerkes · 12-05-2011, 05:18 PM

Yeh 335s sound pretty good out of the box, both N54 and N55 versions...

I recently drove an N55 335 stock, and then again with Procede (DCT) and didn't really like it, N54 has way more 'urgency' to it and just felt a lot stronger everywhere.

sparoz · 12-05-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWRX

Sorry to dig up an old thread (however, it's better than starting a new one), but I was driving behind my mate's 335i last night and the exhaust note was brilliant. How does the exhaust differ from the 135i? Bigger pipes? Different mufflers?

Is there a system out there that will make the 135i sound like a 335i?

I believe it has two mufflers? The 335i pipes from the two turbos are separated all the way, while the 135i is joined at the midpipe.

1M solves all the 135i suspension problems and still cheaper than a 335i.

08-22-2011, 08:42 PM	#1
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	135i vs 335i I have just had the opportunity to drive a mate's 335i for a week, and wow, what a car! I love my 135i but the 335i seemed another step up. Now, he's got the DCT transmission whereas I've got AT but I don't think that accounts for the difference I found. And before the question gets asked, we have identically sized wheels and tyres (in fact he's on standard RFT and I've got Bridgestone RE-11's). The main thing was that the 335i seemed tighter allround. The suspension seemed more precise, the steering was sharper, and the brakes were far touchier. What the above blurb is leading to is asking what differences are there in the 335i suspension compared to our 135i? Is the hardware considerably different (thicker swaybars, etc) or is it pretty much the same? I have an M3front swaybar sitting in a box at home. Will this help close the gap? And my brakes seemed rather soft in comparison. How many km's is normal before changing the pads (obviously has a lot to do with track and/or braking habits)? Or is there something else I need to get looked at (bleeding, etc)? __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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08-22-2011, 08:55 PM	#2
Orlin Major 44 Rep 1,359 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (1)	The 335i is a great car no doubt, especially when bundled with the DCT however it is a fair bit more expensive so you would expect "some" improvements over the 135i. For me all I wanted was that N54 engine...the additional weight, comfort and size really did not matter.
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08-22-2011, 09:39 PM	#4
Stuart@BMRAutowerkes Major General 808 Rep 5,530 Posts Drives: a black car Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sydney iTrader: (3)	I would've loved to of been able to afford a 335i when I was looking for my 135i ... and previously having come from an E92 325i, the chassis of the E92 is a lot better than the E82 I felt that it was more planted and more stable (perhaps due to the longer wheelbase and slightly wider track).
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08-22-2011, 09:46 PM	#5
ansch Captain 33 Rep 645 Posts Drives: SGM 135i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (1)	I would say it's the chassis. I dare say my wife's e90 (320i) has a better ride and turn in than the 135i. They do say the e82 tend to understeer and you do feel the push going into a corner. Attribute to the shorter wheelbase?
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08-22-2011, 09:54 PM	#6
TimMc Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Apart from the different length wheelbase, I think the basic chassis is the same. The 3 series runs a wider track however due to the smaller offset their wheels have. Everything else being equal, this may help them to sit flatter through a corner. __________________ Driving - Manual E90 M3 (Melbourne Red/Black). Riding - BMW R1200RS Sport.
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08-22-2011, 10:00 PM	#7
BBK Banned 87 Rep 3,070 Posts Drives: A boring one... Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [5.76]	Pretty sure the suspension is different too? I just felt that the 3 coupe felt much bigger and 'cruisier' which I didn't want in a car. I can see myself in something like that later in life though?
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08-22-2011, 10:20 PM	#8
ozzie135i Private First Class 20 Rep 178 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	BMWRX the big question is would you buy one over the 135i?
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08-22-2011, 11:55 PM	#13
aus135i Captain 27 Rep 828 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SYD iTrader: (0)	with 335 money today wouldn't u look @ a 1M? or Alpine's M3 =) __________________ GONE: E82,E83,K46,1199s,RS250,F20,F25,F82,Cayenne,G83 NOW: G07, G20, K66
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08-23-2011, 12:20 AM	#14
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I've driven the 335i and felt the same way. It felt a lot more planted and stable at higher speeds. I would only pay a small premium over a 135i to gain the looks of the 335i but since then I've changed out my suspension and I'm very content with how my car drives. As for the comments on the brakes, the 335i pads and fluid were probably in better condition. Anyways, with new 335i money I would rather buy a 1M, C63 or a GTR!!! Craig I would put that M3 sway bar on and call it a day. Then get an LSD and coilovers!
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08-23-2011, 03:02 AM	#15
timbo_3101 Lieutenant 18 Rep 442 Posts Drives: Slow Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Have to agree that the E92 (and A5 series) are more refined or stylish than the E82. But for monster fenders and aggression - perhaps consider C63 Black or 1M?
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08-23-2011, 04:53 AM	#16
sparoz Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,848 Posts Drives: VO 1///M; Macan Turbo Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sunshine Coast iTrader: (0)	I compared it back to back and picked the 135i. Longer wheelbase and different spring rates. The 1er coupe is the only car in the bmw lineup which had a softer suspension setup to compensate for the runflats. More precise, but less kart like. Despite the better suspension setup in the 335i, I did prefer the 135i because it felt more responsive to steering input. I also compared it between the DCT and the slush box. __________________ Macan S Diesel - Carrera White Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange
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08-23-2011, 06:54 AM	#17
Tit ... 15 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 964C2 // 1M // R56JCW Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	My dad has a 335 M Sport DCT with all of the boxes ticked. TV and all the things you don't really need. Indeed it is a fantastic car. It's only about 60kg heavier, so the weight penalty against the N54 isn't that huge. It's more stable at speed and just feels like a step up. Objectively, It is definitely a better car.... BUT - is it a 40-50k step up (new)?? No way..... I do think the E82 seems to be holding it's value (relatively) better than the E92 on the 2nd hand market....so...if you're in the market for a new or top of the pile second hand 135i, you could probably get a decent 2nd hand 335i for similar money.... On a side note - I don't actually think it's much bigger on the inside (not as much as you'd hope for - maybe 15-20cm wider across the dash and not much more leg room in the rear), though it's more practical for storage space. Most of the 135i storage spaces are stupidly designed!! - WTF is going on with the centre console and console in front of the shifter? Ridiculous!! __________________
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09-03-2011, 02:03 AM	#19
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 110 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	The E9x chassis is just more balanced overall from my experience. The 1er is the slightly pudgier chode form of our older brother. Understeer is also rampant at high speeds in our cars. In addition to the wider track, E9x also runs slighter wider tyres stock (225 v 215). Of course, that can be easily fixed with new tyres. With coilovers however, the E82 is completely transformed. I wouldn't give in my car for a 335i. __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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12-05-2011, 05:10 PM	#20
BMWRX Major 98 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: F82 M4 CP Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Queensland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW M4 [0.00]	Sorry to dig up an old thread (however, it's better than starting a new one), but I was driving behind my mate's 335i last night and the exhaust note was brilliant. How does the exhaust differ from the 135i? Bigger pipes? Different mufflers? Is there a system out there that will make the 135i sound like a 335i? __________________ 2017 BMW M4 Competition - Mineral Grey 2009 BMW 135i - Titan Silver - SOLD
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12-05-2011, 05:18 PM	#21
Stuart@BMRAutowerkes Major General 808 Rep 5,530 Posts Drives: a black car Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sydney iTrader: (3)	Yeh 335s sound pretty good out of the box, both N54 and N55 versions... I recently drove an N55 335 stock, and then again with Procede (DCT) and didn't really like it, N54 has way more 'urgency' to it and just felt a lot stronger everywhere.
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