e82 135i(s) vs e46 M3

[530i-2002]

Has anyone here transitioned from e46 M3 to 135i? I am looking at a low mileage 2006 M3 w/competition package (6MT) and trying to figure if I am better off going with a new e82 135i or is (6MT) instead.

My daily commute is 60+ miles a day and I am worried about depreciating the value of a new car by putting so many miles fast. On the other hand with 2006 model e46 M3 I get potential VANOS issues and general higher cost of maintenance and parts. It is also a premium gas guzzler (not so sure about n55 based e82) but it is also another con. I don't really care much about 'new' technology in the car but M3 comes loaded with oil dipstick, HK stereo and DVD based Nav system circa year 2000. Also, its an M car.

I would be interested to hear from some e46 M3 owners who made the transition and others who compared the two and went with the one.Thanks.

[Canefan]

I went from an 05 M3 Vert to an 08 135 Vert and have never looked back. My 05 M3 was my 2nd E46 M3 btw. They are fantastic cars but they do require a lot of upkeep such as periodic valve adjustments that can get very expensive. Also, if you frequent the M3 boards, a LOT of those cars are getting Vanos issues now that they are aging. It went from one thread a month to almost daily threads from people with major engine failures. Not to mention the subframe cracking that has plagued the E46 since its inception.

From a performance standpoint, there is no question in my mind that my 135i with JB+ and Dual Cone Intake ($250 in mods) is faster off the line than either of my M3s. It just subjectively feels faster to me. The M3's power band is above 4000 RPM and I just enjoy the low end torque that you get from the 1er. Suspension-wise, on twisty roads - it's no contest. M3 hands down - best handling car I've ever had.

I'm very happy with the switch. In the end, I just started getting spooked by all of the failures that were being reported.

[530i-2002]

Thanks for sharing. Power band-wise I could feel the difference between the M3 and 1er right away during my test ride: M3 seemed to lack any significant torque before shift into the 3rd gear. But it did feel like a go-kart with the 19" super huge competition wheels in the twisties.

Which would be my other reservation about that car - most of my driving is on interstates like I-95/I-76 and I went through 4 sets of rims on my e39 before downgrading to 16" because of the constant threat of bending the wheels or damaging the tires.

[lcrain]

Have you driven both cars? If not you really should. They both have very different ways of power delivery. High-revving I6 vs. torque monster that doesn't need to be revved hard to respond.

The E46 M3 is one of my favorite cars of all time. The suspension and chassis feel much more performance oriented, and the looks are timeless IMO. Really is a tough call as I don't know your driving style or your car history. What is the price difference? A stripped 135 is a $40k car, you really don't see too many 40k e46M3s around anymore hell it's tough to find a 30k coupe that actually deserves the asking price. Enthusiast Auto always has a ton of very nice e46s but they demand a premium that some can't justify. If I were buying an e46 it would be from them.

While I love the e46 M3 I think for daily duty and commuting 60 miles a day I would chose a new 135. You get the warranty and I think the turbo engine is much better for most daily situations. The S54 in the M3 really needs to be wrung out to get to the power, not to mention the maintenance *can* be painful, especially putting a ton of miles on it. The M3 is a wonderful car, just a lot different than the 135. Good luck with your decision.

[530i-2002]

Thanks and I have driven both cars (although not back to back). I know exactly what you're saying about differences in power delivery and although I like to drive fast (and somewhat furious at times) part of my commute is through the city and some stop and go situations - so instant power delivery is essential.

Price difference is not that great in you factor in asking price ($34K), the cost of third party warranty for 4/100K miles (~$3400), which is a must for a 6 yo M3. Euro Delivery 135i starts at $36K.

Also, driving so much high maintenance cost and M3 gas guzzler appetite remain somewhat of a concern although I average 23 MPG on my I-6 already combined city/highway.

[J0E]

You could also pick up an '08-'09 135i CPO'd so you have the warranty and won't have as big of a depreciation hit with all the mileage.

[530i-2002]

True. But I really don't want to get N54 based 1er (especially potentially previously JB-ed). I am hoping to keep the car for at least 5 years or so. My '02 530i is at 216k miles...got it new.

[doublevanosrc]

Since you have a very long commute, the 135i would be the better car all around. Its more comfortable, better mileage and lower maintenance than the E46 M3.

[ba83]

135i
Much more tq and there all the time, no need to switch gears for passing
suspension can be upgraded and great a cruiser
MPG - great on the highway
cheaper to maintain

M3
Need to Rev all the time to get power
More track focused - better handling
MPG- so so but not bad
not many cars with warranty on them

[fourtailpipes]

having come from an e46m to a 135i, i'm absolutely pining for my e46m!

[NYC6]

Heres an interesting vid comparing/135/335/E46. The 1 takes all performance tests in this contest except on the track where its only a 1/10 behind the M3. Its not an end all contest but worth looking at.

[530i-2002]

That comparison dates back to 2008 btw - I did see it numerous times as I've been thinking about 1er for a while now...then about 335i...then the M3. And now back to 1er (possibly IS). Track times aren't that important to me at the moment either, although that may change...

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by fourtailpipes

having come from an e46m to a 135i, i'm absolutely pining for my e46m!

Really? Even with a 60+ mile commute??

[fourtailpipes]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

Really? Even with a 60+ mile commute??

yes, yes, forever yes. i really the e46m. not at all difficult or uncomfortable to use as a commuter. there was a period when i had a 4-5 hour round trip commute in my e46m. i was hating life, but i wouldn't have been any happier in the 135i.

[530i-2002]

I don't know, the e46M3 that I drove had a competition package with 19" wide wheels and it ride was rather harsh. I can only imagine how it would feel on our local interstates with all the bumps, joints and potholes...especially in the winter. Of course one can always throw a set of stock 18" on it.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by 530i-2002

That comparison dates back to 2008 btw - I did see it numerous times as I've been thinking about 1er for a while now...then about 335i...then the M3. And now back to 1er (possibly IS). Track times aren't that important to me at the moment either, although that may change...

I know, I considered it while researching my 2010 purchase.
Not all about track. Acceleration, braking, slalom and comfort are all on the 135's side as well in this particular comparisson. These are things every day drivers find important.

[roo97ss]

Having gone this way as well.

The 135 is a much better daily driver, commuter car, but it lacks the soul of the m3, in a pretty major way. So much so in fact, i ended up buying a second car to get that 'soul' back. I first went with a z4m roadster, and now went for a wild vette.

In traffic the 135 is much better driver, power is big and always there. I get about the same mpg in my 135 as i did in the M3, maybe a mpg better. I am tuned though so i doubt that helps.

Suspension is much different, floaty and unsettled, but smooth even on rock hard run flats, vs tight, firm and on edge and borderline annoying on the highway in the m3. Driving those same roads right around 95 and 76 in the city you'd probably want to get some 18s on the m3, although the amount of rubber over the tire is the same on the 19s on the m3 and hte 18s on the 135 (the M3 wheels are 1 inch bigger, but the overall diameter is also an inch bigger).

Interior, i still prefer the e46, especially the seats, and the leather. The nappa leather is SO nice, but won't last 100k and look good. The boston leather in my 1 is wearing like iron, but also feels like iron. It's the worst leather i've had in a car as far as softness, and comfort, however it's the only one at 35k that looks like new (as you can tell i hate it). However, bluetooth, navigation, ipod are so much better now...

This is probably one of the last opportunities to own a great car, the 06 zcp but it's almost a shame to make it a daily that you'll be pounding in the city. In your same position i'd go near new 135, you can probably save yourself some nice money and get a stripper, or pay similar to brand new and get a loaded car for mid 30s with very low miles. There's a nice group of folks out there babying and garaging their 135s. I actually flew to NC to get the great deal on my car a few years ago.

Joe

[fun2drv]

I'm a lucky bastard that has both and love both of them for what they are!!!

Good luck in your search!

[kensington]

Weekend car E46
Daily driver 135i

Easy choice for me. I hope to own a E46 one of these days, but not to drive 20k miles a year.

[530i-2002]

Thanks all, your input was very helpful. I wish I could own both but that isn't happening this time around. I am sticking with the 1er.

[Lambobimmer]

I've owned both and like my 135 much better. My one will blow the doors off of my previous E46 M3 and I had a lot of bolt on's, including a 410 rear diff.

The only thing that is better about the E46 M3 is that it looks better. That car is probably my all time favorite looking BMW. However, I had significant problems with that car that many others had as well.

Here are a couple of my posts about modding an E46 M3: http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=343483

and the problems that I encounteed while I owned my E46 M3: http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=324058

[530i-2002]

It is a great looking car, especially with ZCP. Too bad about Vanos issues...