Previous E36 M3 owners: Pics of the two together? Thoughts of moving on from the M3?

[Mike 01Hawk]

I've seen the E46 vs 1 thread, how bout a E36 vs 1 thread... specifically previous E36 M3 owners... How's the 'soul' of the 135i?

[whiplash]

I pick up my AW 135 at the Performance Center tomorrow ( ) and then drive back to Houston over the weekend. As soon as I get back, I'll put it side by side with my AW '95 M3 (OK, so I like white cars...) and post a bunch of pictures. I'll be able to give you my impressions of the two (soul to soul, so to speak) once I'm back also.

[CaliSF]

Originally Posted by whiplash

I pick up my AW 135 at the Performance Center tomorrow ( ) and then drive back to Houston over the weekend. As soon as I get back, I'll put it side by side with my AW '95 M3 (OK, so I like white cars...) and post a bunch of pictures. I'll be able to give you my impressions of the two (soul to soul, so to speak) once I'm back also.

This should be fun! can't wait

[E82tt6]

Test drive. Very different car.

I don't think you'll feel quite as "connected", though IMO the 1'er is just as much if not more fun to drive.

[Spook]

Will have to wait until mid-May for a comparison between my 95 E36 M3 and the new 135. However, while I expect the 135 to be faster and more comfortable, I will be very surprised if it can match the feel of the M3. With lighter weight, those big Michelin Pilots, and direct steering it was a marvel.

Also, a few facts and figures for those interested in such things:

MSRP: About $40K
Weight: 3175
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 174.5
HP/Revs: 240/6000
Trq/Revs: 225/4250
0-60: 5.5 - 6 sec's depending on which review you were reading

-Spook

[2fast]

Originally Posted by Spook

Weight: 3175


-Spook

that's not exactly lighweight.... if you talk to an e30M3 owner.:wink:

[Spook]

Light in comparison to newer cars. I'm not as big an E30 M3 fan as most. The E30 M3 was light but the 4cyl was not that much fun in traffic on Houston freeways where I spent most of my time in those days. Many complain the the E36 M3 was the beginning of the end, but it was very practical on a daily basis and a blast on deserted coastal roads.

-Spook

[stovesax08]

I had the opportunity of test driving a 135i recently and at least for me, there is hardly a comparison between the two. I have put many miles in an E36 M3, and while the steering feel and chasis are great, it just doesn't give me the same thrills that the 135 did, and the 135 was an auto! I can tell you that the e36 imo has a much better dash layout, it is much more driver focused. the e36 also has a seemingly lower driving position than the 135 (both with power seets). I felt much higher up in the 135i than the e36. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "soul," but the 135i was certainly better at getting my heart rate up in a hurry:-)

[whiplash]

It took me longer than I had planned to get around to doing this but here you go. The 135 is SO much more refined than the M3! I haven't had a chance to put the 135 on the track yet so I can't say how it compares when pushed to the limit but as a road car, the 135 is amazing. As E82TT6 said, it's a totally different experience. The M3 involves you more in the experience and you do feel more connected to the car but the 135 is just SO much more of everything (speed, acceleration, smooth, quiet, etc., etc...).

The M3 is an amazing car so in my opinion, you can't go wrong either way but the 135 is....well, it's better.

[blue-coupe]

Damn! that looks good in white!

[Troyn]

Thanks for the pics!

[stefan]

Damn.. I love the E36 M3... so aggressive.

[Mystiqueskillz]

Originally Posted by whiplash

It took me longer than I had planned to get around to doing this but here you go. The 135 is SO much more refined than the M3! I haven't had a chance to put the 135 on the track yet so I can't say how it compares when pushed to the limit but as a road car, the 135 is amazing. As E82TT6 said, it's a totally different experience. The M3 involves you more in the experience and you do feel more connected to the car but the 135 is just SO much more of everything (speed, acceleration, smooth, quiet, etc., etc...).

The M3 is an amazing car so in my opinion, you can't go wrong either way but the 135 is....well, it's better.

:eyebulge::eyebulge:

[WAY]

The 135i is visibly bigger! Is this possible??? Or is it because of the angle?

[stefan]

It's bigger but shorter..

I'm just going to come out and say this.. I like the E36 M3 better than 135 looks wise.

[hellrotm]

Ahhhh, E36 M3, still my favorite M3.:wub:

[Guibo]

Originally Posted by whiplash

It took me longer than I had planned to get around to doing this but here you go.

Is that your 2002 in the garage? Would be awesome if you could get all three cars in the same shot. Maybe a brief comparison of how it drives against the 135i. I know the steering on that car is hard to beat; no rack-and-pinion, but no power assistance either. TIA.

[whiplash]

Originally Posted by Guibo

Is that your 2002 in the garage? Would be awesome if you could get all three cars in the same shot. TIA.

Like this..
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7295

:smile:

[335isGuy]

See this is my problem i think its gonna be hard to part with my E36 M3. But i know i will be happy with the 135i. Ah well just suck it up and buy one i guess.

[Sammyzuko]

Originally Posted by Boost Junky

See this is my problem i think its gonna be hard to part with my E36 M3. But i know i will be happy with the 135i. Ah well just suck it up and buy one i guess.

Estoril M3 >>>> 135

[Guibo]

Originally Posted by whiplash

Like this..
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7295

:smile:

Oh sweet Jesus yes...

[vivid]

I still love the E36 M3...