135i vs 335xi impressions from an owner

[propkaPT]

Hey guys as a former (and current 1 addict) I thought Id write my impressions of about switching from the 135i to the 335xi this summer maybe just to help those that are considering stepping up to the bigger car but keeping the n55 under the hood.

Just a little background...Ive been a huge BMW fan since I was a kid and loved the early M cars as well as their more streetable versions and what they stood for...which I thought was performance first, luxury second. There are a lot of luxury brands out there for us to choose from but as far as I was concerned BMW was the only brand that put the driving experience first....a drivers car first. Now that brings me to why I wanted to write this.

The 335xi is not a performance vehicle. It does not excite like the 1 series does, doesnt sound good, give the same driver feedback (steering, suspension, braking), and it just doesn't feel special like the 1 series did. The 135i had its shortcomings as we all know but it was leaps and bounds more of a drivers car than the 335i. Heres why:
-i dont want 3 driving modes...I want sports mode...all the time (UDM right) The steering in comfort mode is numb. The steering in sports mode is firm and numb. Why do we need 3 types of throttle response...maybe somebody knows i sure dont
-I want more exhaust sound than a lexus or mercedes...stock is disappointing
-why are the breaks spongy. The 135i brakes are leaps and bounds better as far as feedback and modulation.

BMW is clearly trying to appeal to a market of buyers who really should want a lexus or mercedes...or a luxury car, not a performance car. This car is geared towards comfort, refinement and fuel economy. Great for some but not for people who just love to drive and want to feel like they are getting into something special. So keep your 1 series people. Dont make the same mistake I did.

[Cavpilot2k]

Happy to hear your honest feedback.
Sad to hear you gave up your 1.
Even sadder to know that you regret the decision.

I have been on the fence recently about keeping my 135 at lease end (in about 6 months) or moving to the M235.

I am still undecided, pending a test drive of the 235 and seeing if my vehicle is still sound after some repaired collision damage.

That said, I am seriously leaning toward keeping the 1er, just because it still seems (based on reviews) to be the more hard-edged, driver-focused car, plus the fact that you can't get them new anymore, and I fear that all BMWs are moving toward the bigger and softer side.

I reject the bigger, softer side of driving!

[mike@x-ph.com]

I agree with the 1 being a funner car to drive

[chris82]

Are you speaking of the F80?

[propkaPT]

f30 vs E82. Im sure the F80 is different. I havent driven it and unfortunately its out of reach financially for most of us

[propkaPT]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Happy to hear your honest feedback.
Sad to hear you gave up your 1.
Even sadder to know that you regret the decision.

I have been on the fence recently about keeping my 135 at lease end (in about 6 months) or moving to the M235.

I am still undecided, pending a test drive of the 235 and seeing if my vehicle is still sound after some repaired collision damage.

That said, I am seriously leaning toward keeping the 1er, just because it still seems (based on reviews) to be the more hard-edged, driver-focused car, plus the fact that you can't get them new anymore, and I fear that all BMWs are moving toward the bigger and softer side.

I reject the bigger, softer side of driving!

there is a lot of positive feedback for the m235i of former 1 series owners but i wonder if they havent had the car long enough to give a proper review. Visually the 2 series doesnt do it for me

[chris82]

Originally Posted by propkaPT

f30 vs E82. Im sure the F80 is different. I havent driven it and unfortunately its out of reach financially for most of us

Oops, sorry sorry, I meant the F30. Still getting used to the new naming convention here.

[IEDEI]

may i ask---why did you get a 335? lease end on the 1er?

i drove the 335 before getting my 135is (before getting my 1M) and was really disappointed in the 335...for pretty much the same reasons you have mentioned. The 'softness' of it all was what surprised me so much.

[propkaPT]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

may i ask---why did you get a 335? lease end on the 1er?

i drove the 335 before getting my 135is (before getting my 1M) and was really disappointed in the 335...for pretty much the same reasons you have mentioned. The 'softness' of it all was what surprised me so much.

Yeah lease end and because I didn't like the look of the 2 series I ended up with the 335. My biggest mistake is not driving the 335xi and assuming it would be good...and also because for the rate that I got there is nothing in the leasing market that would be a better drivers car (at least IMO).

Wish I could afford the 1m...