Anyone changing from e46 m3 to 135i, or visa versa

[SKooT1027]

I currently have an e36 m3. Great car, and overall it has and does everything I want and more. However, it is now 10 years old so I was thinking of trying something a little newer. I thought of going for an e46 M3, but started reading on the 135i. There must be some people on here who have gone from one to the other. I was just curious what you found to be the most noticeable differences, and which you preferred, and why. I'll be honest, I'm a bit hesitant to go from an M car to a non-M bmw. I love my car to feel the road. Harsh rides dont bother me, but a non sports car feel will bore me pretty quickly. Right now my car is about as harsh as I could go and still use it as a DD. My biggest fear is the 135i will feel soft. Has anyone regretted going from an M car to one of the turbos?

[UGOTDA7]

I traded in my 04 M3 to get my 08 135i. I have not regretted it a bit and am very happy I did so.

In my opinion the 135i is much more fun to drive - has quickly available torque down low and doesn't need to be wound up to make power, much less waiting for it do to so.

The 135i is softer, but not so much so that it doesn't handle well or isn't fun to drive. I found I actually enjoy this ride better.

Also, if you want to get even more power for the 135i there are many effective and economical options.

[SKooT1027]

Originally Posted by UGOTDA7

I traded in my 04 M3 to get my 08 135i. I have not regretted it a bit and am very happy I did so.

In my opinion the 135i is much more fun to drive - has quickly available torque down low and doesn't need to be wound up to make power, much less waiting for it do to so.

The 135i is softer, but not so much so that it doesn't handle well or isn't fun to drive. I found I actually enjoy this ride better.

Also, if you want to get even more power for the 135i there are many effective and economical options.

Thanks for the input! Glad to hear no regrets. Think the extra $10k or so for the 135 is worth it too? Ive never owned a turbo car, so I have to see if I like it. I dont see why I wouldnt, but I know its different

[fmxomar]

the ride isnt that soft first of all, second if you feel that it is still a bit soft, coilovers will fix that

[plien69]

I went from an E46 M3 to a 135i. In fact, you've probably seen both at the Fairfield meets.

The 135i is no doubt a fun and sporty car, but in ways that are different from the M:

Engine
Yes, there's more available torque down low, but the N54 runs out of steam quicker than the S54. The S54 will roar all the way up to 8k. The N54 starts to lose power around 6k.

Suspension
Stock for stock, I would say straight line ride quality is pretty equal between the 2, probably due to increased damper rates in the M, and run flats in the 135i. In the turns, the M3 is a bit flatter and more composed than the 135, which allows a bit more vertical wallow.

Handling
Somehow, the 135 feels smaller than the M3, even though the M3 communicates more at the limit. I think the run flats deaden the steering feel somewhat in the 135, but its shorter wheelbase really allows the 135 to turn in and rotate a bit quicker than the M3, which to me feels a bit nose heavy on initial turn-in as compared to the 135i.

[325ise30]

I share the same concerns as I recently sold my e36 m3 and ordered a 135. I put my m3 for sale after test driving a manual 128 sport, so hopefully I made the right decision.

[M3R1]

I've had two M3's an 05' Silver grey and an 03' Topaz blue (I loved them both very much). If you get a E46 ///M get an 05' or 06'. They are awesome cars period. Perhaps one of the most complete cars ever made. Track performance will compete with much higher priced cars (with a good driver). It is one of the best looking BMW's ever made, and will stand the test of time. For me, I wanted a DD that had a 4 year factory warranty. In the end the tuning potential of the 135i is why I made the switch. My 135 will have coilovers, wheels, tune, etc. A properly modded 135 will put bus lengths on an ///M3. I cant wait to start... :biggrin:

Either way you will be happy, they are both awesome cars!

Good luck whatever you decide...

[1dubby]

agree with M3R1 I miss my M3 but love my 135i. I thought the 135i had more potential so I got rid of the m for it. I really miss the SMG on the track though!!! coming from over 15 bmws I'm happy being a 1 owner. The only car I would trade for right now is a mint E30 M3.

[RootCanal05]

Have you driven the 135i yet? I agree, coilovers, dinan tune, maybe a few extras will solve your dilemma.

[Tochenzo]

I just switched over from a boosted e36 and it has been a HUGE upgrade! The power delivery is so much smoother on the 135i. The suspension is actually pretty harsh stock and the stock brakes are phenomenal.

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

I think the driving feel of the two has been covered, so I'll comment on something else: the interior cabin. My 135i feels smaller inside than my E46 did, and the sport seats are snugger (which is good). If you think the rear seats will be useful, think again, at least for regular-sized adults.

I'd also like to point out that I enjoy the suspension on my 135 more than my E46.

[M3R1]

Originally Posted by Tochenzo

I just switched over from a boosted e36 and it has been a HUGE upgrade! The power delivery is so much smoother on the 135i. The suspension is actually pretty harsh stock and the stock brakes are phenomenal.

I agree that the supension is not real good from the factory, it's just OK. This was not a deal breaker for me. This car would be transformed with a better suspension. I plan on upgrading to KW V2 or V3 coilovers. :wink:

[M3_Dust]

I had 2 E46 M3's, I really miss my 06, the M3 is definitely a superior car overall and in most ways, the 135i is a little more comfortable, particularly the seats. You will probably like the 135i better than the E36 M3, go test drive a few 135i's and E46 M3's before you make the decision.

[Chaseme]

Hi Mike ,

Anyway; Here is a write up I did comparing the 335i to the M3 a couple years ago; sure it's not the 1er, but it is the same engine and they compare pretty close. I could definitely feel the weight difference; much more peppy in the 135 compared to the 335:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=137955

[ptack]

Edmunds did a comparison test between the two cars plus a 335i. They were all very close in terms of performance, but with the M3 consistently 3rd. In the end though they liked the price on the used M3 best of all plus the raw feel. I think if you've been there, done that and would be willing to make some minor upgrades on the 135i, it would more than satisfy you.

[Schn3ll]

I also went from a e46 M3 to a 135i. Definitely satisfied with the switch other than the fact that my car has been in the shop for longer than I have owned it...(frozen window problem, backordered and parts held up at customs, crappy situation). I don't think I would change my decision on the car though, as my e46 m3 was great but it was showing signs of age and the nav was hideous. And out of warranty repairs were no fun.

[trauma2020]

I'm trying to make this decision myself.. Looking for the 'right' M3 in my area but no luck so far. 135 is my only other choice.. the only things holding me back are: not a fan of the headlights (shape), would rather have the straight six, and the e46 m3 just seems 'timeless' in my eyes. But then again the 135 would be brand new with no out of warranty problems and you don't have to worry about how it was previously treated, and also packs plenty of performance as it is. I can't decide :iono:

[plien69]

Well, they're both straight sixes. :wink: But I get your gist: The S54 is just a raw beast of a motor. The N54 is more refined in day-to-day operation.

Honestly, the warranty issue and potential maintenance costs were a big part of why I got rid of the M. I did not have the extended maintenance or warranty, and the prospect of maintaining and possibly repairing a S54 motor and SMG without warranty was a little daunting.

With the new 135i, it's another 4/50 of warranty and "free" maintenance.

[JKAWB]

I have considered trading my 135i for a Laguna Seca Blue M3 with supercharger. I don't know if i would regret it or not.

[ptack]

That's a wide open question and the answer depends on a whole lot of smaller decisions such as what the history of the car is, is it Certified, do you want a taughter, rawer drive, are you prepared to spend more in maintenance? I lusted for one when they were new, but my 10 years with just a 318i made me way too concerned about the maintenance, and I was more than ready to start over with a new car.

[SKooT1027]

Awesome guys thanks for all the replies. To catch a few of the questions, I have not been able to go test drive either. It was a hectic end of week with the holidays, and by the time I got in and showered, I called the closest BMW dealer and they were closing in 20 minutes. It would have been too close to try to get there in time, so I am going to try to go after work sometime this week. Unfortunately, I believe the only 08 they have left is a silver vert. I dont mind the vert, but I don't like silver cars and have my heart set on red leather interior. Ill have to check a few more places around here tho bc I only called that one.

Also, I have never driven an e46 M3 (i dont think). I went from a 944 to my e36 M3, and altho I loved the old Pcar, the M3 was definitely loaded with improvements. I would expect the 135i or e46 M3 to be the same.

Originally Posted by fmxomar

the ride isnt that soft first of all, second if you feel that it is still a bit soft, coilovers will fix that

I didn't expect it to be soft, just the 335i I was in was very soft in comparison to my car. Then again, almost everyone who isn't some sort of car enthusiast often comments on how rough my car rides, especially if i hit a bump .
My problem here lies in that I would probably lease the car. Therefore, I don't think I can change the suspension at all, can I? My main reason for looking at a new car (i almost never would have in the past) is because I am tired of things breaking and having to be paid for out of pocket, and at the same time being w/o a car. The warranty is really the selling point. This is my fear with an e46 M3, as even the newer ones are going to be falling out of warranty fast. Same thing with a 996.

Originally Posted by plien69

I went from an E46 M3 to a 135i. In fact, you've probably seen both at the Fairfield meets.

The 135i is no doubt a fun and sporty car, but in ways that are different from the M:

Engine
Yes, there's more available torque down low, but the N54 runs out of steam quicker than the S54. The S54 will roar all the way up to 8k. The N54 starts to lose power around 6k.

Suspension
Stock for stock, I would say straight line ride quality is pretty equal between the 2, probably due to increased damper rates in the M, and run flats in the 135i. In the turns, the M3 is a bit flatter and more composed than the 135, which allows a bit more vertical wallow.

Handling
Somehow, the 135 feels smaller than the M3, even though the M3 communicates more at the limit. I think the run flats deaden the steering feel somewhat in the 135, but its shorter wheelbase really allows the 135 to turn in and rotate a bit quicker than the M3, which to me feels a bit nose heavy on initial turn-in as compared to the 135i.

I remember your car! You picked up the alpine 135i way back when they were just coming out, right? I was at a bunch of those meets. I had the really low black/black e36m3 with black windows.
Thx for the comparison too!

Originally Posted by 1ToBeOn2Wheels

I think the driving feel of the two has been covered, so I'll comment on something else: the interior cabin. My 135i feels smaller inside than my E46 did, and the sport seats are snugger (which is good). If you think the rear seats will be useful, think again, at least for regular-sized adults.

I'd also like to point out that I enjoy the suspension on my 135 more than my E46.

I don't mind near-useless rear seats. It's one less reason to have to drive everyone around, and if someone does want a ride they can tough it up. I'm young and as are most of my friends, so it thankfully won't effect me very much.

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

I had 2 E46 M3's, I really miss my 06, the M3 is definitely a superior car overall and in most ways, the 135i is a little more comfortable, particularly the seats. You will probably like the 135i better than the E36 M3, go test drive a few 135i's and E46 M3's before you make the decision.

Yeah I'm going to have to. I love the e46 m3 for so many reasons, just I don't want to end up in the same situation I was with my current M3 where everything major started needing replacing pretty quickly after I purchased it

Originally Posted by SCHN3LL

I also went from a e46 M3 to a 135i. Definitely satisfied with the switch other than the fact that my car has been in the shop for longer than I have owned it...(frozen window problem, backordered and parts held up at customs, crappy situation). I don't think I would change my decision on the car though, as my e46 m3 was great but it was showing signs of age and the nav was hideous. And out of warranty repairs were no fun.

Sorry to hear your cars living at the shop. But I'm glad I'm on the right page about worrying about more repair bills.

[SKooT1027]

Originally Posted by ptack

That's a wide open question and the answer depends on a whole lot of smaller decisions such as what the history of the car is, is it Certified, do you want a taughter, rawer drive, are you prepared to spend more in maintenance? I lusted for one when they were new, but my 10 years with just a 318i made me way too concerned about the maintenance, and I was more than ready to start over with a new car.

Yeah I know it's pretty vague. I prefer the feel of a rawer car, but like you mentioned, I don't want the wear and maintenance anymore. I cant do my own work (no room and no tools here), so its inconvenient and pricey. Certified would be ideal if I went the M3 route, but there aren't a ton of them around here to pick from.