135i to a 1M...worth the upgrade?

[GregB]

I currently drive a 135i with a JB3 installed. I usually run Map 5 and I love the car.

The 1M I ordered back in February has finally made it's way to my local dealer. I should be able to pick it up within the next few days.

I'd just like to hear from people that were in a similar situation as me and if they have any regrets about the upgrade.

I do take the car to the track 2-3 times a summer, and I know the 1M is much, much better on the track than a 135i. However, I'm curious how much more "fun" the 1M is in regular street driving, since that is still 95% of the driving I do.

Is there a noticeable speed increed/decrease going from a 135iw/JB3 to a 1M?

Has anyone had any issues with the 19" rims getting damaged on city roads? I've heard they are quite strong but I've never owned a car with 19" rims before so it causes me some concern.

Thanks in advance for reading and responding to my ramblings

[Fundahl]

I'm having some of the same thoughts... except I'm running a JB4. You should upgrade if you get a chance! It's really worth it especially with the way boost comes on shifting the MT.

The meth integration is great as well.

[GregB]

I actually just pulled the JB3 out of the car and I'm planning to get the upgrade to JB4 before it gets reinstalled, most likely into the 1M. Glad to hear you feel that is worth the upgrade

[marcel b]

Straight line there is probably not that much difference (depending on other mods you have). The grip however is in a different league (front axle and rear). Even in daily driving you will enjoy the 1M more. Feels great and cornering makes you smile, again and again.
But let us know your experience after you drove it yourself!

[MusclezMarinara]

Originally Posted by GregB

I actually just pulled the JB3 out of the car and I'm planning to get the upgrade to JB4 before it gets reinstalled, most likely into the 1M. Glad to hear you feel that is worth the upgrade

u sure u can just install it like that....i know procede has new mappings and configs for it.

[Dee Pee]

I got seat-time in a 128 and 135 M-sport. The 135 really impressed me and I am not a sedan-guy. As there was no demo of the 1M, I could only extrapolate from that point, but it was impressive enough for me to buy the car without ever seeing or driving it.

My only other basis for comparison were a Cayman S, an E46 M3, and my own E36 M Roadster--all of which have similar HP and weight, but much much less torque.

[SpencerMH]

Get the 1m, upgrade the jb3 to jb4 and install in the 1m. You need the latest firmware for the jb to work with the 1m but that takes 5 minutes and then it is much faster due to the LSD. Think about how hungry your car is for traction which the 1m solves. I drove a jb3 335 before and the 1m's grip and traction is awesome

[lcrain]

If you dont want it, I will take it

[BrokenVert]

I would do it. You have a chance to own history. And in turns the 1M will be in am entirely different league.

Straight line I can't see them being different, but if you go to the track I think you value the other stuff

[MrRoboto]

Originally Posted by Dee Pee

I got seat-time in a 128 and 135 M-sport. The 135 really impressed me and I am not a sedan-guy. As there was no demo of the 1M, I could only extrapolate from that point, but it was impressive enough for me to buy the car without ever seeing or driving it.

My only other basis for comparison were a Cayman S, an E46 M3, and my own E36 M Roadster--all of which have similar HP and weight, but much much less torque.

The 135 dos not come in a sedan.

[Dee Pee]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

The 135 dos not come in a sedan.

ahhh corrected...

it was the 135 M-sport though...a very impressive ride on its own

[James T. Kirk]

I'm not sure what answer you want to hear, but I really do think the 1M would be an upgrade for no other reason than the superior chassis. Whether it's worth it, value-wise is a matter of how much money you're willing to throw at that performance point.

You think you have issues. Imagine all of the M3 owners considering going to the 1M!

[sean67]

I had a stock 2011 135i before the 1M and got the 1M of course without driving one first so I was very concerned that it might not be a great deal of difference. Having a ZCP e46 M3 before the 135i I was not impressed with the understeer on the 135i but the boost was a welcome addition and really enjoyed it as a DD. With the 1M I cannot get over how different it handles than the 135i. This is like a totally different car and just very impressive handling with great grip and none of the enormous understeer. The power is very nice and the torque curve feels like a C5 Z06 I had. I like this 1M better than any car I have ever had except for one. It is not the best (fastest 1/4 mile, 0-60, g reading, etc.) at anything out there but it does everything so well. It is an absolute blast to drive. I would not pass up the chance to own one if I were you. You will be missing out on a fantastic car. No regrets.

[1SerieStud]

No matter what you do to a 135i or how much money you dump into it,

1M > 135i.

End of story. I'm doing the switch too and can't wait for my 1M to get here in October

[sparoz]

Yes - there is more power from the 1M, and the throttle response is sharper. However, the balance and handling is miles ahead of the 135i. . I used to jump in to my wife's 125i occasionally from the 135i and still gets a little kick from the NA - not anymore now with the 1M!

[jc-on-the-vc]

BMW brought a 135 to the official release of the 1M here in Aus. A review of this was released today (link below). The writer commented on the difference between the 135 and the 1M

"For a reality check, BMW had a 135i along for comparison purposes. I'm still not sure if it was a good idea or not. The 135i is a car also revered by motoring journalists around the world but it felt like absolute rubbish compared to the 1 M.


'How did we get the 135i so wrong for so long?' More than one of us asked ourselves.

Part of the reason the 135i didn't feel as good was its 18-inch Dunlop tyres. They weren't as well suited to track work as the 19-inch Michelins. Plus the 135i didn't have the stiffer suspension, or as much grunt. But it was more comfortable on the open road, as it was better at absorbing the bumps on the ground, thereby reducing the moans in the car.

So, as with all M Cars before, the 1 Series M Coupe is a narrow-focused, sharply-tuned instrument that performance-minded individuals can bring themselves to live with everyday. It's possibly the best M car since the division was established in 1978.

But if you want to relax a little, the 135i will suit you just fine"


http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2...h-review-26470

[Firthy247]

I have a jb4 08 135i. My 1m comes on the 9th December. The 135i is an absolute hoot to drive and I won't have a bad word said against it. Just hoping that the 1m is another step up from this.

[IZAGLO]

no doubt the 1M is an amazing car and i would love to own one but one thing is stopping me.....135=$450 a month payment...1M=$900 a month...end of story. Maybe someday when my kids are out of college.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

I have a FBO 135i (with M3 control arms, tension rods, sway, double adjustable coilovers, etc) and a 1M. The 1M takes the cake in every category except acceleration (which is VERY close), but with the ESS tune it's faster.

Get the 1M, you'll love every second of it as I have

[Sy546]

Originally Posted by IZAGLO

no doubt the 1M is an amazing car and i would love to own one but one thing is stopping me.....135=$450 a month payment...1M=$900 a month...end of story. Maybe someday when my kids are out of college.

135i priced out to the way i wanted it was $48k msrp. 1M was $55k... Well worth the extra 7-10k

[Papethova]

Originally Posted by S.hasan546

135i priced out to the way i wanted it was $48k msrp. 1M was $55k... Well worth the extra 7-10k

My 1M today cost only 5k more than my 135 did in 2008. Granted I got a bigger discount on the M, but the 135 also started out at around 35k back then. Upgrade cost if I replace the 135 with the M is more like 12-13k, totally worth it IMO.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by S.hasan546

135i priced out to the way i wanted it was $48k msrp. 1M was $55k... Well worth the extra 7-10k

In your example, I would agree the additional cost is worth it when comparing a purchase of a new 2012 135i to a 1M. In his case, it's probably harder to justify the difference in payment of his '09 135i which may be close to being paid off as well.