135i or 335is

[lowbudgethero]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Depends what you are looking for. Random thoughts

First I believe the weight spread is a non event. About 200lbs while any mix of load & fuel can cover it or if it gets better for the 135 its still way short on power to exploit it.

In my case the DCT is quicker than the 6MT in use so the 135 gets no help there. In your case its a wash both 6MT.

My 335is carried 245 front & 275 rear tires, don't think they will fit on the 135. So it had more lateral grip potential.

Better pure stock performance software, on a DynoJet got 319whp on 94 octane. Was repeatable as a base run on 3 occasions.

335is has better natural cooling than the 135. In addition to the regular stuff it has an extra water radiator & a bigger fan & pump assembly.

Pretty much the same under pinning's but the 335is adds some M parts & additional engine stabilizer torque reaction brackets.

Visually the 335 has much better proportions than the 135. Its pretty obvious the 135 is running on a shortened 335 chassis so the overall proportions are off.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder but no one ever though the 135 was a more attractive car compared to the 335.

This is a 135 forum & guys love their cars, I like my 135is, but by the same token I believe the 335is was a better all around car.

I could never get over the 3 series front end, I must be an outlier, but that was the biggest reason I didn't buy a 335 among other performance reasons. The 3 series is just unoffensive maybe .

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Styling is always something that will be a personal decision. What I like about the 335IS front end is its all functional, no fake scoops & slots.

[NYHoustonman]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Styling is always something that will be a personal decision. What I like about the 335IS front end is its all functional, no fake scoops & slots.

Are there any fake scoops on the 135i's front end? The only difference I see above is the lack of secondary coolant radiator (which I assume is different from the secondary oil cooler offered on sport package-equipped 135i's).

I'm one of the (perhaps) few who prefers the look of the 135i. The 335i is certainly more elegant, and doesn't have as many awkward angles, but it also doesn't have the same visual aggression (classic BMW stance, fender flares). I see the same difference in the progression from 1-series to 2-series.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

As I said beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. When I open the door both my looking at both side by side to me the 335is had a better look.

I know what your are saying about the 135's link to the past. I bought the 135is to replace a 2004 330Ci ZHP that was getting past its expiry date. Its a fun car has a great sound & anyone should be happy with it.

Thing is the OP asked for a comparison & only a few of us have both & are able to give a straight up reply based on seat time.

[lowbudgethero]

Both are great cars as people have mentioned, it depends on how you feel after you drive both. I think most people on here were going for the 335is or the 135i and made their decision after getting a few test drives. To me, 135i is a is a small compromise on practicality for a bit more performance and nimbleness and the 335is is the opposite.

[other_evolved]

Totally disagree about the 335i looking better than the 135i. I always thought the E92 looked really bland and vanilla. I like the E90 as a sedan, but the E92 was just plain.

The E82, on the other hand, has a unique look, in my opinion.

[vertebra]

Originally Posted by firokzz

Am I stupid...
My uncle's lease on his 335is will end this November and he said he wants to keep it In the family. And because he is moving he asked me if I actually wanted the car...

Would I be stupid not to take it and stay with my car...

I have a 135i 2008 n54 so the same engine as his car. Don't our cars handle better? So if my car has the same engine and I already have a tune... Would our cars be better?

You have a vert. Assuming his is not the 335is should handle better. As a vert owner I would also take into consideration how much you put your roof down. I know verts are not for everyone but I love taking mine down.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

^^^^
About the tune. If its JB4 just swap it over. Download the interface & load the 335is files. All things being identical you will make more power from the tuned 335is due to its stock ECU & software.

My 135is is an M55 & is not competitive with the N54. Once the 435MPPK/MPE is broken-in will be interesting to see how they compare. The new MPPK is rated with more power than the one in the 135is but BMW likes to play games the numbers so who knows.

[DS/B MCS]

Our last three cars have been a Honda S2000 and two Mini Cooper S coupes. The 135i is more along the lines of what I enjoy driving. It offers all the room and power I really need. Just gotta tweak the suspension a little so it handles better and I'll be very pleased

[Silenus]

It's a wash. I've driven 100 different 335ises and I just prefer how the 1 feels. Keep in mind the 19" wheels on the 335is are always cracking. Almost every 335is I work on has a cracked wheel, from minor to major. The wheels are not cheap and the cracks lead to tire blowouts.

[parnet]

08 vs 11, I would take the 335 and keep it for a while then maybe get rid of it and step into a newer 135 CPO. Went from a 08 135 vert to a 11 MSport vert CPO. Don't know how many miles you have but at some point you will have to start dropping money into it.

[firokzz]

I appreciate all the input guys/girls... So since the offer is up in November, that means I'm keeping my car for a couple months. And I still have plans to mod it. Only thing is, it's at 76k miles and some of the aesthetics are fallin apart. Also my warranty recently expired... And I'm worried about future costs. So the deciding factor might be that keeping my 135i would be too expensive.

Other than that. I agree with most people here (it is a 1addicts forum after all) that I like the look of our 1 series over the 3
I've grown used to the weird angles and fell in love with them. My friend has a 335i identical color as mine, and every time We park next to each other I choose mine.

Another deciding factor for me would have nothing to do with looks, sport, money, anything. And that is the convertible. Yeah I know it makes the car heavier and all, but it is SUCH a joy to have it top down here in sunny California. Oh yeah and I live in California, so my top is always down.

So I don't know how I would let go of that. Again I think the deciding factor would be that his car is newer, has warranty, and mine doesn't...

And I do like that both cars are stick because I don't see myself driving an auto car anytime soon. Unless I'm buying something like an rs5 which I would be stupid not to get with dual clutch.