Evo owner considering a 135i

[Retirement]

Hello everyone,

I currently own a lightly modified '11 Evo GSR (Full Titanum Exhaust, Pro-Tuned), I love the car to death, but a lot of the "track features": the rather rough suspension, the Recaros, the rattle-box-when-accelerating, long road trips, etc... It doesn't seem like the Evo was designed with the Daily-Driver influence (and it rightfully shouldn't be, I thought I could live with it, guess I was wrong).

However, I am seriously considering a '10 135i as a new vehicle. I have personally never owned, rode, or driven a BMW before, so I am not quite sure what to expect. I do love the fact that this car suits my needs a lot more than the Evo; I'm rather tired of Manual (granted, I love manual, but having to commute into Downtown Houston is terrible), and the power this vehicle produces seems like it would offer the perfect synergy of luxury and performance. Not to mention the Evo completely lacks luxury.

That being said, are there any other previous Evo owners that could chime in and toss their opinions around? Or anyone for that matter, any and all opinions are welcome!

Thanks in advance!

[cooler2442]

Previous thread about the same situation:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438041

[Retirement]

Originally Posted by cooler2442

Previous thread about the same situation:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=438041

Ack, sorry about that! Should have used the infamous Search button.

[WhiteTgr135i]

I came from an 2007 Subaru WRX, protuned by HBSpeed (formally known now as Cobb Tuning Socal), with an FP18g turbo swap, tbe etc with suspension bits. Sold it for a 2012 135i with 7spd DCT and never looked back. My 135i is pretty much stock except for a catback exhaust, and it's faster then my Protuned WRX surprisingly. I have driven tuned Evo 8's and 9's but never a X and honestly, i will never go back to a Subie or Mitsu. The 135i is faster stock for stock (speed wise), but the Mitsu will out handle the 135i stock for stock.

The 135i gains significant horsepower / torque with full bolt ons and a tune. You will be very happy with the 135i in my opinion. I am an EVO fan boy, always loved them, and if your a die hard track enthusiast, then of course stick with the evo, but the 135i combines best of both worlds of everyday luxury comfort, handling and speed. Go with the DCT transmission if you can. You can option the M-7spd DCT which only come in the 2011+ 135i with the Twinscroll single turbo N55 setup. Hope this helps.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by Retirement

Ack, sorry about that! Should have used the infamous Search button.

I'd recommend also considering a 2011+ bc of dct.

I've driven both the auto and the dct (as well as the manual) and the dct is much more fun than the auto if you are used to and enjoy a manual.

I also live in Houston, so feel free to hit me up via pm if you would like to check mine out and try the dct.

I will say my only disappointment with this car is the oem suspenion, but I plan to rectify that soon with an ohlins kit.

[ParkNuts]

I have a 2011 DCT and the transmission kinda drives me crazy. From a slow roll there is a dreadful throttle lag that makes navigating parking lots almost unbearable. The other day I was driving in rush hour traffic and tried to get out of the slow lane into the next lane and damn near almost got in a wreck because of the throttle lag. When trying to duplicate the problem I could apply full throttle for almost 3/4 of a second without any response at all. A buddy of mine was driving me around on the 4th of July and I had to explain that to him so he wasn't startled by it

But... When the car is going it's a great performer. Throttle blips are ahmazing and upshifts are very fast and strong.

I just can't get past that terrible feeling of total disconnect that is completely unavoidable whether rolling through a parking lot or stop sign. I'm currently shopping for a used 6 speed 2011/12 that I can get into. I love manual transmissions and getting this car was a but of a leap for me but I went for it and definitely regret it. The car itself is great and I couldn't see myself in any other car at this point in time.

[SinCalgary]

Originally Posted by ParkNuts

I have a 2011 DCT and the transmission kinda drives me crazy. From a slow roll there is a dreadful throttle lag that makes navigating parking lots almost unbearable. The other day I was driving in rush hour traffic and tried to get out of the slow lane into the next lane and damn near almost got in a wreck because of the throttle lag. When trying to duplicate the problem I could apply full throttle for almost 3/4 of a second without any response at all. A buddy of mine was driving me around on the 4th of July and I had to explain that to him so he wasn't startled by it

But... When the car is going it's a great performer. Throttle blips are ahmazing and upshifts are very fast and strong.

I just can't get past that terrible feeling of total disconnect that is completely unavoidable whether rolling through a parking lot or stop sign. I'm currently shopping for a used 6 speed 2011/12 that I can get into. I love manual transmissions and getting this car was a but of a leap for me but I went for it and definitely regret it. The car itself is great and I couldn't see myself in any other car at this point in time.

I had this throttle lag problem as well as idle fluctuations and the occasional stall when coming to a stop with the AC button on and auto climate control on. This started when I got the recall software update done and became worse and worse until the dealer replicated a stall as well as had to replace my gear selector due to it not returning to the neutral position when the park button was pressed. They had to do a software update when installing that part and it is like a different car now. The exhaust is noticably quiter even with the golf tee mod but the erratic idle, stalling and that horrible slow roll throttle lag is gone! That and the car feels like it has its original power back from before the recall update. The only negative is my iPod cable won't work now or any other type of AUX input. I am going back for that on Tuesday and I will try to find out what software version they updated me to so you can tell your dealer.

[kensington]

You might want to at least drive both trans types on a 135i. I love the manual in mine, it feels very precision made from the clutch to the shifter itself. Its effortless to drive compared to other manuals out there.

I was looking at evo's and sti's for a long time before I bought my 135i. Best advice is to make sure you drive something with a sports package, the seats in it cant be beat. I daily drive mine and its so quiet and smooth. The low end torque is awesome when passing on the highway, no downshifting needed.

[Dackelone]

+1, on getting a car with M Sport options (seats, shadow line trim and dark grey headliner and sport steering wheel and M logos).

I would also say you need to drive both a DCT and AT if your not fond of another manual. I love my 6MT though.


Dack

[VMRWheels]

[CGMike]

I just traded in my 08 Evo X GSR for a 2011 135i coupe and I dont regret the decision at all. Mine had full coilovers, wheels and tires, intake, exhaust, UICP, tune, and a rear sway bar. I was tired of the rattles, the ride, the lag, the hanging throttle, and the overall cheapness of the car. My 96 Talon seemed to be a little nicer inside. The 135 doesnt handle like the EVO but its actually more fun to drive. The evo was great in all weather though, thats my only concern IF it snows here (happens once every 2-3 years).

[Tweeked SRT4]

I'm actually considering on getting a STi after my lease is up.

[fullboost]

Originally Posted by Tweeked SRT4

I'm actually considering on getting a STi after my lease is up.

I came from 3 STi's to the 135. I had an 05, 06, and 08. If you live in nasty weather there is no better car in the world. The most you can get out of the stock turbo is about 300whp and 325wtq without running race gas or meth. It was a fun car but I would think it would be a step back in your case.

[Tweeked SRT4]

Originally Posted by fullboost

I came from 3 STi's to the 135. I had an 05, 06, and 08. If you live in nasty weather there is no better car in the world. The most you can get out of the stock turbo is about 300whp and 325wtq without running race gas or meth. It was a fun car but I would think it would be a step back in your case.

I have a SRT4 right now also so getting a STi would be a step up from that after the 135 is gone. My 135 has been in the shop numerous times for issues and would hate to see what's to come if I kept it after the lease. I'm actually considering either a used STi or Focus ST after this car is gone. I almost got a STi to lease over the 135 but Subaru dealer's around here at jerks and wants deposits just to test drive the car so I walked out. Just in my case I've had a terrible experience owning a German car. I've never had a car be in the shop so many times in less than a year than this car.

[smw356]

Originally Posted by Tweeked SRT4

... but Subaru dealer's around here at jerks and wants deposits just to test drive the car so I walked out.

Pretty much echo's my experience with Subaru dealerships. I could understand it if it was a 80k+ car, but its not. (they're like that with base wrx's too which is even more baffling). How I was treated as a potential customer (this was at multiple subaru dealerships too) really had my question how I'd be treated if the car needed service.

[M4_lgnd]

i have both right now and i have to say that the 135i pulls harder then my evo x which is sad to say cause i still love my evo x

[CGMike]

I agree. My 135i feels like it pulls harder but I think its the torque and gearing. The evo x gearing is so damn short. Mine was 339 AWHP and the 135i still feels faster.

[smw356]

Originally Posted by CGMike

I agree. My 135i feels like it pulls harder but I think its the torque and gearing. The evo x gearing is so damn short. Mine was 339 AWHP and the 135i still feels faster.

EVO X's are heavier than a 135 too, by around 150-200 lbs iirc.

[Tweeked SRT4]

Originally Posted by smw356

Pretty much echo's my experience with Subaru dealerships. I could understand it if it was a 80k+ car, but its not. (they're like that with base wrx's too which is even more baffling). How I was treated as a potential customer (this was at multiple subaru dealerships too) really had my question how I'd be treated if the car needed service.

Oh they'll let me drive the WRX cause they think I'll get the idea how the STi drives which won't be nearly the same.

[3liter1]

Originally Posted by Retirement

Hello everyone,

I currently own a lightly modified '11 Evo GSR (Full Titanum Exhaust, Pro-Tuned), I love the car to death, but a lot of the "track features": the rather rough suspension, the Recaros, the rattle-box-when-accelerating, long road trips, etc... It doesn't seem like the Evo was designed with the Daily-Driver influence (and it rightfully shouldn't be, I thought I could live with it, guess I was wrong).

However, I am seriously considering a '10 135i as a new vehicle. I have personally never owned, rode, or driven a BMW before, so I am not quite sure what to expect. I do love the fact that this car suits my needs a lot more than the Evo; I'm rather tired of Manual (granted, I love manual, but having to commute into Downtown Houston is terrible), and the power this vehicle produces seems like it would offer the perfect synergy of luxury and performance. Not to mention the Evo completely lacks luxury.

That being said, are there any other previous Evo owners that could chime in and toss their opinions around? Or anyone for that matter, any and all opinions are welcome!

Thanks in advance!

See my buying a Volvo post above/below. Sounds like 135i may be perfect for you. Just make sure you put the car thru its paces on a variety of roads in your area,or be prepared to go down the "mod" route

[MM3]

Tweeked SRT4:
Which subaru dealership did you go to? i've test drove a couple sti's (new and used) in naperville and they were pretty cool about it. Sti was one of the cars on my list but decided on the 135. as far as reliability, it's hard to beat the japanese reliability, but do you think your mod/tune has something to do with your 135 breaking down a lot? just seems like most people having issues with 135s are modded or are running some kind of tune. thinking of getting a tune but a little hesitant after reading from forums.

[Retirement]

Thanks for all of the replies guys and gals!

Still flirting with the idea, but I'll let you guys know once I decide something!