135i vs new DCT 335i coupe

[barrym]

I know they 'look' different etc etc ..and in Aus the price diff is still around $25k -$30k when you load up the 135i with things like prof Nav etc .. but do any of you have a view on 135i vs 335i ?

I'm thinking about a 135i but by the time I load up some options its going to be around $93k onroad ... and I can get a deal on 335 for around $1115k on road at the moment .. with DCT. with the 08 models you could have said 135 was faster in auto guise ..but not anymore as both are quoted at 5.4 sec 0-100k (old steptronic was around 5.7 I believe) .,..

GIven I'll likely have the car for 4-5 yrs the extra $$ to stretch dont seem so bad ...

any thoughts/views?

[WAY]

All depends on your requirement. 335i is more of a touring vehicle than 135i is. 135i has more of a sporting intend. But 335i definitely feel like the more expensive car both inside and out, and can accomodate 4 people with ease.

[oldman]

If you mean $115K for the 335i optioned up with the same goodies as you want on the 135i and on the road, then that seems pretty good. I paid $87K for my 135i and specking the 335i with effectively the same options I choose in the BMW site makes the 335i at $121K without LCT, rego etc.

$115K is a great deal.

[sparoz]

There's an old threat I started asking the same question - I picked the 135i at the end because it's a more focused and responsive car.

The 335i has more luxury, feels more comfortable, and can accommodate 4 people more comfortably. The DCT is a gem, but after I test drove it back to back, it feels heavier and more slush than the 135i. I love the 335i and would have been the 'smarter' choice in terms of price (more discount) and comfort, it is just better finished, and more options to choose from like the individual stereo as well as comfort windscreen (which I think should be standard in every BMW in Aust), but at the end, I want a car that I can play with and hence, a loaded 135i.

At the end, you'll have to ask yourself what's the purpose of the car - if you want ultimate fun, the 135i is slightly better. The 335i is definitely an extremely good compromise and is definitely much better value at the moment with all the discounts from BMW on the 3er. It also comes with one of the best gearbox out there at the moment.

Not sure how to dig up the old thread, but you guys should able to help . The most important thing is to test drive them back to back!

[sparoz]

One of the other car I had considered was a used/demo m3. Should be able to pick it up close to price of 335i. I quickly rule that out because you can't use it's potential on the streets at all, but an amazing great DD and rides better than both 135i and 335i. You'll have to venture out to the tracks to make it worth while.

If you get a M3 you tend to run out of speed limit very quickly - too quickly.

[barrym]

thanks everyone for you input - it does help. What I take away generally is that the 135 seems like the more focussed car for fun .. the 335 adds a few extra comforts but at a premium. Must admit when I see at 335 coupe on the road it just looks like ALL the others that are out there ..but when I see a 135 I go "wow..look at that interesting looking BM' - it just has that advantage of not being so common etc ..which I sort of like.

The other thing I'm thinking is, that all going well and the economy sorting itself out, id be looking to move to new M3 anyway ..so a 135 to M3 over a 5 year period just seems like it holds more fun factor than dabbling with middle road 335 which is trying to be an M3 but is too 'cushy' in many ways as opposed to edgy/sporty like 135

Another thing ..I may want to track or at least motakana the 135 downstream (therefore prob wont get sunroof to drop a few pounds but more importantly add rigidity) ...I just cant see the 335 being a serious track car unless you do a whole bunch of mods as opposed to 135. My kids are small (under 4) so no issues with extra room required ... plus we'll have SUV when space is required.

Now..if only BMW would put the DCT into the 135 for next MY ..my decision would be made that much easier.

[barrym]

Interesting ..I have noted a few people looking to flick their MY08 M3's privately for around $140k (all up) .. given new 135 would be $92k onraod this margin is getting smaller ! perhaps if I just wait 6 months, it could get like property whereby a few distressed sales comes through. I certainly dont think paying close to $190k for a new one would be wise by anybody right now given this level a rapid 'real world' depreciation

[sparoz]

I guess if you are after one with M-DCT then it would be that much. Otherwise, I thought the dealers are listing 07s for about 120k. If you are going to track it, the M3 is definitely worth considering.