135i lacks mongrel?

[CrustyNoodle]

I'm currently in the market for a second hand 135i and hope to find one that suits sometime between now and Jan next year (no rush).
Today I took my first 135i for a test drive and I found it a bit clinical. It was fast (obviously) smooth and very quiet, and it drove very well but it seemed to lack character. Being new to the marque it might be just me but I was expecting it to be a little more hard edged and exciting rather than smooth and quiet.

Whilst driving it I thought that maybe I need to take a look at an E46 M3 to get a bit bore of that mongrel feel. In some ways I'm not that interested in the M3 as I feel that they are getting a bit long in the tooth in terms of the technology and the gizmos they offer, not to mention things like curtain airbags which are very high on my list of requirements.

I'm not looking for a comparison between the M3 and the 135i but I'd like to hear other's opinions on the 135i and what would be necessary to give it just a bit more character to make it feel a bit more sporty. I'm not interested in all the full-on mods like air intakes and chips and things but I would be interested in getting a bit more exhaust note and just sharpening it up a tad.

Maybe what I'm really looking for is a 1M! What would a drive away price on one of these be?

[KinoBoom]

I can understand your thoughts on the 135.
I sure is quiet and could use a better exhaust note! It could use a much better suspension and maybe a little horsepower too where a chip is not that bad to be honest with you and very inexpensive.
I have owned mine for two months and so far content with it, keep in mind i am now ready to modify it as i wanted to get very comfortable with the car before doing so.
the 1M in the US is about 50,000.00 i am not sure how it would be in your area.

[Honny]

Its the baby Beemer on steroids..... It has character i believe. Unleash the N54 with some simple mods and you'll understand what the cars capable off.

[dr.bmw]

try audi tt-s

[sparoz]

Is your dash flashing? If not you are not anyway near its limit. If so, turn DSC off, and leave on DTC.

Also, you need to be in the right gear.

[BMW86]

Depends where your coming from but it sounds like the 1M is a better fit for you. Even though it's not an M, it still handles exceptionally well in it's class. The run flats, soft suspension, tame exhaust, all make the 135i a very civilized pocket rocket. Most of us have addressed those with mods which is easily done. You can't question the straight line power though, it really pulls hard at any gear - amazing low to mid range power.

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Depends where your coming from but it sounds like the 1M is a better fit for you. Even though it's not an M, it still handles exceptionally well in it's class. The run flats, soft suspension, tame exhaust, all make the 135i a very civilized pocket rocket. Most of us have addressed those with mods which is easily done. You can't question the straight line power though, it really pulls hard at any gear - amazing low to mid range power.

Maybe you should take OP for a drive in your car Vin, once he picks up his eye balls from your floor mats then he'll really know what this car is about.

[Orlin]

Originally Posted by JB4135

Maybe you should take OP for a drive in your car Vin, once he picks up his eye balls from your floor mats then he'll really know what this car is about.

[MrBlonde]

Yes, curtain airbags are always on my mind.

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by dr.bmw

try audi tt-s

Drove my mates chipped TT-S on Thursday and it was quick but lacks that N54 driving feel.

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

Yes, curtain airbags are always on my mind.

Have you had your installed yet Kenny?

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by ianf2002

TT-S is a hairdressers car!... Audi throw so much bling on their cars these days anyhow.

Perhaps you weren't driving the 135i properly if you thought it lacked character :-) ... try the 6MT or DCT

Lol. Spot on. I can't wait to tell my mate that Ian said the TT-S is a hairdresser's car.

[BBK]

Get a tune and some downpipes and then you will be extremely happy... The DP's really give you a nice aggressive growl!

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by BBK

Get a tune and some downpipes and then you will be extremely happy... The DP's really give you a nice aggressive growl!

Are they in Richard?

[BBK]

Yeah been in for a week now! They are louder than I expected actually...

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by BBK

Yeah been in for a week now! They are louder than I expected actually...

But it's a nice loud. It's nice hearing the turbo's as well.

[Orlin]

What I like about having C@tless dps with a stock exhaust is that its only really loud on cold start up and on WOT. All other times I find it no different to a stock setup, maybe I am just used to it now.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by JB4135

Maybe you should take OP for a drive in your car Vin, once he picks up his eye balls from your floor mats then he'll really know what this car is about.

Lol same goes to you Edwin.

I think the OP needs to realize that almost all of us are modded on here. We all come on here and say we won't do this and that but look at us now. These cars were born to be modded. The 135i easily has the potential to be a 1M and more. They don't call us 1addicts for no reason.

I would go straight for a 1M if buying today but they are around 110k. Otherwise if your budget is limited pick up a good condition 2nd one for half the price, N54 only, then decide your priorities for mods - power, handling or looks. Just go from there. For most, the 135i is enough from factory for at least 6 months. Not sure what else you would consider for the same kind of money.

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by Orlin

What I like about having C@tless dps with a stock exhaust is that its only really loud on cold start up and on WOT. All other times I find it no different to a stock setup, maybe I am just used to it now.

True. First drive after my downpipes and I thought what the hell maybe he hasn't put them on as the spooling was loud then you do get used to it. Can't imagine going back to those stock catted dp's.

[JB4-335]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Lol same goes to you Edwin.

I think the OP needs to realize that almost all of us are modded on here. We all come on here and say we won't do this and that but look at us now. These cars were born to be modded. The 135i easily has the potential to be a 1M and more. They don't call us 1addicts for no reason.

I would go straight for a 1M if buying today but they are around 110k. Otherwise if your budget is limited pick up a good condition 2nd one for half the price, N54 only, then decide your priorities for mods - power, handling or looks. Just go from there. For most, the 135i is enough from factory for at least 6 months. Not sure what else you would consider for the same kind of money.

I think the 1M at 110k is an awesome car but cost wise think a 2008/09 135 fully modded at almost half that price is just as much fun. I personally had no idea about any of the N54 mods when i got mine but it sure didn't take long. My mate with the TTS said why don't you get an M3, Ha!!! I love them an all put my heart is with this motor even will all the BS noises my motor makes (noisy lifters & injectors).
Do you boys ever switch to Map 0 just to feel what stock boost is like? I do on rare occations and I can't switch back to map 2 quick enough.

[mcmn]

Originally Posted by BMW86

For most, the 135i is enough from factory for at least 6 months.

for most? I've bought a JB4,ar dp's, er charge pipe+bov and i dont even have a 135i yet. I must be broken.

[Orlin]

Originally Posted by mcmn

for most? I've bought a JB4,ar dp's, er charge pipe+bov and i dont even have a 135i yet. I must be broken.

you are keen! nice work