Is it even reasonable to compare 135i vs. Z4M?

[DiscoZ]

You would be fooling yourself if you think that a 135I is faster than a Z4M. C&D/R&T are idiots for running a car that is 200lbs lighter than a E46 M3 (and makes more whp on average) slower in the 1/4 mile. People have routinely hit low 13's high 12's and trapped close to 110mph. That being said, on the track the Z4M has been tested by BM and TopGear to decimate its competitors. I just had to write this.

The 135i is heavier and does not have the steering/handling or braking or a Z4M. There is a reason why it's a "M". The 135 is a great ride, but please... stick to sane comparisions. It's like me trying to say my car is better than a Ferrari F430

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by DiscoZ

It's like me trying to say my car is better than a Ferrari F430

The 135i is closer in performance to the Z4M than you care to admit. If the 135i has a software upgrade.. forget about it. What can you upgrade power-wise on the Z4M? Oh, the Z4M skidpad number is lower than a stock 135i with its cushy suspension and runflats.

[nukezero]

didn't C&D do a lightning lap last year on the Z4M coupe and they said that it didn't drive well?

but to me, i rather have a more daily comfy ride, back seats to pick up extra ladie(s) than a harsh freeway commute and no potential to take more than 2 people. besides, 0-60 and 1/4 on both are absolutely negligible. throw in the fact the 135i has a crazy torque curve and tunability.

but if you're a loaner, then by all means! or if you have a daily driver and weekend warrior, then z4 i guess.

unfortunately, the 135 will be not only my daily , but my warrior as well so until they create a Z4 that allows it to be converted from a 2-seater to a 4 seater, then a roadster is not practical for me yet.

[Cooldaddygroove]

Z4M's here in Vancouver grow roots on dealer lots. Two of my car broker buddies warned me away from buying a new or used one. I love the look of the coupe (I owned a convertible Z4) but owners and dealers having a hard time selling them here.

[Spook]

Originally Posted by Spook

I'm thinking that the 135 will be almost as fun as a Z4M coupe with lower cost of ownership (lower insurance, better resale) and better suited to a daily driver. For me the 135 splits the difference between a 335i for commuting and a Z4M for the weekends.

-Spook

This was written before I had owned one for several months. Now I think the 135 if 7/8's the size of a 335, 7/8's the cost (lots of if's, ands, and buts on cost), and for me, since I don't need a back seat for anything other than my backpack and guitar and rarely friends to lunch, all of the practicality. Performance and feel are close to the same with the 135 feeling smaller where smaller is good. I still like the looks of a Z4M coupe and I'm drawn to the performance, but I drive 7 hours 1 way from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs frequently on business. The 135 is great for that drive. The Z4M might have had me renting a car.

[dna550]

The Z4 M Coupe is a much sportier ride than the 135i.

The 135i is a more refined ride than the M Coupe.

The weight of that cast iron block on the front axle in the Z4 M Coupe is noticeable when compared to the balanced weight distribution in the 135i.

Both cars push into corners, but for different reasons.

The Z4 M Coupe is an M car and is rare compared to the 1 & 3 Series-based 135i.

A fare comparison for the Z4 M Coupe would be a factory-built Tii, with a set of Michelin's PS2s and a performance tuned suspension.

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by dna550

The Z4 M Coupe is a much sportier ride than the 135i.

The 135i is a more refined ride than the M Coupe.

The weight of that cast iron block on the front axle in the M Coupe is noticeable compared to the balanced weight distribution in the 135i.

Both cars push into corners, but for different reasons.

The Z4 m Coupe is a M car and is rare compared to the 1 & 3 Series-based 135i.

A fare comparison for the Z4 M Coupe would be a factory-built Tii, with a set of Michelin's PS2s and a performance tuned suspension.

What about a 135i with aftermarket suspension and slightly larger non-runflat tires.. and tuning software?

I wish BMW would use the 135i/335i engine with slightly larger turbos in the Z4M.

[UmpChap]

Originally Posted by Spook

I drive 7 hours 1 way from Albuquerque to Colorado Springs frequently on business. The 135 is great for that drive. The Z4M might have had me renting a car.

Don't doubt the 135 is the more comfy vehicle for road trips but why does it take 7 hours for an all-freeway trip of less than 400 miles? I-25 under construction? Some calls along the way?

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by crzy4135i

I wish BMW would use the 135i/335i engine with slightly larger turbos in the Z4M.

A NA motor with individual throttle bodies per cylinder is far more entertaining than the N54, unless you have an appreciation for turbo lag and a flat top end. No thanks. The N54 is quite lazy compared to the S54. A lazy motor doesn't belong in a M car. Plus, M cars deserve usable power, great drivability, and super fast throttle response. That's not N54 territory.

What's ultimately sad is that it seems the 08 Z4M is the last body to be fitted with the S54. What a great engine and classic BMW M.

[EINSER M]

for me the fun still lays with the N54 engine. The S54 is great but lacks the torque i find all over in the N54. Plus my M roadster's suspension is hard as a rock. Two different cars but if i had to pick to keep one (which I have been thinking about and will in a month) I am keeping the 135 and pawning off the Z4 M Roadster to a new owner that probably will enjoy it more than I can.

[1HungryMan]

I think the styling on the back of the z4m is absolutely stunning. One of the best designed pieces of sexiness on the road. Too bad about the bad reports.

[guardianangel3290]

Originally Posted by UmpChap

Don't doubt the 135 is the more comfy vehicle for road trips but why does it take 7 hours for an all-freeway trip of less than 400 miles? I-25 under construction? Some calls along the way?

thats just how long it takes haha
it unexplicable, but from abq to springs takes like 7 hours haha

[Spook]

Originally Posted by UmpChap

Don't doubt the 135 is the more comfy vehicle for road trips but why does it take 7 hours for an all-freeway trip of less than 400 miles? I-25 under construction? Some calls along the way?

Yep. It takes 7 hours but you have to remember we are talking about New Mexico. I may get distracted for an hour to stop in a local guitar or fly fishing shop and a side trip to a historic monument. The goal is, of course, to enjoy what the road has to offer on any given day.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by kirkx5m

for me the fun still lays with the N54 engine. The S54 is great but lacks the torque i find all over in the N54. Plus my M roadster's suspension is hard as a rock. Two different cars but if i had to pick to keep one (which I have been thinking about and will in a month) I am keeping the 135 and pawning off the Z4 M Roadster to a new owner that probably will enjoy it more than I can.

As I said, the N54 is lazy which is apparently what you (and many others) appreciate. There's lots of smooth torque at low rpms so you don't have to work for it. With that is no real reward either (in comparison). Ultimately the difference in torque between the two isn't night and day, but the throttle response is. I'll take instant throttle response over turbo lag all day, and with the S54 you get a mechanical LSD so your power goes to the ground and isn't wasted on breaking the tires loose (I guess another smile factor for some).

If I make any mods to the Z4 M it'll be to add KW V3s as I just prefer the ride and cornering characterisitics. The 135i can of course benefit from those as well to help make up the gap betwen power and road manners.

[Mehta916]

Originally Posted by Timberwolf

One should add that the tuning potential of the 135 is much greater.
I think that a well sorted 135 with nearly 400hp 420trq (always round HP up):biggrin: paired with PSS9s, weight reduction and some meatier non RF tires add up to a serious contender. This is evo territory if you ask me.

If someone can figure out how to get 265s in the rear with mechanical diff, then you have a car that's simply top notch on and off the track. If I get one of these puppies, that would be the goal.

The Z4M is a great car as a SECOND or THIRD car. It's not a good primary car.

well put, and who can argue with the twin turbo set-up right out of the box?

[whya1?]

If you are looking for a fun and thrilling car then get the Z4M. It is much more visceral and exciting. If you are looking for an everyday grocery getter than the 1 series is the place to be.

I would get the Z4M. It is going to hold its value better and be a more exciting ride. Who cares if you can put 400, 500 or a 1000hp into a 135 with a tune. Both cars are much faster than you ever need and the one is still a pedestrian vehicle compared to a Z4M. If the price is the same (or within 5k or so) the choice should be easy.

[MatthewDFW]

Jeez, I gotta give edge to 135i. Jeremy Clarkson (UK BBC and host of "Top Gear") calls the 135 the best car BMW makes, and I can't disagree. Plenty fast but comfortable; takes the place of weekend pocket-rocket and everyday commuter.

[Blacky]

Sorry does the Z4 M have a cast iron block, not the Alu/Mag in the 1er?

[esscolab]

The Z4M is also a hairdressers car I wouldn't be seen dead in it.

[LeoHammer]

Originally Posted by esscolab

The Z4M is also a hairdressers car I wouldn't be seen dead in it.

as is the BMW 135i in Metallic Black

[esscolab]

Quotes from Clarkson on the Z4M

"appears to have been styled by someone who wasn't concentrating."
- "just plain, like a supermarket checkout girl."
- "If you want this sort of car, the Gayman is an obvious rival," he writes.
- "It goes harder but is deeply embarrassing to be seen in. So what I'd do is buy the soft-top Z4 M instead. "

I have to agree, he should have added at the end "only driven by hairdressers, footballers wives and socialites"

[crzy4135i]

Originally Posted by Blacky

Sorry does the Z4 M have a cast iron block, not the Alu/Mag in the 1er?

Yea, the same high revving engine as the E46 M3.