Today, I drove a new M3 (along with the 135i again!)

[Thud]

I already drove the 135i solo on Saturday. Today a friend of mine went back out to the dealership because he wanted to try out the M3 Sedan. He also wanted to try the 135i, so we took that one back out, and also a 2006 650i.

The 6 series felt big and slower than the other two cars... meh.

The M3 was a treat. Quite a bit more direct than the 135i, more precise steering, and the interior is phenomenal even though I'm not a fan of the normal E9x interiors. The test model had Fox Red extended leather.

The good news for us is that the 135i actually feels quicker around town. The M3 builds all its power up on the high end-- and let me tell you, that motor certainly makes some beautiful noises. But the torque never reaches as high as the 135i-- it's only rated at 295lb-ft peak, which starts at 3900 rpm, while the 135i is already making 300lb-ft at only 1500rpm. The M3 is geared shorter, but my butt-o-meter says that a 135i is going to be a bit quicker when going from, say, 5mph to 30mph. It'll be enough to catch an unsuspecting M3 driver off guard-- even though you'll ultimately lose the race if you have more than a couple hundred feet to play with.

In handling it's no contest... the tires on the M3 simply refuse to give up their grip (not that we were testing the limits of the car during a test drive, mind you-- probably 60-70 percent though).


Add some boost to the 135 and things could get very interesting indeed.

[raisemyrent]

Interesting... I saw both today and the M3 is just bad ass... a friend of mine (older) sat in it... and just said (classic), "What's the base price on this?" while holding the steering wheel very tight...
can't wait for my 1...

[JAMS 135]

Originally Posted by Thud

I already drove the 135i solo on Saturday. Today a friend of mine went back out to the dealership because he wanted to try out the M3 Sedan. He also wanted to try the 135i, so we took that one back out, and also a 2006 650i.

The 6 series felt big and slower than the other two cars... meh.

The M3 was a treat. Quite a bit more direct than the 135i, more precise steering, and the interior is phenomenal even though I'm not a fan of the normal E9x interiors. The test model had Fox Red extended leather.

The good news for us is that the 135i actually feels quicker around town. The M3 builds all its power up on the high end-- and let me tell you, that motor certainly makes some beautiful noises. But the torque never reaches as high as the 135i-- it's only rated at 295lb-ft peak, which starts at 3900 rpm, while the 135i is already making 300lb-ft at only 1500rpm. The M3 is geared shorter, but my butt-o-meter says that a 135i is going to be a bit quicker when going from, say, 5mph to 30mph. It'll be enough to catch an unsuspecting M3 driver off guard-- even though you'll ultimately lose the race if you have more than a couple hundred feet to play with.

In handling it's no contest... the tires on the M3 simply refuse to give up their grip (not that we were testing the limits of the car during a test drive, mind you-- probably 60-70 percent though).


Add some boost to the 135 and things could get very interesting indeed.

My sentiments, exactly.. I had an M3 deposit at my local dealer for 16 months until the 135 came along. No regrets.

[Impulse]

I'm not in the price range for a new M. But coming from a E36 i feel the M division is for marketing rather than for motorsport now. The E30 was built so the race car would be legal...those days are gone. The M3 has become more of a Gt car, or a larger track car. I'm sure it will be done but i can't imagine a e92 M going out on an autoX... E30-E46, great all around car..

[imported_Katera]

I also drove an M3 a few weeks ago. VERY nice looking car and the interior was sweet. Honestly though it didn't blow my dress up...so to speak. The 135i I drove seemed to handle better while gunning it around sharp turns. Don't get me wrong, I like the m3 but for the money, performance and the gas it is just not much..if any..better then a 135i.

I honestly think that this 300hp Twin Turbo engine will go down as one of the best engines EVER made. And somehow it even gets decent gas mileage? wow

[turbomg]

Originally Posted by Thud

But the torque never reaches as high as the 135i-- it's only rated at 295lb-ft peak, which starts at 3900 rpm, while the 135i is already making 300lb-ft at only 1500rpm. The M3 is geared shorter

You should take this argument to the M3 board. The math says the M3 has more torque to the road in all gears at all times, but still that doesn't change the driver's perceptions.

I'll agree that the 135 probably can get in front of a lazy or sloppy M3, because it will likely be easier to get the 135 moving, mostly due to weight but also that the M3 driver is thinking about 8000rpm while the 135 driver is thinking about 6000.

[turbomg]

Originally Posted by Katera

I honestly think that this 300hp Twin Turbo engine will go down as one of the best engines EVER made.

Extremely short-sighted. Favorite engine ever? Sure. Best engine ever? Not a chance.

BMW fans have been saying "Best Engine Ever" for the last 20 years. Don't expect that to change.

[TitoSkulls]

My dad has an M3 on order with delivery in late May. It'll be nice to do some serious comparison testing between the two cars.

[aus]

Originally Posted by turbomg

You should take this argument to the M3 board. The math says the M3 has more torque to the road in all gears at all times...

Could you provide the link? I'd like to read up on that.
Let's not forget that 400 wheel ft-lbs of torque are a couple down pipes and a piggy back away.

[Advevo]

I have driven the e92 m3 too. But i have much more fun in a 135i that s why i bought one.

135i is much more nimble than the larger M3.

///M stands for ///Marketing not for Motorsport anymore.

Only the M engine is Motorsport that s about it.

[SlideAddict]

Now don't get me wrong I think these cars are fantastic with a great motor. Thinking it will be considered best ever motor is insane though. Even just talking about inline 6 turbo motors its not the best. 1jzgte,2jzgte,rb26dett, and rb25det are all on par if not better engines.