135 reviews

[$hah$]

Hi,
I am contemplating switching over to a 135is, when my E92 328xi lease is up next year. Just wondering some of your thoughts and overall reviews.
Thanks.

[Section147]

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=691753

[Diver]

The 135is is a 135i with PPK 2 factory installed, M Sport and a different wheel design. The press release says there is a different exhaust note, but I believe that is due to the PPK. I don't know of any road test with the PPK installed although a lot of members here have it, and so do I.

[ptack]

It will be like switching from a toy poodle to a pit bull. The 135is will the nearest thing to a 1M which you can't get anymore. If you want a 135i, you want a 135is, otherwise you can save a considerable amount of money and go with a 128i.

[ken1137]

I'm always willing to comment regarding such a question since I made the change already. The 328 xi Sport package is a very nice car indeed. However, for me, It was lacking the spirited drive affect although the ride was very nice as a mid-range luxury sedan/coupe. I was hooked as soon as I test drove the 135i. The hp and torque is tremendous compared to the 328, but the ride was a bit rough and bouncy. The 328 has more room, but it was worth the sacrifice. I did not plan on doing this but I have since modified the suspension so my 135i is now just as comfortable as the 328 but better with handling. The perfect package GL on your decision.

[$hah$]

Thanks for your replies. I have read up on all the threads and done the research. I have driven a 08 135i convert as a loaner and even though it was fun it just didn't feel like it was fit for me. I think it may be due to the fact that it was a convert and I just felt like it was to small, but the power put a smile on my face for sure. I've driven a variety of BM's..I had a 330ci coupe, 328i E92 6spd, and now a E92 328i x drive auto (mainly because of the weather I currently face) and I feel like nothing has been as fun as my 330ci, even though the E92 is a refined ride, it is nothing like the E46 platform which I miss. I will eventually get an M3, but I thought as a transition until I'm ready for the M.. a 135 may be a fun option for a bit or I may stick with a 335is or a off lease M3. If only the 1M was still produced it would have been a perfect match. Thanks again, if there are any other opinions out there feel free to comment.

[kensington]

Only reason I can see why you may not like is its size. The 135i is a bit more cramped than a 3 series. But it is lighter and handles better, which isnt a bad thing at all.

[eaglemike]

It feels pretty close to my E46, as far as room. Sport seats in both. I had a 2006 E46 'vert. The 135 'vert (M sport suspension) rode pretty bad until I replaced the stock run flats with Michelin PSS as suggested by members here. Now ride, handing, and noise are all better. Quieter than the E46, too.

[$hah$]

Thanks for all the input. I have driven a 135i drop top as a loaner a few times and I loved it ...definitely put a smile on my face. I can only imagine the hardtop is that much better. We'll c when the time comes, have to weigh all my options: 135, 09-10 M3, or a new 335/435 coupe if they are out by next May. Feel like the best fix would have been a 1M

[jsmonet]

it's a better car in every performance metric you can possibly consider and doesn't have those absolutely idiotic pop-out cupholders.

[pharmdphd98]

Originally Posted by ken1137

I'm always willing to comment regarding such a question since I made the change already. The 328 xi Sport package is a very nice car indeed. However, for me, It was lacking the spirited drive affect although the ride was very nice as a mid-range luxury sedan/coupe. I was hooked as soon as I test drove the 135i. The hp and torque is tremendous compared to the 328, but the ride was a bit rough and bouncy. The 328 has more room, but it was worth the sacrifice. I did not plan on doing this but I have since modified the suspension so my 135i is now just as comfortable as the 328 but better with handling. The perfect package GL on your decision.

Could you please share what you did to make the 135i more comfortable with better handling. This is the only area I really want to improve in this car.

[KingOfJericho]

For everyday driving, the 135i actually *feels* quicker than an M3. I've driven a couple and, while they certainly wind out much higher, I find myself in the lower end of the power band much more frequently than the high RPM range where the M3 is most comfortable and capable. The 135i is a little shorter so it will have slightly less leg room in the back seats but the width is less than an inch smaller and it actually has more headroom than a 3er. If you are fine with the size of the E46, you should be fine with the 135i.

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by pharmdphd98

Could you please share what you did to make the 135i more comfortable with better handling. This is the only area I really want to improve in this car.

No problem... St coilovers, front and rear sway bars, M3 rear sub-frame bushings, M3 front control arm kit, and Rogue Engineering rear toe arms. I also dont have run-flats. The biggest bang for your buck are coilovers, sway bars, and rear subframe bushings. That said, for a complete changeover I'd recommend the front control arm kit and rear toe arms to be added later if you dont want to spend the money at once. I made these changes a step at a time to spread the money out. Contact Harold at HP Autowerks for the parts

[sochermit]

Originally Posted by Diver

The 135is is a 135i with PPK 2 factory installed, M Sport and a different wheel design. The press release says there is a different exhaust note, but I believe that is due to the PPK. I don't know of any road test with the PPK installed although a lot of members here have it, and so do I.

Is it PPK1 or PPK2? The reason I ask is because there is only an increase of 20horses which i thought was what the PPK1 increase was.

[Diver]

Increased comfort can be had by switching to conventional tires from run-flats. This should mainly help on sharp bumps. However, the short wheelbase will always produce an active ride, especially on wavy pavement. Replacing shocks and springs may improve handling, but it will be at the expense of comfort as aftermarket suspensions are stiffer than stock. The worse thing that happens to me is when I rent a car that has a mushy suspension. When I get back in the 135i it seems way to active, until I get used to it again.

Those who go to the track complain of understeer. The problem has been mitigated somewhat (not completely) on 2011 and later production by BMW switching from progressive to constant rate springs. On the street the car is perfect, IMO. I have yet to see anyone demonstrate just exactly what suspension mods accomplished in terms of reduced lap times.