Tough decision: keep 135 or jump to M3

[CrazyIvan]

Fellow forum members,

I just wanted to hear your opinions on this subject. I'm in a position to choose between current M3 or keep my 135. What would you do?

M3 pros: V8 - pulls like a train, sound to die for, no turbos or HPFP to worry about; mostly emotional attachment, if comparing the numbers, 135 isnt that far off in performance, and in real life offers plenty of GO when asked. M Power - cant beat that; i dont want it for an image but for driving dynamics, as it handles better than 135.
M3 cons: V8 - thirsty; bigger car overall.

135 pros: still rare, fun to drive, decent gas mileage
cons: hmm.. tough one

1M is out of the question - has to be DCT (I'm missing right arm)

So, chime in, share your opinions, concerns. Look forward to your comments.

[RnmEvo9]

Drive both and see what you like better. I always tend to go for boosted cars as I like to tinker with my cars, so if I was in your shoes, I'd keep the 135i personally.

[CrazyIvan]

Originally Posted by RnmEvo9

Drive both and see what you like better. I always tend to go for boosted cars as I like to tinker with my cars, so if I was in your shoes, I'd keep the 135i personally.

I did drive both: that's the problem, each one offers unique driving experience..

[AchtungF80]

I recently drove an M3 Comp package for about 30 minutes on mixed country roads and highway driving. Afterwards I got back in my 135i and I honestly believe aside from "image" and M3 suspension parts, I have no real reason to switch.

[firebolt105]

there just both amazing cars


M3 is amazing

135 is amazing


it really comes down too what you really want

but think about it an M will always be just wow.


all up to you

tough.

[Wakka]

m3 if extra costs in insurance, fuel, and maintenance are no issue... i see no reason not to get it.

[ErvGotti]

I say the 135i is the better DD as far as usable get up and go and gas mileage, that being said I'm gonna probably end up getting a E92 M3 sometime in the future just because it'll be the only V8 equipped M3 which I think would make it unique in the future.

[KingOfJericho]

I'm having the same debate in my head right now. I've got another 16 months left on my lease but I'm also getting married in the meantime and will likely have kids in the next few years so I think an M3 sedan would be more conducive with family transport while still being somewhat raw and performance oriented.

[GO135i007]

If you can afford the M3 get it! I would in a second.

[bogart]

Keep the 1.

[FJUNO78]

the m3 will really shine at higher speeds and more spirited driving... it is basically just a tick faster than the low 135i in the low rpm's and will really shine where the 135i fizzles.

[My535i]

What mods have you done to the 1? Obviously the M3 is a turn key deal that is a monster right out of the box BUT...The three pros you listed for the 1 are three of the major reasons I went with a 135 over an M3 and I saved quite a bit of coin while I was at it. 135 with a a tune and a couple supporting mods is a freakin blast to drive around town.

They are both awesome cars...I went with 135 but it is a tough decision.

[onehungevo]

I wouldn't buy the M3 because of the body style change. The 135 has a few more years left.

[FJUNO78]

Originally Posted by onehungevo

I wouldn't buy the M3 because of the body style change. The 135 has a few more years left.

OP stated he likes the M3 for the v8. I am not too informed on m stuff, but i'm pretty sure the new m3 is going to be an I6 turbo.

[GO135i007]

Originally Posted by FJUNO78

OP stated he likes the M3 for the v8. I am not too informed on m stuff, but i'm pretty sure the new m3 is going to be an I6 turbo.

That is correct. They are saying a 450hp I6 twin turbo engine for the F32 M3.

[BrokenVert]

I'm waiting for the get a manual people to not read the thread fully and chime in

For what it's worth, if I had kids I'd rock an M3 sedan

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

I'm waiting for the get a manual people to not read the thread fully and chime in

For what it's worth, if I had kids I'd rock an M3 sedan

DCT > Step

[doublevanosrc]

Hmm tough choice the M3 is the last and only one with a NA V8. However in the end you gotta go with the one that drives the best to you. I love the M3 but even if i had the $$$ i would consider keeping the 1er due to the fact of higher fuel costs and upkeep(Those PS2 tires run $400 each). Also for me personally i find the current 3 series & M3 just a tad too big, i just love the size and dimensions of the 1 series it reminds me of my E46. I say if you got the dough just do some more back to back test drives and see which one makes you grin more.

[juliansorl]

I've had the same idea! But the M3's MPG keeps me away. I wish gas wasn't such a huge expense because I would love to have the V8 M3.

[Chelsea_Man]

It is a tough decision, but they are both great cars so I dont think there is a wrong decision. It comes down to what is best for you.

There is no denying the appeal of the M3. Just remember you are going to get a lot more "attention" on the road with it.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by juliansorl

I've had the same idea! But the M3's MPG keeps me away. I wish gas wasn't such a huge expense because I would love to have the V8 M3.

Yep and it's just going to go higher and higher. Now if the 1er was a daily and the M3 was a 2nd car that would be a different story.

[Cisitalia]

I have driven a few E90 and E92 M3s with 6 spd and DCT. I was already to buy and the dealer had an Interlagos Blue one on the lot. The sales manager said take it home for a few days to check it out. Thank god I did, because I was ready to buy it on the spot.

Well it took less than a day to figure it out, that I was not in love with the new M3. OBTW, I used to have an E36 M3 and almost got an E46 M3, but that's another story of a different car love affair.

So I took it back to the dealer and I could see the $ ^ $ signs in the eyes of my sales guy, turn sad as I told him that I could not find the love in the car. It just did not thrill me enough to say, "that's the car I must have it" like others cars including the 135i. I had to pass on it, but I sure did like IB though!

The E92 M3 to me, like a lot of others indicated, is big and heavy. The big surprise to me was that I did not like the engine that much. It did not have much power in the low revs and the sweet spot was way high in the rev band. Not conducive for a DD being so "high strung". Cruising at say 80 mph would put the revs over 4k. My gf said it was like riding a wild horse that wanted to be let free. Yes this car is more suited for the race track. The M3 handled and braked fine, but you still sensed it could be so much more being smaller and lighter. Afterwards, I jumped in the 135i and the smile came back and no need to pull bucks out of the bank.

Don’t take me wrong; I love fast cars for the race track and to me there is no compromise in a DD and a track car. One car can’t do both well. Keep in mind I have been an instructor for HPDE events and I know the difference. So to me the 135i is the better DD and the M3 probably is more suited to the track in my opinion. But to me a dedicated track car is best for long term track use.

Maybe I am a better candidate for the 1M or the new F32 M3 in the future. Let’s hope BMW brings back the roots for the newer M3. I must say I am addicted to the large broad torque range of the turbo engines and the smoothness of the I6 engines.

Good luck in your choice.