"2008 BMW 135i: Now THAT'S a lot of motor"

[doubleA]

I hope this is not a repost! Here ya go...

*Notice the interesting remarks regarding the 135i and Sti.

2008 BMW 135i

Jun 26, 2008
2008 BMW 135i: Now THAT'S a lot of motor



More and more cars are making dizzying power numbers these days, yet few stand out in my mind as being really eye-openingly fast. Our long-term BMW 135i is one of those few. I hadn't really put it the car through its paces until last night, when I snagged the keys and headed for the canyons. Quite simply, this is a lot of motor for such a diminutive car.

Sounds great too -- the exhaust note is throaty yet refined, encouraging windows-down throttle-blipping at every opportunity. Notably, there's no discernable turbo whistle or any other audible indication that you're driving a turbocharged car. There's just the typical inline-6 smoothness that you'd find in a 128i, along with an absolute truckload of torque from just off idle. I think I like this motor more every time I experience it.

Incidentally, an interesting 135i-vs.-STI debate has been raging over at Erin's recent STI post. Here's two cents from my bully pulpit. If you need a fifth seat, or all-wheel drive, or the ability to haul a bunch of stuff, then the STI is the no-brainer choice. But if you don't, consider the following: (1) though the STI's rated at 305 hp, you don't really get that heady turbo rush until about 3,000-3,500 rpm, whereas the 135i offers stupid stonk speed on demand; (2) in tight corners the 135i is frankly in a different league due to its relative lack of body roll and superior (if not quite E46 M3-like) steering feel; and (3) the 135i's clutch and shifter are a joy to operate, unlike the STI's (see Erin's opinion in her post, which I share).

Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com @ 4,697 miles



Article link for many more blogs: http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/c...at.2008BMW135i

[MastaMind]

I agree 100% with the second paragraph. If you need the practicality of the STI, then it's a good car, but it doesn't have the same feel as the 135.

[imported_Katera]

The STI looks like a 16 year old with unlimited access to a Mod Shop barfed on the car... Yuck.

[HPADDICT]

I personally really liked the 04-06 stis. I think they really ruined the cars in 08. One of the reasons I purchased the 135i and traded in the STi.

[ptack]

Yeah, it's funny. The STI and Evo symbolize the Japanese versions of the American muscle car. Refinement is not a word you would ever use in either case. By comparison, the 135 is in a different class, as if it's striving to do and be much more.

[rcracer_tx]

Originally Posted by Katera

The STI looks like a 16 year old with unlimited access to a Mod Shop barfed on the car... Yuck.

Wait...Oh crap...I think I just wet myself laughing so hard

[driftdriven]

Originally Posted by HPADDICT

I personally really liked the 04-06 stis. I think they really ruined the cars in 08. One of the reasons I purchased the 135i and traded in the STi.

ME TOO!! I was considering the STI as in 2007, but the look of it really made me sick (almost literally). I could use the AWD since we do get some snow here up in the north but I could not stand looking at something so fugly everyday. Then I heard there was a smaller 3 series coupe called the 135.....it was a no brainer on what to get instead of the STi. Don't get me wrong, I still respect the STi but man is it ugly!!!

[doubleA]

I agree, the Sti and 135i are in way different leagues. My friend with an '07 went to test drive the 135i for the first time and would have traded his car in on the spot if his finances allowed.

[damian]

[doubleA]

Originally Posted by damian

Btw, not saying the 135 is better than the Sti OR Evo in all aspects, but he loved how the 135 was more refined rather than raw. Not one of these cars is even close to being an outlier in any comparison between them, except maybe the 135i on a track and not by too much.

[adc]

IMO whoever thinks the STI is ugly and the 135i pretty should get their eyes checked. :biggrin:

If BMW would offer a serious aero wing, true diffuser, perhaps a wide body option, and assorted CF this-and-that, 50% of the posters here would instantly rush to the dealers...

The STI is exactly what the E30 M3 was: a homologation special. Wide body kit, thin glass, impractical motor, hard suspension. But everybody calls it a classic. Guess what, the Evo and STI are classics too...

[doubleA]

Originally Posted by adc

IMO whoever thinks the STI is ugly and the 135i pretty should get their eyes checked. :biggrin:

If BMW would offer a serious aero wing, true diffuser, perhaps a wide body option, and assorted CF this-and-that, 50% of the posters here would instantly rush to the dealers...

The STI is exactly what the E30 M3 was: a homologation special. Wide body kit, thin glass, impractical motor, hard suspension. But everybody calls it a classic. Guess what, the Evo and STI are classics too...

Keep in mind the 135i is NOT an M car...

Some things you mentioned above are already available, others would clearly take away from other BMWs such as the M3.

[adc]

Originally Posted by doubleA

Some things you mentioned above are already available, others would clearly take away from other BMWs such as the M3.

Yes, I know they are available - and popular with posters here. :smile:

If BMW dropped the V8 + M diff in the 1 series and topped it with the EDC suspension, I would camp out in front of the dealership until they started taking orders. The M3 is a MONSTER, it has nothing to fear from a 135i with body add-ons...

[imported_Katera]

Originally Posted by adc

IMO whoever thinks the STI is ugly and the 135i pretty should get their eyes checked. :biggrin:

If BMW would offer a serious aero wing, true diffuser, perhaps a wide body option, and assorted CF this-and-that, 50% of the posters here would instantly rush to the dealers...

The STI is exactly what the E30 M3 was: a homologation special. Wide body kit, thin glass, impractical motor, hard suspension. But everybody calls it a classic. Guess what, the Evo and STI are classics too...

Hey look another 335i driver putting down the 1. What a shock....:bs::bs::bs:

[E82tt6]

Originally Posted by adc

IMO whoever thinks the STI is ugly and the 135i pretty should get their eyes checked. :biggrin:

If BMW would offer a serious aero wing, true diffuser, perhaps a wide body option, and assorted CF this-and-that, 50% of the posters here would instantly rush to the dealers...

The STI is exactly what the E30 M3 was: a homologation special. Wide body kit, thin glass, impractical motor, hard suspension. But everybody calls it a classic. Guess what, the Evo and STI are classics too...

I prefer the look of the 1 to every other car BMW makes with the exception of the 6 series, and the Z4 Coupe. :iono: I think the other cars simply lack character by comparison. Heh, I suppose that's what makes horse races.

I'm not a fan of the looks of the new STI, but loved the previous incarnation. Much prefer the way the previous car drives as well. I don't think the STI is even CLOSE to being with the E30 M3 was.. The previous generation was much more raw. I suppose I'm a fan of "form following function" type design in general, and I think the previous STI was much more an embodyment of that philosophy. In terms of being a RAW driver's car, neither STI nor Evo can hold a candle to cars like the RX7, S2K, Miata, Elise, etc.

[adc]

Originally Posted by Katera

Hey look another 335i driver putting down the 1. What a shock....:bs::bs::bs:

Hey look another 1 owner with a chip on their shoulder.

Relax and stop being so defensive about your loved 1.

I love the 335 Coupe for its looks and hate the way it drives. I love the 135i for the way it drives and totally dislike the startled front look and gratuitously tortuous shapes. There is no form following the function in the 135i - just some space constraints and needlessly complex surfacing.


And I fully expect to do a Euro Delivery on a 135i next summer, and I'm sure I'll love my 1 to bits. But pretty it ain't.

[Steve135i]

I think the 135i in person looks great, but it is stubby looking. I am not sure if I would look good in such a small car. I really love the wheels and tires with the low profile and small gap in the fenders. The front headlights do look too big and open, they need eyelids to look mean like other bmws. I saw a black 135i with coral leather today and it looked really nice. But I want Alpine white. No black cars for me. My Accord is medium grey and that still gets dirty and spotty looking. Black would be much worse. The coral leather did look really great with the poplar grey trim and 2 tone doors. I didn't drive the car because it was an automatic, I want a manual for fun and much less cost. Overall I really like the 135i, but not sure about the really small length??? I wish I could see one in traffic to see what it looks like in real life.

[MrRoboto]

The 135 looks much better in persom for sure. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

PS. It goes like stink.

[imported_Katera]

Originally Posted by adc

Hey look another 1 owner with a chip on their shoulder.

Relax and stop being so defensive about your loved 1.

I love the 335 Coupe for its looks and hate the way it drives. I love the 135i for the way it drives and totally dislike the startled front look and gratuitously tortuous shapes. There is no form following the function in the 135i - just some space constraints and needlessly complex surfacing.


And I fully expect to do a Euro Delivery on a 135i next summer, and I'm sure I'll love my 1 to bits. But pretty it ain't.

Why would you buy a car that you thought was ugly? Well look at the bright side...if you get a 1 it will be faster then your 335i, stop quicker and spank the 335i through the slalom. LOL /snap! We win :biggrin:

[adc]

Originally Posted by Katera

Why would you buy a car that you thought was ugly?

I thought I made that plenty clea - because I love the way it drives. Not because of how it looks, that's for sure.

Well look at the bright side...if you get a 1 it will be faster then your 335i, stop quicker and spank the 335i through the slalom.

Stock, a 135i won't do any of the above against my 335i. :wink:

And I'd venture to say that the 335i brakes are at least as good as far a brake fade is concerned.

But sure, I hope I'll "win" by choosing the 135i. :headbang:

[imported_Katera]

^^^ 6 piston caliper brakes of the 1...4thewin

You will love it. All joking aside, the 335i is a wonderful car. The 1 is as well with just a little different attitude

[Steve135i]

Get on the boxing gloves. This is a 1 series forum.