Thoughts - 2013 135is vs 2009 E90 M3?

[3002 tii]

Posting here since this seems to be more of an unbiased crowd, but I'd like your thoughts on 2013 135is with DCT (basically same as 2011+ but it comes with all the BMW Performance goodies - software, cooling, exhaust and aesthetics) vs a 2009 E90 M3. Call me crazy but I'm leaning towards the E82. I've always liked the 1 which puts me in the minority (but that's not surprising how I see think the E86 was one of the best designed cars).

I know the "is" is not the same as M but I view it as the equivalent of the ZHP trim. It's somewhat 'limited' but I view the 1 as the last of the driver's car that BMW has to offer. The benefit of going with the 2013 E82 is obviously (longer) warranty, less ownership costs compared to the M, and mpg. The benefit of the M would be 4 doors and performance differential.

Being that the 1 is in the last year of production, they actually have really good rebates & promotions. After everything said and done, I'm expecting to purchase at 14% below msrp. Both cars would put me in the low 40's range. I considered also just getting a CPO 2011 135i but if I were to add the same factory performance goodies (or at least the ones that matter), that puts me in the mid 30's and for 5-7k more, I'd rather have the 2 years of extra warranty.

[tikamak]

IMO, the M3 not only looks better but is a more complete car.

You SHOULD own that V8 once in your lifetime.

Concerning the 135 .... meh, it's an engine present in a ton of other vehicules, what's the fun in that ?

[Chee_Dog]

M3 any day for me.

[David70]

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

Posting here since this seems to be more of an unbiased crowd, but I'd like your thoughts on 2013 135is with DCT (basically same as 2011+ but it comes with all the BMW Performance goodies - software, cooling, exhaust and aesthetics) vs a 2010 E90 M3. Call me crazy but I'm leaning towards the E82. I've always liked the 1 which puts me in the minority (but that's not surprising how I see think the E86 was one of the best designed cars).

I know the "is" is not the same as M but I view it as the equivalent of the ZHP trim. It's somewhat 'limited' but I view the 1 as the last of the driver's car that BMW has to offer. The benefit of going with the 2013 E82 is obviously (longer) warranty, less ownership costs compared to the M, and mpg. The benefit of the M would be 4 doors and performance differential.

Being that the 1 is in the last year of production, they actually have really good rebates & promotions. After everything said and done, I'm expecting to purchase at 14% below msrp. Both cars would put me in the low 40's range. I considered also just getting a CPO 2011 135i but if I were to add the same factory performance goodies (or at least the ones that matter), that puts me in the mid 30's and for 5-7k more, I'd rather have the 2 years of extra warranty.

M3 for me, better performance, better look, better sound, better engine. When I see or hear a 135is I can't tell the difference between it and a 128 without looking at the badge.

Also, when figuring ownership costs don't forget about depreciation. If they are roughly the same price now, I think in a couple of years the M3 will be worth a lot more than the 135is.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by David70

M3 for me, better performance, better look, better sound, better engine. When I see or hear a 135is I can't tell the difference between it and a 128 without looking at the badge.

Also, when figuring ownership costs don't forget about depreciation. If they are roughly the same price now, I think in a couple of years the M3 will be worth a lot more than the 135is.

Not the same price, but I can negotiate down on the 135is to the price of an 09 M3

[GriffBrew]

Why would the M3 be a four door? I'm curious because you're comparing to the two door 135.

Personally, I'd take the 135is over a coupe M3. I prefer the smaller size. To me, the reason for a 3-series is four doors. If you need those, it's obviously the m3

[GriffBrew]

Originally Posted by David70

When I see or hear a 135is I can't tell the difference between it and a 128 without looking at the badge.

If you see the badge, it's a 135is. If you see the grille, it must be a 128i.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by GriffBrew

Why would the M3 be a four door? I'm curious because you're comparing to the two door 135.

Personally, I'd take the 135is over a coupe M3. I prefer the smaller size. To me, the reason for a 3-series is four doors. If you need those, it's obviously the m3

It doesn't have to be but if I were to get a M3, I'd like the backseat and doors. I know it's not apples to apples.

[SCHMOUPE]

as a beater? family car? What's the occasion and application?

[udme86m]

M3 all the way - I get the appeal of the 1 (especially the M1). More of a car the way the 3 used to be. Blast to throw around the corners. But V8 M3 is one of the all time best. Agree it will hold value better. The M3 does come in 2 door.... Oddly just looked at BMWUSA.com and the M3 sedan is no longer an option to buy?

I feel BMW has been diluting their brand. Dulling out the 3 series, and splitting it between 1 and 4.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by SCHMOUPE

as a beater? family car? What's the occasion and application?

^ whs

The M3 is a bit of a boat, but hard to ignore that sweet v8.
I'm just not a big fan of FI. ....even though I own a Subi with FI

[David70]

Originally Posted by GriffBrew

If you see the badge, it's a 135is. If you see the grille, it must be a 128i.

With the M3 this will only be relevant when you want it to be.

[beta]

I do understand the dilemma. I'd also prefer the smaller car all things being even, but the sound of that V8 is hard to ignore.

You could always wait for the new M2 unless the purchase needs to happen soon.

[Finnegan]

Need to understand intended use and goals.

That aside, I've owned an E92 M3, and I've driven the 1M and the regular old 135i. The 1 series is just a lot more fun to drive. The car weighs less, has a lot more low-end torque, and the shorter wheelbase makes it more lively. The V8 is great, but you really need to wind it up given the relatively heavy car, and the car is so refined that unless your running at near felony speeds it really doesn't "feel" like you're going fast, well, to me at least. (But damn that V8 sounds good at WOT and high revs and pulls like it will go on well past the redline. It just keeps pulling.) The 1 series is more Z like, it's easy to have fun at lower speeds, and feel like the car is moving fast, and the low-end torque yields adds to that. That said, if you need 4 doors, the M3 is the way to go.

The N54 and N55 are fairly easy up tune up to 400 HP. The S65 is at max without adding a S/C. As far as mod/power it's easy to up the ante with FI.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Need to understand intended use and goals.

That aside, I've owned an E92 M3, and I've driven the 1M and the regular old 135i. The 1 series is just a lot more fun to drive. The car weighs less, has a lot more low-end torque, and the shorter wheelbase makes it more lively. The V8 is great, but you really need to wind it up given the relatively heavy car, and the car is so refined that unless your running at near felony speeds it really doesn't "feel" like you're going fast, well, to me at least. (But damn that V8 sounds good at WOT and high revs and pulls like it will go on well past the redline. It just keeps pulling.) The 1 series is more Z like, it's easy to have fun at lower speeds, and feel like the car is moving fast, and the low-end torque yields adds to that. That said, if you need 4 doors, the M3 is the way to go.

The N54 and N55 are fairly easy up tune up to 400 HP. The S65 is at max without adding a S/C. As far as mod/power it's easy to up the ante with FI.

All good points but I think Finn really captures what I'm getting it.

The primary purpose is to find a fun daily, nothing more, nothing less. For those who talk about how great the M3/S65 is, I totally agree. I was blown away when I got to take one out on the track last season. But for everyday driving, it just seems overkill. I intend on keeping the Z and making it a pure track car but the E82 in n54/55 trim just seems to have more usable power for everyday driving. I sorta equate it to when I had a Ducati Monster and a R6 Raven... The R6 was a better bike hands down, both handling and speed. But for everyday riding in the city, the low end torque of the v-twin was more fun to ride.

[gtMc]

Dan, if you are going to keep your Z, and knowing what I do about your taste in cars, I have a feeling you are going to like the 1 a little better. All the comments on this thread are spot on from folks, but here is the thing: you get the M3 (which WILL hold its value better then a new 1), then your Z will feel like it has bricks in its trunk everytime you drive it. Its just not nearly as powerful, as you know. (but yes that V8 is insanely intoxicating IMO2)

I drove a 1M, extremely hard one afternoon up in the Hudson valley. its not the same as a 135 clearly, but its still has that feel of nimbleness/lightness like our E86's do, and last I checked, you are doing anything you can to lighten up your car now.

I can see the argument on getting 4 doors. But you will have plenty of time in life for a 'Buick' if your family grows. Enjoy this time now and drive what you want.

[tikamak]

Originally Posted by DSC_OFF

Not the same price, but I can negotiate down on the 135is to the price of an 09 M3

that's an insult and a crime in many countries mate. watch it.

[Swashplate]

That V8 Sound good lord....

[dreamingat30fps]

128i 6spd save the rest of the cash for hookers and blow.