better back road car: 135is or M3

sukotto · 11-16-2015, 01:53 PM

I am still doing research, and was leaning heavily toward getting an E92 M3 or waiting till an M2 came out. But what about the 135is? I don't track, this will be a back road car, not insane speeds, weekend car, fun daily driver. I tried out an E92 M3 the other day, DCT, and the dealership was in the center of the city, so no spirited driving. But it felt pretty lifeless around town. I wonder if the same feeling will apply if I am on back roads with posted 15-20mph speed limits, and I should be looking at the lighter 135is?

Note: the 135is will get coilovers at the minimum if I go that route.

vsix · 11-16-2015, 02:02 PM

M3

ResoKP · 11-16-2015, 02:07 PM

M3

BimmerRookie · 11-16-2015, 02:08 PM

Depends on how much you're willing to spend...remember, the M3 comes with the associated "once-was" $75k car maintenance...so don't under-estimate that. If you don't need the M3, don't force yourself to consider it as you might regret it.

davesaddiction · 11-16-2015, 02:10 PM

Test drive one with a manual and keep the revs above 3500. Report back if still feels "lifeless".

davesaddiction · 11-16-2015, 02:16 PM

15-20 mph speed limits, or 15-20 mph rated curves (yellow signs)? If the latter, the M3 will be right at home, taking those corners at x2 +5 or 10!

RaidersFan · 11-16-2015, 02:29 PM

I drove a 135is, fun car!

RaidersFan · 11-16-2015, 02:31 PM

Used to own a 2011 135i, and what I noticed was it was very fun in daily use situations, quick, agile, great low RPM torque. No slouch. The M3 I have tested (a buddy's 2008) was a different beast, it required speed and technical roads to come alive, and high RPM's. In the right environment, was unbeatable. But, I think for everyday driving, the 135i had more of the go-kart feel that makes zipping around traffic and side streets a whole lot of fun. Different cars.

vsix · 11-16-2015, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgcatching

Used to own a 2011 135i, and what I noticed was it was very fun in daily use situations, quick, agile, great low RPM torque. No slouch. The M3 I have tested (a buddy's 2008) was a different beast, it required speed and technical roads to come alive, and high RPM's. In the right environment, was unbeatable. But, I think for everyday driving, the 135i had more of the go-kart feel that makes zipping around traffic and side streets a whole lot of fun. Different cars.

135's definately no slouch...but you know...beeing in the market for an M, that should be a no brainer!
pork meat vs. filet mignon
Feel me?

hlmiii · 11-16-2015, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sukotto

I tried out an E92 M3 the other day ... But it felt pretty lifeless around town.

Your reaction definitely has some basis.

Every car has at least one weakness - nothing can be great at everything.
The E9X series has a wonderful engine and has little competition among street cars from ~4,000 rpm/35 mph and up. Once in its best range it is quick and unreservedly fun.

BUT - until then it can feel sluggish and a little frustrating, especially compared to small, turbo-driven BMW's. The car is not comfortable or happy in stop, start, slow-speed driving and the DCT adds to that quality. A manual transmission helps, but the engine and its gearing are just not designed for quick 0 - 30 jumps.

You really need to find a 135 DCT and drive it for comparison. Absent that - find a 335 with DCT. Both of these have a turbocharge(s) set up that provides the torque and quickness down low that the M3 can't have. Of course ... they don't perform like the M3 at high speeds on the highways/back roads.

Figure out how you will be using the car. Don't listen to the M3 fans OR the anti-turbo crowd OR anyone else. Do what feels good to you on a daily basis, not what the numbers and peers say.

(I've owned and continue to own several M3's of all generations and transmissions and like(d) them all. I've also owned some 135's, 128's and 335's and liked all of them. No criticism is delivered in the above - just a description.)

jphughan · 11-16-2015, 06:41 PM

M3 will be better, but you'll be leaving a lot of its potential and fun value untapped by never tracking it, so you'll be paying a lot for a car you're not fully using -- not that you'll be anything close to alone in that regard of course. 135is will be better bang for the buck though based on your usage. M2 may well be your best bet if you can get one even though you'll still have untapped potential, but of course it's not available yet so can't say for sure.

Or just decide to check out the track! You can always attend an event as a spectator to catch rides, which is usually very inexpensive.

And coilovers on a non-track car? You'll be able to go faster and have more fun if you put those dollars toward learning how to use the hardware already on the car.

jester17 · 11-16-2015, 06:51 PM

Owned a 2011 135i MSport DCT for about two years... currently have a 2009 E93 M.

Loved the 135i -- wouldn't go back, though.

Flying Ace · 11-16-2015, 06:52 PM

m3post will say M3.

You know the car that would feel awesome "around town"? An X5d.

MachinesWithSouls · 11-16-2015, 08:20 PM

Just like, get an M2 man. Best of your combined worlds.

Longboarder · 11-16-2015, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoManyBlueCars

Just like, get an M2 man. Best of your combined worlds.

Agree with this.

scrammer · 11-17-2015, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Test drive one [E9x M3] with a manual and keep the revs above 3500. Report back if still feels "lifeless".

I let my brother (STI owner) drive my car a few weeks ago. Every shift was at 4k rpm and he was okay with it all.

I asked him to pull over and have a look at the tach … "Do you see the 8k+ red-line? … lets get there!"

Two minutes later … "I get it bro - this car is awesome - I get it now!"

scrammer · 11-17-2015, 12:33 AM

Both the M3 and the 1M are great cars … but the 135is is not in this league !!!

GVIFlyer · 11-17-2015, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sukotto

I am still doing research, and was leaning heavily toward getting an E92 M3 or waiting till an M2 came out. But what about the 135is? I don't track, this will be a back road car, not insane speeds, weekend car, fun daily driver. I tried out an E92 M3 the other day, DCT, and the dealership was in the center of the city, so no spirited driving. But it felt pretty lifeless around town. I wonder if the same feeling will apply if I am on back roads with posted 15-20mph speed limits, and I should be looking at the lighter 135is?

Note: the 135is will get coilovers at the minimum if I go that route.

What do you mean lighter? The BMW 135is weighs 3,373 to 3,638 lbs.

davesaddiction · 11-17-2015, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scrammer

Quote:

Originally Posted by davesaddiction

Test drive one [E9x M3] with a manual and keep the revs above 3500. Report back if still feels "lifeless".

I let my brother (STI owner) drive my car a few weeks ago. Every shift was at 4k rpm and he was okay with it all.

I asked him to pull over and have a look at the tach … "Do you see the 8k+ red-line? … lets get there!"

Two minutes later … "I get it bro - this car is awesome - I get it now!"

Hahaha - yes!

Very hard for people to get past their preconceived notions of when to shift and how many revs to carry.

Thik · 11-18-2015, 06:20 PM

The 135 no question. End of story.

The HACK · 11-18-2015, 06:29 PM

Neither. It's an E92 328i as evident by this:

Eau Rouge · 11-18-2015, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GVFlyer

What do you mean lighter? The BMW 135is weighs 3,373 to 3,638 lbs.

That's one chubby M3.

11-16-2015, 01:53 PM	#1
sukotto Private 41 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: NE Washington State iTrader: (0)	better back road car: 135is or M3 I am still doing research, and was leaning heavily toward getting an E92 M3 or waiting till an M2 came out. But what about the 135is? I don't track, this will be a back road car, not insane speeds, weekend car, fun daily driver. I tried out an E92 M3 the other day, DCT, and the dealership was in the center of the city, so no spirited driving. But it felt pretty lifeless around town. I wonder if the same feeling will apply if I am on back roads with posted 15-20mph speed limits, and I should be looking at the lighter 135is? Note: the 135is will get coilovers at the minimum if I go that route.
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11-16-2015, 02:02 PM	#2
vsix Lieutenant Colonel 602 Rep 1,611 Posts Drives: M3 E92 sold, M4 F82 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	M3
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11-16-2015, 02:07 PM	#3
ResoKP Private 29 Rep 72 Posts Drives: E93 M3 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	M3 __________________ E93 M3 - 6MT - Alpine White/Extended Fox Red - Garage Queen RSX Type-S - Premium White Pearl - Garage Queen Public Transit - Daily Driver
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11-16-2015, 02:08 PM	#4
BimmerRookie Major 469 Rep 1,320 Posts Drives: E93 Cavalier Z24 M3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Depends on how much you're willing to spend...remember, the M3 comes with the associated "once-was" $75k car maintenance...so don't under-estimate that. If you don't need the M3, don't force yourself to consider it as you might regret it.
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11-16-2015, 02:10 PM	#5
davesaddiction is fast cars 391 Rep 2,137 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3 6MT SSII BPM Stg II Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	Test drive one with a manual and keep the revs above 3500. Report back if still feels "lifeless". __________________ Daddy's Rocket Sled! Clarkson: "It is... pretty much perfect... Why don't I have one of these cars?" Harris: "The saloon is definitely the M3 of choice."
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11-16-2015, 02:16 PM	#6
davesaddiction is fast cars 391 Rep 2,137 Posts Drives: '08 E90 M3 6MT SSII BPM Stg II Join Date: May 2012 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	15-20 mph speed limits, or 15-20 mph rated curves (yellow signs)? If the latter, the M3 will be right at home, taking those corners at x2 +5 or 10! __________________ Daddy's Rocket Sled! Clarkson: "It is... pretty much perfect... Why don't I have one of these cars?" Harris: "The saloon is definitely the M3 of choice."
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11-16-2015, 02:29 PM	#7
RaidersFan First Lieutenant 94 Rep 356 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pac NW iTrader: (0)	I drove a 135is, fun car!
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11-16-2015, 02:31 PM	#8
RaidersFan First Lieutenant 94 Rep 356 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pac NW iTrader: (0)	Used to own a 2011 135i, and what I noticed was it was very fun in daily use situations, quick, agile, great low RPM torque. No slouch. The M3 I have tested (a buddy's 2008) was a different beast, it required speed and technical roads to come alive, and high RPM's. In the right environment, was unbeatable. But, I think for everyday driving, the 135i had more of the go-kart feel that makes zipping around traffic and side streets a whole lot of fun. Different cars.
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11-16-2015, 06:41 PM	#11
jphughan Brigadier General 594 Rep 4,488 Posts Drives: '16 Cayman GT4 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	M3 will be better, but you'll be leaving a lot of its potential and fun value untapped by never tracking it, so you'll be paying a lot for a car you're not fully using -- not that you'll be anything close to alone in that regard of course. 135is will be better bang for the buck though based on your usage. M2 may well be your best bet if you can get one even though you'll still have untapped potential, but of course it's not available yet so can't say for sure. Or just decide to check out the track! You can always attend an event as a spectator to catch rides, which is usually very inexpensive. And coilovers on a non-track car? You'll be able to go faster and have more fun if you put those dollars toward learning how to use the hardware already on the car. __________________ '16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up) Gone but not forgotten: '11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans \| Black Nov w/ Alum \| 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
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11-16-2015, 06:51 PM	#12
jester17 First Lieutenant 51 Rep 323 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 M Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Elizabethtown, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Owned a 2011 135i MSport DCT for about two years... currently have a 2009 E93 M. Loved the 135i -- wouldn't go back, though.
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11-16-2015, 06:52 PM	#13
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4987 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	m3post will say M3. You know the car that would feel awesome "around town"? An X5d. __________________ 22 Phytonic/Coffee X5 45e (CoVID-free) 08 Speed Yellow 911 GT3 Sharkwerks 12 AW/Cinnamon X5d Sports Pkg (retired) 14 AW/Beige M6GC ZCP, MPE, V2 steering wheel, vorsteiner (retired) 08 SSII/Black E90 M3 (retired)
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11-16-2015, 08:20 PM	#14
MachinesWithSouls Colonel 4846 Rep 2,445 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [10.00]	Just like, get an M2 man. Best of your combined worlds. __________________ 2022 M3 6MT - Portimao Blue Metallic 2022 X3 M40i - Tanzanite Blue Metallic
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11-17-2015, 12:33 AM	#17
scrammer Captain 423 Rep 735 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Ultimate Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: BC - Canada iTrader: (0)	Both the M3 and the 1M are great cars … but the 135is is not in this league !!! __________________ Current ///M: 2017 M3 Ultimate Past ///M Cars: E92 M3 ZCP 'CDN LRP' … E85 Z4M-R ... E92 M3 ZCP Frozen ... E90 M3 ... E46 M3 Cab ... E46 M3 ZCP ... E46 M3
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11-18-2015, 06:20 PM	#20
Thik First Lieutenant 141 Rep 371 Posts Drives: 2010 Space Grey E92 M3 6spd Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	The 135 no question. End of story. __________________ Check out my YouTube channel chronicling all the driving fun in my E92 M3!
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11-18-2015, 06:29 PM	#21
The HACK Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class 1821 Rep 5,337 Posts Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day iTrader: (1)	Neither. It's an E92 328i as evident by this: __________________ Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
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