[ikonic]

Long and short of it, the dealer is offering a reasonably attractive deal on a new M135i (think there's a bit more movement to come) to get me out of my current 328i M-Sport.

It'd be a 8 Spd Auto M135i (no other options) versus my quite high spec (pro nav etc. but manual) 328i.

If I'm being honest, I'm a little bit bored of the 328i (coming from always owning hot hatches, it seems a bit sensible) yet at same time I'm a bit unsure of taking a drop in perceived quality and spec.....

And then there's the questionable looks....

Practicality wise, they're reasonably similar and MPG isn't that far apart to make a massive difference, so its pure performance versus a bit more luxury?

Will probably grab a drive this weekend, anyone driven both and care to share?


So simple question.... which would you guys rather own?

[gtsussex]

One big difference between 1 and 3 is in back space. Did look at M135i as low cost option BUT no way could I get the kids in the back with their Recaro kiddy seats - their feet were pushing the front seats. Ruled it out for me but clearly had a quick test drive BEFORE I found out the inevitable. Goes rather well...

[Steve C]

If you don't need the space of the 3er, go for the 1er.

[PrinceBarin]

The 135i will be an epic drive, no question. How 'poverty spec' is it? Presumably the std spec for a 135i is pretty good? If not, I'd question it as a daily driver. Once the novelty of the drive has worn off (accepting that may not happen!) you may regret losing all your gadgets.

[JustChris]

M135i in heartbeat. No question.

Also the manual for sure. Might save some more or have some other options without the sport auto? Superb drivers car and IMO quite a looker really, stealthy not like a full on M3.

[ikonic]

It'd be the 5dr model I'm looking at - at then moment I don't have kids, but with getting married later this year, I'm realistic enough to accept it as a possibility!

I had a brief sit in the back of the 5dr, it didn't actually strike me as being that much smaller than the 3er, but then again I know nothing about kid's seats etc. so might be another issue potentially.

The boot seemed fine and presumably the back seats fold down as standard (something I miss in the 3er, especially when you've come out of ikea without giving much thought to transporting your purchase!)

Basic spec is not bad really, you do get leather and xenons as standard, so it's mainly the pro nav which I'd be forgoing from the 328i. I'll miss the widescreen and the associated toys, but am sure a TomTom will be able to do the trick.

As for manual vs auto, my current 328i is manual and whilst its nice, I did quite enjoy the recent 320d hire car I had use of which was auto with the sport paddles. It certainly made for a relaxing commute as well.

Maybe the novelty will wear off, but from all the reviews, I've heard nothing but good things about the 8 spd.

More thinking and youtube vids needed i think....

[dopper99]

Watch the Chris Harris test on the M135i on Youtube, then you'll know why you want one.

[ikonic]

Originally Posted by dopper99

Watch the Chris Harris test on the M135i on Youtube, then you'll know why you want one.

Watched it last night already the one versus the RS3?


I'm pretty sure I want one.... just trying to weigh up if its a sensible move from the 328....


In the vids, it certainly sounds tastier than the 328i engine....

[Pablo68]

Neither...

...335i. Pretty much par performance with an M135i yet all the space and lux of a 3er.

[Apl440i or 335d?]

M135i all day long! 100%

[Tengocity]

Why no options or extras on the M135i?

I'm looking at the M135i as a replacement for our Z4, as the other half wants back seats in our second car, it didn't sound like the discounts were all that great at the moment- £1500 BMW deposit contribution, 4.9% plus whatever dealer discount you could negotiate... how does your offer compare?

If I could have the some extras on the M135i then I'd take it over a 328i any day of the week.

[Paular]

Test drove a M135i, loved the drive, noise, etc.

Except I found it a bit cramped inside, and mindful that my daily commute could increase from 15 to 95mile round trip within the next 12 months I played it safe with the 335d. (wanted to to stick with AWD too)

However if you dont need the space and dont do big miles or care about fuel costs then the M135i would be my shout.

That said, I would dig deep for a decent spec, certainly Pro Media as a minimum.

[ikonic]

Funnily enough, I'm doing a 100 mile round commute a day now (but occasionally work from home etc.), but as mentioned, I didn't really find the 1er noticeably more cramped than the 3.

No options really (aside from Auto and heated seats) mainly due to me wanting to reduce costs and getting my monthlies down.

Tengocity - my deal is a bit strange as its complicated by fact my 328i is in negative equity (easily worst car I've owned for depreciation.... no one seems to want a 3 on the used market that isn't a diesel!).

If you factor in what the 328i is being valued at (versus other part ex offers I've had) its equivalent to about £4k discount plus 4.5% APR... but its a complex situation and I dont think the numbers necessarily stack up the same with no part-ex.

[F30AM]

If you don't need the space, then M135i without a shadow of a doubt.

[RobUK]

Have to admit I'm currently looking at moving from the 328i to the M235i (prefer the looks of the 2 vs. the 1) although also being tempted with the S5 Sportback (horror or horrors as it's an Audi!).

If I wanted more 'chuckability' and outright acceleration from a car then it would be the M135i over the 328i any day, question is on today's pot-holed, traffic-clogged, camera-infested roads is that really the way to go? If it's space, refinement, looks or build quality (Which or WhatCar did a 1 Series vs 3 Series comparison on build quality and the 3 Series won) then the 328i takes it for me. Also by switching then presumably you'll get the depreciation hit all over again.

That said, drive the M135i and if your loins like it, go for it!

[DazC]

I cancelled an M135i order and placed an order for the 335d.

Great little motor and can be relatively economical when needed.

I would look over at the M135i forum on www.babybmw.net

Has massive tuning potential too. I would personally have one over a 328i.

[Paular]

Originally Posted by ikonic

Funnily enough, I'm doing a 100 mile round commute a day now (but occasionally work from home etc.), but as mentioned, I didn't really find the 1er noticeably more cramped than the 3.

No options really (aside from Auto and heated seats) mainly due to me wanting to reduce costs and getting my monthlies down.

Tengocity - my deal is a bit strange as its complicated by fact my 328i is in negative equity (easily worst car I've owned for depreciation.... no one seems to want a 3 on the used market that isn't a diesel!).

If you factor in what the 328i is being valued at (versus other part ex offers I've had) its equivalent to about £4k discount plus 4.5% APR... but its a complex situation and I dont think the numbers necessarily stack up the same with no part-ex.

I ran a 118d pool car for a couple of weeks prior to the 335d arriving and it confirmed to me that I made the right decision, purely from lack of cabin space (actual or perceived).

Might have been braver and took a punt on the 1er had the little one been still a toddler but with her being nigh on a teenager (+friend) and small adult size, me being 6ft1" and 16odd stone, add in a boot full of work PPE, laptop bag, gym bag etc.. (oh, and wife) the car got `full` very easily.

The 3er copes with this treatment easier in my eye.

Could have certainly lived with a 1er if I had too, but I reckon the space compromise would have worn thin after a while and I didn't want to be chopping it in earlier than planned.

Again, if you don't find space an issue than I would go for it.

[ikonic]

Well I went to the dealer this morning to test the M135i; was a bit taken aback that he trusted me enough to just throw me the keys and said "can you bring back in an hour please for the next customer".


Wow! The engine is a stonker. Coupled with the 8 spd auto it put a grin on my face immediately. Obviously roads were wet this morning, but car was surprisingly grippy although things got predictably lairy on full throttle moments.

Certainly getting back into my 328i later, it all felt a bit limp.

One thing I was a bit unsure was the noise. On first impression I thought it sounded great, but later when I opened the windows, I was shocked that I couldn't really hear much from the engine. Does the M135i have a sound synthesiser like the M5?


Anyway, long and short of it........ I PULLED THE TRIGGER AND DID THE DEAL!

Gone for a 5 door, alpine white, 8 Spd Sport Auto, Driver Comfort pack and heated seats.

Also went for coral red leather just like my current stead


Roll on March......!

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by ikonic

Well I went to the dealer this morning to test the M135i; was a bit taken aback that he trusted me enough to just throw me the keys and said "can you bring back in an hour please for the next customer".


Wow! The engine is a stonker. Coupled with the 8 spd auto it put a grin on my face immediately. Obviously roads were wet this morning, but car was surprisingly grippy although things got predictably lairy on full throttle moments.

Certainly getting back into my 328i later, it all felt a bit limp.

One thing I was a bit unsure was the noise. On first impression I thought it sounded great, but later when I opened the windows, I was shocked that I couldn't really hear much from the engine. Does the M135i have a sound synthesiser like the M5?


Anyway, long and short of it........ I PULLED THE TRIGGER AND DID THE DEAL!

Gone for a 5 door, alpine white, 8 Spd Sport Auto, Driver Comfort pack and heated seats.

Also went for coral red leather just like my current stead


Roll on March......!

Nice one!

I might pop down the dealer today and see if I can get a test drive in one actually!

[focal]

Congrats on the switch. Always get the car you love and mods you want before you get married. All bets are off afterwards. Besides you don't want to make financial changes until consulting. The house, kids and all their associated costs seem to have priority. Rightfully so too.

[DazC]

It does have a sound symposer mate.

[JustChris]

Congrats, the right choice IMO. Yes there is an engine acoustic thing through the speakers in M1/235i. How long is your wait now?