E46 M3 vs M135i

blee · 09-15-2016, 10:47 PM

I came across an M135i for sale the other day, and I saw that they're within a couple grand of a nice E46 M3. I remember the hubbub around the little 1 when it first came out...how have the years treated it? What's the one to own these days.

dan · 09-15-2016, 11:14 PM

I love my 135i. I would definitely take one over an old E46 M3

Josh (PA) · 09-16-2016, 12:58 AM

me too. Suggest an n55 equipped one just to minimize maintenance needs.

bren · 09-16-2016, 08:10 AM

Don't those have electric steering?

Ignoring the steering, and I'm guessing awful throttle response, I'd still at least budget in the extra $4k, or whatever for a diff in the 1'er.

wdc330i · 09-16-2016, 08:37 AM

My dealer has two used convertibles in stock that are a bit intriguing: a 2013 335is and a 135is. Hmmmm. Both have more mileage than my 2012 wagon, though. I have about 26k, and they are in the low 30s.

Josh (PA) · 09-16-2016, 09:29 AM

I'd be interested in your feedback if you drove them and compared them to your thoughts on the 2 and 4

@bren - it had hydraulic steering. More numb than the e46, similar maybe a little better than the e90

wdc330i · 09-16-2016, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh (PA)

I'd be interested in your feedback if you drove them and compared them to your thoughts on the 2 and 4

@bren - it had hydraulic steering. More numb than the e46, similar maybe a little better than the e90

Did you do the walnut blasting? Both the 335is and 135is are probably due.

Not sure if we will drive those. Spouse is on board with a convertible, but wants a level of luxury to it (spoiled by her X5 50i.) That argues for the 440i.

JST · 09-16-2016, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

My dealer has two used convertibles in stock that are a bit intriguing: a 2013 335is and a 135is. Hmmmm. Both have more mileage than my 2012 wagon, though. I have about 26k, and they are in the low 30s.

The 335is is an appealing car. That's one I'd definitely take a look at.

Josh (PA) · 09-16-2016, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdc330i

Did you do the walnut blasting? Both the 335is and 135is are probably due.

Not sure if we will drive those. Spouse is on board with a convertible, but wants a level of luxury to it (spoiled by her X5 50i.) That argues for the 440i.

I did walnut blasting, $500. Normally it isn't needed until 75K or so. I forgot the is cars were still the n54. By 2013, you'd hope BMW got the hpfp, wastegate rattle, injector failure and vanos issues under control on that engine, but i'd be hesitant.

Jeff_DML · 09-16-2016, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

The 335is is an appealing car. That's one I'd definitely take a look at.

09-15-2016, 10:47 PM	#1
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	E46 M3 vs M135i I came across an M135i for sale the other day, and I saw that they're within a couple grand of a nice E46 M3. I remember the hubbub around the little 1 when it first came out...how have the years treated it? What's the one to own these days.

09-15-2016, 11:14 PM	#2
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,896	I love my 135i. I would definitely take one over an old E46 M3 __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

09-16-2016, 12:58 AM	#3
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,531	me too. Suggest an n55 equipped one just to minimize maintenance needs. __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

09-16-2016, 09:29 AM	#6
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,531	I'd be interested in your feedback if you drove them and compared them to your thoughts on the 2 and 4 @bren - it had hydraulic steering. More numb than the e46, similar maybe a little better than the e90 __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

09-16-2016, 08:10 AM	#4
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	Don't those have electric steering? Ignoring the steering, and I'm guessing awful throttle response, I'd still at least budget in the extra $4k, or whatever for a diff in the 1'er.

09-16-2016, 08:37 AM	#5
wdc330i dogged Join Date: Dec 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '22 M440 xDrive GC Posts: 13,297	My dealer has two used convertibles in stock that are a bit intriguing: a 2013 335is and a 135is. Hmmmm. Both have more mileage than my 2012 wagon, though. I have about 26k, and they are in the low 30s.