[j4ck100]

Hi All,

I currently own an E46 M-Sport Saloon 330d. It's fast in a straight line as it has been remapped, but after driving some friends cars, I have come to realise that in the corners, she is a bit of a barge (1650KG and an anvil in the front!). My friends and I are planning a big european road trip encompassing the Nurburgring in the summer, and my 330d just is not suitable for this, so shortly it will be time to say goodbye.

I have always fancied the "35i" engine, and I am now torn between the E82 (135i Coupe) and the M135i.

So, my question is, to what degree does the M135i handle better than the 135i coupe - as I understand they both have the same poke - and N54/N55 engines are both good albeit N54 can be unreliable when it comes to Turbo's etc - comments here appreciated to.

I have heard reports that the 135i can tend to under-steer due to thinner tyres at the front?

Would love to hear from anyone who has driven both or anyones thoughts in general

Many thanks, soon to be babybmw owner

Jack

 

[Ian83w]

Well I have a n54 135i by far the best car I've had and the fastest I was coming bk from the metro on Sunday and had a 530d trying to race me. All I will say it didn't end well for him lol. Mine standard but not for much longer mhd. Bov intercooler,and downpipes already to go on then should be in excess off 400bhp. So should be fairly sharp. I can't say about the newer m135i but I no a few members have tinkered with there's so I'm sure they will be along soon to give there feedback. But welcome and let the fun begin with ever which one you choose I'm sure you will have a lot of fun in either

 

[MrMalone]

On paper, the 135i is a bit slower to 60, slightly less bhp, less economical and higher co2 and therefore road tax than the M135i. Not sure how this translates into the real world - I'm guessing there's not really much in it and it'll come down to coupe vs hatch and what you'd prefer.

Sorry - I realise this probably doesn't help too much! - All I can say is, the 3.0l straight six is glorious and I doubt you'll be disappointed either way!

 

[Mr Pitt]

I think it will come down to your personal preference, your lifestyle, practicality, what you see as more aesthetically pleasing, what you want to achieve with the car etc - For me the bigger question would be do I want a coupe or hatchback, not which one will very slightly handle better on the first corner at the Nurburgring, unless you plan on many many track days, then I would make the decision based on looks and lifestyle.

 

[GeeRam]

I think it will come down to your personal preference, your lifestyle, practicality, what you see as more aesthetically pleasing, what you want to achieve with the car etc - For me the bigger question would be do I want a coupe or hatchback, not which one will very slightly handle better on the first corner at the Nurburgring, unless you plan on many many track days, then I would make the decision based on looks and lifestyle.

^This.......plus maybe the decision, as you are coming from an older gen E46, do you want proper hydraulic power steering or are you happy with new tech electric steering, as the E82 135i has the former and the M135/M235 has the electric type.
The electric steering was one of the main reasons I kept my E82 135i instead of changing to a newer M235, as I wasn't keen on the electric steering.

 

[jonwilli]

Same as all of the above comments, another consideration may be DCT versus ZF eight speed auto if you're not looking for a manual.