Hey guys,

I've been looking around trying to purchase a new car within the $30k-40k price range. I've been looking at getting either an Evo X or a 335 over the past few weeks but I just recently stumbled across the 135i.

I googled some forums and there have been some people bashing the 135i and saying "Get the 3 instead". They both have the same engine and the only difference is size. I like the 135 and am leaning towards that one but I'm not sure if there's anything I'm overseeing in the 335i. Like performance, feel, and ultimate potential.

 

ultimately, it appears that the overall delineating factor comes down to personal taste in aesthetics, and maybe to a point practicality. the performance from what i can tell is about the same, as are the problems associated with the n54 motor. for me, i would have been ok with a 135, but i just like the looks of the 335 coupe so much better, plus i had to be able to get my kids in the back seat from time to time and it was pretty cramped in the 135.

other than that, without consulting google i'd say the figures are pretty similar performance-wise, and most of the parts are interchangeable, with the obvious exception of exhaust, suspension, etc. they're both engineered to the same ridiculously high standards to handle well, so you may or may not notice the weight/size difference... again, the actual numbers will probably be very similar. i think, if anything, what the 335 has going for it is generations of engineering and improvement going into it... the 1 series is still a relatively new platform, although it's been in europe for a little longer than the us now...

either way, i don't think you'll be disappointed. educate yourself on the issues with the n54 though; i.e., hpfp and fuel system before pulling the trigger though, for peace of mind's sake.

 

The 3-series have a better suspension design from what I remember. 1-series is lighter, smaller, with a better power to weight ratio generally. I personally see the 3-series as the better performance car, even if it is larger and heavier.

The 135i is kind of like the Civic of the BMW lineup. Cheaper and accessible to more people, but not really the most sophisticated car.

 

If you buy the 1 series, take the 50lbs of ballast out of the rear bumper and put in an aftermarket suspension so it handles better than stock even without the ballast. As they come, they plow a little, and if you take the ballast out they realllly plow. It's the damn staggered tire setup, but reports are that the aftermarket suspensions fix this.

Honestly though, will you be driving this thing at 10/10? Because if not, I say just buy the one that is more appealing to you (I know I find the 1 more appealing than the 3).

 

I'm not a big fan of the 135i's looks, but the owners over at bimmerfest seem to really like their cars. I'm waiting to see if the N55 is more reliable than the N54 before I move to an x35i - but when I do I'll be cross shopping both the 1 and 3 series.

 

I say go for it, the 1 series is lighter, cheaper, and has the same engine. Not a fan of the looks but based purely on performance I'd say 135i, if it's looks I say 335i. But either of these options will be pushing your budget, have you considered looking at the used car market? There's a lot of good stuff out there for that money (Vipers, 911s, M5s). A lot of people overlook used cars but there's a lot of good stuff out there right now especially in this market.

 

What are you looking for in your next car?

 

had a 135i, and have extensively driven the 335i. as someone accurately pointed out above, you aren't going to drive the car at 10/10...ever, in all likelihood. the 335 is the better all around car stock for stock...but once you start modifying, the 135i takes the lead. i loved mine, but hated it. BMW design, BMW reliability.

^ and what he said.

 

I was in the same predicament as you. I have driven both and the 135i seems lighter but nothing to go crazy over. I eventually went with a 07 335i due to those extra doors.

 

I thought the price difference was fairly small between the 135 and 335. I think I remember reading that the 135 was pretty heavy too. It's not the "light weight" people think it is compared to the 335.

For my money, 335 would be the only option.