135 or 335??

[tehwhiteegg]

Hey guys, I've recently been looking into purchasing a 135i or a 335 coupe. I was leaning on the 1 series because I have a soft spot for them. I was wondering if any of you guys who monitor the general thread have any tuned, modded, money invested into your 1's or 3's. As far as power goes once tuned / reflashed, are they pretty peppy vehicles? I'm carless as of late because someone who I was involved in an auto accident with totaled my mkv gti. I know a ton about vw's but am willing to give bmw a try. So just a general question, how do you guys lil your 1's and 3's? Do they have good potential? Worth every penny? please give me your thoughts guys, I'm going to need to make a buying decision rather soon. THANKS!

[sawan20]

335 is better then 135. Use it.

[ChristopherG]

Drive them both and decide from there. If it's your only car an awd 335 may be the better choice. I chose the 135 and don't regret it at all but 6" of snow is about the limit even with good snow tires.

[pbonsalb]

135 unless you want or need the space or 4 door or awd option of the 335. I have been driving rwd year round in NH for 20 years and have always been able to go wherever I need. I do run snow wheels in winter.

[Driftin E46]

All depends on how big of a car you want. I think the 1ers are perfect for every day, long as you don't have 3 passengers.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Really depends on size needs. Personally I don't like driving larger cars (as you can tell from my vehicle choices). But the 1 series has pretty poor rear seats. My 2 series is a bit better in the rear department compared to a 1, but not by much. In any case, the 335 will feel more refined on the inside compared with the 1.

[Colo Springs E]

The 1 is sort of funky looking to me... looks squished. But that's just a matter of personal preference.

[shiftmygears]

i don't like the look of the 135- too squished. liked the 335 more so got one.

[BimmerBreaker]

335 is better then 135. Use it.

If by better you mean heavier, slower, uglier, and bigger, then yes this is 100% true

[Luftwaffe1O1]

If by better you mean heavier, slower, uglier, and bigger, then yes this is 100% true

That's my thought too but gotta be optimistic.

[pbonsalb]

Most of that is indisputable fact, but the uglier part is subjective opinion. A 335i coupe can look very good.

[Luftwaffe1O1]

Most of that is indisputable fact, but the uglier part is subjective opinion. A 335i coupe can look very good.

Indeed, but in my case I have always really liked the 1 series looks.

[Zero4910]

All depends on what you want it for. 135 is more of a toy, not saying that the 335 couldn't be used as a toy. Just comes down to what you are gonna use it for.

[pbonsalb]

The 135i reminded me too much of my turbo E36 M3, which I was keeping, so I bought an E90 M3. I never described my E36 coupe as a toy until recently. I daily drove it for over 5 years. I would not call the 135i a toy.

[tehwhiteegg]

You guys are great. Thanks for all of your inputs. I've had a k04 gti up until now (carless; no thanks to the guy who destroyed my baby) and am buying a new car in the very near future. I love the looks on both vehicles too. As far as performance potential on a 1-10 scale, what would all you 135 & 335 owners say about the flashes, access ports etc. you have? I'm most likely going to modify the vehicle with most likely a nice set of wheels, suspension, tune, and supporting hardware. I'm looking for sort of a "total pkg" type coupe and thats why I'm leaning on a 1 or a 3. Do any of you guys have any suggestions/ complaints / concerns on the modify-able traits of these cars. I'm going to be doing all of the work as I did on my MKV which wasn't too difficult to work on. I'm leaning on either a 1, 3, or mmvi GLI. This is a picture of my mkv before the accident. I'm planning on the same kind of clean cut look on a bmw as well if I go that route. I like this topic. Throw anything out there that you guys know about these cars that you think I should be knowladgeable on. Thanks again guys!https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/1395243_10151645925390776_1713107259_n.jpg

[pbonsalb]

400 rwhp is relatively cheap. 600 rwhp is relatively expensive. Great cars. Buy a 2007-2010 with N54 motor. Add down pipes, intake, bigger intercooler, JB4 or AccessPort piggyback or tune, and meth injection.

[BimmerBreaker]

Drive both then decide what you like.

The available mods are the same for both cars because they have the same engines, obviously for the same power level the smaller/lighter 1 will be faster in a straight line but around a track many will argue the 3 is faster (I would say with a bit of work and some M3 bits the 1 is faster).

Even a 128i is a big step up from the GTi, a 135/335 is going to be a LOT of car coming from a GTi.

[E36BMW3series]

You will love the car. . . . . 300hp/300tq from the factory.

Play around with that until you get bored, spend another 1000-1500 and bump it up to 400whp.

I personally like the 1er with a manual the best. . . . but I'm not in a position to be a buyer. You are, so have fun. Drive both and see which one you really want.

[tehwhiteegg]

How come an n54 over a N55? From what I've been researching the n54 is a twin sequential (separate manifolds) and the N55 is a single sequential similar to like an old RX7? pbonsalb, easier tuning possibilities? Reliability? Not gonna lie, I'm looking into something brand new. Unfortunately you can only find N55 2007-2010 with higher mileage. What are the main reasons to get an n54 over an n55?

[pbonsalb]

N54 makes more power with the stock twin turbos (not sequential). Also more developed tuning options at present. Single turbo N55 can be modded as well but will make less power. On the other hand, it is newer. I'd go for a 2010 with N54 (last year of N54 in 135/335/535. N55 from 2011 on but when performance 1M came out it retained the N54 due to higher performance.

Not sure what to recommend among new or newer cars. Depends on price range. A new M3 or M4 would be nice, but I can't afford one. A used 1M would be fun. A new M235i looks good. E9x M3 are dropping in price but not fuel efficient and don't have the torque of a turbo (I like mine and modded it a bit). You could mod an Evo or STI.

[tehwhiteegg]

I can't justify spending 40k on a suburu or evo. Just won't do it. Plus... EVERYBODY HAS THEM LOL :) I'm thinking of a 1, 3, or mvi gli. No matter what I decide on, it will be on a digital air ride setup, a nice set of bbs, and a mild tune / reflash to put it over that 400 who # (more than enough power for me:), and supporting hardware. Reason why I'm interested in a 1 or a 3 is that they have crazy potential and are super appealing to the eye. You said you had a turbid e36? Now that's gotta be a blast to drive!

[pbonsalb]

With a 2008-2010, you can get 375 rwhp with nothing more than a $500 JB4. Look up Burger Tuning and spend some time on N54tech.com.

The turbo E36 M3 is fun. Makes about 550 rwhp. Has done over 127 in the quarter and I think it has a little more left in it.

[10splaya22]

With a 2008-2010, you can get 375 rwhp with nothing more than a $500 JB4. Look up Burger Tuning and spend some time on N54tech.com.

The turbo E36 M3 is fun. Makes about 550 rwhp. Has done over 127 in the quarter and I think it has a little more left in it.

You need more than a JB4 for 375 whp. Add downpipes and intake to that as well

[tehwhiteegg]

Just put a deposit down on an n55 135i!!!