1 Series performance vs. 3 Series

[MrOffshore]

Curious what some of you think about the new 135 vs the 335. Being slightly lighter is out-accelerates the 335 while it costs less money it is considered an entry level car. Should BMW be offering this kind of performance in their entry level car at a lower MSRP than the 3 Series.

The argument stands true for the 5 Series too, as it is heavier and slower than the (at one time) entry level 3 Series (all having the same engine). I appreciate BMW maximizing this phenominal engine in all three models, but rue the day when some punk pulls up in his chipped 135 and spanks me.

What are your opinions?

[GEN3RIC]

You could probably attribute your X-Drive to losing too. :dunno The 135 still isn't cheap, at all, so I wouldn't feel bad if I were you.

[NCMINIGUY]

The one series is the enthusiast car of the two. The three is as big as the last five.

[MrOffshore]

You could probably attribute your X-Drive to losing too. :dunno The 135 still isn't cheap, at all, so I wouldn't feel bad if I were you.

The xdrive posts faster 0-60 times than a standard 335i...unless a 135 is chipped I don't think I would lose the battle...I'm running JB2R and have to say that I am pretty impressed with it.

My questioning this is more along where the thought process came from BMW to make their lesser expensive cars faster than their more expensive cars...I understand the enthusiast appeal of the one series, but don't really think it's any sportier than a 3 series...afterall they don't have an "M" yet. My thought is that a 535 is a quick car...you pay a lot for it...then you look at the lineup and the 335 is faster for less money...then look further down the line and the 135 is even faster yet...all while spending less money.

It's understandable when you get into the 7 series as it has more a luxury status nature to it than the 1, 3 or 5...I would just think some guy who spends the extra coin for a five will be bummed when I smoke him at a redlight (hypothetically that is as I don't really race people) and the same is true when a 1 series would smoke a 3.

I can't think of many other car makers that have a model lineup that does that...I'm sure there are some but I think they are more clearly defined as sportier car vs. luxury car...not both being labeled as sportier cars. Man I am just rambling here....sorry.

[Corky71]

I think the performance is close enough so that's it's not really a big deal. Besides speed isn't everything. No offense to 1 series owners but that thing is brutally ugly IMO.

[Danny 335i]

I test drove a 135i step the other day along with an M3.That 135 took off like a rocket ship when flooring it from a roll or just cruising between 35-45.When it kicks down it feels faster than the last 335 step i drove.Felt faster off the line to 70 also.

[Christos]

Curious what some of you think about the new 135 vs the 335. Being slightly lighter is out-accelerates the 335 while it costs less money it is considered an entry level car. Should BMW be offering this kind of performance in their entry level car at a lower MSRP than the 3 Series.

The argument stands true for the 5 Series too, as it is heavier and slower than the (at one time) entry level 3 Series (all having the same engine). I appreciate BMW maximizing this phenominal engine in all three models, but rue the day when some punk pulls up in his chipped 135 and spanks me.

What are your opinions?

Repost:

I was so anxious to drive and buy a new 135i over the past few months that it drove me crazy, but then test drove it 3 times. For some unexplained reason it just didn't click with me. I really thought I was going to love the power, smaller dimensions and basic rawness of it, but I didn’t.

So, I test drove the 335i coupe and it was immediately apparent to me, that the 335i was such a superior car in many ways e.g., drivability, refinement, power train tuning, higher quality feel throughout and looks by far. Plus, when I priced out a fully loaded 135i, it drove the price of the car to $46,500 and would have to pay list price. So I trade my 328xi sedan in for a fully loaded 335i coupe for $48k, $1,500 more than the 135i. That’s unbelievable. A heavily optioned 135i is not cheap

So my new 335i coupe, which by the way, I’m loving, is so different on so many levels than the 328xi sedan, it would take too much space to explain. This car is amazing period.

__________________

[Jed]

Curious what some of you think about the new 135 vs the 335. Being slightly lighter is out-accelerates the 335 while it costs less money it is considered an entry level car. Should BMW be offering this kind of performance in their entry level car at a lower MSRP than the 3 Series.

The argument stands true for the 5 Series too, as it is heavier and slower than the (at one time) entry level 3 Series (all having the same engine). I appreciate BMW maximizing this phenominal engine in all three models, but rue the day when some punk pulls up in his chipped 135 and spanks me.

What are your opinions?

If that's your concern, you should've bought a Vette. People that buy 335s are looking for a different car than the 1 series target market (despite the close price points). They're looking for a little more luxury, comfort and space vs a sportier enthusiast oriented car.

Besides, with your X-Drive you'd have the initial advantage of the hole shot off the line. Get the jump on him and then get off the gas and hit your flashers. :D

[deems]

Curious what some of you think about the new 135 vs the 335. Being slightly lighter is out-accelerates the 335 while it costs less money it is considered an entry level car. Should BMW be offering this kind of performance in their entry level car at a lower MSRP than the 3 Series.

The argument stands true for the 5 Series too, as it is heavier and slower than the (at one time) entry level 3 Series (all having the same engine). I appreciate BMW maximizing this phenominal engine in all three models, but rue the day when some punk pulls up in his chipped 135 and spanks me.

What are your opinions?

I think BMW's strategy makes perfect sense.

Most people buys cars with many different factors in mind. Performance is important to most BMW buyers, but so is size, handling, ride, quietness, braking, price, looks, luxury, comfort and many other factors.

So why not put the N54 in a 1, 3 and 5? It will be the quickest in the 1, but the 1 is too small for many buyers and it only comes in a coupe. The 335 is still a rocket ship even though it's larger and heavier and the 535 is no slouch at 0-60 in 5.6 sec.

Enthusiasts that follow this forum are more interested in maximum power than most BMW buyers. It would be interesting to find out what percentage of BMW owners follow this and similar forums.

[Blue330i2006]

One performance factor I noticed today at the dealership is the 135 is just waaaay too small. So short, No back seat. Entry level, HAHA as somebody just married and a child seat in the back ok, but 3 years later and still making payments and kid is out of car seat. Way to small, For what you have to pay for the 135, and you have a family, buy a 328 and enjoy.
Now if you are single and want a small car that will run. get it and strip the interior. But remember it is a single person's car.

[335e92tx]

Car and driver has the 135 at about 120lbs lighter and .2 quicker 0-60 and just .1 faster in the 1/4. At most, 1 car length. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/bmw_performance_m_power/2008_bmw_135i_road_test Speaking of which, I guess I need to change my ID. I pick up my e92-335 on friday.

[robmpulse]

I Am So Tired Of Hearing People Refer To The 135 As An Entry Level Car.

Say It All Together With Me People......

"the 128 Is An Entry Level Car. The 135 Is A High Priced Performance Car"

Two Completely Different Things.......

The 135 Is Basically The "m" Model Of The 1 Series Without The Badging. Please Quit Referring To It As An Entry Level Car. You Wouldn't Refer To The M3 As An Entry Level Car Would You?