[miracle113]

Hi all,

I read through the 2013 ordering guide for the 328i, and I just realized the 328i that I want (sportline, 8 speed, xenons) is basically the same price as the 135i.

I can probably get a cheaper price if I go for the 2012 135i huh?

[stampchez]

If you don't need the size, definitely 135. All of the tech and toys on the 3 are fun but the 1 is a better drive.

[francis_william]

m.... 135i is.....a......smaller....car.....which....depends on how you are going to use it?
2 dr, 4 dr? bigger car or bigger engine? new shape or old shape...mind that the new 135i might come out next year or so...your 2012 135i will look 6 years older after 1 year?
your choice mate.

[miracle113]

Size wise doesn't matter to me. I'm mainly looking for the drive. But that being said, the new one is coming out soon... would hate to get the 2012/13 and then the new one came out...

[justinnum1]

135 would def be a lot more fun to drive, but like others are saying teh new body is a few months away, would be really stupid to pay all that money right now and the brand new one comes out soon.

[Maz335i]

Originally Posted by francis_william

m.... 135i is.....a......smaller....car.....which....depends on how you are going to use it?
2 dr, 4 dr? bigger car or bigger engine? new shape or old shape...mind that the new 135i might come out next year or so...your 2012 135i will look 6 years older after 1 year?
your choice mate.

+1

[miracle113]

Originally Posted by justinnum1

135 would def be a lot more fun to drive, but like others are saying teh new body is a few months away, would be really stupid to pay all that money right now and the brand new one comes out soon.

Any news on the next gen 1(2) series?

[TEAShea]

interesting comparison ............

[SL01]

Hey, I've owned both - I just traded an '08 135i manual for a '12 328i auto (wife won't drive manual, kids need more room, etc...).

The 328i is more refined, quieter, smoother, reasonably quick and still fun to drive.

But... the 135i is like having a personal rocket ship - it's insane in a way the 328i just can't be.

If you don't need the size, or the extra MPG, get the 135i. It's a very enjoyable little car.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by SL01

Hey, I've owned both - I just traded an '08 135i manual for a '12 328i auto (wife won't drive manual, kids need more room, etc...).

The 328i is more refined, quieter, smoother, reasonably quick and still fun to drive.

But... the 135i is like having a personal rocket ship - it's insane in a way the 328i just can't be.

If you don't need the size, or the extra MPG, get the 135i. It's a very enjoyable little car.

Out of curiosity, did you test drive a 2012 335i Sport Line? If so, was wondering how you would compare that to your 135i.

Thanks
Bruce

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by stampchez

If you don't need the size, definitely 135. All of the tech and toys on the 3 are fun but the 1 is a better drive.

+1.

The 135i is more of a drivers car no doubt, it's faster, handles better, has better steering feel and the brakes are superb on feel and stopping power.

[SL01]

Originally Posted by BruceOmega

Out of curiosity, did you test drive a 2012 335i Sport Line? If so, was wondering how you would compare that to your 135i.

Thanks
Bruce

I test drove a 335i Sport Line and also drove one at the performance center track during delivery. Compared to my 135i, it felt more refined, but also less responsive/bigger and more distant/disconnected. I'm thinking it's likely due to the questionable steering changes, auto vs manual, and quieter exhaust. The car was likely just as quick as the 135i and it's certainly very capable, it just didn't feel like it.

I chose the 328i because there was little perceptual difference in acceleration during my test drives. I had a lingering doubt while waiting for the car, but after driving a 335i all morning on a track, my 328i didn't feel slow when I finally got to drive it on delivery day.

BTW, anyone who can should definitely take delivery at the performance center in South Carolina... amazing experience.

[ATX78703]

obviously a 135i is more fun and more performance bang for your buck... but you're comparing a 2 dr to a 4 dr which is not really apples-to-apples. It depends on your needs responsibilities...

having said that, at this point, i would not buy an E-platform BMW, since the line up is rapidly changing over to F-series. It is like getting into something that you know is dated.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by miracle113

Hi all,

I read through the 2013 ordering guide for the 328i, and I just realized the 328i that I want (sportline, 8 speed, xenons) is basically the same price as the 135i.

I can probably get a cheaper price if I go for the 2012 135i huh?

Tough call really, if you're looking for which is the "drivers car".

My 135i is sweet no doubt. I LOVE it.
But, the suspension is one of the weak points in this car.
Still given the new "softness" of the new 3's sport suspension, the 1 series compares favorably, plus it's a smaller car that fun to sling around.

Power wise, the 328i is more powerful than the 128i due to the new N20 in the 328i. The current 128i has the NA 3.0 inline 6 engine, which is a sweet piece of whirly bits. It's much better suited to a manual trans.

I'm going with the new Msport 3 mainly because BMW took it's sweet slow ass time in bringing the new 1/2 coupe.
It won't be here until next year.
I couldn't see myself leasing another 135i, unless I went with the convertible.
I prefer smaller lighter cars. The new 3 is not smaller, but they managed to keep the weight under control even though it got bigger over the E90.

Realize that the 1 is pretty basic inside. It's now an "old/er" design inside and doesn't have any of the new, finally, nice BMW interior design like the F30.

The only way to know which one is to drive them.
It'll be hard to know if the 128i will work for your because most lot cars don't have the sport suspension, which is a MUST in the 1.
135i's come standard with the sport suspension, though not the sport package that includes the excellent sport seats.

BTW, the sport seats in the new 3 are even better than the 1's sport seats.
I wish I had the new sport seats in my 135i.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by SL01

I test drove a 335i Sport Line and also drove one at the performance center track during delivery. Compared to my 135i, it felt more refined, but also less responsive/bigger and more distant/disconnected. I'm thinking it's likely due to the questionable steering changes, auto vs manual, and quieter exhaust. The car was likely just as quick as the 135i and it's certainly very capable, it just didn't feel like it.

I chose the 328i because there was little perceptual difference in acceleration during my test drives. I had a lingering doubt while waiting for the car, but after driving a 335i all morning on a track, my 328i didn't feel slow when I finally got to drive it on delivery day.

BTW, anyone who can should definitely take delivery at the performance center in South Carolina... amazing experience.

Thanks for the feedback. My needs have changed since I got my 5 series 5 years ago. Before the new 3 series was unveiled, I had prety much decided to replace my 535Xi with a 135i. I realize the 135i and the 335i are different types of cars, but after looking at the new 3 series and factoring in that the 1 series is being replaced in the not too distant future, I am now leaning towards a 335i.

Bruce

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

obviously a 135i is more fun and more performance bang for your buck... but you're comparing a 2 dr to a 4 dr which is not really apples-to-apples. It depends on your needs responsibilities...

having said that, at this point, i would not buy an E-platform BMW, since the line up is rapidly changing over to F-series. It is like getting into something that you know is dated.

Thanks, and I agree with your points.

If there was a bigger price difference between the 135i and the new 335i then I might buy the 135i even though it will be replaced some time soon.

I considered the X1 after BMW announced it would be sold in the US. But that interest was short lived when I discovered BMW was not going to include the 8 Speed AT with the 35i engine- too much of a reminder that it is basd on an older platform.

Bruce

[blindmule]

Originally Posted by BruceOmega

Thanks for the feedback. My needs have changed since I got my 5 series 5 years ago. Before the new 3 series was unveiled, I had prety much decided to replace my 535Xi with a 135i. I realize the 135i and the 335i are different types of cars, but after looking at the new 3 series and factoring in that the 1 series is being replaced in the not too distant future, I am now leaning towards a 335i.

Bruce

If this car is to be your DD, would def suggest the 335i, since you're coming from a 535. 135 can be harsh depending on road quality in your travel area. You'll def feel the road.

The f30 335i feels like a bigger car and will ride similarly to your 5 but with a bit more sport character.

If you're looking for a weekend pocket rocket 135 will not disappoint.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by BruceOmega

Thanks, and I agree with your points.

If there was a bigger price difference between the 135i and the new 335i then I might buy the 135i even though it will be replaced some time soon.

I considered the X1 after BMW announced it would be sold in the US. But that interest was short lived when I discovered BMW was not going to include the 8 Speed AT with the 35i engine- too much of a reminder that it is basd on an older platform.

Bruce

+1
I, like you, had a 2 second love affair when I heard a x1 35i was coming stateside, b/c I was interested in an F20 m135i (but we won't be getting that). Despite the LCI, I think that the X1 is already dated and I quickly lost interest in it.

Now, I'm on the F31, maybe the F25 LCI, Audi Q5 LCI or porsche macan.

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by blindmule

If this car is to be your DD, would def suggest the 335i, since you're coming from a 535. 135 can be harsh depending on road quality in your travel area. You'll def feel the road.

The f30 335i feels like a bigger car and will ride similarly to your 5 but with a bit more sport character.

If you're looking for a weekend pocket rocket 135 will not disappoint.

Appreciate your comments. Yes, the car is a DD. I like firm but do not like harsh.

I had a 2006 330Xi but the ride was too harsh on the real world roads in this area. It would jar my teeth loose on larger road irregularities, and that was actually the catalyst for replacing it with the 5 series.

I've had recent E90 loaner cars and their ride quality was much better than my 2006. I've driven the new 335i with M Adaptive Suspension, and even with the suspension in Sport mode it was not harsh.

Thanks
Bruce

[BruceOmega]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

+1
I, like you, had a 2 second love affair when I heard a x1 35i was coming stateside, b/c I was interested in an F20 m135i (but we won't be getting that). Despite the LCI, I think that the X1 is already dated and I quickly lost interest in it.

Now, I'm on the F31, maybe the F25 LCI, Audi Q5 LCI or porsche macan.

Just noticed my posts don't show my current vehicles. FWIW, we have a 2011 F25 X3 35i and like it a lot, quite a lot.

Thanks
Bruce