135I vs. e90 M3

[328IScreamer]

Hey all,

I am currently the owner of a 135I and to be honest I am quite happy with it. The twin turbo engine makes the car into quite the little rocket but to be honest there are times when I miss owning an "M" car. When I look at the prices of e90 M3s I can't figure out why they are priced at almost double that of a 135I are they really that much more of a car?? They can't be too much faster......at least I couldn't picture it. Maybe handling and overall feel of the car is where it's at but not sure.

Thoughts?

[3x Beemer]

You just want to make your old man jealous lol
Go for a M3 while you are single as once you're tied down ...............

[cormier]

Just looking at e90s? E46s an option? They're a bit cheaper

[v_bimmer]

Its not a fair comparison, you have to at least compare 335i/1M to M3. M car is an M car for a reason, its the total package, 135i doesn't come close to M3.

1-series is an entry level BMW, plus it's not good looking.

M3 with Logo.jpg

[T.Dot_E30]

What do you miss about an M car?

Just saying you drive an M car or something specific about how they drive? The M3 was more expensive to begin with, similar arguments were made about the 335is n M3, I think there was only a 15-20k difference in price (more for the 135i) but lots of people said the 335is was 90-95% as capable as an M3. Is that 5-10% more worth it? It depends on the person and what they want out of the car.

I'm not sure why it's hard to figure why there is a price difference, they are different cars no matter how close the performance is.

This is a good article from BMWBLOG, I think there is also a few others on the topic.

In conclusion: if you have the money, there is no substitute for an M car. But if your budget is closer to mine, you will not be let down by the underdog of this comparison. BMW’s 335iS is brilliant on track and comfortable on the road, it sounds like angels singing, and leaves you smiling after a playful drive.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/08/bm...bling-rivalry/

[ac_2007]

To be honest, I think you might be selling yourself as a liar by overusing that phrase.

Also, the 1 series is hideous and this comparison isn't relevant.
Compare the 1M to the M3, or the 135 to the 335.

[Mystikal]

Originally Posted by ac_2007

Compare the 1M to the M3, or the 135 to the 335.

Sure, I'll take the 1M or the 135i, respectively. No hesitation.

[T.Dot_E30]

Originally Posted by Mystikal

Sure, I'll take the 1M or the 135i, respectively. No hesitation.

The 1M at MSRP was a no brainier. I'm sure everyone is kicking themselves for not buying one.
Would the current rice of a 1M change that? Used 1Ms have gone up in price, selling used for around $60-70. Let's say a $65k 1M vs. $65k M3, ignoring the fact that you can get a lower priced older/used M3.

Is it still a 1M over an M3?

I would take both if I could. DCT as a daily.

[Mystikal]

Yep, still 1M.

[bmwm5lover]

I would take 1M>M3, but no way would I take a 135i over an M3.

[dbworld4k]

Originally Posted by bmwm5lover

I would take 1M>M3, but no way would I take a 135i over an M3.

This.

[328IScreamer]

I'll admit the styling of the 1 series is a bit subjective but I wouldn't call it an entry level bimmer. The interior of the 1 series looks exactly the same as the M3 right down to the same style of dash and stearing wheel. It may be missing a few "M" options but it is very close to as fast as an M3 and with a tune it is easy to squeeze a lot more power out of the car. The 1 series is the cheapest series on average but also the smallest.......but with the 135 m package I would hardly call 6 piston brake calipers, twin turbo, and pretty well every option available to the 3 series entry level. I believe there is an entry level to each series it's just a matter of the options you get.

Granted my opinion is Biased and I would take an M3 over the 1 series (unless we were talking about an 1M) but I still just don't see why the M3 is literally almost double the price.

[T.Dot_E30]

Originally Posted by 328IScreamer

I still just don't see why the M3 is literally almost double the price.

So you think an M3 should cost the same as a 135i? I don't see the logic, why would BMW bother making an M3 and price it the same as a 135i?

[328IScreamer]

Definitely not the same price. Just surprised at how large the price gap is, is all i'm getting at.

[Mystikal]

Originally Posted by 328IScreamer

I'll admit the styling of the 1 series is a bit subjective but I wouldn't call it an entry level bimmer. The interior of the 1 series looks exactly the same as the M3 right down to the same style of dash and stearing wheel. It may be missing a few "M" options but it is very close to as fast as an M3 and with a tune it is easy to squeeze a lot more power out of the car. The 1 series is the cheapest series on average but also the smallest.......but with the 135 m package I would hardly call 6 piston brake calipers, twin turbo, and pretty well every option available to the 3 series entry level. I believe there is an entry level to each series it's just a matter of the options you get.

Granted my opinion is Biased and I would take an M3 over the 1 series (unless we were talking about an 1M) but I still just don't see why the M3 is literally almost double the price.

Ironically you're focused on features and numbers, which isn't where M cars shine. Your priorities actually lead me to believe the 135i is ideal for you.

It's the same deal with the 335 vs M3 debate. If you're willing to claim your car is faster than an M3 with mods, then you're missing the point of the M3. The tactile feel through the controls, the 8400rpm V8, the exclusivity of the whole package...that's what makes it an M car. If you're going by features, potential power, and brake caliper piston count the M car will always lose. But that was never their purpose, either.