BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > M135i vs F30 328i
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      08-17-2012, 11:25 PM   #1
actuarius
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

M135i vs F30 328i

I've placed an order for a M135i but now having second thoughts.


For similar price I can get an F30 328i in Sport trim. The F30 has a nicer interior, and obviously but more spacious. And even though performance wise the M135i is superior, there are plenty of posts saying that 328i is preferred to the 335i given the better handling and negligible differences in performance under real world conditions.

I'm sure the M135i is a great car and brilliant to drive - which is why I placed the order. But thinking whether the 328i will be a better long term purchase given much nicer interior, more spaciousness, and in my opinion better looks too.
Appreciate 0
      08-17-2012, 11:33 PM   #2
bimmerjph
Colonel
bimmerjph's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,023
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by actuarius View Post
I've placed an order for a M135i but now having second thoughts.


For similar price I can get an F30 328i in Sport trim. The F30 has a nicer interior, and obviously but more spacious. And even though performance wise the M135i is superior, there are plenty of posts saying that 328i is preferred to the 335i given the better handling and negligible differences in performance under real world conditions.

I'm sure the M135i is a great car and brilliant to drive - which is why I placed the order. But thinking whether the 328i will be a better long term purchase given much nicer interior, more spaciousness, and in my opinion better looks too.
I would keep the M135i. Are you getting the 3-door or the 5-door? If you are getting the 3-door and are worried about practicality than change it too the 5-door.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 12:15 AM   #3
BM635
Private
0
Rep
49
Posts

Drives: E24 635CSI
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by actuarius
I've placed an order for a M135i but now having second thoughts.


For similar price I can get an F30 328i in Sport trim. The F30 has a nicer interior, and obviously but more spacious. And even though performance wise the M135i is superior, there are plenty of posts saying that 328i is preferred to the 335i given the better handling and negligible differences in performance under real world conditions.

I'm sure the M135i is a great car and brilliant to drive - which is why I placed the order. But thinking whether the 328i will be a better long term purchase given much nicer interior, more spaciousness, and in my opinion better looks too.
Actually, you can get a 328i M Sport, with the M brakes, leather, and 18" wheels for a little less than the M135i! Have you test driven the 328i yet? I'm in the same situation, but will probably stick with the M135i. Heard from somewhere the next "real" 1 series M car will have a 4 cylinder engine under its hood, if I settle for a car with only 4 cylinders, it would be for that!
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 12:34 AM   #4
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Who says the F30 has better handling than the F20? Sounds strange to me. The F20 has the same suspension, but better weight distribution, being a smaller car.

I guess it boils down to your need for interior space. If you need a lot of space, then the F30 is the answer. If not, then the F20 should be better in most ways. (I think it looks better, both on the outside and inside).
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 12:49 AM   #5
actuarius
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam
Who says the F30 has better handling than the F20? Sounds strange to me. The F20 has the same suspension, but better weight distribution, being a smaller car.

I guess it boils down to your need for interior space. If you need a lot of space, then the F30 is the answer. If not, then the F20 should be better in most ways. (I think it looks better, both on the outside and inside).
What I meant was that there are posts suggesting the F30 328i is better handling that the F30 335i. Quite sure the M135i is better handling than the 328i.

I ordered a 5 door M135i and haven't test driven the 328i. But then again the M135i is not available for test drive so will not be able to make a proper comparison.

I think my heart says get the M135i and my head says get the 328i.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 03:28 AM   #6
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

I reckon a lot of buyers have this dilemma since the 328i is a superb sport sedan.

The 335i has more weight on the front than the 328i and seen the 335i didn't get a power update, the difference is not that big. In normal driving conditions, the thing you'll feel is the extra 50Nm, which is only 14% more 335i vs 328i, while indeed, the weight is 5% higher.

This yields an objective improvement of only 8% in "grunt" (which is weight/torque). When you take weight/power, the difference is a bit bigger, ~14%. But seen both engines deliver flat torque uptil 4000rpm, you only acces this difference as from 5000rpm. Anyway, this would let me select the 328i above the 335i.

When you do the same for the 1, the "grunt" is 30% higher and the power/weight is also 30% better. The 1 has a higher output engine and a lower weight. On top, I'd reckon that the setup that M did will assure that vehicle dynamics are at least on par, probably clearly better.

My option would be M135i for the same money as a 328i any day.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 06:07 AM   #7
BMWDAD
Captain
BMWDAD's Avatar
93
Rep
755
Posts

Drives: 2017 Porsche Macan
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Richmond, Va.

iTrader: (0)

Reviews of both cars are special. Tough choice, but here in the states the F30 will be very common for every soccer mom with awd,auto, nav, and leather.

Get the M135i.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 06:10 AM   #8
ticamihai2003
Private First Class
8
Rep
102
Posts

Drives: MINI Cooper S, BMW 118d sport
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Romania

iTrader: (0)

Same doubts here also and I was a MINI owner since a few month ago. If you want space describe what exactly you need. I had some issues with space in the MINI but being just me and my wife we had no major problems. Now we are expecting a baby in 2 month so we are thinking a bigger car than a MINI. This said a 5 door F20 is enough for us and a baby with baggage and a stroller also in the boot(in extreme cases one of those roof boxes should do the job just fine).
I like the F30's outside and inside looks more than the F20 but considering the performance of the M135 this is a small issue for me. The other issue I am in doubts about is that the yearly tax for a 3 liter engine compared to a 2 liter one here in Romania is 10 times higher so I have not not yet made up my mind plus there are some other financial issues.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 06:16 AM   #9
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Maybe an additional argument is whether it is your first and only car or a second car with lower milage ambitions.

The latter situation is favourable for the 1, the former for the 3. But it all depends on your preferences.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 07:25 AM   #10
MartinHattingh
Second Lieutenant
MartinHattingh's Avatar
South Africa
22
Rep
241
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 XDrive 2.0i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Cape Town

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I don't agree with comments about the F30 having a nicer interior than the F20. More spacious yes, but in my opinion not any nicer. I took a drive in 320d F30 earlier this week, and was a little disappointed. It felt larger, but had the same sense of quality and "feel", I certainly wouldn't pay more for it.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 07:48 AM   #11
actuarius
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by KoenG
Maybe an additional argument is whether it is your first and only car or a second car with lower milage ambitions.

The latter situation is favourable for the 1, the former for the 3. But it all depends on your preferences.
Good point. I already have an MPV so a M135i would be a more fun alternative than the 328i, and still have room for a couple of kids at the back.

Seems like I'm not the only one with this dilemma.....thanks for all the responses. I think I will stick with my M135i order.....
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:00 AM   #12
MartinHattingh
Second Lieutenant
MartinHattingh's Avatar
South Africa
22
Rep
241
Posts

Drives: 2012 X3 XDrive 2.0i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Cape Town

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01 View Post
F30 interior is better. actually is much better
Hmmm, from my first-hand experience I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. More space, yes. Nicer feel, no. They're actually very similar in my opinion, regardless of the logic that dictates that the larger (and thus more expensive) model "surely MUST be better!"...
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:10 AM   #13
actuarius
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01
Quote:
Originally Posted by actuarius View Post
Good point. I already have an MPV so a M135i would be a more fun alternative than the 328i, and still have room for a couple of kids at the back.

Seems like I'm not the only one with this dilemma.....thanks for all the responses. I think I will stick with my M135i order.....
all comes to your needs. M135i and F30 328i are targeted at different audience. although when prices start to overlap then this sort of dilemma naturally happens. I was about to order an F30 320d Msport by the end of May but then the price came up to the same level as F10 520d and F10 had more goodies as standard although it wasn't an Msport version. I find F10 too big for my needs so probably stick with my original choice of F30. however I have taken a porsche Cayman for a test drive and am absolutely in love with that car and can stretch the budget that far. it is way better than beemers that I have test driven so far, only have to convince the missus that we don't need the extar space of F30 as there is only 2 of us
I had a Cayman S, but sold it for an MPV when the kids arrived. Absolutely loved that car. If I don't need 4 seats, I would choose the Porsche.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:21 AM   #14
pierokwong
Private
Australia
8
Rep
80
Posts

Drives: BMW 120d, 118d & 125i f20
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Canberra, Australia

iTrader: (0)

I have test drive the 328, 335 but not the 135.

Between the 328 & 335, 335 is a MUCH better sport seden if you are after great handling. 335 will you a "close-to-M" experience.

328 just drive like a 125. It's a good car =D

If you have already order the 135, I can make a fair assumption that you like the handling and acceleration, I can guarantee you 328 can't match that.

Piero
__________________
AIPP Accredited Professional Photographer LOVE BMW.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:24 AM   #15
jhbodle
Captain
jhbodle's Avatar
142
Rep
897
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by MartinHattingh View Post
Hmmm, from my first-hand experience I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. More space, yes. Nicer feel, no. They're actually very similar in my opinion, regardless of the logic that dictates that the larger (and thus more expensive) model "surely MUST be better!"...
I agree with this. The F10 5 series has a much better interior, but I thought the 3 series wasn't much better than a well-specced F20. Plus the F20 weighs a fair bit less than the F30 which has got to be good for handling.
__________________
F90 M5 (Marina Bay Blue, M Performance Parts)
Previous: F82 M4 / F20 125d M / E92 335i M Ind / E90 325i SE / E46 318i SE / E36 316i
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:38 AM   #16
jhbodle
Captain
jhbodle's Avatar
142
Rep
897
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01 View Post
not according to car mag reviews in your own country and you obviously have to take off your F20 tinted glasses
For the money I spent on my 1 series I could have got an F30 or an F10. I drove them all. I would rather believe what I felt myself than take car mags word as gospel, especially when they are funded by car advertising.

The F30 is the best car in its class. Car magazines only compare to other cars in the class. The F20 is not as practical as other cars in its class. All I care about is the way a car drives. In my opinion, the F20 in M Sport trim handles better.
__________________
F90 M5 (Marina Bay Blue, M Performance Parts)
Previous: F82 M4 / F20 125d M / E92 335i M Ind / E90 325i SE / E46 318i SE / E36 316i
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 09:49 AM   #17
jhbodle
Captain
jhbodle's Avatar
142
Rep
897
Posts

Drives: F90 M5
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01 View Post
ok if that is your opinion no argument there. but the reviews are posted above for all to see. top 3 car selling mags in UK and the review for both F20 and F30 are there
The only review that really slags off the driving experience of the F20 is the Autocar review (although they liked the 125i), but every BMW they have reviewed recently has a similar problem with them (F30 excepted). I admit the F20 isn't perfect for space and price amongst other things, but AutoExpress and Evo say the actual driving experience is very good.

The F10 feels really special inside, it was the car I went into the dealership to buy. It's just a shame it is so big, it would never fit down some of our small streets in my area.
__________________
F90 M5 (Marina Bay Blue, M Performance Parts)
Previous: F82 M4 / F20 125d M / E92 335i M Ind / E90 325i SE / E46 318i SE / E36 316i
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 10:06 AM   #18
actuarius
New Member
2
Rep
21
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

I think one won't go wrong with an F10, F20 or F30. Horses for courses. And I would have any of those than the equivalent Audi or Merc.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 10:25 AM   #19
KoenG
Lieutenant Colonel
Belgium
1418
Rep
1,519
Posts

Drives: i4 eDrive40 & Cupra Leon 300
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01 View Post
I agree with your F10 statemnet. same here I was looking at F30 320d Msport but came up to the same price as F10 520d . but F10 is too big for my needs but inside that car is amazing
I actually prefer the intamicy and compactness of the F20/30 interiors, my next one will be a F30, no longer an F10 for me. Quality is impeccable, indeed not something you can say of f20/30 interior.

But which one is putting the biggest smile on my face very time I drive it?
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 10:41 AM   #20
donaldt
Private
4
Rep
78
Posts

Drives: M135i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

I am sure that all of us M135 future owners are in the same situation
the 328 being cheaper and nicer in the interior, does make a better choice for most, which is what makes a 3-series a 3-series
and another problem, when are we getting our M135!?!?
I have a July production M135 and as far as I am informed, it is still in pieces
so if you need a car right now, there is another reason to go for the 328
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 11:01 AM   #21
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sol01 View Post
all the reviews praise 328i handling. the only really good review that I have seen of F20 is M135i. I have test driven both extensively and F30 rides better and handles even better than the either of the F20s that I drove although they weren't M135i. also what you say is not true. F30 328i weight distribution is even more rear biased than F20. 49 percent on front and 51 percent on rear axel because of lighter engine and is much less understeer prone than F20 which is something that I have noticed also. F30 is much superior machine specially in 328i guise
There is more to weight distribution than the axle ratio. The most important factor is how far the weight is from the center of gravity. Being a smaller car, the weight is placed closer in the M20. This improves the turn in response.

My F20 M Sport has a square tire setup, and I think the balance is very good. Going into corners, the rear end can be stepped out by feathering the brakes, and there is as good as no understeer under power on corner exits. Actually less than any other BMW I have driven on tracks, and that is quite a few.

The turbo lag can be slightly annoying, but I guess that would be the same for all new BMWs.
Appreciate 0
      08-18-2012, 01:35 PM   #22
ovekvam
Brigadier General
Norway
266
Rep
3,290
Posts

Drives: 2021 Galvanic Gold i3S
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bryne, Norway

iTrader: (0)

I guess all the F20/F21 models with smaller and lighter engines should have less inertia and better basic handling than the M135i. But I guess the journalists are dazzled by the engine performance. And when they test the M-Sport version, they run with too wide run flat tires in the rear.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:52 AM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST