BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > 2008 135i vs 2012 135i vs M253i
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      08-09-2014, 04:21 PM   #1
DCT135i
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2008 135i vs 2012 135i vs M253i

Are there huge differences in power and overall performance of these 3 cars? I see the M235i has 30 more horsepower but thats about it as far as the engine goes.
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      08-13-2014, 10:31 AM   #2
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No all about the same stock for stock
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      08-13-2014, 10:49 AM   #3
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N54 cars, those before mid year 2010, tend to be stronger. Both the N54 and N55 run out of steam by about 6k rpm though.

Just for the record, they all dyno well over the stated 300 or 320 hp.
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      08-13-2014, 11:19 AM   #4
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The main thing is that the M235i gets significantly better gas mileage with the 8 speed automatic.
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      08-13-2014, 11:29 AM   #5
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Power is close but I think you should factor also transmission, steering & suspension if you're doing an overall performance comparison.

2008 - 2010 N54 | hydraulic steering | progressive springs
2011 - 2013 N55 + choice of DCT | hydraulic steering | linear springs
M235i - N55 w/ 320hp | 8spd Auto | electric steering | adpative suspension

M235i N55 puts out 320hp, which is same as N55 + PPK v2. I drive a 2013 135is which has the PPK v2 and the power is really good and of course you're under warranty. If you're thinking of 2008-2010, obviously warranty isn't a factor and the n54's are capable of putting down more power (or better said there's more aftermarket options available).

DCT is great but as DanG noted the mileage isn't nearly as good as the 8spd Auto. I get 27mpg at best which is pretty low for today's standards.

All 135i's from 08-13 suffer from the same under dampened M sport suspension but 2011+ models did receive linear springs which are slightly stiffer. I've yet to drive a M235i but all reviews of the suspension have been really solid. If you like the looks of the M235i, and can get past electric steering, then I would give the M235i a good look.

My other BMW has electric steering and as much I as do prefer the hydraulic, electric isn't as bad as people say. You get used to it pretty quickly. For performance driving it sucks that you don't get the same kind of feedback which is important for making steering corrections. But for everyday driving, it's not a big deal.
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      08-13-2014, 01:24 PM   #6
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Having spent a lot of time in a new M235i and having just bought a 2008 135i I have to say both cars are similar in terms of performance but quite different in the way they drive.

The M235i feels very refined in comparison, the engine is a gem but it's so linear it hardly feels turbocharged. The steering delivers little feedback but it is super sharp.

I love the 135i though, it's a lot more raw in terms of power delivery, steering and chassis feel. Everything feels a lot more solid in comparison.

The M235i I've been driving has just hit 10,000 miles and it definitely feels like it's getting faster. Our one just made 343bhp on the dyno, too. It's quicker on the road as the figures suggest as it puts it down better, too.

Last edited by xrt_si; 08-13-2014 at 01:34 PM..
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      08-13-2014, 01:55 PM   #7
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In terms of tuning you can get more HP out of the older twin turbo N54 motor.
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      08-14-2014, 01:41 PM   #8
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What about manual vs auto? I prefer manual - is the tuning geared toward manual or auto?

thanks
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