Does the 135i drive significantly different than the 335i?

radiantm3 · 02-12-2009, 11:49 AM

Of course in the end I need to test drive one for myself, but it's been raining lately so while I wait for better weather, I just wanted to get some opinions.

Right now I have a loaded 08 335i sedan auto-trans with the sports package. The wife drives it to work daily and I work from home. I'm looking to buy a second car (for me) that's a blast to drive. I love our 335, but it is a big car by my standards and I want something smaller and more nimble. The 135i seems perfect, but it also seems like it wouldn't drive significantly different than the car I own now.

Can anyone that has both or owned both at one point offer their thoughts on owning these 2 cars? How different are they really?

Update: I ended up test driving the 370z and 135i back to back and here's the conclusion: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233528

Monaco35Dream · 02-12-2009, 11:57 AM

I have driven both and can say the engine feel is about the same, however the handling in the 1er prevails. More nimble, agile, especially in corners. both are a blast, but i would go with the 1er especially with the market the way it is now(should save some $$). you should be able to get a great deal!

Jet335i · 02-12-2009, 11:58 AM

the 1er is a better driving experience imo.

rcracer_tx · 02-12-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaco35Dream

I have driven both and can say the engine feel is about the same, however the handling in the 1er prevails. More nimble, agile, especially in corners. both are a blast, but i would go with the 1er especially with the market the way it is now(should save some $$). you should be able to get a great deal!

Couldn't have said it better myself

MVF4Rrider · 02-12-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaco35Dream

I have driven both and can say the engine feel is about the same, however the handling in the 1er prevails. More nimble, agile, especially in corners. both are a blast, but i would go with the 1er especially with the market the way it is now(should save some $$). you should be able to get a great deal!

People, espeically Americans, are very conditioned to think the 135i drives/handles better. I've owned both. The 135i is easier to drive as the steering is way light and it seems to feel smaller. But I tend to think the latter is also mindset preconditioning because of the marketing hype that's gone along with BMW's attempt to bring back the 02 glory days (owned that one too). Personally I like the slightly heavier steering feel of the 3er, and the more planted feel at high speeds. Again, the 1er being born as a 4 door hatch is its achilles heel. Buy a 3er Coupe or wait for the next gen 1er. The current 1er Coupe is a short-lived experiment. Its short life is already half over! Of course if you don't need a rear seat and want a car that really drives well, there's a much better solution!!!

Seems the German BMW dealerships I've been to tend to hide the 135i off in a corner. It's not very popular here.

jaserion · 02-12-2009, 05:23 PM

look at this thread: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228805

i, somehow, really like the 1series. it reminds me of the e46!

FStop7 · 02-12-2009, 05:45 PM

From what I've seen the 335i handles better due to more front grip. I've driven both but just a few miles each, they felt about the same to me.

Year's_End · 02-12-2009, 06:06 PM

When I drove the 1er I noticed it likes to turn in much faster. The steering is also lighter and it makes the car easier to toss around.

If you're looking for a second car that's fun to drive, I'd consider a 370Z much more seriously than a 135i though.

canucklion · 02-12-2009, 07:46 PM

forgo 135i and wait for the new Z4 with the TT 3.0

vAnt826 · 02-12-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

People, espeically Americans, are very conditioned to think the 135i drives/handles better. I've owned both. The 135i is easier to drive as the steering is way light and it seems to feel smaller. But I tend to think the latter is also mindset preconditioning because of the marketing hype that's gone along with BMW's attempt to bring back the 02 glory days (owned that one too). Personally I like the slightly heavier steering feel of the 3er, and the more planted feel at high speeds. Again, the 1er being born as a 4 door hatch is its achilles heel. Buy a 3er Coupe or wait for the next gen 1er. The current 1er Coupe is a short-lived experiment. Its short life is already half over! Of course if you don't need a rear seat and want a car that really drives well, there's a much better solution!!!

Seems the German BMW dealerships I've been to tend to hide the 135i off in a corner. It's not very popular here.

I was about to make a long post but this is perfect.

With that being said, I would not mind being 'stuck' in a 135i. It is a very fun car. It feels very tossable. The 335i however feels more confident.

soupy · 02-12-2009, 10:43 PM

135's a fun car...but not thaat much more fun than a 335. It still feels closer to a GT car than a true sports car, but that's alright with me as it was exactly what I was looking for in a car and saved me over $6k from going with a 3er coupe (sorry, just not a fan of sedans/saloons).

That said, since the OP is looking for a second car that's a blast to drive, I'd avoid the 135i completely and go with a two-seater like the 370Z, Cayman S, or Elise.

TK-421 · 02-12-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklion

forgo 135i and wait for the new Z4 with the TT 3.0

That's right... I totally forgot about that. I can't wait to see Vishnu and the lot of tuners out there get their hands on it.

Robin_NL · 02-13-2009, 06:38 AM

135i turns in a tad better, feels 10% more agile than the 335i sport, it's still a rather heavy car for it's size(135i). In long fast(er) bends the bigger/taller 335i feels less 'nervous' than the swb 135i. In shorter bends it's the other way around, but not that much. Both nice cars.

MVF4Rrider · 02-13-2009, 07:09 AM

Forgot to mention. The seating position of the 3er is a little better too. The 1er is too tall as the car and whole cabin is taller; therefore you sit higher. Not very sports car like. Again, due to being born as a 4 door hatch I assuming. Driving the 135i never gave me the feeling I was in a sporty car. Some may like the lighter steering. I'm the opposite. I like a solid, heavy feel to the steering. With the 3er, no modding is essential. With the 1er, it needs lowering and a more taut suspension.

radiantm3 · 02-13-2009, 07:38 AM

Thanks for the great responses, although a bit discouraging. :P I'll definitely be taking it for a spin real soon.

Year's_End · 02-13-2009, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Thanks for the great responses, although a bit discouraging. :P I'll definitely be taking it for a spin real soon.

Follow it up with a test drive of the 370Z.

radiantm3 · 02-19-2009, 10:05 PM

FYI, I test drove the 370z and 135i back to back and I'm picking up my 135i tomorrow.

The Z wasn't a bad car at all, but overall I just didn't like it very much.

nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn · 02-19-2009, 10:22 PM

I felt that the 135i has more body roll than the 335i. I equate that to the shorter wheel base, and the little extra height.

spacedogg · 02-19-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiantm3

FYI, I test drove the 370z and 135i back to back and I'm picking up my 135i tomorrow.

The Z wasn't a bad car at all, but overall I just didn't like it very much.

Awesome. So you settled on getting a 135i. Cool! Congrats!

rcracer_tx · 02-20-2009, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Awesome. So you settled on getting a 135i. Cool! Congrats!

I'm sure you'll love the 1er...

imported_mega · 02-20-2009, 06:34 AM

while the specs on what the two cars can do are very close

they feel a LOT different, go drive one and you'll see

just slight changes in the interior layout make a big difference in the car's feel

02-12-2009, 11:49 AM	#1
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	Does the 135i drive significantly different than the 335i? Of course in the end I need to test drive one for myself, but it's been raining lately so while I wait for better weather, I just wanted to get some opinions. Right now I have a loaded 08 335i sedan auto-trans with the sports package. The wife drives it to work daily and I work from home. I'm looking to buy a second car (for me) that's a blast to drive. I love our 335, but it is a big car by my standards and I want something smaller and more nimble. The 135i seems perfect, but it also seems like it wouldn't drive significantly different than the car I own now. Can anyone that has both or owned both at one point offer their thoughts on owning these 2 cars? How different are they really? Update: I ended up test driving the 370z and 135i back to back and here's the conclusion: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233528 __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com Last edited by radiantm3; 02-21-2009 at 02:16 AM.. Reason: Update
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-12-2009, 11:57 AM	#2
Monaco35Dream Captain 44 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 08' 135i, 96' Talon Tsi AWD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Santa Maria, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	I have driven both and can say the engine feel is about the same, however the handling in the 1er prevails. More nimble, agile, especially in corners. both are a blast, but i would go with the 1er especially with the market the way it is now(should save some $$). you should be able to get a great deal!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 11:58 AM	#3
Jet335i Major 186 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: '21 F96 X6MC, '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (5)	the 1er is a better driving experience imo.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 05:23 PM	#6
jaserion Captain 119 Rep 973 Posts Drives: BMW Onsh'mo... Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	look at this thread: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228805 i, somehow, really like the 1series. it reminds me of the e46! __________________ 2015 F31 Sport Wagon 2014 Tesla Model S 2011 E93 M3 - Gone 2008 E92 M3 - Gone 2006 E90 325i - Gone
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 05:45 PM	#7
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	From what I've seen the 335i handles better due to more front grip. I've driven both but just a few miles each, they felt about the same to me. __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 06:06 PM	#8
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	When I drove the 1er I noticed it likes to turn in much faster. The steering is also lighter and it makes the car easier to toss around. If you're looking for a second car that's fun to drive, I'd consider a 370Z much more seriously than a 135i though. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 07:46 PM	#9
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	forgo 135i and wait for the new Z4 with the TT 3.0 __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2009, 10:43 PM	#11
soupy First Lieutenant 15 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 09 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NoVa iTrader: (1)	135's a fun car...but not thaat much more fun than a 335. It still feels closer to a GT car than a true sports car, but that's alright with me as it was exactly what I was looking for in a car and saved me over $6k from going with a 3er coupe (sorry, just not a fan of sedans/saloons). That said, since the OP is looking for a second car that's a blast to drive, I'd avoid the 135i completely and go with a two-seater like the 370Z, Cayman S, or Elise. __________________ Alpine White, Coral Red Leather, Sport Package, 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2009, 06:38 AM	#13
Robin_NL S0THPAW 8717 Rep 7,846 Posts Drives: HS M2 Competition Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	135i turns in a tad better, feels 10% more agile than the 335i sport, it's still a rather heavy car for it's size(135i). In long fast(er) bends the bigger/taller 335i feels less 'nervous' than the swb 135i. In shorter bends it's the other way around, but not that much. Both nice cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2009, 07:09 AM	#14
MVF4Rrider PCA, BMWCCA 102 Rep 2,058 Posts Drives: 997S, MV Agusta F4, E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV iTrader: (0)	Forgot to mention. The seating position of the 3er is a little better too. The 1er is too tall as the car and whole cabin is taller; therefore you sit higher. Not very sports car like. Again, due to being born as a 4 door hatch I assuming. Driving the 135i never gave me the feeling I was in a sporty car. Some may like the lighter steering. I'm the opposite. I like a solid, heavy feel to the steering. With the 3er, no modding is essential. With the 1er, it needs lowering and a more taut suspension. __________________ '08 Carrera S 6MT Guards Red/Black ext leather, Carbon fiber pkg, sport exh, sport chrono +, PASM, Nav, Bose, 19" forged turbos, red tranny tunnel '07 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 1+1, Corse Red/Silver, RG3 race pipes and factory race ECU
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-13-2009, 07:38 AM	#15
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	Thanks for the great responses, although a bit discouraging. :P I'll definitely be taking it for a spin real soon. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2009, 10:05 PM	#17
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 976 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	FYI, I test drove the 370z and 135i back to back and I'm picking up my 135i tomorrow. The Z wasn't a bad car at all, but overall I just didn't like it very much. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-19-2009, 10:22 PM	#18
nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Lieutenant 108 Rep 465 Posts Drives: 1 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: 2 iTrader: (0)	I felt that the 135i has more body roll than the 335i. I equate that to the shorter wheel base, and the little extra height.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2009, 06:34 AM	#21
imported_mega Colonel 122 Rep 2,199 Posts Drives: various bmw's Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: neverland iTrader: (0)	while the specs on what the two cars can do are very close they feel a LOT different, go drive one and you'll see just slight changes in the interior layout make a big difference in the car's feel __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten.. 1974 2002, many various 3s.
	Appreciate 0 Quote