e46 M3 or e90 135i?

[rmanaudio]

Im looking to sell my e46 325ci and going after more power....what would be a good upgrade?

[VorteC]

If it's a DD then the 135i would be the better car.. it's a great blend between comfort and performance. The e46 M3 would perform better, but will be less refined and have a harsher ride. If you are willing to sacrifice comfort for performance (and that M-badge) then go with the e46. You stated you were going for speed, both of these will deliver that nicely. If you get the 135i, you can get a ECU reflash for a grand and get 380hp + 380tq.

Also, I like the e46's styling alot more than the 135i. Just my 2 cents..

[afici0nad0]

e46.

Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i

...1st Place: 2002 BMW M3 (tie)
From the performance perspective, the M3 is disappointingly off the mark in this test. It's outshined on virtually all fronts by its modern counterparts. So how did it end up tied with the 135i for 1st place? Simple. It's a hell of a lot less expensive and it rewards in ways that less focused cars never will. The bottom line is, the 2002 BMW M3 is still a lot of car for $30 grand — six years old or not.

The one test that the M3 wins outright is on the road course, and maybe this is the best measure of the car's driving character. Yet its winning lap time — 1:25.75, only marginally better than the 135i — is less significant than what it offers its driver on a racetrack. This car gives you control, lots of it. Even with more than 50,000 miles on the clock, the E46 M3 is a textbook-perfect rear-drive performance car. Steering precision, body control, feedback and response all come together in a way that makes the 135i and 335i seem downright soft and less serious.

Most telling on the track is the M3's confidence through the Radical Loop's turn 3-4 combination. Here as you accelerate from 75 mph to 105 over a blind crest and down the long straight, the M3 feels perfectly composed and painted to the pavement. Its chassis offers inch-perfect precision that allows you to stay in the throttle far longer than you can in the other cars. Part of this equation is the M3's limited-slip differential, which doles out power where it's needed rather than letting it evaporate through the path of least resistance. This same level of control extends to smooth public roads.

But when the road becomes rough (which it inevitably does), the M3's otherwise excellent suspension works against it. On such roads we struggled to keep its rubber in contact with the ground, and on more than one occasion, found the rear tires trying to lead instead of follow.

To be fair, the M3's age did begin to show during the most demanding portions of our test. On the road course it became obvious that we will need brake pads with more lining and better thermal capacity if we want them to keep up with the beating they get. Clutch engagement also became softer and softer with every launch. More track time, whether in a straight line or on a road course, will require further investment in these areas.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=125908

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

M3 = LSD
Non-M = No LSD.

[McLaren]

I would take the 135i, new car, with warranty and a lot more rare than a E46 M3.

[ES_Revenge]

I would take the 135i, new car, with warranty and a lot more rare than a E46 M3.

Right now it is but not in a years time.

I would take the 135i too though.

[cy]

After seeing 135i a few times on the road, it doesn't look that attractive. It could be a faster car, but the class is just not there.

Having that said, because I am a person that don't like hassle, I personally would prefer buying a new/lightly used car over a 6 yrs old car just for the reduced chance of breaking down.

[Neb]

No such thing as a E90 135i... E90 is a 3 series sedan.. I think the 135i is a E84.

I would take a 135i if i had the money... Unless you track your car.

[HP_John]

e46.

Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i



http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=125908

In that comparo you quoted, the 135i tied for 1st with the M3. I know some will say it's blasphemy but the 135i has comparable performance to the E46 M3. You're paying a whole lot for a old used car with the M3 (for the same cost as a new 135i). 4 yr warranty with the 135i & better fuel economy.

[afici0nad0]

agreed. the m3 was tied for first with the 135i.

still, out of personal preference, i would still take the m3 (given a fair price, of course).

[Asad_A203]

I would take a 335i over an E46 M3 just due to how many engines just died from regular use with an M3. You can add a much better LSD to the 335i and chip the car to make it much faster than an M3 without spending too much; and you still have a vehicle mainly on warranty (maybe not after the chip).

[crashcourse]

Im looking to sell my e46 325ci and going after more power....what would be a good upgrade?

so to clarify " e46 M3 or e90 135i? " is it e46 M3 vs 335i or e46 M3 vs 135i?

I would buy the 135i for more power, new technology, and hopefully cheaper insurance rate

[rmanaudio]

Thanks guys...well it looks like my e46 325Ci is sold....so time for a new project.

I really love the e46 style....not much of a fan of the e90s...love the front look for the e90s but not the rear.

My options are, buy a new 135i AW on IR....or try to find another AW or IR or PY e46 but M3 2003.5 and up with less than 100K on it....both are gonna cost me over 40K anyways.

I'm also thinking of importing a M3....as a 2004 M3 with 50K on it are going for 30K in the states.....could save around 10K buying importing.

Should I buy now...or wait till winter for a used M3?

Thanks guys.

[rmanaudio]

so to clarify " e46 M3 or e90 135i? " is it e46 M3 vs 335i or e46 M3 vs 135i?

I would buy the 135i for more power, new technology, and hopefully cheaper insurance rate

I do not like the 335i as it is too big of a car. I like the 135i at it feels and drives more like my e46...that is the only reason why I would consider a 135i and also it is 10K cheaper.

I am looking for a garage queen. It will not be a daily driver...more for summer cruising. I have had my fun with modding with my 325Ci...I have learned so much on it with replacing almost everything (just for fun and to learn how german engineers think, as I am also a engineer). I was thinking of supercharging it if it did not sell and later transplant a M56 with tranny and rear end to it....as it is so much fun working on the e46. The new e90s scare me as the engine is all titanium. You can even change a waterpump easy, and it will cost you $400 as it is electric...WOW! They really redesigned that N54 engine...nothing like the M54. But, I also know that caring and repairing a M3 is a lot more expensive than a non-M e46.....So I am stuck on what to make my next garage queen.

[rmanaudio]

e46.

Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i



http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=125908

Hey do me a favour and stop reading edmunds.com. As you see they tested a 2002 M3...not even a 2004 or 2005 or a new 2006!!! I'm willing to bet that the 2002 was missing a few HP due to its age and kms. Stock vs stock vs stock, the M3 will win in every way giving same conditions for engine, tires and driver. Now, if you chip and exhaust the N54 engine it will do better than a e46 M3 and probably as good as the new e92 M3!

[hoopsandyoyo]

oh god....please pls pls get the M3.
135 is pretty embrassing. ...a distugting car.

[Sprite_TM]

i hate to say this, but i can bet that there will be loads of 1 series on the road in the coming years and its gonna saturate the market, the next gen corolla for bmw haha. for me, i wouldnt even consider the 1 series, the first reason is mentioned above and the second reason is it doesnt look good and like the above poster says, its embarassing!

but if u had to make a choice, u should get the 135i and get 4 years free maintenance rather than the M3 if ur looking for speed.

for me, i would get the 335i.

[rmanaudio]

i hate to say this, but i can bet that there will be loads of 1 series on the road in the coming years and its gonna saturate the market, the next gen corolla for bmw haha. for me, i wouldnt even consider the 1 series, the first reason is mentioned above and the second reason is it doesnt look good and like the above poster says, its embarassing!

but if u had to make a choice, u should get the 135i and get 4 years free maintenance rather than the M3 if ur looking for speed.

for me, i would get the 335i.

Those are very valid points....but have you seen a 135i with M-package up close...it looks damn sexy!

Also, I recommend you drive a 335i and a 135i on the same day, I bet you will change your statement.

I think I will stick to the e46 family and try to find a good deal on a M3.

M3>135i>335i

[crashcourse]

Also, I recommend you drive a 335i and a 135i on the same day, I bet you will change your statement.


I've driven both and I can agree 100%, the 135i will keep you smiling and save you $10K and alot of weight!

[B0000rt]

I've driven both and I can agree 100%, the 135i will keep you smiling and save you $10K and alot of weight!

Some weight, not alot...

[TenzoR]

I do not like the 335i as it is too big of a car. I like the 135i at it feels and drives more like my e46...that is the only reason why I would consider a 135i and also it is 10K cheaper.

I am looking for a garage queen. It will not be a daily driver...more for summer cruising. I have had my fun with modding with my 325Ci...I have learned so much on it with replacing almost everything (just for fun and to learn how german engineers think, as I am also a engineer). I was thinking of supercharging it if it did not sell and later transplant a M56 with tranny and rear end to it....as it is so much fun working on the e46. The new e90s scare me as the engine is all titanium. You can even change a waterpump easy, and it will cost you $400 as it is electric...WOW! They really redesigned that N54 engine...nothing like the M54. But, I also know that caring and repairing a M3 is a lot more expensive than a non-M e46.....So I am stuck on what to make my next garage queen.

The Natural Aspirated E9x uses the N52 series engines, which are redesigned and the blocks are made out of mainly aluminum and magnesium. The N54 Twin Turbocharged engine on the other hand is not using magnesium and aluminum for the block, but rather just aluminum (like the M54). Also, I can't think of a engine made out of titanium either ;)

[rmanaudio]

The Natural Aspirated E9x uses the N52 series engines, which are redesigned and the blocks are made out of mainly aluminum and magnesium. The N54 Twin Turbocharged engine on the other hand is not using magnesium and aluminum for the block, but rather just aluminum (like the M54). Also, I can't think of a engine made out of titanium either ;)

Yes you are right....i hate typing late night...I ment magnesium! No one would be dumb enough to use titanium to cast a engine! i have been told my a couple of BMW techs that the N54 also has magnesium bolts and nuts that are one time and good luck finding them in stock! He basically said, BMW has engineered it so that people can do less DIY and more Stealership work! Not a car you can work on easily...other than change your own oil and brake!

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Yeah, because BMW 3 series drivers are well known for tearing down and rebuilding their engine blocks on the driveway. I don't think that was a big consideration in the design.

Also the new ones don't have dipsticks do they.

[TenzoR]

Yeah, because BMW 3 series drivers are well known for tearing down and rebuilding their engine blocks on the driveway. I don't think that was a big consideration in the design.

Also the new ones don't have dipsticks do they.

They have one on the OBC

[crashcourse]

Some weight, not alot...

200lbs!

[HP_John]

Hey do me a favour and stop reading edmunds.com. As you see they tested a 2002 M3...not even a 2004 or 2005 or a new 2006!!! I'm willing to bet that the 2002 was missing a few HP due to its age and kms. Stock vs stock vs stock, the M3 will win in every way giving same conditions for engine, tires and driver. Now, if you chip and exhaust the N54 engine it will do better than a e46 M3 and probably as good as the new e92 M3!

I believe the reason they tested a 02 M3 was they were trying to compare cars that were relatively close in price. A newer yr M3 may've been much more than even the 335i.

The 135i has many safety features & arguably performs better than the 335i. Most luxury features that are options on the 335i are also optional on the 135i. Many people hate it because everytime a prestige brand comes out with a new cheaper entry-level car, folks just feel the need to brand it as a poser.

Everyone who has driven a Boxster loves it, it actually handles better than the base 911 (though most who've never driven both don't believe it). Ask anyone who owns both, the Boxster has a better layout for handling.

It has excellent brakes, & rides decent. It is a true Porsche (in fact, they use to share a lot of parts with the 911, don't know if that's still true for the 05 & newer), yet people love to bash it. Coincidentally, most who bash it as a poser drive cheaper cars. I've never owned a Boxster, & likely never will as I don't like it's value for the $, but that doesn't mean it's not a good car.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Well, if you were a real driver, you would have gone for the Cayman instead of the Boxster, since only poseurs and girls drive convertibles. :lol:

I think the handling is one of the things that attract people to the 911 - the old 911s, as Jeremy Clarkson says, "does not tolerate fools". One bad move and you are upside down in the ditch. So if you are still alive and driving your 930 after a couple of years then the ladies know you are probably an OK driver. I don't think it really matters nowadays because they have fine tuned the suspension and electronic stability on the 911 to make it much more tolerant, but the appeal is still there.

[B0000rt]

200lbs!

Considering the 335i weighs 3600lbs, again not by much ;) Heck, my 4.3 RAV4 V6 weighs as much as the 335i ;)

[ES_Revenge]

The 135i has many safety features & arguably performs better than the 335i. Most luxury features that are options on the 335i are also optional on the 135i. Many people hate it because everytime a prestige brand comes out with a new cheaper entry-level car, folks just feel the need to brand it as a poser.

Everyone who has driven a Boxster loves it, it actually handles better than the base 911 (though most who've never driven both don't believe it). Ask anyone who owns both, the Boxster has a better layout for handling.
x2

I would have to think most of the people that bash or pooh-pooh the 1-series have never driven one. While I never really thought the Boxster/Cayman were that great the Boxster/Cayman S is definitely better than the base 911. I'm not even sure why anyone would buy a base 911 given the Cayman S is cheaper and better (if not faster in a staight line, better every other way given the price).