I can't write a title of "Poor Man's M3" because at $37,145 our 135i isn't exactly affordable. Still, for about half the price of a new M3, you're getting a larger percentage of the M3's renowned traits -- namely, the engaging handling and steering, a potent engine and enough refinement and room to make it a viable daily driver.
I drove our 135i last week on the same curving mountain road I've used recently to test out our long-term Lancer Evolution and Impreza WRX STI. Of these three near-$40K 300-hp machines, the BMW was by far the most enjoyable to drive.
Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor @ 9,221 miles
desmolicious says:
03:27 PM, 09/15/08
Imagine how much more fun it would have been if you got the good seats!
festiboi1 says:
05:33 PM, 09/15/08
Trimmer Springs Rd. is awesome; it just gets a little hairy up near Balch Camp.
hondacura4 says:
05:35 PM, 09/15/08
Im really going to have to go drive one of these as my lil' brothers 335i 6MT sport puts a huge smile on my face.
dougtheeng says:
06:06 PM, 09/15/08
Nice pic. I think the EVO looks much better, but the 135 is pretty sweet too.
huyracing says:
09:16 PM, 09/15/08
yes and that is why the STI/ EVO need to be cheaper.
sgude says:
06:43 AM, 09/16/08
Bimmers are so awesome. I finally discovered, while rushing down the twisty River Road in Ellenwood, GA in my 325i sport package/MT, just what it is that makes Bimmers so special -- they are so unflappable. I never felt out of sorts, I never felt I was in over my head and I always felt the car had more to give. And the young guy in the Integra who couldn't follow me -- despite the fact I had four passengers and he had none -- probably feels the same way about Bimmers too. All that with only 184 horsepower. I can only imagine what I could do with the 135i's 300 hp, or the E46 M3's 333...
* Note: sgude does not endorse street racing. However, when two of my nephews ask "Why is that guy flashing his lights at you?" and a twisty, technical section of one of the sweetest roads in Georgia beckons, a statement has to be made.
joefrompa says:
08:14 AM, 09/16/08
Sgude - That sounds about right to me. People who focus on metrics instead of actual driving experience tend to not understand why so many people are BMW fans. Certainly, the majority of them are overpriced, underequipped stripper models with an automatic and no sport suspension or seats. And they are bought for snob appeal.
But yes, you do have the drive the 135i. I don't want to compare directly to your 325i, but I imagine the 135i will be even more unflappable, and have just awesome steering. The power is also incredibly intoxicating (and I drove an auto which I didn't take over 4000 rpms).
Joe
P.s. While the new automatics are great, I absolutely hate driving them....there is still nothing like having your own control over the system.
bimmerjay says:
01:26 PM, 09/16/08
"I finally discovered, while rushing down the twisty River Road in Ellenwood, GA in my 325i sport package/MT, just what it is that makes Bimmers so special -- they are so unflappable. I never felt out of sorts, I never felt I was in over my head and I always felt the car had more to give."
Heh, that can be a problem sometimes. Awhile ago I autocrossed an A4 vs. G35 vs. 330i. Though the G35 at the time was more powerful, the 330i instilled so much more confidence at the limit that I got it through the cones significantly faster than either of those cars - but practically did it sideways the whole way!
As for the 184-hp, there are a lot of people who believe it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. :-)
blueguydotcom says:
07:29 PM, 09/16/08
Loved tracking my 03 330i ZHP. It was even more fun than my e90.
sgude says:
05:04 AM, 09/17/08
Oh yeah, that exhaust sound was to die for -- with the A/C running.
Bimmerjay -- Previously owning a 1986 102-hp VW GTI, which was the most fun I've ever had in a vehicle (driving and, ahem, otherwise), I know what you mean. More chassis than engine, they used to say.
Joe -- My test drive of an E46 M3 was the clincher; I will have one within the next two years. However, I will also drive a 135i to see if it makes me feel like the M3 did. Everything being equal, I'd rather go atmos instead of forced induction, but I will try the twin turbo before I make the M3 purchase.
hondacura4 says:
12:50 PM, 09/17/08
"People who focus on metrics instead of actual driving experience tend to not understand why so many people are BMW fans."
Joe, P L E A S E repeat this in every blog as some people STILL dont get it. Sure numbers are important but they dont tell you the whole story. As I always say, scratch the surface.
To those who dont get it......2 different vehicles can achieve the exact same overall performance numbers just use diffrent methods for obtaining the numbers. One also may feel better or give much more confidence while doing so. BMWs have proven to be confidence inspiring vehicles.
bimmerjay says:
12:59 PM, 09/18/08
"To those who dont get it......2 different vehicles can achieve the exact same overall performance numbers just use diffrent methods for obtaining the numbers. One also may feel better or give much more confidence while doing so. BMWs have proven to be confidence inspiring vehicles."
I think that a genuine auto enthusiast understands this. Unfortunately, those who don't are probably the same ones that regularly scream "bias" when a C/D comparo ranks a BMW or Honda first even though they might not put down the best numbers.