2008 BMW 135i: Spoiled by the N54 or; Why I wouldn't buy an E46 M3 or; Why Sadlier is off his rocker.

Btw, excellent blog entry, good sir!

I retract my statement from the previous post. Sadliers opinion now means nothing after finding out he went to school in the NorthLEAST.

On a side note...the M3 may look dated but the 1 will always be a potbellied pig.

Last I checked, you also grew up and attended primary and secondary school in MA. Plus, I am pretty sure that area of Western MA you called home for 6 years (2 years underwater basket weaving, 2 years journalism, 2 years perfecting the art of MD 20/20 consumption) has more bearded people per square mile than the logging regions of Northern Maine and maple syrup central in Canada combined.

Having never had the luxury of experiencing the long term M3, I can't comment on the crayon smell or many of the other points in this post, but one of the biggest reasons I purchased a 135 (other than the fact that it is an absolute pleasure to drive and will slap around the majority of other vehicles on the road today) is what you mentioned in #9. 3-series are a dime-a-dozen in this area, and I have reason to believe that they are given away as parting gifts to USC and UCLA grads. Heck, I bet if I whipped a rock out onto the highway right now I'd stand a good chance of dinging a 3-series and a Prius.

I graduated from tUSC. Where's my 3er?

I'd take the 135i over the M3. Mod it and you're nipping at the butt of the V8 M3's.

@aerodax: It may be a pot-belly pig but I honestly feel, contrary to Mr. Magrath I might add, that the pot-belly gives the 1er character....there is no mistaking this car for ANYTHING else on the road....My 300+hp(with mods...wink, wink) will give me all the smiles that an E46 M3 would have given me without the headache of inspections or so-called "patina" or whatever else....all things being equal though if I ever come into some money....I WILL buy an E46 M3....it still makes me drool when I see it....

I think the e46 m3 is probably the best looking BMW ever. Even in silver or white or anything bland.

Clean those wheels!

Most of those comments will apply to the 1 series in 4 years anyway. They are just new car vs old car arguments.

The E46 M3 is a modern classic and a touchstone in the BMW pantheon, while the 1-series will join the pre-facelift 7-series, X3, and X6 as an ill-advised Bangle effort. The value nor performance proposition just isn't there when comparing the 135i vs. 335i either, so what's the point of the thing?

Brian and compliance are pretty much on point. I came very close to buying a new 135i over my "old" 2006 M3 last year, but ultimately decided for the M3 due to its "focus," as Edmunds' 335/135/M3 comparo put it.

Anyway, I know a ton of M drivers, and I would say the characterization is off, but I don't buy cars based on any group it associates me with.

And for the record, the biggest reason your 135i is faster is because you guys opted out of the valve adjustment at Inspection II. Might as well just put the damned thing on all-seasons then complain about its skidpad numbers.

Another great post. I'm really liking the R8 vs GT-R, Evo vs STI, and M3 vs 135 rivalries. I also think most of this is really just like compliance said - an old vs new car argument. Since they price out about the same, it is relevant. Since I don't get paid to drive and evaluate cars for a living (a major failing on my part) if I get a BMW it would probably have to be a used 135 or 335. A used M3 might be out of my reach. I do think the M3 is the far better looking car. In fact it is one of the best looking BMWs, IMHO.

Thanks for the comparison!

In the end, i'd still have to go with an E46 series M3. True, it's finicky, but you'd have to except to put some work in on any sports car - new or otherwise - to keep it in top shape. Be it Mustang, Camaro, RS4, Trans Am, M3... you have to be willing to put work and effort into it to get maximum performance out of it.

I also have a sharp preference for the E46/E39 series-styling as in comparison to even newer 3 and 5-series cars, not to mention the hideousness of the 1 series. Granted, some people prefer to fly under the rader, but I myself am not one of them. And true, the 135 has much more useable power out of the twin-turbo I-6, but it just isn't as... sexy as the S54 engine. The sound of the S54 is hard to match, and adds to the performance feel of the car.

Ultimately you can't go wrong with either car - as long as you know what you're getting into. The 135 is too much of a sleeper for my tastes, and an E46 M3 is awfully quirky. Be forewarned and you'll be satisfied with either one.

I'm being tempted by a pristine 540i 6 speed at my local dealer, but to complicate things the store just traded for a gorgeous E46 M3 drop top. The only thing that keeps me from grabbing it is the fact that it's an SMG car, and I really don't think that I could live without a clutch pedal for an extended period of time.

BAHAHAHA lmao at #1!!! A few friends of mine got into my '87 325i cabrio for the first time a few weeks ago...they loved the car, but one commented on how "it smells like crayons in here!"

A lot of anger and frustration in this post! Ha, ha! I love it! I must say though that I sadly agree with everything said. I remember the first time I drove an 8 year old 328i which I loved when I was younger. I couldn't believe how crappy it felt! It did smell like crayons, buttons were cheap, power was not there, I was sad. Then I drove a 335i last year and it was awesome! Sure new vs old argument may apply, but I still think the newer generation of BMWs seem to be put together better, and use higher quality materials which should let them age better. Obviously we will have to wait and see.

"I want to go fast and be comfortable. It's why I don't own anything British."

WHen is the last time you've driven a Jaguar? Especially one with a V8? The one I regularly drive, and the other one [dad's] I drive once in a while are fast enough, and very comfortable. No, 0-60 doesn't come in 4.8, but who needs that in southern California anyway? Street racing is dead. Find a Jag, take a drive to Vegas, set the cruise at 80, and let me know how uncomfortable you are when you get out.

Good point 5507, I think. People get too obssesed over some of those stats and numbers that they forget they'll almost never drive like the reviewers and professional racers. For most people the lower-end or mid-range engines are more than adequate.

Yeah, the car smells like crayons, but I've been smelling that in BMWs since the 1970s. To me, it's a BMW "smell" and just what you get when you get one of the cars. Do you think a call to the Quandts in Germany will get them to excise the smell? Whatever -- get over it.
Dude, please. I'll take the Motorsport car any day over the 135i, and it's not because I think the 135 is a bad or bad-looking car. It's because the E46 M3 is that good.

I never noticed the crayon smell in my '99 E46 328i (deceased as of 2/3/09 thanks to an Xterra with a cattle/brush guard). I am contemplating an '07 335i, E46 M3, or Pontiac G8 GT right now. The 335i sure is nice inside, stiff chassis, fun and would still be a great daily driver. The M3 has an interior that I've been in for years, except the seats are a lot better. I looked at Edmunds' True Cost to Own and when an '04 and '05 M3 were a fair amount more to own than an '07 335, it bumped the M3 down on the list. One of the 335 coupes I'm looking at is a CPO for about the same price Edmunds listed in TCO, so not only would that negate about 2 years of repair costs, but I also would get a $500 rebate thanks to BMWCCA. The lack of technology in the M3 is also an issue. The TCO winner by quite a bit is the G8 GT, but I don't know if I'm willing to turn old man and drive an auto, despite my 45 mile daily commute.

"The 135 offers a better ride, better interior and more features. It's faster and less harsh. It's also soulless. I don't care about soul. I want to go fast and be comfortable."

Interesting comment. I care about soul a bunch, and just about every car I've owned has had a soul, a personality, charisma, whatever you want to call it, and IMO, it's one attribute that makes a good car a great car.

Another car which I suspect doesn't have much of a soul, is the GT-R. Would you say this is true?

2) Do the work yourself, nothing like putting a little sweat and blood into a car

3) Its old, but its classic BMW and fits like a well-worn glove

4) Like with any aging sports car, pieces become worn. Replace with short-shift kit, nod approvingly at your first few shifts and drive off into the sunset.

5) In the same way a Ferrari F355 or Porsche 993 looks "dated". Aged, never dated and always gorgeous

6) Who needs music, the S54 is plenty to listen to 90% of the time.

8) Who wants quiet? And who wants less frantic? Strong, quiet types belong in the library

9) Proud member of the M cult

10) I prefer character, otherwise I'd get a Lexus

You don't want soul and you're whining about the glorious sound the S54 makes at high RPM?

You've either completely missed the point or you have a vagina!

Great post, very funny. "I just don't have the time to join a cult." - LMAO!

I tend to agree with your conclusion. The 135 seems to be a better balance for my real life where I want a little more comfort and a little less soul.

If I'm going to get a used performance car, it might as well be a Ferrari. That was really something special. I could overlook the "patina" and maintenance issues because, well, it's a freakin' Ferrari. But the M3 is just another BMW.

Everything aside, purely on looks:

E46 M3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1er

End of discussion.

"5) The E46 M3 looks dated: Yeah, I said it."

It's still 1000x better looking than the 135i though, and this is a fact. Would you rather sleep with 40+ yr old Julia Roberts or the younger but much uglier Sandra Oh?

What's up with those semicolons in your title?

"Would you rather sleep with 40+ yr old Julia Roberts or the younger but much uglier Sandra Oh?"

How about neither...

Halle Berry = M3...a little older but still drop dead gorgeous.

Megan Fox = 135i...young, hot but unsure of how it will age.

This was an anti-M3 blog entry?

The "1" has:

no soul

is bland

and, is less engaging

Where do I sign up?

(And guessing from past blog posts, apparantly, the M3 gets beat on by every tool at Edmunds.)

Good point about the Edmunds M3 getting beat on. I'm sure a good many M3s live hard lives (probably not many as hard as this one...), but show a little restraint, and it's a very different story. I have 50k on my '05 M3, and it feels absolutely like new, and that's on the awful roads in the Twin Cities. It doesn't even stink!

That said, I'm about to trade it in on a new 135i. I'm looking forward to something off the beaten path; I've seen a grand total of 2 on the road ever. It'll be nice driving a sleeper for a change.

"By vmchurch on February 16, 2009 8:14 AM
2) Do the work yourself, nothing like putting a little sweat and blood into a car

3) Its old, but its classic BMW and fits like a well-worn glove

5) In the same way a Ferrari F355 or Porsche 993 looks "dated". Aged, never dated and always gorgeous

6) Who needs music, the S54 is plenty to listen to 90% of the time.

8) Who wants quiet? And who wants less frantic? Strong, quiet types belong in the library

9) Proud member of the M cult

10) I prefer character, otherwise I'd get a Lexus"

Okay, I'll bite:
2) I don't have the time or energy for that. I want things that work all the time.

3) Old gloves may fit well, but new gloves are all warm and fluffy and new. Like new socks, you just can't beat 'em.

5) Dated and extremely dated. Not interested.

6) I need music. Always. 50/50 iPod / road noise.

8) I like quiet. Why would you put up with the noise when you don't have to? I'd be ok with it if it was faster, but it's not.

9) Okay, we can both agree the 1 has more character than a Lexus. Being in those barely counts as driving...

"By mustang5507 on February 15, 2009 7:35 PM
"I want to go fast and be comfortable. It's why I don't own anything British."

WHen is the last time you've driven a Jaguar"

I guess a few months ago, they're okay. Clearly you're a better copy editor than I was that day though. I accidentally removed a sentence about reliability that would have made sense there. Blame it on Friday.

-mike

Yeah, *your* M3 has a CD changer, but the iPod kit is available.

*Your* M3 has road noise, but maybe it's got alignment issues or the tires just suck. I fail to see how it's wholly a failing of the car.

The S54 may be finicky, but you act like it breaks down all the time. Let me know how reliable the 135i is when you get it to the number of hard miles/years your M has on it. And because it bears repeating, I'll say it again... you guys would like it more if you'd get the valve adjustment done like you should have at Inspection II.

I sure wish the 2004 M3 at my dealer was a six-speed coupe...

"My 300+hp(with mods...wink, wink) will give me all the smiles that an E46 M3 would have given me without the headache of inspections or so-called "patina" or whatever else"

Just wait until your 135i turns 7 or more years old. These cars have similar service requirements. Emphasis on similar. Not the "same."

"Anyway, I know a ton of M drivers, and I would say the characterization is off, but I don't buy cars based on any group it associates me with."

tenfifteen you couldn't have said it better. I wholeheartedly concur!

Let's review:

1) Old BMWs smell

Verdict: False. I've had several BMWs over 4 years old, and they've all smelled like new because they get parked in a garage and the interior gets taken care of. Maybe you should try doing the same.

2) Old BMWs are expensive

Verdict: False, $1000 for Inspection II is nothing compared to dropping 40 GRAND on an Ugly Betty 135.

3) The interior on the M3 is sad

Verdict: False, your staff mistreating the M3 is not a flaw of the vehicle it's a flaw of your staff. Don't trash the interior and then blame the car!

4) The M3's shifter is BEAT

Verdict: False, the clutch on the E46 M3 is a beast, if it's shot, it's because you morons have burned it up.

5) The E46 M3 looks dated

Verdict: False, you can take any poll you want and it will kill the 1-er in aesthetics.

6) The 135 has an iPod adapter

Verdict: False, buy a freaking iPod kit, HELLO!?!

7) Sadlier has a beard: Kind of. Who do you trust

Verdict: If he disagrees with you, he must be doing something right.

8) The title item N54 engine: Useable torque everywhere. And unlike the S54 it doesn't sound like it's about to spin itself into oblivion.

Verdict: False. Maybe you forgot how many awards the S54 has won, it's one of the most successful engines in the history of BMW. What you call "sounds like it's about to spin itself into oblivion" is what most people call "sounds like heaven."

9) M guys: Like buying a Corvette or a Mustang or a Ferrari, when you buy an M car you have to buy a jacket with the M badge on the back.

Verdict: False. Plenty of people don't buy into the M gear. And guess what, there are just as many fanatical Mini drivers as there are people driving an M. In fact, the BMW Car Club is one of the largest, most successful, and most FANATICAL of any make. It's not just M cars, bud, it's BMW enthusiasts. If you don't get that, shut up and go buy a Merc.

10) Love ruins everything

Verdict: False. Love is what makes a car worth owning, it's what differentiates it from a washer, a stove, or any other appliance. How can work for Edmunds and have such a sad commentary on how people feel about cars?

I think the guys that have "regular" BMW's buy more ///M paraphernalia than people who do own M cars. They also buy a lot of M upgrades like the strut M3 tower brace and M3 steering wheel for their 328i.

As for the ipod adapter, BMW charges $400 for the unit for the 135i. You can buy aftermarket adapters like the USA Spec PA12-BMWDSP for $200. Then you have $200 to spend on an interior steam cleaning to remove the crayon smell, a short shift kit, or an oil service at the BMW stealership. One caveat is I don't know if having a nav system in the M3 allows for use of an aux-in adapter.

"I think the guys that have "regular" BMW's buy more ///M paraphernalia than people who do own M cars. They also buy a lot of M upgrades like the strut M3 tower brace and M3 steering wheel for their 328i."

I sometimes catch flak from people because my Club Sport has ///M emblems on the side molding and rear spoiler as well as an ///M tri-color slash on the shift knob. Tough nuts; that's the way it came from Munich. The 540i 6 speed I'm looking at is even worse; it has an ///M steering wheel, ///M shift knob, ///M door sill plates, and an ///M emblem on each road wheel- not to mention an M sport body kit. I'm removing the 540i emblem and replacing it with a 520d badge...

1st off: It is better to love and lost, than to never love at all. Some people still want to feel connected to their car.

In response to #1. I have 3 cars. One smells, two don't. The don't list: '04 M3, '95 740iL.
The do list: '89 celica Gt.
However two of the three take oil. the 740 takes a little, the celica drinks it.
In response to #2. ummm, no comment.
#3. I find it obvious that a 6yr old interior is inferior to a new one. The new interior is better, but the car is no more car for twice the money. IMO, the M3 interior is classy and purposeful.
#4. the shifter is rough, but have you tried replacing any fluids?
#5. I wholeheartedly disagree. How can a timeless look be outdated???? In ten years you might change your mind. IMO my 740 is better looking than most cars. They all look like Toyota's now. It's ridiculous.
#6. Ipod adapter are readily available, and I believe were optional on '06.
#7. Irrelevant.
#8. N54= great engine. S54= exhilarating engine.
#9. The club. You kinda have to be in it to understand. The air up there does smell better, and not like your M3. Ok, i'm joking about this one, but there's nothing wrong with comraderie. Don't get the true M enthusiast confused with the trust fun kid. (I'm occassionally misappropriated into this category b/c i'm 23 and have an M3 and an older 7, but it's all my own money spent). Most M owners are successful people, not punks. Besides you truly have to be proud of your car because when people see you in an M, they automatically assume your a coc*. It's due to jealousy, but who cares.

#10. what is there to life without passion? not a whole lot IMO.

having said all this, to each his own. If you don't want an M3, don't buy one. If want a 135, or 335i, then in my opinion your still cool in my book, and are making a good decision. If you want a non BMW, then definitely don't buy a BMW!