M135i or GT86?
Discussion
Hi all, long time lurker on pistonheads forums... Thinking about buying a new car soon and with around £21,000 to spend it's between a used M135i or a nearly new GT86...
Leaning towards the GT86 because practicality is not a huge issue for me and it seems like it will be cheaper to run as a daily, whilst also enabling plenty of sideways fun...
Know there's a lot of strong opinions on both cars so thought it would be interesting to hear some different (im sure reasonable and not at all biased lol) opinions on this.
Leaning towards the GT86 because practicality is not a huge issue for me and it seems like it will be cheaper to run as a daily, whilst also enabling plenty of sideways fun...
Know there's a lot of strong opinions on both cars so thought it would be interesting to hear some different (im sure reasonable and not at all biased lol) opinions on this.
Neither used Porsche Cayman S.
But if I had to choose it would be tough. Probably the m135i though, had a 123d that was mapped and it was a brilliant car and I am sure the M135 would be miles better. Although the cosworth supercharged gt86 that was at japfest last weekend was epic. 😀😀😀😀😀.
I feel for you, nice to have a touch choice.
But if I had to choose it would be tough. Probably the m135i though, had a 123d that was mapped and it was a brilliant car and I am sure the M135 would be miles better. Although the cosworth supercharged gt86 that was at japfest last weekend was epic. 😀😀😀😀😀.
I feel for you, nice to have a touch choice.
I've owned an M135i for nearly 3 years and tested a GT86 a few years ago. Not really comparable. The Gt86 is more fun to drive - IMO - but the BMW is a great car to live with day to day: reasonable interior, comfy, easy to drive with the 8 speed auto (a god send in traffic) plus it goes quickly if you want. Depends what you are using it for.
BM everytime.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
Might be in a position to help...
We had a GT86 for 18mths. Then an M135i, now on M135i number two! 'Nuff said.
Joking aside they are both great cars. GT86 has the BMW licked as a good steer (great handling,direct steering) and the BMW is lifeless when it come to steering feel.
However, M135i has the GT86 beat in every other department. Performance and interior quality in another league compared to the Toyota.
Finally there's the sound. BMW sounds amazing at tick over, let alone when you put your foot down. GT86 had a reasonable growling note but nothing special.
Then again, this is just my opinion. Test drive them both and pick you're favourite. You won't be disappointed with either.
Let us know how you get on.
We had a GT86 for 18mths. Then an M135i, now on M135i number two! 'Nuff said.
Joking aside they are both great cars. GT86 has the BMW licked as a good steer (great handling,direct steering) and the BMW is lifeless when it come to steering feel.
However, M135i has the GT86 beat in every other department. Performance and interior quality in another league compared to the Toyota.
Finally there's the sound. BMW sounds amazing at tick over, let alone when you put your foot down. GT86 had a reasonable growling note but nothing special.
Then again, this is just my opinion. Test drive them both and pick you're favourite. You won't be disappointed with either.
Let us know how you get on.
TarpaTow said:
BM everytime.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
Geesus wept I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
I have seen a few "comments" in here in my long tenure, this is just, "special".I had an M135i for nearly 3 years, bloody fabulous and way below the radar of most, thing is I was terrified of having it outside of the Warranty period sadly.
750turbo said:
Geesus wept I have seen a few "comments" in here in my long tenure, this is just, "special".
I had an M135i for nearly 3 years, bloody fabulous and way below the radar of most, thing is I was terrified of having it outside of the Warranty period sadly.
Why? I've had BMW since 2003. Used to have them as company cars. Replaced every 3 years / 60,000 miles. Not had a problem with any of them I have seen a few "comments" in here in my long tenure, this is just, "special".I had an M135i for nearly 3 years, bloody fabulous and way below the radar of most, thing is I was terrified of having it outside of the Warranty period sadly.
Esceptico said:
750turbo said:
Geesus wept I have seen a few "comments" in here in my long tenure, this is just, "special".
I had an M135i for nearly 3 years, bloody fabulous and way below the radar of most, thing is I was terrified of having it outside of the Warranty period sadly.
Why? I've had BMW since 2003. Used to have them as company cars. Replaced every 3 years / 60,000 miles. Not had a problem with any of them I have seen a few "comments" in here in my long tenure, this is just, "special".I had an M135i for nearly 3 years, bloody fabulous and way below the radar of most, thing is I was terrified of having it outside of the Warranty period sadly.
From memory, the issues I had were: (Warranty mostly)
- Front wheel bearing
- Media unit
- Steering drop link issue
- Stupid price for pads & discs (Probably me being a tightarse)
- Rattle from OSF and OSR Suspension - I gave up at this point
TarpaTow said:
BM everytime.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
German Quality - Like VW Emissions Quality right? You sound like a lot of people I know that get white hatchbacks on finance to impress the neighbours, poor souls, please just comment saying you were joking when you wrote this? Or high?I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
I've had I think six previous generation BMWs, E46 & E39s. Loved them all but they're worlds apart from GT86/BRZ - I suspect current BMWs have moved on, but in general a similar experience.
GT86 probably not the best grand tourer nor traffic light GP, but great fun especially at modest speeds. If I needed practicality I may consider the BMW, but the GT86 is still a relatively 'exclusive' little car - I still don't see many about and that's a big part of the appeal for me. All due respect and all that, but the hot BMW/Audi/VW/other small 'sports' cars are two a penny and superficially look pretty much the same as the poverty spec rep-mobiles to the uninitiated. The GT86/BRZ stands out among a sea of similarity.
Still, you have to drive them both and decide which you prefer though.
GT86 probably not the best grand tourer nor traffic light GP, but great fun especially at modest speeds. If I needed practicality I may consider the BMW, but the GT86 is still a relatively 'exclusive' little car - I still don't see many about and that's a big part of the appeal for me. All due respect and all that, but the hot BMW/Audi/VW/other small 'sports' cars are two a penny and superficially look pretty much the same as the poverty spec rep-mobiles to the uninitiated. The GT86/BRZ stands out among a sea of similarity.
Still, you have to drive them both and decide which you prefer though.
TarpaTow said:
BM everytime.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
I'd love to have a 135. They must be epic to drive and no little Japanese car could be anywhere near as good. You've also got German quality, something designed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine and a mega image.
Your neighbours will be totally impressed with the BM, none of them would know what the Toyota was. I used to have a 1 series and work colleagues couldn't believe how good it was and were totally impressed.
Two very different philosophies behind two very different cars. I'd say the BMW is the better only car/daily driver esp. if you have to do long distances or ferry a few passengers although saying that idk if the rear of the 1er is a great place for long journeys if you're much above 5'8 or have to sit behind the driver. But, the GT86 could be more fun as a driver's car especially once a few mods have been chucked at it... although, would you be as prepared to do that on a nearly new car and risk a bigger depreciation hit? Not like you can't have fun modding the BM either.
neilf said:
Might be in a position to help...
We had a GT86 for 18mths. Then an M135i, now on M135i number two! 'Nuff said.
Joking aside they are both great cars. GT86 has the BMW licked as a good steer (great handling,direct steering) and the BMW is lifeless when it come to steering feel.
However, M135i has the GT86 beat in every other department. Performance and interior quality in another league compared to the Toyota.
Finally there's the sound. BMW sounds amazing at tick over, let alone when you put your foot down. GT86 had a reasonable growling note but nothing special.
Then again, this is just my opinion. Test drive them both and pick you're favourite. You won't be disappointed with either.
Let us know how you get on.
The BMW sound is artificial played through the radio speakers though. We had a GT86 for 18mths. Then an M135i, now on M135i number two! 'Nuff said.
Joking aside they are both great cars. GT86 has the BMW licked as a good steer (great handling,direct steering) and the BMW is lifeless when it come to steering feel.
However, M135i has the GT86 beat in every other department. Performance and interior quality in another league compared to the Toyota.
Finally there's the sound. BMW sounds amazing at tick over, let alone when you put your foot down. GT86 had a reasonable growling note but nothing special.
Then again, this is just my opinion. Test drive them both and pick you're favourite. You won't be disappointed with either.
Let us know how you get on.
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