M135i or 435d xDrive?
Discussion
Having a bit of difficulty between deciding on what car to go for next.
I like the idea of a more involving drive in the M135, but I also like the idea of laughable traction / performance all year round with the 435d...
Anyone lived with either and can report back on MPG, ownership experience etc?
I like the idea of a more involving drive in the M135, but I also like the idea of laughable traction / performance all year round with the 435d...
Anyone lived with either and can report back on MPG, ownership experience etc?
You might find some useful info here: http://www.babybmw.net/viewforum.php?f=74&sid=... and you don't need to be a member to browse. I found it as also looking at M135I next!
Having had an 330d LCI E92 and loved it + looked at and driven an M135i I think if I had the money the 435d would probably take mine ... the M135i was superb but it is cramped compared to the 3/4 series.
The idea of similar performance at real world speeds and 4wd in a bigger body would have won it for me.
Sadly the discounts on the 435d are not as great (or so I was told) as the M135i so it was out of my price range - and I got a Z4 35iS
The idea of similar performance at real world speeds and 4wd in a bigger body would have won it for me.
Sadly the discounts on the 435d are not as great (or so I was told) as the M135i so it was out of my price range - and I got a Z4 35iS
If you are looking for a fun, nimble, quick, agile, pocket rocket, almost sports car like performance, the M135i will be suited. Being a smaller, lighter car, with a peach of an engine makes it ones fun car to drive indeed which will always put a smile on your face. Mpg experience of a M235i over 6,000 miles s average 29. 50/50 split of motorway/ a-b road driving. Used for 3 months and counting, and overall very impressed.
Ordered a 435d to replace the M235i for December (change cars every 6 months - it's not that I don't enjoy it). Tried one for a week, and coming from the 2er felt a lot bigger and heavier. It's more of a cruiser than a sports car, but still got crazy performance to go with it.The added traction does help get that mass of torque down, and still feels good to drive being on a 60:40 RWD set up, but a fair bit off the feel of the M235i. MPG over about 700 miles in it was 43 over probably more back roads trying to get a feel for it.
There both lovely things, and due to the miles I do, I think I'll just prefer the 435d. I find the main difference is, the M1/235i makes you want to go fast all the time, but the 435d wants to gobble up miles and miles of tarmac. Probably the best way to put it is it's like comparing Usain Bolt to Mo Farah.
Go drive them both, but makes sure you have them for a while. It you only spend 20 minutes in them, you'll probably go for a M135i.
Ordered a 435d to replace the M235i for December (change cars every 6 months - it's not that I don't enjoy it). Tried one for a week, and coming from the 2er felt a lot bigger and heavier. It's more of a cruiser than a sports car, but still got crazy performance to go with it.The added traction does help get that mass of torque down, and still feels good to drive being on a 60:40 RWD set up, but a fair bit off the feel of the M235i. MPG over about 700 miles in it was 43 over probably more back roads trying to get a feel for it.
There both lovely things, and due to the miles I do, I think I'll just prefer the 435d. I find the main difference is, the M1/235i makes you want to go fast all the time, but the 435d wants to gobble up miles and miles of tarmac. Probably the best way to put it is it's like comparing Usain Bolt to Mo Farah.
Go drive them both, but makes sure you have them for a while. It you only spend 20 minutes in them, you'll probably go for a M135i.
I considered both, well an M135i and a 335d. The M135i is more fun and makes a nicer noise, although I found the short gearing makes it a noisier motorway car. Space is clearly a factor too, and the M135i just wasn't quite big enough for our needs. I seem to average about 39mpg from my 335d, which is pretty good for me, and fairly typical for others. I got around 43mpg from a loan 330d and 45mpg from a loan 320d, so there isn't much to be gained, for my own driving style, if choosing for efficiency.
The 35d engine actually makes quite a nice noise when pressing on, which was a surprise, although it can't compare with the smaller car.
The 35d engine actually makes quite a nice noise when pressing on, which was a surprise, although it can't compare with the smaller car.
OP, it depends what you're looking for from your next motor. I've owned an 8sp auto M135i for the last 7 months and it's a great all rounder. Plenty big enough for a hatchback with a decent sized boot and enough space to seat 4 adults if required.
The beauty comes in the Jekyll and Hyde character really - you can pootle around in comfort mode for the commute and see high 30s MPG if on a decent run on the motorway. Switch to Sport mode however, and there's loads of fun to be had - the surge forward when you plant your foot on the accelerator pedal is addictive. Motorway slip roads are a hoot! Oh and then there's the sound of the silky smooth straight six engine. That just doesn't get old. The sound on a cold start up in the morning is brilliant (although maybe not so much for my neighbours!)
I'm sure the 435d would munch miles well and carry passengers with more space but there's no way it can compete with a 3 litre straight six petrol engine IMO.
The beauty comes in the Jekyll and Hyde character really - you can pootle around in comfort mode for the commute and see high 30s MPG if on a decent run on the motorway. Switch to Sport mode however, and there's loads of fun to be had - the surge forward when you plant your foot on the accelerator pedal is addictive. Motorway slip roads are a hoot! Oh and then there's the sound of the silky smooth straight six engine. That just doesn't get old. The sound on a cold start up in the morning is brilliant (although maybe not so much for my neighbours!)
I'm sure the 435d would munch miles well and carry passengers with more space but there's no way it can compete with a 3 litre straight six petrol engine IMO.
JuanGandini said:
I'm sure the 435d would munch miles well and carry passengers with more space but there's no way it can compete with a 3 litre straight six petrol engine IMO.
Having driven both, the 35d feels faster to me, so it isn't just a mile muncher. The power delivery is quite different though - you don't need to wring its neck. Admittedly, that does make for less of a sense of occasion, but I find the way it can stroll past almost any car on the road without breaking a sweat to be fun in its own way!You may well need to change the springs on the 435d, to improve the handling, and it is annoying to have to do that to a new car. The AC Schnitzer set which I have are £650ish fitted and the warranty remains intact.
Probably worth mentioning that the petrol engines are getting a major overhaul in June 2015, with little if any change to the diesels. That could be a factor in the choice, or at least of when to order if you want petrol. I assume that the M135i will get the new engine at the same time as the 3 Series, although I don't know that for sure.
335d said:
JuanGandini said:
I'm sure the 435d would munch miles well and carry passengers with more space but there's no way it can compete with a 3 litre straight six petrol engine IMO.
Having driven both, the 35d feels faster to me, so it isn't just a mile muncher. The power delivery is quite different though - you don't need to wring its neck. Admittedly, that does make for less of a sense of occasion, but I find the way it can stroll past almost any car on the road without breaking a sweat to be fun in its own way!You may well need to change the springs on the 435d, to improve the handling, and it is annoying to have to do that to a new car. The AC Schnitzer set which I have are £650ish fitted and the warranty remains intact.
The M135i is an amazing piece of kit but I'd say it would depend on your commute. I often get 42mpg without having to try on a 50 mile commute however it can be a noisy experience. I'd date say the 4 would be a better cruiser. That's not to say the M doesn't cruise well - it's just the cabin noise I find annoying sometimes.
CRB14 said:
The M135i is an amazing piece of kit but I'd say it would depend on your commute. I often get 42mpg without having to try on a 50 mile commute however it can be a noisy experience. I'd date say the 4 would be a better cruiser. That's not to say the M doesn't cruise well - it's just the cabin noise I find annoying sometimes.
Another reason for the M235i. The proper boot and steel parcel shelf means rear tyre noise in nearly non existent. It's a tough one. The reason why I eliminated the M235i is that I can't justify spending the extra money on a car which is essentially the same apart from the way it looks. There is hardly any support from BMW on the M235i whereas there are deals to be had on the M135. My thoughts for wanting the M135i is that it will be a great fun car and me being 23, now would be the time to enjoy a small fast hatchback. RWD and 300+BHP in a small car is a hoot. Part of me tempts me towards a manual for this car as well. That kind of power, manual 'box and RWD isn't common anymore.
Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
02joe said:
It's a tough one. The reason why I eliminated the M235i is that I can't justify spending the extra money on a car which is essentially the same apart from the way it looks. There is hardly any support from BMW on the M235i whereas there are deals to be had on the M135. My thoughts for wanting the M135i is that it will be a great fun car and me being 23, now would be the time to enjoy a small fast hatchback. RWD and 300+BHP in a small car is a hoot. Part of me tempts me towards a manual for this car as well. That kind of power, manual 'box and RWD isn't common anymore.
Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
I was given 10% off my M235i. The same as my M135i.If you're serious I can pass on the sales director details?Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
02joe said:
It's a tough one. The reason why I eliminated the M235i is that I can't justify spending the extra money on a car which is essentially the same apart from the way it looks. There is hardly any support from BMW on the M235i whereas there are deals to be had on the M135. My thoughts for wanting the M135i is that it will be a great fun car and me being 23, now would be the time to enjoy a small fast hatchback. RWD and 300+BHP in a small car is a hoot. Part of me tempts me towards a manual for this car as well. That kind of power, manual 'box and RWD isn't common anymore.
Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
The deal on a M135i will be considerably cheaper than a 435d (think I've seen discounts of best part of 7k). Insurance is a big jump down also for the M135i. For some reason, as soon as you hit 3 series and above it's a fair bit more at that age. Although I don't have to pay insurance, I always like to see what it'll cost on what I'm driving and the M235i was cheaper than a 320d for a 21 year old.Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
I'm a bit the opposite, and will go back to a petrol in a few years when I have some spare money for fuel as hopefully earning more. And maybe a proper M car will be in my reach too!
I would say you sound like someone who wants a M135i, but I guess I am pretty much in the exact same circumstances as you and prefer the 4. I too think it looks a better. The Estoril (assuming you might get that) seems better suited too a larger car IMO. And the image conscious side of me would say it is very nice being such a young age to have a car like the 4 Series as that's not the typical age range for that car. It's mostly middle age 420d buyers who like their cars along with their Co2 emissions, where the 1 series can be had for people who just buy on badge and get a 114i/d.
creepy coupe said:
Another reason for the M235i. The proper boot and steel parcel shelf means rear tyre noise in nearly non existent.
Perhaps although the 1 trumps both the 2 and the 4 in a practicality side. I'm a golfer / biker and don't know what I'd do without the convenience of the hatch. The noise is annoying but I'm not sure I could really sacrifice the practicality side. Example; I've just been doing my flat up. If I didn't have the hatched most likely need to hire a small van to transport all the bits and furniture about. Either that or pay for delivery.
Wonder if I could improve sound deadening.....
02joe said:
It's a tough one. The reason why I eliminated the M235i is that I can't justify spending the extra money on a car which is essentially the same apart from the way it looks. There is hardly any support from BMW on the M235i whereas there are deals to be had on the M135. My thoughts for wanting the M135i is that it will be a great fun car and me being 23, now would be the time to enjoy a small fast hatchback. RWD and 300+BHP in a small car is a hoot. Part of me tempts me towards a manual for this car as well. That kind of power, manual 'box and RWD isn't common anymore.
Thinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
It's all personal, but isn't a 435d a bit "grown up" for a young chap of 23, especially now it's more of a GT. Manual fast hatchback much more appropriate I would have saidThinking behind the 435d is that I love the way it looks, I love the effortless performance, the fuel economy is a benefit but not a deciding factor. I took a 435d Luxury for a drive (i'd be going for an M Sport) and was really impressed by the car.
CRB14 said:
Perhaps although the 1 trumps both the 2 and the 4 in a practicality side. I'm a golfer / biker and don't know what I'd do without the convenience of the hatch. The noise is annoying but I'm not sure I could really sacrifice the practicality side.
Example; I've just been doing my flat up. If I didn't have the hatched most likely need to hire a small van to transport all the bits and furniture about. Either that or pay for delivery.
Wonder if I could improve sound deadening.....
A member on the 1 series forum has tried that without much luck.Example; I've just been doing my flat up. If I didn't have the hatched most likely need to hire a small van to transport all the bits and furniture about. Either that or pay for delivery.
Wonder if I could improve sound deadening.....
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