M235i vs M135i?
M235i vs M135i?
Author
Discussion

Jim Bob EG

Original Poster:

15 posts

153 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
Interesting debate here.

M235i - 2 extra hp, same torque, looks very nice, 0.1s faster 0-100km/h, dark M badge on wing, nicer steering wheel, option to add limited slip differential.

M135i - looks nice in flesh, pretty much same performance - same engine, discounts currently make the car cost 8-9k compared with M235i as no discounts will be available.

Thoughts?

I quite fancy a M235i but perhaps in 2-3 years when the car will be more affordable.

JB

gaz1234

5,233 posts

245 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
m badge on wing, oh dear.

jimmsy

937 posts

153 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
LSD retrofit may be available for the M135i. Even the odds a bit price and pro-points wise.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

184 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
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I need a hatch and love the almost invisible look of the 1. Headlights aside, I like the look. My only issue is persuading the wife we need to change our E91 335d for one. It's proving very tricky as she loves it. Any tips anyone?!

Johnb850

111 posts

197 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
I do like the M235i but it seems very plain from the rear whereas the M135i gives something from all angles.

Pricewise, my local dealer is quoting base price of the M235i as £34250 so thats about £4000 more than the M135i.

Personally, even though both cars are basically identical apart from the interior layout and body style, I have to say the "hot hatch" has more appeal to me than the coupe. However in saying that whn the M2 comes based on the 2 series I will be all over it like a rash. lol

Palmball

1,294 posts

200 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
Vladimir said:
I need a hatch and love the almost invisible look of the 1. Headlights aside, I like the look. My only issue is persuading the wife we need to change our E91 335d for one. It's proving very tricky as she loves it. Any tips anyone?!
It's your car isn't it? So just tell her what happening and buy what you want! Never does me any harm smile

In fact, my other half never knows what car she's driving next - I swap her car out as much as I do mine and happily she just gets on with it. Is this not typical fellow chaps?

Palmball

1,294 posts

200 months

Wednesday 30th October 2013
quotequote all
Is it just me or does the M235i look just a little narrow tracked at the rear - like it needs wider wheels or stance to sit on the road properly? Otherwise, I think it looks fabulous.

General Zod

334 posts

157 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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I went M135i due to need for hatch (dogs), but if I didn't need that I think I would have a Cayman rather than the M235i. Haven't driven either, but I suspect the Porsche is more rewarding.

Vladimir

6,917 posts

184 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
Palmball said:
It's your car isn't it? So just tell her what happening and buy what you want! Never does me any harm smile

In fact, my other half never knows what car she's driving next - I swap her car out as much as I do mine and happily she just gets on with it. Is this not typical fellow chaps?
Sadly we hold equal purse strings!
How's the M6? Fun I suspect!

creepy coupe

302 posts

159 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
Palmball said:
Is it just me or does the M235i look just a little narrow tracked at the rear - l
Yeah it is just you. biggrin

Johnnytheboy

24,499 posts

212 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
General Zod said:
I went M135i due to need for hatch (dogs), but if I didn't need that I think I would have a Cayman rather than the M235i. Haven't driven either, but I suspect the Porsche is more rewarding.
Yep, I'd buy an M135i for the practicality - if I didn't need that then a whole load more options present themselves.

FamilyDub

3,587 posts

191 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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gaz1234 said:
m badge on wing, oh dear.
^ hairdryer & dental floss to remove any exterior ///M badging. Job jobbed.

Deako

50 posts

185 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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Its looking possible that the M235i will include ZF auto as standard, with still the option of the keep fit gearbox as a no cost change. I guess its because its primarily targetted at the US market where autos are the biggest sellers.

For me, due to the offset pedals, auto is necessary on BMWs, so thats £1600 i wouldnt have to spec. Makes the M235i seem that little bit cheaper.

I will possibly investigate the option of changing to one next September if there are substantial discounts by then, comparable with what i got on my M135i.

bennyboysvuk

3,494 posts

274 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
General Zod said:
I went M135i due to need for hatch (dogs), but if I didn't need that I think I would have a Cayman rather than the M235i. Haven't driven either, but I suspect the Porsche is more rewarding.
I'm certain the Porsche would be more rewarding, but would you risk a second hand one without a full warranty or would you go new for £20k more than the BMW?

cerb4.5lee

42,636 posts

206 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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gaz1234 said:
m badge on wing, oh dear.
It could be worse I saw a 520d M sport in the showroom the other day with them on...at least the M235i will be pretty nippy to almost justify its wing badge!

Deako

50 posts

185 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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You can spec badge deletion anyway. smile

General Zod

334 posts

157 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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bennyboysvuk said:
I'm certain the Porsche would be more rewarding, but would you risk a second hand one without a full warranty or would you go new for £20k more than the BMW?
Certainly would have thought about a used cayman or maybe that Ginetta if practicality wasn't an issue

Palmball

1,294 posts

200 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
Vladimir said:
Sadly we hold equal purse strings!
How's the M6? Fun I suspect!
Don't let that stop you wink

M6 is an awesome bit of kit and 'fun' it it's own way - but not in the same way the M135i that we're just about to go and pick up will be! As a big GT, with sporting intent, it's nigh on unbeatable. Looks fabulous too.

Thats said, I do see the character of the M135i as a bit mini-GT.


And creepy coupe….as I thought wink



zeduffman

4,302 posts

177 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
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M235i for me. The 1-series is better looking in the flesh than in the photos but I still couldn't cope with it sitting on the drive. I've also had enough hatchbacks now.

The 2hp and 0.1s 0-60 differences are by the by really. You're never going to notice it.

As much as many of us like to complain about niches within niches, at least it's possible for anyone to get the car they want.

ecain63

10,646 posts

201 months

Thursday 31st October 2013
quotequote all
Birds do a specially designed Quaife LSD for the M135i that won't void your warranty. Better than OEM / requires no maintenance too! Ive just had one of their patented C63 AMG diffs fitted to my car and its fantastic.