Secondhand BMW - M140i or 435i coupe?
Discussion
This will possibly be my final "fast" car purchase at the age of 65.
I have a Citroen C3 Picasso for general duties and business use, and have run a variety of "fun" cars alongside it. Total mileage in both cars is less than 8k pa. My current fun car is a 2019 Abarth 595, purchased on a whim a few months ago. I'm really not getting on with it, so it has to go.
A proper hot hatch (i20N, ST3, Focus RS, etc.) is going to be too uncomfortable. I don't want a convertible (had MX5s, Boxster, Z4, Cooper S in the past). A proper sports car will be too hard to get in and out of. A big car is going to be hard work on the local Cornish lanes. Previous bad experience with a Skoda Superb 280 has put me off VAG products. The one Mercedes that I've owned (C220d W204) was just no fun to drive at all.
I figured that an M140i might fit the bill, being fairly compact, fast, and refined in comparison to other broadly similar cars on the market, and I like the look of the 4 series coupe.
My local BMW dealer has got a 2017 435i in stock, and a 2019 M140i within the group.
I took the 435i for a drive yesterday, and was impressed with everything except the beige interior, which had worn badly.
They also had a 2015 M135i on site, so I had a go in that too. Lower spec than the 435i, but an equally good drive. The more compact exterior made it a bit easier to press on around smaller roads too.
They are bringing the M140i to the local site for me to try on Saturday, then I'll have to make my mind up.
The M140i is nearly 3 years newer than the 435i, and a grand cheaper. Both have mid 40k on the clock. The 435i looks a bit nicer, and has a better spec. The M140i is easier to place on the road, makes a much better noise, and will possibly be worth a bit more when the time comes to sell in a few years?
Which one to go for, or anything else I should consider at around £24k?
I have a Citroen C3 Picasso for general duties and business use, and have run a variety of "fun" cars alongside it. Total mileage in both cars is less than 8k pa. My current fun car is a 2019 Abarth 595, purchased on a whim a few months ago. I'm really not getting on with it, so it has to go.
A proper hot hatch (i20N, ST3, Focus RS, etc.) is going to be too uncomfortable. I don't want a convertible (had MX5s, Boxster, Z4, Cooper S in the past). A proper sports car will be too hard to get in and out of. A big car is going to be hard work on the local Cornish lanes. Previous bad experience with a Skoda Superb 280 has put me off VAG products. The one Mercedes that I've owned (C220d W204) was just no fun to drive at all.
I figured that an M140i might fit the bill, being fairly compact, fast, and refined in comparison to other broadly similar cars on the market, and I like the look of the 4 series coupe.
My local BMW dealer has got a 2017 435i in stock, and a 2019 M140i within the group.
I took the 435i for a drive yesterday, and was impressed with everything except the beige interior, which had worn badly.
They also had a 2015 M135i on site, so I had a go in that too. Lower spec than the 435i, but an equally good drive. The more compact exterior made it a bit easier to press on around smaller roads too.
They are bringing the M140i to the local site for me to try on Saturday, then I'll have to make my mind up.
The M140i is nearly 3 years newer than the 435i, and a grand cheaper. Both have mid 40k on the clock. The 435i looks a bit nicer, and has a better spec. The M140i is easier to place on the road, makes a much better noise, and will possibly be worth a bit more when the time comes to sell in a few years?
Which one to go for, or anything else I should consider at around £24k?
Looking at the prices of 435s, I'd think a 440 would be over budget?
Not really keen on 4 door saloons, but I'd consider a 3 series touring. I don't need the practicality (the Picasso handles that very well), but much prefer the estates over saloons for looks.
I just figured a top of the range 1 series would hold value a little better than a "one from the top" 3 or 4 series - they dropped the proper 1 series M car ages ago, right? From what I've heard, the M135 and M140 have a bit of a following.
Is the '40i engine a big improvement on the '35i 6 cylinder engine? Obviously a bit more power, and the '35i name has been somewhat tarnished by now being a 2 litre 4 pot.
Not really keen on 4 door saloons, but I'd consider a 3 series touring. I don't need the practicality (the Picasso handles that very well), but much prefer the estates over saloons for looks.
I just figured a top of the range 1 series would hold value a little better than a "one from the top" 3 or 4 series - they dropped the proper 1 series M car ages ago, right? From what I've heard, the M135 and M140 have a bit of a following.
Is the '40i engine a big improvement on the '35i 6 cylinder engine? Obviously a bit more power, and the '35i name has been somewhat tarnished by now being a 2 litre 4 pot.
clockworks said:
Looking at the prices of 435s, I'd think a 440 would be over budget?
Not really keen on 4 door saloons, but I'd consider a 3 series touring. I don't need the practicality (the Picasso handles that very well), but much prefer the estates over saloons for looks.
I just figured a top of the range 1 series would hold value a little better than a "one from the top" 3 or 4 series - they dropped the proper 1 series M car ages ago, right? From what I've heard, the M135 and M140 have a bit of a following.
Is the '40i engine a big improvement on the '35i 6 cylinder engine? Obviously a bit more power, and the '35i name has been somewhat tarnished by now being a 2 litre 4 pot.
Wouldn't get a touring for your price, but would defo get a saloon for 20k.Not really keen on 4 door saloons, but I'd consider a 3 series touring. I don't need the practicality (the Picasso handles that very well), but much prefer the estates over saloons for looks.
I just figured a top of the range 1 series would hold value a little better than a "one from the top" 3 or 4 series - they dropped the proper 1 series M car ages ago, right? From what I've heard, the M135 and M140 have a bit of a following.
Is the '40i engine a big improvement on the '35i 6 cylinder engine? Obviously a bit more power, and the '35i name has been somewhat tarnished by now being a 2 litre 4 pot.
340i seems to have a huge cult following and unlikely to drop given its performance, tuning potential and fuel economy. the 340i and 440i can also have an mppsk exhaust system from bmw which sounds mental in sport.
I had a M135i and ran it for 5 years without any issues at all, fast, compact etc etc it was a great car!
Moved onto a C63S coupe last year and while it is much faster, more refined and makes an awesome noise I do miss the M135i at times. As you said it is a smaller car, more suited to the UK roads and lighter than the C63S (and M435i).
Not sure about future values but the M140i is the last compact RWD 6 cylinder hatchback car BMW will make, there is a 440i and a new 440i and presumably they will keep making them them.
For me it would be the M140i if you don't need the space and can live with the slightly less comfortable interior and suspension.
Moved onto a C63S coupe last year and while it is much faster, more refined and makes an awesome noise I do miss the M135i at times. As you said it is a smaller car, more suited to the UK roads and lighter than the C63S (and M435i).
Not sure about future values but the M140i is the last compact RWD 6 cylinder hatchback car BMW will make, there is a 440i and a new 440i and presumably they will keep making them them.
For me it would be the M140i if you don't need the space and can live with the slightly less comfortable interior and suspension.
2015 435i owner here, just coming up to 80k on it. Have driven it all over the UK and fair bit around Europe. It's a fantastic car, and I love having it as a daily. Not the most communicative thing, especially the steering, but I have another car for that sort of thing.
I test drove an M135i when I bought it, and it felt considerably more raw, and was quite a lot harder on the road. If you are avoiding hot hatches from that perspective then would recommend a 4.
I test drove an M135i when I bought it, and it felt considerably more raw, and was quite a lot harder on the road. If you are avoiding hot hatches from that perspective then would recommend a 4.
MrBen1 said:
2015 435i owner here, just coming up to 80k on it. Have driven it all over the UK and fair bit around Europe. It's a fantastic car, and I love having it as a daily. Not the most communicative thing, especially the steering, but I have another car for that sort of thing.
I test drove an M135i when I bought it, and it felt considerably more raw, and was quite a lot harder on the road. If you are avoiding hot hatches from that perspective then would recommend a 4.
I was fully expecting that to be the case, but I really didn't feel that much difference in comfort between the 435 and 135 over the same 25 mile test route, apart from one downhill section that had a very "washboardy" surface, where the 435 absorbed the bumps a bit better. On that same piece of road, the Abarth was very unsettled and got a bit bouncy. So, either BMW would be a massive improvement in comfort over the Abarth.I test drove an M135i when I bought it, and it felt considerably more raw, and was quite a lot harder on the road. If you are avoiding hot hatches from that perspective then would recommend a 4.
I wonder if wheel size and tyre choice played a big role in ride comfort? I know that my old Beemers were awful on any kind of rough surface until I got rid of the runflats.
Looking at the dealer's pics, the 135 is on Bridgestones (can't make out the size), and the 435 is on 20" P Zeros.
The 140 that I'll be driving on Saturday is on 18" Pilot Supersports.
I have a 240i and I really do think it's a fantastic car, the back seats are not much use however with me driving at 6ft4.
If I had your choice I think i'd be tempted to go for the 435i as i'd buy something bigger than my current car next time,
The other thing I will add is mine also has the beige interior and I like the way it breaks up the dark grey exterior but I wouldn't buy the same interior again as it's a pain to keep clean and the drivers seat is showing some wear now, I keep ontop of it with a leather cream that matches the colour of the interior but i'll go black next time.
If I had your choice I think i'd be tempted to go for the 435i as i'd buy something bigger than my current car next time,
The other thing I will add is mine also has the beige interior and I like the way it breaks up the dark grey exterior but I wouldn't buy the same interior again as it's a pain to keep clean and the drivers seat is showing some wear now, I keep ontop of it with a leather cream that matches the colour of the interior but i'll go black next time.
clockworks said:
I wonder if wheel size and tyre choice played a big role in ride comfort? I know that my old Beemers were awful on any kind of rough surface until I got rid of the runflats.
Looking at the dealer's pics, the 135 is on Bridgestones (can't make out the size), and the 435 is on 20" P Zeros.
The 140 that I'll be driving on Saturday is on 18" Pilot Supersports.
I should have mentioned that. Mine is on 19's and when on the original Bridgestone runflats it was quite hard and leaden footed. I changed to Michelin PS4 and it made a huge difference to both ride and feel of the car. Looking at the dealer's pics, the 135 is on Bridgestones (can't make out the size), and the 435 is on 20" P Zeros.
The 140 that I'll be driving on Saturday is on 18" Pilot Supersports.
I've not driven one on 20s but would imagine it's even worse with run-flats. 18s are likely the best ride, although look a little bit small in the arches.
There is an Active Suspension option which I don't have, so can't comment on the difference that makes.
Iv an m140 and it’s the perfect size for me imo unless you need to carry regular passengers in the back. Plenty of room upfront and small enough to be easy to park/ drive.
Also comfortable in, err, comfort mode, hardly noticeable gear changes when pottering around but sport+ and manual gears and they are a little pocket rocket.
Also comfortable in, err, comfort mode, hardly noticeable gear changes when pottering around but sport+ and manual gears and they are a little pocket rocket.
ninjag said:
A few that comes to mind:
Mercedes C43
BMW M240i (or M4)
AUDI S4
Nissan 370z
Jaguar XE 3.0 s/c
Lexus IS F (probably my favourite)
Or Smaller
Mercedes A45
BMW M140i
AUDI RS3
Golf GTI or R
No more VAG products for me, after my customer service experience with Skoda.Mercedes C43
BMW M240i (or M4)
AUDI S4
Nissan 370z
Jaguar XE 3.0 s/c
Lexus IS F (probably my favourite)
Or Smaller
Mercedes A45
BMW M140i
AUDI RS3
Golf GTI or R
Isn't the IS F a 5-series rival, and rather thirsty?
The C Class I had was no fun at all to drive, totally inert steering. It was starting to go wrong in a big way too at 9 years old - dodgy electronic steering lock, dash warning about the intelligent lights, plenty of squeaks and rattles from the cabin.
I considered the Nissan a few years ago, ruled it out as being a bit unrefined for my needs at the time. It does have some good points though.
I would say the IS F is more a 3 series rival. Lexus have the GS F which is more comparable to the 5 series I reckon?
I agree about VW customer service, truly shocking. I'm not a fan of Mercedes either, but some look nice. I find my head hits the sun visor roof area in an E Class when I lean forward to see at a junction.
Jaguar customer service was pretty much just as bad as VW.
BMW dealer joy rode my 330d and buckled an alloy.
I agree about VW customer service, truly shocking. I'm not a fan of Mercedes either, but some look nice. I find my head hits the sun visor roof area in an E Class when I lean forward to see at a junction.
Jaguar customer service was pretty much just as bad as VW.
BMW dealer joy rode my 330d and buckled an alloy.
A related brand's customer service wouldn't put me off buying a 3-5 year old car. I guess it depends whether you see yourself buying, maintaining and continuing a warranty with a brand franchise indefinitely as your final car?
The BMW models mentioned are a decade-old design. You've arguably passed the point where support and knowledge are going to be better at specialist independents and from forums rather than manufacturer customer support and franchise dealers.
Personally, I'd re-examine the customer service assumption and open up some more options. It sounds like you value the smaller size of the 1 Series and there are many more options in that category.
The BMW models mentioned are a decade-old design. You've arguably passed the point where support and knowledge are going to be better at specialist independents and from forums rather than manufacturer customer support and franchise dealers.
Personally, I'd re-examine the customer service assumption and open up some more options. It sounds like you value the smaller size of the 1 Series and there are many more options in that category.
My issue with Skoda was turbo failure on a 4 year old Superb 280 at 28k miles. It had been serviced by main dealers on schedule. Out of warranty, but I expected some goodwill at that age and mileage. I had to fight to get some support from head office, eventually I got 15% off the cost, £1900 bill.
The Superb 280 is based on the Golf R platform.
The Superb 280 is based on the Golf R platform.
I moved from a 7.5 Golf GTI with DSG to a 440. The gear changes on the BMW are far smoother, you scarcely feel it change gear. It feels quick all the time as well where as the Golf needed to be in the right gear and relied on dropping ratios.
The 4 feels superior in every way. It also rides extremely well on 20”s with run flats. I knew the power train was good and mine had some nice BMW carbon bits but I miss the back doors. Thus mine is for sale. It’s only done 4K. My dog can’t hang her head out of the back window as they don’t open. I should have given practicality more consideration! When I was younger, anything with ‘4’ doors was seen as an old man’s car. That is now me.
The 4 feels superior in every way. It also rides extremely well on 20”s with run flats. I knew the power train was good and mine had some nice BMW carbon bits but I miss the back doors. Thus mine is for sale. It’s only done 4K. My dog can’t hang her head out of the back window as they don’t open. I should have given practicality more consideration! When I was younger, anything with ‘4’ doors was seen as an old man’s car. That is now me.
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