M135i or mapped F30 328?

[Pommy]

Would be great to hear of experiences of anyones whos had them of both.

Here in oz choice due to budget and availability is between a 2014 40k mile M135 or same F30 328 (and would map it).

Went in the M and just flew but havent driven the 328 - was fearing the 328 2.0 4 would feel a bit rubbish compared to the M with a 3.0 6.

Thoughts?

[ManOpener]

A mapped 2.0 turbo four will probably get similar power and torque to the N55, perhaps a little down, but they'll be chalk and cheese in how that power is delivered.

I've just come from a 2.0 turbo 4 to a M140i and the biggest difference low down and in the midrange. Most of the turbo fours have little off-boost, then a very flat almost diesel like power curve that tapers off at the top end. They don't really encourage you to rev them to the redline. They're not very responsive and often have quite a pronounced transition from off-boost to on-boost.

The N55 power delivery is a pretty good approximation of an N/A engine. Large displacement and small turbo means low boost threshold and they're pretty responsive (not as good as the B58 but still good). They make peak power at about the same point as the 4s but the drop-off after that point feels much less pronounced.

Overall they're a much smoother and more enjoyable experience IMO l. Comparing an AMG A45 to an M135i, the N55 in the BM felt sorfysl, but the handbuilt AMG engine did not. It just felt like the EA113 from my old Leon with the wick turned up a bit.

[helix402]

The question is: do you want a 4 or 6 cylinder?

[anonymous-user]

I'd say the question is do you want/need a 1 series or a 3 series?

[helix402]

CaptainMorgan said:

I'd say the question is do you want/need a 1 series or a 3 series?

That too......

[Scobblelotcher]

The 328 engine is a decent engine and delivers a good mix of performance/fuel economy but the M135i engine is in a different class and (to me at least) feels quite special. The 2.0t engine in isolation is pretty punchy but just don't drive it back to back with the M135i because it will feel pretty rubbish.

On the plus side, the 2.0 engine will be cheaper to run and far more fuel efficient (if you don't map it and/or drive it hard of course).

Both good cars/engines albeit with designed for a different use.

[Pommy]

helix402 said:

CaptainMorgan said:

I'd say the question is do you want/need a 1 series or a 3 series?

That too......

Good questions but its about age and budget - im not set on a 1 ver a 3 or vice versa as both are desirable but would undoubtably prefer a 6 however im coming out of an e39 528 and figure the engine game has moved on and perhaps shouldnt be too against the 4.

Ideally id love the M135 engine and demeanour in a 3 series but for $35k with 60k kms in a M Sport set up thats not going to happen (335's are about $45k for that here). Hence the M135 and 328 being almost price and spec rivals at the age and mileage im looking at.

[Pommy]

Scobblelotcher said:

The 328 engine is a decent engine and delivers a good mix of performance/fuel economy but the M135i engine is in a different class and (to me at least) feels quite special. The 2.0t engine in isolation is pretty punchy but just don't drive it back to back with the M135i because it will feel pretty rubbish.

On the plus side, the 2.0 engine will be cheaper to run and far more fuel efficient (if you don't map it and/or drive it hard of course).

Both good cars/engines albeit with designed for a different use.

ManOpener said:

A mapped 2.0 turbo four will probably get similar power and torque to the N55, perhaps a little down, but they'll be chalk and cheese in how that power is delivered.

I've just come from a 2.0 turbo 4 to a M140i and the biggest difference low down and in the midrange. Most of the turbo fours have little off-boost, then a very flat almost diesel like power curve that tapers off at the top end. They don't really encourage you to rev them to the redline. They're not very responsive and often have quite a pronounced transition from off-boost to on-boost.

The N55 power delivery is a pretty good approximation of an N/A engine. Large displacement and small turbo means low boost threshold and they're pretty responsive (not as good as the B58 but still good). They make peak power at about the same point as the 4s but the drop-off after that point feels much less pronounced.

Overall they're a much smoother and more enjoyable experience IMO l. Comparing an AMG A45 to an M135i, the N55 in the BM felt sorfysl, but the handbuilt AMG engine did not. It just felt like the EA113 from my old Leon with the wick turned up a bit.

Thanks for both responses very helpful.

So in summary its not that the 2.0 4 is bad and is in fact decent, its that the 3.0 6 is so damn good?

[Pommy]

So drove a 328 today - its quite nippy and certainly has a bit of go. However that engine is so soulless and sounds pretty bad.

For some reason the M135 actually felt nicer inside and not sure why but i think thats decision made

[aeropilot]

Pommy said:

helix402 said:

CaptainMorgan said:

I'd say the question is do you want/need a 1 series or a 3 series?

That too......

Good questions but its about age and budget - im not set on a 1 ver a 3 or vice versa as both are desirable but would undoubtably prefer a 6 however im coming out of an e39 528 and figure the engine game has moved on and perhaps shouldnt be too against the 4.

Ideally id love the M135 engine and demeanour in a 3 series but for $35k with 60k kms in a M Sport set up thats not going to happen (335's are about $45k for that here). Hence the M135 and 328 being almost price and spec rivals at the age and mileage im looking at.

Hmmmmnnn.........

I'd say coming from a E39 528i, you'll hate the 4 cyl 328 engine.......so I'd say, the M135 is what you will gravitate to, just because you are used to the 6 cyl.
The 4 cyl sounds crap by comparison.

However, I would also say that coming from a E39, that (6 cyl engine aside in the M135) both cars will disappoint you, as either F-series car is not up to E39 levels of comfort and build quality IMHO.

[Scobblelotcher]

Pommy said:

So drove a 328 today - its quite nippy and certainly has a bit of go. However that engine is so soulless and sounds pretty bad.

For some reason the M135 actually felt nicer inside and not sure why but i think thats decision made

You shouldn’t of driven the M135i

I was being kind about the 328 as it’s perfectly fine in isolation but the M135i engine is in a different class. Where it has differed from other 2.0t hot hatches I’ve owned is its a pleasure to drive at slower speeds at the engine is so flexible and happy to trundle along thanks to peak torque at 1300rpm. This means the car is lovely to drive slow or fast.