BMW M135I Vs M140I
Discussion
Looking at what is the benefits of going for the M140i over the M135i.
In 2016 the M135I stopped being produced which was a LCI model and the M140I being LCI also in 2016 but an LCI 2 for the M140i can be gotten in 2018.
So Obviously the M140i is a bit quicker but not majorly so. Is it worth the price premium?
Apart from that what is the other differences between the 2016 models and is the LCI2 for the M140I much different to the 2016 LCI?
In 2016 the M135I stopped being produced which was a LCI model and the M140I being LCI also in 2016 but an LCI 2 for the M140i can be gotten in 2018.
So Obviously the M140i is a bit quicker but not majorly so. Is it worth the price premium?
Apart from that what is the other differences between the 2016 models and is the LCI2 for the M140I much different to the 2016 LCI?
Get over to www.babybmw.net thriving community of good people they will have all your answers
The LCI 2 car gets much nicer dials in the binnacle which makes the cabin much more modern in terms of how it feels. The Pro Nav gets touch screen function on later cars.
In regards to the engines, the N55 likes to be rev’d more than the B58 which feels much more torquey. If the budget stretches far enough, I’d get the 140, LCI2 if you can. I believe that the suspension was subtly tweaked on the later cars.
In regards to the engines, the N55 likes to be rev’d more than the B58 which feels much more torquey. If the budget stretches far enough, I’d get the 140, LCI2 if you can. I believe that the suspension was subtly tweaked on the later cars.
Speaking as a 135i owner, the sound and experience from the N55 is a bit more raw. The B58 feels more polished. One thing to look out for though is from June or July onwards BMW were required by law to fit a PPF in the exhaust which really kills the sound. If you are looking at used, I would look for as close to a June/July one so you can get the nicer dials, much newer iDrive etc.
My car is a 14 plate so full pre facelift, but as it's a 2014 plate it comes with the newer M-Sport wheel and the NBT iDrive so it still looks quite modern. The older cars have dropped significantly in price over the past 12 months or so as well.
Like the others recommended, I would go on babybmw. I'm on there with the same username, there will be loads of forums about this. I personally went with the M135i as it's a bit more raw and playful, plus it sounds a bit better imho.
My car is a 14 plate so full pre facelift, but as it's a 2014 plate it comes with the newer M-Sport wheel and the NBT iDrive so it still looks quite modern. The older cars have dropped significantly in price over the past 12 months or so as well.
Like the others recommended, I would go on babybmw. I'm on there with the same username, there will be loads of forums about this. I personally went with the M135i as it's a bit more raw and playful, plus it sounds a bit better imho.
TDowney2394 said:
Speaking as a 135i owner, the sound and experience from the N55 is a bit more raw. The B58 feels more polished. One thing to look out for though is from June or July onwards BMW were required by law to fit a PPF in the exhaust which really kills the sound. If you are looking at used, I would look for as close to a June/July one so you can get the nicer dials, much newer iDrive etc.
My car is a 14 plate so full pre facelift, but as it's a 2014 plate it comes with the newer M-Sport wheel and the NBT iDrive so it still looks quite modern. The older cars have dropped significantly in price over the past 12 months or so as well.
Like the others recommended, I would go on babybmw. I'm on there with the same username, there will be loads of forums about this. I personally went with the M135i as it's a bit more raw and playful, plus it sounds a bit better imho.
They do indeed sound a fair chunk better than a PPF M140. I was quite surprised at the difference. The B58 with PPF still sounds better than the four pots in the competition though.My car is a 14 plate so full pre facelift, but as it's a 2014 plate it comes with the newer M-Sport wheel and the NBT iDrive so it still looks quite modern. The older cars have dropped significantly in price over the past 12 months or so as well.
Like the others recommended, I would go on babybmw. I'm on there with the same username, there will be loads of forums about this. I personally went with the M135i as it's a bit more raw and playful, plus it sounds a bit better imho.
Court_S said:
They do indeed sound a fair chunk better than a PPF M140. I was quite surprised at the difference. The B58 with PPF still sounds better than the four pots in the competition though.
Oh totally. I looked at a Golf R before I bought my B55 M135i. No comparison in sound, I think the M-lites sound better than the M3/M4 to be honest. They have more tone to them and the burble sounds good on them. I just wish they were a bit louder from stock! I'm going to get my exhaust done to boost it a bit 
TDowney2394 said:
Oh totally. I looked at a Golf R before I bought my B55 M135i. No comparison in sound, I think the M-lites sound better than the M3/M4 to be honest. They have more tone to them and the burble sounds good on them. I just wish they were a bit louder from stock! I'm going to get my exhaust done to boost it a bit
The M3/4 sound a bit rubbish to me too.I’m planning on taking my car to PCW to liberate a bit more sound. Is relatively cheap, especially when compared to the price of a Remus backbox.
TDowney2394 said:
Court_S said:
They do indeed sound a fair chunk better than a PPF M140. I was quite surprised at the difference. The B58 with PPF still sounds better than the four pots in the competition though.
Oh totally. I looked at a Golf R before I bought my B55 M135i. No comparison in sound, I think the M-lites sound better than the M3/M4 to be honest. They have more tone to them and the burble sounds good on them. I just wish they were a bit louder from stock! I'm going to get my exhaust done to boost it a bit 
All good advice, I went from LCI M135i to 2018 M140i and the 135 definitely seemed more focused, 135 sounds better, Adaptive ride/ handling was better on 135 and they've changed a number of controls seemingly just for the sake of it ie wash/ wipe, iDrive smaller identifiers, reversing the zoom etc
I owned a 2013 m135i from new for 6 years (latterly adding Eibachs and a DMS remap) and picked up a new m140i replacement last month (which just got the 'motech' stance this weekend + a pipercross intake).
Will write up more once i've spent more time in the car but for me key points are:-
- the m135i sounds soooooo much better,
- the m140i is relatively (read very) quiet and much more polished / grown up in all areas. The m135i feels quite raw in comparison.
- interior in the m140i is pleasantly better
- the standard suspension on both is still pretty suspect, marginal improvement in the new one, but definitely still quite wayward still when pushing on. New springs transform both cars and are an essential upgrade.
- i prefer the way the engine revs out in the m135i - but still to early for me to comment properly on this as not fully run-in.
Will write up more once i've spent more time in the car but for me key points are:-
- the m135i sounds soooooo much better,
- the m140i is relatively (read very) quiet and much more polished / grown up in all areas. The m135i feels quite raw in comparison.
- interior in the m140i is pleasantly better
- the standard suspension on both is still pretty suspect, marginal improvement in the new one, but definitely still quite wayward still when pushing on. New springs transform both cars and are an essential upgrade.
- i prefer the way the engine revs out in the m135i - but still to early for me to comment properly on this as not fully run-in.
OPOGTS, interested to hear your your thoughts on the difference between the Eibachs and the Motech springs and spacers. I've got a 5 door LCI m135i with the 3 door underbody brace on stock adaptive suspension and can't decide which springs to get. I wan't to retain the adaptive dampers, which I understand Birds don't rate but I don't want to shell out £££ for new ones.
My car is used as a daily, never tracked but running MHD stage 2 so the chassis is easily overwhelmed.
My car is used as a daily, never tracked but running MHD stage 2 so the chassis is easily overwhelmed.
happybiker said:
OPOGTS, interested to hear your your thoughts on the difference between the Eibachs and the Motech springs and spacers. I've got a 5 door LCI m135i with the 3 door underbody brace on stock adaptive suspension and can't decide which springs to get. I wan't to retain the adaptive dampers, which I understand Birds don't rate but I don't want to shell out £££ for new ones.
My car is used as a daily, never tracked but running MHD stage 2 so the chassis is easily overwhelmed.
Hi HappyBikerMy car is used as a daily, never tracked but running MHD stage 2 so the chassis is easily overwhelmed.
Only had limited mileage with the motech stance so far, so prob a bit early to call it.
Initial impressions:-
- both are a huge improvement over the standard springs. They really transform the car and I totally recommend them. I honestly don’t think the dampers need touching to be honest and are not good value for money (having said that I did spend £2k on a diff for the new one!)
- Ride quality is excellent, you wouldn’t know they weren’t standard.
- Motech use custom spec’d eibach springs. In theory they should feel the same as the pro eibach kit just a bit lower. Give Mike a call, he doesn’t push the sell, he’s pretty open, straight and enthusiastic
- In the back of my head I think the Pros felt a touch sweeter, but marginal and way too early for me to call it.
- Visually...... goodness me the motech stance really does look very very good. I was quite worried about creating a chav-mobile but actually it just looks smart and purposeful. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Speaking of which......
OPOGTS said:
Hi HappyBiker
Only had limited mileage with the motech stance so far, so prob a bit early to call it.
Initial impressions:-
- both are a huge improvement over the standard springs. They really transform the car and I totally recommend them. I honestly don’t think the dampers need touching to be honest and are not good value for money (having said that I did spend £2k on a diff for the new one!)
- Ride quality is excellent, you wouldn’t know they weren’t standard.
- Motech use custom spec’d eibach springs. In theory they should feel the same as the pro eibach kit just a bit lower. Give Mike a call, he doesn’t push the sell, he’s pretty open, straight and enthusiastic
- In the back of my head I think the Pros felt a touch sweeter, but marginal and way too early for me to call it.
- Visually...... goodness me the motech stance really does look very very good. I was quite worried about creating a chav-mobile but actually it just looks smart and purposeful. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Speaking of which......
That looks great.Only had limited mileage with the motech stance so far, so prob a bit early to call it.
Initial impressions:-
- both are a huge improvement over the standard springs. They really transform the car and I totally recommend them. I honestly don’t think the dampers need touching to be honest and are not good value for money (having said that I did spend £2k on a diff for the new one!)
- Ride quality is excellent, you wouldn’t know they weren’t standard.
- Motech use custom spec’d eibach springs. In theory they should feel the same as the pro eibach kit just a bit lower. Give Mike a call, he doesn’t push the sell, he’s pretty open, straight and enthusiastic
- In the back of my head I think the Pros felt a touch sweeter, but marginal and way too early for me to call it.
- Visually...... goodness me the motech stance really does look very very good. I was quite worried about creating a chav-mobile but actually it just looks smart and purposeful. Pictures don’t do it justice.
Speaking of which......
I’m tempted to lower my incoming M140 but am worried that it’ll end up looking like a Barry wagon. The standard ride height is too hight, but I don’t want to go too low. My E90 330 was on stock springs yet was pretty low whereas all modern BMW’s seem a bit too high for me. I think I’ll go Eibach springs and spacers because the fitted figure excl. alignment from Motech seemed pretty high.
Court_S said:
That looks great.
I’m tempted to lower my incoming M140 but am worried that it’ll end up looking like a Barry wagon. The standard ride height is too hight, but I don’t want to go too low. My E90 330 was on stock springs yet was pretty low whereas all modern BMW’s seem a bit too high for me. I think I’ll go Eibach springs and spacers because the fitted figure excl. alignment from Motech seemed pretty high.
Yes, you do pay a bit more at Motech - which i mentioned to them at the time. Main reason seems to be because they are custom eibach springs, which are therefore more expensive than the mass produced Eibach Pros - as they can't buy in the volumes to get the price much lower.I’m tempted to lower my incoming M140 but am worried that it’ll end up looking like a Barry wagon. The standard ride height is too hight, but I don’t want to go too low. My E90 330 was on stock springs yet was pretty low whereas all modern BMW’s seem a bit too high for me. I think I’ll go Eibach springs and spacers because the fitted figure excl. alignment from Motech seemed pretty high.
What i would say though is 1) they have a really professional setup there and have over c.400 already (i.e. experts in this) and 2) visually look much better than the Pros. I too would have hated ending up with a Barry wagon - and i don't think it does, even my wife and parents have commented how nice it looks !
Thanks for your reply. I'm pretty much sold on the Motech springs, that will be my next upgrade. While I like the the look of the spacers i'm not so sure about fitting them, the engineer in me and the extra insurance premium is a bit off putting. I know in reality loads of people have them without issue, but still... Your car looks great BTW!
Welshbeef said:
It’s a better car in every way.
How much better only you can decide - drive both and make the call.
Its the same car in pretty much every way, apart from the engine ?How much better only you can decide - drive both and make the call.
Certainly an LCI M135i is very similar to an M140i, some of the earlier M135is weren't quite as nice inside, the nav screen and some other bits.
I bought a 16 plate M135i which is just on the changeover and the M140i's I could afford were higher mileage or manual 3 doors, would have gone for an M140i if I found one but I didn't detect a whole lot of difference with the one I drove at the BMW agents to see if I wanted to find another three/four grand.
The M140i has slightly different power delivery, outright not massively quicker, pulls a bit harder lower down but the ultimate acceleration doesn't seem that much different, both pretty quick.
The M135i with a tuning box makes up, and then some for any performance disparity, and then some, £175 Bluespark box. I went in a lad at works m140i with a reputed 450 bhp and that was absolutely mental but they are all traction limited as standard so the M140i will go to higher numbers, you are just then making the chassis deficiencies show up, he was going to get an LSD but bought an M5 instead.
OPOGTS said:
Yes, you do pay a bit more at Motech - which i mentioned to them at the time. Main reason seems to be because they are custom eibach springs, which are therefore more expensive than the mass produced Eibach Pros - as they can't buy in the volumes to get the price much lower.
What i would say though is 1) they have a really professional setup there and have over c.400 already (i.e. experts in this) and 2) visually look much better than the Pros. I too would have hated ending up with a Barry wagon - and i don't think it does, even my wife and parents have commented how nice it looks !
Am I right in thinking that the Motech springs are a tad lower than the standard Pro springs?What i would say though is 1) they have a really professional setup there and have over c.400 already (i.e. experts in this) and 2) visually look much better than the Pros. I too would have hated ending up with a Barry wagon - and i don't think it does, even my wife and parents have commented how nice it looks !
I’m anti Motech, it’s just very expensive once you factor in an alignment. I was quoted £645 to supply and fit the springs and spacers plus the alignment. Am I right in think that you preferred you old Pro springs?
- In the back of my head I think the Pros felt a touch sweeter, but marginal and way too early for me to call it.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff