Advice on BMW purchase 135i coupe vs 235i coupe
Discussion
So, I have been out of the BMW market for many years, therefore not really up to date on my models etc..
I am looking to replace our 595 Abarth with something a little better built and potentially more fun, condition is RWD and manual gearbox.. The choices are at the moment the following cars:
135i M Sport Coupe - a manual 2010 car with low miles (under 40k) - BMW dealership car, full beemer history - up for £15.5k, which is strong money..very good condition for age, few minor interior bits need doing..
Whilst looking at the 135i coupe, the 235i coupe started coming into view also, clearly a newer car by 5 years, prices ranging from 16.5k to 18k depending on mileage and condition, something sub 50k miles, 2015 year can be had in this price range with good history.
It seems the 135i has a decent following and judging by the number of cars for sale, seems a little rarer, however would it be worth having a slightly older 135i over a newer 235i? What is perceived to be a more fun car and has the technology made the 235i a better drivers car or the opposite?
Also, do these engines have inherent problems? I keep seeing water pump failures mentioned.. Is there another engine variant I should be looking at?
Opinions gratefully received. Also to add, this car will be for my 20 year old son and yes I have checked the insurance and cried a little
Thanks G
I am looking to replace our 595 Abarth with something a little better built and potentially more fun, condition is RWD and manual gearbox.. The choices are at the moment the following cars:
135i M Sport Coupe - a manual 2010 car with low miles (under 40k) - BMW dealership car, full beemer history - up for £15.5k, which is strong money..very good condition for age, few minor interior bits need doing..
Whilst looking at the 135i coupe, the 235i coupe started coming into view also, clearly a newer car by 5 years, prices ranging from 16.5k to 18k depending on mileage and condition, something sub 50k miles, 2015 year can be had in this price range with good history.
It seems the 135i has a decent following and judging by the number of cars for sale, seems a little rarer, however would it be worth having a slightly older 135i over a newer 235i? What is perceived to be a more fun car and has the technology made the 235i a better drivers car or the opposite?
Also, do these engines have inherent problems? I keep seeing water pump failures mentioned.. Is there another engine variant I should be looking at?
Opinions gratefully received. Also to add, this car will be for my 20 year old son and yes I have checked the insurance and cried a little
Thanks G
If its for your son, doesn't he get a say in this? 
Which engine is the 2010 E82 135i, as 2010 is the change over year between the N54 engine and the N55 engine.
Late N54 engine cars are quite sought after, because of the tuning potential, but, the downside is the cost of turbo replacements on these, which isn't a problem with the N55 engine. But early 2010 N55 cars had software issues, so were best to be avoided.
The 235 is a much better car in most respects, but it depends what your son wants.
The big advantage for many with the E82 135i is the fact that it has old style hydraulic power steering, as opposed to electric steering.
Personally, for a 20 year old, I'd be looking at a E82 125i coupe instead, as it has the n/a 3.0 N52 engine (but does have the leccy PAS though), but these are quite rare, but are cheaper than the 135i, but are sweeter handling as there is 50kg less weight over the front axle.
Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
Which engine is the 2010 E82 135i, as 2010 is the change over year between the N54 engine and the N55 engine.
Late N54 engine cars are quite sought after, because of the tuning potential, but, the downside is the cost of turbo replacements on these, which isn't a problem with the N55 engine. But early 2010 N55 cars had software issues, so were best to be avoided.
The 235 is a much better car in most respects, but it depends what your son wants.
The big advantage for many with the E82 135i is the fact that it has old style hydraulic power steering, as opposed to electric steering.
Personally, for a 20 year old, I'd be looking at a E82 125i coupe instead, as it has the n/a 3.0 N52 engine (but does have the leccy PAS though), but these are quite rare, but are cheaper than the 135i, but are sweeter handling as there is 50kg less weight over the front axle.
Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
aeropilot said:
If its for your son, doesn't he get a say in this?
Which engine is the 2010 E82 135i, as 2010 is the change over year between the N54 engine and the N55 engine.
Late N54 engine cars are quite sought after, because of the tuning potential, but, the downside is the cost of turbo replacements on these, which isn't a problem with the N55 engine. But early 2010 N55 cars had software issues, so were best to be avoided.
The 235 is a much better car in most respects, but it depends what your son wants.
The big advantage for many with the E82 135i is the fact that it has old style hydraulic power steering, as opposed to electric steering.
Personally, for a 20 year old, I'd be looking at a E82 125i coupe instead, as it has the n/a 3.0 N52 engine (but does have the leccy PAS though), but these are quite rare, but are cheaper than the 135i, but are sweeter handling as there is 50kg less weight over the front axle.
Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
Thanks for the reply, yes my son is happy with either model.. So the 135i we looked at had the N55 engine. I assume software issues resolved after 9 years? Will look at 125i..Which engine is the 2010 E82 135i, as 2010 is the change over year between the N54 engine and the N55 engine.
Late N54 engine cars are quite sought after, because of the tuning potential, but, the downside is the cost of turbo replacements on these, which isn't a problem with the N55 engine. But early 2010 N55 cars had software issues, so were best to be avoided.
The 235 is a much better car in most respects, but it depends what your son wants.
The big advantage for many with the E82 135i is the fact that it has old style hydraulic power steering, as opposed to electric steering.
Personally, for a 20 year old, I'd be looking at a E82 125i coupe instead, as it has the n/a 3.0 N52 engine (but does have the leccy PAS though), but these are quite rare, but are cheaper than the 135i, but are sweeter handling as there is 50kg less weight over the front axle.
Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
So allot more 235i around.. interesting..
G
Gio G said:
I assume software issues resolved after 9 years? Will look at 125i..
Depends on the car.......many were 'borked' by the dealerships with the supposed 'fix' which 'detuned' the car in effect, which created other issues.By late 2010/early 2011 the cars leaving the factory were fine, but there seemed to be many 2010 cars that were never right, and some owners were instructing dealers not to tamper with their cars!
Having owned a 2011 made car for 6 years, and seen the issues of others with 2010 cars, I personally wouldn't touch a 2010 N55 car. If looking for a N55 135i, I would look for a 11 plate onwards car only.
aeropilot said:
Depends on the car.......many were 'borked' by the dealerships with the supposed 'fix' which 'detuned' the car in effect, which created other issues.
By late 2010/early 2011 the cars leaving the factory were fine, but there seemed to be many 2010 cars that were never right, and some owners were instructing dealers not to tamper with their cars!
Having owned a 2011 made car for 6 years, and seen the issues of others with 2010 cars, I personally wouldn't touch a 2010 N55 car. If looking for a N55 135i, I would look for a 11 plate onwards car only.
Thanks for the advice, this is a September 2010 registered car, so can assume it would have been made well before then.. I think 235i is a nice proposition from say 2015 onwards.. Any issues with these? Any specific desirable extras to look for or anything to avoid?By late 2010/early 2011 the cars leaving the factory were fine, but there seemed to be many 2010 cars that were never right, and some owners were instructing dealers not to tamper with their cars!
Having owned a 2011 made car for 6 years, and seen the issues of others with 2010 cars, I personally wouldn't touch a 2010 N55 car. If looking for a N55 135i, I would look for a 11 plate onwards car only.
G
Gio G said:
Thanks for the advice, this is a September 2010 registered car, so can assume it would have been made well before then.. I think 235i is a nice proposition from say 2015 onwards.. Any issues with these? Any specific desirable extras to look for or anything to avoid?
G
Can't really say as other than an extended test drive of one when they first came out when I still had my 135i, I'm not really up to speed on the 2 Series.G
I believe adaptive damper option is considered a 'must have', and the Harmon-Kardon audio is as well, as the standard audio + speakers are pants.
I'm not sure if the Pro Nav was standard by 2015 or whether its was still an option, but this is usually seen as a desirable option.
aeropilot said:
Personally, for a 20 year old, I'd be looking at a E82 125i coupe instead, as it has the n/a 3.0 N52 engine (but does have the leccy PAS though), but these are quite rare, but are cheaper than the 135i, but are sweeter handling as there is 50kg less weight over the front axle.
Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
Also worth mentioning that the 125i can be remapped to the same power as a 130i. The engine was deliberately strangled to avoid taking sales away from the 135i, so one remap takes it from 220bhp to 270. So you're only 30bhp down on a 135i but the N52 has a better reputation for reliability than the N54/N55. Worth considering Both the E82 125i and the 135i are rare cars in the UK, only about 1200-1300 135i were sold between 2007 and 2013 and about the same number of 125i.
They sold as many 235i as that in the first two years they were on sale!
also check when looking that owners haven't already had the remap done because it's a popular mod.chriscoates said:
Also worth mentioning that the 125i can be remapped to the same power as a 130i. The engine was deliberately strangled to avoid taking sales away from the 135i, so one remap takes it from 220bhp to 270. So you're only 30bhp down on a 135i but the N52 has a better reputation for reliability than the N54/N55. Worth considering also check when looking that owners haven't already had the remap done because it's a popular mod.
Thanks, given my son is 20 and only has 2 years NCD, I would prefer to avoid remapping.. Just done some insurance quotes and the 235i has come in cheaper than the 135i for some strange reason... also check when looking that owners haven't already had the remap done because it's a popular mod.G
If it were me, I'd go for the newer F22 235i every time. It's a nicer cabin to be in, the infotainment is better, the reliability is better than a late 135i, and (subjectively) the car looks a lot better too. Thinking resale, the 235i will be more desirable in the future too, ans the E8x cars are already old / an old design. Just my 2p!
BFleming said:
Thinking resale, the 235i will be more desirable in the future too, ans the E8x cars are already old / an old design.
But they are rare, and with limited supply, a good spec 135i is almost free motoring as they are holding their value so well, because of few numbers and strong demand, its already close to a modern classic because as so few to choose from.However, as I also said earlier, for the OP's situation, the M235i is the better option, but not if soley thinking of future resale.
I’d be looking at the 235 personally, especially for a daily driver because the cabin is a nicer place to sit with better tech (especially the pro nav, which was always an option). The original 2 series was / is a great little car but the interior feels it’s age. The newer cars are by not particularly spacious, but my friends 125 coupe felt diddy after my 140.
Options I’d want would be ZF8, pro nav, HK, cruise, heated seats and privacy glass. I wasn’t particularly bothered about adaptive suspension when I ordered my car but for many it was a necessity.
Options I’d want would be ZF8, pro nav, HK, cruise, heated seats and privacy glass. I wasn’t particularly bothered about adaptive suspension when I ordered my car but for many it was a necessity.
I miss my 135i, best depreciating car I have had by a country mile.
Mine was Birds modified too with suspension and LSD. I test drove a M235i and preferred my 135i.
I’m looking at selling my M2 after 6 months and totally regret parting with my 135i as it’s far better value.
I did consider getting another, but prices have risen for the 135i since I sold mine Oct last year.
So considering
Keep M2, which tbh are s
t build quality
Sell for a 14 plate 981 S
Sell and use my other car and forget about decent cars for a while. My daily Volvo is boring, but spot on.
Mine was Birds modified too with suspension and LSD. I test drove a M235i and preferred my 135i.
I’m looking at selling my M2 after 6 months and totally regret parting with my 135i as it’s far better value.
I did consider getting another, but prices have risen for the 135i since I sold mine Oct last year.
So considering
Keep M2, which tbh are s
t build qualitySell for a 14 plate 981 S
Sell and use my other car and forget about decent cars for a while. My daily Volvo is boring, but spot on.
For reference, this was the 135i we looked it, still for sale..
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/result/?body_type=Coupe...
G
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/result/?body_type=Coupe...
G
Gio G said:
For reference, this was the 135i we looked it, still for sale..
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/result/?body_type=Coupe...
G
Crikey, thats about as base spec 135i as you can get, but weirdly with the 1000 quid sunroof option...!https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/result/?body_type=Coupe...
G
p1stonhead said:
The 135i will feel ancient compared to the 2 I think.
But thats exactly why they are sought after.When I had my 135i and test drove a M235 when they first came out, the M235 just didn't have that 'raw' old fashioned feel to it that the 135i had, felt more like a 3 or 5 series!
I had a smile on my face within 200 yards of being back in the 135i
Gio G said:
p1stonhead said:
The 135i will feel ancient compared to the 2 I think.
If he’s getting the 2 though go for the 8 speed auto IMO.
He wants a manual... which makes the selection that little harder..If he’s getting the 2 though go for the 8 speed auto IMO.
If a manual is top priority, then the E82 125i coupe with the n/a N52 engine is by far the better option.
aeropilot said:
Gio G said:
p1stonhead said:
The 135i will feel ancient compared to the 2 I think.
If he’s getting the 2 though go for the 8 speed auto IMO.
He wants a manual... which makes the selection that little harder..If he’s getting the 2 though go for the 8 speed auto IMO.
If a manual is top priority, then the E82 125i coupe with the n/a N52 engine is by far the better option.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff