Confusion - 130i vs 135i vs M135i

[rotaryjam]

So I'd like your thoughts on these 3 cars as I'm a bit confused after reading comparisons.

I've owned a 130i and 135i and I'm now considering a M135i, how do they compare?

I heard so much praise about the 130i and I was really disappointed. Mine was unicorn car with M performance exhaust and carbon intake and whilst it sounded good from outside, I found the noise inside quite muted. Dynamically I didn't find it very exciting to drive at all.

Then I moved to an 135i (N55 engine) standard except a sports cat and it sounded delicious. Dynamically I didn't think that fun either but better than the 130i and a better steering feel despite both being hydraulic.

So I'm wondering how a M135i is really going to compare. Is it going to be fun to drive? Fun for me is a little rear end slide on throttle. Will it sound good?

I've heard it's even less exciting and even more refined than the 130i/135i but then I've also heard it's an 'animal' to drive. Reports on the sound are very mixed too.


Thoughts appreciated

[rotaryjam]

Sorry yes should have clarified which one, the F20 is the one I meant.

[rotaryjam]

Heathwood said:

If you didn’t find much to enjoy with the 130/135, I suspect the m135i isn’t going to do it for you. It’s faster but still unresolved; perhaps more so.

Sounds to me like you need an OG M2.

That would be nice but out of budget unfortunately

Edited by rotaryjam on Tuesday 7th May 21:33