E82 135i versus F22 M235i
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I've asked about the 135i before- have been quite sold on an N55/DCT post 2010 car for a while now.
In a position to buy in the New Year, but starting to see lots of of 2014-era M235is dropping down to similar prices.
What's the general consensus on the M235i versus the 135i? I think aesthetically I prefer the 1 coupé and the idea of a DCT box appeals to me more than the 8-speed auto, but I can't get over the fact it seems like you can get a four-year-newer model in the same position in the range for basically the same price.
I've asked about the 135i before- have been quite sold on an N55/DCT post 2010 car for a while now.
In a position to buy in the New Year, but starting to see lots of of 2014-era M235is dropping down to similar prices.
What's the general consensus on the M235i versus the 135i? I think aesthetically I prefer the 1 coupé and the idea of a DCT box appeals to me more than the 8-speed auto, but I can't get over the fact it seems like you can get a four-year-newer model in the same position in the range for basically the same price.
I actually prefer looks of the M235i and prefer a manual if possible.
So for me the draw to the 135i would be steering feel / driver feedback.
The older cars had more of that ; my 335i did whereas I didn’t get so much from the newer M Lite cars, though the M235i was better than M135i in the years your looking to buy.
If you are going “auto” I’d say DCT is more involving (had that in my 335i) in manual mode and feels crisper/ sportier.
So with your sensibilities , it’s already 2-1 before you bring in the question of newness.
I chopped a 2009 335i in for a 2004 M3 so newness means Jack s**t to me
So for me the draw to the 135i would be steering feel / driver feedback.
The older cars had more of that ; my 335i did whereas I didn’t get so much from the newer M Lite cars, though the M235i was better than M135i in the years your looking to buy.
If you are going “auto” I’d say DCT is more involving (had that in my 335i) in manual mode and feels crisper/ sportier.
So with your sensibilities , it’s already 2-1 before you bring in the question of newness.
I chopped a 2009 335i in for a 2004 M3 so newness means Jack s**t to me
A4 cabrio said:
Details on price, spec, AUC??
Alpine White with Coral leather and High-Gloss Black trim. 5 door, ZF 8 speed, reversing camera, Pro Nav, privacy glass, and a long list of other things I can't remember. March 2017 car with 8k miles, through through AUC. BMW Chester are supplying dealer. I'd point you to the ad but they've pulled it.
When I drove an M235i I didn't find the auto 'box that uninvolving at all, even when compared to the DCTs! It may not have as much street cred as a manual or even the DCT but it's no worse at all. In Eco mode, maybe! I really got on with the car as a whole and really really wanted an M135i Auto when they first came out. The changes are quick in manual, and can provide a bit of a thump in Sport/Sport+.
The driving position IMHO is a nicer in the 'auto' BMWs than in the manuals. For me anyway, the pedals seem slightly offset. My W124 (also a manual) is no different. It's something me and a mate discussed as for strange reasons my E46 M3 is a comfier car on a long trip compared to his Manual M4; it took some headscratching between us.
What stood out for me was the steering feel I must admit! I did however used to drive a Porsche 944 Turbo at the time with a geo setup and KWv3s so maybe that skewed things somewhat! It's the one thing that couldn't make me commit! A steering 'map' from a later Mx40i if they are available may improve that as electric steering has come on well over the years.
If I were in your shoes go and drive one. It's the only way you'll know.
The driving position IMHO is a nicer in the 'auto' BMWs than in the manuals. For me anyway, the pedals seem slightly offset. My W124 (also a manual) is no different. It's something me and a mate discussed as for strange reasons my E46 M3 is a comfier car on a long trip compared to his Manual M4; it took some headscratching between us.
What stood out for me was the steering feel I must admit! I did however used to drive a Porsche 944 Turbo at the time with a geo setup and KWv3s so maybe that skewed things somewhat! It's the one thing that couldn't make me commit! A steering 'map' from a later Mx40i if they are available may improve that as electric steering has come on well over the years.
If I were in your shoes go and drive one. It's the only way you'll know.
Edited by SebringMan on Wednesday 14th March 08:19
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Hate the looks of the 2 series coupe. Totally unresolved and too much metal above the arches. Love the 3 door 1 series - a quirky, almost bread ban shape that looks proportionally spot on.
TBH I do see your point there, original 135i Coupe I still think looks better than 2 series coupemikeyscott said:
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Hate the looks of the 2 series coupe. Totally unresolved and too much metal above the arches. Love the 3 door 1 series - a quirky, almost bread ban shape that looks proportionally spot on.
TBH I do see your point there, original 135i Coupe I still think looks better than 2 series coupeIf you go the 1/235i route these are well thought of and may make an alternative to Birds.
http://www.motechperformance.net/
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