M135i, 335i or similar?
Discussion
So I'm looking for my 3rd car!
I currently own a 120d coupe, so I'm in need of a petrol motor so I can get out of the diesel. The 335i has always been on my list, with a budget of 12-17k I could get a facelifted, 335i with the N55 and DCT which looks like a good contender. Insurance is abit of a problem, and my commute is 50 miles a day. I think I should get a good mix of power and economy. At that budget, I was also looking at the M135i. Being newer, more power and more economic, I like the prospect. I've never been sold on the looks though, the E92 looks much better to me.
Anyone have any experience with either?
I've also considered the MK2 TTS but think that may be abit boring to drive, the M235i seems abit out of budget at the moment also.
I'd like to track the car once or twice a year, and would be tuned and modified to suit!
Thanks!
I currently own a 120d coupe, so I'm in need of a petrol motor so I can get out of the diesel. The 335i has always been on my list, with a budget of 12-17k I could get a facelifted, 335i with the N55 and DCT which looks like a good contender. Insurance is abit of a problem, and my commute is 50 miles a day. I think I should get a good mix of power and economy. At that budget, I was also looking at the M135i. Being newer, more power and more economic, I like the prospect. I've never been sold on the looks though, the E92 looks much better to me.
Anyone have any experience with either?
I've also considered the MK2 TTS but think that may be abit boring to drive, the M235i seems abit out of budget at the moment also.
I'd like to track the car once or twice a year, and would be tuned and modified to suit!
Thanks!
Personally I'd do with the M1/235 over the 335 due to the more modern interior and tech which will make the day to day slog more bearable.
The external looks of the E92 are better than the M135, but I prefer the later tech especially with the pro nav. The ZF8 is also a good compromise; very good for the daily slog but still quick enough for the daily grind.
I was looking at used M135's earlier this year for a budget not too dissimilar to yours and noticed that there were a few AUC 235's in the £17-18k range. So it should be doable if you'd rather have one of them.
The external looks of the E92 are better than the M135, but I prefer the later tech especially with the pro nav. The ZF8 is also a good compromise; very good for the daily slog but still quick enough for the daily grind.
I was looking at used M135's earlier this year for a budget not too dissimilar to yours and noticed that there were a few AUC 235's in the £17-18k range. So it should be doable if you'd rather have one of them.
ZX10R NIN said:
If you're looking to track the car I'd go for the 335i because you can fit both the front & rear M3 components on without having to mod the rear arches as you have to on the 1 series.
For tracking it "once or twice a year" you wouldn't need any modifications at all (except for maybe a diff, and then only from an enjoyment perspective).If you don't need rear seat space, the M235i is the one to go for IMO.
Thanks for the replies, I would ideally want to have a fast road setup. Yeah M3 LCA are a common mod for more front camber I think, I’d go down the route of suspension, a good wheel/tyre setup, would like to be full bolt on power wise.
I’m finding it abit hard to justify spending the extra 4/5k on the M235i, but the more dynamic chassis and updated interior are hard to ignore. You could build one hell of a 335i with an extra few grand for mods, I’ll be sure to test drive them both though!
I’m finding it abit hard to justify spending the extra 4/5k on the M235i, but the more dynamic chassis and updated interior are hard to ignore. You could build one hell of a 335i with an extra few grand for mods, I’ll be sure to test drive them both though!
Watch out for early 335is throwing lots of overheating codes when tracking.especially with the stock oil cooler.
Even then, they get dam hot under the bonnet. Go for the M135i. They are getting pretty cheap now direct from a leasing company via BCA.
As above, the ZF8 speed is a great reason alone to get one, if daily use is your main concern.
Even then, they get dam hot under the bonnet. Go for the M135i. They are getting pretty cheap now direct from a leasing company via BCA.
As above, the ZF8 speed is a great reason alone to get one, if daily use is your main concern.
ZX10R NIN said:
Basically the suspension components.
A fair chunk of the bits are a straight swap on the F2x too, and there are various aftermarket providers that supply things like control arm components specifically designed for them. IMO the biggest disadvantage of the F2x over the E9x is extremely poor choice of aftermarket wheels and limited selection of tyre sizes you can run thanks to extremely high offsets. And the electric steering...An M1/235/40i will already be lapping most tracks at or near the same time as an E92 M3.
Edited by HM-2 on Thursday 4th April 16:19
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