[5th gear]: 135i test -better buy than an (e46 M3)?

[phatmanace]

folks,

was watching needell and jason potato on 5th gear the other night in their cayman/135i shootout.

The 1 series seems quite a quick car. I had a look at the performance figures and it's very close to an E46 M3 - would the M3 still be a better buy as the suspension and other running gear is still more performance focused?

.. or, would the 135 be better as you get nearly the same amount of hoonage potential, without M Power running costs?

Thoughts?
-ace

[sjm18]

Interetsing question. I've not owned either, so no idea, but still an interesting question!

For my money though I'd go the M3 all the time, because like you said, the whole package is designed with one thing in mind so all the other parts are better up for the job. I imagine owning an 'M anything' gives a warmer glow than owning a top of the range '1 series' which to some people will just say "My First BMW"...

[Deutscher]

The whole feel of M cars is totally different to the cooking models.

[squeezebm]

Deutscher said:

The whole feel of M cars is totally different to the cooking models.

Agreed

[Kirk]

Driven both (and owned the m3). The m3 is livier and demands your attention. It's also faster and has more room. That said, the 135i is a fine machine. Easier to drive, smoother ride and has the latest BMW kit. Better brakes as well! I personally prefer the looks of the M3 but the 135i is by no means as visually challenged as the photos suggest.

[Adom]

2 important differences for me; the noise and lack of LSD

Otherwise I think it is a cracking prospect and look forward to driving one.