135i/335i to M3

[micha3l]

Hi guys

I currently have a 135i, with a few mods but have always wanted an M3 for a very long time.

Motorline have a Fire Orange DCT M3 with the Competition Package on the floor which I am very tempted to purchase.

They didn't have a DCT model available for Test Drive, however they did have a used manual model available.

After taking it for a drive, it felt very underwhelming. It seemed to lack the low down torque my 135 has, and even when in the power band didnt seem to have the "throw you back in your seat" power the 135 seems to have (in current form)

Corner handling seemed slightly better (the 135i does have aftermarket coilovers and an LSD), but I suppose it didnt have that wow factor I was expecting.

The dealer did mention that the DCT model feels alot quicker than the manual.

The 135i is pretty much a flat 12 second car in street trim, is this hard to acheive with an M3, or is supercharging required?

Do any tunes available increase that low down torque? I know straight line performance isn't everything, but if spending double the money on a car I wasn't thinking it would be slower.

Thanks for your input

[Alpine*]

Michael, so you must be putting down 280+kws ATW with your car. That being the case an M3 was and will always feel slower than your car. IF you want an M3, and I recommend one, you will have to spend to buy it and then the extra cash for a S/C kit, if you want that kick as you have been accustomed.

Your seem to be in the predicament many of the 1 Series guys are in... why buy an M3 when it is "slower" in a straight line, has ~100nm less torque EVERYWHERE, costs so much more and is not easy to tune, without big dollars.

Depends what you want mate, I loved my E92 even though our shed also had a 1M sitting next to the M3.

If you want tunability, get a 1M or maybe waht some of the guys on 1Addicts are doing, an R35 (not a fan myself)..

Good luck mate.

[MFKN3]

I agree, the (stock) low end torque isn't impressive, but they scream from 3.5 to 9k The tune makes a big different to the low end, then throw in an exhaust and it feels very quick. Slap on a supercharger... and it's a weapon.

A friend had their tune cleared-out by accident and he and his passenger noticed the difference immediately. Highly recommended a tune, I have the customised SBM tune from Andrew @ Southern BM

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by MFKN3

I agree, the (stock) low end torque isn't impressive, but they scream from 3.5 to 9k The tune makes a big different to the low end, then throw in an exhaust and it feels very quick. Slap on a supercharger... and it's a weapon.

A friend had their tune cleared-out by accident and he and his passenger noticed the difference immediately. Highly recommended a tune, I have the customised SBM tune from Andrew @ Southern BM

This is 100% correct. A tune and a full exhaust system make a BIG difference.
I did a post a while on the Akra exhaust and ESS tune. The car at Motorline is great an they are good to do business with. Iv'e seen the car and it's exactly what you would expect..

having said that, this might be worth checking out, a vehicle with hardly any Ks, came from Motorline and was set up by a real specialist (Scott Robinson.... he set up mine) and has Everything already on including a full Akra exhaust and tune... and its Fire Orange.

http://www.carsales.com.au/private/d...oraange|CarAll

Like MFKN3 says, if you want the ultimate, a SC will do that, but an M3 is the ultimate anyway and a great decision

Good luck!

[Oxymoron]

I put of getting an M3 for years because of the same lack of shove in the back feeling. I needed up just buying one anyway just because it was the last opportunity to get a new NA M3 sedan and figured I'd have to live with the lack of perceived oomph.
Trust me though. Once you actually drive it for a few days you will find there is plenty of torque to be had, it just takes more throttle input to find it.
There is no way you would regret the M once you have it.

[1MOREMOD]

the feel is less but its actually very deceptively fast. i was underwelmed on my test drive as well but am still being impressed every day for 4 years with it. zing this MFer to 8600 like its supposed to be driven and you will

[micha3l]

Might have to try and find a local DCT model to test, really do like the car

Ive seen the one on carsales, love it. May just be a little hard financing wise as I need to get rid of my car first

[ONEOF40 FS M3]

I just went from an e60 M5 to an e92 M3 DCT ZCP w/ M PERF exhaust.

The M3 with DCT feels faster than the M5 and believe it is to 100mph ...but after that, all the way to top end, the V10 will walk away from it. Speed The M3 is much faster when changes lanes because of the chassis, weight and the DCT which shoots you like a rocket. If it was a chase around corners or the track the M3 would leave the M5 in the dust.

The M3 is as addictive as the M5 because the NA high rev engine and magnificent engine sound, though a little different V8 vs V10 but again both music to the ears, edge V10.

Performance wise the M3 feels tighter all around, more balance, better braking and just precise in every aspect.

I also own a 2002 e39 M5, and of all three...the M3 is the best performer overall.

But the e39 is a masterpiece because of the chassis and the immediate torque. So if you want torque at all times and speed, buy an e39 tune it up..there is a reason why they call it "the beast". I have a powerchip, full Supersprint exhaust system, BMC filters, strong-struts, Dinan short shifter...and even as a ten year old car there are no many cars on the road today that can keep up with it. This car is sublime.

When you first start driving these high revving NA engines you feel a lack of torque and power, it happen to me went I bought the e60 because I was use to the e39 hammer...but once you get use to down shifting, blipping and managing the revs you will become a revs addict..I just had the e92 for two months and I am still learning how get the most of it...though from the e60 is an easy transition...with the M3 you have to find the torque-power but believe me it is there...

So if you have a chance get an e92 M3 you will not regret it, M NA engines are magnificent...

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by micha3l

Might have to try and find a local DCT model to test, really do like the car

Ive seen the one on carsales, love it. May just be a little hard financing wise as I need to get rid of my car first

I'm sure one of the guys at Motorline could find you something to drive, if not, I'm sure one of the Brisbane crew would be happy to take you for a run, or I'm happy to take you for a run on the Goldie. Not only is the car awesome to drive but the DCT is arguably the best transmission you could experience.
Rev matching is amazing. You don't get used to driving it overnight and won't get the best out of the car until you do, and then the driving experience never lets you forget how good it is. This video from Andrew at Southern BM is just a reminder of what an awesome experience the M3 is

[TAAXED]

I've owned the manual e92 M3 and now own a DCT M3, the DCT is definitely easier to drive fast and it has much shorter gearing than the manual. So you can stay in the power band more of the time (6-8k rpm). 7th at 100km/h is roughly the same as 6th in the manual at 100km/h

Just getting used to the M3 from a turbo car, you need to have a different mentality. Don't weary of revving it out, that's the way it should be driven to get the most enjoyment from it. Revs vs torque, but it will get you to the same place. I personally prefer high revving engines, even though it can be a pain at times in daily driving, I find it more rewarding when you're working harder with the car to drive fast.

Just make your you get a good quality exhaust like an akrapovic evolution...the standard exhaust is far too quiet! Also the power gain form the akra is noticeable! Other easy mods are drop-in filters and underdrive pulleys...top it off with a tune and some people in the states have been getting 400whp, although the figure isn't necessarily important, the gains over the base line dynos are significant (for a highly strung NA car anyway)

[sarddenso]

I think a lot of people underrate the feeling of linear power delivery that you get with the NA V8. It is a very predictable and flat torque delivery from 3.5k to redline.
You don't get that massive shove in the back with a turbo, but it definitely is not slow!

[micha3l]

The 135/335 doesnt have that long lag/turbo spool feeling either, the tiny turbo's spool instantly and it just has power down low the M3 I drove didnt seem to have. Not saying its slow, becuase it wasn't, just not sure it was as quick. The M3 did have more top end power though where the 135/335 seem to run out of puff.

Like a lot of you have said, it is probably just learing to drive it in a different way

DaveDee I might have to take you up on your offer at some stage, I really do like the M3 but would love to get a ride in the version I would ultimately buy

[ole85]

PLS stop comparing a 135i to M3 is this a joke

[micha3l]

I dont think its a joke, I have a 135, and I just drove an M3. What else would I be comparing?

Have you driven both?

I haven't bagged out the M3 for a second, I have been wanting one for 10 years. It's power delivery is just obviously very different and I just wanted people's opinions, especially anyone that has had both

[ole85]

iv got a m3 supercharged ess 625.
1st of all you're comparing a normal BMW to a M
2nd if you just want a faster car then what you have now it doesn't have to be a M3. a M3 is not just about strait line speed if thats what you want go for something like a vl turbo or a million other shit boxes

[JOM3JO]

I think m3 is hard to drive fast on the public road(as you need to rev to limited),if on the race track is different story....i think find difference between them is go to race track to find out..you will notice what is m3 made for....not just staight line speed,its about handling and balance......personlly i think 135i is easier to drive public road!!
i think,you should get GTR....easier to drive fast and Its got turbo...

[Damo11]

If you're asking this forum for advice on an m3 then we are all going to say go for it. An M3 is not about straight line speed. It is very fast, does have some issues in low down torque but is very rewarding to drive. I agree with the other guys, you cant compare any other model to a M. These are special cars designed as everyday high performance cars. Sure, these can be modified to improve noise, add a SC or whatever else you wish but that is for the individual. If you do go for the m3 you will not regret it.

[woosh]

Originally Posted by ole85

PLS stop comparing a 135i to M3 is this a joke

A new 135i is 80k drive away and used e92 M3s are fetching the same price these days. Comparing them based on price is totally acceptable.

[Alex07M3]

Yes 12.0 is achievable with a M3 , only need DCT ,test pipes(400$) and tune (1000$) and you'll have 460hp ! Also , yes the M3 is missing a bit of bottom end torque compared to a tuned 135/335 but that's a minimal price to pay to get so much more in EVERY other aspect of the car , specially in the addictive high RPM range !! Have you ever seen a M3 owner regretting his 135/335 !!

Also my stock M3 manuel is perfect for daly driving plenty of power any time I want it , just don't be afraid to rev or downshift !!

[Tab135]

PM sent

[Rossi458]

Originally Posted by ole85

iv got a m3 supercharged ess 625.
1st of all you're comparing a normal BMW to a M
2nd if you just want a faster car then what you have now it doesn't have to be a M3. a M3 is not just about strait line speed if thats what you want go for something like a vl turbo or a million other shit boxes

Dont waste your time ole. For some reason the uneducated think a car is only measured by straight line speed. Hell my M3 can get eaten by the majority of boosted skylines and 200sx's on the road these days.

The less people driving M3's the better so just tell everyone that the 135 is 1000 times better then the M3 as its slow and shit!. Besides i wouldnt waste your energy on someone who has "First 11 sec 135" in his sig.......

Besides 135 are such a girls car, small and feminine. Id be embarrassed driving one

Rossi458
"First White M3 in my Street"

[Rossi458]

Originally Posted by micha3l

May just be a little hard financing wise as I need to get rid of my car first

If you're already saying this before purchasing a second hand M3 then you really shouldnt be buying an expensive car...