09 m3 vs 09 135i + dinan s2 (disclaimer-love 'em both...aaagh.) so help!

s3touring · 11-25-2008, 12:38 AM

hey guys - thanks for the responses, and for those of you who took the time to read my comments before firing away.

had a looooooooooooong day at the office.

in response to various comments, here are mine -

as to the BEST car bmw has made to date - i beg to differ. in MY opinion, the best they made is the z8.

as to the cheapest car - well, the 135i sure is a killer of an entry level offering.

as to dinan - i have a great relationship with my dealer, as i also do with 2 superb indy dinan shops. i also have had my other car hand-tuned at dinan's cost at their hq at morgan hill, by a bunch of great people, including steve himself. i love their warranty, street legal status, and product. do i wish it was cheaper? yes. all-in-all, very satisfied with them. of course, my bmw dealer would be happy for me to turn in any leased vehicle that has been modified by dinan.

as to 'no brainer' - on sheer numbers alone, i'd be checking out a 911 turbo. well, i may be in the minority, but its looks dont quite make my automotive heart skip. neither do the m6 nor m5. tempting on the last 2, as i can send them to herr dinan for another 60k-70k and pull them up to 600hp territory. on paper, awesome beyond imagination. but i still cant wrap my head around the looks of both. it's a bit of personal and subjective input for me...

as to the 135i being 'cute' - i dont have an issue with that. when i see an m3, it elicits respect and awe, esp having owned an ///m car. the 135i does not quite do that, but the little rascal makes me smile. it's got this cheerful and fresh disposition.

as to riding like a cow patty - i dont think so. driven at 9/10ths on a track, most probably. around town everyday? heck no.

"Tbo it's a cracking car anyway and as I said performance is already on a par with the E46 M3 but with a lighter more 'fun' feel to the chassis. " now THAT was a very useful comment for me.

"Think I've said it before but I genuinely think the Coupe version would probably be more 'fun' on todays roads than my M3 - and not that much slower. HOWEVER we all like to feel we've got the ultimate don't we - hence the M3." much as i love the ///m badge, i dont need it. dont get me wrong. i was one of those who signed a petition for bmw to bring over the e61 m5 touring. or even the m3 touring! heck i'd settle for the 335i touring!

as to primary family hauler - for now, there's the wife's x5, which will shortly be dispatched in all probability. (and on a bad day, there's out reliable beater, an 05 corolla relegated to the driveway outside.) my current daily driver will take the x5's place - more space and power than the x5. here's a pic -

no decision yet. not in a hurry. but one will be made.

now, there are a few things that i miss from my m3 that i know the 135i will NOT fill...

1. i absolutely loved the brutal shifts in s5 and s6 (had the smg). when wife and girls were in the car, i shifted at 3500 rpm. when i was alone, or with friends, mpg went downhill fast.

2. my car saw the 8k revs a few times a day. it was not abused, but certainly driven hard, as an m car shld be. groceries and honey-dos were fun. put 1k miles a month, and that's splitting the driving with the beater and working from home!

3. while it took some time for me to love the raspy exhaust, the most intoxicating sound was the rev-matching double blipping of the throttle (dont quite remember the exact technical terms) when down shifting. oh man - THAT was almost worth the price of admission.

4. spoke with a dinan contact today, and looks like the m3's v8 will get its stroker version to pump out 500 horses. whoa. it'll be the price of an entire 135i.

thanks again. keep 'em coming. test drive soon. i know it'll be better than my e46. how much better? we'll see. on 'paper' - i'm no professional, so unless it is leaps and bounds, i might be too obtuse to notice.

gemini330zhp · 11-25-2008, 01:09 AM

Get the E90 M3!!!!

armyav8tor · 11-25-2008, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemini330zhp

Get the E90 M3!!!!

I think he was already set on getting a 1-series.

adamr · 11-25-2008, 07:34 AM

The 135i is a handful on the road ... and with the wivey and kids ... the M3 is the more sensible option ...

Blake · 11-25-2008, 12:59 PM

135 vs m3 might be the most ridiculous comparison yet. no offense or anything OP.

Big Windy · 11-25-2008, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakepilot

135 vs m3 might be the most ridiculous comparison yet. no offense or anything OP.

I highly doubt that. i considered the 135i prior to purchasing the M3. I already owned a 335i, and it left me wanting more in certain departments. IMO, the 135i is a solid car with a lot of performance. It is certainly no M3, but I think that many BMW fans that cannot afford M3s will look hard at the 135i over the 335i. I can't really help the OP because I don't know much about Dinan or what performance their tune will bring, but I think that the questions are legitimate.

BIGNTASTIE · 11-25-2008, 02:31 PM

135 is not for Men.

Blake · 11-25-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy

I highly doubt that. i considered the 135i prior to purchasing the M3. I already owned a 335i, and it left me wanting more in certain departments. IMO, the 135i is a solid car with a lot of performance. It is certainly no M3, but I think that many BMW fans that cannot afford M3s will look hard at the 135i over the 335i. I can't really help the OP because I don't know much about Dinan or what performance their tune will bring, but I think that the questions are legitimate.

i never said the questions he's fielding aren't legitimate, i just think it's ridiculous to even think about the 135 if he can afford an m3...especially if he wants to haul the wife and kids around. go for the e90 m3 if that's the case.

s3touring · 11-27-2008, 09:35 PM

alright...happy thanksgiving, everyone. been really tied up, and finally had a chance to take everything in -

first off, thanks to everyone who contributed - the helpful points, both positive and negative, made me think, both of how each car shines; and the stupid ones made me thankful we live in a free country, and made me laugh.

got a month, going into an insane time with the year end - we'll see what happens. of course, dct test drive soon.

thanks again.

jack

ChrisFastM3 · 11-27-2008, 10:12 PM

LOL,

The 135 has no limited slip. 7 speed DCT OWNS the 135 automatic. Interior quality in general is nicer in the M3. The leather on the M3 is nicer. No turbo lag with the M. Shifting at 8400 with the M. Countless hours of tuning on the one of the worlds most renown (if not the most) track with the M. MUCH MUCH better suspension, CF roof, much nicer styling, better wheels, better brakes, better PERIOD.......... and thats for starters.

gemini330zhp · 11-27-2008, 11:10 PM

Heres a nice Video Modded 135 vs DCT M3

arr0gant · 11-28-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericlikescars

I just cant justify comparing the M to the 1 series. The 1 series is a great car, and looks like tons of fun. but anyone that I've talked to calls it "cute". Not to mention 100 percent of drivers I've seen driving it have been females.

The M3 to me is the sickest car in BMW's lineup. I would have it over an M6 and an M5, just because the driver feedback it gives is so special. I grin from ear to ear whenever I step into my brothers M3. (We have an M3, M6, and my 335i in the family.)

My e46 M3 was amazing, and I miss it dearly. I thought the 335 would be a great replacement, but theres something about that M Badge being gone that just makes me want to tear!

It's all personal preference I guess, but I wish you luck on your purcahse and hope I helped in some way.

Big Windy · 11-29-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakepilot

i never said the questions he's fielding aren't legitimate, i just think it's ridiculous to even think about the 135 if he can afford an m3...especially if he wants to haul the wife and kids around. go for the e90 m3 if that's the case.

agreed!

torredresen · 11-29-2008, 03:54 AM

I think there was a post before, with another guy doubting between a M3 and a 135 I think, and it ended up saying : if you are doubting that, go for the 135

Im just saying, you will NEVER EVER regret taking the M3 above the 135...
If you go for the 135 you'll definetly end up gtting an M3... Save the cost of the 135 and spent it on modding your M3
MFTW

coskibumz · 07-27-2009, 09:38 AM

BMW 135i Dinan 0-60 4.1 sec, 1/4 mile 12.5 113 mph (384 hp, 421lb ) . check your m3.

aus · 07-27-2009, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coskibumz

BMW 135i Dinan 0-60 4.1 sec, 1/4 mile 12.5 113 mph (384 hp, 421lb ) . check your m3.

You signed up to post that?
We all live our lives from 0-60 and salivting over Dinan's suposed numbers.

arr0gant · 07-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coskibumz

BMW 135i Dinan 0-60 4.1 sec, 1/4 mile 12.5 113 mph (384 hp, 421lb ) . check your m3.

I think this is the guy from the Billy Goat Gruff story. You know, the one under the bridge.

SoreHead · 07-27-2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kobaiyashi

Here's Top Gear Australia's test comparing the 135 and M3.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUD

I know it does not compare to the i135 but it does to the AMG C63

Interesting to watch.

both videos removed for usage violation??? booooo

Smokey · 07-27-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGNTASTIE

135 is not for Men.

That from a person who calls himself bignstastie

OP, you're the only one who determine what's right for you. Drive both of them extensively and then decide. Good luck.

SoreHead · 07-27-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coskibumz

BMW 135i Dinan 0-60 4.1 sec, 1/4 mile 12.5 113 mph (384 hp, 421lb ) . check your m3.

4.1secs? In your dreams.

mtla4 · 07-27-2009, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoreHead

4.1secs? In your dreams.

It does...my car is faster than an M3.....but I'd rather have an M3 anyday of the week w/o a doubt.

SUB-ZERO · 07-27-2009, 02:26 PM

IMO...while the 1-series may be a great little car, that is exactly what it is. The M3s performance, heritage and look is at the top of it's game and recognized around the world as an amazing machine. To compare a modded 1-series with a BMW is like comparing a nice Z06 Corvette with a Ferrari 360 or 430.

This comparison makes less sense than comparing a 335 to an M3...and at least the 335 is a sweet looking ride.

There are plenty of other cars, that are much cheaper, that can possibly give you what you are looking for in a 1-series.

Numbers don't always tell the story....anything can be modded to outperform another super high performance machine.....I've seen a dodge Neon beat the piss out of a C7 Z06....and I rather take the Z06 any day.

My old Stg 4 WRX could outperform my stock e92....and you guessed it, there would be no way in hell I would even make a comparison.

Like another member said....the M3 is at the top of its game! Getting a 1-series will keep you wanting an M3. Getting an M3 will never make you want a 1-series.

For about the same price can't you get a 335? At least the 335 looks great and can easily upgraded if desired...still not an ///M but very nice!

If you like the look and performance of a 1-series, I recommend you save the cash and get an EVO or STI...it has four doors, great performance, easy to maintain and you get AWD for a fraction of the cost associated with a modded 1-series.

-SZ

11-25-2008, 12:38 AM	#23
s3touring Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '03 Dinan S3 540 Wagon-sold Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chino Hills CA iTrader: (2)	hey guys - thanks for the responses, and for those of you who took the time to read my comments before firing away. had a looooooooooooong day at the office. in response to various comments, here are mine - as to the BEST car bmw has made to date - i beg to differ. in MY opinion, the best they made is the z8. as to the cheapest car - well, the 135i sure is a killer of an entry level offering. as to dinan - i have a great relationship with my dealer, as i also do with 2 superb indy dinan shops. i also have had my other car hand-tuned at dinan's cost at their hq at morgan hill, by a bunch of great people, including steve himself. i love their warranty, street legal status, and product. do i wish it was cheaper? yes. all-in-all, very satisfied with them. of course, my bmw dealer would be happy for me to turn in any leased vehicle that has been modified by dinan. as to 'no brainer' - on sheer numbers alone, i'd be checking out a 911 turbo. well, i may be in the minority, but its looks dont quite make my automotive heart skip. neither do the m6 nor m5. tempting on the last 2, as i can send them to herr dinan for another 60k-70k and pull them up to 600hp territory. on paper, awesome beyond imagination. but i still cant wrap my head around the looks of both. it's a bit of personal and subjective input for me... as to the 135i being 'cute' - i dont have an issue with that. when i see an m3, it elicits respect and awe, esp having owned an ///m car. the 135i does not quite do that, but the little rascal makes me smile. it's got this cheerful and fresh disposition. as to riding like a cow patty - i dont think so. driven at 9/10ths on a track, most probably. around town everyday? heck no. "Tbo it's a cracking car anyway and as I said performance is already on a par with the E46 M3 but with a lighter more 'fun' feel to the chassis. " now THAT was a very useful comment for me. "Think I've said it before but I genuinely think the Coupe version would probably be more 'fun' on todays roads than my M3 - and not that much slower. HOWEVER we all like to feel we've got the ultimate don't we - hence the M3." much as i love the ///m badge, i dont need it. dont get me wrong. i was one of those who signed a petition for bmw to bring over the e61 m5 touring. or even the m3 touring! heck i'd settle for the 335i touring! as to primary family hauler - for now, there's the wife's x5, which will shortly be dispatched in all probability. (and on a bad day, there's out reliable beater, an 05 corolla relegated to the driveway outside.) my current daily driver will take the x5's place - more space and power than the x5. here's a pic - no decision yet. not in a hurry. but one will be made. now, there are a few things that i miss from my m3 that i know the 135i will NOT fill... 1. i absolutely loved the brutal shifts in s5 and s6 (had the smg). when wife and girls were in the car, i shifted at 3500 rpm. when i was alone, or with friends, mpg went downhill fast. 2. my car saw the 8k revs a few times a day. it was not abused, but certainly driven hard, as an m car shld be. groceries and honey-dos were fun. put 1k miles a month, and that's splitting the driving with the beater and working from home! 3. while it took some time for me to love the raspy exhaust, the most intoxicating sound was the rev-matching double blipping of the throttle (dont quite remember the exact technical terms) when down shifting. oh man - THAT was almost worth the price of admission. 4. spoke with a dinan contact today, and looks like the m3's v8 will get its stroker version to pump out 500 horses. whoa. it'll be the price of an entire 135i. thanks again. keep 'em coming. test drive soon. i know it'll be better than my e46. how much better? we'll see. on 'paper' - i'm no professional, so unless it is leaps and bounds, i might be too obtuse to notice.
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11-25-2008, 01:09 AM	#24
gemini330zhp Major 34 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: BergenCo NewJersey iTrader: (0)	Get the E90 M3!!!! __________________ 2008 Jet Black E90 M3 6SPD no sunroof and 18s to my specs
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11-25-2008, 07:34 AM	#26
adamr Major 71 Rep 1,032 Posts Drives: 997 GT3 RS Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Porsche 997 GT ... [8.50] 2005 Mercedes Benz ... [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 (Bought ... [0.00] 2007 E93 335i conve ... [0.00] 2006 E92 325i Coupe ... [0.00] 2001 E46 M3 (Sold S ... [0.00]	The 135i is a handful on the road ... and with the wivey and kids ... the M3 is the more sensible option ... __________________ 2007 Porsche 997 GT3 RS \|PCM with NAV and GSM\|Roll Cage\|PCCB\|Xenons\|Sports Chrono Plus\|PASM\|Leather Pack\|Silver Seat-belts\|
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11-25-2008, 12:59 PM	#27
Blake Banned 754 Rep 4,649 Posts Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement iTrader: (7)	135 vs m3 might be the most ridiculous comparison yet. no offense or anything OP.
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11-25-2008, 02:31 PM	#29
BIGNTASTIE Lieutenant 35 Rep 589 Posts Drives: white/red 08 M3, 05 Rangerover Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: queens, NY iTrader: (0)	135 is not for Men.
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11-27-2008, 09:35 PM	#31
s3touring Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '03 Dinan S3 540 Wagon-sold Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chino Hills CA iTrader: (2)	alright...happy thanksgiving, everyone. been really tied up, and finally had a chance to take everything in - first off, thanks to everyone who contributed - the helpful points, both positive and negative, made me think, both of how each car shines; and the stupid ones made me thankful we live in a free country, and made me laugh. got a month, going into an insane time with the year end - we'll see what happens. of course, dct test drive soon. thanks again. jack
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11-27-2008, 10:12 PM	#32
ChrisFastM3 Captain 91 Rep 676 Posts Drives: E46 M3 vert w/ LOTS of mods Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	LOL, The 135 has no limited slip. 7 speed DCT OWNS the 135 automatic. Interior quality in general is nicer in the M3. The leather on the M3 is nicer. No turbo lag with the M. Shifting at 8400 with the M. Countless hours of tuning on the one of the worlds most renown (if not the most) track with the M. MUCH MUCH better suspension, CF roof, much nicer styling, better wheels, better brakes, better PERIOD.......... and thats for starters.
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11-27-2008, 11:10 PM	#33
gemini330zhp Major 34 Rep 1,181 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: BergenCo NewJersey iTrader: (0)	Heres a nice Video Modded 135 vs DCT M3 __________________ 2008 Jet Black E90 M3 6SPD no sunroof and 18s to my specs
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11-29-2008, 03:54 AM	#36
torredresen Captain 53 Rep 712 Posts Drives: M3 09 E93 JzB Fox Red extended Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4; 2.0 [0.00] 2005 Z4 [0.00]	I think there was a post before, with another guy doubting between a M3 and a 135 I think, and it ended up saying : if you are doubting that, go for the 135 Im just saying, you will NEVER EVER regret taking the M3 above the 135... If you go for the 135 you'll definetly end up gtting an M3... Save the cost of the 135 and spent it on modding your M3 MFTW
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07-27-2009, 09:38 AM	#37
coskibumz New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Dinan Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: colorado iTrader: (0)	BMW 135i Dinan 0-60 4.1 sec, 1/4 mile 12.5 113 mph (384 hp, 421lb ) . check your m3.
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07-27-2009, 02:26 PM	#44
SUB-ZERO Lieutenant Colonel 294 Rep 1,709 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 + Spur, DB11, F12, X5 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	IMO...while the 1-series may be a great little car, that is exactly what it is. The M3s performance, heritage and look is at the top of it's game and recognized around the world as an amazing machine. To compare a modded 1-series with a BMW is like comparing a nice Z06 Corvette with a Ferrari 360 or 430. This comparison makes less sense than comparing a 335 to an M3...and at least the 335 is a sweet looking ride. There are plenty of other cars, that are much cheaper, that can possibly give you what you are looking for in a 1-series. Numbers don't always tell the story....anything can be modded to outperform another super high performance machine.....I've seen a dodge Neon beat the piss out of a C7 Z06....and I rather take the Z06 any day. My old Stg 4 WRX could outperform my stock e92....and you guessed it, there would be no way in hell I would even make a comparison. Like another member said....the M3 is at the top of its game! Getting a 1-series will keep you wanting an M3. Getting an M3 will never make you want a 1-series. For about the same price can't you get a 335? At least the 335 looks great and can easily upgraded if desired...still not an ///M but very nice! If you like the look and performance of a 1-series, I recommend you save the cash and get an EVO or STI...it has four doors, great performance, easy to maintain and you get AWD for a fraction of the cost associated with a modded 1-series. -SZ
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