Vic
Elite Member
- Jun 12, 2001
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It is?
Not. While the G35 is larger, the 135 and the Impreza STI are almost the exact same size. If BMW was bringing the 5-door 135 across, it would be comparable to the 2008 STI in almost every dimension. We're getting the 2-door, of course, but it still has the same wheelbase, length, width, etc. While the STI's hatch is barely bigger than a trunk due to the curving roofline.
All of these, in fact, are only small cars by today's bloated standards. We're talking 104 inch wheelbases and 3400 lb curb weights here.
Have you seen one in person? They are not ugly. The new STI is ugly, though. And of grossly inferior build quality compared to the 135 as well, inside and out. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of the new Toy-baru Imprezas.
I guess the term grossly inferior is a little subjective considering the cars we are comparing. I think the new Impreza interiors are tons better than they were and I am not a fan of leather seats.
I have not seen a 135 up close, but I didn't know they were actually in dealerships yet. But my feelings on its looks are the same now as they were 6 months ago or whenever I first saw photos. The 135 compared to a 3 series in any trim is very ugly, it just doesn't have the sex appeal of it's bigger brothers.
You are giving up AWD, a back seat, a usuable trunk, performance numbers all around, higher maintenance, much more expensive aftermarket, and a healthy heap of reliability going with the BMW.
If the 135 were 5k cheaper that's another story.
Vic
Elite Member
- Jun 12, 2001
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Well, aesthetics is debatable, so I won't go there except to say I disagree, and I have seen it in person (auto show).
For the rest, I'm just giving up AWD and 2 doors. That's it. The 135i has comparable rear seat room, trunk space (STI's hatch is a joke), and performance numbers (all around? where the hell are you even getting that?). Maintenance is free under warranty for the first 4 years, and the N54 has already proven easier to mod for big numbers than the EJ25. Granted, long term reliability and maintenance are a question mark, but BMW has been improving in that regard, to the point where even CR will recommend them now.
And hey, I haven't bought anything yet. They don't go on sale until April and I make it a point to never be an early-adopter. So we'll see. But so far, the arguments being used against the 135 are all very misinformed.
Vic
Elite Member
- Jun 12, 2001
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Because it's not that small. Its wheelbase is only 4 inches shorter than an E90 3-series (and is 1.5" longer than a new STI). The rest of the 1-series dimensions are all pretty comparable to a 3-series coupe, except the 1-series is 2" taller.
And it does have the same drivetrain as the 335.
- Sep 17, 2002
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I'm with Vic on this...I didn't think the 135 was that good looking when I just saw pictures...but when I saw it in person in Munich...I really started liking it. It has some really nice proportions in person and just looks like it is ready to rip up some pavement. The STI similarly looks better in person than in pictures...but to me, the 135 hadily wins in the looks department.
I don't know about reliability either...but 4 years of maintenance is certainly a good start. I'm still really excited about this car...but I would be more apt to load on the extras which would definitely bring the price up for me.
GTaudiophile
Lifer
- Oct 24, 2000
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The 135 does indeed look better in person. After looking and sitting at it I wanted one.
But like I said earlier, its back seat is near non-functional, even with the driver's seat adjusted for a short, 5'5" guy like me. Thus the G35/37 and STI are far more practical.
But like I said earlier, its back seat is near non-functional, even with the driver's seat adjusted for a short, 5'5" guy like me. Thus the G35/37 and STI are far more practical.
I'm just ribbing you, as you did to me when I was floating the idea of getting an EVO.
I guess I was wrong about performance, it'll be quicker than I thought, still would like to see a limited slip, but that would drive the cost up even further.
BMW's tend to lose value pretty quickly. A 3-yr old 135 in the 30k region will probably be going for 20 grand.
I really wish BMW had brought the hatch over here though. I saw a couple of those in Prague and they look sweet, like a more muscular version of the STI (Which I also like). They're supposedly bringing the diesel over here for it too. I don't remember if it's the monster 3 liter diesel or something else though. I know the European diesel option gets like 45 mpg.
I really wish BMW had brought the hatch over here though. I saw a couple of those in Prague and they look sweet, like a more muscular version of the STI (Which I also like). They're supposedly bringing the diesel over here for it too. I don't remember if it's the monster 3 liter diesel or something else though. I know the European diesel option gets like 45 mpg.
I test drove another 335i coupe today (manual trans.) Man that engine has so much torque it's crazy. Maybe I can afford a used 135 or 335 2-3 years down the road.
I've driven a 545i automatic, the V8 feels torquier, throttle response is more immediate and the sound is much nicer. The 3 liter turbo engine starts to run out of steam at 5000rpm. If money is no object I'd get the V8, otherwise the 3.0 bi-turbo engine is the clear winner. I think the difference is like $6k 535 vs 550 and I don't think it's worth it (but I can't afford a $60k+ car either.)
According to this thread it's actually an $8100 difference. And the 550i comes with an m-tech body kit and parking distance control standard. Those options will cost you $3200 on the 535i but if you place no value on them than it doesn't make a difference.
i think bmw didnt want to price the 135 lower because then it would compete with the mini cooper s, a brand they own.
Dr. Detroit
Diamond Member
- Sep 25, 2004
- 8,530
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I always thought the 550i came standard with full leather unlike the 535. That is a 2K option as well.
The M-tech body kit makes the 5-series look good! I despise the Bangle line but the body kit makes the lines tolerable.
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