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"Mine is on the way" on by kevinskrause
Pros: Everything
Cons: are you kidding
Summary: Proud owner of an E36 328is and E36 M3.
I think BimmerDan said it best: “…can hold its own against anything in its class (assuming there IS anything in its class).”
I become very perturbed when idiots like “maxspek” bash a car they’ve never driven and insult a brand they’ve never had the pleasure of owning.
His Pros: Flashy and Expensive.
You totally missed the point here. These are not luxury vehicles. I’ve always said there are two types of BMW owners; those who have an unequivocal passion for driving, and those that should have bought a Benz. I drive the very best of the best and I could care less what other people think about my appearance. If I had to guess, you’re the type that buys chrome wheels and a DUB badge for the trunk. All flash and no substance. Real drivers use alloy; durable and heat resistant.
His Cons: Slow, Expensive, Impossible to Maintain
Wrong, perhaps, and only if you’re an idiot. This car is fast; Period. I’ll admit, the car is a little pricy for entry level, but if you keep the unnecessary options to a minimum then it is actually quite affordable. As far as maintenance is concerned, well, we’ll discuss that later. There are a few other key points I would like to discuss first.
Turbo Lag? There is none. Even in stop and go traffic. Don’t rely so much on what the editor says and go drive one yourself.
Interior is hard and uninviting? It’s a performance vehicle. German’s have always been credited for function over form in their vehicles. Have you ever driven a Porsche 911 Turbo? Like most German vehicles, you get exactly what you need. These are performance cars, not a sofa on wheels. I’m guessing you’re the type to waste money on heated seats. Sorry, but my cheeks aren’t that sensitive.
iPod and Stereo? Here’s a hint. Buy the basic stereo and upgrade like any true audiophile would do. Both of my E36’s are lined with Infinity’s and Pioneer DEH-P700BT’s. iPod interface is flawless and very easy to deal with. By the way, scratch the sub; it will only weigh you down.
Navigation? What is wrong with you people? Ever heard of a map? But by all means, tac on another $2,500 for the technology package. If you’re looking for resale value, which I am not, your outdated equipment isn’t going to help. Be smart!
Exterior? Well, you may have a point. It’s a face only a mother can love; but I’m very nurturing and I’d love her anyways. Besides, she’s a lot prettier at 120mph.
IS250? ******* rice burners. I assume you’ve never test driven this car either.
- If you want less road noise, get rid of the run flats. I would recommend that anyways.
-“breaks so what” are you kidding? Brakes and tires are the most important part of any vehicle. Yes, it’s BRAKES not BREAKS. Damn community colleges. What are we teaching our kids these days?
-Handles Better? At this point it has become apparent that you’ve been smoking something. Two Words, Active Steering. Standard in IS250, Optional in 135. Cars are meant to be driven. If you want cars to drive you, go to Communist Russia. I bet you drive an automatic too. Pathetic.
-4WD? Step up to the big leagues little man. Oversteer is a beautiful thing.
Maintenance? Have YOU ever maintained a Bimmer? Didn’t think so. First off, you never, ever, ever go to the “Stealership” for anything. Even if you still have the 4 year contract. Get off your *** and do it yourself, or at least find a respectable mechanic who knows what they’re doing. You must be insane to spend $120 on an oil change. I spend only $40 every 3,000 miles for oil changes. That includes 6 quarts, 1 filter, and a six pack for when I’m finished. BMW’s do require maintenance. But if you keep up with the necessary preventative care, they will last forever. Mistreat her, and she will **** you. I have two E36’s with 154,000 and 200,000 miles respectively. I have never had a problem. Knock on wood.
In conclusion, my 135 is scheduled to arrive at the end of this month. If I can pull myself away from the road, I’ll tell you guys how it is. Ta-Ta. -
"Exactly what the market was missing" on by pesticide
Pros: Amazing engine - doesn't compromise BMW handling
Cons: Weak US dollar puts it a tad high with options
Summary: We are lucky it isn't 45k with the weak US dollar.
BMW hits a perfect niche with this car. It won't be for everyone but those it does fit will know.
Find me another car I can get for 36k with reasonable options, drives like a BMW, 0-60s in 4.7-4.8, can be a daily driver with a kid or two in the back and has BMW quality interior. It simply does not exist. You can get an EVO X if you wish to be boy racer, bad interior, poor ride quality when plowing traffic. Everything else out there is either more money, less performance or cheaply made. -
"This is the car I've been waiting for!!" on by Bimmerdan
Pros: Smaller, lighter, quicker and more nimble than the current 3 series.
Cons: Needs better tires, the run-flats don't do it justice and there's no room for a spare.
Summary: A lot of people say "why not just get a 3-Series?". Simple...I don't want a 3-Series. I have an E36 3-Series coupe and I love the size of that car. The 135 is almost identical to it so as far as I'm concerned, it's the perfect size. The new E9x 3-Series has simply gotten too big. Granted, the new 335 coupe is a wonderful car and if all I was looking for was a cruiser, it may have been my first choice but I wanted something I could take to the track, take to the autocross and simply fling around in pure fun. The 135 fits the bill perfectly.
People have complained about the size of the 1-Series and that it has no back seat leg room. Just for the record, it's virtually the same as the rear legroom in my '95 and nobody ever seemed to complain about that? If I wanted a big back seat, I would have gotten a sedan.
Also, a well optioned 135 Coupe is not an entry level car, it's an insanely fast, comfortable, compact sports coupe that can hold it's own against anything in it's class (assuming there IS anything in it's class?). If you consider the 135 to be 'entry level', then that means prior to the 1-Series being introduced, the 335 was 'entry level'.
I think CNET was spot-on with their review and the 135 definitely deserves their Editors Choice award. -
"BEST SPORT COMPACT AVAILABLE IN THE WORLD" on by lunkhead
Pros: Fast, comfortable,superb handling, great looks that grow on you
Cons: Expensive when you buy all the goodies
Summary: While many of the reviewers have mixed feelings about the 135i styling remember your favorite song got better with age and it did not overly appeal to you first time you heard it.This tough bulldog looking car grows on you.
I test drove the new Subaru STI (real ugly now) and Mtsubishi EVO X just before I drove the BMW 135i. I knew this was THE car within the first 3mi of the drive. This car feels like a BIG V8 car in power and it comes on immediatly with no turbo wait like in the Evo and STI (btw I just sold my tuned 06 STI)If you tune this 6cyl twin Turbo with just a exhaust and Vishnu brand ECU upgrade you get 400HP ! but also note thier ECU records any changes and may void warranty.
While the BMW can get expensive you will also be impressed it COSTS LESS than the STI and EVO. You also get added value in standard sunroof, 6 piston calipers,Free maintenence, real 8 way adjustable sport seats that are awesomly comfortable ( the STI has flat fat unbolstered saets and Evo has Recaros) Plus you get a real BMW with that benchmark road feel and resale.
My advice is buy the car with a 6spd and sports pkg at below $37k.The Evo and STI in similar trim would be near $40k I spoiled myself and got heated leather and premium pkg with blutooth for $41k
Yeah its a bit pricey but for a performance luxury car this class vs the competition its the bargain of the lot.Iv'e owned many cars and I give the BMW 135i a perfect 10 -
"Might as well get the 335i" on by thiscrazypinoy
Pros: Performance: I'm sure this care has magnificent performance
Cons: Cost: But at just $5,000 less than the 335i
Summary: At just about $5000.00 less than the 335i coupe, you might as well get the 335i coupe. The 335i coupe is also a power house with a twin turbo inline 6 motor but it is also roomier with a lot of after market potential to further take advantage of the turbos.
