M135 vs 135is?

[3002 tii]

Aside from being a hatch vs coupe, what else is the difference between a m135 vs 135is? Is the 135is the USA's version of the M135? I guess I'm wondering what makes the M135 such a capable car (over a regular 135i/is)?

M135
hatchback only / F-series
6mt or 8auto
Adaptive dampers optional

135is
coupe only / E-series
6mt or 7DCT

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Aside from being a hatch vs coupe, what else is the difference between a m135 vs 135is? Is the 135is the USA's version of the M135? I guess I'm wondering what makes the M135 such a capable car (over a regular 135i/is)?

M135
hatchback only / F-series
6mt or 8auto
Adaptive dampers optional

135is
coupe only / E-series
6mt or 7DCT

they are very comparable, actually. same engine with the same tune (N55 with PPK), open differential, etc. The only differences are that the M135i is a bit lighter and a bit longer (wheelbase) thus changing the dynamics a bit. The 8 speed automatic is quicker to 60 than the manual (as is the case with most automatic gearboxes vs. their manual counterparts these days)---but honestly the 135is is basically the same package as the M135i on the older bodystyle.

i really like the M135i and if they sold it here i would have been interested. We will get essentially the same car as the M235i, however the 2-series styling is pretty terrible from the spy shots i've seen. (bland, etc)

[Kouper]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Aside from being a hatch vs coupe, what else is the difference between a m135 vs 135is? Is the 135is the USA's version of the M135? I guess I'm wondering what makes the M135 such a capable car (over a regular 135i/is)?

M135
hatchback only / F-series
6mt or 8auto
Adaptive dampers optional

135is
coupe only / E-series
6mt or 7DCT

135is also comes in convertible E88, not that this helps your comparison

[Bama335]

The F20 is the next generation of the 1 on a new chassis released in 2011. It has similar features to the F30 in terms of technology: EPS, ECO/comfort/sport mode select, auto start/stop. Guessing the F22 will have them all as well. Chris Harris has a couple reviews/comparisons on youtube, give them a look - his comments are mostly positive.

The E82 traces its roots back to the E87 in 2004, so we are really driving a 10 yr old chassis.

While many in the F30 community love their cars, I felt like the new 3 had lost much of that "BMW feel" that I enjoyed in the E90 and E46, especially the steering and suspension. I drove the MT6, and it was pretty darned quick, and it did not have the PPK.

My impression was that the F30 is larger and more comfortable to appeal to the masses and drive sales volumes, and
I'm ok with that. However, even in M-Sport trim, the suspension is alot softer and I wasn't thrilled with the way it dampened in bumpy corners (standard M sport suspension).

To get a last dose of old-school BMW feel, I went with the E82.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Bama335

The F20 is the next generation of the 1 on a new chassis released in 2011. It has similar features to the F30 in terms of technology: EPS, ECO/comfort/sport mode select, auto start/stop. Guessing the F22 will have them all as well. Chris Harris has a couple reviews/comparisons on youtube, give them a look - his comments are mostly positive.

The E82 traces its roots back to the E87 in 2004, so we are really driving a 10 yr old chassis.

While many in the F30 community love their cars, I felt like the new 3 had lost much of that "BMW feel" that I enjoyed in the E90 and E46, especially the steering and suspension. I drove the MT6, and it was pretty darned quick, and it did not have the PPK.

My impression was that the F30 is larger and more comfortable to appeal to the masses and drive sales volumes, and
I'm ok with that. However, even in M-Sport trim, the suspension is alot softer and I wasn't thrilled with the way it dampened in bumpy corners (standard M sport suspension).

To get a last dose of old-school BMW feel, I went with the E82.

Thanks very helpful. I just wasn't sure from a performance standpoint if there was a big difference or if the cars were comparable.