BMW 135i Coupe. A Performance Car Bargain?
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2019
- Could my daily driver, the BMW 135i Coupe, be one the most overlooked, underestimated, practical performance car bargains? I think so.
My second video. It has taken waaaaay longer to publish than anticipated but finally here it is!
I wanted to give you quick rundown on my daily driver, the BMW 135i Coupe. A car I only intended on keeping for a short time before I moved onto something else and yet 3 years later I'm still driving it. The reason, because I can't think of anything else that combines real-world performance, practicality and a driving experience that makes you want to get up early and go for a thrash. And it genuinely is an everyday car.
Watch the video, give me your thoughts and more importantly give me some ideas on what performance car should get next. You might give me some inspiration.
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My BMW 135i Coupe. A car I've used pretty much everyday for the past 3 years. There's a reason I haven't changed it for anything else, and no it's not because I'm too tight to buy something new, it's because it really does tick so many boxes. I really do think this is a performance car bargain. Let me know your thoughts and more importantly let me know what I should consider for my next purchase?
Have you got a new motor yet? I got an M135 in January love it but once you get you want more - M2 seems like a good upgrade, I think I will go there next.
@@J4Z666 yes, I have, finally. Just been putting some content together for it as the weather has finally improved! They’re great cars, good to hear your enjoying it. We always want more! M2 is a great car. I’d try and stretch to the Comp. when you do change.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Can't wait to see the content, hope there is the pick up, a walk around and the first drive - will subscribe now... What was your average MPG in the 135 mine is scary after being in diesels for 20 years - probably longer - I think my last petrol car was an Astra GTE 16v lol
ok I'm on catch up now lol think you're about to do the reveal
I have one. Still a great car. I wouldn’t change it for anything and want to keep it forever. Mine is a 2011 M sport package, manual transmission with only 14,500 miles, 100% stock. After 8 years it looks like the day when I got it. Too many choices nowadays with BMW, more power and features, but when it comes to my car, I have the same pride as I had the day when I took it home for the first time. To this day, I don’t feel the need to spend 1 cent on a new BMW at all.
Thanks for watching and your comment. Sounds like you've got a great car and one of the last they were rolling out. 14,500 miles, it's only just loosening up! This is one of my dilemmas, the car really does tick a lot of boxes which is what makes it so difficult to know what to change it for. As you say, newer doesn't always mean better either. Mine has a few more miles on the clock which is the main reason for looking to change it. Otherwise I probably wouldn't change it either. Oh, and I want to put some more content together. There are only so many videos of the same car I can put together I suppose!
I have 135I 2013 with M Sport package and manual transmission and I will keep it until the wheels fall out...
Most of the injectors have been replaced, so has the cooling system, now she has a fully aluminium water pump, new radiator & expansion tank included.
It drives like it is brand new.
I truly love this car!
Sounds like a cracking car you’ve got. They are amazing cars. It’s unlikely anything like it will every be built again😞 I completely understand why you’ll keep it for as long as you can 👍
Never selling mine. A future classic in this trim
Don’t blame you. I’d keep mind if I had the space!
Keep this beautiful blue jewel!!
Leandro Gouvêa It’s very tempting and I’m in no rush to sell it and everything going on in the world at the moment it won’t be changing any time soon😉
I bought 135i in 2008 brand new still running great. First month add jb4, KW coilover, camber plates, m3 suspension arms, m3 sway bar, larger intercooler, charge pipe. I recently remove jb4 and added MHD tune no more engine faults.😀. run a lot better. 150k miles. handle the canyon amazing. Valentine one radar detector. 150k miles.
Awesome! Incredible car, made even better by the sounds of it👍
Currently running a 2008 130i and have the same problem with what's next but that's the one,It's just looks right and that N54 is a beast,good choice sir
Thank you. The two blowers strapped to the block do make it pretty potent but the 130i is a fine car in its own right. Such a good setup. Awesome NA straight six driving the rear wheels is something special, which is why they are such difficult cars to try to replace!
I had it a few years ago. Got a rs3 8p now and it’s a great change :) :)
Very nice. An RS is on the radar!
Remove Before Launch really loved the 135i e89, the biggest issue was the stock cooling; found out on a track day. An lsd would have be great ! Cheap favourite mod was wheel spacers. Great video btw ! 👍
Very informative
Beautiful bmw probably the best looking bmw coupe made after the e46 coupe
Take my advice and keep it !🔥
Thank you. Yeah, I agree, not everybody likes the styling but I like it. E46 Coupe's and M3's still look great even after all this time. I would love to keep it, I know I'll miss it but I'm running out of space! It was this or the track car and the track car won.
You are spot on. I'm in the same situation. I bought a 2011 'Deep Sea Blue" 135i N55/DCT 5 years ago and have been driving it (daily) now for about 2 years longer than I first planned.
I too like the small car/big motor/big brakes/rear wheel drive setup that seems to be disappearing lately... Thought about a used M140i ? Bit ugly; but cheaper than a 235/40i.
With a newer 2011 car you've got an even tougher choice as there's even less reason the change it! M140i was a consideration but I really wanted something different. I felt moving to that would be too similar to the 135. I tried a 240 and I had the same problem. I've finally taken the plunge and gone for something very different.
hi nice video on the blue 135 bmw i was thinking of buying cossie 4 x4 but then drove the bmw 135 and im sold very very fast car , defo cossie basher lol in gear times are devastating
Thanks Brian, appreciate it! Interesting, a Cossie is a car that has eluded me so it's interesting to hear your views between the two. The 135's in gear pull is impressive. It's such a good 'real world' performance engine and has loads of potential if you do want to tweak it. Get rid of the run flats though otherwise you won't see which way a Cossie went on a wet road twisty road!
Bought one last year for a steal, no regrets, easily the best option I had for the money. The market is a little different here in Australia but compared to UK prices it seems they are great value for us
Good to hear. They’re a lot of car for the money! They do hold their money over here. Not sure if there’s more available in Australia or they’re not as sort after? UK prices are high but I think it’s partly due to them being pretty scarce and a dying breed. Big engine, small car and rear wheel drive. Not may cars like that being made anymore
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch it’s a great package, and much nicer to daily than my previous BRZ.
In the UK, your used car prices are incredibly cheap, I’m quite jealous actually haha. To give an example, a 330ci here is near non-existent in manual and if one pops up, it’ll be $20,000 or over £10,000
The fact this car has held its value so well points to a big demand even second hand which I think speaks volumes about how desirable these cars are.
@@neelparmar6690 Interesting to hear. I’m not familiar with the Australian car market. Agreed, it’s a cracking car but was often overlooked by people previously. Now I think people are realising just what a gem they
Bought one last week with 80k miles, very good condition, and you folks down in Oz will be angry to hear I only paid 12k USD for it. Love driving this thing, have thrown a few adult mods at it already to further improve handling and performance. Planning to keep it for a long time. (M sport package but I had to go with Automatic 6 speed with paddles so wife can drive it, would have been more expensive and a lot harder to find a manual)
@@ModMINI that’s awesome! Great to hear. Sure your gonna have a lot of fun with it!
Lovely video. I feel exactly the same, never gonna sell mine. I made a few choice upgrades from Birds BMW near Heathrow. Quaffe lsd Diff plus Dynamic suspension kit and spacers. Also freshened up suspension bits and steering bushes. Feels like new, no understeer, better ride, more stable with loads more traction. I unblocked the cat and remapped it to around 375hp. All these mods cost under 6k. Stock clutch is strong enough for the remap but not more tunning. I agreed with you on the brakes they are great nothing needed. At 100k I had the gearbox serviced. When I reach 150k ill do the cambelt and aircon. I want to keep it forever. I use it evenings and weekends. My daily is a birds modded E91 330d with all the above plus a 330hp remap unblocked filters, its done 294k and still going strong. Both look completely stock. I tried out a 240i from 2017, but sadly BMW removed the steering feel from the road surface. Plus the 240i has a bit too much tech for my tastes. I can't imagine trying the new M240i from 2022. Must be a nightmare. Hexagonal dials and the dreaded touch screen 👎 no clutch pedal. Car drives itself.
Thank you! Both your cars sound incredible and I can only imagine how awesome your 135 now feels. Those are some solid upgrades! Can’t believe the 330 is still going strong with those miles on it. Clearly you look after your cars👍 It’s difficult, some tech in new cars is great, and the straight line performance of some is mind blowing, but there are definitely sacrifices being made as everything becomes more digital and the driver connection to the car is being lost in most. There are still a few gems though. It’s just trying to find them and be able to afford them!
great vid
Thank you, I really appreciate you watching and the comment 👍
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch mad respecty from australia ... btw did u end up selling the 135i for a newie
Thank you. No, not yet, came close with an AMG but an inspection revealed a significant oil leak so continued the search and then Covid struck and cars have been off the agenda. Showrooms are going to be opening soon and people will hopefully be less afraid to have people look at their cars! Although I might just do some short term rentals so at least I’ve got something to film!
Keep it mate.
I've got an M coupe.
Best car I've ever had.
BMW only made about 6300 of them.
I live in Japan, there are probably less than 50 of them here.
Too late! It’s long gone now😞 If I had the space I would’ve kept it forever! M Coupe is👌
Hey! Thank you for your video. I'll be glad if you are willing to solve my confusion. I got a cat and my girlfreind. Is it friendly for us as a daily driving vehicle? Will it be too small?
You're welcome! For two people it's a great daily driver. I've used mine for commuting, shopping, road trips and short blasts for some fun. It's pretty practical and has a reasonable sized boot and rear seats for extra space. It wouldn't be as good for a family or if you needed to carry anything particularly big but for every day shopping, luggage etc. it's fine. It is a little thirsty if you have a heavy right foot so expect to pay a bit more in fuel if it's your only car. But for the performance you get even the fuel economy is pretty good.
Thanks. Your comment is helpful. Since 135i may be the last straight six, the last rear-wheel drived and the last hydraulic steering car, as known as the last fun car, it is really really attractive to me. I got to have more time to make the choice. And hope you enjoy your new car, looking forward to new videos!
@@pocellolin Yep. For all those reasons I would seriously consider buying one. In my opinion, as the resale value is quite strong on these, if you buy a good one and feel it's not right for you, you can sell it on and probably not lose much on it. It's one of the benefits of buying a used, sort after car. Thank you for the sub as well. I appreciate it!
How does this car handle, I am considering getting a 125i or 135i with the m sport package, and this will be my first rear wheel drive car, sorry if it's a stupid question but I really like these cars - will be coming from a suzuki swift sport
Overall it's a good, solid drive, with a nice typical front engined rear wheel drive balance to it. It's not too tail happy either, it'll be a good solid step into your first rear wheel drive car. One key thing to change as far as I'm concerned is the tyres. Get rid of the run-flats. They were awful on the 135i, the car felt fidgety and in the wet the rears lit up all the time. I switched them and it transformed the car for me, particularly in the wet. I haven't driven a Swift but my guess is the BMW will feel a little heavy and not as nimble in comparison. However the extra grunt will make up for that, particularly in the 135. I've driven some fast cars and the 135 still impresses. The steering is nicely weighted and balanced. However, dependent on the age/condition, it might be worth a suspension refresh/upgrade. The great thing is, there are some decent mods and tweaks that aren't going to break the bank. And one final piece of advice, try a 125 and 135 if you can. The latter has bigger brakes and a different rack amongst other things, that make a difference. Those coupled with the turbos bolted to it, particularly the N54 engine, really do take it from a quick car to something pretty special. Either way, they're both a great platform to get that BMW 6-cylinder, rear wheel drive feel!
The 370Z was a fantastic car though not as practical as the 135i - very sexy looking car though. I got comments wherever I went while the 135i goes largely unnoticed. The handling I believe was a little better in the Z however, power much more difficult to extract. The 135i for a very small investment really is a weapon - these things are very fast. Sport brakes in the Z were fantastic though the BMW brakes are better again in my opinion. The 135i is also far more refined and far easier to get in and out of. Road noise in the Z was extremely intrusive when you were on a course bitumen road but I loved it just the same. I have zero regrets going over the BMW and so far car has been super reliable - it has done more km in a couple of months than the Z did in the last year. The Z was also super reliable with the only issue being the clutch start switch. I miss the manual but am a real fan of the DCT. Both cars were/are weekend only. If you are over the BMW then I would recommend a Z for the right money.
Thanks for the run down on the Z. Definitely on the 'to consider' list although practicality is something that does come up and, although not a must, is useful. Which is why it's sp difficult to find a replacement! I do sometimes like the understated nature of the 135i, catches a lot of people out...
Have you had any major reliability problems? I heard that there’s an issue with the valvetronic system that’s quite expensive to repair
I don't want to jinx it but overall it's been good. I did, however, have the fuel pump and water pump replaced when first bought, thankfully under warranty as I bought the car from a BMW dealer with a warranty. My understanding is the fuel pump is a common issue on these, one which BMW was forced to issue a recall on in the US but not in Europe, annoyingly. The car's up to about 85,000 miles and it's still going strong. I've had no other issues to date and hopefully that won't change.
And in direct answer to your valvetronic question, mine is the older twin turbo N54 engine, which doesn't have valvetronic, this is found on the later N55 single turbo variant. I'm not an engineer so don't hold me to that but I'm pretty sure that is correct and a quick Google search seems to confirm it.
Good video. Trying to decide if I get a 135i or spend the money for a F80 M3. Still trying to justify the extra $$$$$.
Thanks! That’s a tricky one. I had a similar dilemma at the time, was looking at M cars but the insurance/running costs as well as the extra upfront cost swung it and the 135 made the most sense for me back at that point. The F80’s a good car though and lot of car for the money now. Whichever you go for, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Decided M3 after looking at them both. Deprecation helped close the cost gap consideably.
Hey mate - I am new to the 135i myself after trading my fully bolted 370Z for a black 2011 coupe with 7 speed DCT and red leather. after installing a JB4, FMIC, Charge pipe, and BMC air filter and these things are real rockets...
AusZman Hi! Thanks for stopping by.
Sounds like a nice bit of kit, good colour combo too. Any idea on power output?
How does it compare to the 370Z, another car I’ve had on the list for consideration?
380 - 400 WHP
Nice!
Buy a newer 135i with the N55. I’ve got a 2012 with a flash tune, upgraded charge pipe and the m sports exhaust. I’ve owned a bunch of cars with various pedigrees. This current BMW is perfect. Great engine/transmission combo, Good chassis, great steering feel and low maintenance costs (so far). What could possibly go wrong? ;))
A good option, and I did consider keeping it and turning it into a project car but I have finally got around to buying a new car. Although I still currently have the 135i. I'm supposed to be selling it but can't seem to bring myself to advertise it! I agree, it is the perfect package in a lot of respects and I still enjoy jumping back in it. I'll miss it once it's gone.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch don’t sell it. You’ll regret it
@@valentijn9 it’s too late😳😢
Such a beast of a car.
It’s a sin to not remap and start adding some Michael Boltons.
Then you will have a real dilemma regarding where to go from there.
Trust me remap it get some bms dual cone intakes a catless downpipe and go from there.
The car isn’t an M car but with some work it can compete.
Hybrid turbos, coil overs,list goes on but it’s such a dream
Couldn't agree more Chris. The only reason I've left it stock is because it still has a BMW warranty which is pretty unusual for a car this old. Without going in to the whole long story I've been able to keep it going for not a lot of money. And this is my daily, I tend to tweak and play around with the track car instead. Having said all that It's still very tempting to take your advice, bin the warranty, have some work done, at least a remap, and enjoy that for a while before moving on. It would solve my current dilemma. But you know minute I lose the warranty it'll all go pop!!!
Two main potential faults are the turbos and the fuel pump.
The warranty won’t replace your turbos..coil packs usually play up once you add more power they’re cheap..change oil every 6k, new set of spark plugs..it really ain’t that bad. I can see you enjoy it as is hence why I I’d like you to go for it.
Enjoyed the video as it’s how I feel at this moment myself.
N54 family
Chris Antoniou thanks for the tips, now I really don’t know what to do! Going to investigate this further whilst deliberating over car choices 🤯
Thanks for the video feedback as well, really appreciate it.
I can't thing of anything that can really take its' position. Maybe m240i if you need something slightly bigger and slightly newer but aside from that, I'm lost.
Just use the money to maintain the car, and maybe some upgrade parts.
It seems to be the common consensus Steve. 240i is definitely one I'm considering. Also, have a new video I'm putting together after 24hrs with an M2. And if I don't change it I'll have nothing new to film ;-)
I would definitely love the 135i to be my next car! If you’re still thinking of selling i would be interested. My insurance on my current car runs out on the 14th of June 2021 if you’re willing to wait that long.
It's a good choice, you won't be disappointed! Being honest, the car should've been gone a long time ago but COVID has delayed changing it. I am currently on the lockout for a replacement. It's unlikely I'll still have it by then, unless of course we stay in lock down forever so you never know!
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch why replacing?
@@osanshouo1684 Only because I’ve owned if for 5 years. The longest I’ve owned a car, and just want to drive some new cars.
Did you buy a new car? Or kept this magnificent 135i? Or both?
Still looking at options. Luckily I can carry on enjoying the 135i whilst I'm looking. Which is probably why I'm not being particularly quick at finding a replacement and it's still proving a bit of a head scratcher! Might keep it, tweak it and just try to drive other peoples cars for content 😉
Currently in the same position. I have a 135i that's 12 years old but still runs perfectly.....but I've got the itch for a change. Considering a Golf R. Similar performance but 4 wheel drive so much more winter friendly than the 135!
Trouble is I'll wash the 135 and go for a spin and think why would I change this 😄
I feel your pain! Although I have, just yesterday, bought a new car. The Golf R was on my list although not where I ended up. It is a good car for so many reasons and makes a lot of sense for UK roads and weather. What I have found interesting whilst testing other cars is just how quick and well sorted the 135 still is in comparison. It's a testament to just how good it is. But like you, I had an itch and have had the BMW for way longer than anticipated. I'm just about to sell it and I know I'm really going to miss it! But it is nice to jump behind the wheel of something different. Let me know what you end up with.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I've even considered a Land Rover Evoque , a total change from a performance car because its hard to match let alone beat the 135i, with my budget anyway 😆
Can I ask what you've bought?
@@stomlinson32ify I’ve done that in the past, it didn’t last. As a petrolhead you’ll probably find yourself back in a performance car 😉 I’m keeping it quiet at the moment ready for the big reveal in typical CZcams fashion. I’m scratching around for content as it is so I’ve got to milk it as much as I can! 🤣
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch haha. ok I subscribe and await the reveal. 👍
@@stomlinson32ify 🤣 Thanks, I appreciate it 👍
Hi mate!! A dealer sells me a DCT white 135i N55 M Sport with 39,000 miles in 15,000 dlrs. Should I go for it? Any tips? Thanks!!
Hi. Absolutely! I've loved this car and it's been with me far longer than anticipated because it's such a good all rounder and does have some serious performance. It's been really difficult to decide on a replacement. The engine is the star for me. Such a good unit and if you want to tweak it you can get some more gains pretty cost effectively. I can't comment on the N55 directly as mine is the N54 but generally I've heard it's a pretty solid engine, is a little more efficient and, dependent on the year, pumping out a little more power. My only reservation would be the DCT gearbox. I've heard so many different views. Some people swear by them and reckon they're very reliable whereas others have had expensive issues. With the mileage you shouldn't have any problems but I would do a little research on them and look out for any potential gearbox warning signs. Then it just comes down to preference as to whether you want manual or DCT. Either way , if you want a well set up, rear wheel drive, fast, practical car, you really can't go wrong. And make the most of having a BMW straight-6 engine, they will be a thing of the past soon, unfortunately.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Thanks Mate!! So I bought it, just waiting for delivery next week. 🙏🏻
@@Cipherfoxx that’s awesome. Congratulations. You’ll love it!
青色もカッコイイね！
ありがとうございました
@Remove Before Launch , you could get a 987 Cayman. But its probably not as practical.
Great suggestion. I did look at the Caymans. Cracking cars! My main issue was with the age and mileage of the car I'd have to get within the budget. They hold their money incredibly well. Which is good when it comes to selling but it would have meant going for an older car or lower spec. The car has now been changed, but I can quite easily see myself in a Cayman in the future.
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Hopefully you get a great car which suits you & is in your budget 🙏
@@MrSamstackz Thank you. Just put a video up about it here. It was a different choice to what I originally had in mind. czcams.com/video/SGm_s6cQVlI/video.html Whenever you've got a few minutes spare, have a look.
B.E.A.U.T.Y
I had a le man blue vert 135i
Very nice 👍
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch I then move to the 240
@@Nowthennow good choice. How do they compare?
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch come and have a go. I’m in Bedford. Plus it not a standard one (m sport plus with all the extra kit)
@@Nowthennow Sounds very nice! Might have to take you up on that offer!
N55 M2
A good choice. As a step up, definitely. The only problem for me, after driving the M2 Comp, would I feel like I was missing out🤔
I mean.. if you can afford an M2 comp. definitely go for that
Just keep it
It's very tempting, I know I'll regret selling it but I'm not really in the position to keep it and buy something else. However, because I still enjoy it I'm in no panic so can afford to be choosy about what I get next.
If you want to buy a car that you could enjoy more then your 135i you really need to pay a lot more money. And these cars will get more expensive after 5 or 10 years. I had a bmw m535i ones from 87' with the shark nose still regret that i sold that car. It was in 2004 if you want to buy one of them you first have to find one. And i would have to pay at least 10 times more! Thats the reason im looking for a bmw 135i and am not planning to sel it. Keep it as my second car👌
Turgay Yilmaz you’re right. To get similar or better performance is generally going to cost a lot more. I would love to keep it, maybe I need to work on a plan. However in the interests of CZcams, nobody wants to keep seeing the same car and I’m nowhere near the stage of companies loaning me cars! Maybe I just need to concentrate on making more money🤔😉 Good luck on finding one yourself. You’ll love it when you get it👍
I think you should keep it. More modern cars have too much digital crap and are heavier, and the engines seem to have peak torque earlier in the RPMs and then run out.
Keep this car and buy a current m3 CS. You'll be able to keep it longer coz it is rare and will soon be a collector's item. I'm only saying this coz you come across as the guy who takes good care of his cars.
brhcapace380 brhcapace380 I try to look after them. Although when they get to a certain age/mileage you start to wonder if it’s cost effective. The CS is good, already getting strong. Now a CSL, now we’re really talking although I may need to sell a kidney 🤔😂
@@RemoveBeforeLaunch Yeah I hear you and I get your point. CS is very expensive here in South Africa it costs around 1,6 million rand. I own a 2014 f30 335i m performance. It is fast with that N55 engine and I so wish I could keep it forever but as you said, keeping them longer just isn't advisable considering the wear and tear that come with aging of a car. Good luck with what ever car you ultimately buy.
brhcapace380 brhcapace380 yep, the engines are impressive which is what makes it so difficult to find a replacement. I’m sure CZcams will be the first to hear when I finally get something else. Did just test drive an M2 Comp! That was impressive. Short vid coming soon. Good luck with your car, long may it continue impressing.
Under 10 grand I don’t think so😉
True, prices seem to be hovering around the £10k mark with a lot trying to get quite a bit more than that🤔