By Mike Solowiow
April 21, 2008 -
After testing BMW 135i and 335i coupes back-to-back, I can reveal that there are only two good reasons to purchase the smaller, cheaper car. Either you need a track day machine or you're an idiot. Otherwise, spend the extra bucks and buy the 335i coupe. The 335i coupe is more attractive, more enjoyable to drive, holds its value better and offers far more real road usability than the 135i. If BMW had made the 135i as a lightweight, no-frills, Bahn-burning turbo rocket ship, they would have created a truly unique, desirable automobile. But they didn't.
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More Reviews62 Responses to “ 2008 BMW 135i vs. 335i Review ”
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POWERED
April 21st, 2008 at 10:57 am
Yep probably your best bet. You won’t find sub 3,000lb cars much anymore unless it’s a two-seater. Its the trade-off we pay for being able to wrap a car around a pole and having a reasonable chance of being alive.
April 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am
You drink lattes?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
@ Michael Karesh,
+1
As for the review, I appreciate the comparison as I’m considering both of these vehicles for future purchase. I haven’t had a chance to drive the 135i yet, but I do think it is getting rough reviews due to BMW’s unfulfilled promise of delivering the next 2002 rather than because the 135i isn’t a great car. Well and also due to the ugliness.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
My gut feeling is the 1 will make more sense vs the 3 in convertible form, both price and handling vise. It’s remarkable how much heavier and more fragile the 3vert feels vs the coupe.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
I’m sure Katharine Zeta-Jones spells her name Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Good article though. The 1 does seem a bit off.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-performance-parts-catalog/676168/
If I have the money I will Buy the “135i”
The 335i is very common out there.
They are so common like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Camry.
I feel much better if I don’t see alot of look a like.
I just saw 4 of them this morning on Route 9 and 95 North. probably another 3 more when I get back home this afternoon after the Boston Marathon.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
90% of the automotive world reviews so far are in love with the 1-series so far. Nice to see a negative review that can predict the future.
The 135i is 37k nicely equipped. That’s comparable to a 45k 335?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
1-series could have been a great A3/GTI fighter, if only BMW wanted it to be one…
April 21st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Solo84L
I’m sure Katharine Zeta-Jones spells her name Catherine Zeta-Jones.
My bad. Text amended.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Thanks for the great comparison! I expected these results as well.