I'm probably selling my R32 in a few months and am looking at getting a Coupe. The BMWs seem great value for money, especially the 135i. My preference would be for an Audi, A5 or TTs, but they are significantly more expensive than the BMWs.

I actually haven't driven either, has anyone driven an M3 and/or 135i and are able to give a comparison. I'm looking at 2005 E46s and near new 135is, so looking at spending around 70/80k. Oh and I need 4 seats, otherwise I'd get the 370z

I nearly bought a 135i, great drivers car.

Cons
1. Too expensive new for what it is.
2. Back 2 seats are epically gay.
3. Needs a lot of options to be 'decent'.
4. Doesn't look like a $90+k car.

Otherwise its all good.

Old M3 would be a good car, but then you don't have the warranty of the newer 135i (and it is probably slower).

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[COLOR="Gray"]550Nm off a 2L... Just wish it was in the dak dak...[/COLOR]

M3 has higher running costs (valve gear requires periodic maintenence) and brake pads/discs are expensive.

135 has softer suspension, but goes nearly as quick as the m3.

go to classics and take some drives

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My brother was very close to buying an 135i and test drove it a few times. He absolutely loves the car: so much power on tap, excellent power delivery meaning that the car pulls in any gear at any speed, nicely balanced with great steering response etc.

There's videos of it beating the new M3 in drag races and other tests (BMI for example did a test between them and the 135i did really well, especially considering that it is half the price!)

But then again, an M3, is an M3

And yep I agree Kato: the back seats are effectively non-existent and the car needs a lot of expensive options!

Only the older E36 really suffered from valve issues with its vanos system.

A 135 with tune and diff gears will destroy a m3 in a straight line. They have a stupidly long standard one.

The 135 blew me away for how good a car it is for the money, but no way you would fit 2 normal people in the back for any period of time comfortably.

The M3 is pure bliss, and remember it is worth twice as much new.

Hard call, go drive both

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Haven't even been in a 135, but for value & the looks it can't compare to an M3

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I test drove the 125i yesterday, i know it has no turbos but was still pretty quick and handled very very well so i can only imagine what the 135i will be like. Awesome build quality as you would expect from BMW. Overall i really liked it.

I was referring to the valve lash adjustment on the E46 M3 actually..... Done every inspection II on the E46 M3.

There was also a recall on the M3 S54 engine due to bearing failures...ask if the campaign has been carried out on any E46 M3 you look at.

M3 wise have the suspension checked....front control arm rear bushes flog out if the cars been belted ($1000 fix), control arms are alloy- check the alignment - Very expensive to replace.

M3 TSB List:

Bulletins for 2001 BMW M3 (E46) Coupe L6-3246cc 3.2L DOHC (S54)

Safety Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
340601 SEP 01 Recall - Parking Brake Cable Fastening

General Recalls
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
110601 OCT 01 Campaign - Engine Oil Viscosity Change
840600 AUG 00 Campaign - Navigation System Failure

Service Bulletins
TSB Number Issue Date TSB Title
620102 MAY 02 Instruments - Cluster Beeps When Selecting REVERSE Gear
240202 APR 02 A/T - Hard Shifts/Leak at Torque Converter Seal
210101 FEB 02 M/T - Popping/Clicking From Clutch Pedal
640891 JAN 02 A/C - Musty Odors
650599 JAN 02 Audio System - Radio Security Code Acquisition
840102 JAN 02 Navigation System - Features/Software Update
510401 DEC 01 Body - Door Edge Protection Seal Rubs on Door Panel
540701 DEC 01 Sunroof - Revised Initialization Procedures
360601 DEC 01 Tires - Pressure Setting Procedure
110801 NOV 01 Engine - Revised Connecting Rod Bearing Clearance
651001 NOV 01 Instruments - Split Screen Board Monitor Setting
110898 OCT 01 Engine - Oil Recommendations/Change Intervals
110400 OCT 01 Engine - Oil Recommendations/Checking Procedure
240198 SEP 01 A/T - Fluid Level Checking Procedure
180201 AUG 01 Exhaust - Muffler Type Availability
840701 AUG 01 Cellular Phone - Intermittent Malfunctions
650601 JUL 01 Cassette Radio - REG OFF, Displayed
180101 JUL 01 Rear Muffler - Revised Replacement Parts
720300 JUL 01 SRS - Warning Light ON/Multiple Fault Codes Set
320201 JUL 01 Steering Gear - Replacement Due to Accident Damage
110101 JUN 01 Engine - MIL ON/Codes Set/Tapping/Rattling Noise
510301 JUN 01 Interior Mirror - Installed Without Red DWA (Alarm) LED
841197 JUN 01 Navigation System - Numerous Failures/Malfunctions
330101 JUN 01 Rear Axle - Radial Play in Right Side Axle Flange
840401 MAY 01 Battery - Disconnecting Procedure With MK3 Nav System
340201 MAR 01 Brake Caliper - Lubrication
630201 MAR 01 Light Bulb - Replacement Guidelines
720101 MAR 01 Seat Belts - Click/Rattle From Upper Mount
840201 FEB 01 Audio System - Delayed Sound/No Audio Display
840101 FEB 01 Cellular Phone - No Volume Adjustment
090101 FEB 01 Vehicle and Key - Memory Programming
630101 FEB 01 Xenon Lamp Bulb - Color Change After Operation
640101 JAN 01 A/C System - Musty Odors
611600 JAN 01 Battery - Maintenance
160400 DEC 00 Check Engine Lamp ON/DTC's Stored
841200 DEC 00 Digital Cellular Phone - Training/Troubleshooting Manual
111190 DEC 00 Engine - Oil Capacities With Filter Change
110900 DEC 00 Engine Controls - False Low Oil Level Lamp Illumination
410200 DEC 00 Interior - Wind Buffeting
110901 DEC 00 Thermal Oil Level Sensor - Operation and Diagnosis
180299 NOV 00 Exhaust System - Back Pressure Checking Tool
330200 NOV 00 Rear Differential - Whine Noise
240900 OCT 00 A/T - Repair/Replacement Guidelines
720897 OCT 00 Airbags - Deactivation
241000 OCT 00 Engine Control Module - MS 43 Removal Precautions
650499 AUG 00 Audio System - Test CD/Tape
610800 AUG 00 Electrical - Closed Circuit Current Measurement
620400 AUG 00 IC Conversion - Km/h to Mph or Mph to Km/h
230200 AUG 00 M/T - Oil Fill/Drain Plugs Updated
720200 JUL 00 Airbag Control Module - Warning Light ON/Codes Set
510400 JUL 00 Door Sound/Vapor Barrier - Water Leaks
610500 JUL 00 Electrical Connnectors - Stabilant 22A Contact Enhancer
120400 JUL 00 MIL ON, Multiple DTC's Stored
720399 JUL 00 Rear Airbag - Activation/Deactivation
360200 JUL 00 Tires and Wheels - Applications
610700 JUL 00 Windshield Wiper Blades - Noisy/Not Cleaning Well
620200 JUN 00 Instrument Cluster - Erratic Operation Diagnosis
640100 MAY 00 A/C - IHKA Module LED in A/C Button FLASHES
240800 MAY 00 A/T - Fault Code 48, TCC Solenoid
160100 MAY 00 Fuel System - MIL ON, Tank Leakage Fault Codes
630100 JAN 00 Headlamps - New Vertical Adjustment Settings
330299 APR 99 Rear Suspension - Pops or Snaps on Dips and Bumps
110598 SEP 98 Crankcase Ventilation System - Diagnostic Information
620279 NOV 79 Turn Signal Indicator - Inoperative/Circuit Change
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lol didnt know they had so much wrong with em!!

if it was me i would still go m3 just coz of there pedigree

m power mate