135 vs 335 Coupe - Discussion - Long - The 1 Series (E81) Message Board

Well...suspect this may cause some discussion.

Spent Saturday driving both the 135 and the 335 coupes. Really wanted to understand the differences between the 2 vehicles (plus figure out if my $1000 deposit on the one series was going to hold up.

135: Very quick, less refined ride compared to the 335, choppy but very, very precise. Would expect this with the shorter wheelbase (somewhat like the Mini stuff...have some experience here). It's truely a 2 seater...forget the diatrabe around it's ability to seat 4. Very close feeling for the two front passengers. (If you don't have a pact with your significant other about closeness, then run away from this model!) Ergonomics don't feel very well done, but then, most 135 advocates aren't putting this at the top of the list. If you want a street / track car with some edginess...this is the perfect fit. Dealer test car was an automatic. Stick would be the only way to go. Too much tossability in this car to leave it to an automatic.

335: Been several months since last test drive. Drive refinement continues to be a step above the newest 135 bimmer. Simply outstanding combination in a vehicle that can be had for under 50K. Know this will draw some criticism, but then again, suspect the price differential and objectives of purchasing segment is very different. If folks want a long haul driver with absolute grin factors...the 335 coupe will deliver time over time. Steering felt more precise...road stickineess planted, throttle responsiveness on par with it's lesser sibling. Net...;ess rocket boy / more refinement.

Net bottom line....I wanted the 135...going to go with the 335 coupe. May each of us enjoy the differences in rides that makes the BMW family as great as it is.

BTW, two very different cars, both offering ultimate enjoyment for different segments.

Alas, my dollars so set on the 135 are going to be redeployed towards the 335 coupe.