[Mpy18]

So it is almost one year that I have my 325xi, and I've been doing some thoughts on a new car already. I love my car but for some reason, I am being stubborn. I have thought about trading it in for my next birthday and give myself a new car for a present. My mind had basically always been set on a 335, but I came across a 135. I will probably look to get an '08 around September of 2013, as I got an 06 in 2011. Not much had changed between a 325 and a 335 from 06 to 08, and they look fairly identical, both being a 3-series. Something makes me not really think it's worth it to trade in and drop another few grand on a car that looks very similar, both inside and outside (not under the hood). How is a 135? It is smaller I know, and being a single guy at 20, my two back doors are useless, so a coupe would be really nice.

I know this is the E90 forum, but what are your views on the 1 series? How does it compare to the 3? Would you upgrade your 325 to a 335 or a 135?

[forever_speed]

I'd say go to 1 for a change. I feel like it will put a big smile on your face while driving

[beskone]

1 series drive like a go cart, but I personally can't stand the fit and finish of the interior compared to the 3 series.

Plus I like having a very large and useful trunk with fold down seats.

[tony20009]

Since you are suggesting a used x35i, I'd say keep your current car. The cars with the N54/N55 engines have a history of having very expensive-to-fix issues, among them the turbo waste gate and seal issue. The 325 is a good, solid car and a great daily-driver.

[Mpy18]

Thanks for the quick replies. I should probably go to the dealer and ask to test drive one first. I would have to buy a used car, and nothing too new. I want to keep the budget around 20k give or take. Are all x35s like this? No '08 car will be under warranty in 2013 either right?

[F80_M3llow]

I just traded in my 325i for a fully loaded 08 135i. Couldn't be happier.

[Catalina Wine Mixer]

135 would be a nice change and performance upgrade from your 325

[rbocc13]

135 would be more fun to drive and less sluggish IMO. Also I agree with the not much changed, i have a 08 and i'm in a 2011 loaner and the inside is basically the exact same. If you were put behind the wheel of a 2002-2011 3 series you wouldnt know which car you were in.

One of my issues, i like modern and BMW interior while built well is just dated and over played. Atleast in the 02-11 idk about 2012+

[itsmeek]

Disclaimer: PERSONAL OPINION ONLY

I'd say it depends on your age. If you're 16-23, the one is fine. After that, it seems like it's a little too "youngish" (excuse the wordplay). I see them on the road and although they look ok, it's the lowest end model (other than mini) and it's the only way I can look at them.

I have driven a modified 135 and although it was fun, it wasn't anything groundbreaking when compared to a 335. If I wanted a high performance car that made me feel like a teen, i'd go with an EVO.

[bmw246]

i drove the 135 before i bought my new 328 convertible, loved it but i just like the look of the 3 better. It's a blast to drive, from a 325 I'd say get one, and go for the convertible.

[axztx]

Drive a 135 - they are fun to drive. Make sure it has sport/msport package though, that makes a huge difference. I was considering a 135 but went with a 3 series. The 135 was just too small for kids in the back seat.

[BenTrovato]

I think your opinion may change after you drive it. I was exclusively in the market for a 1 series but the interior quality felt sub par. The drive is very fun though - depends what you're looking for.

[Turb0Surge]

If you can ignore the impracticality of the 135i. (You should be able to, being a single guy in your 20's) Go for the 135i. It's a big upgrade from your 325i.

Alas for me- It is too late. I'm married, and a slave to practicality. (lol) So i went with the 335i and I can fit car seats in the back.

[MWhy]

Keep your car for as long as you can. Save your money. Then really treat yourself and splurge on something nice when you can toss more dough at it.

[Brennan]

unless its a 1M then dont

[ledorkii]

Originally Posted by Aaron.B

unless its a 1M then dont

+1

Normally I'd suggest upgrading, but at this point, just save up your money and wait for the 1M. If you really had to chose, given your age, I'd get the 135i.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

I went from an E92 325i to an E82 135i.

loved
+ extra power
+ felt different
+ newer (had newer nav)

hated
- smaller
- twitchier handling
- not as luxurious
- both had the Logic 7 sound system, but the E92 one was much much better!!!!

Overall
definitely worth the move. Small sacrifices for that awesome engine.
335i would be best of both worlds though.

[CamelBiscuit]

The front end on the one was a deal breaker for me. Went for the three.

[R608]

I looked at a 128i last summer. I was fine with the way it looked, and liked how it drove, but I just found the back seat and trunk too small if it was going to serve as my only car. The interior materials were also a bit bigger a step down from the e90 than I was expecting, though it wasn't a deal-breaker for me. I'm sure the engine upgrade moving to a 135i would help compensate for a lot of that, but I just have a little trouble with the compromises the 1-series requires for similar money to the more flexible, more refined 3. I'd give it an extra year or two and get an LCI e90 or e92 if it were me, but check a 1-series out. They're certainly worthy of that much.

[tmaung]

The 325i is a nice and reliable car and getting into either a 135i or 335i will come with costs...not just from potential failures (which is rare overall but this is a forum where people come to complain so you will see many) but also from the mod bug.

I got my first M3 at 23 (not parent's money nor inheritance but from working hard!) and then switched to a 335i because it was overkill for my daily use. The 335i is surprisingly fun and once you start modding, it is a beast. My friend had a 135i and it was even more fun to drive but as others have said, the interior is sub par and the 3 series is a much better overall choice.

All that said, it all depends on the cost of the car. I would opt for the 2009 as the LCI changes, M Sport option and the iDrive changes are much nicer and the price difference between the 2008 and 2009 in 2013 might not be that different. Just be sure to do your research and get one you won't regret. Both will be very fun to drive and very addicting to mod!

I have had my 335is for less than 2 months and I swore to myself I would not upgrade and already ended up spending a couple of grands on mods. The torque is just very addicting.... Good luck and you will enjoy either choice or none...as long as you drive a BMW :P (I love all cars except most of them... I just love BMWs quite a bit more)!

[eeokin]

135 is really beautiful, but i'd rather the 335 any day

[m_thompson]

After driving many 3-series over the course of 20 years I got tired of the constant size and weight increases. The E90 that I was looking at was 8.5" wider and 10.5" longer than my first 3-series. The 128i that I have now is about the same size as my first 3-series and has a similar driving feel.

Yes, it is a little more twichy than a 328i at speeds above 135 MPH.