Edmunds E46 M3 vs 335i vs 135i.

[SJ_GTI]

I would take a 335i in sedan form out of this group (can I do that, or am I stuck w/ the coupe?), even though i like the looks of the E46 better.

I think the 335i sedan makes a lot more sense then the 335i coupe, even though I personally think the coupe looks nicer. The sedan is cheaper, smaller (shorter by about 3 inches), and simply more practical without losing any of the 335i merits (its just as fast and with the sport package would handle just as well).

On topic, I think I would choose the 135i out of that group (based on not having driven it, of course). All else being equal, I prefer smaller cars. The 135i is the smallest and lightest of the bunch, and it doesn't hurt that its the cheapest (MSRP when new).

That being said I'd probably opt for the 128i, as 230 HP is more then enough for me, and it should handle just as well, if not better (lighter and more evenly balanced). A 328i sedan would be a nice choice as well.

[CALL_911]

I think the 335i sedan makes a lot more sense then the 335i coupe, even though I personally think the coupe looks nicer. The sedan is cheaper, smaller (shorter by about 3 inches), and simply more practical without losing any of the 335i merits (its just as fast and with the sport package would handle just as well).

On topic, I think I would choose the 135i out of that group (based on not having driven it, of course). All else being equal, I prefer smaller cars. The 135i is the smallest and lightest of the bunch, and it doesn't hurt that its the cheapest (MSRP when new).

That being said I'd probably opt for the 128i, as 230 HP is more then enough for me, and it should handle just as well, if not better (lighter and more evenly balanced). A 328i sedan would be a nice choice as well.

See, I like the N52 cars a lot, they're fantastic. However, if you've ever used the N54 engine, it's really that good. I don't know if I could buy an N52 car, when an N54 variant is available.

[LonghornTX]

See, I like the N52 cars a lot, they're fantastic. However, if you've ever used the N54 engine, it's really that good. I don't know if I could buy an N52 car, when an N54 variant is available.

Ditto.

[Tave]

I bet you guys would rip on the styling of the 135 if it was the exact same car but with a Geely badge.  It's not exactly the best looking car in the world, it's not bad but there's certainly better looking cars.  I certainly wouldn't call it beautiful.

I don't like the look of the 1, but I'm waiting till I see it in person.

[Vinsanity]

I would, because the 1-series looks like a proper BMW.

Exactly, the E82 and E46 are really the only ones that are styled like a true BMW.  Even then, I feel like the E82 embodies much more design heritage than the E46 does as its taut and upright shape were a mainstay of BMW design for years.

Wat

This isn't 1982 anymore. BMW's don't have to be upright and boxy

[Sigma Projects]

meh, I like the 335i, my friend has one and recently had it chipped, I like it in and out. Just wish those things came a little lighter

[CALL_911]

Wat

This isn't 1982 anymore. BMW's don't have to be upright and boxy

You think the 1er is boxy? I don't think you are worth reasoning with.

[Vinsanity]

You think the 1er is boxy? I don't think you are worth reasoning with.

It may not be Honda Element or Scion xb boxy, but what other 2008 coupe looks as tall and upright as the 1-series? Heck, most sedans have a sleeker look.

[CALL_911]

It may not be Honda Element or Scion xb boxy, but what other 2008 coupe looks as tall and upright as the 1-series? Heck, most sedans have a sleeker look.

Oops, I forgot to include the smiley. I wasn't serious.

IMO, The 1er is fine, and it looks tall in photos. In person, it's not bad at all. It looks amazing in person.

[Vinsanity]

Admittedly, the 1-series is growing on me. A 135 coupe would look badass with a moderate ride height drop and a beefier wheel/tire package with a staggered width setup.

But the 3-series coupe just looks gorgeous in comparison. Like a more refined older sister compared to a tomboy-ish younger sister.

[nickdrinkwater]

The 1-Series hatch is ok but the coupe looks like shit.

The 3-Series, not that good looking either but at least the proportions are ok.  It's the details that let it down.

[Raza]

Admittedly, the 1-series is growing on me. A 135 coupe would look badass with a moderate ride height drop and a beefier wheel/tire package with a staggered width setup.

But the 3-series coupe just looks gorgeous in comparison. Like a more refined older sister compared to a tomboy-ish younger sister.

I think they'd both look better with 38" chrome rims.

[Vinsanity]

I think they'd both look better with 38" chrome rims.

You should put some Cayenne 20"s on your Boxster

[Danish]

Gahhhh I can't believe they made first place a tie!

I would probably take a E46 330i PP over these..... with the 135i in second

[Tave]

I saw an E46 330xi today.

[CALL_911]

I saw an E46 330xi today.

Are they rare around your area? They're dime a dozen over here.

[sportyaccordy]

Gahhhh I can't believe they made first place a tie!

I would probably take a E46 330i PP over these..... with the 135i in second

Oh yea how could I forget the 330i PP. I would definitely take a red 330i PP sedan over any modern BMW, E46 M3 and E90 335i included.

[r0tor]

That being said I'd probably opt for the 128i, as 230 HP is more then enough for me, and it should handle just as well, if not better (lighter and more evenly balanced). A 328i sedan would be a nice choice as well.

however, I priced out a 128i and buy the time you put the sport suspension, 18" wheels, and the aero package is costs a few buck more the the 135i and really doesn't even save on gas...

[Raza]

I saw an E46 330xi today.

Joe Paterno almost hit me in one of those a few months ago.  It could have been a 325xi though, but I think it was a 330i. 

[SVT666]

Today's BMWs look best to worst in this order:

1. 5 Series
2. 3 Series
3. 7 Series
4. 1 Series
5. 6 Series

The 1 Series looks like a Bulldog.

[Raza]

Today's BMWs look best to worst in this order:

1. 5 Series
2. 3 Series
3. 7 Series
4. 1 Series
5. 6 Series

The 1 Series looks like a Bulldog.

Hmm..
(I'll stick to NA BMWs)
1. Z4 Coupe/Roadster
2. 1 series coupe
3. 3 series sedan
4. 5 series
5. 7 series
6. 3 series coupe
7. 6 series coupe/cabrio (shame; before the facelift, it was one of my favorites)

Just my opinion, of course. 

[CALL_911]

I guess I'm the only one who really likes the 6er.

[Raza]

I guess I'm the only one who really likes the 6er.

I liked it before they put that stupid face on it. 

[CALL_911]

I liked it before they put that stupid face on it. 

I liked the pre-facelift one more, but I don't exactly hate the facelifted one.

[LonghornTX]

Wat

This isn't 1982 anymore. BMW's don't have to be upright and boxy

Well that is their styling heritage, for those that care to take notice. The 2002 had it in the 60's, all the way to the E30 and E34 in the early 90's.

Most modern BMW sedans have been made to look much more Japanese than previous models IMO.

[NomisR]

Well that is their styling heritage, for those that care to take notice. The 2002 had it in the 60's, all the way to the E30 and E34 in the early 90's.

Most modern BMW sedans have been made to look much more Japanese than previous models IMO.

Isn't that what a lot of cars back then looked like? It's not just a BMW only thing.

[hotrodalex]

I guess I'm the only one who really likes the 6er.

I like it. Put a few mods on it and it's great.

[Raza]

That's hideous.

[the Teuton]

After driving some more in the newer cars, please give me an E30 or even a 36.  Kthxbai.

[sportyaccordy]

That's hideous.

Agreed. Proportions are on the fence, the awful details totally kill it.