In an effort to capitalize on their investment, BMW usually introduces performance non-M models on the last production year of a model’s life-cycle. The 135is and 335is in this case. These performance models are usually the best-looking-highest-performance standard editions of the model’s 6 year production cycle. It makes us enthusiasts wish that BMW introduces such a car on the first year of production, although that wouldn’t make marketing sense for the Bavarian automaker.
The 335is is a great performer with great athletic looks. It’s the closest match to the outgoing E92 M3 without the price tag. The timing of the 135is can’t be any better. As the E92 335is, powered by the famous N54 TwinTurbo 3-liter inline 6, is ending production to make way for the F80 4 Series Coupe that’s debuting sometime next year.
The base 135i packs enough grunt and a well-balanced chassis out of the box, to tell the least, it’s a blast to drive. The 135is adds to a winning formula, guaranteeing to win over purists. The 135is has a slightly shorter wheelbase and lighter weight as compared with the 335is while using the N55 TwinPower single turbo3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. Both models have a 6-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with an optional 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Both vehicles sport the same “is” exclusive 18″ sport wheels, similar blacked out kidney grills, gloss black mirror covers, and special badging to set them apart from the “regular” cars that they’re based on. It’s a matter of taste at this point, as performance numbers will run very close between the two. The 135is will have a slight edge over the 335is in terms of performance and dynamic feel. Keep in mind that the 335is packs a little more torque at 331 lb-ft compared with the 135is’s 317lb-ft, while horsepower figures are identical at 320 hp.
So if you are a die-hard 3 Series fan, your obvious choice should be the 335is. It’s the benchmark, as it offers larger interior space, more comfort, and slightly higher quality materials on the cabin. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the ultimate performance and driving machine without having to pay over MSRP to purchase a 1 Series M Coupe, the E82 135is is the obvious choice.
As a side not, BMW is already developing the next generation F21 M135i hatchback that will replace 135is in Europe in terms of performance. Will it make it to our shores? We will have to wait and see on the hatch, but an F20 M135i coupe, if ever produced, will surely make it over.
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