Killed 3 drives in 1 day

[Deutsch]

Sunny SoCal day with temps in the 70's and below in the city. Great day to test some Teutonic muscle, and that's exactly what I did. First up are the 135 and 335i coupes. I wanted to test both to see if two cars with the exact same engine and similar performance numbers were anything alike or different from one another. Lastly I wanted to pit the TT 2.0T against the A5 3.2, unfortunately there were no A5 3.2Q Tip's available.

Personally, as a big fan of the blue and white propeller and never having driven the new and highly esteemed E82 135i I was anxious to have a go and see if the car lived up to personal expectations as well as those widely held and the view that this was some sort of new 21st century hopped up 02. With the award winning and headlining N54 bi-turbo six surely this can't possibly too hard a feat for this new small BMW to accomplish? Out on the road with the 6 spd auto tranny in regular drive mode the 135i is one tame beast that comes across more luxury cruiser than hardcore Ring master. Luckily the 135i's demeanor is easily coaxed into blitz attack, flip the gear lever into "M"-anual mode and Mr. Hyde makes a forceful cameo appearance; though not aggressive in power delivery but entirely smooth the N54 dispenses torque as if it's indispensable. You're not thrown back in your seat but more pinned back in complete awe of the torque twisting pace at which outside scenery evaporates. If this was all pace and no glue stick then what good would all of this power be? Of course this being a BMW this is far from the actual scenario. All the way through the drive the feeling of invincibility is present with solid handling a buttoned down feel to the road, steering breathing in your hands with clear knowledge of whas happening at the front of the car at the wheels. Simply put the handling is sensational, and even though the 135i's steering is electrically assisted you'd be hard pressed to tell as it feels entirely natural.

Switching cars jumping into the E82's same engined bigger brother, the 335i coupe you'd be qutie curious to know what the difference is if there was one to be had at all. Truth is, there is, albeit not a big one but a decisive enough difference to be able to make out. Simply put the 335i feels like a car for adults, the 135i feels more like a car for those who are kid's at heart. Driving the 335i the suspension feels tuned to more towards relaxation than intensity, just the same it still retains a driver oriented demeanor with the aforementioned solid steering and suspension tuning found in the 135i. The 135i feels more light on it's feet like a lightweight boxer dancing around a heavyweight in the ring that would be the 335i. Making the call on my own I'd never buy the E92 N54 variant, a character of that size with such a pleasant and relaxing demeanor is more well suited to a sedan body than a coupe. Though not a big enough tide between the two, the 135i simply feels more engaging and ready for action.

Moving on to the TT 2.0t you'd think you're getting behind the wheel of a weighty front-driver with a small turbo 4 pot up front. Though those are indeed the specs of the drive and powertrain layout the TT is no dull drive. With a hybrid aluminum and steel chassis and a lightweight four turbo the TT is not only ready for action but powerful and efficient. Not nearly as fast as either the 135i or 335i the TT makes up for time quickly by being a relaxing and responsive driving tool, 60 comes nearly as quickly as it does in the Bimmers being only a second behind. Steering is extremely light adding to the calm demeanor of the TT though the suspension shines in corners hunkering down at a quick flick of the steering wheel. Overall a very well sorted and competent package.

At the end of the day there has to be a clear winner, no? Absol-freak'n-lutely! While the TT is a nice overall package in every way imaginable, from design to performance, to engineering, it's also not as exciting as it could be. FWD does have it's limitations and though they were not apparent upon this drive in time I'm sure things such as torque steer and sense of inadequacy would make themselves known next to other high performance auto's from elsewhere. The 335i is the picture of a young professionalism; dynamically, aesthetically and emotionally pleasing. Hard to pass up right? No, not at all, and why? 135i. I felt like the 335i was very grown up, up for cruising and occasional bruising, but the 135i was always on the boil ready to leap into the ring and throw some swings. It was also almost $10k cheaper than the E92 335i coupe, which had about the similar interior space front and back. Sure it's small on the inside and the rear seats are entirely useless, but really, who cares!? These are bachelor not family cars. The 135i is like as advertised, "pure BMW". No gimmicks and very few compromises the 135i encompasses the essence of what BMW is all about; highly responsive engines, stellar other-worldly handling and original design. A great teacher for BMW 101 for those who think the Bayerische is all status and no substance. The 135i is my kind of ride.

[SDNR]

Great review Deutsch, you write very well.

Glad the 135i was everything it is supposed to be ......a true old-school BMW -- and it doesn't even need to use lots of obvious retro styling to do it!

[ree]

Great review, thanks for sharing your experience.

[vedjo01]

I agree with you 100 percent,Deutsch..135i is a way to go .Smaller,lighter and more intense driving experience than in 335i,cheaper than 335i..there is many things to love about 135i

[Just_me]

1-series is the best drivers car from BMW, one of the reasons why I own a babybimmer.