I recently purchased a 1 owner 41K 2011 135i M-Sport 6MT coupe equipped with every 135 option available that's still under OEM warranty to share DD responsibilities with Cayenne GTS. It was quite a find and I REALLY like this car; it's what BMW used to be i.e. FUN to drive! In fact, it may be more fun to drive than my 07 Porsche Twin Turbo coupe automatic. Now, here's my dilemma. I want more performance. Should I mod my 135 (ECU, LSD etc.) or start looking for a low mileage used 1M? Is there really THAT much difference between the 135 and 1M? I know the 1M still retains the N54 engine (good) vs. the 135's N55, has the LSD, M3 suspension and more horsepower. But, the $$$ difference between the two (mod 135 vs. stock M1) is major and I can do a lot with the 135 to achieve and perhaps even match/exceed the 1M. I just purchased the Cusco strut brace, added Sirius/XM, and installed a K&N filter. My car came previously modded with OEM CF rear spoiler, short shift, matching parking brake, racing pedals, black kidney grills, tinted windows, new 18" Hankook non-run flats and wheel locks.
So, given these facts, what would you recommend/do? Thanks.
Buy 1M if your can find one for reasonable price.
It has much better suspension, brakes and steering than 135.
Best of all it's all perfectly tuned to work together.
I owned a 1M and driven the M135, I would recommend the 1M if you can find one. My brother owns the M135 and chipped with 3D designed, the power goes good, however isn't fun as 1M chipped. One more thing that I loved is the manual transmission.
You can get a lot of power with a new ECU setup. My 135 is 370 hp, now. Pure fun.
BUT the 1M breaks and suspension are much more fitted for that. And the manual shift is absolutely precise. Even more fun!
The 1M is basically appreciating at this point, super rare and probably the best car they have made in a long while. I know as a buyer I would feel bad for using it as a DD, but that is just me.
Depends on if you are a collector, or are out to run it. If you're out to run it, get an M3 or do your 135 over. As mentioned, M235 or waiting 2 years for an M2 might also be options. Sounds like you have the money.
If you're collecting or want a unique vehicle then the 1M might be a choice, but I wouldn't ruin a pristine one as a DD.
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