BMW
X7 and XM
forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General Automotive (non-BMW) Talk + Photos/Videos Keep 135is and Cayman?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-01-2019, 04:00 PM   #1
swunder
First Lieutenant
303
Rep
301
Posts

Drives: 135is, x3 m40i, V70R
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Keep 135is and Cayman?

I've had a 6MT 135is for about a year and really love it, but I've noticed I've not once had anyone in the backseat, and the most cargo I've ever had to carry was a set of golf clubs. I was comparing 135's and Caymans when I bought the BMW (because it was about 10k less) but I mean... I don't even use what little practicality the 135 offers.

Lets just pretend money is not a factor at all for a moment -- do these two cars have too much overlap? Maybe the BMW would be a a little more comfortable for my commute to work 1 day a week?

Maybe a Boxster would make more sense... at least its a convertible. I just think I'll regret selling one of the last 6 cylinder, manual BMW's, but I also think its dumb to have two cars that serve the same purpose when I'm not exactly a collector.
Appreciate 0
      10-01-2019, 04:08 PM   #2
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
As much as I loved my 135is (Dinan Stage 1), it is just dated now. I traded it for a Macan that is faster, roomier and handles at least as well. That should tell you something.

Our 718 Boxster is a wonderful car and despite being the base model is faster than my 135is ever was, even after being tuned. My 718 is completely stock.

The key is finding one used or CPO so you don't pay full price. My 718 listed for over $70k, it was still a little pricy at $55k incl TTT, but we intend to keep it for some time to come. Maintenance hasn't been bad, we go to a specialty shop and that has reduced oil change etc costs by 2/3.

You can also find great prices on either 718s or 981s. I prefer the 718 since it just has more low end grunt and seems to pull harder. Some people like the sound of the flat six better. Honestly though, unless you rev the piss out of it, you're not going to hear it and you're not going to feel the power because it's all up high.
Appreciate 2
swunder302.50
Viffermike1753.00
      10-01-2019, 09:54 PM   #3
swunder
First Lieutenant
303
Rep
301
Posts

Drives: 135is, x3 m40i, V70R
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

How does the 718 sound compared to the 135? Man with the windows down the N55 and BMW PE still sound.... amazing.

Think I'd be looking for a 2015/2016 981 GTS in the $60-70k range. Not saying I wouldn't go for a 718, just have a feeling I'd prefer the older one. Hell I kinda like the looks of the 987's the best.

I'm sure a Macan handles as well... but I don't want more room or more speed just more of a true sports car feel. Could get an M2 if I just wanted a faster/newer 135i.
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      10-01-2019, 10:24 PM   #4
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
2272
Rep
12,559
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
I still miss my 135is. Yes there’s better cars out there but I have this irrational love for that car, similar to how ZHP owners are so attached to their cars. If you find it lacking, simple upgrades of M3 arms, performance suspension and limited slip takes the 135is to a new level though it’ll never match a 718. You have to love the 135i as a whole package, i.e. the quirky bulldog appearance along with the performance it offers.

If you sell let me know, I see you’re local too haha.
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 2
Dackelone10511.00
dtla1826.00
      10-02-2019, 12:27 AM   #5
Humdizzle
Brigadier General
6024
Rep
3,610
Posts

Drives: GT3 + M2c
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Missouri

iTrader: (0)

135 is not a collector car by any means

If i was in your shoes i'd sell the 135 for an f30 335 manual. i'm guessing you can find a similar mileage car for nearly the same price. Then it would make sense to have a small cayman along side it.

f30/f80 is e39 size and will be more comfy. have better tech inside. and just quieter. Leave the sports car stuff to the sports car. and the tech/comfort to your daily.
__________________

2018 Porsche GT3 6MT
2021 M2C DCT
Previous: Ferrari 458 | R35 GTR | F80 M3 | E46 M3 | E36 M3 | Scion FRS
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2019, 07:58 AM   #6
jc05e46m3
Brigadier General
jc05e46m3's Avatar
United_States
844
Rep
3,249
Posts

Drives: '21 F90 M5 Comp
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Everywhere.

iTrader: (3)

I'd definitely sell and go Pcar. Your pro says you also have an X3? If that's the case, done deal. I would find a newer one with CPO if possible and enjoy it!
__________________
'21 /// M5 Comp - Frozen Brilliant White/Black
'18 Porsche GT3 Carrara White/Black/Red - Sold
'18 /// M3 - Individual Imola/Black - Sold
'15 /// M4 - YMB/SO - Sold
'12 E92 ///M3 ZCP - AW/FR - Sold
Appreciate 1
swunder302.50
      10-02-2019, 02:05 PM   #7
JasonCSU
Colonel
United_States
699
Rep
2,548
Posts

Drives: '08 135i, '88 325is
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Denver, CO

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
1988 BMW 325is  [0.00]
2008 BMW 135i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Humdizzle View Post
135 is not a collector car by any means

I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually becomes one. Just look at what has happened with 2002s and E30s over the years causing their values to appreciate.
__________________
Delivered in Munich, broken in on the Nurburgring.
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2019, 04:01 PM   #8
Gamb1t
Major
Gamb1t's Avatar
Canada
597
Rep
1,343
Posts

Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Canukistan

iTrader: (0)

1M is. 135i...128i will share the same fate as the past 3-series of old. In time everything becomes precious again. Some are just more precious.

A manual boxer-6 Cayman will be highly sought after when we all drive electric cars and long for the visceral thrill of great driving experience.
Anyone remember that old convertible scene in Demolition Man?
Appreciate 0
      10-02-2019, 04:03 PM   #9
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by swunder View Post
How does the 718 sound compared to the 135? Man with the windows down the N55 and BMW PE still sound.... amazing.

Think I'd be looking for a 2015/2016 981 GTS in the $60-70k range. Not saying I wouldn't go for a 718, just have a feeling I'd prefer the older one. Hell I kinda like the looks of the 987's the best.

I'm sure a Macan handles as well... but I don't want more room or more speed just more of a true sports car feel. Could get an M2 if I just wanted a faster/newer 135i.
I am biased and nothing sounds as sexy as an inline five or an inline six. Sure V8s can sounds great as do V10s and 12s (might as well be unobtainium lol for me).

I really like how my 718 sounds. It has its own character.
Appreciate 2
swunder302.50
Viffermike1753.00
      10-04-2019, 01:46 AM   #10
duder13
Captain
duder13's Avatar
767
Rep
904
Posts

Drives: Cashmere
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gamb1t View Post
1M is. 135i...128i will share the same fate as the past 3-series of old. In time everything becomes precious again. Some are just more precious.

A manual boxer-6 Cayman will be highly sought after when we all drive electric cars and long for the visceral thrill of great driving experience.
Anyone remember that old convertible scene in Demolition Man?
BMW sold twice as many 3-Series in the US in 2013 as they sold 1 Series for its entire 6 year run, and even the old E30 sold anywhere from 3x-6x more cars per year than the 1er. The 911 outsold all 1 series for a few years, too. Relatively few bought 1ers, so they’re already developing a bit of a cult following, and the OP’s 135is version is the rarest 1er. I’m not saying it’ll be as valuable as a Cayman, but their sales numbers are somewhat similar, so who knows???

Anyways, to answer the OP, I went from a manual Cayman to a manual 135i, because I wanted to drive my fun car with my wife and son along for the ride. While the Cayman is actually pretty good with storage for what it is, the 135i is much more practical.

From a driving standpoint, the Cayman is about as good as it gets, but after I did
suspension mods, lsd, custom tune, etc., on my 135i, I don’t miss the Cayman much, even though it does feel more special. It’s hard to compete with a buttoned down little mid-engined car. Oddly, though, I do prefer the seats, shift knob and steering wheel of the BMW.

I don’t really miss the attention, both good and bad, that comes with driving a Porsche, and, for whatever reason, the 911 drivers were much less impressed by my Cayman at Porsche Club events than BMW drivers are of my 135i at the BMW club, if that matters to you.

As far as Cayman versions go, I’m partial to the 987, because it feels more go-kart’ish and has the manual steering. Next I’d go 981. The 718 sounds so mediocre that, when I’m near one, I almost want to rev my BMW engine to show off.

Ultimately, if practicality is of no concern for you, and you don’t mind the extra attention, you’d probably be fine with a Cayman as your only car. I used to take mine snowboarding, camping, etc., without much issue.

Last edited by duder13; 10-04-2019 at 10:24 AM..
Appreciate 1
swunder302.50
      10-07-2019, 07:49 PM   #11
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
We love our 718

Appreciate 2
swunder302.50
      10-08-2019, 03:56 AM   #12
mmmmQuattro
Major
mmmmQuattro's Avatar
Australia
255
Rep
1,165
Posts

Drives: f83 / E93 335 / E70 X5 40d
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Adelaide, South Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
As much as I loved my 135is (Dinan Stage 1), it is just dated now. I traded it for a Macan that is faster, roomier and handles at least as well. That should tell you something

Macan is faster?
Did you get the turbo PP?
Appreciate 2
duder13767.00
rainfall161.50
      10-08-2019, 05:29 AM   #13
Efthreeoh
General
United_States
16946
Rep
18,580
Posts

Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by duder13 View Post
BMW sold twice as many 3-Series in the US in 2013 as they sold 1 Series for its entire 6 year run, and even the old E30 sold anywhere from 3x-6x more cars per year than the 1er.
Gotta be a typo... you mean "F30"
__________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 05:31 AM   #14
Efthreeoh
General
United_States
16946
Rep
18,580
Posts

Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

OP, if money isn't a factor, the keep the Bimmer.
__________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 04:09 PM   #15
duder13
Captain
duder13's Avatar
767
Rep
904
Posts

Drives: Cashmere
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Efthreeoh View Post
Gotta be a typo... you mean "F30"
Nope. Even the old E30 sold over 5.7x more in the US than the E82. FWIW, that puts E82 sales at a little over twice the total E9X M3 sales, so, if we're talking just the 135i, it's probably in the same realm of total US sales as the E9X M3.

Total E30 Sales (US cars only)

1984: 44,433
1985: 53,905
1986: 61,822
1987: 58,896
1988: 38,346
1989: 32,153
1990: 29,583
1991: 29,002

total: 348,140


Total E82 Sales (US cars only)

2008: 12,018
2009: 11,182
2010: 13,132
2011: 8,832
2012: 7,689
2013: 7,220
2014: 75

total: 60,148


And just for fun:

Total Porsche 911 (997) US sales
2012: 8,528
2011: 6,016
2010: 5,737
2009: 6,839
2008: 8,324
2007: 12,493
2006: 12,045
2005: 10,107

total: 70,089

Last edited by duder13; 10-08-2019 at 04:26 PM..
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 04:14 PM   #16
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmQuattro View Post
As much as I loved my 135is (Dinan Stage 1), it is just dated now. I traded it for a Macan that is faster, roomier and handles at least as well. That should tell you something

Macan is faster?
Did you get the turbo PP?
Macan is faster than my tuned 135is was, yes. No, I got the regular Macan Turbo, but the Cobb tune supposedly gives it almost 450hp and 575tq which is well above the PP numbers. People are sub 4 second 0-60 and low to mid 12 second 1/4 mile times tuned. Stock is low to mid 0-60 and just under 13 seconds for the 1/4 mile. It's just a beast and I thought my 135 was a little rocket ship.
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 04:17 PM   #17
BayE30
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
1341
Rep
1,881
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by c1pher View Post
As much as I loved my 135is (Dinan Stage 1), it is just dated now. I traded it for a Macan that is faster, roomier and handles at least as well. That should tell you something.

Our 718 Boxster is a wonderful car and despite being the base model is faster than my 135is ever was, even after being tuned. My 718 is completely stock.
this is why Dinan tunes are a waste of money. I have come across many 135i with minor bolt ons and tune that would blow the doors off your 718.
__________________
I am never able to post pictures on forums, all my pics are on IG @baye30 https://www.instagram.com/baye30/
Current Garage - [2011 E90 M3 ZCP] [2005 E53 X5 3.0 Sport] [1988 E30 325IS 24V]
Appreciate 1
duder13767.00
      10-08-2019, 04:22 PM   #18
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by SFCM3 View Post
this is why Dinan tunes are a waste of money. I have come across many 135i with minor bolt ons and tune that would blow the doors off your 718.
I only paid $680 for a tune on the 135, and didn't put any other money into it. You can make almost any car extremely fast, it just depends on how much you want to spend. Minor bolts ons certainly cost more than $700.
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 04:25 PM   #19
BayE30
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
1341
Rep
1,881
Posts

Drives: 2011.75 E90 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by c1pher View Post
I only paid $680 for a tune on the 135, and didn't put any other money into it. You can make almost any car extremely fast, it just depends on how much you want to spend. Minor bolts ons certainly cost more than $700.
since you brought up cost, it would still be miles away from the cost of the 718.

PS: you started the comparison.
__________________
I am never able to post pictures on forums, all my pics are on IG @baye30 https://www.instagram.com/baye30/
Current Garage - [2011 E90 M3 ZCP] [2005 E53 X5 3.0 Sport] [1988 E30 325IS 24V]
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 04:33 PM   #20
duder13
Captain
duder13's Avatar
767
Rep
904
Posts

Drives: Cashmere
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: US

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by c1pher View Post
I only paid $680 for a tune on the 135, and didn't put any other money into it. You can make almost any car extremely fast, it just depends on how much you want to spend. Minor bolts ons certainly cost more than $700.
The days of expensive tunes are over. The MHD tune is the best and only a couple of hundred bucks. Spend a few hundred bucks more on a custom map, and you've got a rocket ship.

The money is in the suspension, and that's where it takes a few grand to get the 135i going.

Last edited by duder13; 10-08-2019 at 04:57 PM..
Appreciate 2
Dackelone10511.00
Viffermike1753.00
      10-08-2019, 06:33 PM   #21
c1pher
Primo Generalissimo
c1pher's Avatar
United_States
4546
Rep
3,995
Posts

Drives: All of them
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DC area

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by SFCM3 View Post
since you brought up cost, it would still be miles away from the cost of the 718.

PS: you started the comparison.
I wasn’t trying to justify cost of the car, just the mods you were pointing out. I can buy a cheap corolla and put a crate motor in it for less money than a modded 1 series and run circles around that for less money too. Not getting your point.
Appreciate 0
      10-08-2019, 06:35 PM   #22
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
2272
Rep
12,559
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
I don’t understand why folks throw in mods/tuning into car comparison discussions. My point was adding mods may help address things lacking about the car but saying a modded X is better than a stock Y is silly. Plus neither of these cars were intended for 1/4 mile performance. Sure a 135i with dp, tune, etc could blow the doors off a 718 but it’ll never put down a faster lap time on a road course. But that’s ok because you also get something slightly more practical for much less cost.

IMHO the E82 135i was and still is the best “modern” Bimmer sports car that can ”do it all” without breaking the bank (e.g. poor mileage, 9 quarts of 10w-60, rod bearings, etc.) For those complaining about old tech, simple answer is find a barebones model. Tech is great if you’re continuously leasing else you’re stuck with something archaic. When I upgraded from my 3.0si to M roadster, I purposely looked for min options. The navi reminded me of my old 486DX computer.

The whole 911 owners looking down on a 718 is just weird. Maybe they need to justify their extra depreciation, but these cars are hardly entry level. It’s not like the brand is watered down as BMW did by offering a 320i.

Both fine cars end of day but as I said before I’d choose the 135i/s. It’s the prettiest ugly car I’ve owned (and this is coming from a former Z coupe owner)! How my old 1-er looked with just OEM and Dinan upgrades.
Attached Images
  
__________________
Follow for latest mods

Last edited by 3002 tii; 10-09-2019 at 04:58 PM..
Appreciate 3
c1pher4545.50
Viffermike1753.00
Jockey3434.50
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:13 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST