1M vs 135i MT vs 135i DCT

[///1M]

Asking 1M owners who have also driven the 135i (MT or DCT):

what are the biggest differences between the 1M and the others?

How does the DCT feel vs BMW's automatic transmission?

[RaptorKTM]

135 dct with tune vs 1m with tune, from what I've seen given the nature of the perfection of the dct shifts, the 135 is faster

[JimD]

I've ridden in a 1M but not driven one. I've driven a 135 with an automatic but not a DCT. I've driven a M3 with a DCT.

From a power standpoint a 1M is a chipped 135i. It feels noticably stronger than a 135i stock. A 1M also has wider tires and a limited slip differential. The ride I got in one was with a Performance Center instructor at the wheel around an autocross course. It was way faster than a stock 135i which I've driven on the same track. Modified, a 135i could probably be as fast but it would be difficult to squeeze a much tire under a 135i. The brakes of a 1M are from the M3 so they're bigger than the 135i. That also makes a difference on the track.

Straight line it should be straight-forward to make a 135i as fast as the 1M or possibly faster. On a track with lots of turns, it would be hard to make the 135i as fast. You'd have far more work to do.

A DCT shifts faster than any human. But it isn't as much fun to me. The programmed blips of the throttle on downshifts is really neat, however.

Jim

[Simsims]

owned a 135 for 2 years, now 1M

drives COMPLETELY different. Let me say that again: COMPLETELY.

Putting the power difference aside, the driver feedback is a lot sharper and the car turns with a LOT more confidence. More responsive from a driver perspective. M-button sharpens the throttle so much it feels like NA (not as much M3 NA but you get the picture). Can't do that in 135.

LSD makes the car also behaves more naturally and controllable in corners.

135 floats on the suspension. 1M rides firm and consistent.

[sean67]

Ditto to what Simssims said. I went from a 2011 135i with DCT and the 1M felt much stronger and the overall feel (handling, manners, etc.) was like a different car altogether. Full disclosure the RF tires on the 135i felt like you were riding on solid rubber tires (like a fork truck) when you hit a bump or imperfection in the road sometimes and I did not care for them at all. Running through the gears on the DCT is fast and fun but overall I prefer rowing the MT over it especially in corners. Grip on the 1M seems much more planted and stable at any speed. Just my opinion in owning both.

Sean

[GaryS]

I think you should decide your MT vs DCT question first. If you want DCT, you would just need to spend enough money on mods to get whatever else you want.

[Odog]

Take a used 135 DCT for $30k, spend $10k to roll the fenders, more rubber on road, suspension, LSD and tune and you've got 95% of a 1M for a lot less money.

[greygoose]

Originally Posted by Simsims

owned a 135 for 2 years, now 1M

drives COMPLETELY different. Let me say that again: COMPLETELY.

Putting the power difference aside, the driver feedback is a lot sharper and the car turns with a LOT more confidence. More responsive from a driver perspective. M-button sharpens the throttle so much it feels like NA (not as much M3 NA but you get the picture). Can't do that in 135.

LSD makes the car also behaves more naturally and controllable in corners.

135 floats on the suspension. 1M rides firm and consistent.

I agree, I really enjoyed my 135 but the 1M is a much better car to drive due to the steering and suspension.

[Blue55]

If you take it to the track, I'd be concerned about the DCT blowing up eventually. If you don't track it, you'll probably be fine. From what I understand, BMW doesn't repair DCTs so much as replace them.

[Odog]

Originally Posted by Blue55

If you take it to the track, I'd be concerned about the DCT blowing up eventually.

Huh? I think a lot of supercharged M3 DCT drivers would disagree. They are pushing over 500 whp around the track with no problems.

[RaptorKTM]

Originally Posted by Odog

Take a used 135 DCT for $30k, spend $10k to roll the fenders, more rubber on road, suspension, LSD and tune and you've got 95% of a 1M for a lot less money.

false, the chassis stiffening alone makes it far better.

[Maniac992]

Originally Posted by Odog

Take a used 135 DCT for $30k, spend $10k to roll the fenders, more rubber on road, suspension, LSD and tune and you've got 95% of a 1M for a lot less money.

Does the same go for a 335 and M3? I thought not.

[diegorst]

Originally Posted by Maniac992

Does the same go for a 335 and M3? I thought not.

+1

[HALOTHANE]

This is idiotic. Apples and VOranges.

[DRG420]

also owned a 135i and now a 1M. +1 that the two cars are completely different in feel. i had BMW performance everything under the 135i suspension, brakes, seats, steering wheel, short shift you name it. i was scared as crap selling it and buying a 1M. but it was worth it. the 1M out of the box 6 seconds faster around Hungaroring (Formula 1 track in Hungary). with now having better brakes and Ohlins coilovers its another 3 seconds vs the 135i. on track they are not comparable at all. as for the DCT. i always had manual, but drove an M3 with DCT and i want it in my 1M ... but it isnt possible without serious rebuild and mods. its much faster , you have far more control over the car under braking etc and it seems strong enough for track work. but having the choice of 135i DCT or not or 1M there is no question.

[Piets94]

Have/had both in MT. For me, biggest difference was steering feel. The 1m also feels more comfy on the road, though the 135 still had run-flats/performance suspension

[jackkk]

It depends on for what do you need a car.
Track - 1M.
Drag - 135 DCT.