Looking for a 135: Advise

[Acheron]

Hi all,

Joined up today on account of my consideration of a BMW as a replacement for my 2010 Audi S3.

Looking at replacing it with a 135i so I've started looking on Autotrader and Gumtree at what is available and what all the options are.

Any chance you guys could steer me in the right direction, i.e. what extras are essential, should I go for the twin turbo version or the newer single turbo, what issues should I be on the look out for?

Thanks!

 

[Twinz]

There. Helped you by getting rid of the other thread and changing the thread title. :thumbs:

There are many x35 threads. Google the x35 subforum for ideas.

It all depends what your goal is with the car. What is it you want to use the car for?

 

[Rolf]

User "reza" is selling his 135i

Send him a PM reza

 

[Acheron]

My goal is to have the least trouble prone version of the vehicle as possible as a base to modify and squeeze extra power out of while still maintaining it's everyday driver qualities. I'd also like to know what creature comforts (e.g. lighting pack, nav, pdc etc?) and specs (i.e. manual/auto?) are worth having.

To put it in perspective my S3 is currently sitting at around the 250kw/480nm mark, is used for commuting and, very seldom, the odd track session.

 

[Twinz]

From 2009 onwards you should get some excellent examples out there. At this moment the twin turbo version offers the best bang for buck but the twinpower (single) turbo version is catching up in tuning potential.

My suggestion:
2009 onwards 135 twin turbo
Only option that i definitely would recommend is sunroof. All the other features are not really important because you are going to mod this car to the hilt.

The S3 power you currently pushing will be surpassed by just the (right) tune and good fuel on the 135.

 

[Acheron]

From 2009 onwards you should get some excellent examples out there. At this moment the twin turbo version offers the best bang for buck but the twinpower (single) turbo version is catching up in tuning potential.

My suggestion:
2009 onwards 135 twin turbo
Only option that i definitely would recommend is sunroof. All the other features are not really important because you are going to mod this car to the hilt.

The S3 power you currently pushing will be surpassed by just the (right) tune and good fuel on the 135.

I'll probably end up doing the usual big 3 for turbo'ed cars, i.e. software, exhaust, intake (+supporting mods if need be).

I'd prefer not to lose much on the creature comfort side of things since my S3 is quite well specced in that regard. I don't mind retrofitting factory options that my car of choice did not originally come with if possible/need be as I've done the same with the S3 (e.g. nav, lighting packs, etc) hence why I'd like an idea of what is worth having on the 135. Basically I don't want to feel like I've downgraded for the sake of modding potential.

 

[OppositeLockMT]

User "reza" is selling his 135i

Send him a PM reza

+1

I would also be more comfortable buying used from a Fanatic.

 

[Acheron]

User "reza" is selling his 135i

Send him a PM reza

+1

I would also be more comfortable buying used from a Fanatic.

Had a look at his sale thread, thanks

Definitely an option once I've figured out what I want

 

[Chavoos]

Go for the M135i Hatch , 2012
All the reviews are excellent ! Exceptional performance in a straight line and on the track.
Stock 0 -100 4.8 secs , Quarter mile 12.9s ( I wonder) and faster than a Subaru STI on some tracks

---

7.5 l/100km , but it's not as good looking as the coupe.

 

[Acheron]

Go for the M135i Hatch , 2012
All the reviews are excellent ! Exceptional performance in a straight line and on the track.
Stock 0 -100 4.8 secs , Quarter mile 12.9s ( I wonder) and faster than a Subaru STI on some tracks

---

7.5 l/100km , but it's not as good looking as the coupe.

---

Definitely considered it, but I really don't like the look of the new 1 series hatch at all. I'm sure I'd enjoy it once I was inside the car, but seeing it in my garage day after day would make me a bit sick. Also not a fan of the fake cabin engine noise generation tech

No offense to anyone who's bought one, but it's just not for me I'm afraid

 

[Chavoos]

Go for the M135i Hatch , 2012
All the reviews are excellent ! Exceptional performance in a straight line and on the track.
Stock 0 -100 4.8 secs , Quarter mile 12.9s ( I wonder) and faster than a Subaru STI on some tracks

---

7.5 l/100km , but it's not as good looking as the coupe.

---

Definitely considered it, but I really don't like the look of the new 1 series hatch at all. I'm sure I'd enjoy it once I was inside the car, but seeing it in my garage day after day would make me a bit sick. Also not a fan of the fake cabin engine noise generation tech

No offense to anyone who's bought one, but it's just not for me I'm afraid

---

I understand completely . But it's growing on me Slowly!

 

[OppositeLockMT]

The build quality on the M135i isn't all that good either from what I've seen/heard.

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

I have the N55 and I must say its an epic car., absolutely love it and it returns some great fuel consumption as well in comparison to the N54.
In terms of tuning it is getting up there near the N54's, slowly but surely.
Either way you will be more than happy!
In terms of spec's, Xenons are a must. PDC, comfort access is nice but not necessary, sat NAV same story.
Manual vs auto is up to you. Late 2010 single N55's came with the 7 speed DCT which is epic. I have the manual and I LOVE it. Don't the I'd change it for the DCT even if it's a bit quicker to 100. If you a good proper driver you'll appreciate the manual more

 

[Acheron]

I have the N55 and I must say its an epic car., absolutely love it and it returns some great fuel consumption as well in comparison to the N54.
In terms of tuning it is getting up there near the N54's, slowly but surely.
Either way you will be more than happy!
In terms of spec's, Xenons are a must. PDC, comfort access is nice but not necessary, sat NAV same story.
Manual vs auto is up to you. Late 2010 single N55's came with the 7 speed DCT which is epic. I have the manual and I LOVE it. Don't the I'd change it for the DCT even if it's a bit quicker to 100. If you a good proper driver you'll appreciate the manual more

Now that's the kinda info I'm looking for!

I must admit that after 2 auto Audi's I'm quite keen on going back to a manual car despite how clever the DSG/S-tronic boxes are. My main concern is whether, like the VAG cars, the autoboxes are a limiting factor when it comes to modifications.

 

[Twinz]

Autos on the x35 can handle plenty more power compared to manual. Now there is software out that gives DCT like shifts on the auto box too...:joy:

 

[UpNcOmiNg!]

I stand to be corrected, but all the quickest x35's are auto, from the 6spd steptronic to the DCT. They can handle some proper power. Browse the x35i forum and see what so e guys are doing,it's madness. In terms of modded manuals, they are few and far between. In terms of pricing, the auto's are sold at a bit more of a premium, especially the DCT which means though, that you have some bargaining power on the manual due to slightly less demand from the general public.
If you using the car daily I'd recommend the N55 auto if traffic is an issue, if not I'd probably go manual, far more the driving experience! If you go any Auto make sure you have the paddle shift with it. DCT it was std, step it wasn't.
Also if a daily, try gt with bluetooth as well. Most have sunroofs which is nice as well.
All depends on price range and what YOU need And how long you willing to wait to fulfill the nitty gritty requirements you have set out.

 

[SP33DYV]

I must agree with Devon, get a N55 if you can. They now have more tuning potential than the N54 and they are definitely more fuel efficient. I've seen a thread on 1addicts where they've converted a N54 to take a single turbo and got much better performance from the single turbo. To give you an idea, my average consumption is in the region of 16-17l/100km. Some things you definitely need is climate control, at least rear pdc and bluetooth. Harmon Kardon is also a nice feature...:fencelook:
just my 2c

 

[Dippies]

Welcome to the Forum :thumbs:

 

[BrandonF1]

Hey bud
I purchased an late 2010 135i n55 DCT in December and I am loving it more than I expected. The DCT really makes a difference. Just to give you an Idea, my car is stock, This sunday at ODI I my best top speed was a 216 on the 1km (with NF ultra in the tank), a manual JB4 only (mild map and NF ultra) ran 225km and the highly tuned k04's golf 6 gti's got 230/231/232.

I would recommend looking for an n55 if and if its in your budget the DCT, the option that I have and enjoy are the sunroof, pdc and xenons.

The car has massive tuning potential, good luck.

 

[Acheron]

What was the M-Sport kit all about for these cars? I've seen every second one on Gumtree mentions it, but I can't see the difference in their shoddy pics.