From STI to 135i

[CubaGR10]

I recently traded my RX8 for a 2010 STI and performance wise is definitely WAY better specially after a few stuff I done to it, but still can not get use to the hatchback look, so after some research I'm looking at the 135i
Anyways I'll like to hear some opinions from 135i owners, better if u owned an STI so u got a little better idea to compare, also I don't drive stock so I'll like to know how friendly is the car with performance aftermarket parts!!!
Any opinion is appreciate it

[CubaGR10]

opinions???

[sparkyblue]

I've never driven an STi personally, but I've sat in my buddys STi.

Driving the 135i's N54 motor is like driving a completely different beast. There is SO much torque available so down low... that it almost feels like a smaller V8.

There's really no better way to explain it than by heading to a local BMW dealer and test driving one.

You'll love it!

[CubaGR10]

Thanks, I'm thinking on going for a test drive on Saturday. I just got a little problem with test drive, the salesman they always start tripping cuz I push the car "too much", and u can't go wrong with BMW's comfort so push t a little will b my only purpose so let's c what happen!!!

Ps:still will like to hear from a STI driver or ex driver, regardless any opinion will do good!!!

[ksparks]

yeah damn those SA's and their straight trippin.

[NYC 135i]

I've driven STI's and owned an for 4 years which is a pretty comparable car...For me owning a 135i is so much better than the evo just because of the luxuries and looks in my opinion. Evo's and STI's are great cars but theres a point where people mature and dont want to be in a car like that anymore. Performance wise i like the 135i better also...the handling isn't as good but engine wise it feels faster. JB4 and an intake in a 135i is definitely as fast as a bolt on evo with a tune. they respond very well to mods its just a little more expensive but overall i think you will make the right choice going to a 135i especially since i've seen the newer sti's having tons of problems a guy down the block from me has one.

[mke135i]

Had an '04 STi (first model in US) and loved it, specially during the winter months. Didn't really mod it, since it was pretty well balanced. If you are used to the "like in rails" handling of the STi, you will be disappointed on the 135i's stock suspension, but that's my opinion. That's pretty much the only thing I can think off that would be a con. The engine already puts out the around the same hp/tq numbers and can be easily modded to put out way more than the STi without internals work and without turbolag. Like said already, test driving it will be your best option.

[GO135i007]

I have owned an Evo and driven many of my friends STi's. The 135i has way more potential for power than those cars. You are starting with an inline 6 instead of a 4 banger. The 135 responds well if not better to mods. I'm putting down way more power with my 135i than I ever did with my Evo and I had a ton of bolt-ons. The interior is way nicer and the overall finish of the car is better. You will need to do suspension mods to make the car handle as you would like.

[135iNewb]

When you drive an STI, you know your connected to the road. You can feel everything. I felt the suspension giving alot of feedback. I personally enjoyed it from a performance stand point. But there is no quiet time driving.

The 135 feels a bit more refined, its more of a luxury feel than the STI. I dont feel as connected to the road as I did in the STI, but from the response you'll get from people who have pushed it, the numbers are there. They do pretty well on the road course.

The downside of the STI's connectivity between the driver and the road, is just that. You cant just sit back and chill, ever. The 1 may be slightly inferior when it comes to handling, but it takes well to mods, looks 1000 times better (personal preference), and has more of a classy feel.

To each his own. If you buy one, get ready for fuel pump problems.

My 08 with 9k miles just had its first pump replaced under warranty. No signs of failure. Just dead. Call the tow truck, dead. Service guy says he's seen people go through 6 or 7 before upgrading to a different BMW.

[///S55]

I remember I was going to buy an Evo/STi...

then I went to the BMW dealership and test drove a 2009 135i.
Bought it that day.

[Rocket135]

Originally Posted by CubaGR10

Thanks, I'm thinking on going for a test drive on Saturday. I just got a little problem with test drive, the salesman they always start tripping cuz I push the car "too much", and u can't go wrong with BMW's comfort so push t a little will b my only purpose so let's c what happen!!!

Ps:still will like to hear from a STI driver or ex driver, regardless any opinion will do good!!!

Ask for a salesman who drives a 135i or likes to push their car. I test drove my salesman's PERSONAL 135i and he told me to floor it directly out of the dealership. He also told me I wasn't driving it hard enough and I used too much brake. Let's put it this way...the performance on that day..sold a car

[CubaGR10]

Guys I really appreciate all ur opinions!!!!!!!!' I'm not really scared about parts of the BMW, the last my cars c the dealer is the day I drive out of there, I prefer to spend my own money n put better aftermarket parts than deal will dealers just to get the same parts that just broke with the same thing. Anyways, THANKS a lot to u all, I got an app already for a 135i test drive on sat so we will c.

[Bimmer_Freak]

I just sold my Evo X (which should be very similar to an STi) two months ago and bought a 2011 135i.

What i love about the 135i is the low down torque and feeling of a beefy engine, plus the up-market looks and quality of the interior and little luxuries you just don't get in an Evo.

What i miss about the Evo was how you really feel the road through the steering and suspension. Definitely felt more connected and knew exactly what the tyres were doing on the road.

However, the Evo required so much more effort to drive and sometimes i just wanted the car to be comfy and quiet so i could just sit back and cruise.

So I have found what i wanted in the 135i. If you push it, it feels fast and sounds awesome but if you want to sit back and relax its comfy and quiet.

[roo97ss]

Originally Posted by CubaGR10

Guys I really appreciate all ur opinions!!!!!!!!' I'm not really scared about parts of the BMW, the last my cars c the dealer is the day I drive out of there, I prefer to spend my own money n put better aftermarket parts than deal will dealers just to get the same parts that just broke with the same thing. Anyways, THANKS a lot to u all, I got an app already for a 135i test drive on sat so we will c.

you'll most likely be back to the dealer at some point, if even for parts. frequent issues like fuel pumps and say brake lights don't have aftermarket options. further you'll end up needing at least a bavarian technic tool, or a BMW shop with a computer to get some info out of error codes. BMW keeps lots of stuff proprietary which makes them a little more of a pita to handle sans any dealer support.

Also as everyone noted, besides the fact they're both turbo and quick, there's not much in common. Soft and squishy with big torque down low in a balanced chassis rwd (not balanced suspension though), vs hard edged and peaky, with AWD tearing you around making up for any chassis shortcomings.

[spyderx]

wow, here we go again.
There's no comparison between my 135i Vert and my evos.
My evo far out perform the 135 in terms of power, torque, handling, raw feel of everything.
135 is heavy, too insulated and muted to be considered a sports car.
My 135i is for open top cruising and for looks.
My evo is really a race car on street!

And, w/150k miles Evo had zero issues even after modding... I just hope my 135i holds up and where the dipstick, lol...

[spyderx]

a set of high duration cams for N55 would do wonder

[CubaGR10]

thank you all

[BlackBMiLuc]

i came from two sti's back to back. lol. the first 2007 STi i had was my daily driver. The second was my show/track ride. I was the second owner of the "RONIN" car (not sure if your familiar with it on www.iwsti.com). but anyway, i've always had my eye on the 135i since its release in 2008. In fact I was considering before i purchased the track STi. And just as I suspected, the track STi eventually became a garage queen and whenever i would take it out, it just wasn't practical to go around town and whatnot. it was purely built for the track. so I'm really excited going into the 135i. And I've been noticing quite often since it's release, the trend of STi owners moving from the STi to the 135i for some particular reason. And i think that reason being with the STi representing as such a pure driver's car, the 135i follows suit but at a slightly different level being a little less aggressive in versatility (without the awd) however yet more comfortable and mature. With that, i think that the 135i is the "step-up" car coming from an STi. And by this I mean an overall perspective and not necessarily in any particular area since after all, the track sti i had was pulling around 400+ to the wheels with every handling modification made. so along with the awd, it pulled really hard in those short acceleration bursts and around turns and corners.

my main concern is adjusting to the rwd. subaru awd was hardest thing for me to let go. lol

[Rawhide]

I love the STi and it was on my short list for sure, but I couldn't imagine that I would enjoy driving one everyday because it was just too uncomfortable. Other than that, awesome car.

[Chelsea_Man]

I came from a 2005 STi. Loved the car, but as others have stated it is a bit unrefined. It is very fun to drive when you are pushing it. Where it becomes tiresome is when you just want to relax. The cabin noise is very loud even in when not modified. The ride can be harsh (stock form) and everyone and their mom will want to race you. Not to mention the attention it gets from the authorities.

I guess I got tired of all that and it outweighed the fun I had had with the car. I wanted some comfort and up scaled look to go along with my performance. The 135 provides that.

[CubaGR10]

Yeah I think the worst part is gonna b going back to RWD cuz I got really use to the AWD!!!

[Wakka]

STI is kinda boy racer dont ya think?