CH on Cars (M135i vs RS3)

[Oli]

I know the RS3 is a lot of money, but I'm willing to buy into the process,I just want/need one and it will suit my needs perfectly.

However the M135 is just ridiculously good value, not the best looker, but stonking performance and its seems, economy as well. BMW have always led the way in engine technology.

To put it all a bit into perspective, I am just reading an EVO article on their Astra VXR and that comes in at £30k with all the necessary options. What would you rather  have, BMW or Astra. Er no brainer!!

[rich83]

There was a M135i parked up at Brands Hatch today..... it looks a dull as dishwater!!

[R32UK]

I think the original point was that we are comparing a RS3 which although you said is obsolete (as we know it isnt) should be compared to the old 1 series which is now no longer being produced. So if you compare the RS3 v 1M which is the car it should be compared to then it really doesnt stand much of a chance.

If you compare it with the new M135i then it doesnt look too great there either..

ob·so·lete/ˌäbsəˈlēt/
Adjective:   
No longer produced or used; out of date.
Verb:   
Cause (a product or idea) to be or become obsolete by replacing it with something new: "we're obsoleting last year's designs".

Has the 8P been replaced? Yes it has. Therefore it is obsolete. The RS3 is based on the 8P, which is therefore also obsolete.

I know BMW made a 1M on the old chassis, but that too is obsolete. CH even makes reference to a new 1M on the way, so currently it does not exist. Maybe I should have been more consistent and called it obsolete as well, but to me your implication was that you wanted to compare the RS3 with the upcoming version of the 1M.

I just feel you're arguing the t*ss now. We're not gonna agree so I'm gonna leave my contribution at that.

  Either way BMW>Audi 

[Saintsteve]

I know the RS3 is a lot of money, but I'm willing to buy into the process,I just want/need one and it will suit my needs perfectly.

However the M135 is just ridiculously good value, not the best looker, but stonking performance and its seems, economy as well. BMW have always led the way in engine technology.

To put it all a bit into perspective, I am just reading an EVO article on their Astra VXR and that comes in at £30k with all the necessary options. What would you rather  have, BMW or Astra. Er no brainer!!

yeah agreed...the new Astra 

 

[Poverty]

I don't think the 1m should be compared to the rs3 ones a coupe the other a medium sized estate.

[Poverty]

Very good point about the BMW costing as much as a vxr! How much are the base engine models?

[Oli]

yeah agreed...the new Astra 

 

Enjoy the depreciation!

[Saintsteve]

yeah agreed...the new Astra 

 

Enjoy the depreciation!

If I was spending that amount of money changing cars every 6 months then depreciation isn't really worth a tinkers cuss 

[R32UK]

I don't think the 1m should be compared to the rs3 ones a coupe the other a medium sized estate.

they are the small car showpiece for either brand so often get compared... exact same power also

[gobbleplease]

Found this

http://www.m-power.com/_open/b/varlink1.jsp?lang=en&x=2807


I take it the n55 is the same engine as the later 1 series ?


What do I need for 400 bhp on one these engines ? Can I use 135i parts eg there aftermarket dp and intercoolers ?

[PDT]

Found this

http://www.m-power.com/_open/b/varlink1.jsp?lang=en&x=2807


I take it the n55 is the same engine as the later 1 series ?


What do I need for 400 bhp on one these engines ? Can I use 135i parts eg there aftermarket dp and intercoolers ?

You will need cat less down pipes and a stg2 map. There's stuff out there for 500+bhp for not huge money.

[Sunglasses Ron]

Found this

http://www.m-power.com/_open/b/varlink1.jsp?lang=en&x=2807


I take it the n55 is the same engine as the later 1 series ?


What do I need for 400 bhp on one these engines ? Can I use 135i parts eg there aftermarket dp and intercoolers ?

You will need cat less down pipes and a stg2 map. There's stuff out there for 500+bhp for not huge money.

Not on the N55 though Dave.. There is plenty for the N54, but the N55 is stuck at around 390 ATW bhp in the states (which given the generous rollers they use and transmission losses, I would hazard a guess at around 400bhp at the fly) and that is with the aid of a cat-less DP, FMIC and Meth..

The engine bay pics confuses me a bit though, as it's not identical to the old 135i N55 lump   The intake is different for a start...

135i N55


M135i N55

[PDT]

N55 is a bit poor compared to power numbers and stock turbo is maxed out at 17.2psi, with meth they see 410bhp.

But with a turbo conversion to achieve 20 psi  they can see 500 with meth and some other bits, but only a few out there as yet so reliability isn't known.

[gobbleplease]

N55 is a bit poor compared to power numbers and stock turbo is maxed out at 17.2psi, with meth they see 410bhp.

But with a turbo conversion to achieve 20 psi  they can see 500 with meth and some other bits, but only a few out there as yet so reliability isn't known.

Is that the hybrid turbo conversion ? Are the engines on the n54 and n55 equally as good ( I realise tuning potential is down due to the smaller turbo

Also If I could pick up a cheapish cat less dp for a 135i would it also fit the m135i, or do we not know yet ? as the m135is are still too much of a new car ?

How are the stock coolers on these ? do they need upgrading for track use eg 6 ish days a year ? Plus what about the oil coolers ?

[tony_danza]

The N54 is the one with the forged internals and fancy top end, if you wanted to build something stupid, then get one of them and bank the spare £15k.

The N55 will catch up, but will cost more to achieve similar and reliable power. Too early to know what hardware will be on the M135i, but I imagine it won't take long for 'coolers and such to appear. Do you want to invalidate a £30k car warranty? Because BMW are super keen on this now, they note everything.