
The BMW 335i has won many Edmunds’ comparison battles including tests against competitors from Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. So what would it take the brilliant 335i stumble? Another BMW of course. In its latest comparison test Edmunds pins the 335i up against the new - smaller BMW 135i.
Both are powered by BMW’s 3.0 liter twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine that produces 300-hp with the same 6-speed transmission. However, the 135i offers all that power in a smaller, much lighter and less expensive package. The 335i coupe starts at $40,800 while the 135i coupe carries a price tag of $34,900. For almost $6,000 less, the 135i offers the comfort, speed and handling of the 143 pound heavier 335i.
In Edmunds’ test, the 335i sprints from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds while the 135i hit 60mph in 5 seconds flat. Others have reported 0-60 times of 4.7 seconds.
Now we’re wondering which one you would buy. Our Editor in Chief is trading in his 3-Series sedan but can’t decide between the two. So help him out. Follow the jump to cast your vote and drop a comment for your reasoning if you so wish.
Click through to vote for your choice.

Categories








Subscribe to RSS





roma Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 6:03 pmVisit roma
I wouldn’t buy either. I would personally buy a Lexus instead.
Jan Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 7:19 pmVisit Jan
The 335i actually. The 135i is too small, not enough weight reduction and actually costs more per month to lease.
Vitaliy Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 8:10 pmVisit Vitaliy
Definitely the 335 if I had to choose. 135 looks like a toned down and younger version of the 335.
335 looks like that twin turbo belongs under the hood.
P.S. anyway to get that top banner of the 135 and 335 in high res?
DrFill Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 8:43 pmVisit DrFill
The Year of The One!
The only benefit of the 3-series is the available sedan and other body styles.
Less cost, less weight, more exclusive, more fun!
This One is easy!
DrFill
Renton Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 10:54 pmVisit Renton
335i Coupe.
Just like Jan said. The 135i is not light enough or cheap enough to make a considerable difference.
The 335i is better looking, even though I like the 135i look.
I own a 335i and have no regrets. It’s more than fast enough. I’ve had two M3s and this is a better street machine with a more streetable motor. Big usable torque down low on the tach, like a V8.
As far as roma says about the Lexus….what a joke. They do make a car that drives like a BMW. They are like Japanese Audis, and Benzs.
BMW bashers are not informed.
Renton Says:
April 29th, 2008 at 10:56 pmVisit Renton
^^^^ woops typo….Lexus’ does NOT make a car that drives like a BMW.
Gotta have a real manual trans to do that. You have to be able to drive a stick shift to know the difference.
Turkle Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 2:40 amVisit Turkle
The 335i hands down. I really like how that coupe looks. The 135i looks stubby and a little immature for a BMW. I would spend the extra money and get the convertible and have a versatile car that provides the security of a hard top.
x Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 4:27 amVisit x
if i had to choose between those two then 335i for sure. otherwise i’d considder an e46 m3 also
Speedoholic Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 9:14 amVisit Speedoholic
Of course the 335i, it’s roomier, I hate the rear wheels though. they are too small for the car, they should be wider.
bo Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 3:23 pmVisit bo
335i, bigger is better.
Allen Says:
April 30th, 2008 at 6:58 pmVisit Allen
It depends on whether or not your editor in chief will be posting pics or not
The 335i if there are any kids and wives or just girlfriends. Bigger is all really.
But if this is a pleasure car for driving and driving fast, 135i even though its only somewhat lighter its still much faster. And given its weight reduction, the power gains seen with the 335i will only be greater with the same aftermarket parts on the 135i.
bobmarley Says:
May 1st, 2008 at 10:20 amVisit bobmarley
I dont see what BMW’s goal is in making two cars so similar to eachother?
I was hoping they would make it a 4cyl. turbo or diesle (wasnt there plans for a 1 series diesle?)