135i or Turbo X

"Godspeed11- I own a SAAB" (Godspeed11)
11/27/2013 at 18:49 • Filed to: Decisions

So I'm selling my car currently in the hopes of getting a 2008 SAAB 9-3 Turbo X. At least that's what I thought. I did some searching to find a backup in the case that I sell my car and the Turbo X is a lemon. During my searches I found a BMW 135i with reasonably low miles in my price range, now I just have to decide between the two... any suggestions? warnings?

Here's some pros and cons I can think of. If there's anything I missed please do add in the comments

Turbo X

Pros:

More usable: four doors, bigger trunk, five seats. I pack my wagon nearly full every single day so I need the practicality

Rare: only 600 in the U.S., especially rare with a manual

Cheaper Maintenance: lower part costs, lower garage fees

I love Saabs

Cons:

Lower Quality Interior: More plastics, more GMness, but good design and ergonomics

Not as Good to Drive: steering feel probably isn't as good, not as lively as the bimmer, but the haldex AWD is rather advanced and means amazing traction.

Not a wagon: but oh well, I can deal with it, a turbo X wagon would have seen my arm cut off by now anyway

BMW 135i

Pros:

More fun to drive: better handling, RWD, BMW. The 135 is a fantastic car and I would love a RWD hoon machine

Holds Value: Better than a SAAB at least, I'm sure it will be a classic in the future, although the Turbo X will be a cult classic as well.

Better Interior: I'm not a fan of BMW interiors but the 1 series I actually like. It's not as cluttered and the ergonomics are better than the 3 or 5. The bimmer lacks nav, which is ok considering it would be iDrive; the Turbo X has nav, and some great nav at that.

Cons:

Less space: only four seats. I drive people around a lot but have yet to fill my car more than once so I guess I could live with a four seater

Higher Maintenance: costs more, and more often. I don't know of any reliability issues but the Turbo X is basically bulletproof

BMW status: I'm a high school kid, other high school kids see BMW keys and go "Oh, you're that kid." That's one reason I love SAAB. They're basically classless, or people just don't know anything about them.

This decision is really hard. Both are fantastic cars. Both are fairly rare and sure to increase in value in the future. Each offer a unique driving experience and have their own quirks. Either way I know I will be happy, you can't go wrong with either.

DISCUSSION (65)

twinturbobmw > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:51

BMW N54s aren't good as far as reliability. Just a quick google search will bring up quite a bit of problems.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:52

Is it me or is your decision quite obvious by the photo you posted? It's not my decision, but I would enjoy the BMW for a while and sell it before maintenance becomes a big issue.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:52

Buy a Mirage lol

davedave1111 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:53

Easy. Saab. You can have a BMW next, but not the other way around.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:53

So Saab is cheaper to maintain even though it is dead? Might the price of parts go up over time?

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur
11/27/2013 at 18:53

In neon purple

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:56

LS swap

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
11/27/2013 at 18:57

haha I just had the cars.com link open while typing this so I copied a picture over. The thing is I need to keep it through college hopefully before I go out and buy my own car. I swim competitively so getting a job is impossible, my dad bought me my 9-3 aero sportcombi and when I found the Turbo X he agreed to let me sell it so long as I could make money on it. We bought it a year ago and absolutely stole it. I know I can make at least $500 no problem and probably negotiate the price on the Turbo X. The bimmer will be harder to bargain for because it's at a dealer and it's so cheap already.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
11/27/2013 at 18:58

I think he just posted that pic because he was looking at the bimmer at the time. Trust me, he's saab crazy

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 18:58

Parts are still widely available and multiple third parties have started making replacements. Many parts are compatible with other GM vehicles, although not many important ones.

Corson Currently Coupein' It > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:59

The 1 series is the last series of cars I really like from BMW. I have a 2003 Saab 95 Aero (unfortunately auto tragic, but its FAAASST). I got lucky, the car has like 60k miles but parts are expensive. I know there is still some GM-ness aka cheaper parts, but they're complicated cars regardless. Especially the all wheel drive version. There are a lot less mechanics out there that specialize in Saab, where as there are BMW people everywhere.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 18:59

Find a V60R instead. It's everything you claim to want.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > davedave1111
11/27/2013 at 18:59

That's one thing I was thinking. 135s will be around 10 years from now in good condition but a Turbo X won't.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:00

That is cool that multiple third parties make the parts now. That's definitely better than having to rely on one source!

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur
11/27/2013 at 19:00

LP9 swap

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Corson Currently Coupein' It
11/27/2013 at 19:04

The 135 is one of the very few Bimmers I like. SAABs are complicated but I live near several shops that specialize in them so maintenance is not a problem. Both cars are very fast but the rarity of the Turbo X is what really gets me. 10-15 years from now they will be extremely rare and collectible, and I'm sure the 135 will be the same, just not to the same degree.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
11/27/2013 at 19:05

I looked for a few and they're really rare, but maintenance is insane for one over 90,000 miles, plus fuel efficiency is not too great. I absolutely love R line Volvos but they're just not feasible for me at this point as far as running costs go

SaabLife, because Gripen > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:06

Yeah, grab the Turbo X and baby it. Certainly something that you should hold onto even after getting whatever next car you get. I'm looking at a loaded 2010 9-5 Aero while there are still a number with low mileage and in good condition.

The last gen 9-5 will be a unique oddity 10 years from now, but the Turbo X will be a valued classic.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 19:08

Both my parents drive SAABs too. My mom drives a 2011 9-4x (1 of 473) and my dad a 2011 9-5 biopower premium (220 hp 4-banger with 265 lb/ft of torque). Both are fantastic cars and we haven't had any problems with maintenance at all, much lower cost than my dad's old S-class and even our 2005 Cadillac SRX.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > SaabLife, because Gripen
11/27/2013 at 19:11

If I do manage to get the Turbo X my house will be a Saab future classic hotspot. 9-4x, 2011 9-5, and Turbo X under one roof? Yes. Haha I would keep it for quite some time, take care of it, make it last and make it worth something when I eventually (if ever) decide to sell it.

Aaron James > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:15

I think if you test drive both of them, the choice would be much clearer. I don't know which I'd choose but I feel like I would know after driving them.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > twinturbobmw
11/27/2013 at 19:16

I see no biased in this comment

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:23

Man it really sucks Saab went down. It seems like they were right about to become profitable when the great recession hit.

A3R0 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:25

Tough, I would say Turbo X just because I like Saab's. It seems more practical and logical, the BMW is more fun. It's really practical vs. fun in my opinion.

davedave1111 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:33

Either one is going to lose you a good chunk of your money by the time you sell it, because they're both far too new to be anywhere near bottoming out, let alone going back up in value. But you may find that in eight or ten years time the Saab has actually depreciated less, if it's in really good condition and without too many miles, because there are so few out there, and no newer models to drive prices down.

Dsscats > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:42

Definitely 1 series because twin turbo and build quality

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Aaron James
11/27/2013 at 19:56

That's one problem I have, both are kinda far away and would be a whole day spent to drive the cars.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > A3R0
11/27/2013 at 19:57

Haha I figured you would go Saab. But yeah that's basically what the choice is, but I have to live with the car for the next 5-8 years so the Saab is a better choice, plus if I keep it out of college for a while it should eventually appreciate in value as a classic.

Aaron James > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 19:58

Maybe find a similar BMW that is close and try it out, might help narrow it down.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 20:19

this is a hard choice...
Since you like Saabs, I say go for it, and rock that TX
personally, i'd get the BMW, if it's a stick

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 20:21

I had no idea you were in college. I would tell you to be reasonable and buy the Turbo X, but I can't. I'm currently a Sophomore in college and when I graduated high school I bought a bonkers car. A 42 year old BMW. Luckily it's more practical than one would think, and I don't mind a few shortfalls and sacrifices. I would say enjoy yourself, but don't be foolish. When buying a newer luxury car you have to consider pretty much the worst, and BMWs are not cheep. I worked at a dealership for BMW a few years ago. It's over $500 just to get a new battery. Let that sink in and weigh your options. Best of luck in your decision making.

scoob > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 20:24

What about a 9-2X? Although maybe even rarer.

Kinja'd!!!

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/27/2013 at 20:26

The 135 was my dream first car haha, but I couldn't find one near me within my budget. Now that I have the chance to get one it is tempting but the Turbo X is so rare that I can't pass it up.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
11/27/2013 at 20:29

Haha I'm a junior in high school, so whatever I get it needs to last me a while. Both are fairly reliable but when I get out on my own the Saab will probably be easier to live with. Plus I can get the Saab now and search for a BMW out college if I really want one, but there's no way I could find a Turbo X in the future.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > scoob
11/27/2013 at 20:33

Haha I love these things. I tried finding a manual aero when I was buying my first car but they are way too rare. An '06 aero manual is one of 157 made. They are just a rebadged wrx though and I didn't really like the idea of driving a dressed up Subaru. Some people love the idea but it doesn't appeal to me that much, still a very good, fast, and interesting car haha.

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 20:40

Go for the Turbo and enjoy the hell out of it. Also, consider yourself quite lucky to be able to have a car let alone such a nice one while in high school and in college. As awesome as it would be to have the 135i, it's not worth the trouble (or relying on your parents) when the thing inevitably has a problem. Out of curiosity, have you started looking at colleges and will you plan to swim there as well?

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
11/27/2013 at 20:44

I haven't started making a list but I have a few schools in mind. I want to swim in college and ideally I could get a scholarship. I'm working my way up to nationals at this point and if I can get at least 2 A cuts for junior nationals that's a guaranteed pass into any D3 school. However D3 doesn't offer scholarships for swim and D1 schools are much more competitive.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 21:04

I just did a little research and I'm not sure it's fair to compare the Turbo X to the 135i when looking at reliability.

Reason is that the Turbo X is a heavier car than the 135i, so you would be able to get similar straight line performance in a BMW 128i. The 128i will be cheaper to buy and maintain (since not turbo).

"Saab says the 3,820-pound Turbo X sedan will hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.7 seconds" source: http://www.edmunds.com/saab/9-3/2008/…

"2008 BMW 128i Coupe (Manual) 0-60 mph 5.7" source: http://www.zeroto60times.com/BMW-Bimmer-0-6…

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 21:10

What do you mean about the reliability? And I think it was R&T tested a Turbo X manual aat 5.6 0-60. The 135 is faster and better to drive, but it doesn't have the same charisma of the Saab or the rarity. Performance wise the Saab would have to try hard to keep up with the 135, the Turbo X is just so much more usable every day.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Aaron James
11/27/2013 at 21:13

I haven't been able to find a manual 135 anywhere near me. The BMW dealership has a few with automatics and some 128 manuals but no 135 manuals. A nearby shop has a 1 M for sale but that's just a weeeeee bit above my $15,750 limit (around $35,000 haha). I planned to test drive the Turbo X a few weeks from now but found out I have a swim meet in Ohio and it's a team trip so I can't go out on my own to see the car.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 21:16

Sorry I didn't explain myself well. I wasn't commenting on the reliability of the 128i vs. the Turbo X. I don't know enough about each car to give an opinion on that. What I meant was that maybe the comparison should be between the Turbo X and the 128i, not the Turbo X and the 135i. That seemed like the more applicable comparison since the straight line performance was more similar than the Turbo X and 135i. I do know that the 128i has the N/A straight six, which in general has been more reliable than the turbo charged version of that motor. So maybe it would be better to cross shop the Turbo X and the 128i since they have more similar straight line performance. Then the decision could come down to the other factors like the reliability of the Turbo X vs the 128i, the handling comparison, AWD vs. RWD, being able to fit more stuff in the Turbo X, etc.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 21:23

Well I have really liked the 135. The 128 was always attainable but I wanted something special. I don't know why but the 128 just didn't seem special to me, it's still an amazing car and I would take one over a 3 series any day.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 21:30

The 135i is a rocket! I have test driven it and it feels like a go kart. It's so fast and small.

One of the things that makes the 128i less special is the looks. The 135i is not only faster, but the exterior looks different too. If the 128i looked the same you could make some mods to bump the power a little and have the reliability of the N/A engine.

This is a tough choice because the Turbo X and 135i have so many big differences. I'm not sure which route to go. I would think the easiest way to choose would be to focus on the size of the car. If you want speed and handling above all else and are willing to live with a small car go for the bimmer. But if you want long term flexibility go for the Saab. With the Saab you'll never be in a bind if your lifestyle changes and you need a car with 4 doors and decent rear leg room. You could be forced to sell the bimmer if you got a job that required it or something changed in your life that made you need the extra space.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 21:33

One other thing I forgot - have you ever driven an E46 M3? You can get them pretty cheap now. If you liked the 135i and wanted something special the E46 M3 would be an interesting car to test drive and compare to it. Since you want something special you might like it.

I hope you enjoy whatever you end up picking. I was just looking at the pics of the Turbo X in more detail and damn it's a nice looking car. Decisions decisions...

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 21:46

Yeah I've looked at some M3s but the insurance, fuel economy, and repairs will be way too much at this point... The turbo X makes the most sense right now because of practicality and fuel economy, plus when I graduate and eventually get a job I can go out and find a fun car to have alongside a daily. The BMW wouldn't be able to carry two back packs, two swim bags, a cooler, two deck bags, and my sister every day of the week. Maybe I'll pick one up in the future but I don't think now is the time. And have you heard the Turbo X? It sounds absolutely awesome, matches the sinister looks very well.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 22:11

I have not heard the Turbo X. That's great that it sounds awesome. I think sound is really important. I don't like how some turbos sound like nothing (at least not unless you change the exhaust).

If your plan is to keep the car for a really long time then the Saab would still be usable if you started family. Putting a baby seat in the back of the 135i would be a huge pain!

SaabStutz > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/27/2013 at 22:27

Definitely the SAAB. Run it as long as you can, you'll enjoy it forever. I hope I have the chance to get an unmolested Turbo X at some point, but that's still 5 - 10 years off, so take the opportunity now! Although you really can't go wrong with either...

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 22:29

Ideally I could find a Turbo X wagon. I'm more than happy with my 9-3 aero sportcombi I have now but I can't pass up the chance to own something so rare. The stock exhaust on my 9-3 sounds pretty good, much better than most turboed v6s, but the turbo X growls on the way up and pops on the way down. Take out the cat and it shoots some crazy flames too. It has bigger pipes, free-er flowing silencers, and reworked headers to really make the LP9 V6 sound the way it should. In my car you can hear just a little turbo whoosh when you really get on it but if you add an intake it sounds crazy, like a hurricane made of panthers is coming to eat your children.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/27/2013 at 22:33

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/whats-the-best…

the video in that post is a good example of the sound.

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 00:20

You're making me want one too now, haha. If only I didn't have too many cars already

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 00:32

That thing does sound good. The engine note is better than the average V6. And the turbo blow off sound is nice.

I wonder if this car will appreciate one day because it's so rare.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/28/2013 at 11:18

That's what I'm hoping, I'm sure the wagon version will, only 1/3 of the 600 in the U.S. were wagons. Only 1/3 of those had manuals, and only 1/3 of the manual wagons were ordered with nah but because of an issue in the manufacturing only about 15 made it to the U.S. With both.
Whatever Saab did to that engine they did it right. Every Saab v6 I've heard has sounded fantastic. My mom's 9-4x has a 3.0l naturally aspirated v6 and it sounds like a monster, although it's kinda gutless for what it has to haul around.

drunkenup2 > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 14:39

Here is what you need to know about BMW reliability.. or well, the N54 engine in particular

Turbochargers start rattling as soon as 40K miles due to aging wastegates. Requires a turbo replacement that BMW may or may not cover (depends on dealership) up to 82K miles/8 years. I just got mine replaced.

HPFP may go bad whenever, BMW will cover it for 120k miles/10 years. Updated versions are better

Injectors go bad often as well, BMW has released a new, updated part recently, BUT you cannot pair new ones with old versions. So, if you decide to replace one to the newer version, you must replace ALL.

Water pump will fail eventually, and without warning. 400 for just the part and its a PITA to get to so labor is $$$.

Direct injection without supplemental port injection = CARBON BUILDUP. Causes rough idle and throttle response issues and may wear injectors/spark plugs faster. $300+ to clean up. Shouldn't be an issue for low mileage.

Oil leaks, probably head gasket covers, oil cap, and at the transmission valve body (mechatronic). They are more of a high mileage issue.

That's just about everything that is likely to go wrong with this engine. Don't be too discouraged, I'm your age and just bought a 08' 335i and other than the engine, it is a very dependable car. If you can, get a warranty!

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > drunkenup2
11/28/2013 at 16:20

The one I found is out of warranty so all the repairs and updates would be put of pocket. The Turbo X had issues with the coils and injectors but the guy I'm buying from had them replaced with updated parts from SAAB. The Haldex system can be an issue if not properly maintained but I checked the carfax and if has been serviced a the recommended intervals and the fluids have been charged regularly

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 18:26

If values start going up you'll need to buy a beater to keep some miles off the Saab!

Andre Races a Formula Vee > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 19:51

There's a 2008 manual Turbo X for sale in Vancouver BC for 19k.. 2008 135i's are still 25k+ up here.. Saab all the way! :)

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/28/2013 at 20:10

That's what i'm hoping to do haha. Get something out of college to drive around and keep the Saab as the fun/collector car.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Andre Races a Formula Vee
11/28/2013 at 20:13

I don't mind driving 9 hours to get a car. But the Turbo X I found is a lot cheaper and has a manual. I found a few 135i's in my price range but only one stood out (pictured above).

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 20:16

You know what would be cool? Get an old bimmer as the beater. Then you have both.

My first car was a '84 318i. It refused to die. My dad gave it to me in '95 and I later gave it to my uncle. It had over 250,000 miles on it when he sold it. It still ran fine, it was just beat looking.

The 318i was slow but it was more reliable than the the other E30 cars cause it was chain driven, not belt driven. And they are cheap cause everyone wants the more powerful cars with the straight 6.

Some of the old Bimmers were bullet proof because they were rather simple cars. They got a lot more complex as time went on.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/28/2013 at 21:02

The LP9 V6 is a tank. Titanium valve sleeves, alloy rocker springs, chain driven timing belts, aluminum heads and block. It's extremely advanced but amazingly rugged at the same time. The turbos can go well over 130,000 miles without needing replacement it taken care of.

I would love having a 335is or 135i, circumstances allowing. I'm not a BMW fan at all but those two I really like. I don't like M cars that much, I don't know why but they just don't interest me.

Having a daily beater would be perfect, just something cheap to run but fun to drive, maybe like an old Tiburon or something haha.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 21:04

Haha chain driving cams, not timing belts lol.

Andre Races a Formula Vee > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 21:09

Oh I wasn't suggesting this one as an option, more of a point of reference for myself. I doubt buying a Canadian car would ever make sense for US dudes, our prices are crazy. I dunno what the price difference is in the states, but up here, considering the prices and all the other pros and cons, I'd go for the Saab!

Manuél Ferrari > Godspeed11- I own a SAAB
11/28/2013 at 21:17

The Saab seems super reliable. The only reason to get a beater to keep miles off it would be to preserve value.

I wish I still had my first car to use as a beater. I could have given it a cheap paint job to make it look better.

I have two M cars right now. The E46 and a E90. They are a car you have to drive to appreciate. They don't look that special anymore because BMW sells the M Sport like that makes a bottom model look like an M. They're just fun to drive. The V8 in the E90 revs like mad.

I wish I could go back in time and bought the E30 M3 before values skyrocketed. It's rare and values are still going up. That was the one truly special M3 because of it's rarity and the fact that the race car and street car were the same. Now the DTM cars have nothing to do with the street versions.

The most exciting new BMW to me is not the upcoming M3 and M4 but the M235i. It's an evolution of the 135i/1 Series M. It's smaller and simpler than the new M4. It will be a good car to buy used in 5-6 years for a decent price.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Andre Races a Formula Vee
11/28/2013 at 21:42

Yeah I'm gonna go for the Saab. I can get a Turbo X now and maybe think about a BMW later, but I won't be able to find a good Turbo X later on if I get the BMW now. Plus it's more practical and livable for what I would use it for.

Godspeed11- I own a SAAB > Manuél Ferrari
11/28/2013 at 21:45

The 1M, Z4M, and M roadster are my favorite M cars. The M5 is an amazing machine but I just don't get excited about it anymore, it seems too loaded down with tech and gimmicks. The e30 M3 is something special. I really love old school bimmers, 2002s, first gen 5 series, those are really cool.