This is a list of cars that aren't as good as a BMW 135is

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
07/21/2014 at 13:55 • Filed to: None

I've had my 135is for just over a year. I like it a lot, but since I also have an old Grand Cherokee to drive in the winter, I've been thinking about getting a cheaper, older, but still fun car to replace the 135is and save me some money. Possibly something with no roof. So far, nothing I've driven has made me want to ditch the 135is.

So, what cars is a BMW 135is much better than?

2008 BMW M3 convertible (6-speed manual)
2010 BMW 335i convertible (6-speed auto)
1992 BMW 850i (6-speed manual)
2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 convertible (6-speed manual)
1986 Porsche 911 Targa (5-speed manual)
2001 Porsche Boxster S (6-speed manual)

I'm still planning to try a Porsche 944 Turbo, a BMW Z4 M Roadster, and maybe some variation of Nissan Z even though I've never particularly liked them.

I'm also tempted by various turbocharged 90s Japanese cars (FD RX-7, MkIV Supra, Z32 300ZX TT, MR2 Turbo) but so far finding one to drive, near me in little old Madison WI has proved difficult.

I'm also toying with the idea of various Porsche 996 permutations, but am leery of the reputation they have for engine problems. I somewhat liked the 986 Boxster S that I tried but it doesn't have nearly enough power (or engine noise) for my taste.

Overall, the main thing I have gained from this process is a healthy appreciation for my 135is. It's really quite good.

DISCUSSION (65)

Brian Silvestro > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:06

I'm really curious to see how the Z4 M stacks up.

RightFootDown > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:07

E46 M3? Slightly roomier and can be had without a sunroof. Good luck finding a clean one though. Oh, and hands down better than the 135is.

RiceRocketeer Extraordinaire > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:09

"Quite good" is an understatement.

B_dol > Brian Silvestro
07/21/2014 at 14:13

Having driven the Z4M spiritedly this past weekend, the two do not compare. The 135 is great for what it is, a rwd 2 door sport sedan.

It still does not take the true form of a low slung "roadster" and I say this having driven multiple 135i's. Also curious to know what roads and style of driving you are rating this on....

Textured Soy Protein > RightFootDown
07/21/2014 at 14:14

I've been thinking about them, but I insist on at least a sunroof if not a convertible. But I think if I were to choose a car with this motor it would probably be a Z4 M before an M3.

dinobot666 > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:21

It's not as fast as Jack Baruth's Honda Accord V6. His car is probably the fastest car on the internet.

HiredDriver > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:24

Then you lose half of what makes the M3 so good — the everyday driver friendliness. The M3 has always been nipping on the heels of Porsche 911 Carrera performance but can also be used to do anything short of haul a family of 5.

Textured Soy Protein > HiredDriver
07/21/2014 at 14:26

What loses the daily driver factor? Putting a sunroof on an M3, or getting a Z4 M instead?

I don't need a practical car. I've got my Grand Cherokee if I need a back seat, a roof, or a trunk.

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:35

Z3 M Roadster? Try to find an 01/02 model with the S54 and I'll bet that's some serious fun.

Textured Soy Protein > dinobot666
07/21/2014 at 14:36

I can never get into reading TTAC on a regular basis because the site and its commenters seem far too impressed with mundane cars. I just poked around a little bit and someone was talking about how they were impressed with the Hyundai Azera's "low end punch and engine growl." For fuck's sake.

Textured Soy Protein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 14:38

I've sorta kinda considered them, and would only go for the S54. But I strongly dislike convertible tops with plastic rear windows, and the S54-equipped Z3 M isn't really any cheaper than the Z4 M at this point.

Textured Soy Protein > B_dol
07/21/2014 at 14:44

Yeah I definitely need to try a Z4 M. I tried a Z4 3.0si with sport package a few years ago and thought it was pretty good actually.

As for the roads I'm trying, once nice thing about Madison is you're never particularly far from some country roads on the edges of town. So typically when I test drive a car I take it out on some twisties and see what it's like on the highway.

B_dol > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:46

It depends on driver style too. My gf just got a 228i msport and that thing is awesome, a lot better than my FR-S in many ways. Nearly a perfect all-around car like the 135i.

Once you get into unique situations a purpose-designed car will always beat the do-it-all type.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:46

Good feeling to have a car that you enjoy so much! I recently drove an '08 Cayman S, and while it was nice, I still was very happy to get back into my car. I may also be ruined for power at this point.

Drive an E90 or E92 M3 before you pass judgment. The convertible is burdened with 400+(!) more pounds than the other two...

My boss has a supercharged Z4M, set up for the track. It's a wicked little machine.

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 14:58

It's funny to me that a plastic convertible top is a bugaboo, to each his own. You're right, the rarity of the Z3 M (esp. with a S54) seems to put them on par price-wise with a Z4 M. Although I think the Z3 M looks a great deal better than the Z4 M, but that's just my taste.

Same with the Z3/4 coupes- clown shoe forever! I know only the Z4 roadster is on your list, but if you'd consider a Z4 coupe (did they even make an M coupe for the Z4? I don't think they did), you owe it to yourself to put the Z3 M coupe on the list as well (I know they made that one).

But really, you've got time, you aren't in a rush.... maybe take the time to find and test drive some of those Japanese cars. You never know what might strike your fancy. I would add a supercharged AW11 MR2 to your list of Japanese cars (and a Miata but you know that already).

Your list looks far too German right now, but I think you should add a Porsche 914-6 to it anyway, since those are bad ass. Are you willing to dip into classic car territory? Just yesterday I saw a Triumph GT6+ and it was just beautiful.

Textured Soy Protein > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/21/2014 at 15:06

It's funny, when I was car shopping last summer, the only dealer I visited was BMW. At the time, I hadn't gotten the idea to get a winter beater, so I was looking for a brand new car that had: a) at least as much power as the Mazdaspeed 6 I was getting rid of, and b) a double clutch transmission.

That meant 135i(s), S4/S5, or Evo MR. I liked the 135is enough to not visit Audi (I hate VW/Audi anyway) and there's no Mitsu dealer in Madison anymore so I didn't want to mess with an Evo.

Fast forward to now, I ended up getting my Grand Cherokee for winter, and I'm on this quest for a cheaper fun car. So here I thought, 'oh hey now that I'm willing to expand my options, there's gotta be something out there that I like more than this 135is.' But, not so much.

I may still try an E92 M3 coupe, but I'm leaning towards cheaper/smaller/lower/lighter which is why the Z4 M is very high up my list, if only I could find one to drive.

E46 M3 is also a possibility, since it's probably closest numbers-wise to my 135is. A little longer, lower and wider, with a few more hp and a lot less torque.

I thought the 986 Boxster S was a good platform, just not nearly enough power for what I want. Hence my 996 thoughts.

Textured Soy Protein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 15:15

I've already owned a Miata. A '99, with a glass rear window. ;)

I certainly like Japanese cars as well, but finding one that hasn't been poorly modified and beat to hell is a challenge.

BMW did make a Z4 M Coupe but it's not on my list because there's no sunroof option. So maybe I should add the Z3 M Coupe, because it's got a sunroof.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 15:22

The next car I buy for myself (my wife gets our next purchase) will definitely be lighter, lower and raw-er. Hoping to keep my E90 for a long time, and to get something to go alongside her in the stable down the road. As a dad of three, my car is pretty hard to beat for daily duties, and it's more than up to the task for the back roads and track as well.

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 15:52

My '96 Miata has a nice yellowing plastic rear window. I never see it, though, because the top is always down...

That's another thing with Japanese cars: Finding one that hasn't been modified (too much). That's a whole new can of worms. Have you thought about an S2000?

Get that Z3 M coupe on the list! They are getting tougher to find by the hour, though.

Textured Soy Protein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 15:55

I've considered the S2k but from what I recall the last time I sat in one, it was actually more cramped inside than my Miata.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 15:56

I may be selling my 01 Z3M roadster with around 44k on the clock and several Dinan upgrades. Reason: it lives at my mother's house and she is downsizing. Currently trying to get my brother to take it, but just FYI.

B_dol > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
07/21/2014 at 16:09

What color? Any pics? I have a friend actively looking for a second, fun sports car. Shopping used Cayman's but this might be a bit more close to home for him (BMW addict).

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 16:50

Really? I'm a bigger guy myself, so I'll keep that in mind. I am SNUG in my NA Miata.

The AW11 and SW20 MR2's are both known for having lots of headroom, but I've driven neither. No classic cars? Alfa GTV?

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/21/2014 at 17:02

Lighter, lower, raw-er? 997 Carrera S.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3
07/21/2014 at 17:10

I was thinking Elise/Exige or Caterham...

Textured Soy Protein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 17:14

The S2k is bigger overall, but the chassis bracing, transmission tunnel and dash eat up a lot of the interior room. It is wider than the Miata though.

The NB is a little roomier than the NA. I don't quite fit in the NA, actually. My shoulder is smushed up on the door panel. Particularly the '94-'97 which has this added shoulder pad on the door panel.

'89-'93

Kinja'd!!!

'94-'97

Kinja'd!!!

Contrast this with the NB which has a more contoured door panel, and a little more width in general:

Kinja'd!!!

And lastly the S2k, where the tunnel takes up a lot more room, the dash sticks out a lot farther, and you can kinda see the cross braces on the floor in front of the seat.

Kinja'd!!!

Neither car is roomy. I recommend "trying on" each one to see what fits you best.

brjklein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 17:41

You've probably never owned a plastic convertible rear window. My '99 M3's window was beyond gone when I sold it, and with an aftermarket top (put on by the P.O.), there was no replacing just the window anymore.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > B_dol
07/21/2014 at 18:29

Black/black. (Same color as my 1M that is currently for sale on eBay, depending on his budget.) No pics right now except for a few older ones, but all my cars are no-drama mechanically perfect vehicles because it bugs me otherwise. Basically, my view is that either my 1M will sell at or above my ask, or if it doesn't I will ship the 1M to Atlanta (assuming parking gets resolved) and it will take the place of my M Roadster, which has been a car I only use when I am visiting my parents, and sell the Z3M.

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 18:43

Very informative! Thanks for sharing that. Weird, though- my '96 has the same door panels as the 89-93 pic that you showed- no shoulder pad. Maybe one of the previous owners was also a big guy and swapped door cards? Who knows.

Textured Soy Protein > Roadster Man
07/21/2014 at 18:47

Hmm well to be honest, I don't know when exactly the NA got the new door panels. I suppose maybe it could've only been for '97? I just know that before I got my NB, I tried an NA with those door panels and they got in the way of my shoulder.

Roadster Man > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2014 at 18:49

OK cool. Nice to have the differences laid out though, thanks!

Once I get the 10-12K I need to buy an S2K, I'm going to suck it up and save even more for an NSX anway....

B_dol > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S
07/21/2014 at 19:03

Sounds fantastic. It is very hard to find used cars so well maintained and cared for by trustworthy owners, plus you are local to the Bay Area. If the Z3M ends up being for sale please reach out to me!

Jobjoris > Textured Soy Protein
07/22/2014 at 06:28

I'm also toying with the idea of various Porsche 996 permutations, but am leery of the reputation they have for engine problems.

As over 40% (over here in Europe) of the 3.4s already have their engines completely replaced and probably a lot more have their crankshaft seal (not sure if it's correct English) - the main issue of the 3.4 - updated you could, as long as you do your homework, look into the 996 without hasitation. A 3.6 is an even better bet. They're very, very cheap now!

Or that Z4M, that would probably be my pick.

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/22/2014 at 06:36

Oh - go kart lol. I've driven an Elise S. Pretty brutal on the street but would be a delight on track compared to the E90. I only got to street drive it sadly.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3
07/22/2014 at 08:34

It's just what I think I want at this point. I don't like the idea of buying something purely for the track, so anything I get would need to be able to be up for fair weather daily duties as well. We're talking a minimum of 5 years in the future, so I've got lots of time to change my mind - ha!

Not sure if I told you: the Megan was on backorder, so I just went ahead and ordered test pipes and a BPM Stage II tune instead. Will be here soon!

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/22/2014 at 10:46

You didn't tell me, but that's exciting! The OEM unit does sound a LOT better with test pipes, although it still weighs a ton. Perhaps you're still going to keep your eyes peeled for a cheap used aftermarket muffler? They all sound better without primary cats anyhow.

My M isn't getting anything new anytime soon. I'm buying a house I think (pending the home inspection, which is Thursday). It's god damn terrifying.

Lately, I've been getting strange thoughts along the lines of: sell the M, get a 911 garage queen and a ho-hum used truck as a daily driver for epic utility and commuting ease...and buy into a race team to satisfy my track needs. Life is confusing.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3
07/22/2014 at 11:12

Keep M3 or buy into a race team? #FirstWorldProblems - ha!

Congrats on the house; definitely a big decision, but should bring you lots of happiness.

The plan is to still get the Megan down the road, or pick up something else used. I definitely don't want to make it stupid loud, though...

BKRM3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
07/22/2014 at 11:41

Lol FWP indeed. And with regard to the rear section - I think "stupid loud" only occurs if you ditch all the cats and don't have resonators (or don't have enough of them). With the test pipes you're only taking out the primary cats, so your car will still have secondary cats and a set of resonators. There is a subjective component to all this, of course, but I've never heard a truly obnoxious exhaust setup that still had all those parts intact.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > BKRM3
07/22/2014 at 11:53

All the videos I've heard with the primary cat delete + Megan seem to be less than obnoxious on start-up and at low revs. That's what I'm most concerned with, honestly. I want to be able to get out of the neighborhood quietly in the morning, and through my parking garage without pissing off people (but damn do I love getting on it through empty sections in the morning - closest thing I have to a tunnel around here!).

Pacer Racer > Textured Soy Protein
07/24/2014 at 19:36

If the Evo strikes your fancy but you can't find one, have you thought about a WRX STi?

Textured Soy Protein > Pacer Racer
07/24/2014 at 19:38

The Evo struck my fancy when I was looking for something to be my only car, and I wanted something with a dual clutch transmission.

Now that I'm looking for a car that doesn't necessarily need to be practical because I've got another practical car, and I prefer rwd.

Pacer Racer > Textured Soy Protein
07/24/2014 at 19:41

Yes, but I imagine a used STi or Evo would make an amazing winter DD, just based on the fact that they are AWD. Also, the rear doors would give them an added level of practicality in ace you needed it.

Pacer Racer > Pacer Racer
07/24/2014 at 19:44

Just thought- what's your budget? I heard BMW repeatedly earlier and immediately disregarded $$$, but I guess an STi or Evo could be a little steep for a "beater". I couldn't afford one, but then again, I couldn't afford a 14 year old Camry right now.

Textured Soy Protein > Pacer Racer
07/24/2014 at 19:50

I've already done the awd + turbo sedan thing in the winter when I had a Mazdaspeed 6.

I now have a Grand Cherokee I drive in the winter. Which I'm planning to keep around.

Budget realistically is around $25k since anything more wouldn't really save me much money compared to what I'm paying for my 135is.

Dsscats > Textured Soy Protein
07/24/2014 at 23:46

Test drive a decent 300ZX where you live, then buy one from California and drive it back. We have a seriously huge stash of these in great condition. That boost will make you laugh. Also, one with 42k miles just sold for $11,500. Yes, it was twin turbo. Just try one.

Textured Soy Protein > Dsscats
07/25/2014 at 00:06

I'd like to try one, but have yet to find any near me.

Dsscats > Textured Soy Protein
07/25/2014 at 00:23

If you do, just go for a test drive. It's very worth it. What area are you in?

Textured Soy Protein > Dsscats
07/25/2014 at 01:36

Madison, WI. Just not a big enough town to have many of the rarer vehicles out there.

Xtreme.81 > Textured Soy Protein
07/31/2014 at 13:30

I don't think you'll find a better car than the 135is unless you are willing to spend a lot more.

I went down the same path (335is, not 135is) and ended up keeping it. A better way to go would be to consider some tuning options - best bang for your buck, IMO. ;)

Good luck!

Jimmy Tango > Textured Soy Protein
08/11/2014 at 01:15

Wait, you did say save money, right? I admire the general direction you are going but I don't think maintain those beauty on a budget is what you want to do with them.

I would like to know what you end up with. Since you love 135is, want to grab 1M before they become classic?

p.s. Before someone jump out and tell me how Porsche 944 can be care free, please also disclose what level of care/maintenance would have to put in. You can't just quote JD power and say Porsche is trouble free. That just tells you few Porsche owner would skip their maintenance schedule.

Textured Soy Protein > Jimmy Tango
08/11/2014 at 13:45

Buying a 1M wouldn't exactly be cheaper than leasing a 135is.

944 while not necessarily maintenance free has a low enough purchase price that it'd take a lot of maintenance/repairs before I'd be spending more than what I am now.

chickengoat > Textured Soy Protein
08/11/2014 at 16:26

I'd sell a 135i(s) only for a 1 M, Z4 M or E46 or E92 M3. If we're keeping it Bavarian.

If I were you, I'd keep the car.

Textured Soy Protein > chickengoat
08/11/2014 at 17:20

I haven't really been pursuing getting rid of my car very actively. So far I've been test driving cars that could interest me, if and when they show up here in Madison, WI (which is pretty podunk when it comes to used performance cars).

I might just get someone to take over the 135is lease as fall approaches, and only keep my Grand Cherokee around through the winter, which will help me save up for another fun car to buy when spring rolls around (or if a particularly good deal pops up over the winter).

Since making this post, I tried a C6 Corvette targa which I rather liked, but they're in the price range where I wouldn't really be saving much if anything compared to my 135is lease.

There was a 944 Turbo at some random-ass small town car dealership where they kept telling me it was sold but then the deals fell through, that I need to check back on.

Z4 M I plan to drive whenever one shows up here.

Jimmy Tango > Textured Soy Protein
08/12/2014 at 12:08

I can see 944 being a good case for you. Please keep us posted as I would seriously consider older Porsche once I know more about maintenance (without paying the tuition!)

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein
08/12/2014 at 17:47

The former Subaru owner in me wants to scream at the idea of comparing a Mazdaspeed 6 to an STi.

The adult automotive writer in me gets where you're coming from and suggest you look for an 07+ Cayman S.

Textured Soy Protein > Andrew T. Maness
08/12/2014 at 18:22

Only comparing in that they're both awd turbo sedans.

Cayman gets ruled out because you can't have one with a sunroof.

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein
08/12/2014 at 18:40

Ah, gotcha. I missed the part about it must have a sunroof or be a convertible.

Have you driven a newer Boxster S? I know the '01 is an underpowered piece of machinery but the 987 Gen II models are significantly better.

Textured Soy Protein > Andrew T. Maness
08/12/2014 at 18:55

I've driven an '06 a while back. I remember liking it, and thinking it was pretty quick. But at the time I was driving a Miata, so it might not quite feel so quick compared to my 135is.

A this point the Porsches I'd consider are a 996 C2, or a 944 Turbo. The Boxster feels a little cramped with the bulkhead right behind the seat.

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein
08/13/2014 at 14:34

Gotcha. Sounds to me like 944 Turbo is the answer here as 996 is never the answer.

Textured Soy Protein > Andrew T. Maness
08/13/2014 at 15:27

I drove a 944 turbo yesterday. It's a...maybe.

996 is a potential answer for me because it's something I could just buy and drive and not mess with too much.

Whereas a 944 turbo, I like the basic car, but I'd want more power, and messing with it to make more power is something I don't necessarily want to mess with.

Then again, I'm also thinking about FD RX-7s which are equally stupid to mess with, so who knows.

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein
08/13/2014 at 18:40

Well at the end of the day I'd say you have just about the best kind of problem a car guy could have, replacing a great car with an even better one.

Textured Soy Protein > Andrew T. Maness
08/13/2014 at 18:46

But only if I can save some cash in the process.

Andrew T. Maness > Textured Soy Protein
08/14/2014 at 11:35

Yep and there in lies the rub.

Galt > Textured Soy Protein
08/28/2014 at 11:40

I went through this same dilemma when I wanted a car to replace my MazdaSpeed6. I went with a 1999 M Roadster. I kept the M for 4 years and loved every time I drove it. Test drive an M Roadster, it's a blast, even with an S52 engine. I recently sold my M Roadster for an E90 M3 ('11), which is in a different class of power and awesomeness.

Textured Soy Protein > Galt
08/28/2014 at 12:11

Interestingly enough, my 135is replaced...a Mazdaspeed 6.