This is a tough one

"AM3R" (AM3R)
08/23/2014 at 13:31 • Filed to: WWYR

A BMW 135i M-sport or a VW Golf R?

Both are priced similarly at the same dealership. I really can't choose, on one hand the BMW is RWD, has the desirable M-sport package, and the N55 twin turbo inline 6 engine, which is more reliable than the notorious N54. On the other hand the VW is a year newer, about $1500 cheaper, is more practical, and that blue! It also arguably looks better, and that hurts to say as a BMW enthusiast.

This is a really tough choice. Both can be modded for moar power. I'd likely end up going with the 135i because of how tossable they are. It's no miata, but they're incredibly nimble. And the noise with a BMW performance exhaust is just intoxicating. You can also swap in a lot of M3 suspension components to improve the already great handling.And RWD!

I've never driven a Golf R, maybe a test drive would completely change my mind. These ARE both local....

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1694CB0…

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/169291F…

DISCUSSION (65)

Coty > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:34

Golf R

/thread

asindhidude > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:35

for my money- the BMW. it is probably going to be about the same to run given that they both are special cars that need special bits. philosophically the 1 is mechanically simpler and has that SWEET six. only reason I would pick the golf is if snow was a big deal where I live

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:36

the Beamer wins. Watch any review of the mk6 R and you see that the traction control is a fun sucking vampire that can't be turned fully off.

E92M3 > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:37

Do you really want to wake up to this every morning?

I'm a BMW fanboy, but in this rare case I say get the R.

Firewrx234 > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:37

135...

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:38

Def BMW.

Brian Silvestro > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:38

Not a contest!

BMW for sure. RWD and more HP = better!

Besides, I hear you can't turn off the traction control all the way, which apparently ruins the fun of the Golf R.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:38

That 135 will be more fun, trust me!

Enginerrrrrrrrr > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:39

Paying $30k for either of those is a waste IMO.
Ram SRT-10: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

2006 Vette: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Plymouth Prowler: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

I could go on...

I'm sorry but to me there are more interesting vehicles for the same price. I just don't see the hype with the 135i or Golf R when they are barely better than the versions just a step down but much more expensive. Also the repair bills will be worse than the ones I mentioned because well... you probably already know.

Granted, if these are your dream cars, then go for the bimmer.

Conan > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:39

135i and add limited slip. Drove that when my Dad took me car shopping last time and I still wish he hadn't insisted on AWD. It was a lot of fun. The N55 era has most issues sorted out.

FromCanadaWithLove > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:39

I'd go for the BMW, but you can't go wrong with either.

Textured Soy Protein > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:40

I drive a 135is. So, yeah. Not the Golf. Unless you really need a back seat that fits actual humans.

But as far as which is better to drive? No question.

Also, slight correction: the N55 is not a twin turbo motor. The N54 is. The N55 is branded as "TwinPower Turbo" because it has a single, twin-scroll turbo. Which is confusing. But only 1 turbo.

AM3R > Conan
08/23/2014 at 13:40

If he needs AWD go 335ix!

An LSD would be my first mod if I got a 135i/335i. They make such a big difference, it really allows you to use the cars full potential.

 V8 Rustler > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:42

So you want a understeering, fake AWD (Haldex) that most of the time is FWD, non defeatble ESP, and a 4 Cylinder?

Conan > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:44

He did! It's a great ride and he's really happy but I still think the 1 series with limited slip had a greater sense of fun.

AM3R > Enginerrrrrrrrr
08/23/2014 at 13:46

Step down from the 135i is a 128i, a 240 HP N/A I6. Not exactly a small difference. Put some money into a 135i and you have a 450whp RWD car. Awesome.

These aren't exactly boring cars, sure, you can find some more interesting cars but are you really gonna tell me the V10 viper powered truck is gonna be cheaper to run than a BMW I6 or a VW turbo 4?

AM3R > V8 Rustler
08/23/2014 at 13:48

Well I said I'd go with the BMW, I don't know if you read the post.

AM3R > Conan
08/23/2014 at 13:50

Definitely, that's what I would go with.

Any mods for the 3?

Burrito de EJ25 > Enginerrrrrrrrr
08/23/2014 at 13:50

None of the cars you suggested are interesting in the least bit. The Prowler, maybe, but that's just because it's so bad that it'd be funny to drive one around.

What are the other two? A truck and a retiree special Corvette?

AM3R > Textured Soy Protein
08/23/2014 at 13:52

My mistake, I'm so used to reading N54 build threads where people switch to a single turbo I've forgotten all the N55 changes.

Conan > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:52

More removal with my Dad. He removed some gaudy aftermarket rims and went back to the originals. Same with the lights. He flashed the ECU though and that is appreciable.

AM3R > E92M3
08/23/2014 at 13:53

LOL, but it's not that bad, especially with an M-sport front bumper.

AM3R > Conan
08/23/2014 at 13:55

Ah yeah even just a simple ECU flash does a lot. If you run a JB4 and use one of the more aggressive maps you can take out M3's which is amazing.

 V8 Rustler > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 13:56

You didn't say a definite no to the Golf R. I wouldn't even consider buying the Golf, nor comparing it to a 135i.

Saracen > Enginerrrrrrrrr
08/23/2014 at 13:59

Plymouth Prowler? A 9mpg truck?

You're smoking some good shit.

You clearly haven't driven a 135i or a Golf R, and don't know much about them.

Saracen > V8 Rustler
08/23/2014 at 14:00

Stage 2 ESP can be enabled with VAG-COM mods.

And as I have a Golf R I will completely disagree with this "fake AWD" nonsense.

AM3R > V8 Rustler
08/23/2014 at 14:01

I've never driven it, might as well give it a chance before I completely shoot it down. I already know the BMW will be great, that's why I already own a BMW.

Saracen > Brian Silvestro
08/23/2014 at 14:01

that's funny, I have two stage ESC defeat in my R..

Conan > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:02

Yeah, he's nowhere near the full potential of those but the car's still picked up a lot more oomph. He finally let himself have a fun car again in his last few years before retirement. He went through a long dull responsibility phase after I left high school and went into college. Back in HS he showed me stuff on his drag truck pretty often and had a series of proper enthusiast cars. In retrospect, I'm pretty sure it was to help me be able to get into a better school. One of those other things I really need to thank him for some more.

Saracen > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:03

As a Golf R owner, I'll say the 135i will certainly be more fun stock to stock.

But get that R up to Stage 2+, Stage 2 ESC defeat, and a HPA Competition haldex controller, and it's a 360hp oversteering AWD beast. AND it's practical as hell. IMO it's worth it to spend a bit extra to wring out its potential.

Brian Silvestro > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 14:08

OH. Well in that case...

I'd still get the BMW.

AM3R > Conan
08/23/2014 at 14:09

I still have 3 siblings in school, so I understand why my dad wants to keep his V6 accord with just over 100k on it even though it's easy to find some killer deals on BMW's right now. I certainly need to thank him, he's doing it for us. I want to surprise him with something fun for his birthday next year, but he commutes into DC 26 miles each way so getting him a 6 speed v8 (E39 M5) isn't going to be the best idea.

 V8 Rustler > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 14:10

Haldex blue supposedly fixes the lack of torque transfer to the rear wheels.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:11

I say VW. as someone who owns a 2L TSI car, they are amazing fun to drive. also, not to mention the practicality

AM3R > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 14:12

First things first, if I got either of these it wouldn't be left stock.

Throw an LSD, go FBO, and swap some M3 suspension parts on the Bimmer for a 400whp tire killer.

I'd do everything you just mentioned on the VW. I bet I'd have fun in both, I still want to drive a golf R to at least cure my curiosity.

Conan > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:17

Yeah, might not be quite time for the ultimate driving machine yet. I sent mine and my Mom to Italy after grad school though and they really appreciated it. Maybe a vacation now and a car later then.

alexotics > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:17

I've owned both a '11 135i M Sport and an Mk5 GTI. While the GTI aint no R32, I feel like my $0.02 are worth something here….

Get the 135i.

Unless, and only unless practicality is a major concern you should opt for the VW.

For just about any other reason I couldn't see why you'd even consider the VW over the BMW. I absolutely loved my GTI to pieces, it's a roomy, playful, practical, unassuming little car that never let me down once. You can get away with mashing the throttle and the front wheel drive will save your butt when you get too playful.

But the BMW is much better built, much more solid, quicker, more "tossable" as you mentioned, and surprisingly bulletproof. Advisors at BMW would tell me the 1 Series is the most reliable Bimmer out there. Especially this example, with the M Sport, 6-speed and in Space Grey, it's the business. Unfortunately it doesn't have the iDrive, but the bluetooth hookup to the BMW Business radio is just fine.

I now own a Porsche 911, and looking back on both cars, I'd say the 135i was the much, much better car. Again, that's not comparing it to an Mk6 R32, but my Mk5 GTi I think came close in offering the hot hatch experience, just without the four wheel drive and bigger POWERRR.

Let me know what you decide on, but please go for the 135iM.

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Burrito de EJ25
08/23/2014 at 14:17

Seriously when did fanboys take over oppo?

Never heard of the Ram SRT-10? Fastest production truck ever? Viper engine in a truck? N0?

AM3R > alexotics
08/23/2014 at 14:22

I already have a BMW, This was just something I found on a quick search, but the 135i is tempting. Still, I want my next BMW to be an M so I'm actively looking at M3/5's of all generations. Thanks for the input, it's good to get an opinion from someone with experience with both.

You have the speed yellow 996 aero kit right?

Enginerrrrrrrrr > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 14:24

Sure the prowler may not have the performance but it's leaps and bounds more interesting. The SRT-10... it's an SRT-10. I don't think I need to defend that one.

I'm sorry, why would you go for the 135i-M when you can find an E90 M3 for the same price? You have to be smoking good shit to want the 135i...

Golf R? Sure it's better than the gti, but it's still a golf. I'm just not a fan and typically dislike every person I meet who drives a gti.

AM3R > Conan
08/23/2014 at 14:24

Funny you mention that, we're planning on going on a European vacation next August. Still deciding between Germany and Italy, but I'm excited to go anywhere.

Saracen > Brian Silvestro
08/23/2014 at 14:45

I would get the BMW if I was in a two car situation. But I'm not, so I got the fast hot hatch.

Brian Silvestro > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 14:46

I also have a fast hot hatch. So yeah.

*fistbump*

Saracen > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 14:47

Speaking of test driving, I want to go drive that M3 at Carmax today. Hopefully it'll be around after I sell the condo (whenever that is)

oh, and you'll want to disconnect the soundaktor. because it makes an annoying drone on the highway.

Money Hustard > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 15:19

The Golf is a massively more useful car, and is still great. RWD is great and all, but I assume this is going to be your DD no? If so, you won't be taking it to the track, which is really the only place you're going to be able to take advantage of it and not look like a tool.

And for the love of god, don't mod either of those cars, you will not improve them for a cost below what getting a considerably better car like would be. I know you don't believe me, but I'm telling you anyway.

jkm7680 > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 15:20

You know what. Why not both?

The Volkswagen will be much more fun to drive though...

His Stigness > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 15:30

As much as I love my Golf TDI (MKVI), I would never pay over $30,000 for one, I just couldn't do it. Especially since I could buy a GTI (if I wanted a gas powered Golf, which I don't) and mod the shit out of it and still save a ton of money.

AM3R > jkm7680
08/23/2014 at 16:53

$60k is a nice budget for an M3, C63, S5, or other performance euro car.

I've never driven a golf R before.

AM3R > Saracen
08/23/2014 at 16:56

it's pouring today so I don't really want to make the drive out to the dealer, I won't really be able to push the cars. I need to check my local carmax inventory soon.

AM3R > Money Hustard
08/23/2014 at 17:05

I'm not in the market, I already have a BMW this was just a dilemma that popped up on autotrader.

For less than $2k on the 135i you can get a tune, downpipes, DCI, and IC. Thats well over 100hp and ~80tq right there which is extremely impressive.

The stock power level is more than enough for me. All I'd do is throw an OEM performance exhaust on and play with the suspension.

AM3R > His Stigness
08/23/2014 at 17:06

Another good point.

His Stigness > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 17:28

I also hate AWD and would never buy a car that had it if I could help it, and with the Golf I can.

And have you looked at a TDI, because if you don't need outright speed I think you should get one (as long as it's a manual), because you can apply the same chassis upgrades as a GTI or R, and you get better gas mileage, and in my opinion, more fun times. Oh and you can put Porsche brakes on it ! You can't do that on the BMW.

Andrew T. Maness > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 17:30

By tough you mean obvious right? 135i without question.

AM3R > His Stigness
08/23/2014 at 17:32

The 135i already has brembos up front, and for some reason they're even better than the brakes on a 335i.

I'm actually not in the market, these are just cars I found on autotrader. I don't need AWD so I like to stick with RWD. I'm actually a big fan of TDI's. If I had a long commute that's probably what I'd be driving.

His Stigness > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 17:40

It's my firm belief that no one really needs AWD, they just need the right tires. AWD only helps less than 1% of the time, the other 99.99% of the time it's just dead weight.

Even if you don't have a long commute I think TDI's (and Bluetech and whatever BMW calls their diesels) are still a good idea. My commute is only 8 miles, but I still benefit from the diesel power because I can get 30 mpg around town, even with my heavy foot, and tendency to do burnouts in parking lots, like I did yesterday because people at malls suck at driving...

AM3R > Andrew T. Maness
08/23/2014 at 17:44

I own a BMW and have driven many, I've never driven a Golf R so I don't want to completely write it off.

Andrew T. Maness > AM3R
08/23/2014 at 17:49

I have driven a Golf R, I didn't care for it.

AM3R > Andrew T. Maness
08/23/2014 at 17:53

that seems to be the popular opinion, which makes me want to drive one even more. I wanna see what's so bad about them. I already know how great the BMW is..

Burrito de EJ25 > Enginerrrrrrrrr
08/23/2014 at 23:20

Erm, what exactly am I being a fanboy of? I'm sorry someone disagrees on your definition of "interesting".

Your reductive comments on the Golf R can be applied towards the SRT-10. At the end of the day it's still a truck. A truck that's shit at being a truck, too.

You're sitting here lamenting the fact that the *~*~*~fanboys~*~*~* have taken over while making blanket bullshit statements about certain car owners.

alexotics > AM3R
09/02/2014 at 15:57

Haha I hear you, I'm also holding out for a few M products that I can't help but dream about at night. A Silverstone 2001- E39 M5 or a 2005-06 E46 M3 Competition with the 6-speed, a low mileage E63 with the 6-speed, a Melbourne Red E92 Competition with SMG... they're all on the list. Good luck in your search!

Yes that's mine. I've just documented a 6,000 km trip from Canada to California in it if you've got some time to waste... http://www.alexotics.blogspot.com

AM3R > alexotics
09/02/2014 at 16:39

I'll check that out now!

A silverstone E39 M5 would be great, I would check out the m5board classifieds, they have amazing cars that can fit most peoples budgets.

alexotics > AM3R
09/02/2014 at 18:29

Thanks for the tip. Not willing to pay top dollar for low mileage tho as these go wrong regardless. There's one for sale near me in the States that has been dropping in price by $200-400/week. My absolute favorite colour. So many memories driving in the back of a similar looking M5 when my uncle bought one new in 2001. Still remember the highly mechnical, almost metal-on-metal scream of that 8 cylinder at full beans.

Not the cleanest, and surely it'll go wrong in an instant and cost $15k to fix up... but luck only dances with those who are on the dancefloor... https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/464927…

AM3R > alexotics
09/02/2014 at 18:43

Wow, I'd definitely jump on that. I'm not sure how willing he is to negotiate but I'd at least get a PPI. Would it be your daily driver? If not, I'd pursue it. Hell, I'd still buy it if it were a DD!

Beautifully put, sure, everything could go wrong. Hey, maybe nothing will! My guess would be that you'll be driving this in good condition for under $10k total.

alexotics > AM3R
09/02/2014 at 18:57

It would probably become my primary car, but that still only means I would drive it 2-3 times per week, and purely for fun or to visit friends and relatives out of town.

I'm going to wait it out and offer something around $6k. I'd only ever be happy driving it if I got an absolute steal. First order of (cosmetic) business would be replacing the wood trim to titanium/aluminum and reinstalling the OEM kidneys. Stock baby!

AM3R > alexotics
09/02/2014 at 19:00

Yes! Wood trim never really looked a home in the E39 M5. Aluminum looks much better with the black interior.

Maybe $6k cash could take it! Fingers crossed, it would be a great car. If you DIY it'll be much cheaper than you would ever expect.