Well, you've got waaay more torque in your MINI than most -- even more than a factory JCW. So it's not hard to figure out why you prefer that over the 135i...

But what I actually meant was: why is the 135i seemingly perceived as lethargic in general; a lot of folks seem to make statements similar to yours about the car (excessive turbo lag, etc.), but the 135i coupe looks pretty good on paper. A bit confusing, especially when the 335i, which is heavier, is generally perceived so positively...

 

I think it was too well mannered. The power came but it was very civilized and smooth increase in power, kind of muted. Same with the steering; muted. It adds up to a refined experience, but not a drivers car IMHO.

 

do you realize which forum you are in?

I'm pretty happy with the power from my JCW. See sig.

 

What were your before/stock numbers?

I've just realized your numbers seem really low compared to other JCW's that have been tuned with the AP.....

 

I didn't do a before dyno as I already had a differnet tune.

As far as my numbers being low... lol wut?

show me some dynos that aren't on Alta's mule that are much higher and I'll show you a car with more mods than me. I am still running the canned tune though - never sent Jeff any datalogs.

 

They're not "low"! I'm sure your car is a rocket! Just saying that comparatively they seem lower than others.

I was going off of Alta's JCW dynos, for Stage 1, 2, 3.

Also going off of the JCW the RMW tuned using the AP software....which was stock JCW with only a FMIC. Made numbers similar to Alta's Stage 3...which was my whole impetus for wanting to swap a JCW turbo on my car

 

Back on topic, when I was shopping for a x35i, I don't know why, but like I said before: for some reason, the 335 was faster than the 135. This makes no sense with it being heavier, but for whatever reason, this is probably why he 335 gets more raves than the 135.

 

I don't get why people are saying the 135 has excessive turbo lag. I currently have both, a 2008 135i and a 2010 R56. I drive the R56 on a daily basis and I prefer the tossability and light-ness of it more than I do the 135. I use the 135 on weekends for spirited drives and I experience no turbo lag, (I imagine I could induce turbo lag at 25mph in 5th and there would be some, but as soon as it hits 1950rpm it would be gone quickly..).

My car (135) pulls like a freight train in literally every gear and power is much more pronounced than my R56...and this is before I JB3'd it. Now its on a whole other level and is supercar fast.

Maybe the 135 you are all test driving is the 2011 N55 "twin-power turbo", single-turbo, dual-scroll 135. I've yet to drive a x35 car with that engine.

 

Me neither....if they think that motor has turbo lag I'd hate to see them in some other turbo cars.

135i/335i/535i has 0 lag...and they movvvvvve!

 

Just got back from Road America. You guys have me scratching my head...

The 135i is brutally fast in a straight line. I was overall running quicker laps, but chasing the 135i (in a stock 2006 JCW) was a hoot. I'd close through the turns, we'd hit one of the long straights, and that sucker just pulled away.

In a 1/4 mile or 1/8, the 135i is quite a bit quicker than a 335i as well. Like I said, you guys have me scratching my head...I'd like to see where the 335i outperforms the 135i almost in every way, like was alluded to earlier. Maybe in comfort, but definitely not on the track. I'm not a fan of the looks of the 135i, but if I was looking to start from scratch for a track car, the 135i (especially the new one coming out) would be on the short list, the 335i wouldn't even make the list.

Like Slinger said, the 135i would be an excellent platform to develop into a dedicated track car. It's got plenty of power; match the suspension and brakes to that power, and you have a car that driven properly is going to be damned fast, and driven by identically capable drivers, it would require a HEAVILY modded MINI to stay close.

 

But was it a stock or unlocked 135? I think Jan's tune works the same on some BMW engines, and whoever is unlocked will be the faster car here, R56 JCW or 135i.

 

the 135i is a monster after you tune it. No turbo lag either. My wife has one and it's a hoot to drive

here is my wife's impression after the tune........

"it does wheelies"..................

not really honey but if you think it's wheelies...then it's wheelies

 

That report is more in line with what my expectations for the 135i would be, at least based on the numbers that have been published by BMW: very quick in a straight line, but less agile than a JCW MINI due to the difference in mass.

 

For the record, I'm only stating what I've read. When I was looking at the 1, it wasnt between it or a 3, I had just read in some tests, not a heads-up mind you, that the 3 was faster than the 1.

I have driven an '06 and '07 335i, '07 535i, and the new '11 335is. Never a 135i, so my opinion is soley based on those cars. And in any platform, I like that motor. Turbo lag compared to others, i agree, is just not there. One reason I bought my JCW. All I can say is, if there was a 335i on the lot when I found the JCW, I would've purchased it instead.

 

BTW timfitz, this is coming from someone who, stock, has the exact same car as you. Even same color.

 

Well, the top speed published by BMW for the 335i coupe with the [M] Sport Package is 1 mph faster than a similarly-equipped 135i; so technically, it is faster... But the 135i is slightly quicker, based on the published 0-60 mph times...

Clearly a man of refinement and taste!

 

Jan, you didn't see that set of mickey thompson drag slicks she had hidden in the garage. She IS out doing wheelies.

 

 

My daughter just traded in her 328 & ordered her 2011 135i coupe... She can't wait to try Launch Control! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIQ99ATQWwU She kept the 2007 R56 (Chili Red it's faster in red ) but it's stock so she already challenged her father & his GP to a little family competition after the proper break in period. She's figured she'll take long rides every day to help break it in quickly.

 

Don't see much turbo lag there, lol.

 

Having previously owned a MCS (8/2004-5/2009) and a 135/6spd since 5/09 may I add a few observations? Thanks.
I went from a 2001 Corvette to the MINI. Talk about different machines. I loved the MINI and had a ball driving it. I did miss RWD and 0-60 head snapping take off from red lights. Sold the MINI and bought the 135. A great car. I have noticed no turbo lag and when you want to take off from a red light very few cars stay with you. Solid performer. BUT, I miss the FUN of driving the MINI. I got an e-mail from MINI showing me the 2011 JCW/Black w/red top and mirrors. I am smitten. I hope the urge goes away. If it doesn't, some lucky person will get a great car. Garage kept/not raced and currently less than 6,000 miles. I put a BMW Perf exhaust on it. Now it sounds like it should.
I have owned 5.0 Mustangs/Camarros/GTI's/ even an old 911 and other performance cars over the years. The MINI is just different. I am hoping I can hold off the MINI urge. Nick

 

doublenick:

I've never owned a Mini, never owned a BMW of any kind. Did test drive a few though, but I use to be Big into Mopars in the 60's. From a 65 Dodge 426, then a 67 GTX (beat the heck out of that car and it never once complained) and then a 69 Dodge Charger 500 (the original Daytona car until they found out that the For Talledega was more aerodynamic) So, you could say that I have been a rear wheel drive guy. So now I'm into the Mini thing. I've got just what you mentioned, a 2011 JCW Midnight Black with Chili Red roof. That combination just hit me and I was thinking seriously about the Spice Orange, which is actually a Bronze. Granted, I've only been on test drives with the Mini S once, but that was enough to sell me on the handling. Oh shucks, it didn't have a suspension package, but it still handled great to me. Just thought that I'd put in my two cents here. It is on order, it has been built it is on its way.

 

If you have any doubt about how capable the 135i is watch some video

135i vs 335i vs E46 M3

 

too bad they didn't throw a (modded lol) JCW in the mix. There are people here beating the 0-60 and quarter mile times of all 3 cars.

good video though.

 

Don't think anyone said the 135i wasn't capable, could be wrong... but this is the first time I've seen a test where either car didn't break the 5s barrier to 60mph.