Just get both - you'll be happy you did.

 

Does this question really need to be asked, or are you testing us? The answer is MINI!!!

Nothing against the 135. Looks pretty cool. I'd settle for it if I couldn't have a MINI.

 

I'm new to the Mini world, but it sounds like from what I've read that ASC works the same way on Minis that EBD/DTC did/does on RWD BMWs--it brakes the spinning wheel, but it also cuts power when necessary. From what I understand about the 1er's system, it is something new, in that it will brake the spinning wheel but it will not cut power at the engine.

Of course, the downside is that unlike ASC/EBD/DTC, the 1er's system it is not defeatable. Press releases that I have seen for the 1er suggest that you will not be able to turn off the electronic LSD (though you will still be able to turn off DSC).

FWIW, my biggest problem with the 335 is the lack of an LSD. Turn off the DSC and DTC, and the car lights up one tire at the slightest provocation. Makes putting the power down almost impossible, especially when autocrossing. Turn the DTC on, though, and the computer chops the power when you get too much wheelspin, which also makes putting power down impossible.

 

what most ppl are not realizing is that the 135 is not a small car like the MINI. the 135 is based off of the E46 3 series chassis (which is the same size as the 1995 540i that I owned before the MINI) My buddies E46 is about 30% bigger than my 07 MCS. The 2006 and newer 3 series are much bigger than the 1999 - 2005 E46's. Essentially the 135 would be similar to driving an E46 M3....not lacking for fun mind you but much different than our "tiny" nimble MINIs.
For those of you that like numbers for comparison
The exterior dimensions of the E46 330i 4door are 176in x 69in 3285 lbs
The exterior dimensions of the 135i Coupe 2door are 172in x 69in 3438 lbs

and just for kicks n' giggles:
the exterior of the E46 M3 is 1in longer x 1 inch wider than the 330i
333hp 3415 lbs

everything all summed up......the 135i is a E46 M3 with 33 LESS horsepower, not at all a lil' car like the beloved MINI

 

The 135 might have less HP but it has 300lbs of Tq @ 1500 RPM vs E46 which has 262lbs at 4900 RPM. This is where the fun is! Although final judgement will come when I get to drive the 135.

 

That's well broken down, thanks! If it plays out that way, then that makes my life easier because it will be much less desirable.

mb

 

I too was contemplating waiting for the new 1 series. I ended up ordering a '07 MCS as the wait for an '08 MCS or the BMW would have been months from now. I am very happy I did. The Mini and the BMW will be different cars with the Mini being more nimble and economical. I will wait for the BMW to arrive and drive one. If it is all it could be then maybe in a couple of years (after the initial buying flurry is over) I would consider it, but not as a replacement for the Mini. Until then, I am anxiously awaiting my Mini!

 

No doubt the 135i is going to be a screamer, but without the hatch coming over to North America, I don't think i'd be tempted much. The coupe just looks like smaller BMW. And, frankly, I've never thought BMW's were all that spectacular from a looks persepctive. A sedan is a sedan is a sedan.

 

The hatch is supposed to follow in a year or two

 

Everybody is talking about the 135i, but the real comparison is between the MCS...or the Clubman...and 128i. They will all be around $30k with some options, and have nearly identical performance numbers. The Clubman and 128i will both have usable back seats and trunks. Styling is very different between the Minis and BMW, but they seem to appeal to the same target market.

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

As an owner of a E46 coupe and with a R56 en route, I agree with the analysis that the 1 series will be very similar to the E46 (albiet with signif more power). It will not be nearly as tossible and nimble, but still quite a drive (but the new styling still doesn't do anything for me. The E46 are the last of the decent looking BMWs).

 

You should check this out....one of our members got to check out the new 1 series and was kind enough to give a review. Might be interesting to see the review from a MINI owner's eyes

http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...ead.php?t=7843

 

+1(million)

The BMW/MINI dealer here makes you walk through a gauntlet of E46s to get to the Minis on the lot. Sometimes it's hard to stay focused.

At least they let me park my E36 out front. I used to get some dirty looks from the BMW salesmen when pulling up in my old E30 with the busted tail light and 'minor rust coloration'.

 

I don't know if you've seen it yet, but Top Gear did a segment on the 130i. It wasn't a 135 but might be similar. It also wasn't in comparison to the Mini, it was rather the R32. It might provide some info for you though. I thought it was a pretty good assessment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8tMh0qB5f8

DJ

 

That's an excellent resource, thank you. Nice site, too.

mb

 

The mini is always going to be way more fun! 135 = ugly as mazdaspeed...yeah faster but so what. Does a mini double sunroof make it faster? It's heavier...but hell yeah, when the top is open the mini is faster with it! Just like when the Z4 came out and everyone liked it but I pull up to one of those now and I think that guy should trade it in for a mini.

 

I dunno, I think the 135i in either coupe or hatch is damned sexy

 

I remember seeing this episode of Top Gear (awesome show, btw) while I was on vacation in England. It was pretty embarrasing (coming from the BMW side, anyway).

 

Yeah, I love that show. I don't know if I take what they say as gospel but it sure is fun to watch.

 

? What are you saying? We have both a 03 Mini S, mine, and a 03 Z4 3.0i, hers. The Z4 is a beautiful car still gets stares, different? Yes, but still all good .

 

It definitely is....anyone who thinks the MINI is the best car ever is a bit crazy:impatient

 

somebody got a rope?

 

Ditto. I like the looks of the 135 as it appears in the magazines. I'm curious to see one in person. Sounds like it may be bigger than what the mag pics lead you to believe. Still, it's kinda cool that they're making a smaller RWD sedan - the new 3s are really big.

 

I realized this morning, as I was following a Z4, that I have yet to see a Z4 coupe on the street. I've seen plenty at the dealer, but none being driven. I still see Z3 coupes regularly.