Camaro SS vs BMW 135i

[06blownSS]

So what do you guys think? Camaro SS vs the thinner happier version of the 335, the bmw 135i. Stock for Stock.

My cousin bought himself a 135i with the M package which includes all the emblems the suspension wheels and upgraded exhaust. I took a drive in it and it certainly is fast... on paper they are pretty much identical also with the advantage slightly to the camaro's favor so its a toss up. I wish I had my SS now so I can know the answer in the real world

[Georgie]

going with SS vs anything with that turbo BMW engine. i much prefer the 6.2L V8 to those twin turbos. thats me though

[MAROobsession]

yea my next door neighbor got a 135 about a month ago. tounting me the other day t race, i said wait a couple months till i get my camaro . personally hate the squished took of the 135, but i bet it handles phenomenally

[fldrummer]

Stock vs. stock, I'd give a slight advantage (in a straight line) to the SS, but the 135i would eat it up in the twisties. Just look out for the 135s that have the piggyback computer systems that up the boost; you could be in for a surprise! I was actually considering a 335i with one of those setups before deciding on the Camaro. A lot of guys with those setups are running mid-12s--so easy to make more power with those. However, we have much better (and more affordable) aftermarket--one of my deciding factors on getting an SS.

[Crowley]

My car before this one was a 135i .... stock for stock it would be a toss up straightline, in the twistys Id give it to the 135i ... it is a great looking car for a great price. That twin turbo 6 acts like a small V8 .. LOTS of low end grunt in that car ...


Crowley

[Mojave]

These cars are so close to each other on 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times. I just hate the smashed look of the 135.

[Georgie]

i think its more than a hair faster in the quarter. the camaro traps higher and is 13 flat. could be wrong but the 135i iirc does it in 13.3 and traps 105 to the camaro's 110

[Mojave]

Edmunds had different numbers. Driver is going to make the difference here

[Georgie]

i'm seeing 13.3 ~104/105 and 13.0 ~110 fairly consistently everywhere. i'm pretty sure straight line the advantage goes to the camaro. also looks, but that's subjective.

[jsdaniels]

I only have the 128i, and from the numbers its slightly better then the V6 Camaro, obviously no challenge for the SS. But the 135i is a monster car for the little 3.0 TT'd inline six that BMW has put in it. One of the fella's I work with has one and its just insane. We both have gotten our 1'ers on the Nurburgring and the handling of these cars are phenomenal.

I know I know, why am I posting? In 1.5 years I plan on trading "up" to a Camaro 2SS! But no doubt if you're only a stock SS do be aware of those 135i's with Dinan Stage 3's or any of the other ECU flashs. They can be pretty potent. the 300+ Torque kicks in at about 1650 RPMS and maintains there.

Either way though, I love my BMW and like the 135i's even more but you can't compare a Inline 6 vs an American V8!

[Hooy]

I have a 328i coupe right now, and it handles extremely confidently. Whenever I drive bigger heavier cars, I take turns and curves with much more caution.

[themossman]

I believe you have to be wearing a skirt when you drive the 135...but I could be wrong... (I kid...I kid...)

My last car was an E46 M3 and I was stoked when the announcement was made that the 135 would come to the states...but I was also intent on getting the E92 M3. The price difference was eating me up...so I waited until both cars were on my dealers lot and drove them back to back to back...to back (E46 M3, 135i, E92 M3, E46 M3)

I walked away with the following opinion:

First...I loved the E46 M3...fast, super tight, handled ridiculously well...as well balanced as all the rags said it was. (I only sold it in anticipation of the depreciation due to the E92)

The 135 was nice. It has a funny little shape to it and looks like a small car, but really isn't that small. It's pure BMW. Very well made, it just feels right. It was very quick...but not what I would call fast. In the corners is had a bit of body roll and was not nearly as crisp as an 'M' series BMW. I would not give up an E46 M3 for a 135...never.

The E92 M3...wow...you don't get into that car...you put it on. It feels perfect the minute you shut the door and grab a hold of the steering wheel. The car is super silky smooth (yeah...I said it...super silky smooth) and clearly insulates you a bit from the pavement your rapidly chewing up. It's very tight, yet gives just enough so that it's extremely comfortable. But...IMO...it was not something I would spend $65k on...I would be in a P-car for that kind of money.

I left the dealer that day a little disenchanted...until I saw that the Camaro was coming to market...then all was well.

So, to your question....135i vs Camaro?

Not. Even. Close.

If you want a quick little luxury car....the 135 is a good choice. Otherwise...not so much.


Also...one of my next upgrades to my car will be suspension...I'm just waiting for companies to get the configs sorted out and tested...I will not be an early adopted in this area... When I'm all said and done, my Camaro will chew up and spit out an E92 M3...and I'll have about $15k extra in my pocket.

[BOBSS]

buying experience, BMW
Interior, BMW
Handling, BMW
Invisibility, BMW

stares, waves, thumbs up, smiles, people running to see it, swarming in parking lots, questions while you're driving, Camaro

my buddy and I had this debate over the last few months. I ordered in January, he ordered in May, delivery a week apart.

It's a personality thing. His wife is driving the 135
Interesting comparison, I have no regrets. Open Headers......

[JewelZ]

I was so deep into the 128i before I finaly talked myself out of it. I didn't think the Camaro was goin to be in my life ever! When I found out I couldn't find the bimmer I wanted and I would have to order it I decided why not wait for the Camaro, cuz that's all that was holding me back. But little did I know it would have been a 6 month wait vs 1 month with the bimmer lolz. But, I'm happy with my decesion.