But where to spend your money if you are looking for a stylish, fast and exciting two door with enough practicality as to not offend the newly frugal masses? This means, of course, that you want something with actual back seats and a trunk that can withstand a sojourn to the overstuffed aisles of Costco. Who doesn't need a five year supply of peanut butter and aspirin?
You are also going to want something a little bit more exclusive that speaks to how hard you worked. So that excludes the worthy yet rather plebian Accord and Altima Coupe. An Audi A5 is a worthwhile alternative but until they install the turbocharged 6 cylinder in the base model it will still play second fiddle to its Germanic nemeses. The BMW 135i and the 335i.
If you believe what is being written in the media, it appears that our economic free fall is slowing somewhat. Even car sales are beginning to stabilize. And while the trade in your old clunker for cash deal being offered by the government will no doubt spur sales in the economy sector (our gift to Hyundai and Kia), improving economic tides no doubt mean that it is no longer considered a politically correct no-no to buy yourself a stylish coupe. If you can afford one then it must also mean that you worked hard enough not to be deemed an incidental (read: expendable) employee.
But where to spend your money if you are looking for a stylish, fast and exciting two door with enough practicality as to not offend the newly frugal masses? This means, of course, that you want something with actual back seats and a trunk that can withstand a sojourn to the overstuffed aisles of Costco. Who doesn't need a five year supply of peanut butter and aspirin?
You are also going to want something a little bit more exclusive that speaks to how hard you worked. So that excludes the worthy yet rather plebian Accord and Altima Coupe. An Audi A5 is a worthwhile alternative but until they install the turbocharged 6 cylinder in the base model it will still play second fiddle to its Germanic nemeses. The BMW 135i and the 335i.
As two of the best driver's cars on the market today, the 135i and 335i share the same twin-turbo 300 horsepower straight six engine that has been named as one of the world's best time and time again. So you have decided you are going to drop your cash at your local BMW dealerbut which one should you buy? Here are five things to think about when shopping at your BMW dealership for one of their fine coupes.
Unless You Are a Total Poser Do Not Get a 328i or 128iWhile the base model versions of these cars are fine for the people who like to have their model logos removed, why would you step up to a BMW if you couldn't afford the best version? And if you look at BMW's leases the price differential for the bigger engine equates to about $40 a month. If you can't afford that then maybe you should be looking at something less expensive. The non-turbo sixes in the 128i and 335i are also rather gutless when saddled with an automatic but more on that later.
Do Not Get Suckered Into a 6-SeriesUnless you favor stomach churning depreciation and styling that makes your coupe look like a radioactive goldfish, avoid the 6-series at all costs. Too much technology and not enough driving enjoyment are the final stakes in the coffin for this bloated and corpulent two door. If you want to buy one here is a thoughtlook in the mirror for five seconds and then slap yourself silly.
If You Can't Decide Between a 135i or a 335i Here are Some Simple Equations, The 135i only carries four people and is lighter than the 335i which can carry five people. While five people might not enjoy riding in the 3-coupe, at least they will all have seatbelts. Another question to consider is are you leasing on buying? The difference in cost between a 135i and a 335i similarly equipped in a recent factory subsidized lease came to about $30 a month with similar down payments. On the other hand, if you are buying the 135i becomes far more attractive as the 335i on average can cost up to $8,000 more. But as with any BMW, this all depends on option choices.
BMW 135i
BMW 335iIt's All About Looks BabyReally any coupe decision rests on which model makes your heart go pitter-patter. Some people love the 2002ti aping looks of the 1-series while others appreciate the more grown up sophistication of the 335i. That is a decision only you can make. My only thoughts on the two models are that I think a 135i should be sparsely optioned (no need for an idrive navigation controller here) while the 335i benefits greatly from more generous specification. So if you all you want from your BMW is a pure man/machine driving experience then go for the 135i. If you occasionally carry passengers and like to impress people now and again go for the 335i. Either way, you really can't lose.
