I have an 09 Z and have been thinking about trading it in for a 2012 bmw 135i. I see you have owned both cars (08 bmw 135i has the same powerplant as the 2012), I wanted your objective opinion on each as far as power and driving experience between the two. I'm assuming you started with the JB4 and panel filter so you would know the increased power feel.
On my Z I have intake (gen 2, so probably not much help), exhaust, test pipes, and uprev tuned. I love the Z, but it's just not enough power for me anymore and just to squeeze out another 20-30 HP (PPE headers and plenum mod) would be costly (1,500$), plus the TQ could not even come close to the 135i. Basically, is the power of the 135i w/ the JB4 and panel filter significantly noticeable over the Z? It would have to be much faster, like throw me back in my seat fast for me to make the switch. I know there is much more potential from there, but that will come over time. I see the numbers below for the 335i, but I'm looking for an opinion based on owning both. Completely disregard looks, just your opinion solely based on how much more noticeably quicker is the 135i over the Z.
My apologies for the long message, but I do appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. It's a big decision and I can't imagine getting advice from anyone better than you, who have owned both cars. Your private message box is full, that's why I posted it here.
yea my 335 is the n54 motor and I have a JB4 Piggyback tune, Catless Downpipes, and a meth kit... I should be around 425 whp and 480tq with good fuel with just over 1000 into the car... its a friendly platform for nice power, but not for BIG power yet as the fuel system is a challnge to upgrade... Just now are single turbo kits coming into play
Hey Chuck, did you chip ur 335i yet?!
I went to a bmw meet and those guys were putting down some serious power from just a chip and exhaust.
Most of them went with Berk's!
Your Bazooka install looks awesome, super clean. It looks like a few other people have gone a similar route - good base while eating up no extra space. How do you like it?