Stick or Twist - Do I run my M140i to the ground or upgrade?
Discussion
Good afternoon everyone,
I’m currently running a 2019 M140i Shadow Edition auto. I’m the second owner and it’s in really nice condition. I love the car and it's actually my second M140i, my first one was a manual. That said, it’s now on around 71k miles and because I do a fair bit of driving, I’m starting to question whether it makes sense to keep pushing the mileage up (ideally I'd keep it as a weekend car and buy a boring car but I don't have the space)... I do like to daily something interesting and In hindsight I probably should have bought a lower mileage example.
A friend of mine from my time in the motor trade is working at Audi, and he’s made me aware of some very attractive PCP deals on new RS3s. I’ve also been watching reviews from people like Joe Achilles (BMW fanboy) and others who seem to be raving about the facelift. The five cylinder sounds full of character, it’s obviously very quick, and the interior looks a clear step up and much more modern compared to the M140i.
I’ve looked at cars like the M2, but realistically they feel a bit too raw for everyday use. Refinement is important to me. A new M240i also feels like it would be very similar to what I already have, rather than a proper step forward.
I’d really like to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have moved on from an M140i to a new mid 2024-now RS3, or know someone who has.
Am I overthinking this, or does a new RS3 actually make sense as an option? especially with the five cylinder engine likely to be discontinued in the next year or so due to Euro 7 regulations. Because the residuals are good the monthlies are decent (I know this doesn't justify it's high price)... but I'd be going base spec with Pan roof, I would never spend 80k on an RS3.
Would really appreciate some honest opinions and apologies if it's been discussed a million times before.
I’m currently running a 2019 M140i Shadow Edition auto. I’m the second owner and it’s in really nice condition. I love the car and it's actually my second M140i, my first one was a manual. That said, it’s now on around 71k miles and because I do a fair bit of driving, I’m starting to question whether it makes sense to keep pushing the mileage up (ideally I'd keep it as a weekend car and buy a boring car but I don't have the space)... I do like to daily something interesting and In hindsight I probably should have bought a lower mileage example.
A friend of mine from my time in the motor trade is working at Audi, and he’s made me aware of some very attractive PCP deals on new RS3s. I’ve also been watching reviews from people like Joe Achilles (BMW fanboy) and others who seem to be raving about the facelift. The five cylinder sounds full of character, it’s obviously very quick, and the interior looks a clear step up and much more modern compared to the M140i.
I’ve looked at cars like the M2, but realistically they feel a bit too raw for everyday use. Refinement is important to me. A new M240i also feels like it would be very similar to what I already have, rather than a proper step forward.
I’d really like to hear any thoughts or experiences from people who have moved on from an M140i to a new mid 2024-now RS3, or know someone who has.
Am I overthinking this, or does a new RS3 actually make sense as an option? especially with the five cylinder engine likely to be discontinued in the next year or so due to Euro 7 regulations. Because the residuals are good the monthlies are decent (I know this doesn't justify it's high price)... but I'd be going base spec with Pan roof, I would never spend 80k on an RS3.
Would really appreciate some honest opinions and apologies if it's been discussed a million times before.
Ok, NOT the same but I have a same age BMW 120D and a 2016 Audi TT.
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
Chris_91 said:
What are these PCP deals you speak of?
I haven't gone into numbers with the dealer yet, not even driven one. I did have a quick look on CarWow and one dealer came back with almost 8k off by taking PCP, assuming base spec with just pan roof as an option. Apparently the optional final payment is quite big because of the strong residuals and although it doesn't make the car 'cheaper' it does allow to spread the cost well over time. If I was to buy one new it will probably be a keeper and would just invest the balloon payment now, so it's ready to be paid off.Sway said:
Is the lease taking into account the high mileage you do?
Tbh, I'd be quite happy taking the 140i well beyond 100k miles if you like it, and it'll be a hell of a lot cheaper doing that than shifting to leasing.
I do between 8-10k a year at the moment. Yeah of course it will be a lot cheaper sticking with what I've got but in 4 years it will probably be well over 100k miles and most definitely won't be able to get a new RS3 5 pot then. I always swore I'd never buy new but the Euro 7 rules and everything going electric makes me wonder if I'd regret delaying... there's a lot of us car enthusiasts who may well drive up the cost of these last chance hurrahs in the future... perhaps I'm being paranoid...Tbh, I'd be quite happy taking the 140i well beyond 100k miles if you like it, and it'll be a hell of a lot cheaper doing that than shifting to leasing.
Terminator X said:
We have a RS3 on order so I can tell you in Mar 26 
Look at all the write-ups, a storming car just before it dies a death.
TX.
Interesting... what colour/spec/options did you go for? I was sad to see the B&O isn't an option on the facelift. I think I'd just get the pan roof tbh as I'm right at the top of my mental threshold of what I can spend on a car!Look at all the write-ups, a storming car just before it dies a death.
TX.
Frimley111R said:
Ok, NOT the same but I have a same age BMW 120D and a 2016 Audi TT.
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
Thanks for your input mate, I appreciate it. Which gen RS3 did you drive out of interest? Apparently the new facelift in late 2024 completely transformed the car, apparently better steering feel than BMW... but again I'm yet to try.The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
Lovely car the Emira, my mate has a lease one... 4 pot AMG engine and it's rapid.
If you do a lot of miles I’d suggest keeping the m140i and buying some upgrades for it. It has the b58 so is more than capable of safely handling a lot more hp for not much outlay. Add to that an lsd and suspension upgrade and you’ve effectively got a new car!
I’d say financially the rs3 would be a bad move. But you might fancy the change, regardless.
You don't sound convinced tbh
Do you own the 140 outright?
If I was in your shoes, it would be down to the affordability of the overall situation. If the £500/£600 per month was chicken feed, crack on. Keeping your current car is ALWAYS the cheaper option but sometimes that's not the whole point..
Life is too short, but sometimes you do need to use your head rather than heart
Do you own the 140 outright?
If I was in your shoes, it would be down to the affordability of the overall situation. If the £500/£600 per month was chicken feed, crack on. Keeping your current car is ALWAYS the cheaper option but sometimes that's not the whole point..
Life is too short, but sometimes you do need to use your head rather than heart
sleepo98 said:
Terminator X said:
We have a RS3 on order so I can tell you in Mar 26
Look at all the write-ups, a storming car just before it dies a death.
TX.
Interesting... what colour/spec/options did you go for? I was sad to see the B&O isn't an option on the facelift. I think I'd just get the pan roof tbh as I'm right at the top of my mental threshold of what I can spend on a car!Look at all the write-ups, a storming car just before it dies a death.
TX.
TX.
You've got to ask what could have been done in a face lift to 'completely transform the car'. Tbh, that sounds massively like car journalism nonsense to me (like every gen of 911 suddenly solved an issue with something that reviews of the prior gen either didn't mention as a problem, or was actively praised).
The other thing to bear in mind, is ADAS nonsense...
The other thing to bear in mind, is ADAS nonsense...
Similar but not the same for me. I had an M2 Comp and switched to a 2018 TTRS.
I found the M2C s whole cabin a lot more low rent than the Audi. The 5-pot engine is in a completely different league of quality from the M2C s, and sounds absolutely fantastic. Due to the Quattro the performance is available a lot more of the time, which is nice in an every day car.
The BMW has more powerful brakes, and a slightly sharper front end.
The new RS3 looks absolutely fantastic and I am sure is a great car, but it’s a load of cash to put down.
I found the M2C s whole cabin a lot more low rent than the Audi. The 5-pot engine is in a completely different league of quality from the M2C s, and sounds absolutely fantastic. Due to the Quattro the performance is available a lot more of the time, which is nice in an every day car.
The BMW has more powerful brakes, and a slightly sharper front end.
The new RS3 looks absolutely fantastic and I am sure is a great car, but it’s a load of cash to put down.
Similar but not the same for me. I had an M2 Comp and switched to a 2018 TTRS.
I found the M2C’s whole cabin a lot more ‘low rent’ than the Audi. The 5-pot engine is in a completely different league of quality from the M2C’s, and sounds absolutely fantastic. Due to the Quattro the performance is available a lot more of the time, which is nice in an every day car.
The BMW has more powerful brakes, and a slightly sharper front end.
I found the M2C’s whole cabin a lot more ‘low rent’ than the Audi. The 5-pot engine is in a completely different league of quality from the M2C’s, and sounds absolutely fantastic. Due to the Quattro the performance is available a lot more of the time, which is nice in an every day car.
The BMW has more powerful brakes, and a slightly sharper front end.
sleepo98 said:
Frimley111R said:
Ok, NOT the same but I have a same age BMW 120D and a 2016 Audi TT.
The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
Thanks for your input mate, I appreciate it. Which gen RS3 did you drive out of interest? Apparently the new facelift in late 2024 completely transformed the car, apparently better steering feel than BMW... but again I'm yet to try.The BMW has been faultless over 110k. The TT is and feels like a cheap hatch back with a nice bodyshell. The quality of it is nothing like as good as the BMW and I regret swapping from our 3.0 Z.4. Superficially it looks nice and the plastics are nice but then engines (2.0 turbo) have their issues, the rear spoiler leaks, the coolant system.... well you get the idea.
The RS3 is nice BUT its a big lump of cash for an admittedly very fast/nice sounding 5dr hatch. I've driven one RS3 and it was quick but felt quite remote/isolated and oddly unexciting (but it was only a 20 mile drive).
For that money make sure it really is as good to drive as it seems on paper but check out what you can get for that money elsewhere.
Also, don't under-estimate the cost of car finance. On my £70k Emira it was £13K! (I got mine on 0% otherwise I wouldn't have been able to stomach that much interest).
Lovely car the Emira, my mate has a lease one... 4 pot AMG engine and it's rapid.
Saw a lovely green RS3 yesterday and thought it looked fantastic, I would certainly be looking myself if they were not so expensive. 80k is ludicrous for a hot hatch in my opinion.
The BMW could be improved as suggested with the birds suspension and lsd, maybe a remap if you wanted some more grunt but this all comes at a cost too.
No issues with running it into the ground really if well looked after.
The Quattro system is attractive to me for a daily driver in all conditions, I know a lot of people say you don`t need it but I bet the BMW is a real handful in anything other than dry conditions.
The BMW could be improved as suggested with the birds suspension and lsd, maybe a remap if you wanted some more grunt but this all comes at a cost too.
No issues with running it into the ground really if well looked after.
The Quattro system is attractive to me for a daily driver in all conditions, I know a lot of people say you don`t need it but I bet the BMW is a real handful in anything other than dry conditions.
Edited by Belle427 on Monday 29th December 07:44
If it helps we've got a facelift F20 M135i (2015) so the "less reliable engine", now has 132k miles on the clock.
The suspension and steering bushes need an overhaul but only things that went wrong in the time we've had it (7.5yrs) were:
Cooling hose in bonnet shut split (new hose <£30)
Valve cover gasket (£150 inc labour)
Exhaust clip rattle (pennies)
AC stopped working - TBC
Engine still pulls strongly and the infotainment is still passable
The suspension and steering bushes need an overhaul but only things that went wrong in the time we've had it (7.5yrs) were:
Cooling hose in bonnet shut split (new hose <£30)
Valve cover gasket (£150 inc labour)
Exhaust clip rattle (pennies)
AC stopped working - TBC
Engine still pulls strongly and the infotainment is still passable
kiethton said:
If it helps we've got a facelift F20 M135i (2015) so the "less reliable engine", now has 132k miles on the clock.
The suspension and steering bushes need an overhaul but only things that went wrong in the time we've had it (7.5yrs) were:
Cooling hose in bonnet shut split (new hose <£30)
Valve cover gasket (£150 inc labour)
Exhaust clip rattle (pennies)
AC stopped working - TBC
Engine still pulls strongly and the infotainment is still passable
Without wanting to get too off topic for the OP, as an owner of a facelift F20 M135i also, can I ask if you had the rod bearings replaced and at what mileage, and also assuming you are auto, at what mileage/s did you do a ZF8 gearbox service? The suspension and steering bushes need an overhaul but only things that went wrong in the time we've had it (7.5yrs) were:
Cooling hose in bonnet shut split (new hose <£30)
Valve cover gasket (£150 inc labour)
Exhaust clip rattle (pennies)
AC stopped working - TBC
Engine still pulls strongly and the infotainment is still passable
Mine is approaching 70k and will be having the ZF8 service in the new year but I'm reluctant to do rod bearings just because the internet says they are a weak point as I have heard many get to high mileage like yours with just regular oil changes.
Coincidentally, my only expenditure in 2 years other than servicing and modifications, has been the valve cover gasket replacement due to a leak. I sorted the exhaust rattle by removing the plug so the valve is always open.
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