Perhaps they know best, but would a potential M customer really consider a non-M car because of the LSD?

Hmmmmmm.... maybe a fraction of a percent would be swayed to a 335i over an M3?

 

Did a little research...

My understanding is none of the current, or former standard 3 series cars had the E differential. Rather, it is in the 135i, and stated (by BMW) to be in the new 335is.

 

If they are using braking to mimic LSD, then it is no better than the ABD in the E46 and E90.

I still hang on the BMW boards, so it will be interesting to see if these 3 series guys still install a real LSD or if they are satistied with this.

My guess is they will still be installing a real LSD.

 

Alot of the 335 guys end up installing the Quaife LSD.

Has anyone even done an M3 v8 swap into the 135i yet? If no, it should be done

 

But it is much better. Lets say this way, a friend of mine has previously swapped an LSD to his Beemers, but now in his 135 he didn't. Not because it is as good as a proper LSD, but because the difference is too small to invest the dollars. It's proper two blacklines allover the place anywhere, anytime. Don't get me wrong, I am a defintive LSD supporter but the 135 ediff is suprisingly good.

One reason behind the non-m (135/335) not having LDS is ofocurse they would be too close on track times to the M. Same reason as the Boxster and Cyaman dont have LSD. And unfortunately LSD is a extra equipment on AMG's, still dont get that....

 

The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.

Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.

So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.

Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead — Autoblog

 

this is unbelievable why would bmw not make a m1??? it would easily be a best seller makes NO sense at all