BMW M135i vs Mercedes A35 AMG: Which Should You Buy?

Church's Performance have both this M135i and A35 AMG for sale currently, and they invited me down to see which one's better... Do you agree with my decision?
Church's Performance: www.churchsperformancecars.co...
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Thanks for watching! :-)

[@swagitup1brown102]

M135i allday💥💥🙌🏾

[@harddiillion]

Another well constructed video - this guys content is one of the best - keep it up mate and thanks for plugging us here - I would pick a golf r over both of these all day!

[@matp111-9]

I know the star of the show is meant to be the two cars, but I cannot get over the 5 star production quality of the video. Very engaging content.

[@M135iboost]

Bought my M135i 2 years ago from church’s, great people to deal with, very happy with my purchase.

[@Iam.SpiritMpumi]

Would love a full review of that 1 series, do you happen to have a link/handle?

[@guest5659]

Drove both then went for the A35, not much in it at all comes down to personal preference. The m135i felt slightly better rounded but ultimately dull when pushing hard.

[@leedaughtrey352]

You need to add that this company buy all top end cars, thats what they specialise in, I bought a Audi TT years ago, couldn't touch one the same spec any where in the country for the price, they are truly experts in finding these cars.

[@craigblakesley4397]

A35 every time, great episode, great review 👏👏👏

[@DEWDLES]

Getting my a35 next week can’t wait

[@pablofieldo2289]

Can anyone advise which has the comfiest seats?

[@steve37ist]

What would have been funny is if your old golf R was still on the forcourt lol and you had the chance of an AMG A45 but you went for the BMW M140i

[@MotechPerformance]

Great M135i it’s TRL old demo car 🏆🏆

[@diegoescobar1573]

Great content thanks

[@hampshirephoto]

Thanks!

[@aiuchi101]

Is the merc exhaust standard 🤔🤷🏾‍♂️

[@davidthomas7424]

Everybody different bm with kit and in black right wheels would be sick but merc in black as standard is amazing as well, maybe both with a tune would sway decision 🤔

[@hxmza7861]

I’d have the m135i

[@maverick4177]

Neither, especially not from the most overpriced dealer out there 🤣

[@airmax90_king93]

I lean ever so slightly towards the M135i

[@calum2403]

I’d have the M135i, the Remus back box and the Motech kit is just amazing

[@GBFeb72]

Agree with the Remus and some bits from Motech. The motech Bola wheels are spot on

[@shadygiz]

yup, i had the OPF remus race system fitted on mine back in september at Motech, sounds a totally different car. Getting some pops on downshift now even with OPF still fitted

[@polopolopopo]

don't forget the expensive fuel and maintence

[@kipdrordy6858]

@@polopolopopo the maintenance is really not expensive at all if you're taking care of your vehicle

[@jackmillar3565]

Is it not a a45

[@scottbell6166]

M135i for me

[@GodSon10]

You should move from a golf r to an rs3 to an a45s imo

[@Iam.SpiritMpumi]

TheM135i is a stunner👌🏾

[@indytakhar7776]

The A35 has 19” wheels not 18” like you stated @4:50 - but great video 👏🏽

[@duncandunn1930]

Standard is 18 inch wheels

[@Radiation580]

M135i All the way💙

[@robinhosleftfoot]

How does this twin clutch compare to the torque converter on daily driving? Smooth as or jerky compared to TC?

[@simonhancock518]

Golf 7R to M235i GC owner, its barely noticeable in daily driving, slightly notchier, thats it. However that adds to the fun a bit as it makes it feel even faster and aggressive.

[@Usman123391]

A35 hands down!!

[@r4nn3rd]

M135i once motech have handled it 💪🏻

[@CJax749]

The grille on the bmw ruins it imo😬

[@r4nn3rd]

In black and in person is 100x better 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CJax749]

@@r4nn3rd I don’t doubt it😁

[@jgplaybjgplayv6910]

BMW's rear looks so goood

[@henrik5360]

We test drove both cars before we went for the m135. The biggest reason is that the road noise in the a35 is incredibly loud compared to the bmw. The amg also has a really low roof, soo me being 6'3 had a hard time fitting in it... Also the ground clearance is suuuper low on the amg, at 10.3 cm I think, so we could not even drive it at our home area because of the speed bumps... It has the same ground clearance as a Lamborghini huracan which is insane to me.

[@Barrick_Creative_Media]

@henrik5360 I agree. I'm just switching from a 2017 Mercedes A200 having test drove a two year old M135i three days ago. The BMW is way quieter than even my older Merc. I viewed an A35 AMG but didn't take it out. The fit & finish of the interior just isn't as good as the BMW. I collect the M135i in a few days. Can't wait 😁

[@i.s.3458]

M135 clearly sounds better and is faster but A35 looks better inside and out (better from front only imo)

[@scottp4547]

I got a a35, love mine. Put a tdi tuning box on mine and a pipercross air filter, wind deflectors, and tinted front windows. Gloss black on badges and on the front grill bars Plenty fast enough for UK roads

[@OA-nc2fc]

Does the tuning box make a huge difference? How comes you put an air filter on ?

[@scottp4547]

@@OA-nc2fc it seems like it does, but not ever dyno’d it I just heard the pipercross filters r better I not a boy racer by any means I 33 The tuning box does seem to make it faster but cud all be just physiological

[@Buzzshot_GW]

Careful with the tuning box mate-better off getting a map. Heard of more than a couple people having problems with them

[@scottp4547]

@@Buzzshot_GW as in what problems?

[@matthewallen2725]

Look on car wow and the head to head on these two cars and the m135i beats the A35 to the line. But I’m the owner of the m135i and so biased 😁

[@guest5659]

Top gear and Evo prefer the A35 so go figure.... Personally I think it's a mistake if you base your purchase on a review rather than your own requirements.

[@vladbalan2730]

Simple, any of them

[@projectr2451]

The M135i and AMG A35 are definitely very similar. I wouldn’t imagine that they are more similar to each other than the S3 and Golf R are to one another.

[@imetajOfficial]

wich should you buy mmm the s3 cuz it's the fastest more luxurious stronger engine stronger gearbox so ye

[@JeffreyPWest]

Ordered my first ever BMW the M135i. I wouldn’t go near rear-drive M140i. I guess I’m the customer these cars are chasing. Still plenty of choice for something more … scary? I’ve also ordered this colour - actually called Storm Bay. Prefer the standard grille over this gloss black version, too. A35 interior looks great, but maybe not as well-built and the BMW’s plenty stylish enough.

[@rossharley9016]

Same here, the M140i is laughably ugly, great engine in the B58, highly tunable but an ugly vehicle and not fun in the wet, I love the xDrive system

[@simonhancock518]

@@rossharley9016 Agreed, I've got an M235i GC Xdrive and was being followed by an M140i (closely, thought he was a clever shit). Driving near York, road was a bit damp, came off a roundabout and floored mine up to 60mph, i was off, watched him in my rear view mirror try to do the same and he was all over the place, i could see his rear end fishtailing from a distance. I obviously hurt his feeling as he nearly caused a crash a couple of minute later trying to over take me and few other cars at the same time.

[@XoLEGENDZoX]

The Mercedes looks so much better IMO, internally and externally! Understand it’s personal preference though

[@lordyacht]

The Audi S3 is way better than both of these.

[@doomldn718]

@@lordyacht The new Audi S3 is trying way too hard to look sporty. Looks awful

[@Sorry24538]

@@lordyacht they ruined the new s3 they put so much more work into the new golf r

[@easyerc2226]

bmw for me

[@KungPaoSauce]

Just bought a A35 gonna pick it up next week. Previous ride was a F21 M135i. This new one just doesn't appeal to me and it's no longer a BMW to me because a real BMW is 3.0L six cylinder haha.

[@louisn6256]

A35 looks a lot better inside but outside the bmw looks nicer Mercedes are always miles ahead with interior design but I would have to go with the bmw it’s more of a man’s car the Mercedes is the women’s option in my opinion

[@danwellman9104]

M135i all day love mine with all the m performance accessories. A35 is gutless and slower than the m135i and is so noticeable when you jump from one to another but personal preference

[@guest5659]

The BMW has more torque so yes it does feel a tad more urgent on the roll but neither car is hardly what you call slow. Also the BMW isn't as fast in the twisties, the A35 I felt can carry more speed and has more drama through the corners due to the set up.

[@SH7SH7SH7]

@@guest5659 a35 just looks way better inside and out so I’d take that over the bmw. The real world difference in speed wouldn’t be much I reckon (coming from a tuned M240i owner)

[@adifferentangle7064]

Sure, if you take the motor out.

[@bigmoney4685]

The m140i should be an xdrive aswell.

[@robinhosleftfoot]

Wish it was but only in LHD

[@aiuchi101]

Ok so would you get a 18 plate m2 or 19 plate A35 help me out?

[@jim8462]

M2 don’t even need to think about it just go start one up and you will be sold of the noise alone

[@aiuchi101]

@@jim8462 fair play, been juggling the idea for some while now and keep coming back to these two. Defo will have to book test drives after lock down 👊🏾

[@scottp4547]

Ain’t the m2 dated tho inside

[@aiuchi101]

@@scottp4547 now you see my dilemma

[@scottp4547]

@@aiuchi101 no I love my a35 So many ppl comment on it Not all about speed Is so much more modern

[@MarcSob22]

M135 easy!!

[@derricktan6146]

Tried both car. For a daily car and some track use, I would pick the m135i. First thing I would change would be the tyres PS4 S. I would say if you are a boy racer, A35 would be the car for you.

[@EskiLdn]

boy racer in a automatic ....?

[@hazzard8760]

Its taken me a while but having my new AMG A45S delivery from Mercedes Swindon on Thursday. Then off to DMS in Southampton for an upgrade from 420bhp to 480bhp. Gives 0 to 60mph 3.1 secs and 100mph in a tad under 7secs. Can't imagine where I would use that sort of power but its nice to have it tucked away under the bonnet. Love my Q cars and always have. No roof spoilers, fins or upgraded exhausts on the AMG. Plain and simple with just the standard twin exhausts giving it away. Love to hide my light under a bushel, Sorning my (14 year old from new) R32 in storage as they are becoming collectable now. Can't get over the fact that the power of the AMG is almost twice that of the R32 which was and still is no slouch. Happy days ahead...

[@mindevo]

yeah right/...🤣

[@Mr.SVE86]

BMW 135M, I would buy a X Drive. You definitely can’t go wrong with another!

[@Buzzshot_GW]

35 all day 💨

[@stonboy]

You could tell he was going to go with the A35 very early on in the review from previous bias. It’s an interesting view, I’ve just bought an m135 having tested both. He keeps mentioning how the merc is the quicker car. It really wasn’t when I tested it and the lower torque figure really left it wanting. I wouldn’t care because I loved the look of the A35, however when I tested the m135 it was instantly the drivers car of the two. When I brought the A35 home to try in the garage, a neighbour popped over who’d just sold his. He began to list off reason after reason to avoid at all costs. Poor seats on longer journeys including sagged leather. Poor interior build quality, having to pack up areas of dash to prevent creaks. Constantly in and out of the dealership for issues.

[@km4089]

I test driven both and I totally agree, The BMW m135i is far better quality all round, the seats were much more comfortable and supportive and made a far superior daily with the option of fun when needed.

[@stonboy]

@@km4089 yeah well we are 2months in on the 135 now. Initially I really wanted the merc more so for the looks. I’ve just got ours back from the body shop, with the full m performance kit installed. So pleased we made this choice as I’ve now grown to prefer the looks of the BM

[@Smartsparky]

Must be the BM Luke!! My mate has the merc and he’s had issues.

[@Matthew-nq9lj]

I've had my A35 for 6 months got the premium plus and not had any issues so far!

[@OA-nc2fc]

@@Matthew-nq9lj shoulda got aero pack

[@Matthew-nq9lj]

@@OA-nc2fc Its either get the aero pack and pay 600 pound tax a year or not get the aero pack and pay 150 when you can add the wing at a later date

[@OA-nc2fc]

@@Matthew-nq9lj but wont be oem parts. Pain in the ass to get all canards and stuff. aero pack night edition alloys look 10x better imo.

[@Matthew-nq9lj]

@@OA-nc2fc You can put that on your order then can't ya!

[@richardpearson6774]

A35 AMG looks so much better both interior and exterior ✌️

[@madars88]

If you like quality then go for bmw

[@denorian331]

The A35 AMG is faster and "cooler" but the M135i Performance is better in build quality and materials

[@scelonc637]

A35 🔥🔥🔥😍

[@chrisarmstrong6997]

Interior in the Mercedes is better in my opinion

[@underdawg2743]

They downgraded the previous 140i to the current 135i by a whole 40 bhp. What's the point buying it over the 140i then?

[@rossharley9016]

It's supposed to double as a daily but give you nice performance as well whilst remaining fuel efficient, whereas the old car was all about performance hence the 3L B58 engine which guzzles

[@yansue819]

Did someone put the wind splitter on the a35 to the m135i?

[@v811gfg]

I hate the paint on the Merc, BMW much better paint but apart from that it is a hard choice.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@v811gfg Have you heard of something called matte paint....

[@v811gfg]

@@JohnGuidetti751 Yes that and satin are the hardest to maintain give me a regular paint evey time.

[@ryancooper3804]

I have a 2019 A250 and 2022 M135i, Merc interior does look better visually but in my experience (also had A200) the Merc interior is cheaper made than BMW. Lots of rattles from Merc interior which is the same as A35. BMW feels much better made.

[@kampira1]

The difference in interieur I see that immediate.

[@jasperwardaux4217]

M135i (bias) 👌🏻

[@Benjay1975]

I hate to say it the new 1 series is terrible .

[@PistonRhapsody]

Love the M135i

[@andreiarama8745]

Teh steering wheel is heated : you should try a sweater also

[@andrewnicholls5082]

Prefer the exterior of the M135i, it’s fresher and a lot different to previous generation 1 series. The A series isn’t massively different in looks to the previous gen and is starting to look dated. Can’t deny the dash in the A35s grabs your attention straight away but I wouldn’t buy a car based on its infotainment system. The BMW is better quality , the Merc , more bling. Personally I’d rather go for a 2 series or a JCW Clubman.

[@mattytaylor4410]

M135i clear

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

A35 such a premium looking car.

[@jasonhallam2644]

such a crappy looking car, looks like a ribbed condom

[@chrismlarge1]

I agree mate looks amazing

[@jonathanlfccortis5006]

Mixed opinions & it all boils down to personal preference, I guess! Personally, I think the BMW has an all round better build quality, a lot of cheaper “scratchy” plastics in the Mercedes. The exterior of the Mercedes is also looking dated compared to the BMW. But they are both lovely cars in their own right👌

[@alkj6212]

BMW!

[@dsldude1152]

Merc interior looks tacky as hell imho, must be my age.

[@RsDv5]

I feel the complete opposite, my dads e63 has made me fall in love with the new merc interiors

[@93455Driver]

Agree, not a fan of the look or the squeaky build quality (first noted this when watching the Throttle House Merc reviews). Not a fan on the crazy BMW new gauges either :/......definitely my age.

[@TheABS2820]

I don’t care about the interior. Even if it’s the best hot hatch in the world it’s still a hatchback n I don’t prefer them for no reason.

[@xgh0stf4zex]

Who cares.. just buy the car you want.. I got for my self a M135i Mperformance.. so everyone has his own choice to buy what he wants.. it's still just a car..

[@staycasual7203]

It’s life or death, bro

[@simonoldnall6458]

I went for a high speck 135i yes the A35 may have better inside but the bmw engine is bullet proof while the mercedes still not sorted the problem with there engines that can end up costing loads and mercedes after care can be crap , i had a 2019 m1 then a 2019 A200 and bmw much better to deal with so ive had a 2023 improved m1 135i

[@derekporter66]

A class front headlights look terrible. 1 series could now be a kia if there was no badge.

[@FastDriver318]

Neither, save your self a lot of money and get a M140i

[@stevelongmore7836]

And then learn to drive it before you write it off going round a bend ☺️☺️

[@martinevans1256]

Merc every time

[@rdh67dh]

The 128ti is less money and even or better driving.

[@gtiguy76]

pick the beemer

[@steveo8533]

The a35 looks better and has the better gearbox, it’s a shame bmw don’t use the zf.

[@denizerdem933]

of course a35

[@alexmies825]

A35 for me, 100%

[@mulletthehunter7163]

Going through this predicament at the moment. As a rule I don't like BMW's. I currently have an a200 amg line but want something with 300hp that's not a golf. The a35 just doesn't really do it for me looks wise. The amg bits look really pathetic. The wheels are lame and the spoiler looks like a cheap add on and doesn't suit it. Not much else to choose from so now looking at the bmw which is growing on me. Shame the interior doesn't have a bit more Pizzazz!

[@darrenwalters6339]

M135i lci or the m140i. Not these 2 A class’s 😂

[@TheABS2820]

Glb35

[@marofox123]

I think the golf 8 R is the best with the performance pack with drift mode

[@DaleSteel]

The new r looks nice but its a golf so automatically disqualified for been boring

[@OA-nc2fc]

Bruh it’s a vw. So boring

[@spy2sa54]

True. My mind says Merc but my heart says BMW😭

[@Buzzshot_GW]

May as well get the merc. Nothing “bmw” about the 135i anyway

[@Radiation580]

Go for bmw, the interior quality is much better

[@taffyboy1978]

The M135i stops at 2018 for me, and pre lci being my preference. I think the latest one looks like a Ford Focus, which is ok but not for me. Plus the engine is way too small

[@rossharley9016]

300+ bhp Rear wheel cars and UK winters don't go together... I've seen it plenty of times with the old M135/m140i's lying all over the place, I wouldn't touch them plus they look absolutely awful, look like an old shoe or a rollerskate

[@taffyboy1978]

@@rossharley9016 opinions mate. My M135i was 430bhp and never had a problem

[@sbeck123]

M135i for me all day long! Interior quality is far superior to that in the A35. It has proper buttons not the haptic controls found in the new Golf R or the fake Lamborghini vents found in the new S3 (the new VAG cars feel like they’ve been done on the cheap inside). Exterior looks of the M135i aren’t to everyone’s taste, but I like the design direction, hence why I bought one!

[@w00t777]

yes, the BMW for sure. The A35 have issues only after 3 months of ownership, with rattling interiors. Quality is just not there, which is real real shame

[@FusionTechCinema]

Of course you’d say the bmw is better because you own one so you’re biased but from an actual distant pov the benz is definitely better in quality.

[@sbeck123]

@@FusionTechCinema I’ve owned both actually. A35 is slower and although the interior looks good, the quality of finish is poor. I moved it on very quickly in favour of the BMW.

[@jamesmarsh2828]

@@FusionTechCinema the amg is undeniably worse quality its nothing to do with bias

[@OCOWGTR27]

Neither. Why pay 10k more for the same as a golf r? just buy the R if thats what you want. the BMW isnt as good as a 140, the A35 isnt as good as the 45, but both cost more than competitors

[@ricklane8554]

MB!!

[@oliduffell3412]

Yeah I’d have the new S3 (coming from a M240i owner)

[@slen6293]

135i all day. Exterior looks better, it’s got a bit more pole too. Though if it wasn’t for VAG terrible infotainment system I’d be tempted by the mk8 golf R. Genuinely not a fan of the A35 cabin at all. Build quality is poor, user interface not as good as bmw, looks chintzy and cheap. Subjective but that’s my opinion.

[@staycasual7203]

What’s “pole”? Bro.

[@slen6293]

@@staycasual7203 poke... fat thumbs over here brother 😂

[@staycasual7203]

@@slen6293 I forgive you brother, peace to your fat thumbs 💯👍🏻🙏

[@stobart1993]

BMW have ruined their front end with the grill its totally put me off them i rather drive the mercedes benz a35 tbh

[@paulanthony2024]

A35 100% better inside but the BMW looks nicer outside

[@danburgephoto]

The roads you were driving on is my commute to work which is weird😂

[@maxnaidoo2152]

Even as a BMW fan, I would take the A35. Utterly terrific car. But Golf R is the best all-rounder.

[@GodSon10]

Exactly, you cant go from a golf r to any of these

[@daris3673]

I think the s3 takes the all arounder titel

[@maxmorris4562]

bmw is better

[@simonhancock518]

I've gone from a Golf 7R to an M235i GC, its a step up in my opinion, build quality, the feel of the drive, the lack of the stupid child like pops and farts. The only thing thats a tiny let down is the lack of full DSG box. As long as you're not a traffic light warrior you wont miss that in daily driving. Most people who comment on these videos have never had either.

[@michaelcameron2292]

BMW for me nicer interior better looking and both deliver on performance so looks and comfort for me

[@Tsukuyomi8]

The BMW has mediocre reviews at best while the AMG has the better driving experience

[@Michael-yz4mc]

M135i all day and that’s from an S3 owner. The A35 is gutless, trust me.

[@Buzzshot_GW]

Why trust you 😂

[@Michael-yz4mc]

@@Buzzshot_GW Just a saying mate calm down. The reason I say it is because most car journalists and KZbin channels have ulterior motives etc. I have driven all of the above and a fair few others and it feels noticeably slower. Once rolling it didn’t feel much faster than a GTI PP.

[@Michael-yz4mc]

@@Buzzshot_GW I see why it hit a nerve seeing as you bought one lol 😂

[@Radiation580]

M135i💙

[@dianeaskew6432]

The bmw looks better in the back

[@Honky_Konky_Phooey]

A35 modern day hairdressers car, beemers front grill is gash, but beemer for the win👌

[@shiftytaco8688]

First time I’d heard it called a hairdressers car. Sounds like you’re just being salty because he thinks it’s better.

[@Honky_Konky_Phooey]

@@shiftytaco8688 nothing salty buddy I had an A45 that sounded far better but it was an awful car , the A35 is just too quiet , A badge thing with the Mercedes for the money golf r far better all rounder 👌

[@robinhosleftfoot]

@@Honky_Konky_Phooey Latest A45 or previous model?

[@Honky_Konky_Phooey]

@@robinhosleftfoot it was back in 2018 fl model guy before me had it 1 year and specked it to a staggering £51k every option you can think of race mode with trick diff etc, still have private plate I bought for it on retention, I bought it with 1300 miles on the clock just hated it uncomfortable terrible understeer I was glad to get rid , my golf now is half the price but twice the car 🚙

[@robinhosleftfoot]

@@Honky_Konky_Phooey Latest is supposed to be improvement, but how long before engine goes bang given how stressed it is.....

[@bogdaz4078]

Merc is miles apart for spec and mods