Just for fun, I decided to graphically compare the side views of the 135 Coupe and the E46.
I scanned the side view out my E46 Coupe’s owners manual (in black), then scaled up the image from the 135 Coupe’s brochure to match (in red), and overlaid it so the front wheels are in the same spot.
Some interesting differences for the 135:
- wheelbase and trunk just about split the overall reduction in length.
- both windshield and rear window more upright, trunk opening ends up about the same.
- significantly higher hood, belt line, and of course overall height.
I guess the higher hood is partly due to the new pedestrian safety regs in Europe that specify a minimum crush distance.