M135i ?

[outnumbered]

Well I know it's not STRICTLY an M-car, but has anyone seen Chris Harris's video review of this vs the RS3 ? The M135i looks like a decent package, and well priced. No LSD and no DCT option (but Harris reckons the 8-speed paddleshift auto is excellent).

I think if I was looking to move out of the CSL, this would be high on the list.

http://youtu.be/2xwecTp91-o

[John]

Well I know it's not STRICTLY an M-car, but has anyone seen Chris Harris's video review of this vs the RS3 ? The M135i looks like a decent package, and well priced. No LSD and no DCT option (but Harris reckons the 8-speed paddleshift auto is excellent).

I think if I was looking to move out of the CSL, this would be high on the list.

http://youtu.be/2xwecTp91-o

Have to agree it looks a very attractive package, I bought my CSL 3 weeks ago but not until I had spec'd a M135i online about a dozen times. Glad to see Chris' review on video as the written reports where all just as appealing...

Anyway as attractive as it is, I don't regret my choice, CSL just has it all!!

[Curly]

Well I know it's not STRICTLY an M-car, but has anyone seen Chris Harris's video review of this vs the RS3 ? The M135i looks like a decent package, and well priced. No LSD and no DCT option (but Harris reckons the 8-speed paddleshift auto is excellent).

I think if I was looking to move out of the CSL, this would be high on the list.

http://youtu.be/2xwecTp91-o

Hopefully mine turns up next month :) I have not had a test drive in one but going off the reports it looks pretty good admittedly I dont expect it to be a CSL but for me its a work car and maybe the odd trackday. I'm not really bothered about a LSD okay it might lose 1-2 seconds a lap but on the road it wont really matter, i'm just glad its got some decent brakes and tyres, a nice interior and importantly an Auto. It comes standard with leather sport seats and them fancy lights I forgot what they are called :whistle: so if I do turn up on a trackday it should be fun wet or dry for when I'm on track. It comes with a 3year warranty, 5year servicing package, fandango suspension, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and 38 to the gallon all for 28k:)

[shane@mbtech]

Hopefully mine turns up next month :) I have not had a test drive in one but going off the reports it looks pretty good admittedly I dont expect it to be a CSL but for me its a work car and maybe the odd trackday. I'm not really bothered about a LSD okay it might lose 1-2 seconds a lap but on the road it wont really matter, i'm just glad its got some decent brakes and tyres, a nice interior and importantly an Auto. It comes standard with leather sport seats and them fancy lights I forgot what they are called :whistle: so if I do turn up on a trackday it should be fun wet or dry for when I'm on track. It comes with a 3year warranty, 5year servicing package, fandango suspension, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and 38 to the gallon all for 28k:)

It looks a good package John.
My c63 AMG had no LSD and unless I was deliberately getting the back end out, it was fantastic.

You will have to pop down when you get it to show me. You can bring your invoice for me then :thumbs:

Plus you will upset a few people on track in it, it looks like its got some great straight line pace.

[shimmy]

Hopefully mine turns up next month :) I have not had a test drive in one but going off the reports it looks pretty good admittedly I dont expect it to be a CSL but for me its a work car and maybe the odd trackday. I'm not really bothered about a LSD okay it might lose 1-2 seconds a lap but on the road it wont really matter, i'm just glad its got some decent brakes and tyres, a nice interior and importantly an Auto. It comes standard with leather sport seats and them fancy lights I forgot what they are called :whistle: so if I do turn up on a trackday it should be fun wet or dry for when I'm on track. It comes with a 3year warranty, 5year servicing package, fandango suspension, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and 38 to the gallon all for 28k:)

Does sound too good to be true Curly, great economy and performance at a cheap price, with build quality to suit.

I'm not fan of the 1 series looks but the coupe is not so bad as the hatchback IMHO, and I think for those sort of numbers I would def give it a go.

[Curly]

Does sound too good to be true Curly, great economy and performance at a cheap price, with build quality to suit.

I'm not fan of the 1 series looks but the coupe is not so bad as the hatchback IMHO, and I think for those sort of numbers I would def give it a go.

The 135M is perfect for my needs,it's quite plain no big wheels and it's a hunchback,it could be a 116i :)To the average joe.
Ideal when the queen uses it,I speced no badges for it as well;)And it's the same price as a new golf gti so a bit of a no brainer.
Performance I would think should be similar to the 1m because it's 75kgs lighter,as long as it drives well I'm no to fussed about the looks,that's why I'm gonna nickname it little shimmy cos it don't look that good from the front :-D

[Curly]

It looks a good package John.
My c63 AMG had no LSD and unless I was deliberately getting the back end out, it was fantastic.

You will have to pop down when you get it to show me. You can bring your invoice for me then :thumbs:

Plus you will upset a few people on track in it, it looks like its got some great straight line pace.

Will do:thumbs:

I sent that invoice this morning:wink:

Shane have you got any M3 E46 front wheels 18"?

[shane@mbtech]

Will do:thumbs:

I sent that invoice this morning:wink:

Shane have you got any M3 E46 front wheels 18"?

Ive not John sorry,

Look forward to having a butchers at your new car. Would be pretty rapid with just a simple remap. :supz:

[3wheels3]

He's already found somewhere to get the fish done, looking at 400bhp :wanker: :hahaha:

[CSL BEAST]

I like the look of it bet it will be a great car, i am wondering what the m version will be like now though

[AlexGTT]

Might be joining you John. Got one for the day tomorrow. Great value daily and properly economic when needed. Proper scalpping tool.:whistle:

[shimmy]

Might be joining you John. Got one for the day tomorrow. Great value daily and properly economic when needed. Proper scalpping tool.:whistle:

How much Alex?


And do they provide you with a paper bag to hide the ugliness :hahaha:

[AlexGTT]

How much Alex?


And do they provide you with a paper bag to hide the ugliness :hahaha:

If you don't go crazy on options sub £30k. Audi RS3 is £10k more and nowhere near as much fun.

Re: bag..............just use your spare one.:blalalala:

[CraigMillwardCroft]

How much Alex?


And do they provide you with a paper bag to hide the ugliness :hahaha:

Car comes with extra dark tint :whistle:

[AlexGTT]

Had an M135i all day today and it's a proper fun bit of kit. :smt055Almost prefer it to a 1M and I'd say it's damn near just as quick. Put a smile on my face and blatted down my favourite local roads. If anyone has seen Chris Harris's vid I've been using the same roads all day.

Right, here's what I like:

It's proper quick in a real World way such as overtaking and blasting A/B roads speed, so between 40-100mph.

Looks just like a cooking 1 series to anyone, so less attention,etc.

Steering, although not great feel is real quick.

Suspension is so well judged. The body control makes it feel proper M car even though it's not.

The auto box is a stunner and feels more like a DCT. I hate auto's with a passion and it's the first auto car I've ever driven that hasn't pissed me off with it's changes, especially on top of the rev range down shifts into committed corners. If it won't over rev you'll get a downchange - every time with good engine braking effect.:supz: Also super fast upshifts, I'd say faster than the DCT in my M3.

Small and chuckable. I can honestly say it felt every bit as secure on a fast bumpy road as an M3.

Good brakes (at least on road) at last in a BMW!!!

Engine noise is fab! Different World from my old 335i motor. It does what my 8 year old boy called "parps" out the exhaust when you upshift, much like the new M5's. All engineered in but who cares, sounds great when your on it.

Did 19.3 mpg along my favourite road v's low teens in my M3!! Also reset for economy drive and got 36mpg. Impossible in the M3.

Here's what I didn't like:

OK, it doesn't look beautiful............or even close to it but I don't think I care.

That's about it.

I might have one by next week!!!:-D

[shane@mbtech]

Good man.

I'm waiting until John gets his and loans me it for the day to try out. :-D

[Curly]

Nice report Alex glad you liked little shimmy:smokin:Nearly sounds as good as a CSL :whistle:I quite like the ordinary looks ideal Q car mines coming with a 116i badge on the back:-D
A tidy package and good on juice with the 8 speed box and under 30k.

What colour and spec Alex?

Shane soon I I get it I'll be round:smokin:

[AlexGTT]

Get the scalp in a bag ready John.:wink:

Estoril Blue, black leather and light on options. Just 8 speed auto, heated seats, PDC rear, cruise with brake system, sun protection pack and loudspeaker.

It's in stock at my local dealer. Only really wanted auto box and heated seats but it's the right colour and I can collect next week.

M3 is on it's way though.:bigcry:Gonna miss that v8.

[Curly]

I get one of the girls to make you an extra large scalp bag,we're gona have some fun next year;)

Good spec,I'll bet you won't miss the 200 mile between fill up in the V8:bigcry:

[AlexGTT]

That's one of the biggest reasons for the change John. That and having a depreciation monster on the drive that doesn't get driven enough to justify it. Value wise it's just as much fun/££££'s. It really is explosive in the lower gears, anywhere in the rev range and sounds great. With a cheeky remap it'll be really impressive.

Your gonna love it. Let's get a TD in and share the scalps.:hahaha:

Shane, it reminds me of a pint size GTR.

[glendog74]

Get the scalp in a bag ready John.:wink:

Estoril Blue, black leather and light on options. Just 8 speed auto, heated seats, PDC rear, cruise with brake system, sun protection pack and loudspeaker.

It's in stock at my local dealer. Only really wanted auto box and heated seats but it's the right colour and I can collect next week.

M3 is on it's way though.:bigcry:Gonna miss that v8.

Nice one Alex :thumbs:

I'm looking forward to some photos!

I still have a 123d as my daily drive and I have to admit to not liking the look of the new model much in pictures when it was released. However, it is a car that really grows on you and the more I see them up close in the flesh I like! :wink:

[AlexGTT]

I'll get some nice pics on collection Rob. The dealer has a nice, new handover room to pose in.

Agree on looks mate. I reckon the new 1 series looks a bit crap. Prefer the pervious gen like yours. You mapped that 123 yet Rob?

[glendog74]

I'll get some nice pics on collection Rob. The dealer has a nice, new handover room to pose in.

Agree on looks mate. I reckon the new 1 series looks a bit crap. Prefer the pervious gen like yours. You mapped that 123 yet Rob?

Cool!

Nah mate, i was going to but didn't bother in the end as i have been away for much of this year and i plan to swap it in for an E90 Touring next year. Having a 1 Series and a Golf as daily drivers doesn't quite cut it when we have all 3 kids together...! :bigcry:

[Bounce]

Cool!

Nah mate, i was going to but didn't bother in the end as i have been away for much of this year and i plan to swap it in for an E90 Touring next year. Having a 1 Series and a Golf as daily drivers doesn't quite cut it when we have all 3 kids together...! :bigcry:Like this I hope Rob.:smokin:

[Bounce]

Or this one

[sailorbaz]

I'm reading the Ecoty2012 at the moment, (Hi Nick) and watched the DVD last night, have to say the M135i fairly held it's own against some much, MUCH more expensive and track focused machinery.

I remember reading about it when it first come out but just can't get away from it's size and how small it is. I know we've no kids yet, and can change again when that time comes but I bought the E90 M3 to keep a couple of year but slowly falling out with it, mainly due to her drinking habits! 200 miles between fill ups is no joke, the CSL is much better behaved I have to say.

Have to get a drive in one, or more importantly, she needs to get a drive in one.

[AlexGTT]

Cool!

Nah mate, i was going to but didn't bother in the end as i have been away for much of this year and i plan to swap it in for an E90 Touring next year. Having a 1 Series and a Golf as daily drivers doesn't quite cut it when we have all 3 kids together...! :bigcry:

E90 tourer will do perfect mate. 330d or 335d both great.:supz:

I'm reading the Ecoty2012 at the moment, (Hi Nick) and watched the DVD last night, have to say the M135i fairly held it's own against some much, MUCH more expensive and track focused machinery.

I remember reading about it when it first come out but just can't get away from it's size and how small it is. I know we've no kids yet, and can change again when that time comes but I bought the E90 M3 to keep a couple of year but slowly falling out with it, mainly due to her drinking habits! 200 miles between fill ups is no joke, the CSL is much better behaved I have to say.

Have to get a drive in one, or more importantly, she needs to get a drive in one.

My reason for change exactly. M3 is great and done it for a couple of years but the amount of fuel it uses is no joke!:(

Curly.........what spec you having mate?

[_Nathan_]

I'm gonna get a drive in one for the same reasons averaged 14.9MPG over last 2 tanks.

That said, I wonder if the depreciation on an M135i at £30k and new will be worse than my 4.5 year old 50k mile M3 which is worth what £21k max?

[AlexGTT]

I'm gonna get a drive in one for the same reasons averaged 14.9MPG over last 2 tanks.

That said, I wonder if the depreciation on an M135i at £30k and new will be worse than my 4.5 year old 50k mile M3 which is worth what £21k max?

It's a great drive Nathan. Gonna give mine to Ant to have a play with after a few miles under it's belt. Will be mental with a map.

It'd say your right on depreciation. Mine is two and shittin' like an elephant! So I'm out while it's still worth something.:bigcry:

[_Nathan_]

Just specced up a 135i and it came to 34.5k before discount, that is a lot of petrol, really fancy one but stuck with the v8 for the moment I think, with a map it'll be faster than M3 and therefore CSL won't it? Are the diffs welded shut or can you open them and stick Drexler in? :D

[AlexGTT]

Not sure on diff but I'm sure Quaife will do one. They do them through Bird's all the time for 335i's, etc. Expect it's a similar job??

[_Nathan_]

Quaife are shit though, you lose drive completely if you get a wheel in the air over a curb!

Auto M135i with decent seats, set of sticky tyres, remap and a diff will be awesome on track I bet.

[shane@mbtech]

Quaife are shit though, you lose drive completely if you get a wheel in the air over a curb!

Auto M135i with decent seats, set of sticky tyres, remap and a diff will be awesome on track I bet.

My thoughts exactly, on both points

[AlexGTT]

Best speak to Drexler then. It would be a great tool with said mods but I won't be doing too much to it. BMW Performance seats and a cheeky map maybe.:whistle:Comes on Pilot Supersports which will be fine for the road.

[Curly]

:-DWhat you lot like you're not even got the cars yet :)
Alex my spec is
Adaptive sus
Auto
Cruz-parking
3 door
Black leather
White
Cups
Service pack
It came to about 32.5k before discount

[glendog74]

:-DWhat you lot like you're not even got the cars yet :)
Alex my spec is
Adaptive sus
Auto
Cruz-parking
3 door
Black leather
White
Cups
Service pack
It came to about 32.5k before discount

Pink bag? :wink:

[AlexGTT]

:-DWhat you lot like you're not even got the cars yet :)
Alex my spec is
Adaptive sus
Auto
Cruz-parking
3 door
Black leather
White
Cups
Service pack
It came to about 32.5k before discount

Nice John. I guess you need someone else to do the parking at your age.:wink:

I took service pack as well.

[shimmy]

Cups :)

[Curly]

Pink bag? :wink:

Steady sailor :-D

[Curly]

Nice John. I guess you need someone else to do the parking at your age.:wink:

I took service pack as well.

That hurt Alex! :)

[Curly]

Cups :)

Getting one now shim:)

[alexk]

Quaife are shit though, you lose drive completely if you get a wheel in the air over a curb!

Auto M135i with decent seats, set of sticky tyres, remap and a diff will be awesome on track I bet.

I have torsen on my Z3.
I agree it's shit.
Also in snow it doesn't work at all.

[AlexGTT]

That hurt Alex! :)

:goodman: You'll live.:-D

Should be picking it up on Wednesday. :beer:

[AlexGTT]

:goodman: You'll live.:-D

Should be picking it up on Wednesday. :beer:

Saturday now. Need to drive M3 as much as possible this week. I'm gonna miss it.:bigcry:

[Jay55]

Saturday now. Need to drive M3 as much as possible this week. I'm gonna miss it.:bigcry:

Hope your not letting the dealer prep it for you?;)

You want to book it for my new car prep (http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/detailing-services/new-car-prep/) otherwise it could end up being delivered to you like these were

http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/2012/07/bmw-m3-gts/
http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/2012/07/limited-edition-bmw-m3-in-santorini-blue/

[AlexGTT]

Hope your not letting the dealer prep it for you?;)

You want to book it for my new car prep (http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/detailing-services/new-car-prep/)otherwise it could end up being delivered to you like these were

http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/2012/07/bmw-m3-gts/
http://www.exclusivecarcare.co.uk/2012/07/limited-edition-bmw-m3-in-santorini-blue/

Don't worry Jay, your on my list of calls this week. Would you prefer me to drop the car to your place or are you fine to pop to the workshop as normal mate?

[Jay55]

Don't worry Jay, your on my list of calls this week. Would you prefer me to drop the car to your place or are you fine to pop to the workshop as normal mate?

Alex, see if dealer will allow me on site (and can guarantee me enough space) to prepare it before your due to collect it.

I would instruct them not to wash it at all and just carry out the PDi checks

[AlexGTT]

Alex, see if dealer will allow me on site (and can guarantee me enough space) to prepare it before your due to collect it.

I would instruct them not to wash it at all and just carry out the PDi checks

Jay, I'm afraid they already got their dirty mitts on it!:bigcry:Was a stock car in their showroom. I'll make a call and then call you.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Jay, I'm afraid they already got their dirty mitts on it!:bigcry:Was a stock car in their showroom. I'll make a call and then call you.
It will still need doing properly though :-D

[c_w]

I have torsen on my Z3.
I agree it's shit.
Also in snow it doesn't work at all.

Try lifting the hand brake slightly that sometimes makes the torsen lock.

[shane@mbtech]

Try lifting the hand brake slightly that sometimes makes the torsen lock.

Think you are getting mixed up with 4wd Audi and Porsche bud

[AlexGTT]

Picked it up today.:smokin: However, raining so sh*t day to collect a new motor.:bigcry: Here she is in the handover bay.

[shimmy]

Great colour........I'd have left it there and picked it up Sunday on the sun.


Did you trade in the m3

[Jay55]

Picked it up today.:smokin: However, raining so sh*t day to collect a new motor.:bigcry: Here she is in the handover bay.

Best colour:smt023

[AlexGTT]

Great colour........I'd have left it there and picked it up Sunday on the sun.


Did you trade in the m3

Yes.............gonna miss the v8 but forgot all about it halfway home in the 1'er. Engine is truely a cracker.:-D You'll have to have a go Shim. I'll bring it to our lunch date @Simpson's.:wink:

[glendog74]

Very nice indeed Alex - she looks great! :smokin:

Me = envious!

[AlexGTT]

Cheers Rob. Still missing you dude.:bigcry::hahaha: We have to do something soon.:beer:

[shane@mbtech]

Looking great Alex. :beer:

you will soon forget about the V8 when you start filling up less. :supz:

[DazBlackCSL]

Looking good Alex looking forward to seeing it and having a blast Thursday :beer: ;)

[AlexGTT]

Looking good Alex looking forward to seeing it and having a blast Thursday :beer: ;)
:smokin::beer::wink:

[AlexGTT]

Looking great Alex. :beer:

you will soon forget about the V8 when you start filling up less. :supz:


Your not wrong there Shane.:)

[Curly]

Looking cool for the second best colour Alex ;):beer:And no tweaking down at Simpsons :wink:
Looking forward to your next report on the new baby:smokin:

[Roland]

Congratulation Alex :thumbs:

[alexk]

Congrats Alex !

It looks good :beer:

[AlexGTT]

Looking cool for the second best colour Alex ;):beer:And no tweaking down at Simpsons :wink:
Looking forward to your next report on the new baby:smokin:

:whistle:Of course not! So, what's our first TD John?

Congratulation Alex :thumbs:

Cheers Roland.

Congrats Alex !

It looks good :beer:

Thanks Alex.

Well, report won't be long. First cool comment from the guy next door. "Ah ha, new you'd slow down one day but didn't think I'd see you in a 1 series! A bit tame for you isn't it?" Told him it was time I had a sensible car.

:-D If only he knew.:smokin: Love how under the radar it is.

[shimmy]

:whistle:Of course not! So, what's our first TD John?



Cheers Roland.



Thanks Alex.

Well, report won't be long. First cool comment from the guy next door. "Ah ha, new you'd slow down one day but didn't think I'd see you in a 1 series! A bit tame for you isn't it?" Told him it was time I had a sensible car.



:-D If only he knew.:smokin: Love how under the radar it is.


What are the performance figures?



.

[AlexGTT]

What are the performance figures?



.

60 in 4.8 but Evo did an easy 4.5 in the auto one they had and said BMW have been very conservative with the published figures. Chris Harris got one to out drag an Audi RS3 at Brunters. Limited to 155mph. Lapped Blyton same pace exactly as 400bhp+ Alpina B3 GT3.

All I got for now Shim.

[Mark CSL]

Congrats on the new car Alex :partyman:

I am not a fan of the 1 series i have been out in the 1M and i am sure its a great car but i think it looks :moan:and thats the love over :-D

[s.mac]

nice Alex, great colour :smokin:

[Curly]

:whistle:Of course not! So, what's our first TD John?



Cheers Roland.



Thanks Alex.

Well, report won't be long. First cool comment from the guy next door. "Ah ha, new you'd slow down one day but didn't think I'd see you in a 1 series! A bit tame for you isn't it?" Told him it was time I had a sensible car.

:-D If only he knew.:smokin: Love how under the radar it is.

Yeah I like it being quite plain as the queen will be using it more that me,I think it gona get some shakedowns on track early next year:)
Let me know when you fancy one :smokin:

[breeze]

60 in 4.8 but Evo did an easy 4.3 in the auto one they had and said BMW have been very conservative with the published figures. Chris Harris got one to out drag an Audi RS3 at Brunters. Limited to 155mph. Lapped Blyton same pace exactly as 400bhp+ Alpina B3 GT3.

All I got for now Shim.

Nice car Alex.

Do you know if there is an official ring time? According to Evo the B3 GT3 Alpina can do 7:49, which is faster than a stock CSL...

[AlexGTT]

Nice car Alex.

Do you know if there is an official ring time? According to Evo the B3 GT3 Alpina can do 7:49, which is faster than a stock CSL...

I think on longer tracks like Ring, etc. it won't be that quick but certainly quick enough to do in or around 8 mins. On short, tight tracks it'll be a blast. However, I'm sure I'd be fair bit quicker around, say Donny in my CSL.

[AlexGTT]

OK, a little interim report here. Only done 400 miles so not smashing her yet :wink: I know there is no run in period with these but I always like to gently break in new cars from zero miles.

From my first impressions, I think BMW are onto a winner with this motor. Consider what else you can buy in the high priced end hot hatch/small coupe sector? Astra VXR, Golf GTI, Focus RS, Scirocco, etc. by the time you've specced them up your @£30k and plus. The engine and gearbox alone make the M135i twice the car! Then consider proper rear drive chassis, stonking pace, lovely build quality, practicality and 38mpg.

And then there's the noise! It's no exaggeration when I say this car sounds as good as any M car (CSL aside) I've driven over recent years. From inside the car at least, and that's all that counts for me. It makes me laugh because you don't even have to be fully on it at all, it just sings in the mid range. It doesn't sound turbocharged at all.

The auto gearbox is the best auto I've ever driven. Super smooth in auto and just like a very quick DCT in manual flappy paddle mode, up or down the box.

For everyday driving it's ideal. Quiet, smooth, economical one minute. Quick, aggressive, noisy and alive the next and at the flick of switch. Just what a modern day sporty car needs to be.

Then you park it up at the supermarket and nobody gives it a second glance...............apart from pertolheads! I might be imagining it but people who know a bit about fast cars seem to love it more than the M3 V8?? Or maybe they just think I'm less of a :wanker: :hahaha:

[AlexGTT]

Oh and it's still ugly but I still don't care. In fact, it's just starting to grow on me.

[Curly]

Glad your luving it Alex:smokin:What's it gripping like without the diff?

[_Nathan_]

Or maybe they just think I'm less of a :wanker: :hahaha:

Unlikely :finga:

[AlexGTT]

Glad your luving it Alex:smokin:What's it gripping like without the diff?

Actually pretty good John. Reckon it'll only really be missed on track. Having said that, as mentioned I haven't exactly been killing it yet, so I'll reserve judgment just now.

Unlikely :finga:

Can't argue with that. :hahaha::blalalala:

[shane@mbtech]

On the road in my C63 I never noticed the lack of LSD, except when I was being a deliberate hoooooooligan:smokin:

[Trawler]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

[Curly]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

Yeah got very popular since Alex's reports:whistle::-D

[AlexGTT]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

I heard the same thing.

Yeah got very popular since Alex's reports:whistle::-D

What can I say John, we are trend setters.:-D

[shimmy]

Oh and it's still ugly but I still don't care. In fact, it's just starting to grow on me.

It is ugly and hatch is worse than the coupe, it is a problem for me.

As much as the performance shoulda great I can't get beyond the looks. I've test driven 3x 1 series before and can't like them.

However I was admiring a new 320d and I think BMw have got it spot on, the wheels seem to be on spacers and fill the arches and the ride height looks great. I have to say, if they do a M335i I might have to partake!

[AlexGTT]

335i is a great car as well shim but a bit porky and doesn't sound as nice. Super daily though.:smokin:

[_Nathan_]

Thanks to Alex for letting me have a quick blast in the 135, gearbox is the highlight, still not quite as immediate as SMG but for a day to day car pretty near being a perfect blend of snappiness and smoothness, for me I didn't like the feel of the brakes, I think harder pads to get a bit more initial bite would make it more to my taste. It did confirm that I am an NA person though, the throttle response reminded me of my wifes 335i, just that soft edge on it that gives away the fact it is turbo'd and that wall of torque which whilst undoubably quick feels very different from my preferred high revving NA delivery.

Very nice car but upon reflection not for me at the moment as an only car (which is lucky as I couldn't afford one if I'd fallen head over heals in love with it). In 4 years I can see me in one as a mile muncher as the blend of that gearbox with the speed and fuel economy is a really appealing package but would need to be alongside something else.

Alex's combo of CSL + M135i is a very good pair of cars indeed.

[AlexGTT]

Glad you enjoyed it Nathan but you could do with a longer blast on the open road I reckon. Agree on brakes but you do get used to them. They are powerful and don't fade like most BMW M brakes, so improvement in most areas. I think when your used to AP's, etc. they feel over soft (only at top of pedal) but they are probably tuned that way deliberately. I'd probably do harder pads and better fluid when this set need changing.

Sounds sweet as well though, don't you think.:wink: Not bad for a quiet turbo. My old 335i didn't sound anywhere near as nice. Loads of wiz, fiz and crackle. Feel like a right boy racer.:hahaha:

[_Nathan_]

Sounds great but you are right, I need a passenger ride in it on a proper stretch of road so I can concentrate on listening to it rather than using all my effort trying not to crash someone elses car ;)

Thanks again :D

[shane@mbtech]

I think I am going to order an A45 AMG. If I do, it will be rude not to do a comparison with business partners Dad new motor, he has just ordered his m135i.:beer:

On paper the AMG is quicker, but on the road is a different ball game. Anyone can write figures in a magazine, its real world that counts.

[HFLagos]

I think I am going to order an A45 AMG. If I do, it will be rude not to do a comparison with business partners Dad new motor, he has just ordered his m135i.:beer:

On paper the AMG is quicker, but on the road is a different ball game. Anyone can write figures in a magazine, its real world that counts.

Very much look forward to the comparison. Either car has a good chance of joining the family fleet and I'd be keen to read a non-magazine review beforehand.

:beer:

[shane@mbtech]

Very much look forward to the comparison. Either car has a good chance of joining the family fleet and I'd be keen to read a non-magazine review beforehand.

:beer:


He gets his mid to end of March. And I cant order AMG until March. Just waiting back from my Merc guy, see if I can pre-order or reserve etc. But really want to see option lists etc, as its saying £36k, but is that poverty spec?

If a few bits take it to near £40k the M135i will be the better value.

[HFLagos]

He gets his mid to end of March. And I cant order AMG until March. Just waiting back from my Merc guy, see if I can pre-order or reserve etc. But really want to see option lists etc, as its saying £36k, but is that poverty spec?

If a few bits take it to near £40k the M135i will be the better value.

Value wise, the M135i will be hard to beat. Presumably Merc know this so hopefully the £36k list on the A45 AMG will at least have a half decent level of spec.

M135i is ideal on so many levels, but it is a bit of a munter.....:crybaby:

[shane@mbtech]

Value wise, the M135i will be hard to beat. Presumably Merc know this so hopefully the £36k list on the A45 AMG will at least have a half decent level of spec.

M135i is ideal on so many levels, but it is a bit of a munter.....:crybaby:

You would hope so.

I think it will be pretty high spec as base. Ill speak to my mate, and try get some info.

I was speaking to a lady salesperson in Merc the other day. I was asking her about the A45 AMG, she looked baffled. Product knowledge eh. :finga:

[HFLagos]

I was speaking to a lady salesperson in Merc the other day. I was asking her about the A45 AMG, she looked baffled. Product knowledge eh. :finga:

She's probably good at selling Finance, seems to be the key attribute these days for salespersons.

[AlexGTT]

OK, had it nearly 4 months now. Only done 1500 miles but I really like this car. Couple of things aren't the best but very minor. Hate to admit it but I don't miss the M3 at all! Maybe getting old.:(

I'll do a proper write up asap.:wink:

[shane@mbtech]

Ill smoke ya in the AMG:blalalala: (provided I get one)

I cant wait for Wills Dad to get his, give it a good ripping, they do sound nice.

[shimmy]

OK, had it nearly 4 months now. Only done 1500 miles but I really like this car. Couple of things aren't the best but very minor. Hate to admit it but I don't miss the M3 at all! Maybe getting old.:(

I'll do a proper write up asap.:wink:

Like the ugly looks :):119:

[shane@mbtech]

Like the ugly looks :):119:

7361

[shane@mbtech]

the 135i is growing on me although I do prefer the A45 on looks.

[shane@mbtech]

7362

[shimmy]

Very capable both, but neither good looking I am afraid.

I'd really struggle to buy a 1 series , and I've been close a few times.

[shane@mbtech]

I agree, but both are better looking in the flesh.

[AlexGTT]

Fugly bland looks for sure but I kind of see that as an advantage. Nobody (apart from sado car freaks :whistle: ) give it a second glance and in my old age that appeals to me.

The number of knobheads I had to deal with in the M3 was crazy. They get all stupid when you don't play their game. Had one bunch of lads in a Maxpower Astra who tried to swerve into me on a dual carriageway because I didn't want to race them! :mad: Something similar happened once with wife and kids in the car! Sick of all that shite. Get absolutely non of that in the munter 135......or the CSL come to think of it, which is strange.

[AlexGTT]

Road and track test report please John...........................:-D

Only done 2200 miles in mine! Must try harder.