M135i ?

[AlexGTT]

Originally Posted by 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.

I heard the same thing.

Originally Posted by Curly

Yeah got very popular since Alex's reports

What can I say John, we are trend setters.

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by AlexGTT

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.

[_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. 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.

[_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.

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]

Originally Posted by lawsy

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.

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.

[shane@mbtech]

Originally Posted by HFLagos

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.

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]

Originally Posted by lawsy

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.....