M135i - best discounts and finance rates?

M135i - best discounts and finance rates?

Author
Discussion

Crafty_

13,248 posts

199 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Was going to post pretty much the same as above, the lci gets LED headlamps and it would appear the funky beam splitting system for oncoming traffic will be there too. Not sure if that's a good thing on a "more to go wrong" basis.


Can anyone give some insight on reports of bad traction/grip in the wet/poor weather? Have seen a few write ups from owners saying they treat the throttle like treading on eggshells in the wet And suffering poor traction. Is it really that bad? Coming from a quite agressive Fwd car am I going to end up backwards in a ditch somewhere?
Such a shame they don't do xDrive in them.

JuanGandini

1,466 posts

138 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Crafty_ said:
Can anyone give some insight on reports of bad traction/grip in the wet/poor weather? Have seen a few write ups from owners saying they treat the throttle like treading on eggshells in the wet And suffering poor traction. Is it really that bad? Coming from a quite agressive Fwd car am I going to end up backwards in a ditch somewhere?
Such a shame they don't do xDrive in them.
I probably have a driving style akin to a granny but even so, I thought I'd comment on your question in case it helps. Traction 'off the line' is absolutely fine in the wet or cold IF you're progressive with your inputs. Mashing your foot on the gas won't get you very far so it's just about learning the inputs required to make safe progress. In the dry with warm PSS tyres then you have more leeway.

You do need to take care (as with most quick cars) that you don't set off on cold tyres driving at 10 tenths straight away as you'll just burn the shape of an orange traction control light onto your retinas.

It's fundamentally a fast road car so I'd certainly not say a bit of rain means you have to treat the throttle like treading on eggshells whatsoever. It's a very usable and friendly animal and you have various driving modes at hand too which help you out if you're that worried (eco pro makes progress leaden, comfort is nice middle ground and sport/sport + are just hilarious fun).

jon-

16,497 posts

215 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Crafty_ said:
Was going to post pretty much the same as above, the lci gets LED headlamps and it would appear the funky beam splitting system for oncoming traffic will be there too. Not sure if that's a good thing on a "more to go wrong" basis.


Can anyone give some insight on reports of bad traction/grip in the wet/poor weather? Have seen a few write ups from owners saying they treat the throttle like treading on eggshells in the wet And suffering poor traction. Is it really that bad? Coming from a quite agressive Fwd car am I going to end up backwards in a ditch somewhere?
Such a shame they don't do xDrive in them.
330 bhp a turbo and summer tyres will mean you're traction limited in the first 2 gears in cold and wet conditions.

The traction control won't let you stuff it into the hedge, even on the first stage of "off" it's still VERY difficult to spin (but possible)

Turn it all off and it's a twitchy little thing. Needs a diff.

Crafty_

13,248 posts

199 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Thanks guys, that sounds more positive.

Current car can be somewhat limited in poor weather but it is at least predictable.

From what I read I think I may have a relatively 'safe' way of driving rwd, but my only experience of driving one quick is VXR8s around Thruxton, which I would guess is somewhat different to a 135 on the roads.

Local dealer tells me official release date of the facelift is 28th March. I guess that might mean a bit of delay for test drive while dealers get demo cars.

DibblyDobbler

11,257 posts

196 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Crafty_ said:
Such a shame they don't do xDrive in them.
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks this! It's not a very 'PH' point of view but I have found the lack of traction an issue and given the choice again I'd probably go for the Golf R. I do live in Scotland mind but I don't think I've deployed full throttle in 1st or 2nd since last October grumpy It's like having a 300 Bhp car and being told you're only allowed to use 200 of them...

Crafty_

13,248 posts

199 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Seems you can get xDrive in a 120d (4 cylinder).

I wonder if anyone at BMW is doing their sums, in Europe I think an xDrive is 10% more or so.
If they did RHD xDrive here and upped the price by a similar amount the "real" price is going to be less than a Focus RS with the same/similar power?

If you are reading BMW, announce it now because I will be peed off if I buy and then you release it... smile

I started looking at the Golf R because of the draw for 4x4, but its an expensive car because the 18" wheel is horrible, so you need to upgrade for £900, this gives you 19" wheels and I'd prefer to stay on 18s. The interior isn't all that to be honest, the seat material reminds me of a mk3 cavalier and the white bits are a bit, well, tacky. The leather option is an almost criminal £1700 and I've read most of it is actually vinyl, only the seat bases are leather. The car is more expensive to begin with and thats another £2600 of options we've just racked up before we start looking at auto headlights etc.

Also, I was reading something from an owner where he said that its a quick car but not mind bending quick, takes it all in its stride. 280lb/ft is less than a M135 and my current car. I can remember driving golfs before - it did exactly what was asked of it, but it had no character, it was totally uninvolving and this guy's comments reminded me of that.

Dealers are also taking the mickey at the moment, I was offered a 9-10 month old car with a few options at £30k. A new one from a broker is £27k (admittedly no options on it).

The more I look at the BMW the more its growing on me. Waiting for the website to get updated so I can see what options there are. Does the cheaper nav option give you a bigger screen ? I'm sold on the "full black panel" option and I guess heated seats but not sure what else there is.

Edited by Crafty_ on Monday 2nd March 19:25


Edited by Crafty_ on Monday 2nd March 19:47

AlexJ12

161 posts

156 months

Monday 2nd March 2015
quotequote all
Picked mine up yesterday, got it on 2 year business lease on a 9+23 at 254 + vat a month not the cheapest but no means the dearest deal i've seen, apparently the best deals were to be had about 6-9 months ago.

Mines Mineral grey/red leather/auto and comfort pack couldn't see the point in load up the extras if I'm never going to own it.

Only done 80 miles in it so far and its a cracking bit of kit.

elliot174

6 posts

108 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
I am just looking into purchasing a M135i as i have been after one for some time. Due to the facelift coming out the current model is really affordable with a total of 22% discount on a 48 Month PCP.

The car I am looking at purchasing has the following options;

Metallic Black
Black Dakota Leather
Heated Seats
Driver Comfort Package (PDC Rear & Cruise Control Brake Function)
Sun Protection Package
Professional Media
Auto
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Harmon Kardon
Piano Black Trim
Headlight Wash

Is there any more options you would recommend having with the car? I would of liked electric folding mirrors but the only ones I can find with this don't have the Harmon Kardon. As I far as I can see this is a nicely specced car and suitable for myself

Look forward to your replies

Cheers

Elliot

Smuler

2,286 posts

138 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
Black, in my case ruby black, with black leather and piano trim is my combination so I'm biased, but good choice.

electric mirrors, I think, are really only useful if in tight spaces where you would need to fold both sides in, just wind down your window and fold in drivers' mirror if, say, you're squeezing up a tight for space street.

I have a used car, so had little choice on spec but do like the comfort access; something I would never have thought of. but overall, in your position I would grab this car.


DarylB90

150 posts

110 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
elliot174 said:
I am just looking into purchasing a M135i as i have been after one for some time. Due to the facelift coming out the current model is really affordable with a total of 22% discount on a 48 Month PCP.

The car I am looking at purchasing has the following options;

Metallic Black
Black Dakota Leather
Heated Seats
Driver Comfort Package (PDC Rear & Cruise Control Brake Function)
Sun Protection Package
Professional Media
Auto
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Harmon Kardon
Piano Black Trim
Headlight Wash

Is there any more options you would recommend having with the car? I would of liked electric folding mirrors but the only ones I can find with this don't have the Harmon Kardon. As I far as I can see this is a nicely specced car and suitable for myself

Look forward to your replies

Cheers

Elliot
It looks a very well spec'd car!
No mention of black panel display though?

JuanGandini

1,466 posts

138 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
DarylB90 said:
elliot174 said:
I am just looking into purchasing a M135i as i have been after one for some time. Due to the facelift coming out the current model is really affordable with a total of 22% discount on a 48 Month PCP.

The car I am looking at purchasing has the following options;

Metallic Black
Black Dakota Leather
Heated Seats
Driver Comfort Package (PDC Rear & Cruise Control Brake Function)
Sun Protection Package
Professional Media
Auto
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Harmon Kardon
Piano Black Trim
Headlight Wash

Is there any more options you would recommend having with the car? I would of liked electric folding mirrors but the only ones I can find with this don't have the Harmon Kardon. As I far as I can see this is a nicely specced car and suitable for myself

Look forward to your replies

Cheers

Elliot
It looks a very well spec'd car!
No mention of black panel display though?
That's included with the pro nav I believe.

xcentric

722 posts

218 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
Full black panel display is the only thing missing off mine - it's a must-have, I think. If it's in the pro-nav, fine, but I'd check to make sure. Makes it look much more modern from behind the wheel.

the standard display is fine, but nowhere near as cool. was gutted when I realised I'd left it off the list, and chased hard to try to get it on, but have got over it now. honest.

elliot174

6 posts

108 months

Monday 9th March 2015
quotequote all
JuanGandini said:
DarylB90 said:
elliot174 said:
I am just looking into purchasing a M135i as i have been after one for some time. Due to the facelift coming out the current model is really affordable with a total of 22% discount on a 48 Month PCP.

The car I am looking at purchasing has the following options;

Metallic Black
Black Dakota Leather
Heated Seats
Driver Comfort Package (PDC Rear & Cruise Control Brake Function)
Sun Protection Package
Professional Media
Auto
Adaptive M Sport Suspension
Harmon Kardon
Piano Black Trim
Headlight Wash

Is there any more options you would recommend having with the car? I would of liked electric folding mirrors but the only ones I can find with this don't have the Harmon Kardon. As I far as I can see this is a nicely specced car and suitable for myself

Look forward to your replies

Cheers

Elliot
It looks a very well spec'd car!
No mention of black panel display though?
That's included with the pro nav I believe.
I am going down to BMW tonight so I will be snapping up this car! I did think that about the mirrors to be honest, I have them on my current mini but I think I've folded them in once over the 18 months of ownership!

The black panel display is part of the Professional Media according to the Car Spec Sheet.

Can't wait to get the deal done and be in the car!

Looking at going up to Lake district for a good driving weekend, Any recommendations on other good driving roads? The location is still undecided as of yet!

Cheers

matt21

4,285 posts

203 months

Saturday 14th March 2015
quotequote all
Went to Bedford today with friends to watch after a long flight yesterday, but as the morning passed I really fancied taking the M135i round. A quick chat and an impromptu half day session was sorted.

I expected it to be good but it exceeding my expectations by far. It felt quicker than 320bhp, noticeable quicker than an older 135i and slowing gaining on E46 M3 on straights. The auto box, which was sublime helped I am sure.

Suspension was great, as were the brakes which didn't have much fade. Even the TC, which I kept on, did a good job, nicely feathering the throttle round fast corners. The whole car was rapid, and flattered the driver. All passengers were highly impressed.

Car sounded better and better as day progressed, and was faultless. Even got 36mpg on way home.

Only downside was 7.5mpg, next service dropping from 14,000 to 10,000 in 90 miles, and a lot of tyre wear. All to be expected!

I did post above this thing was a bit boring, but I now take it back. Give it the space to do what it can do and it excels.

gangzoom

6,254 posts

214 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
Crafty_ said:
I started looking at the Golf R because of the draw for 4x4
Why? Are you planning to take up gravel road rallying wink

I've had my tuned 335i (380bhp) for the last 4 years, driven it in snow, rain, single track roads, down the autobahn.

Never once have I wished I had 4wd, surely part of the fun of something like a M135i is having the tail slide a bit, having to judge the conditions of the road and modifying your throttle input to suit??

DibblyDobbler

11,257 posts

196 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
There's a roundabout which leads to dual carriageway near me - perfect for booting it. Driving there yesterday in the M135. Give it medium throttle in second - arse wiggles around + tc light on. Bugger, try third - same again even on part throttle. Eventually get going in fourth. An S3 or Golf R would be half a mile down the road pissng themselves by this time - not that much fun, sorry.

I like the car but for me a 4WD version would be great...


Accelebrate

5,244 posts

214 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
Anyone else topped up the oil yet? Mine requested a litre yesterday after 10k.

I'm considering getting it serviced early, as the way it'll fall at the moment I'll end up having it done just before it goes back.

Max M4X WW

4,789 posts

181 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
I think I've put 1.5L or so in mine during 9500 miles, really annoying that it doesn't do its own checks every so often as when I go to check oil it often says it needs it!

Crafty_

13,248 posts

199 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
gangzoom said:
Crafty_ said:
I started looking at the Golf R because of the draw for 4x4
Why? Are you planning to take up gravel road rallying wink

I've had my tuned 335i (380bhp) for the last 4 years, driven it in snow, rain, single track roads, down the autobahn.

Never once have I wished I had 4wd, surely part of the fun of something like a M135i is having the tail slide a bit, having to judge the conditions of the road and modifying your throttle input to suit??
As dibblydobber says, traction - especially in bad weather. Cold, dark winter morning you just want to get to work and not have to dance around the icy roads, if it snows ? just forget it.

The problem with the R is it drives like a N/A car, no kick in the back, no surge of torque. It does everything you ask of it, ultimate white goods - therein lies the problem, I got out of it unimpressed for £28-30k.

I'm (still) wavering on an M135. In the mid to high 20s I am convinced its much better value than the golf and possibly the A45. But its a lot of money (for me anyway). Currently used ones have strong residuals - to the point that you are actually better off buying new. I've had some doubt put in my mind on that, based on people thinking that golf Rs on cheap leases will push prices down in this whole sector and M235s putting pressure on 135s too.



Ideally 80% of an M135 in a used car for £20k would suit me, but it appears I'm asking for the world on a stick frown

Accelebrate

5,244 posts

214 months

Sunday 15th March 2015
quotequote all
Max M4X WW said:
I think I've put 1.5L or so in mine during 9500 miles, really annoying that it doesn't do its own checks every so often as when I go to check oil it often says it needs it!
I'm ashamed to say it does. Mine reached min and requested 1L whilst I was driving along the M40.