BMW M140i Vs. VW Golf R - Any Experience?

[FocusRS3]

BMW 1 SERIES
M140i 5 door M140i Hatchback
8 OPTIONS INCLUDED
Edit Options
ON THE ROAD PRICE
£28,106

Seems pretty good to me?

[Crafty_]

Try [e-mail]

Try TRL on BabyBMW too, I forget where he is now as he's moved around quite a bit.

Your local dealer may match these two, but I don't think you'd get much cheaper.

I don't know if he still does but TRL used to supply coast2coast when at a previous dealership, I wouldn't be surprised if he took the business with him.

[FocusRS3]

5 door Hatchback
Paint: 
Solid - Alpine white
Trim: 
Dakota leather - Black, Hexagon aluminium trim with black high gloss finish
 
Options: 
Sun protection glass
Heated front seats
Adaptive M Sports suspension
Solid - Alpine white
Dakota leather - Black
Hexagon aluminium trim with black high gloss finish
Driver comfort pack with front/rear park distance control - 1 Series M140

£28103

[FocusRS3]

Crafty_ said:

Try [e-mail]

Try TRL on BabyBMW too, I forget where he is now as he's moved around quite a bit.

Your local dealer may match these two, but I don't think you'd get much cheaper.

I don't know if he still does but TRL used to supply coast2coast when at a previous dealership, I wouldn't be surprised if he took the business with him.

Tks mate

[QuattroDave]

Crafty_ said:

Try [e-mail]

Try TRL on BabyBMW too, I forget where he is now as he's moved around quite a bit.

Your local dealer may match these two, but I don't think you'd get much cheaper.

I don't know if he still does but TRL used to supply coast2coast when at a previous dealership, I wouldn't be surprised if he took the business with him.

TRL is heathrow BMW, coast2coast southern dealer is Gatwick.

TRL can usually beat C2C as they can cut into the C2C fee.

I've heard nothing but good things about TRL (he's on babybmw) and he's just bought a 140 himself so he's really passionate about these cars!

[FocusRS3]

QuattroDave said:

TRL is heathrow BMW, coast2coast southern dealer is Gatwick.

TRL can usually beat C2C as they can cut into the C2C fee.

I've heard nothing but good things about TRL (he's on babybmw) and he's just bought a 140 himself so he's really passionate about these cars!

I'm trying to find him now I'm on babybmw too. Starting to forget the amg now

[QuattroDave]

FocusRS3 said:

I'm trying to find him now I'm on babybmw too. Starting to forget the amg now

I emailed him in September, i'll PM you his email address.

Whereabouts in the country are you? Happy to take you out in mine (as demos seem hard to come by at some dealers - mine was the first they'd seen!)

Scrub that, tried emailing you but you've set profile to not allow email contact! Don't want to put it on an open forum

[FocusRS3]

QuattroDave said:

I emailed him in September, i'll PM you his email address.

Whereabouts in the country are you? Happy to take you out in mine (as demos seem hard to come by at some dealers - mine was the first they'd seen!)

Scrub that, tried emailing you but you've set profile to not allow email contact! Don't want to put it on an open forum

Dave ive just amended my email status! hadn't realised id set it like that. I'm Essex based mate

Actually i would like 'head up display', is that an expensive option?

Edited by FocusRS3 on Friday 11th November 20:32

[FocusRS3]

Couple of quick questions-

1, how essential is the adaptive dampers for road use?

2, many go for the performance exhaust option and how good is it?

[JNW1]

FocusRS3 said:

Actually i would like 'head up display', is that an expensive option?

Unless it's changed recently I didn't think Head Up Display was available on the 1-series?

[Crafty_]

QuattroDave said:

TRL is heathrow BMW, coast2coast southern dealer is Gatwick.

TRL can usually beat C2C as they can cut into the C2C fee.

I've heard nothing but good things about TRL (he's on babybmw) and he's just bought a 140 himself so he's really passionate about these cars!

TRL was at a dealer near Heathrow (Berrys). He then moved to another dealer further in to London (I forget which) and then moved again to the outskirts (it might have been Coopers) I'm not sure if he's still there or not. Hence I said he moved around a bit. It was said on BabyBMW back when he was at Berrys thathe did supply cars to C2C.

Far as the dampers go - the difference between the modes is quite obvious, the ability to soften the car up for a longer drive was attractive, or in an area of potholes (where I found the passive car to show itself up a little). Sport mode stiffens it up nicely for when you want to play. Are the adaptive dampers essential ? no - but then no options are. Preferable ? in my book yes.
Do note that quite a few people find the stock car (of both types) to have a bit too much body roll and the rear too high so they buy a set of Eibach springs to drop it a little, I've seen lots of positive comments about the change but I've not followed as yet.

You can always get the exhaust later if you like - any dealer should be able to obtain it (Cotswolds BMW are likely to give you the best price though). If you ordered it with the car it'd only be a dealer fit thing anyway.

I haven't read of any problems with it. One thing I would mention - the 135 (and I assume the 140, but I don't know for sure) opens the exhaust wastegate on cold start to heat the cat. Early on a quiet morning its quite loud even with the stock back box, with the M exhaust it would be even louder, possibly embarrassingly so. I don't know if the 140 does it - be worth asking over on babybmw.

[Lites]

Crafty_ said:

I haven't read of any problems with it. One thing I would mention - the 135 (and I assume the 140, but I don't know for sure) opens the exhaust wastegate on cold start to heat the cat. Early on a quiet morning its quite loud even with the stock back box, with the M exhaust it would be even louder, possibly embarrassingly so. I don't know if the 140 does it - be worth asking over on babybmw.

I have the MPE on my M240i, it does exactly this. I personally don't mind it as my neighbors all seem to be petrolheads, but it does make me think twice when parking outside friends homes when I know I'm leaving late...

[FocusRS3]

Crafty_ said:

TRL was at a dealer near Heathrow (Berrys). He then moved to another dealer further in to London (I forget which) and then moved again to the outskirts (it might have been Coopers) I'm not sure if he's still there or not. Hence I said he moved around a bit. It was said on BabyBMW back when he was at Berrys thathe did supply cars to C2C.

Far as the dampers go - the difference between the modes is quite obvious, the ability to soften the car up for a longer drive was attractive, or in an area of potholes (where I found the passive car to show itself up a little). Sport mode stiffens it up nicely for when you want to play. Are the adaptive dampers essential ? no - but then no options are. Preferable ? in my book yes.
Do note that quite a few people find the stock car (of both types) to have a bit too much body roll and the rear too high so they buy a set of Eibach springs to drop it a little, I've seen lots of positive comments about the change but I've not followed as yet.

You can always get the exhaust later if you like - any dealer should be able to obtain it (Cotswolds BMW are likely to give you the best price though). If you ordered it with the car it'd only be a dealer fit thing anyway.

I haven't read of any problems with it. One thing I would mention - the 135 (and I assume the 140, but I don't know for sure) opens the exhaust wastegate on cold start to heat the cat. Early on a quiet morning its quite loud even with the stock back box, with the M exhaust it would be even louder, possibly embarrassingly so. I don't know if the 140 does it - be worth asking over on babybmw.

Tks Crafty. So do some find the car too harsh in comfort mode are you saying? I'm coming from a list of GT porsches so more than happy with a firm ride.

I did find the car y'day a little quiet but take your point re looking a donut at times although again Porsche sports exhaust on Porsches are v loud

[Crafty_]

I would say the passive car is a bit harsher over crappy surfaces than the adaptive in comfort mode. eco mode is quite a bit softer than the passive car and sports stiffer. The change of mode is obvious even to passengers. I don't find the car wallowy at all in eco but it does soak up poor surfaces and bumps better.

Ask on BabyBMW if anyone is near you who can demonstrate ? I would do so, but I'm probably 100 or so miles from you.

As I said they aren't essential, but neither is an auto box or parking sensors or half the other gadgets. If you are leasing do consider that options bump up the price quite a bit.

I read that the exhaust is not intrusive on the move or at idle, I can't comment as I've not experienced one personally, its just the cold start which would be loud, I don't even know if the 140 does it.

[FocusRS3]

Crafty_ said:

I would say the passive car is a bit harsher over crappy surfaces than the adaptive in comfort mode. eco mode is quite a bit softer than the passive car and sports stiffer. The change of mode is obvious even to passengers. I don't find the car wallowy at all in eco but it does soak up poor surfaces and bumps better.

Ask on BabyBMW if anyone is near you who can demonstrate ? I would do so, but I'm probably 100 or so miles from you.

As I said they aren't essential, but neither is an auto box or parking sensors or half the other gadgets. If you are leasing do consider that options bump up the price quite a bit.

I read that the exhaust is not intrusive on the move or at idle, I can't comment as I've not experienced one personally, its just the cold start which would be loud, I don't even know if the 140 does it.

Actually good point it was on the 135 i drove so i just assumed it'd be on the 140 but maybe not.

I'm thinking scrap the AS and spend it on head up display display and exhaust instead

[billywhizzzzzz]

FocusRS3 said:

Couple of quick questions-

1, how essential is the adaptive dampers for road use?

I have adaptive dampers and while not essential - it's pretty desirable as it makes the rode a lot less 'jiggly' on B roads and uneven surfaces and makes pressing on much easier on these surfaces. I'd not get a BM without, if possible.

[FocusRS3]

billywhizzzzzz said:

FocusRS3 said:

Couple of quick questions-

1, how essential is the adaptive dampers for road use?

I have adaptive dampers and while not essential - it's pretty desirable as it makes the rode a lot less 'jiggly' on B roads and uneven surfaces and makes pressing on much easier on these surfaces. I'd not get a BM without, if possible.

So do you still have the car in the sports setting with the adaptive dampers ? Better on B roads like this you say ?

[Davescott622]

I’ve had both. Both great, both very different animals! I think the bmw pulls a tiny bit harder and the engine is sooooo smooth as you’ll know! But you’ll also know you can only use it 6 months of the year when it’s dry/dryish. The golf is miles easier to drive, the grip is mad with the 5th gen of Haldex (very clever), much more friendly and I find it carries speed much better, stays flatter in the corners whilst I honestly think is more comfortable than the bmw and is nicer inside and you can use it alllll year round whatever the weather. Chuck a set of winter tyres on and you’ll not have to worry when things get snowy or Icy. However don’t think you’ll be seeing lower fuel outgoings just because it’s a two litre! 🙈 EA888 is an absolute belter too by the way. Either way you go you’ll still have a great car that’ll bang a smile on your face! Enjoy 👌🏼

[SBN]

Having owned a Golf R (manual) and M140i (Auto) here is my view.

Golf R, better looking and the nappa seats are probably the most comfiest seats i have sat in for a sub £40k car. The adaptive cruise control is nice but better suited to DSG and the nanny controls telling me to have a nap or bleeping every 30mins is very annoying. I would suggest a DSG over a Manual, the manual is clunky between 1st and 2nd gear, which means pulling out of junctions becomes a lottery to whether it will be smooth or clunky change. There is loads on the web about this.

M140i, lovely engine, well built, seats ok but it is a bit fuglier than the golf... however that engine is the best bit, proper noises as well!!!! The only downside is the rebounding over bumps is horrible so if you get one plan to rip out the cheap shocks and springs and replace with some bilsteins. Plenty on the web about this as well.

Good luck

[Court_S]

SBN said:

Having owned a Golf R (manual) and M140i (Auto) here is my view.

Golf R, better looking and the nappa seats are probably the most comfiest seats i have sat in for a sub £40k car. The adaptive cruise control is nice but better suited to DSG and the nanny controls telling me to have a nap or bleeping every 30mins is very annoying. I would suggest a DSG over a Manual, the manual is clunky between 1st and 2nd gear, which means pulling out of junctions becomes a lottery to whether it will be smooth or clunky change. There is loads on the web about this.

M140i, lovely engine, well built, seats ok but it is a bit fuglier than the golf... however that engine is the best bit, proper noises as well!!!! The only downside is the rebounding over bumps is horrible so if you get one plan to rip out the cheap shocks and springs and replace with some bilsteins. Plenty on the web about this as well.

Good luck

The Golf R was very much on my list but I just found the looks inside and out so damn dull. I thought stuff like the digital dash would swing it and the slightly bigger interior but it was so meh (in my opinion). I preferred the idrive too.

The other thing for me was the seating position in the BMW was better / comfier for me. And the B58 / FZ8 was a better combo for me.