RE: BMW M235i: Driven
Discussion
There's something about that crease that runs down the flank to the top of the rear arch that just looks... off. It makes the back end look sort of fat despite it not being, really. It's the automotive equivalent of that little waistline bulge caused by an otherwise attractive girl trying to fit into Jeans 2 sizes too small.
Wolands Advocate said:
kambites said:
I think rather the opposite - the fact that even a powerful "small" coupe is so big, heavy and numb is what creates the apathy.
Where does the article describe it as "big, heavy and numb"?!article said:
The steering, however, remains uncommunicative.
Note that nowhere did I make any attempt to imply that it's worse than its competition in any respect. British Beef said:
When is the styling department at BMW returning from holiday?
I think they left the building just after the E46 M3 was penned, and have not returned since.
Even Mercedes is overtaking BMW in the car styling stakes these days (all in my own humble opinion!).
Unfortunately, I have to agree with this. E46 being the last 'real' BMWI think they left the building just after the E46 M3 was penned, and have not returned since.
Even Mercedes is overtaking BMW in the car styling stakes these days (all in my own humble opinion!).
Panda P said:
I really dislike the wheels on this and the M135i and for me it's what lets both cars down on the styling front.
The fact that the M135 is so damn ugly* is the main thing that lets it down on the styling front, but I agree the wheels are terrible. 
I'm also a bit annoyed with BMWs paint options; red isn't available on the 1er, but is on the 2er and orange isn't available on the 2er, but is on the 1er...
*Don't care - I still want one. Estoril blue 5-dr manual w/coral leather 
Nors said:
British Beef said:
When is the styling department at BMW returning from holiday?
I think they left the building just after the E46 M3 was penned, and have not returned since.
Even Mercedes is overtaking BMW in the car styling stakes these days (all in my own humble opinion!).
Unfortunately, I have to agree with this. E46 being the last 'real' BMWI think they left the building just after the E46 M3 was penned, and have not returned since.
Even Mercedes is overtaking BMW in the car styling stakes these days (all in my own humble opinion!).
nickfrog said:
You really don't belong here. Remember PH is primarily about looks and image and the M135i has been decreed as objectively fugly by a majority of Phers, particularly those not in the market for a £30k car.
I never suggested for a minute I belonged anywhere, I've never been a great conformist!I've had my run in samey samey looking german metal that are instantly lost in the car park. Least with the M135i I can just follow the sound of wretching and people gouging their eyes out!
I was deeply impressed with my drive in one that I'm seriously tempted to chop in both my bright yellow octy vrs AND my Audi URQ. The only thing that's holding me back is letting go of the quattro, especially as it's value will continue to increase whilst the bimmer will continue to fall!
stanza said:
So many BMW variants that all look the same (especially the front). Only their size sets them apart. Interiors are all dull and very Germanic.
It is easier to understand the business logic behind this approach, cheaper R&D, sharing of platforms, engines, transmisions etc. It is also important these day's to have continuity (porbably not the best word) with the brand, Audi, Mercedes, Aston etc all follow the same approach.
Anyone know what percentage of this is //M and how much is standard BMW? We need the project manager on here to tell us 
Sadly gone are the days when BMW was proud of its "standard" higher performance coupes, hatchbacks, etc. It seems to need to justify them with all this M-performance nonsense
Sadly gone are the days when BMW was proud of its "standard" higher performance coupes, hatchbacks, etc. It seems to need to justify them with all this M-performance nonsense
I liked Chris Bangles designs from the previous generation of BM's, each series had their own style but keeping with his 'flame surface' design language. Have to admit it did take some time to get used to though! Previous 135iM coupe looked better IMHO, their latest stuff is all the same. It's like they've gone the same way as Audi, difficult to distinguish them all.
This is clearly the latest shiny toy that everyone wants and takes the shine off the "old" M135i a little (to many) but having had a loaner 420d (coupe) for a week I just don't "get" 2 door coupes for anything other than looks.
Getting the kids in the back of the 4 is a complete PITA (and if you don't have kids, why get a four seater?), they are a bu99er to reverse accurately, the boot shape is as useful as a postbox, the roof line is lower, especially in the back and they lose two major plus points of the M135i - subtlety and a comfortable ride (although it sounds like the latter is still not bad).
We currently have a 4 series and a Passat CC loaner (the van is also in for paint issues!!!) and the latter has back doors making access a billion times easier.
Yep the lights look better but the rest looks a bit odd and it sits slightly weirdly. The option of extra colours is great (you can have red paint and the option of terra leather which we had in the 335d - it looked very nice) and the more "focussed" style will suit those that rush out and lower everything but otherwise it's just an M135i with most practicality and subtlety removed.
Getting the kids in the back of the 4 is a complete PITA (and if you don't have kids, why get a four seater?), they are a bu99er to reverse accurately, the boot shape is as useful as a postbox, the roof line is lower, especially in the back and they lose two major plus points of the M135i - subtlety and a comfortable ride (although it sounds like the latter is still not bad).
We currently have a 4 series and a Passat CC loaner (the van is also in for paint issues!!!) and the latter has back doors making access a billion times easier.
Yep the lights look better but the rest looks a bit odd and it sits slightly weirdly. The option of extra colours is great (you can have red paint and the option of terra leather which we had in the 335d - it looked very nice) and the more "focussed" style will suit those that rush out and lower everything but otherwise it's just an M135i with most practicality and subtlety removed.
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