New to the Forum, Owners opinion on M135i?
Discussion
Hi All,
New to the forum, so go easy on me
...I am currently looking for a new car to replace my fun but backbreaking 500 Abarth, something with more power, a bit more refined and more compliant suspension for longer journeys and B roads. I test drove the 220i and felt it was too "revvy" and the engine lacked smoothness, but the M135i was a complete animal, but the two cars are not really comparable. I just simply loved the comfort along with the ridiculous power on tap and the fantastic ZF gearbox.
I went home from the test drive like a grinning Cheshire cat and the thought of it being a potential replacement excited me. I still have booked a test drive with a A250, S3 sportback and a Golf GTI. I really cannot see them coming close to giving me that excitement and buzz like the M135i gave, and it seems like a bit of a bargain.
So any M135i owners, could you please give me an opinion on what its like to live with as a daily driver;
I was quoted it would achieve over 35mpg on a frugal run, is this realistic?
Any known issues with the car?
General maintenance costs, i.e. Servicing, tyres, brakes?
Does the excitement wear off quickly?
What optional extra's should I include/leave?
Thanks,
Ben
New to the forum, so go easy on me
...I am currently looking for a new car to replace my fun but backbreaking 500 Abarth, something with more power, a bit more refined and more compliant suspension for longer journeys and B roads. I test drove the 220i and felt it was too "revvy" and the engine lacked smoothness, but the M135i was a complete animal, but the two cars are not really comparable. I just simply loved the comfort along with the ridiculous power on tap and the fantastic ZF gearbox.I went home from the test drive like a grinning Cheshire cat and the thought of it being a potential replacement excited me. I still have booked a test drive with a A250, S3 sportback and a Golf GTI. I really cannot see them coming close to giving me that excitement and buzz like the M135i gave, and it seems like a bit of a bargain.
So any M135i owners, could you please give me an opinion on what its like to live with as a daily driver;
I was quoted it would achieve over 35mpg on a frugal run, is this realistic?
Any known issues with the car?
General maintenance costs, i.e. Servicing, tyres, brakes?
Does the excitement wear off quickly?
What optional extra's should I include/leave?
Thanks,
Ben
Hi Ben
Nice choice
Are you buying new or used?
The car itself is superb! I love mine and have done nearly 17k miles in roughly 18 months. I have used it a lot on motorway runs and regularly get 37-39 MPG sat with the cruise on at 75 MPH. Around town late 20's to early 30's. Obviously when you're having some 'fun' (and you WILL!!! lol) then figures drop.
I have had 2 litres of oil, a new rear wiper blade and just changed the front tyres, the rears have a bit more life yet - weird I know!!
With regards to everyday use, its the most docile of cars just potting around, but press the accelerator in Comfort and it overtakes at a breeze; stick it in Sport and not much this side of a 911 will keep up with it! It can be Jekyll and Hyde, which is great!!
Options wise, its all down to taste. Will Nav add the same value when sold? I doubt it. Adaptive is superb, and for £500, for me, is a no brainer. Mine is a manual, and haven't driven an auto so cant comment.
Size wise, the boot isn't massive, but I find the rear seats fine for two average male adults, probably better in the 5 door (mines a 3 door).
If you get one, you wont regret it!
Stan
Nice choice
Are you buying new or used?
The car itself is superb! I love mine and have done nearly 17k miles in roughly 18 months. I have used it a lot on motorway runs and regularly get 37-39 MPG sat with the cruise on at 75 MPH. Around town late 20's to early 30's. Obviously when you're having some 'fun' (and you WILL!!! lol) then figures drop.
I have had 2 litres of oil, a new rear wiper blade and just changed the front tyres, the rears have a bit more life yet - weird I know!!
With regards to everyday use, its the most docile of cars just potting around, but press the accelerator in Comfort and it overtakes at a breeze; stick it in Sport and not much this side of a 911 will keep up with it! It can be Jekyll and Hyde, which is great!!
Options wise, its all down to taste. Will Nav add the same value when sold? I doubt it. Adaptive is superb, and for £500, for me, is a no brainer. Mine is a manual, and haven't driven an auto so cant comment.
Size wise, the boot isn't massive, but I find the rear seats fine for two average male adults, probably better in the 5 door (mines a 3 door).
If you get one, you wont regret it!
Stan
Stan 24v said:
Hi Ben
Nice choice
Are you buying new or used?
The car itself is superb! I love mine and have done nearly 17k miles in roughly 18 months. I have used it a lot on motorway runs and regularly get 37-39 MPG sat with the cruise on at 75 MPH. Around town late 20's to early 30's. Obviously when you're having some 'fun' (and you WILL!!! lol) then figures drop.
I have had 2 litres of oil, a new rear wiper blade and just changed the front tyres, the rears have a bit more life yet - weird I know!!
With regards to everyday use, its the most docile of cars just potting around, but press the accelerator in Comfort and it overtakes at a breeze; stick it in Sport and not much this side of a 911 will keep up with it! It can be Jekyll and Hyde, which is great!!
Options wise, its all down to taste. Will Nav add the same value when sold? I doubt it. Adaptive is superb, and for £500, for me, is a no brainer. Mine is a manual, and haven't driven an auto so cant comment.
Size wise, the boot isn't massive, but I find the rear seats fine for two average male adults, probably better in the 5 door (mines a 3 door).
If you get one, you wont regret it!
Stan
Thanks Stan for your opinions,Nice choice
Are you buying new or used?
The car itself is superb! I love mine and have done nearly 17k miles in roughly 18 months. I have used it a lot on motorway runs and regularly get 37-39 MPG sat with the cruise on at 75 MPH. Around town late 20's to early 30's. Obviously when you're having some 'fun' (and you WILL!!! lol) then figures drop.
I have had 2 litres of oil, a new rear wiper blade and just changed the front tyres, the rears have a bit more life yet - weird I know!!
With regards to everyday use, its the most docile of cars just potting around, but press the accelerator in Comfort and it overtakes at a breeze; stick it in Sport and not much this side of a 911 will keep up with it! It can be Jekyll and Hyde, which is great!!
Options wise, its all down to taste. Will Nav add the same value when sold? I doubt it. Adaptive is superb, and for £500, for me, is a no brainer. Mine is a manual, and haven't driven an auto so cant comment.
Size wise, the boot isn't massive, but I find the rear seats fine for two average male adults, probably better in the 5 door (mines a 3 door).
If you get one, you wont regret it!
Stan
I am probably going to go for a very low mileage one with the 8 speed box which drove seamlessly. I am pretty much on a tight budget of around £28k and I am not too fussed with every extra under the sun. Adaptive suspension was definitely the one I was considering, and adds more comfort when needed, its gonna be a no brainer for £500. Jekyll and Hyde was the exact phrase I said to the dealer. Something to replicate the Abarth when flooring it and something nice and comfortable when cruising, which the car certainly did during the test drive. I have no kids or anything so practicality doesn't come into play!
Have you gone with run flats or the normal spec tyres? How much we talking per corner? I will definitely go with the normal ones.
Have you had a service yet? I am under the impression you can get a service plan, which may work out cheaper.
Thanks
Ben
3 or 5 door? I'm selling mine lol
Stay away from runflats mate, they're too harsh. My fronts just cost £300 fitted, for the pair.
I have the service plan as it was £300 when I bought it, but I still have 8000 miles til the first service; its condition based and I've done motorway miles mainly. I've had 2 litres of oil, free at BMW (well included in my pack), that's it.
Stay away from runflats mate, they're too harsh. My fronts just cost £300 fitted, for the pair.
I have the service plan as it was £300 when I bought it, but I still have 8000 miles til the first service; its condition based and I've done motorway miles mainly. I've had 2 litres of oil, free at BMW (well included in my pack), that's it.
Stan 24v said:
3 or 5 door? I'm selling mine lol
Stay away from runflats mate, they're too harsh. My fronts just cost £300 fitted, for the pair.
I have the service plan as it was £300 when I bought it, but I still have 8000 miles til the first service; its condition based and I've done motorway miles mainly. I've had 2 litres of oil, free at BMW (well included in my pack), that's it.
Going for a 5 door, not a fan on the 3 door shapeStay away from runflats mate, they're too harsh. My fronts just cost £300 fitted, for the pair.
I have the service plan as it was £300 when I bought it, but I still have 8000 miles til the first service; its condition based and I've done motorway miles mainly. I've had 2 litres of oil, free at BMW (well included in my pack), that's it.
Yeah the runflats do sound pretty naff, any reason for selling? My car is just too unbearable for long journeys as the ride is far far too firm and £300?! That was what I was paying for the 17's on the Abarth, blimey that sounds very reasonable. Seems pretty sensible to run, even with that straight six
Had mine nearly a month, absolutely love it. Covered 2000 miles, and it's been faultless and a lot of fun.
The non adaptive suspension works brilliantly, and if you get into the modding game is easier to upgrade at a company like Birds.
It sounds brilliant too, even on a standard exhaust.
The non adaptive suspension works brilliantly, and if you get into the modding game is easier to upgrade at a company like Birds.
It sounds brilliant too, even on a standard exhaust.
Hi Ben,
I have a 62 plate 5dr Manual - just past 18k miles.
Yet to have it's first service - indicator shows October (when it's 2) or another 5000 miles... it's still on original tyres, probably down to the fact that most of my miles are motorways - the Pilot Super Sports are fantastic - nicely compliant and almost certainly worth having over run flats.
My mileage is a mixture of long motorway runs (Cornwall to London) and country driving, plus a little in town and mileage is 30.5 since I had it - you can get higher, but it's not the kind of car to sit at 65mph.
I'm still enjoying it - interior is good (I had an E61 and F11 5 series before), and it's comfortable on long runs - the ride is massively better than the last generation 1er - mine has adaptive, but I don't think you'd miss out hugely if not specced.
I'd say that nav is worth having (with black panel display, which gives more nav info on the screen below speedo/rev counter), pro is good (had that in the F11), but quite a lot more and the regular nav is fine. upgraded stereo seems to be on most - if not the HK system, the upgraded speakers again are decent.
Lastly, cruise and rear parking worth having - i've not hit the front yet ;-)
and on auto vs manual, I had the auto box in my last car and I know it must suit the M135i well, but I don't spend too much time in traffic and wanted a manual.
I have a 62 plate 5dr Manual - just past 18k miles.
Yet to have it's first service - indicator shows October (when it's 2) or another 5000 miles... it's still on original tyres, probably down to the fact that most of my miles are motorways - the Pilot Super Sports are fantastic - nicely compliant and almost certainly worth having over run flats.
My mileage is a mixture of long motorway runs (Cornwall to London) and country driving, plus a little in town and mileage is 30.5 since I had it - you can get higher, but it's not the kind of car to sit at 65mph.
I'm still enjoying it - interior is good (I had an E61 and F11 5 series before), and it's comfortable on long runs - the ride is massively better than the last generation 1er - mine has adaptive, but I don't think you'd miss out hugely if not specced.
I'd say that nav is worth having (with black panel display, which gives more nav info on the screen below speedo/rev counter), pro is good (had that in the F11), but quite a lot more and the regular nav is fine. upgraded stereo seems to be on most - if not the HK system, the upgraded speakers again are decent.
Lastly, cruise and rear parking worth having - i've not hit the front yet ;-)
and on auto vs manual, I had the auto box in my last car and I know it must suit the M135i well, but I don't spend too much time in traffic and wanted a manual.
Some very positive points made here. Would love the M235i, but it's quite a bit over the budget. Any things to watch out for? Any major hidden costs or information I need to be made aware of? I think I've made my mind up on the car, just got to wait for around January time to trade my car in. And I know you love your cars!! But what negatives are there?
Ben
Ben
Not much to worry about at the moment. I assume you will have a BMW warranty of some kind with it.There is a few car with faulty temp sensor on the cooling fans. This makes the fans come on even when the engines is cold and can cause the available power to drop with a warning to get it to a dealer.
A few early car had rusty seat frames. I think it was more cosmetic that anything and could only be seen by craning your neck with a torch.
Try and find a car with the "full black panel display" this gives an much more detailed read out between the clocks and looks much nicer IMO.
A few early car had rusty seat frames. I think it was more cosmetic that anything and could only be seen by craning your neck with a torch.
Try and find a car with the "full black panel display" this gives an much more detailed read out between the clocks and looks much nicer IMO.
Head over here youll get all the answers you will ever need
http://www.babybmw.net/viewforum.php?f=74
http://www.babybmw.net/viewforum.php?f=74
Hi Ben,
Although I'm not a M135i owner, I do happen to have a M235i so will try my best and help as it's pretty similar.
I actually had a new MK7 Golf R. This was stolen after about 2 months of ownership. Really liked the car; however, it was so boring in comparison to what I have now. Plus, they are getting as common as anything too.
The plan was to get a M135i as VW was a too longer wait. They didn't have a M135i there, but had a M235i and I tried that. Loved it, signed up there and then. Gave me a giant buzz.
I have had it for 3 months now, and love every minute of it. Much better than the Golf. A lot more exclusive too.
I managed to get a stock vehicle rather than a factory order, as it had most of what I wanted and no wait.
Must options for me are most the packs;
Driver Comfort Pack - don't need the sensors, but needed this for Cruise Control. How is this not standard!!
Pro Media - Wanted a nav, and was £1000 to jump up to the Pro. Looking at residuals, and even BMW's PCP compares this, it's actually only another £400 as the RV's are much higher.
Visibility Pack - I live out in the sticks so a must. On the 2er, this also have selective beam (much more than high beam assist); which does amazing things with the headlights (google it).
And heated seats - these are on 90% of the time so well worth the money.
The other option I've gone back and forward over is privacy glass/sun protection glass. I don't have anyone in the pack ever, so it was more for the looks. I still don't know if I prefer it with or without. Might get it done aftermarket. Still deciding.
FYI, my average fuel economy is 31, and I don't hang about.
As to all the other costs, unsure as not needed anything doing yet.
Although I'm not a M135i owner, I do happen to have a M235i so will try my best and help as it's pretty similar.
I actually had a new MK7 Golf R. This was stolen after about 2 months of ownership. Really liked the car; however, it was so boring in comparison to what I have now. Plus, they are getting as common as anything too.
The plan was to get a M135i as VW was a too longer wait. They didn't have a M135i there, but had a M235i and I tried that. Loved it, signed up there and then. Gave me a giant buzz.
I have had it for 3 months now, and love every minute of it. Much better than the Golf. A lot more exclusive too.
I managed to get a stock vehicle rather than a factory order, as it had most of what I wanted and no wait.
Must options for me are most the packs;
Driver Comfort Pack - don't need the sensors, but needed this for Cruise Control. How is this not standard!!
Pro Media - Wanted a nav, and was £1000 to jump up to the Pro. Looking at residuals, and even BMW's PCP compares this, it's actually only another £400 as the RV's are much higher.
Visibility Pack - I live out in the sticks so a must. On the 2er, this also have selective beam (much more than high beam assist); which does amazing things with the headlights (google it).
And heated seats - these are on 90% of the time so well worth the money.
The other option I've gone back and forward over is privacy glass/sun protection glass. I don't have anyone in the pack ever, so it was more for the looks. I still don't know if I prefer it with or without. Might get it done aftermarket. Still deciding.
FYI, my average fuel economy is 31, and I don't hang about.
As to all the other costs, unsure as not needed anything doing yet.
bensb93 said:
I was quoted it would achieve over 35mpg on a frugal run, is this realistic?
Just after I picked up the car I had to drive 100 miles back home on a motorway.With the car in Eco Pro mode most of the journey (not much use on most roads, but very usable on a motorway), and with the speed limiter set to 80mph, I was getting 41mpg over the first 90 miles until I hit traffic. This was in an automatic with just 50 miles on the clock at the start of the journey.
Ben
I've got one, 3dr, manual and just coming up 8k miles and 1 year. I'm getting 30.2mpg according to the OBC since day 1 but most of my driving is dual carriageway. If you were going auto with a longer top gear 35mpg totally possibly, manual I would say no, based on my experience.
Does the excitement fade? Well I would say the opportunities to make to get the sense of excitement are too few, but that depends on where you live. You can't really appreciate the nice engine noise below 3k revs and therefore it's not a car that feels exciting pottering about. This makes it a great daily of course. The Michelin PSS tyrs (non-runflat) are too noisy in my opinion and as soon as the wear out they'll be being replaced by something quieter. I don't need the grip that they provide over and above something like a Goodyear Eagle anyway.
Having spend time in Europe with it the ride quality on passive dampers is great but the roads in the UK (specifically the SE in my case) are so bad that I would say adaptive is essential when driving over here. I didn't order it as I hated thinking that I would find comfort too soft and sport too hard and never find a balance, but in reality the passive dampers are still too stiff for our broken tarmac.
I went pro-nav. Yes it's loads but it's brilliant and I am glad I did. Sun protection looks terrible to my eyes and I'd rather have those stick on sun shields from Mothercare (when the time is right) than have the half-finished look. At least the next owner can retro-fit whereas somebody who doesn't want it can't remove factory fit sun protection.
Others have issue with the offset pedals (to the right) which they are. Doesn't bother me, but check. Colour and spec then becomes highly personal, but in summary it's a fantastic all rounder but is a bit noisy on OEM tyres, a bit bumpy on passive dampers but is great to drive and feels quite special.
I've got one, 3dr, manual and just coming up 8k miles and 1 year. I'm getting 30.2mpg according to the OBC since day 1 but most of my driving is dual carriageway. If you were going auto with a longer top gear 35mpg totally possibly, manual I would say no, based on my experience.
Does the excitement fade? Well I would say the opportunities to make to get the sense of excitement are too few, but that depends on where you live. You can't really appreciate the nice engine noise below 3k revs and therefore it's not a car that feels exciting pottering about. This makes it a great daily of course. The Michelin PSS tyrs (non-runflat) are too noisy in my opinion and as soon as the wear out they'll be being replaced by something quieter. I don't need the grip that they provide over and above something like a Goodyear Eagle anyway.
Having spend time in Europe with it the ride quality on passive dampers is great but the roads in the UK (specifically the SE in my case) are so bad that I would say adaptive is essential when driving over here. I didn't order it as I hated thinking that I would find comfort too soft and sport too hard and never find a balance, but in reality the passive dampers are still too stiff for our broken tarmac.
I went pro-nav. Yes it's loads but it's brilliant and I am glad I did. Sun protection looks terrible to my eyes and I'd rather have those stick on sun shields from Mothercare (when the time is right) than have the half-finished look. At least the next owner can retro-fit whereas somebody who doesn't want it can't remove factory fit sun protection.
Others have issue with the offset pedals (to the right) which they are. Doesn't bother me, but check. Colour and spec then becomes highly personal, but in summary it's a fantastic all rounder but is a bit noisy on OEM tyres, a bit bumpy on passive dampers but is great to drive and feels quite special.
Great cars - extremely impressed with it so far. Mine is a June 14 car, 5 door, mineral grey with coral red, auto (stunning box), adaptive suspension, adaptive lights and visibility pack (fantastic), variable m-sport steering, Pro Nav (which is brilliant!) and some other stuff. I'd recommend the auto and adaptive (car is quicker with auto and more economical and cheaper to tax) and the adaptive makes the car super comfortable when you want to chill out and nice and taut when you want to push on.
I've had 40 mpg out of it when I was running her in; easy enough to get 34 mpg on a motorway run. Currently averaging 24 ish - only short journeys around town (wife uses it mostly) and the occasional blat by me.
Superb cars and bloody quick.
ETA: do head over to Baby BMW - they have a great dedicated M135i and M235i section here: http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=74 very friendly bunch too.
I've had 40 mpg out of it when I was running her in; easy enough to get 34 mpg on a motorway run. Currently averaging 24 ish - only short journeys around town (wife uses it mostly) and the occasional blat by me.
Superb cars and bloody quick.
ETA: do head over to Baby BMW - they have a great dedicated M135i and M235i section here: http://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=74 very friendly bunch too.
Edited by Diderot on Saturday 20th September 19:01
Hi Guys,
I had to go for an A5 sportback in the end. Reasons being I now need the extra economy for long commutes to work, which is more mileage than what i initially planned, so I went for the 2.0 diesel. I am hoping I get in one of these in the not too distant future as it was the best out of the lot i test drove by far and the auto box was superb, i actually preferred it to the dual clutch DSG's I drove. If blooming long commutes and fuel economy weren't in the frame, I would have got in one of these quicker than you can imagine!
Ben
I had to go for an A5 sportback in the end. Reasons being I now need the extra economy for long commutes to work, which is more mileage than what i initially planned, so I went for the 2.0 diesel. I am hoping I get in one of these in the not too distant future as it was the best out of the lot i test drove by far and the auto box was superb, i actually preferred it to the dual clutch DSG's I drove. If blooming long commutes and fuel economy weren't in the frame, I would have got in one of these quicker than you can imagine!
Ben
12000 miles in six months in mine so far. As an all rounder, I cannot imagine anything better. Fuel economy was a consideration for me, as I cover approximately 23000 miles a year. I'm averaging 34 mpg, considering the performance on offer, it's staggering.
I've just had to change a rear tyre due to a puncture, but there was still plenty of tread left. The fronts look just over half worn. These are of course the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I know there's an option to order run flats, although I've never seen an M135i with them fitted.
I've put 2 litres of oil in so far, and it's showing just under full, which I imagine will do me until the first oil service, which is still showing as being due in 10000 miles time! You can get 4 litres of (BMW approved) oil for £12 on offer from Halfords.
No problems or issues at all so far. If I'm being picky the only things I'd like to change would be the addition of a proper oil dipstick instead of the digital system, and also an oil temperature gauge. The oil temperature gauge being a glaring omission in my opinion on a performance car like this.
I've just had to change a rear tyre due to a puncture, but there was still plenty of tread left. The fronts look just over half worn. These are of course the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I know there's an option to order run flats, although I've never seen an M135i with them fitted.
I've put 2 litres of oil in so far, and it's showing just under full, which I imagine will do me until the first oil service, which is still showing as being due in 10000 miles time! You can get 4 litres of (BMW approved) oil for £12 on offer from Halfords.
No problems or issues at all so far. If I'm being picky the only things I'd like to change would be the addition of a proper oil dipstick instead of the digital system, and also an oil temperature gauge. The oil temperature gauge being a glaring omission in my opinion on a performance car like this.
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