Not Getting On With My M135i As Well As I Thought I would...
Discussion
Hi all, I've had my M135i for a few months now and thought I would reflect on what ownership has been like so far.
I traded in my 2011 Corsa VXR for the BMW and previously had a clio 197 which were similar kinds of cars. My only experience of rear wheel drive was my two years of running a Boxster which for me had the 'wow factor' but wasn't all that practical.
I found myself tiring of the vxr towards the end of my ownership as it wasn't all that practical for my needs (German Shepherd for one) and I found that it was increasingly attracting boy racers on the road!
Everything I have read or watched on-line about the M135i has been extremely complimentary and so I feel somewhat frustrated that I don't seem to appreciate the car as much as I feel that I should.
I opted for a 5 door auto in white with various options. At first, I didn't think it was exactly stunning but it was 'special' if you know what I mean, and the looks have grown on me. I'm slightly disappointed that 1 series models further down the line-up look so similar - to the point I sometimes mistake 116is for the M version. Whilst I'm not looking for the in your face looks of the vxr, I would like to see BMW make the M135i stand out from 'lesser' models in the future.
Practicality-wise, the 5 door is perfect and the quality is a big step up from the vxr whilst it seems similar to the Boxster. It's a much more sophisticated car which I feel portrays a better image than the boy racerish vxr. The sound from the engine (or speakers!) is fantastic and somewhat addictive.
Having always had manuals, I was really excited about having a manual gearbox on a much more powerful car but I can't say I've enjoyed driving the car as much as I thought I would. The car is very responsive in Sports mode but there is still that initial lag which has become slightly annoying. To remedy this however, using the paddles provides an instant response.
Handling-wise, it feels like a big car (as it would coming from a corsa) but for me, it just doesn't feel as fun. I can't throw it into the corners like I Used to with the vxr, I find the back-end twitchy and it just doesn't give me the confidence to push the car on the right road and in the right conditions.
Power-wise - the performance on offer is superb but I have begun to ask if it's just too fast? A short press on the gas and you can be doing silly speeds but it isn't necessarily fun or exciting getting there...no real drama...just a supremely quick car. As a result, I've been thinking that perhaps the forthcoming Civic Type R might offer more of the excitement I crave?
Reading the above, it sounds like I really don't like the car which actually isn't the case - it's supremely capable on dry and straight roads, the quality is excellent and as I said, it's 'special'...different! I also recognise that it's early days and I'm judging a new car during winter...I'm on a 4 year PCP and will keep it for at least 2 years but I'm keen to hear your thoughts on the above if you are currently running an M as I'm feeling a tad disillusioned right now!
I traded in my 2011 Corsa VXR for the BMW and previously had a clio 197 which were similar kinds of cars. My only experience of rear wheel drive was my two years of running a Boxster which for me had the 'wow factor' but wasn't all that practical.
I found myself tiring of the vxr towards the end of my ownership as it wasn't all that practical for my needs (German Shepherd for one) and I found that it was increasingly attracting boy racers on the road!
Everything I have read or watched on-line about the M135i has been extremely complimentary and so I feel somewhat frustrated that I don't seem to appreciate the car as much as I feel that I should.
I opted for a 5 door auto in white with various options. At first, I didn't think it was exactly stunning but it was 'special' if you know what I mean, and the looks have grown on me. I'm slightly disappointed that 1 series models further down the line-up look so similar - to the point I sometimes mistake 116is for the M version. Whilst I'm not looking for the in your face looks of the vxr, I would like to see BMW make the M135i stand out from 'lesser' models in the future.
Practicality-wise, the 5 door is perfect and the quality is a big step up from the vxr whilst it seems similar to the Boxster. It's a much more sophisticated car which I feel portrays a better image than the boy racerish vxr. The sound from the engine (or speakers!) is fantastic and somewhat addictive.
Having always had manuals, I was really excited about having a manual gearbox on a much more powerful car but I can't say I've enjoyed driving the car as much as I thought I would. The car is very responsive in Sports mode but there is still that initial lag which has become slightly annoying. To remedy this however, using the paddles provides an instant response.
Handling-wise, it feels like a big car (as it would coming from a corsa) but for me, it just doesn't feel as fun. I can't throw it into the corners like I Used to with the vxr, I find the back-end twitchy and it just doesn't give me the confidence to push the car on the right road and in the right conditions.
Power-wise - the performance on offer is superb but I have begun to ask if it's just too fast? A short press on the gas and you can be doing silly speeds but it isn't necessarily fun or exciting getting there...no real drama...just a supremely quick car. As a result, I've been thinking that perhaps the forthcoming Civic Type R might offer more of the excitement I crave?
Reading the above, it sounds like I really don't like the car which actually isn't the case - it's supremely capable on dry and straight roads, the quality is excellent and as I said, it's 'special'...different! I also recognise that it's early days and I'm judging a new car during winter...I'm on a 4 year PCP and will keep it for at least 2 years but I'm keen to hear your thoughts on the above if you are currently running an M as I'm feeling a tad disillusioned right now!
It's an auto car with paddles or you can use the tiptronic stick to change. I think the auto has played a part in me not enjoying the car as much but I do like the fact that it's so smooth and effortless when I feel like totally relaxing behind the wheel.
As for buying an M car, I remember the days when a new M3 was iro £39k and a nearly new one £32-35. As someone who likes to buy new, an M3 at £50k+ is not an option and I think that's a huge selling point for the M135i...plenty of bang for your buck.
I mentioned earlier the forthcoming civic Type R but I'll also be interested to see if Mitsubishi and Subaru bring their rally cars back to the UK as they have hinted they might do.
As for buying an M car, I remember the days when a new M3 was iro £39k and a nearly new one £32-35. As someone who likes to buy new, an M3 at £50k+ is not an option and I think that's a huge selling point for the M135i...plenty of bang for your buck.
I mentioned earlier the forthcoming civic Type R but I'll also be interested to see if Mitsubishi and Subaru bring their rally cars back to the UK as they have hinted they might do.
A new M3 for me was never a consideration what with the rrp north of £50k. A two year old example could have been had but I prefer to buy new for various reasons. I would be very interested to see just what the extra ££££ buy you in terms of additional performance in the real world. Not really keen on the look of the new M235i so unless BMW call me in a couple of years with some sort of amazing deal that takes my fancy, I'll probably have a look at what other manufacturers are offering at that point.
In my original post, I also never mentioned the ECO PRO mode which for me, doesn't give me any meaningful gain in terms of mpg compared to the comfort mode. I also wish that you could have the heavier steering in comfort mode but it's easy to pick faults I guess.
Anybody else get other BMW drivers tailgating? I've had a couple of 3 and 5 series drivers fly up behind me but with the weather the way it is, I have yet to take the bait!
In my original post, I also never mentioned the ECO PRO mode which for me, doesn't give me any meaningful gain in terms of mpg compared to the comfort mode. I also wish that you could have the heavier steering in comfort mode but it's easy to pick faults I guess.
Anybody else get other BMW drivers tailgating? I've had a couple of 3 and 5 series drivers fly up behind me but with the weather the way it is, I have yet to take the bait!
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