RE: BMW M135i showcases three-door 1 Series

[V8A*ndy]

When you look at the pictures it does look bit crap.....

When you see one moving on the road it really looks rather good.

I like it a lot!

[T.K]

Disliking the lack of branding clarity that has arisen since PR types got the remit to name cars as well as advertise them.

Porsche abuse of R moniker.

Audi with the new hot A1 thingywotsit.

BMW M-performance.

AMG not AMGs.

etc.

In my view, it dilutes the instrinsic value of the IP.

[Daniel1]

I didn't like the original 1-series but it has grown on me to the point that I'd be happy with a coupe. I don't like this 1-series, but again I believe it would grow on me.

[Dr S]

Clio RenaultSport Cup for me any day of the week...

[Clivey]

I really like it a LOT! Regarding the looks - the 2002 Turbo wasn't exactly pretty. Neither was the E30 M3. I think this looks as you would expect a modern version of the 2002 Turbo to look!

As for the "M-Sport" business, it's like this:

M-Sport - Bodykit, short-shift, sports suspension, seats etc.
M135i - As above with added power
1 M - Full-fat

It works...until you get someone pretending their 320d is an M3, but that's been going on for decades with all sorts of cars - not just BMWs.

[pilchardthecat]

IAJO said:

They are in danger of diluting the "M" to the point where it loses all value. .

That has already happened as far as i'm concerned

[Johnnytheboy]

FamilyDub said:

I've been liking the idea of a hatch-based 135i since the spy-shots first appeared.

Yep, this fulfils my next-car needs very well: small, fast, RWD and with a dog-friendly boot. Not an easy car to find on the market at present!

Now if I can only get used to those looks...

[FamilyDub]

Johnnytheboy said:

FamilyDub said:

I've been liking the idea of a hatch-based 135i since the spy-shots first appeared.

Yep, this fulfils my next-car needs very well: small, fast, RWD and with a dog-friendly boot. Not an easy car to find on the market at present!

Now if I can only get used to those looks...

Looks don't matter when you're driving it!

[loomx]

I currently have a 123d coupe. I can understand why everyone wants a LSD, with DSC on it just wheelspins the inside wheel when accelerating out of a junction. What I think alot of people dont realise though is if you FULLY turn traction control off (No DSC or DTC) this is the only time the electronic diff lock will activate, and the difference in rear end grip is night and day IMO.

With DSC off so the EDL is activated, the diff is more than enough for road use, and probably good enough for track use.

[dele]

Are you lot seeing different pictures to me?

I don't think its that bad at all, 320bhp in a RWD Hatchback? sounds pretty interesting..... where do i sign?

[pilchardthecat]

loomx said:

I currently have a 123d coupe. I can understand why everyone wants a LSD, with DSC on it just wheelspins the inside wheel when accelerating out of a junction. What I think alot of people dont realise though is if you FULLY turn traction control off (No DSC or DTC) this is the only time the electronic diff lock will activate, and the difference in rear end grip is night and day IMO.

With DSC off so the EDL is activated, the diff is more than enough for road use, and probably good enough for track use.

I had a 123d coupe and found that the so called "e-diff" was a bit gash compared to a proper mechanical diff. Calling it a "diff" is a bit of a stretch really, since it's just applying the brakes to the wheel losing traction.

[JJMatrixx]

Soooo ugly!

Had a 135i Coupe (N55) for about 8 months and sold it last winter due not not being able to drive it for about 2 months due to the snow. Traded it in for a TT RS due to the Quattro, which begs the question....why do they not bring these 4WD versions to the UK. Sure, there are further RHD conversion/development costs but surely there is enough demand for this to eat into the Audi Quattro market and make it commercially viable?

[mekondelta]

Liquid Knight said:

At least they're not flogging a dead horse with this car.

Are you sure? Have you checked the options list?

[Cotty]

Love the idea but not the outcome. There was a photoshop on the net of a 3 series that did look good, will try to find it.

[Cotty]

Found it

[corcoran]

MANY MANY LOL TEARS.

What an awful looking thing. It's bad enough they butchered the nose on the facelift but regardless of the "hoon factor", this is just terrible.

[Clivey]

Cotty said:

Found it

That's an M3 front with a shooting break rear. - From the proportions it's obviously a much bigger car than a 1-Series. Personally, I can't see how this car is so repulsive to some people, although I have to admit the headlights could look better.

[johnpeat]

Sad car is sad...

No - seriously tho - that's just fking ugly...

[bobberz]

320bhp, straight six, small hatchback BMW? Sounds like the spiritual successor to the old Z3 M-coupe.

Still not keen on the looks, but I wouldn't mind driving it! Sounds like fun.

[HedgehogFromHell]

Dilution of the M Branding... BMW are now in the league of Vauxhall with their VXR Styling packs making the lines even more blurred between poverty spec and property spec eating cars...

Cant help but thinking the car would look better on some multispokes and without the decals.

Edited by HedgehogFromHell on Monday 27th February 19:37