Reg's BMW M135i

[Reg Local]

It's been nearly 10 years since I had something with really decent performance. Here's the last one - my beloved E36 M3 Evo:



So I was probably overdue something with an "M" badge again, and a visit to a local dealer, the right car in the right spec, acceptable man-maths and a very understanding Mrs L landed me with a 2016 M135i manual in mineral grey with red leather:











I've had it a week now, but I've not had the chance to take it out for a proper drive yet. However, first thoughts are that it's got a fantastic engine, makes a lovely noise, is easy to drive slowly (not always the case with performance cars), isn't too flash and pulls extremely strongly from very low revs.

I think I'll be keeping this one for a while!

[ukbikerider]

That near Rivi?

Nice motor!!

[shalmaneser]

Is that an individual colour on the e36? Looks amazing!

[Reg Local]

ukbikerider said:

That near Rivi?

Yes. Rivington Road between Rivington & Belmont.

shalmaneser said:

Is that an individual colour on the e36? Looks amazing!

Yes. Individual velvet blue metallic. I've seen it on a few different cars, but I always thought it suited the E36 best. Loved that car - it was the one that got away!

[rasto]

Arrgh, this isn't making resisting my urge to upgrade to one of these any easier. I've pretty much settled on needing a mineral grey auto with coral interior so really appreciate this post

[supertouring]

rasto said:

Arrgh, this isn't making resisting my urge to upgrade to one of these any easier. I've pretty much settled on needing a mineral grey auto with coral interior so really appreciate this post

Some great deals on new M140i models lately, very tempting.

But will stick to E46 M3 for the time being, even if she is getting a little old.

[thatguy11]

Looks brilliant, I've always fancied a go in one of these. I'd still be missing that E36 to this day though, that looks properly tidy

[Andy665]

Had my M135i since May last year - its flawed - awful traction, slightly unruly but also great fun, very analogue car in a market full of digital

[f1ten]

Awful traction well not worse than anything else I've driven rwd and wet roads and this sort of power to weight ratio

I would agree in the wet you need to be moderate on the eighth peddle but I don't think it's any worse than something like a c63 except it's slightly lighter at the back probably

[AdamC28]

Great choice, I love mine. Traction is quite poor in the wet but I find that adds to my enjoyment.
A lot of the 4 wheel driver competition is probably quicker but just a bit dull in my opinion.

[Limpet]

Lovely car. A passenger ride in one of these last year sowed a seed which ended up in me ordering an M140i in November which finally turned up this week.

Brilliant all rounders. Civilised and smooth when you want, blisteringly quick and a bit unruly when you want. Enjoy!

[JakeT]

Nice upgrade from the 2 series. Well done!

P.S The Siberia videos are really good. Are there any more?

[vsonix]

E36 is so much better looking though! With the exception of the 1st gen 1er coupe I find the 1 series incredibly hard to like aesthetically.

[Reg Local]

JakeT said:

Nice upgrade from the 2 series. Well done!

P.S The Siberia videos are really good. Are there any more?

Yes! Probably 2 or 3 more over the next couple of weeks.

[keo]

Sorry for the thread resurrection but how are finding it now you have had it a while Reg?

I am thinking about selling both my cars and a m135i looks a good option. Sensible but fun when you want it to be.

[MrC986]

keo said:

I am thinking about selling both my cars and a m135i looks a good option. Sensible but fun when you want it to be.

A good PH friend of mine has an auto M135i, albeit his has been tuned by AC Schnizter & I've another with a standard model - both are more than happy with theirs & also take them on selected track days as well. The standard car has just had uprated pads/brake fluid & Yoko AD08R tyres to enhance its track use. M135is are easily remappable as well and with a decat pipe can apprently achieve circa 400 bhp.