RE: Driven: BMW M135i
Discussion
mikearwas said:
I own a 130i and something it certainly doesn't lack is power. Maybe you are confusing it with torque?
The 130i doesn't give up it's performance immediately but has to be revved and when you do it flies.
I suggest you look at DonkeyApple's profile, especially the garage section, and then reconsider if he doesn't know the difference between power and torque. The 130i doesn't give up it's performance immediately but has to be revved and when you do it flies.
Mr Whippy said:
How heavy is it? Or not so aerodynamic?
Hard to tell from here but it looks like about 17s to 200km/h, which is fairly slow for DSG and 420bhp isn't it!?
The 0-100mph time seemed about right at 11s ish, but still not amazing considering an M3 CSL will do 11s with 350bhp or so and a 'fast' gearbox.
You're STILL not paying attention are you..... Hard to tell from here but it looks like about 17s to 200km/h, which is fairly slow for DSG and 420bhp isn't it!?
The 0-100mph time seemed about right at 11s ish, but still not amazing considering an M3 CSL will do 11s with 350bhp or so and a 'fast' gearbox.
It's not got a 'fast' double clutch gearbox (DSG is an Audi term) or CSL type SMG automated manual.
M135 is either conventional 6 speed manaul or optional 8-speed ZF which is a conventional torque convertor auto (albeit a very, very good one)
DonkeyApple said:
So this M135 is an interesting conundrum.
It has the extra performance that I think is needed. It has the larger boot which will be easier. It has a superior 8 speed box which is likely to be better than the old 6. It may even have better set brakes.
But. It has the letter M on it. The M brand goes against everything that I personally want.
I don't want some s
tty body kit.
I don't want low profile, naff tyres.
I don't want crashing suspension, grabby brakes or Barry street race settings on an auto box.
I would like this engine in this car, properly set up for English roads and practical use. Not riddled with Barrydom.
But, the issue is here that I want a small car to have the basic drive style luxuries of larger cars yet I live in a world where small cars are aimed at kids, Barrie's and girls rather than the odd chap who wants softer brake feel, higher profile tyres and a smoother gear box.
Then I think this might be the car for you. I don't find my M135i remotely "barry-ish". It might not be quite as indistinguishable as a debadged 130i, but it's still very understated, particularly in 5dr guise and painted black as mine is. After all, the sole aesthetic distinguishing features from any normal M Sport 1-series are:It has the extra performance that I think is needed. It has the larger boot which will be easier. It has a superior 8 speed box which is likely to be better than the old 6. It may even have better set brakes.
But. It has the letter M on it. The M brand goes against everything that I personally want.
I don't want some s
tty body kit. I don't want low profile, naff tyres.
I don't want crashing suspension, grabby brakes or Barry street race settings on an auto box.
I would like this engine in this car, properly set up for English roads and practical use. Not riddled with Barrydom.
But, the issue is here that I want a small car to have the basic drive style luxuries of larger cars yet I live in a world where small cars are aimed at kids, Barrie's and girls rather than the odd chap who wants softer brake feel, higher profile tyres and a smoother gear box.
- no fog lights (surely a de-barryfication since there's then no possibility of driving around with them senselessly lit in clear weather);
- the grey alloys (you can always swap them for normal ones) in a perfectly sensible 18" fitment that don't look huge or under-tyred;
- the badge (removable and there is also a debadge option);
- silver mirror caps (can be swapped for body colour ones);
- twin exhausts (you're stuck with those but they are in some sort of anodised black finish so they aren't particularly noticeable);
- blue brake calipers (can be painted as somebody said).
And the normal M-Sport 1-series doesn't look barry-ish in my view – in fact, it manages the difficult trick of making the front of the 1-series look almost half-decent (boggo versions still look awful to me). Most of the alternatives, including the RS3 and the AMG A-class look like they have been reversed through Halfords by comparison.
And then inside, beyond some "M135i" sill strips, and a tiny M badge on the steering wheel and the gearknob, it's entirely bog-standard 1-series.
Is it mechanically "barry"? No, not that either. The exhaust sounds purposeful and expensive rather than "look at me" and the whole manner of the car is satisfyingly adjustable via the variable engine settings and (if you specify the adaptive dampers) suspension settings. In eco-pro mode, the car's definitely more sluggish but still has ample get up and go, you just have to contend with sleepy throttle response and comfort suspension, which can be a boon in traffic. In Comfort, it's livelier but still not aggressive, and the ride in Comfort mode (again, if you have the Adaptive dampers) is really pretty good. The Sport mode and Sport-plus mode have a much sharper throttle response which is perfect for when you want that kind of thing and moreover, can be teamed with either the comfort suspension setting or the sport suspension setting. I (and others) have found that configuring the Sport setting to give you the Sport engine mode and the Comfort suspension mode gives an excellent compromise for UK driving – the comfort suspension setting also lightens up the steering in a beneficial manner (it can feel artificially heavy in Sport). Put all of that together with the fact that runflats are optional (as standard you get excellent Michelin Pilot Super Sports), and you end up with a car that can be either comfortable and relaxing or B-road attack weapon depending on where you are and how you feel. So far, I've been really impressed.
I can't comment on the automatic, since I have a manual, but everything I've read suggests it is excellent and therefore presumably a big improvement on the 'box fitted to the 130i.
Wolands Advocate said:
I can't comment on the automatic, since I have a manual, but everything I've read suggests it is excellent and therefore presumably a big improvement on the 'box fitted to the 130i.
I've now driven both the auto box and the manual, and I have to say I was absolutely blown away by the auto. It's incredibly smooth, even in Sport mode. I confess I was fearing some kind of neck-snapping harsh "Jesus how long will the box last?" gearchanges in Sport mode and thankfully they are not evident. Just instant seamless cog-swapping and instant attack. In manual "flappy paddle" mode it is also pretty good, so long as you are within the right window. Change down a little too soon and it will just simply ignore you. I found that a little frustrating but you would soon drive round it. I only had a 90 min test drive (as with last time, unaccompanied) and towards the end I felt I was getting the hang of that.
Would I go for the auto? For me personally it would be a no-brainer to tick that box because a) it really is that good, b) it suits my personal requirements better and c) I have the Sagaris for when I want everything to be manual.
However, were it my only car then it would be a harder choice because obviously the manual is more involving. However, Eco Mode will be relying on you to obey its suggestions on what gear to be in and, of course, with the auto it will simply select it. That explains the better mpg figure for the auto.
David87 said:
Does anyone know of a dealer in Essex that has a M135i on their demonstration fleet? I tried my local dealer and was told no, but they did have a 114i I could try. I politely declined. 
Blimey. When I talked to mine, they said they didn't but desperately wanted one and would move hell and high water to get one. And they did. Borrowed it from another dealer. Bang off an enquiry to every dealer within range and maybe you'll find a more helpful one than the one who gave you that response.
Wolands Advocate said:
Then I think this might be the car for you. I don't find my M135i remotely "barry-ish". It might not be quite as indistinguishable as a debadged 130i, but it's still very understated, particularly in 5dr guise and painted black as mine is. After all, the sole aesthetic distinguishing features from any normal M Sport 1-series are:
- no fog lights (surely a de-barryfication since there's then no possibility of driving around with them senselessly lit in clear weather);
- the grey alloys (you can always swap them for normal ones) in a perfectly sensible 18" fitment that don't look huge or under-tyred;
- the badge (removable and there is also a debadge option);
- silver mirror caps (can be swapped for body colour ones);
- twin exhausts (you're stuck with those but they are in some sort of anodised black finish so they aren't particularly noticeable);
- blue brake calipers (can be painted as somebody said).
And the normal M-Sport 1-series doesn't look barry-ish in my view – in fact, it manages the difficult trick of making the front of the 1-series look almost half-decent (boggo versions still look awful to me). Most of the alternatives, including the RS3 and the AMG A-class look like they have been reversed through Halfords by comparison.
And then inside, beyond some "M135i" sill strips, and a tiny M badge on the steering wheel and the gearknob, it's entirely bog-standard 1-series.
Is it mechanically "barry"? No, not that either. The exhaust sounds purposeful and expensive rather than "look at me" and the whole manner of the car is satisfyingly adjustable via the variable engine settings and (if you specify the adaptive dampers) suspension settings. In eco-pro mode, the car's definitely more sluggish but still has ample get up and go, you just have to contend with sleepy throttle response and comfort suspension, which can be a boon in traffic. In Comfort, it's livelier but still not aggressive, and the ride in Comfort mode (again, if you have the Adaptive dampers) is really pretty good. The Sport mode and Sport-plus mode have a much sharper throttle response which is perfect for when you want that kind of thing and moreover, can be teamed with either the comfort suspension setting or the sport suspension setting. I (and others) have found that configuring the Sport setting to give you the Sport engine mode and the Comfort suspension mode gives an excellent compromise for UK driving – the comfort suspension setting also lightens up the steering in a beneficial manner (it can feel artificially heavy in Sport). Put all of that together with the fact that runflats are optional (as standard you get excellent Michelin Pilot Super Sports), and you end up with a car that can be either comfortable and relaxing or B-road attack weapon depending on where you are and how you feel. So far, I've been really impressed.
I can't comment on the automatic, since I have a manual, but everything I've read suggests it is excellent and therefore presumably a big improvement on the 'box fitted to the 130i.
Thanks. It is all sounding very good and ill get round to testing one next year. - no fog lights (surely a de-barryfication since there's then no possibility of driving around with them senselessly lit in clear weather);
- the grey alloys (you can always swap them for normal ones) in a perfectly sensible 18" fitment that don't look huge or under-tyred;
- the badge (removable and there is also a debadge option);
- silver mirror caps (can be swapped for body colour ones);
- twin exhausts (you're stuck with those but they are in some sort of anodised black finish so they aren't particularly noticeable);
- blue brake calipers (can be painted as somebody said).
And the normal M-Sport 1-series doesn't look barry-ish in my view – in fact, it manages the difficult trick of making the front of the 1-series look almost half-decent (boggo versions still look awful to me). Most of the alternatives, including the RS3 and the AMG A-class look like they have been reversed through Halfords by comparison.
And then inside, beyond some "M135i" sill strips, and a tiny M badge on the steering wheel and the gearknob, it's entirely bog-standard 1-series.
Is it mechanically "barry"? No, not that either. The exhaust sounds purposeful and expensive rather than "look at me" and the whole manner of the car is satisfyingly adjustable via the variable engine settings and (if you specify the adaptive dampers) suspension settings. In eco-pro mode, the car's definitely more sluggish but still has ample get up and go, you just have to contend with sleepy throttle response and comfort suspension, which can be a boon in traffic. In Comfort, it's livelier but still not aggressive, and the ride in Comfort mode (again, if you have the Adaptive dampers) is really pretty good. The Sport mode and Sport-plus mode have a much sharper throttle response which is perfect for when you want that kind of thing and moreover, can be teamed with either the comfort suspension setting or the sport suspension setting. I (and others) have found that configuring the Sport setting to give you the Sport engine mode and the Comfort suspension mode gives an excellent compromise for UK driving – the comfort suspension setting also lightens up the steering in a beneficial manner (it can feel artificially heavy in Sport). Put all of that together with the fact that runflats are optional (as standard you get excellent Michelin Pilot Super Sports), and you end up with a car that can be either comfortable and relaxing or B-road attack weapon depending on where you are and how you feel. So far, I've been really impressed.
I can't comment on the automatic, since I have a manual, but everything I've read suggests it is excellent and therefore presumably a big improvement on the 'box fitted to the 130i.
If the auto can do smooth changes from 1st in Sport and if the brakes are not grabby then I'll find it hard to fault as the 130 has been a great runabout.
aeropilot said:
Mr Whippy said:
How heavy is it? Or not so aerodynamic?
Hard to tell from here but it looks like about 17s to 200km/h, which is fairly slow for DSG and 420bhp isn't it!?
The 0-100mph time seemed about right at 11s ish, but still not amazing considering an M3 CSL will do 11s with 350bhp or so and a 'fast' gearbox.
You're STILL not paying attention are you..... Hard to tell from here but it looks like about 17s to 200km/h, which is fairly slow for DSG and 420bhp isn't it!?
The 0-100mph time seemed about right at 11s ish, but still not amazing considering an M3 CSL will do 11s with 350bhp or so and a 'fast' gearbox.
It's not got a 'fast' double clutch gearbox (DSG is an Audi term) or CSL type SMG automated manual.
M135 is either conventional 6 speed manaul or optional 8-speed ZF which is a conventional torque convertor auto (albeit a very, very good one)
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
Wolands Advocate said:
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
DonkeyApple said:
Wolands Advocate said:
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
E46 was the last one, 338bhp 0-60 in 5.0.. http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-fi...
nick30 said:
DonkeyApple said:
Wolands Advocate said:
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
E46 was the last one, 338bhp 0-60 in 5.0.. http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-fi...
I've never been interested in the fine details of Beemers so listed the details of the 3 most recent M3's as according to their Wiki page.
Wolands Advocate said:
Not launched yet, or even officially unveiled. Will arrive at some stage next year in 4-door only form (there will be a coupe, but badged M4 because somebody with a clipboard thought it made sense).
That explains the confusion then. Once they deviated from the numbers on the back reflecting capacity but rather your wealth I lost interest in all their nomenclature. And don't get me started on Mercs, in not sure I know the difference between an E or a C class, the numbers or anything.
Likewise all the silly numbers for 911s. Seemingly in no order or with justifiable gaps.
So much for German efficiency.
scenario8 said:
DonkeyApple said:
Mr Whippy said:
Ah ffs, it's an automatic.
Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
If it had 420bhp. But it only has 320bhp. Basically, the car does it for you, so it's gonna be faster than a manual.
Good enough?
The point about a 420bhp output still stands though. Shouldn't it be zipping from 160-200km/h faster than it does if it has 420bhp!
Whatever angle you take I'm just disappointed with it as a car. The E46 looked so pretty and yet this car which kinda takes it's place looks like a bakery van in comparison.
I had almost started to like it but then I saw another one in white again in a car park next to a silver facelift E46 Coupe.
How BMW's have visually fallen from grace in the last five years
Dave
130bhp less than the current M3, 100bhp less than the previous one, and around 20/30 less than the one before that, which it is probably heavier than.
420bhp and times that suggest it's more like 380bhp.
Dave
Lots of sub topics and confusion so just thought I'd share that Ive now had my M135i (auto) for two weeks and thoroughly enjoying all she has to offer - and more!!! Just appreciate things for what they are and if not for you move on and give over!! Amazing engineering - instant as can be switch between driving modes and significant performance difference in sport mode - if its an M car you want go get one but this is pretty close for a small car (having thrashed M3 around Oulton Park on many a visit) but without the daily hassle and headache of the M car. Just my opinion and preference but Im sure someone will disagree!!!
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