RE: BMW M135i: Spotted
Discussion
I’ve run a M135i for 2 years could have had a company Mondeo or opt out.... Duh! Its a pretty good compromise.
5 doors = reasonably practical (with 2 kids), boot isn’t massive... buy a 335 touring if you need the space.
H.K stereo = O.K but could do with more midrange.
Interior = better than most other hot hatches but a bit cheap and flimsy. Business nav is much better than squinting at the little one.
Suspension (std) = good enough on the road. Loads of jumpy B Roads my way, suspension travel is sufficient... it lands gracefully enough! Corners load up well and the short wheel base keeps it lively and interesting . Its also a comfortable ride , doesn’t tramline and isn’t tiring on a long motorway treck.
Auto box = Pretty damn good, Im normally a manual guy but I do a lot of miles and thought I’d give it a try (must be getting old)... im converted, is it’s effortless, just plant your foot and its on it, the 8 cogs change a lot faster than I can and holds it in the power band well so you just get seamless thrust.
The engine = this is what the car is about, the in-line 6 outclasses any 4 (it’ll be a real shame if they take it out). like many others in this thread I opted for a tuning box ‘JB4’ simply the best value for money I have ever spent on a car and turns a bargain into something else entirely, you’d have to pay double for this performance in anything else. Only cost an extra £80 on the insurance (ensure) & a 1 hour diy install and I still get over 30mpg....
Overall I’d agree that it it isn’t the prettiest but if you are thinking about buying one then budget a little more on a tune and i guarantee it’ll be much better than a diesel Mondeo.
5 doors = reasonably practical (with 2 kids), boot isn’t massive... buy a 335 touring if you need the space.
H.K stereo = O.K but could do with more midrange.
Interior = better than most other hot hatches but a bit cheap and flimsy. Business nav is much better than squinting at the little one.
Suspension (std) = good enough on the road. Loads of jumpy B Roads my way, suspension travel is sufficient... it lands gracefully enough! Corners load up well and the short wheel base keeps it lively and interesting . Its also a comfortable ride , doesn’t tramline and isn’t tiring on a long motorway treck.
Auto box = Pretty damn good, Im normally a manual guy but I do a lot of miles and thought I’d give it a try (must be getting old)... im converted, is it’s effortless, just plant your foot and its on it, the 8 cogs change a lot faster than I can and holds it in the power band well so you just get seamless thrust.
The engine = this is what the car is about, the in-line 6 outclasses any 4 (it’ll be a real shame if they take it out). like many others in this thread I opted for a tuning box ‘JB4’ simply the best value for money I have ever spent on a car and turns a bargain into something else entirely, you’d have to pay double for this performance in anything else. Only cost an extra £80 on the insurance (ensure) & a 1 hour diy install and I still get over 30mpg....
Overall I’d agree that it it isn’t the prettiest but if you are thinking about buying one then budget a little more on a tune and i guarantee it’ll be much better than a diesel Mondeo.
TIIVRS said:
H.K stereo = O.K but could do with more midrange.
Agree on that point. Again - assuming it's the same / similar to the system in the F-series MINI. Lots of bass (underseat woofer), plenty of treble, but the mids suffered, listening to a lot of metal made this quite obvious. There was no mid range adjustment in the EQ either, only high and low..rastapasta said:
I nearly bought my wife one of these recently. She loves the 1 series but living in Switzerland she would need an Xdrive version. Now in Switzerland the Xdrive is available as a diesel or as the M Powered petrol only, so no boggo petrol with Xdrive apparently and she HATES Diesel, (like all Swiss).
Anyway off I went to look at a couple of second hand ones. They look wider and lower slung than the normal ones naturally enough but none had an M badge so I just thought that the previous Owners tarted them up. Anyway took one for a spin and thought that its a bit lively but drive a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT so was used to a bit of grunt. Beautiful thing to drive however. I saw the BHP figure and I thought, hmmmm house renovations, kids etc... this might go down as well as a nuns knickers. So I layed off buying it and Went with a new Subaru Impreza instead, which is better for the snow in winter and nice inside and .....
God Id love that BMW :-)
My friend has one and lives in the Scottish borders where there is alot of snow. He has proper full on winter tyres (contis) and was fine all winter didn't get stuck once
Anyway off I went to look at a couple of second hand ones. They look wider and lower slung than the normal ones naturally enough but none had an M badge so I just thought that the previous Owners tarted them up. Anyway took one for a spin and thought that its a bit lively but drive a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT so was used to a bit of grunt. Beautiful thing to drive however. I saw the BHP figure and I thought, hmmmm house renovations, kids etc... this might go down as well as a nuns knickers. So I layed off buying it and Went with a new Subaru Impreza instead, which is better for the snow in winter and nice inside and .....
God Id love that BMW :-)
My friend has one and lives in the Scottish borders where there is alot of snow. He has proper full on winter tyres (contis) and was fine all winter didn't get stuck once
Edited by rastapasta on Tuesday 24th July 09:15
TIIVRS said:
The engine = this is what the car is about, the in-line 6 outclasses any 4 (it’ll be a real shame if they take it out). like many others in this thread I opted for a tuning box ‘JB4’ simply the best value for money I have ever spent on a car and turns a bargain into something else entirely, you’d have to pay double for this performance in anything else
Why would you have to pay "double for this performance in anything else?" A Mk7 Golf R or Leon Cupra 280/290 also with a remap is similar level of performance, for similar money, they both might even be quicker around most tracks or B Roads.smithyithy said:
TIIVRS said:
H.K stereo = O.K but could do with more midrange.
Agree on that point. Again - assuming it's the same / similar to the system in the F-series MINI. Lots of bass (underseat woofer), plenty of treble, but the mids suffered, listening to a lot of metal made this quite obvious. There was no mid range adjustment in the EQ either, only high and low..
t. The F10 I went in with standard audio had audio quality equivalent to my £300 android phone speakers. Utter turdsMustardCutter said:
Aletsch said:
Amazing car, wasn't aware of these at all. Going to be a race to get there before it's sold!! Cannot travel until end of week ??
Not sure if serious?Aletsch, Its easy to get excited when you're looking to buy something you want and you know its going to be fun.. But there are plenty of these about about so don't worry if it goes, play it cool or else you'll end up paying the sticker price, plus any sales rep will tell you turning up right at the end of the month will get you the best deal - monthly sales targets to hit and all that so its no bad thing you can't make it till the end of the week.
Make an appointment with them for a few days time and see if you can have a look at another 1 or 2 in your local area in the meantime, then they'll know you are interested, serious and knowledgeable but not an impulse buyer when you rock up - then you'll get a deal!
Good luck!
Scottie - NW said:
TIIVRS said:
The engine = this is what the car is about, the in-line 6 outclasses any 4 (it’ll be a real shame if they take it out). like many others in this thread I opted for a tuning box ‘JB4’ simply the best value for money I have ever spent on a car and turns a bargain into something else entirely, you’d have to pay double for this performance in anything else
Why would you have to pay "double for this performance in anything else?" A Mk7 Golf R or Leon Cupra 280/290 also with a remap is similar level of performance, for similar money, they both might even be quicker around most tracks or B Roads.For 'anything else' I was thinking in the RWD, 6+ cylinder category, after a tune its a little shy of 400bhp plus a boatload of torque, the M135's might not have the interior quality, kerb appeal or badge prowess of the competition but against others offering similar spec/performance it is a steal and all at the £13k pricepoint... Perhaps its not fair to compare stock vs non stock but i hope you'll agree that however it is viewed these little cars are a complete bargain.
I was talking about the BMW but if we include your comparison of other hatches into the discussion i'm much happier boosting a 3.0x6 over a 2.0x4 - i have a rational fear of breaking stuff! I did try out the Golf R (another awesome car) before buying the BMW I preferred the BMW's extra grunt and 2wd liveliness but I 100% agree with you that any tweaked performance hatches are very fast. I hope the thread doesn't turn into another hot-hatch comparison, is a tuned Golf R / Cupra or A45 quicker... I don't think it matters, they're all so capable that it comes down to the driver except in the cold the wet or the snow where the BMW struggles for grip, does this make it more fun? It depends what you want, we are so lucky that there is are so many cars in this league to choose from, I don't think that you can really go wrong with anything in this category but it will be a shame if the rumors are true and BMW turn this car into another 4wd 4pot like most of the competition.
TIIVRS said:
Scottie - NW said:
TIIVRS said:
The engine = this is what the car is about, the in-line 6 outclasses any 4 (it’ll be a real shame if they take it out). like many others in this thread I opted for a tuning box ‘JB4’ simply the best value for money I have ever spent on a car and turns a bargain into something else entirely, you’d have to pay double for this performance in anything else
Why would you have to pay "double for this performance in anything else?" A Mk7 Golf R or Leon Cupra 280/290 also with a remap is similar level of performance, for similar money, they both might even be quicker around most tracks or B Roads.For 'anything else' I was thinking in the RWD, 6+ cylinder category, after a tune its a little shy of 400bhp plus a boatload of torque, the M135's might not have the interior quality, kerb appeal or badge prowess of the competition but against others offering similar spec/performance it is a steal and all at the £13k pricepoint... Perhaps its not fair to compare stock vs non stock but i hope you'll agree that however it is viewed these little cars are a complete bargain.
I was talking about the BMW but if we include your comparison of other hatches into the discussion i'm much happier boosting a 3.0x6 over a 2.0x4 - i have a rational fear of breaking stuff! I did try out the Golf R (another awesome car) before buying the BMW I preferred the BMW's extra grunt and 2wd liveliness but I 100% agree with you that any tweaked performance hatches are very fast. I hope the thread doesn't turn into another hot-hatch comparison, is a tuned Golf R / Cupra or A45 quicker... I don't think it matters, they're all so capable that it comes down to the driver except in the cold the wet or the snow where the BMW struggles for grip, does this make it more fun? It depends what you want, we are so lucky that there is are so many cars in this league to choose from, I don't think that you can really go wrong with anything in this category but it will be a shame if the rumors are true and BMW turn this car into another 4wd 4pot like most of the competition.
sanguinary said:
Owned mine for about 5 months now and 6,000 miles later I can't get bored of it. I love the throttle response and the noise on gear change (auto box). The suspension's a little bouncy, but I get enough feel from the car to trust it in the corners. It's a comfy car to be in (doesn't feel small from the front seat) and eats the mileage on the motorway..
I recently covered a 1,000 mile trip to the South coast and back and averaged 42 mpg. All my previous performance cars have been generally thirsty however they've been driven, so this came a great surprise.
(I like the looks too).
I keep telling the other half that I'll take her car to work, to keep my mileage down on mine. It's not happened yet.
Nice colourI recently covered a 1,000 mile trip to the South coast and back and averaged 42 mpg. All my previous performance cars have been generally thirsty however they've been driven, so this came a great surprise.
(I like the looks too).
I keep telling the other half that I'll take her car to work, to keep my mileage down on mine. It's not happened yet.
Had my eye on one until I saw the '2'
I’ve had my car nearly two years & 10’000 miles.
It was purchased from Bmw approved used & was a one owner vehicle.
It’s been absolutely fantastic, a true all rounder.
It does everything you could reasonably ask of a car.
35+mpg when touring, great straight line pace when you need it.
I never minded the looks and they have grown on me more, it’s got
The nick name The Breadvan amongst some friends as it reminds them of
An old Z3 M coupe. It certainly has the pace.
I use it for everything, holidays, ring trips, track days, it’s done very well.
The only negative has been the need to replace the sloppy ZF gearbox with a fresh
Unit from Germany. This was done under warranty.
I can’t recommend these cars enough, but I would say if you can afford a warranty
Then buy with a warranty. Especially if getting an auto.
It was purchased from Bmw approved used & was a one owner vehicle.
It’s been absolutely fantastic, a true all rounder.
It does everything you could reasonably ask of a car.
35+mpg when touring, great straight line pace when you need it.
I never minded the looks and they have grown on me more, it’s got
The nick name The Breadvan amongst some friends as it reminds them of
An old Z3 M coupe. It certainly has the pace.
I use it for everything, holidays, ring trips, track days, it’s done very well.
The only negative has been the need to replace the sloppy ZF gearbox with a fresh
Unit from Germany. This was done under warranty.
I can’t recommend these cars enough, but I would say if you can afford a warranty
Then buy with a warranty. Especially if getting an auto.
Scottie - NW said:
it's just the handling issues that put me off, i like to take the daily to the Ring etc. So then i look at the Golf R, but I really worry about leaving that on my driveway the stories i hear, especially in a Warrington pose code, it's not good here for house break ins for keys. So then i like the Cupra 290, more subtle, and you can get an estate which is handy with a large dog and doing up the house. But it just does not have the noise of the M135i...and back round in circles we are. .
Have you driven one yet ?You’re a bit far away for a go in mine !
These handling issues...wow, they are really talked up by magazines who drive
Stuff like hire cars at 10/10ths on the road and declare it “bouncy”
I do two ring trips per year minimum, the M135i is awesome at the ring.
I have the adaptive set up. I never think to myself “wow must bin this suspension”
It’s really planted, stable and has tons of grip.
I could probably make it misbehave on an A road over here but I’d be driving at
A pace to make my passengers sick....and not the sort of pace you should be
Doing on a UK road.
I’d say try one.
In contrast we had a Golf R in our squad last year and I did a tourist lap in it.
Found it really boring by comparison.
3795mpower said:
It’s been absolutely fantastic, a true all rounder.
It does everything you could reasonably ask of a car.
35+mpg when touring, great straight line pace when you need it.
I never minded the looks and they have grown on me more, it’s got
The nick name The Breadvan amongst some friends as it reminds them of
An old Z3 M coupe. It certainly has the pace.
I use it for everything, holidays, ring trips, track days, it’s done very well.
Sums my thoughts up nicely as well. Mine's a 140i, but is pretty much the same car.It does everything you could reasonably ask of a car.
35+mpg when touring, great straight line pace when you need it.
I never minded the looks and they have grown on me more, it’s got
The nick name The Breadvan amongst some friends as it reminds them of
An old Z3 M coupe. It certainly has the pace.
I use it for everything, holidays, ring trips, track days, it’s done very well.
I haven't tracked mine, but it is used as a work hack and takes me all over the country in comfort, and is engaging enough to enjoy a blast on sunny days just for the hell of it. Driven hard, averages around 30 mpg, doesn't use any fluids at all, never seems to miss a beat, and only needs servicing every 18-19k. Makes a nice noise as well.
One heck of an all-rounder.
This is timely as I’ve been looking at M140’s for the end of this year when I change. I was set on a Civic type R but cannot reconcile myself with £35k for a Honda Civic no matter how good it is. Also as a gentleman of a certain age the wings and splitters are starting to look a little conspicuous. However back to the subject matter, I was thinking these (M135i/M140i) are not going to be around forever and the ministry of misery in Whitehall are bound to outlaw this type of car before too long in their bid to get us all into something with a hairdryer motor. So I thought what can I get, new or nearly new for less than the cost of a box-fresh CTR GT? Depending on how broad your horizons are the answer is quite a lot.
So i landed on the M140i planet. I’ve read how it comes unravelled a bit at 11 10ths whereas the cheeky 4cyl upstarts don’t and it might become a chav-mobile at some point (not sure that will happen) but what a classy bit of kit for c. 25k with low miles and 1-2 years old!
I think they’re a bit niche and dare I say gone somewhat under the radar. So I’ve narrowed it down to 5 dr auto with under 15k in Estoril Blue or Valencia Orange. But don’t tell anyone as prices may go up!
Conversely and seriously there are currently 50 135s And 140s on BCA’s stock list, going through the block in the next 2-3 weeks, many of them with very low miles, which tells me they’re not great forecourt fodder where the world still wants something that looks the part but powered by a 3 cyl diesel.
So i landed on the M140i planet. I’ve read how it comes unravelled a bit at 11 10ths whereas the cheeky 4cyl upstarts don’t and it might become a chav-mobile at some point (not sure that will happen) but what a classy bit of kit for c. 25k with low miles and 1-2 years old!
I think they’re a bit niche and dare I say gone somewhat under the radar. So I’ve narrowed it down to 5 dr auto with under 15k in Estoril Blue or Valencia Orange. But don’t tell anyone as prices may go up!
Conversely and seriously there are currently 50 135s And 140s on BCA’s stock list, going through the block in the next 2-3 weeks, many of them with very low miles, which tells me they’re not great forecourt fodder where the world still wants something that looks the part but powered by a 3 cyl diesel.
Edited by Earl of Petrol on Thursday 26th July 11:26
WojaWabbit said:
I love everything about these apart from the looks. I'd have one on the drive but I don't think I'd get used to wretching every time I stepped out the front door.
I really don't understand the hatred of the looks seeing as pretty much every BMW made during the last 30 years looks exactly the same.3795mpower said:
Have you driven one yet ?
You’re a bit far away for a go in mine !
These handling issues...wow, they are really talked up by magazines who drive
Stuff like hire cars at 10/10ths on the road and declare it “bouncy”
I do two ring trips per year minimum, the M135i is awesome at the ring.
I have the adaptive set up. I never think to myself “wow must bin this suspension”
It’s really planted, stable and has tons of grip.
I could probably make it misbehave on an A road over here but I’d be driving at
A pace to make my passengers sick....and not the sort of pace you should be
Doing on a UK road.
I’d say try one.
In contrast we had a Golf R in our squad last year and I did a tourist lap in it.
Found it really boring by comparison.
Thanks, that is really useful info. The problem is on a test drive on the roads you are only getting an idea of how the car feels so I rely on certain journalists (Catchpole/Meaden etc) and road testers over the last 20 years to help me choose a car. Your experience of the Ring is very relevant, as when it's your own car you are not going all out as you need the car in one piece to get back to the UK.You’re a bit far away for a go in mine !
These handling issues...wow, they are really talked up by magazines who drive
Stuff like hire cars at 10/10ths on the road and declare it “bouncy”
I do two ring trips per year minimum, the M135i is awesome at the ring.
I have the adaptive set up. I never think to myself “wow must bin this suspension”
It’s really planted, stable and has tons of grip.
I could probably make it misbehave on an A road over here but I’d be driving at
A pace to make my passengers sick....and not the sort of pace you should be
Doing on a UK road.
I’d say try one.
In contrast we had a Golf R in our squad last year and I did a tourist lap in it.
Found it really boring by comparison.
Earl of Petrol said:
Conversely and seriously there are currently 50 135s And 140s on BCA’s stock list, going through the block in the next 2-3 weeks, many of them with very low miles, which tells me they’re not great forecourt fodder where the world still wants something that looks the part but powered by a 3 cyl diesel.
As most of these were bought on finance/pcp schemes maybe the majority ofEdited by Earl of Petrol on Thursday 26th July 11:26
Those cars up for auction are those that have been handed back to the dealer.
Perhaps too old/not quite tidy enough to retail again ?
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff