600bhp 1 Series
Discussion
TheDrBrian said:
Interesting that you’re putting cheap petrol in a high compression high boost engine. What does BMW recommend?
Not putting diesel in.Unsure of what you mean here, I’m just catching up with the thread, do you mean Costco fuel?
Edited by D4MJT on Sunday 7th January 18:35
Done 20 odd thousand miles in mine as a daily hack (I have a more fun Z4M for summer) and can't understand why anyone would spec it with an auto. Surely the only point of one over a 120d or 125d is that it is a lot more fun, so why give that away with an auto box for the sake of convenience? Mine is a 3 door with sunroof (essential) non run flats, adaptive LEDs and adaptive suspension (both essential).
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Done 20 odd thousand miles in mine as a daily hack (I have a more fun Z4M for summer) and can't understand why anyone would spec it with an auto. Surely the only point of one over a 120d or 125d is that it is a lot more fun, so why give that away with an auto box for the sake of convenience? Mine is a 3 door with sunroof (essential) non run flats, adaptive LEDs and adaptive suspension (both essential).
Out of interest, have you driven the auto?You see, I'm an avid fan of the Midget Gem, mind only the proper ones where the black ones are liquorice. And yet, whilst being of apparently sound mind, my old man is partial to a lemon bon-bon or two. That's as well as I can explain myself regarding the gearboxes.
I guess it suits my purpose more, although you sound like you're covering similar miles to me. Perhaps I'm just a bit of a jessie. I think if I'm honest as well, and I'm aware the car is considerably underpowered, compared even to similar bland german things you can drive out of a showroom, it's pretty quick to me, and I think I could drive the auto faster than I could drive my mates manual any day of the week. Obviously that's a limitation of my own driving ability, but I think it makes the performance more accessible. I also prefer the gearing in the auto, cruise at 70 is barely 1,500rpm.
One thing that's very interesting to see with the owners is the widely differing opinions on essential options, it's definitely worth doing your reading up beforehand and deciding what you like, as it seems to differ wildly. I'd agree on the LED's, and the suspension is clearly a hot topic also, but I'd have heated bits every day of the week before a sunroof
Mind, be dull if we all liked the same things!
jimPH said:
Our M135i didn't have HK and the sound was lacking. I just added some HK tweeters and it's improved the sound considerably.
Its a blimmin quick little car, I've not got anywhere near it's limits on the road, on the road it will keep up with anything.
I'm reliably informed the speed limiter works.Its a blimmin quick little car, I've not got anywhere near it's limits on the road, on the road it will keep up with anything.
Sparkzz said:
Nice, understated vehicle.
Might be a bit hard on the 'arris after floating about in a 7 series?
You my friend, are not wrong.Might be a bit hard on the 'arris after floating about in a 7 series?
The ride is leagues apart, and my 7 series was an older one too. That said, it's firmer for a reason and the 140 is a lot more fun to point up the Hartside Pass on a weekend than a diesel 7 series was. Swings and roundabouts.
However, that does bring me onto another complaint for the M140i in general.
It would be lovely, and I would have ticked it, if you could option some better seats than the standard 1 series seats. They do the job, but it would be nice to have the option of a more premium seat. The 387-way adjustable comfort seats in my 7 series are sorely missed.
adam85 said:
Fair enough... my point isn't really applicable to "car people" .. which is your point too - I guess that's the point 
As it happens, I removed it in a fit of rage a few weekends ago whilst trying to clean inside the "d" of the 116d badge. I ended up with wax inside it and couldn't get it out, so pulled the lot off and went to sulk.I quite like the look of it totally debadged now so it'll probably stay like that for a while.
Regrettably I'm still a colossal child at heart so I can't say it won't get rebadged again at some point.
D4MJT said:
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Done 20 odd thousand miles in mine as a daily hack (I have a more fun Z4M for summer) and can't understand why anyone would spec it with an auto. Surely the only point of one over a 120d or 125d is that it is a lot more fun, so why give that away with an auto box for the sake of convenience? Mine is a 3 door with sunroof (essential) non run flats, adaptive LEDs and adaptive suspension (both essential).
Out of interest, have you driven the auto?You see, I'm an avid fan of the Midget Gem, mind only the proper ones where the black ones are liquorice. And yet, whilst being of apparently sound mind, my old man is partial to a lemon bon-bon or two. That's as well as I can explain myself regarding the gearboxes.
I guess it suits my purpose more, although you sound like you're covering similar miles to me. Perhaps I'm just a bit of a jessie. I think if I'm honest as well, and I'm aware the car is considerably underpowered, compared even to similar bland german things you can drive out of a showroom, it's pretty quick to me, and I think I could drive the auto faster than I could drive my mates manual any day of the week. Obviously that's a limitation of my own driving ability, but I think it makes the performance more accessible. I also prefer the gearing in the auto, cruise at 70 is barely 1,500rpm.
One thing that's very interesting to see with the owners is the widely differing opinions on essential options, it's definitely worth doing your reading up beforehand and deciding what you like, as it seems to differ wildly. I'd agree on the LED's, and the suspension is clearly a hot topic also, but I'd have heated bits every day of the week before a sunroof
Mind, be dull if we all liked the same things!
Haven't driven the 140 with the auto - but have driven other BMWs with that box. I can't think that you'd want to go faster than the manual allows - except on a track, which I'm not that interested in as thankfully a 140 isn't a track 'weapon'! Also not sure how more accessible the performance needs to be than with the manual! The auto does feel a bit dim witted to me after manuals - when going in to reverse quickly, etc, and occasionally its in the wrong gear. Granted, most of my driving is non-urban, but for those who say an auto is easier in stop-start traffic, surely it's not THAT hard to change gear...! As you say, it would be boring if everyone liked the same thing, but I'm not sure anyone would agree that the auto is more fun or more rewarding... If it was, I'm sure I'd have one!
Definitely agree about the gearing, tho - its under geared in 6th on the M Way although I've got used to it...
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said: Thank you, the demonstrator didn't have black panel or this option - could I ask if it warns you if you're exceeding the limit and if so how configurable it is?
Presume there's a digital speedo option as well as the analogue as I always find that quite useful as it's in your face.
Well then, a few other bits I thought of that might be worth mentioning.Presume there's a digital speedo option as well as the analogue as I always find that quite useful as it's in your face.
I don't know what the cost of the speed limit display is but.....
As standard the car comes with a soft limiter that you can activate with the steering wheel, so when you get to 30, you clip it on, and unless you absolutely floor it, the car won't accelerate past the speed you've set. It's very handy in town, and in fact if I'd been using it today I probably wouldn't be expecting the letter from the mobile camera van I passed earlier. Sigh.
That's actually probably a decent sales pitch for speccing the speed limit display, I'll tell you in 14 days.
I don't know if you're looking at 3 or 5 doors, but if you're looking at 3dr, look at the 40/20/40 split rear seats option. It basically means you can fold the rear seats in that formation rather than just the standard 60/40, but what they don't mention in the brochure is that if you have the 40/20/40 folding rear seats, the centre seat suddenly has a sweet armrest that folds down for rear passengers with cup holders that you don't get otherwise. This is hugely annoying as I'd had that too.
In terms of differences between the cars, the M140i has newer dash / dials / iDrive and will feel more modern inside. The engines are similar, the M140i feels like it has much more shove lower down the rev range, while the M135 feels like it screams to the redline more. Or that was my impression anyway.
Digital speedo - not as standard on my car, that may have changed with the LCI2. That said, mine now has it anyway as I coded it in. There's all kinds you can do with the car regarding tweaking bits for your preference, I've coded off the stop start by default as it does my head in and it saves me having to manually turn it off etc.
At the end of the day, they really are a great car for the money. Even with my complaints regarding fuel tank size and not being able to choose better seats, if you look at the competition from Merc or Audi, you'd be paying another 10K to get into an A45 or an RS3.
Similar boat re the finance, it made sense for me to buy through PCP, even though my intention is to keep the car longer term. Due to the mileage I'm stacking on my balloon is only something like £11k.
Mine's due it's first service in 1800 miles so we'll see how that goes. I have the 3 year service pack, however I changed the oil myself at 10k as my personal opinion is that 20k miles is too long.
Billy_Whizzzz said:
Yes definitely have heated seats - I have those too. But I'd lose them before I lose the sunroof. But - as you say - horses for courses! Stupidly I left off (can't think how) reversing sensors and I miss those.
Haven't driven the 140 with the auto - but have driven other BMWs with that box. I can't think that you'd want to go faster than the manual allows - except on a track, which I'm not that interested in as thankfully a 140 isn't a track 'weapon'! Also not sure how more accessible the performance needs to be than with the manual! The auto does feel a bit dim witted to me after manuals - when going in to reverse quickly, etc, and occasionally its in the wrong gear. Granted, most of my driving is non-urban, but for those who say an auto is easier in stop-start traffic, surely it's not THAT hard to change gear...! As you say, it would be boring if everyone liked the same thing, but I'm not sure anyone would agree that the auto is more fun or more rewarding... If it was, I'm sure I'd have one!
Definitely agree about the gearing, tho - its under geared in 6th on the M Way although I've got used to it...
I've driven 2 different diesel G30 5 series that I've had as courtesy cars with the 8 speed ZF box and I was staggered by how different it felt, so you may be pleasantly suprised!Haven't driven the 140 with the auto - but have driven other BMWs with that box. I can't think that you'd want to go faster than the manual allows - except on a track, which I'm not that interested in as thankfully a 140 isn't a track 'weapon'! Also not sure how more accessible the performance needs to be than with the manual! The auto does feel a bit dim witted to me after manuals - when going in to reverse quickly, etc, and occasionally its in the wrong gear. Granted, most of my driving is non-urban, but for those who say an auto is easier in stop-start traffic, surely it's not THAT hard to change gear...! As you say, it would be boring if everyone liked the same thing, but I'm not sure anyone would agree that the auto is more fun or more rewarding... If it was, I'm sure I'd have one!
Definitely agree about the gearing, tho - its under geared in 6th on the M Way although I've got used to it...
Bar that, regarding stop start traffic, I think basically you're just less lazy than I am
I had thre zf box on June and I as an enthusiast driver and petrol head I can Tell you I have never driven an auto this good. The hearing is just right especially for 0-60 in my view. I was always on the paddles so it was never in the wrong gear. My friend thought it was a double clutch as it's so quick to change in manual changes.
I'll weigh in with my opinion, I've had my manual m240i since September and done about 4k miles so far. I bought it as an all rounder, to do the 70 mile round trip daily commute without boring me to death, but also to provide some fun at the weekend.
It does the job well, but it isn't good enough at the weekend element. But then, what would be? I think most of it's competitors would as well, except perhaps the latest Civic Type R.
I do enjoy driving it, but it doesn't get me looking for the keys just to take it for a drive, and here is why:-
1. Steering feel is just so artificial. It's better than some but a million miles from my old 987 Cayman.
2. It is almost too fast to be fun. The engine is a monster, but it just gets to the limit with little drama or work that it soon feels normal.
3. I like the 6 cylinder sound, but it doesn't scream to the red line, and exhaust is quite muted.
Having a manual box suits me well, I don't find I miss an auto on the commute, and come a drive I enjoy managing the gears myself. While the box isn't as as good as a Honda Type R or Porsche, it's still decent. I did have an Auto to test drive for 2 hours, and it was very impressive no doubt, but decided to go manual for greater involvement and never looked back.
On the commute, it is quiet and comfortable, and plenty of power when needed. I have been averaging about 36mpg which is about what I expected.
In terms of options I went with the following:-
Manual - for reasons above
Advanced Audio - much better than standard, and didn't need HK
Business Nav - everyone seems to say Pro is a must have, but I find the business to be fine with all the capability I ever need,
Heated Seats - awesome in this cold weather
Lumber support - essential having had bad backs and spending 2 hours a day in the car.
privacy glass - no essential but think it looks better
Cruise control - essential for motorway commute.
I am beginning to think in hindsight that I should get a cheap diesel for the commute, and something more interesting for the weekend, s2000, cayman, lotus etc.
It does the job well, but it isn't good enough at the weekend element. But then, what would be? I think most of it's competitors would as well, except perhaps the latest Civic Type R.
I do enjoy driving it, but it doesn't get me looking for the keys just to take it for a drive, and here is why:-
1. Steering feel is just so artificial. It's better than some but a million miles from my old 987 Cayman.
2. It is almost too fast to be fun. The engine is a monster, but it just gets to the limit with little drama or work that it soon feels normal.
3. I like the 6 cylinder sound, but it doesn't scream to the red line, and exhaust is quite muted.
Having a manual box suits me well, I don't find I miss an auto on the commute, and come a drive I enjoy managing the gears myself. While the box isn't as as good as a Honda Type R or Porsche, it's still decent. I did have an Auto to test drive for 2 hours, and it was very impressive no doubt, but decided to go manual for greater involvement and never looked back.
On the commute, it is quiet and comfortable, and plenty of power when needed. I have been averaging about 36mpg which is about what I expected.
In terms of options I went with the following:-
Manual - for reasons above
Advanced Audio - much better than standard, and didn't need HK
Business Nav - everyone seems to say Pro is a must have, but I find the business to be fine with all the capability I ever need,
Heated Seats - awesome in this cold weather
Lumber support - essential having had bad backs and spending 2 hours a day in the car.
privacy glass - no essential but think it looks better
Cruise control - essential for motorway commute.
I am beginning to think in hindsight that I should get a cheap diesel for the commute, and something more interesting for the weekend, s2000, cayman, lotus etc.
@ D4MJT thank you again, and to everyone else for some good feedback 
M140i test drive was today, hard to compare to the M135i as it's a newer car plus it was 2-3 degrees outside so it's not as if I was anywhere even close to anything where you'd notice the difference.
It's fking quick though 
I'm working the numbers for a few days whilst I get figures from a couple of other dealers and the guy I've been dealing with locally is who I'd like to give the business too if I go for one.
Question for those who have or had one - what else did you consider as I'm a muppet for focussing on something then on the drive back when I've collected it seeing something I never even thought of.
M140i test drive was today, hard to compare to the M135i as it's a newer car plus it was 2-3 degrees outside so it's not as if I was anywhere even close to anything where you'd notice the difference.
It's f
king quick though I'm working the numbers for a few days whilst I get figures from a couple of other dealers and the guy I've been dealing with locally is who I'd like to give the business too if I go for one.
Question for those who have or had one - what else did you consider as I'm a muppet for focussing on something then on the drive back when I've collected it seeing something I never even thought of.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff