Generic M140i Content
Discussion
An upcoming job change means being back on a car allowance rather than a company-supplied motor.
The anticipated 20k miles per annum wasn't a factor in car choice. Instead, getting something with more than four cylinders that is most definitely reliant on fossil fuels as a means of propulsion - as opposed to being plugged into a wall - were the main criteria here.
Budget was £25k with additional criteria of <10k miles on the clock, <2 years old, auto gearbox and 0-60 in less than six seconds. Once you plug these into Autotrader, it doesn't leave much else - good job I wanted a 140i regardless then!
My example has the options i wasn't willing to compromise on (optional 719M wheels and Pro Media), plus the benefits of being a Shadow Edition to add some extra bits such as privacy glass, rear PDC and HK sound. It's not a particularly heavy spec overall, but has enough to ensure daily use is enjoyable.
The car was in decent condition upon collection from Specialist Cars Tring, however a good claying and ceramic waxing after the 170 mile trip home brought the Estoril blue up very well, followed by a solid interior clean to eliminate any sign of previous usage before my ownership.
First impressions of the car are the B58 is a powerhouse, and I'm not surprised to see dyno tests have shown other cars running closer to 360bhp versus the claimed 340bhp. It pulls at any revs and doesn't relent until well over 100, where private roads allow. Perhaps the best bit in terms of also being a daily is its' ability to return over 35mpg at motorway speeds, plus it cost less than a reasonably spec'd Ford Focus.
Photos below. The only change I've made is a £3.99 blue start button to replace the black one - a surprisingly easy change, even for someone as useless as me. It ties in well with the exterior and also the blue stitching on the seats.
The anticipated 20k miles per annum wasn't a factor in car choice. Instead, getting something with more than four cylinders that is most definitely reliant on fossil fuels as a means of propulsion - as opposed to being plugged into a wall - were the main criteria here.
Budget was £25k with additional criteria of <10k miles on the clock, <2 years old, auto gearbox and 0-60 in less than six seconds. Once you plug these into Autotrader, it doesn't leave much else - good job I wanted a 140i regardless then!
My example has the options i wasn't willing to compromise on (optional 719M wheels and Pro Media), plus the benefits of being a Shadow Edition to add some extra bits such as privacy glass, rear PDC and HK sound. It's not a particularly heavy spec overall, but has enough to ensure daily use is enjoyable.
The car was in decent condition upon collection from Specialist Cars Tring, however a good claying and ceramic waxing after the 170 mile trip home brought the Estoril blue up very well, followed by a solid interior clean to eliminate any sign of previous usage before my ownership.
First impressions of the car are the B58 is a powerhouse, and I'm not surprised to see dyno tests have shown other cars running closer to 360bhp versus the claimed 340bhp. It pulls at any revs and doesn't relent until well over 100, where private roads allow. Perhaps the best bit in terms of also being a daily is its' ability to return over 35mpg at motorway speeds, plus it cost less than a reasonably spec'd Ford Focus.
Photos below. The only change I've made is a £3.99 blue start button to replace the black one - a surprisingly easy change, even for someone as useless as me. It ties in well with the exterior and also the blue stitching on the seats.
Edited by MattHall91 on Friday 21st June 08:24
Court_S said:
Congrats on the new car - I collected mine yesterday. I can’t wait for the running in period to be over (having had one for an extended drive, they’re pretty damn quick and it’s a fab engine).
Mine isn’t a massive spec either - shadow edition plus pro nav and heated seats.
Enjoy.
Thanks and congrats on yours too. Hopefully the running in period passes quickly and you can enjoy it to the full.Mine isn’t a massive spec either - shadow edition plus pro nav and heated seats.
Enjoy.
CarAbuser said:
The B58 really is a monster. Such an improvement over the N55.
Are you tempted to tune? MHD works for the B58 engine now and it claims to up the output to 420bhp and 470bhp if you get rid of the GPF and primary cats.
Agree, great engine!Are you tempted to tune? MHD works for the B58 engine now and it claims to up the output to 420bhp and 470bhp if you get rid of the GPF and primary cats.
Edited by CarAbuser on Friday 21st June 11:43
I probably won’t look at tuning while I have 2 years of warranty left.
The other reservation I’d have about more power is putting it onto the road. The car only has 245 rear section tyres, and in anything other than bone dry conditions the traction control light has an epileptic fit.
If I’ve still got the car when the warranty expires I may look into it though, it would certainly be a rocket!
I had a go in one of these on a skid pan at Goodwood the other day. Seemed rather a nice car, a proper pocket-rocket with a peach of an engine. We did keep having to reset it (switch off and on again) as the traction control/ESP/ABS or whatever kept freaking out! I’d be keen to hear what they’re like to live with as a daily.
mrfunex said:
I had a go in one of these on a skid pan at Goodwood the other day. Seemed rather a nice car, a proper pocket-rocket with a peach of an engine. We did keep having to reset it (switch off and on again) as the traction control/ESP/ABS or whatever kept freaking out! I’d be keen to hear what they’re like to live with as a daily.
Fantastic I’m finding as a daily, coming from a Golf R. I’ve done 1600 miles now on a brand new 19 plate and it’s returning just shy of 30mpg. That’s with regular commutes and some spirited blats thrown in for pleasure. Brilliant cars, I like the fact it keeps you on your toes unlike the R which was phenomenally quick and capable, but a little dull and unengaging. I get the sense the M140i could bite you so that heightens the driving experience. Plus it looks and sounds lovely.
JonnyJustice said:
mrfunex said:
I had a go in one of these on a skid pan at Goodwood the other day. Seemed rather a nice car, a proper pocket-rocket with a peach of an engine. We did keep having to reset it (switch off and on again) as the traction control/ESP/ABS or whatever kept freaking out! I’d be keen to hear what they’re like to live with as a daily.
Fantastic I’m finding as a daily, coming from a Golf R. I’ve done 1600 miles now on a brand new 19 plate and it’s returning just shy of 30mpg. That’s with regular commutes and some spirited blats thrown in for pleasure. Brilliant cars, I like the fact it keeps you on your toes unlike the R which was phenomenally quick and capable, but a little dull and unengaging. I get the sense the M140i could bite you so that heightens the driving experience. Plus it looks and sounds lovely.
For the most part through it deals with the mundane commuter stuff in its stride and ticks most boxes IMO.
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