F40 M135i
Author
Discussion

bodhi

Original Poster:

13,171 posts

248 months

Wednesday 17th September
quotequote all
As mentioned on another thread, we're looking to replace our old Civic with something a bit newer, and after a visit to the BMW stand at the golf at the weekend we are now very interested in an M135i. We were initially considering buying new but I'm not sure our budget will stretch to an F70, so we're looking at the previous model and we have a question or two.

First is around spec - Mrs Bodhi is requesting

5 Door
Automatic
Blue

Easy enough smile

I've been left in charge of the rest, and for me the key requirements are:

Android Auto
HK
HUD
Electric Seats
Possibly Parking Assist if it's any good.
Red (spot where the arguments are coming from smile)

As far as I can tell Android Auto was standard, but not sure about the rest. With the F40 moving to packages which ones would I need? Looks like Tech and Comfort at the minimum, and maybe the Pro Pack to get HK?

Will be trying to avoid anything from the COVID years that had stuff missing.

Also how are they to run on a day to day basis? Ok on fuel? Reliable?

We are probably going to go for an AUC model from Lookers as we have a contact there, but if there's anything in particular I need to check that would be appreciated.

For instance I've heard some concerns about the gearbox, on both reliability and driveability - worth worrying about?

smashy

3,108 posts

177 months

Wednesday 17th September
quotequote all
Head over here buddy thriving community M135i/M140i/M235i/M240i | Baby BMW Forum https://www.babybmw.net/forums/m135i-m140i-m235i-m...

balise

2,149 posts

229 months

Wednesday 17th September
quotequote all
They’re all extras. Electric seats and HUD is tricky to find together. but essential for me. Easiest way I found was to look at photos it’s easy to see the seats and HUD.

Not a fan of blue personally, red is quite rare. Grey and silver however….

sortedcossie

855 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th September
quotequote all
bodhi said:
I've been left in charge of the rest, and for me the key requirements are:

Android Auto
HK
HUD
Electric Seats
Possibly Parking Assist if it's any good.
Red (spot where the arguments are coming from smile)

As far as I can tell Android Auto was standard, but not sure about the rest. With the F40 moving to packages which ones would I need? Looks like Tech and Comfort at the minimum, and maybe the Pro Pack to get HK?

Will be trying to avoid anything from the COVID years that had stuff missing.

Also how are they to run on a day to day basis? Ok on fuel? Reliable?

We are probably going to go for an AUC model from Lookers as we have a contact there, but if there's anything in particular I need to check that would be appreciated.

For instance I've heard some concerns about the gearbox, on both reliability and driveability - worth worrying about?
There are a lot with zero options on, or with bits missing as you say.

In addition to standard M135i spec (like comfort pack 1 and M Sport Pro pack etc), from memory ours has:

tech pack 1:
BMW Icon Adaptive LED Headlights
Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging
Head-up Display
High-beam Assistant Park Assist
WiFi hotspot preparation

comfort pack2:
Automatic tailgate
Comfort Access
Seat adjustment – front, electric with driver memory
Steering wheel heating


M135i pro pack additions:
19" M V-spoke style 557 M wheels, Bicolour Cerium
Grey Matt
Loudspeaker system – harman/kardon


Other non pack options (some no charge):
BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic paint
Anthracite headlining
Through loading rear seats
Black Dakota with Grey highlight trim selected
Luggage compartment package

bodhi said:
Also how are they to run on a day to day basis? Ok on fuel? Reliable?

We are probably going to go for an AUC model from Lookers as we have a contact there, but if there's anything in particular I need to check that would be appreciated.

For instance I've heard some concerns about the gearbox, on both reliability and driveability - worth worrying about?
Ours was also an AUC car, due to the tech involved I avoided all unless at a main dealer. We've continued the insured warranty since. At the time it was the only one with the options we wanted, I would have liked the pan roof but ones with that didn't have other packs.

Only thing noted "issue" wise is that the lacquer on two of the wheels are starting to flake in small bits, sub 5mm square. It's like a top coat/film, as zero corrosion and not notable from 2ft away.

fuel wise, dash says much less than actual - we're getting around 290 to 310 miles on a tank (brim down to light on) so around 45 litres = 30mpg (dash says 25), and that is zero motorway use, just local commuting. It is worse in the winter, drops to about 270. We tend to use my 335d for anything more than 20 miles round journey.

Some folk slate the gearbox, I don't mind it so I'd say do an extended test drive. My own daily is an F31 335d with the zf8, they do drive and "change" differently but I don't find it an issue. The throttle response on the 135 is much sharper, just due to the different donkey under the bonnet so if i've not driven it for a while I can send it off like a stabbed rat if not careful.


sortedcossie

855 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th September
quotequote all
This link has the Nov 2020 brochure:
https://images.autorama.co.uk/Uploads/Models/9328/...

It's helpful to figure what is standard and what's optional.

bodhi

Original Poster:

13,171 posts

248 months

Thursday 18th September
quotequote all
sortedcossie said:
bodhi said:
I've been left in charge of the rest, and for me the key requirements are:

Android Auto
HK
HUD
Electric Seats
Possibly Parking Assist if it's any good.
Red (spot where the arguments are coming from smile)

As far as I can tell Android Auto was standard, but not sure about the rest. With the F40 moving to packages which ones would I need? Looks like Tech and Comfort at the minimum, and maybe the Pro Pack to get HK?

Will be trying to avoid anything from the COVID years that had stuff missing.

Also how are they to run on a day to day basis? Ok on fuel? Reliable?

We are probably going to go for an AUC model from Lookers as we have a contact there, but if there's anything in particular I need to check that would be appreciated.

For instance I've heard some concerns about the gearbox, on both reliability and driveability - worth worrying about?
There are a lot with zero options on, or with bits missing as you say.

In addition to standard M135i spec (like comfort pack 1 and M Sport Pro pack etc), from memory ours has:

tech pack 1:
BMW Icon Adaptive LED Headlights
Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging
Head-up Display
High-beam Assistant Park Assist
WiFi hotspot preparation

comfort pack2:
Automatic tailgate
Comfort Access
Seat adjustment front, electric with driver memory
Steering wheel heating


M135i pro pack additions:
19" M V-spoke style 557 M wheels, Bicolour Cerium
Grey Matt
Loudspeaker system harman/kardon


Other non pack options (some no charge):
BMW Individual Storm Bay metallic paint
Anthracite headlining
Through loading rear seats
Black Dakota with Grey highlight trim selected
Luggage compartment package

bodhi said:
Also how are they to run on a day to day basis? Ok on fuel? Reliable?

We are probably going to go for an AUC model from Lookers as we have a contact there, but if there's anything in particular I need to check that would be appreciated.

For instance I've heard some concerns about the gearbox, on both reliability and driveability - worth worrying about?
Ours was also an AUC car, due to the tech involved I avoided all unless at a main dealer. We've continued the insured warranty since. At the time it was the only one with the options we wanted, I would have liked the pan roof but ones with that didn't have other packs.

Only thing noted "issue" wise is that the lacquer on two of the wheels are starting to flake in small bits, sub 5mm square. It's like a top coat/film, as zero corrosion and not notable from 2ft away.

fuel wise, dash says much less than actual - we're getting around 290 to 310 miles on a tank (brim down to light on) so around 45 litres = 30mpg (dash says 25), and that is zero motorway use, just local commuting. It is worse in the winter, drops to about 270. We tend to use my 335d for anything more than 20 miles round journey.

Some folk slate the gearbox, I don't mind it so I'd say do an extended test drive. My own daily is an F31 335d with the zf8, they do drive and "change" differently but I don't find it an issue. The throttle response on the 135 is much sharper, just due to the different donkey under the bonnet so if i've not driven it for a while I can send it off like a stabbed rat if not careful.
That is brilliant info, thank you so much for that. I'm a bit swamped at work today so will try to digest later on, however I'd say that info was fairly comprehensive smile

I should have mentioned we're not in a huge hurry to buy (wife is talking about February, I'm seeing if we can move that forward with the right deal) so it does mean we can wait for the right spec - looks like we need all the packs and with us being fussy on colour there may be a wait, but sounds well worth it.

We've had a run of silver/grey cars, the wife hates white and I hate cleaning cars so black is probably out, so looks like we're limited to blue or red unless I can find one of the individual ones that came out post LCI.

Lots to think about, and shall pore through the brochure later on!

sortedcossie

855 posts

147 months

Thursday 18th September
quotequote all
No problem, ours is a long term keeper for sure.


This is worth a read too: https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-buying-guides/...

Good luck with the search.

Boxstercol

249 posts

152 months

Friday 19th September
quotequote all
Hiya, not much else to add to the other comments but I purchased a new M235i Gran Coupe last September, the saloon version of what you’re looking for.

I'm consistently getting over 40mpg, with longer runs getting over 50mpg - but I don’t drive it hard. Local journeys & a heavy right foot results in considerably less. I’ve been impressed with the economy of it, especially considering the performance available.

There are a lot of cars out there that are spec light - reason for that is many were ordered to ensure they came in under the £40k luxury car tax bracket. Just to bear this in mind when looking as the additional car tax premium is paid for the first 5 years following year of registration (up until car is 6 years old).

Although I didn’t think it would bother me too much when I bought mine, it was still an upsetting moment when I had to pay £620 to tax it this year!

Greendubber

14,647 posts

222 months

Monday 6th October
quotequote all
I'm a little late to this thread but I got myself an F40 M135i 12 months ago. So far it's been a great car, more than quick enough, nice cabin, plenty of tec, comfy seats etc.

Economy is as you would expect, long journeys on cruise control on the motorway will see decent MPG, hoofing it won't. On average I get low 30s in mine, it's always run on super unleaded.

Mine was an approved used and so far it's been great, it is in next week for a failing DRL within the driver's side headlight. Buy an oil top up bottle and leave it in the boot, they do use a bit so will want a litre every now and then.

I've just taken out the BMW extended warranty as the 12 months approved used has just ended and it's a very reasonable £45 a month which includes breakdown, hire car etc.

Whoever specced mine new kept it just under the luxury car tax bracket so I'm only paying £190 a year to tax it. I've got HK sound, the 19" wheels and alcantara seats so no HUD etc but I'm not too fussed by that. It's got a decent level of equipment as standard, heated seats, cruise, lane assist etc.

I almost went with an A35 AMG but the reliability issues for similar aged cars ruled them out for me, the BMW seems pretty reliable from what I've read.

They're good in the snow, which I was surprised about.

Now the negatives, for me it's all a bit tame. The exhaust even in sports mode is really tame and there is fake exhausted noise delivered via the speakers. It's a shame that you can't make things a bit more exciting but it's the GPF in the exhaust on pair 2020 (I think) cars that have removed a lot of the noise. I may consider an aftermarket exhaust, but we'll see how I feel in the future.

It attracts idiots, anyone in a 320d appears to have a point to prove for some reason, so expect to have your back bumper ridden a bit.

Everyone compares them to the M140i (F20/22) It doesn't have the 6 cylinder but it's still a very capable car and it doesn't have the offset pedals box and out dated cabin of the previous 1 series. Most people who slate them have never driven one but will have plenty to say about them.

The gear box can be a bit lazy, in sport it's generally OK but sometimes it can be a little slow waking up when moving off quickly.


The correct colour choice is clearly blue, so get a blue one.




bodhi

Original Poster:

13,171 posts

248 months

Monday 6th October
quotequote all
Greendubber said:
I'm a little late to this thread but I got myself an F40 M135i 12 months ago. So far it's been a great car, more than quick enough, nice cabin, plenty of tec, comfy seats etc.

Economy is as you would expect, long journeys on cruise control on the motorway will see decent MPG, hoofing it won't. On average I get low 30s in mine, it's always run on super unleaded.

Mine was an approved used and so far it's been great, it is in next week for a failing DRL within the driver's side headlight. Buy an oil top up bottle and leave it in the boot, they do use a bit so will want a litre every now and then.

I've just taken out the BMW extended warranty as the 12 months approved used has just ended and it's a very reasonable £45 a month which includes breakdown, hire car etc.

Whoever specced mine new kept it just under the luxury car tax bracket so I'm only paying £190 a year to tax it. I've got HK sound, the 19" wheels and alcantara seats so no HUD etc but I'm not too fussed by that. It's got a decent level of equipment as standard, heated seats, cruise, lane assist etc.

I almost went with an A35 AMG but the reliability issues for similar aged cars ruled them out for me, the BMW seems pretty reliable from what I've read.

They're good in the snow, which I was surprised about.

Now the negatives, for me it's all a bit tame. The exhaust even in sports mode is really tame and there is fake exhausted noise delivered via the speakers. It's a shame that you can't make things a bit more exciting but it's the GPF in the exhaust on pair 2020 (I think) cars that have removed a lot of the noise. I may consider an aftermarket exhaust, but we'll see how I feel in the future.

It attracts idiots, anyone in a 320d appears to have a point to prove for some reason, so expect to have your back bumper ridden a bit.

Everyone compares them to the M140i (F20/22) It doesn't have the 6 cylinder but it's still a very capable car and it doesn't have the offset pedals box and out dated cabin of the previous 1 series. Most people who slate them have never driven one but will have plenty to say about them.

The gear box can be a bit lazy, in sport it's generally OK but sometimes it can be a little slow waking up when moving off quickly.


The correct colour choice is clearly blue, so get a blue one.



No problem at all for being late - as mentioned we are not in a huge hurry to buy - looking at February next year, although we are going to try to borrow one in November when we get back from Cyprus to make sure it fits for us.

We have been looking, and whilst there are plenty about avoiding the monochrome ones is a little challenging, but the chap we are working with is happy to wait so we get the spec we want. I'm less fussed about electric seats now, just HUD and HK are must haves for me, which should make things slightly easier just needing the Pro Pack and the Tech Pack.

We also actively don't want leather - remains to be seen if that makes things easier or not.

All good to hear on the reliability front and their ability in snow - and I'm used to having a litre of oil in the boot of my 125i so will be easy enough to do similar here.

Thank you for taking the time, very useful that. Now back to browsing and trying to have patience....

Greendubber

14,647 posts

222 months

Monday 6th October
quotequote all
No worries. When I was looking most cars has the alcantara seats which I preferred over the leather ones plus they look a bit better than the leather ones IMO.

Good luck with the hunt, mine came from Lookers in Stoke on Trent and they were decent, I had to travel to find the right one but they were more than happy to pick me up from the station etc.

GolfDragon

253 posts

86 months

Thursday 16th October
quotequote all
The mpg for the M135i sounds impressive.

I’ve got a 118i and yes on a long run with a light load I can achieve 55mpg. But my day to day running which is largely city driving I struggle to get more than 32mpg.

Makes me tempted to switch to a M135i if the daily running costs aren’t too dissimilar