BMW M135i

[7heGeneral]

Hi guys,

I've been looking at upgrading my car for a little while. I was originally considering an E90 M3 (I prefer the looks of the saloon so the coupe was never an option) but after working out the difference in potential running costs I’ve decided against it.

Initially I wasn’t even considering the M135i as I wasn’t keen on the look etc, but after having a look(online) at a few of them and reading some reviews I’ve come around to the idea that one of these is perhaps the more sensible choice of vehicle for now.

I'd be happy to hear about your experiences with the M135i (reliability, costs etc) as I know a number of you have them / have had them. For reference I was VERY interested in this one (Although I don’t really want a black one but the spec was perfect!)

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/... but unfortunately it sold before I got to arrange a viewing etc.

In terms of what options I would like on my ideal M135i, they are as follows:
- Professional Nav
- Bluetooth – For music and phone
- Heated seats
- Parking sensors
- Auto
- Adaptable dampers – Are these a must have as some reviews suggest?
- Cruise control
- Preferably not black

Am I missing an essential extra that would be a “must have”?

I've got a budget of about £25k, but ideally I'd like to spend less then £20k So if anybody knows of any that may be coming up for sale in the future I'd appreciate a headsup too!

Thanks again

Edited by 7heGeneral on Thursday 11th May 15:34

[7heGeneral]

rassi said:

I was very close to getting one, and for me the essential options in addition to what you already listed would be:

- lumbar support
- front/rear pdc
- rearview camera

Good luck! The M140i is apparently a great deal faster, so I know that would have annoyed me if I had gotten an M135i

Cheers Rassi!

I know the M140i is available know but with my budget I think I'd be looking at the most basic of specs and as I'm looking to keep it a couple of years I'd rather not skimp on spec for the sake of a couple of horses.

Out of curiosity what did you end up buying? It may be something I've not considered and would be open to alternative suggestions too.

[7heGeneral]

va1o said:

I absolutely love mine, best car I've ever had. For me it's the perfect combination of performance, comfort and affordable running costs.

I spent 3-months searching for one in the right spec as BMW weren't overly generous with the standard equipment and you get a lot of base spec ex-lease cars for sale. Mine has the following:

- Auto 'box, personal preference I guess but for me was essential the only I wouldn't even consider going without
- Pro Nav, essential I think as it's very sought after and makes the interior look much smarter
- Harman Kardon Audio, very nice to have and also sought after
- Adaptive Dampers, probably not essential but a great addition
- Heated seats, essential
- Rear PDC, essential
- Folding mirrors, nice to have
- Sun protection glass, makes it look quite a bit smarter
- Service inclusive, nice to have as it can save you quite a bit of money!
- M Performance grilles, works very well with certain colours
- M Performance Exhaust, wasn't sure at first but as soon as I heard it had no regrets!

Oddly even though that would've cost £38k new it has no cruise control! I haven't really missed it though and it can be retro-fitted relatively easily.

Thanks at Va10 - This is very confident inspiring for me. I'm sure you had a MK5 GTI (Which I've now had 2 of) and if you find it as good as you say it is, I'm sure I'd enjoy mine when I find one / order one too!

[7heGeneral]

jan8p said:

Cheers Crafty.

Pulled the trigger on the car yesterday

Well done mate! Hopefully you're enjoying it

Care to share how much you paid for yours? I'm just wondering whether there's much discount to be had with the dealers etc? You can PM me if you like

[7heGeneral]

Oh and I'm sorry I've been rather quiet since I asked the question - Work had been really hectic and I didn't manage to log on until today.

I'm now contemplating ordering a new M140i in a few months time as it's not too much more expensive then what some dealers want for their M135i's. I'll keep a look out for a M135i as I'm currently not quiet ready to pull the trigger on a new one, I need to finish my ongoing house renovations before I'd be allowed to up my budget enough.

Oh and thanks for ALL your replies guys - It's been a great help in knowing it is probably the right car for me

And while I'm here - what are the back seats like? I'm 6'0, would somebody around my size manage to get in the back while I'm in the front? And also does the M135/M140 come with folding rear seats as I know that's something that was a VERY rare option (should be standard in my opinion) on the E90 M3 I was looking for.

Thanks again!