My 135i experience

[j1gzca]

I was at the dealership last fall to have the 15k service done on my E83 (I didn't want to say X3 outright, folks tend to roll their eyes when I say that). The SA who sold me my car happened to walk by and recognized me. We chatted a bit and he asked me if I missed my ZHP, which I leased from them and decided to return after 36 months. I told him that I should have just bought it when the lease ended because I absolutely loved that car. He said it didn't sit too long in the lot when they put it up for sale, somebody snapped it up immediately. It was Alpine White with Black Alcantara interior and it had about 36k miles when I returned it...way below the 45k limit.

Anyway, he asked me why I didn't buy it and I told him that I wanted to get a 1-series. He said, “do you want to drive it?” Next thing you know I was sitting in a Sedona Red 135i with a late model Honda Accord on my tail. It's been almost a year since I last drove the ZHP and I'd forgotten how it felt sitting so close to the ground. Everything felt right, the seating position, the thick steering wheel that gave instant feedback on what the tires were doing, the taut suspension and especially the brakes. Even the steptronic felt okay.

On our way back to the dealership the SA asked me how I liked the steptronic. I told him it was okay but I probably would still get a manual (heck, even my X3 is manual). He said, “oh I think we have a manual 135i, you want to drive that?”

Next thing you know I was sitting in a Titanium Silver 135i (with what looks like Lemon interior but it could be Savannah, not sure) and this one was even more exhilarating than the steptronic.

By the time we got back to the dealership, my car was done. I told the SA that he'll definitely be getting a call back from me regarding the 135i. I hated that drive back home eventhough I was still in a BMW. I knew I shouldn't have driven the 135i before I was ready to buy it...now I want it even more.

BTW, noob here...first post. :roundel:

[BlackjackMulligan]

Welcome!

Hey don't be ashamed of the X3......I had a 2006 Sport in Mystic Blue over beige leather, it was a fun ride for a SUV.

I hear you on the ZHP, I ALWAYS wanted one of those, an Imola Red over black convertable. Never pulled the trigger though.

Good luck with the 1er purchase if you go that route.

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by j1gzca

I was at the dealership last fall to have the 15k service done on my E83 (I didn't want to say X3 outright, folks tend to roll their eyes when I say that). The SA who sold me my car happened to walk by and recognized me. We chatted a bit and he asked me if I missed my ZHP, which I leased from them and decided to return after 36 months. I told him that I should have just bought it when the lease ended because I absolutely loved that car. He said it didn't sit too long in the lot when they put it up for sale, somebody snapped it up immediately. It was Alpine White with Black Alcantara interior and it had about 36k miles when I returned it...way below the 45k limit.

Anyway, he asked me why I didn't buy it and I told him that I wanted to get a 1-series. He said, “do you want to drive it?” Next thing you know I was sitting in a Sedona Red 135i with a late model Honda Accord on my tail. It's been almost a year since I last drove the ZHP and I'd forgotten how it felt sitting so close to the ground. Everything felt right, the seating position, the thick steering wheel that gave instant feedback on what the tires were doing, the taut suspension and especially the brakes. Even the steptronic felt okay.

On our way back to the dealership the SA asked me how I liked the steptronic. I told him it was okay but I probably would still get a manual (heck, even my X3 is manual). He said, “oh I think we have a manual 135i, you want to drive that?”

Next thing you know I was sitting in a Titanium Silver 135i (with what looks like Lemon interior but it could be Savannah, not sure) and this one was even more exhilarating than the steptronic.

By the time we got back to the dealership, my car was done. I told the SA that he'll definitely be getting a call back from me regarding the 135i. I hated that drive back home eventhough I was still in a BMW. I knew I shouldn't have driven the 135i before I was ready to buy it...now I want it even more.

BTW, noob here...first post. :roundel:

I love the X3! My wife had a Flemenco Red X3, and swore it was here favorite BMW of all time.

[spudw]

My dad loves his X3 as well. It's a great compact SUV and it still handles really well. In fact, it's probably more fun than the 5 Series he had prior to this one.

Having a 1er and an X3 in the garage would be ideal for me...

[j1gzca]

I'm feeling the X3 love here, thanks guys.

Originally Posted by spudw

Having a 1er and an X3 in the garage would be ideal for me...

Yeah, me too!

Here's how my garage looked like before...

[BlackjackMulligan]

That ZHP is sexy!

I had the same wheels on my X3 as you, loved em

[AchtungF80]

I too am a big fan of the X3. If I wasn't buying a house right now and had the extra funds, I'd be looking into a 2005/6 CPO X3 for my daily duties!

[john08135i]

Thats why i didnt even drive the white 4 door M3 they had next to my 1 in the showroom when i bought mine. They did say i was approved for that also for like $300 more /month..

[Brandon26pdx]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

Welcome!

I hear you on the ZHP, I ALWAYS wanted one of those, an Imola Red over black convertable. Never pulled the trigger though.

I test drove that exact car a couple weeks ago: an 06 6mt with ~26k miles. It was super clean but I was honestly a little underwhelmed for what they wanted for it.:iono:

[Brandon26pdx]

Originally Posted by j1gzca

I'm feeling the X3 love here, thanks guys.



Yeah, me too!

Here's how my garage looked like before...

Yeah I'm not sure I'd have let that one go that easily, but, onwards and upwards right?:biggrin:

[j1gzca]

Originally Posted by Brandon26pdx

Yeah I'm not sure I'd have let that one go that easily, but, onwards and upwards right?:biggrin:

[Zirenz2006]

don't be ashamed of the X3, I have an 07 I am using for the winter and I like it.

The X3 is going to benefit greatly when the new model comes out though.

[adc]

Oh, you guys mean like this?

The X3 is very fun to drive, my wife loves it to bits - but if you got the Sport Package in 2004 or 2005 it can be a little bouncy. And if it weren't for my crazy idea of experimenting with the N54 engine, I'd still be driving my ZHP...

[135iUSN]

Hey - not to worry.

I went in looking to get the X3 - and ended up with 135i

only regret is not getting the vert... contemplating selling my 09 and ordering the same options (add prem hifi munus CA)..

my first drive sold me.. my heart was racing like I just rode a roller coaster and I was laughing out loud when I pulled on to the exit ramp...

[135iUSN]

Originally Posted by Zirenz2006

don't be ashamed of the X3, I have an 07 I am using for the winter and I like it.

The X3 is going to benefit greatly when the new model comes out though.

do you know when that is - 2010?

[j1gzca]

For me, the best part about the X3 is the engine. I wish BMW sold an E82 here in the US with the X3's 260 hp N52. I would be all over that...probably even more than the 135i.

[x97Melbourne]

i sure wish i knew what a ZHP was....this proably would be more interesting i did!!!

[j1gzca]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

i sure wish i knew what a ZHP was....this proably would be more interesting i did!!!

It's basically an E46 330i with the Performance Package.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E46...kage_.28USA.29

[amdmaxx]

Didnt know US had any manual X3s..
135 is a great sporty ride - go for it!

[135iUSN]

2005 330Ci vert

[yourfriend]

i know someone selling a red zhp in great condition if anybody wants it haha

[j1gzca]

Originally Posted by amdmaxx

Didnt know US had any manual X3s..

Probably not very popular here but yeah it can be ordered.