Here's the dumbest design feature of the 135i

[Guildenstern]

Originally Posted by Cuz5150

How about the wiper stalk being to close to steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel, part of my hand/finders "catch/trip" the wiper stalk. I end up with a burst of wiper fluid on the windshield and the wipers do nothing. This has happened 3 times. 2 were right after a 3 hrs of washing the car......GRRRRRRRRRRRR

WOW you must have some serious Meat Hooks. I've never noticed that one.

My big complaint is the damn forward canted headrest that you can't tip back. I can only stand about 2 hours of driving before I NEED to put my head back. Although I see a lot of cars like that now, so It may be a safty feature. But a damn uncomfortable one.

[voerman]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

I want a standard style turn-signal stalk. This electronic version is so awkward to use.
Who blinks once, or three times (if set that way)? Unless you're one of those a$$holes who signals as he turns and gives no warnings, so why have that mode?

I totally agree that the joystick turn signal implementation is bad news. I am fairly sure it was designed by video game players who were too young to actually drive a car

In my opinion (yes anyone can disagree) three flashes is not enough to safely change lanes. On interstates I find that I typically use five or more flashes. Don't get me wrong - I would rather see three flashes than none.

My other problem with it is that when you are signaling a turn and you center the wheel, the directional signal turns off without any feedback except that the flashing/clicking stops. You need to realize this and put the signal back on - a distraction at best. At worst you are violating vehicle and traffic laws by not signaling continuously. A normal directional signal will give a loud click when returning the stalk to center, allowing you to instantly turn the signal back on with minimum distraction.

I had this same signal on my E90 so have been dealing with it for years. I even find myself manually holding the directional signal on when turning at dangerous intersections so that it won't turn off. This is another distraction I could live without.

In general I like BMW engineering - I have owned 7 BMW's over the years. The standard directional signal design has been around for many, many years and did not need to be redesigned for the mere sake of doing something different.

Lou

[jeremyc74]

I'm just going to say, personally I love the way the turn signals work. It's something I'm going to miss when I go back to an American vehicle in the spring.

[imported_mega]

I prefer the 1 series signal too, makes lane change 3 blink signaling easier

[angrybaker]

I dont mind the 3 blink setting....but it would be nice if you could set it to other amounts...3-5-7 whatever

[GtiGyver]

But three blinks isn't enough for anything. And the stalk returns to the middle position. How often does it happen that you put the blinker on only to find out that you can't make the turn so you push the stalk in the opposite direction, and instead of canceling the blink, your now blinking in the wrong direction so you get angry, push it back in the opposite direction and now your blinking again in the first direction.... GRRRR
So stupid.... the classic stalk had absolutely nothing wrong with it..

[imported_mega]

why isnt 3 blinks enough? Do you all change lanes really really slowly?

I signal my intent then I change lanes fast, nobody gives room here, so you have no choice but to cut people off, and do it with gusto or you'll get hit, the atlanta drivers are jerks and speed up when you signal so you cant change lanes

[mpwrd3]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

But three blinks isn't enough for anything. And the stalk returns to the middle position. How often does it happen that you put the blinker on only to find out that you can't make the turn so you push the stalk in the opposite direction, and instead of canceling the blink, your now blinking in the wrong direction so you get angry, push it back in the opposite direction and now your blinking again in the first direction.... GRRRR
So stupid.... the classic stalk had absolutely nothing wrong with it..

I've done that many times myself and it is frustrating. Now I push it in the same direction as the current indicator to cancel it. I'm not positive if it blinks 3 times and then stops or cancels immediately, but if I recall correctly it cancels it.

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by mpwrd3

I've done that many times myself and it is frustrating. Now I push it in the same direction as the current indicator to cancel it. I'm not positive if it blinks 3 times and then stops or cancels immediately, but if I recall correctly it cancels it.

Nice! I'll try that.

[adrean8j]

^^^Umm...you guys do know that you can use it like a regular stalk as well right?

[imported_mega]

yeah just push hard enough for it to click and it stays on until you cancel it

to cancel it just push the same direction you did when you turned it on, only not too hard, it does not have to click

I thought you could set it to more than 3, the manual has a paragraph explaining how to set up how many times it blinks on the half push to merge operation

[escobar929]

i absolutely love the three-blink feature, for a lane change is perfect but for turning i just push it till it clicks

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

^^^Umm...you guys do know that you can use it like a regular stalk as well right?

Yeah except it returns to the middle position and lacks any real feel.
There is no weight to the stalk what-so-ever.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by escobar929

i absolutely love the three-blink feature, for a lane change is perfect but for turning i just push it till it clicks

I agree. It took me a few days to get used to it, but now I find myself missing this feature when driving my wife's Pontiac.

[FJUNO78]

the 3 blink system is just enough notice to avoid a ticket when switching lanes. lol

[joako]

Originally Posted by hlmiii

Yer supposed to DRIVE!!

YES! Driving is more fun than being a human cupholder.

[05C4R]

i noticed the three blinks used in europe to tell another driver in the fast lane to hurry ze fuck up, definately popular over there, its a german's idea of subtle.

i don't like the nasty cheap sun visors, why?