CAR & Travel 135i review

rushbmw · 10-23-2008, 10:35 PM

http://www.aaany.com/CarandTravel/Cu...oupe_42895.asp

Quote

"Like many turbos, the engine demonstrates a peaky nature: It is pretty gutless below 3,500 rpm, but its fierce power kicks in after you reach that mark."

Is this guy driving the same car I am, LOL

ben14142001 · 10-23-2008, 10:50 PM

He must be on crack.

-Ben

1ToBeOn2Wheels · 10-24-2008, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Something, probably the looks, would have to bowl you over to get you to choose this car over less expensive models.

Yeah, the looks; because that's the only reason. [Note sarcasm]

Alext · 10-24-2008, 05:11 AM

He is quite correct...isnt the torque peak around 3500rpm? Under 3500rpm I dont feel the 135i is anything particularly special. (Although it is not really THAT peaky as he seems to suggest). I think this is the message he is trying to get across.

atr_hugo · 10-24-2008, 06:48 AM

Torque is flat at 300 lb-ft from 1400 to about 5000 RPM. If he wants to feel peaky torque he needs to drive an old 935 Porsche. Wind it up midway through the corner to get power when it straightens out. ; -)

arrutled · 10-24-2008, 07:03 AM

I dont think torque is the problem with this car, especially down low in the power band. considering bmw put two small turbos on this engine specifically to have lots of torque down low. this author is a pretty fart smeller, lol

Citizen Z · 10-24-2008, 07:22 AM

I do think it depends on which sotware version the car has; my 1er doesn't feel like it has much in the way of nuts below 3k in any gear.

123D-M · 10-24-2008, 07:34 AM

I'd ignore that review. It's full of inaccuracies for a start off. The engine in the 135i doesn't come from the 330i.

Clearly not a well researched article as he remarks on the lack of navigation without bothering to note it is available as an option.

Stick to reviews by Jeremy Clarkson :biggrin:

ptack · 10-24-2008, 07:42 AM

Just look at who he cites as the car's competitors (TT, Mazda 3 and a Volvo) and you get the quick sense that this guy either isn't an automotive journalist or that this was a 5 minute feelance job to pay some bills.

EspressoBoy · 10-24-2008, 08:14 AM

I felt my car had lag, I switched from Sunoco 94 to Shell V Premium and it runs a lot better. It's a bit cheaper too. Wonder if a few things could be happening... Also in break in, my car was not as nice as it is now... So could be a combo of a those 3 things... ECU, gas, break in...

Q: Is the latest ECU update fix the lag? I have been quite happy so I don't want to muck it up. I also am very nervious about the dealership.

EspressoBoy

Jeroen01 · 10-24-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I felt my car had lag, I switched from Sunoco 94 to Shell V Premium and it runs a lot better. It's a bit cheaper too. Wonder if a few things could be happening... Also in break in, my car was not as nice as it is now... So could be a combo of a those 3 things... ECU, gas, break in...

Q: Is the latest ECU update fix the lag? I have been quite happy so I don't want to muck it up. I also am very nervious about the dealership.

EspressoBoy

My recently delivered 135i has the v31 of the DME software, and although I'm running her in, I have to say I don't feel any turbo lag. Even the 535d had some turbo lag (the 535d coming to a stop at a junction then needing to gun it had horrifyling "heart stopping" lag before she punched it - thank god the 535d is quick).

I haven't experienced prior versions before V31 so I can only assume they've fixed it.

MVF4Rrider · 10-24-2008, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123D-M

I'd ignore that review. It's full of inaccuracies for a start off. The engine in the 135i doesn't come from the 330i.

Sure it does. The N54's block is from a E46 330, which is the block BMW used before switching to the aluminum block with the magnesium core.

MVF4Rrider · 10-24-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alext

He is quite correct...isnt the torque peak around 3500rpm? Under 3500rpm I dont feel the 135i is anything particularly special. (Although it is not really THAT peaky as he seems to suggest). I think this is the message he is trying to get across.

Peak wheel torque is at 3009 rpms (283.6 lbs-ft). It's quite flat from 1302 (279.7 lbs-ft) revs all the way to 5,008 rpms (274.6 lbs-ft). Of course the bottom drops out as you rev quicker, where at 6717 rpms it's 203.6 lbs-ft.

Whp is a differernt story. Using the same datapoints as above:
1302 = 69.4 whp
3009 = 162.5 whp
5008 = 261.9
6717 = 260.4

Peak whp is at 5610 rpms = 282.5 whp

esscolab · 10-24-2008, 10:30 AM

High Avg WHP (from midpoint of rpm range to redline):
N54 = 243.43
S54 = 271.22 (Winner)

How utterly childish

future135i · 10-24-2008, 11:02 AM

some people love it some people don't. everyone is biased. but I agree on the flimsy shifter part.

MVF4Rrider · 10-24-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by esscolab

High Avg WHP (from midpoint of rpm range to redline):
N54 = 243.43
S54 = 271.22 (Winner)

How utterly childish

I just enjoy stamping out ignorance...

Bringinthewolf · 10-24-2008, 01:20 PM

Hey everyone, Balls is back for a negative review thread. Go figure?

EspressoBoy · 10-24-2008, 02:14 PM

Well I understand that we have a girly car that attracts girls... hmmm nothing wrong with that.

oneaabe · 10-24-2008, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 123D-M

I'd ignore that review. It's full of inaccuracies for a start off. The engine in the 135i doesn't come from the 330i.

Clearly not a well researched article as he remarks on the lack of navigation without bothering to note it is available as an option.

Stick to reviews by Jeremy Clarkson :biggrin:

+1
just pay attention to Clarkson :biggrin:

4wheelcycle · 10-24-2008, 07:30 PM

Alext wrote: "Under 3500rpm I dont feel the 135i is anything particularly special."

My 135i feels pretty special to me if I come out of a corner @2,000 RPM in 2nd gear and step on it!

Alext · 10-24-2008, 08:19 PM

Thanks for the info Balls.

Its not bad...dont get me wrong...but is it very civilised and not 'mental' as it were.

mielefan · 10-25-2008, 12:15 AM

He's just upset he can't afford one...

10-23-2008, 10:35 PM	#1
rushbmw Private First Class 16 Rep 128 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	CAR & Travel 135i review http://www.aaany.com/CarandTravel/Cu...oupe_42895.asp Quote "Like many turbos, the engine demonstrates a peaky nature: It is pretty gutless below 3,500 rpm, but its fierce power kicks in after you reach that mark." Is this guy driving the same car I am, LOL
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10-23-2008, 10:50 PM	#2
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	He must be on crack. -Ben
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10-24-2008, 05:11 AM	#4
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	He is quite correct...isnt the torque peak around 3500rpm? Under 3500rpm I dont feel the 135i is anything particularly special. (Although it is not really THAT peaky as he seems to suggest). I think this is the message he is trying to get across.
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10-24-2008, 06:48 AM	#5
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Torque is flat at 300 lb-ft from 1400 to about 5000 RPM. If he wants to feel peaky torque he needs to drive an old 935 Porsche. Wind it up midway through the corner to get power when it straightens out. ; -)
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10-24-2008, 07:03 AM	#6
arrutled Colonel 104 Rep 2,474 Posts Drives: Olsa Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Western Mass iTrader: (0)	I dont think torque is the problem with this car, especially down low in the power band. considering bmw put two small turbos on this engine specifically to have lots of torque down low. this author is a pretty fart smeller, lol __________________ AW 135i w/ blackette, performance short shift kit, BMW alarm, Performance rotors, APEX ARC-8 wheels, Direzza Star Spec 235/275, Dinan stage 3 suspension, M3 wishbones/tension rods/front sway/rear subframe bushings and thats all folks!
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10-24-2008, 07:22 AM	#7
Citizen Z Alpine Master 111 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: '08 135i AW Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (1)	I do think it depends on which sotware version the car has; my 1er doesn't feel like it has much in the way of nuts below 3k in any gear. __________________ Alpine White with Taupe Leather 135i, Sports Package, Heated Seats, Comfort Access, iPod Adapter Fastness: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252727
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10-24-2008, 07:34 AM	#8
123D-M Captain 32 Rep 930 Posts Drives: BMW 123d M-Sport Coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Madrid, Spain iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 Citroen DS19 P ... [0.00] 2009 123D M-Sport C ... [10.00] 2009 Mazda6 [0.00]	I'd ignore that review. It's full of inaccuracies for a start off. The engine in the 135i doesn't come from the 330i. Clearly not a well researched article as he remarks on the lack of navigation without bothering to note it is available as an option. Stick to reviews by Jeremy Clarkson :biggrin: __________________ 2009 123D Coupe \| Sedona Red \| Black Boston Leather \| Brushed Aluminium Trim \| Tinted Windows \| M-Sport Package \| 6M \| Comfort Access \| Heated Seats \| Navigation \| Park Distance Front & Rear \| USB \| Bluetooth \| Voice Control \| Efficient Dynamics \| Rain & Light Sensors \| Xenon Lights My blog: http://urbanemusings.wordpress.com/
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10-24-2008, 07:42 AM	#9
ptack Brigadier General 269 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Just look at who he cites as the car's competitors (TT, Mazda 3 and a Volvo) and you get the quick sense that this guy either isn't an automotive journalist or that this was a 5 minute feelance job to pay some bills. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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10-24-2008, 08:14 AM	#10
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I felt my car had lag, I switched from Sunoco 94 to Shell V Premium and it runs a lot better. It's a bit cheaper too. Wonder if a few things could be happening... Also in break in, my car was not as nice as it is now... So could be a combo of a those 3 things... ECU, gas, break in... Q: Is the latest ECU update fix the lag? I have been quite happy so I don't want to muck it up. I also am very nervious about the dealership. EspressoBoy
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10-24-2008, 10:30 AM	#14
esscolab Brigadeer 73 Rep 728 Posts Drives: Black 135i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colchester - UK iTrader: (0)	High Avg WHP (from midpoint of rpm range to redline): N54 = 243.43 S54 = 271.22 (Winner) How utterly childish __________________ Eibach Sports springs, Evole Remap, Quafe LSD, AR Downpipes, Forge FMIC, Hart'ge Quads, BMS Intake.
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10-24-2008, 11:02 AM	#15
future135i Private 1 Rep 54 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	some people love it some people don't. everyone is biased. but I agree on the flimsy shifter part.
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10-24-2008, 01:20 PM	#17
Bringinthewolf 1 for the road 20 Rep 780 Posts Drives: SGM 135i Cabrio Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, B.C. iTrader: (0)	Hey everyone, Balls is back for a negative review thread. Go figure? __________________ "So the question is — do you want comfort and size, or do you want to drive?"
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10-24-2008, 02:14 PM	#18
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Well I understand that we have a girly car that attracts girls... hmmm nothing wrong with that.
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10-24-2008, 07:30 PM	#20
4wheelcycle Private 13 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2018 X2 M Sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Alext wrote: "Under 3500rpm I dont feel the 135i is anything particularly special." My 135i feels pretty special to me if I come out of a corner @2,000 RPM in 2nd gear and step on it!
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10-24-2008, 08:19 PM	#21
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Thanks for the info Balls. Its not bad...dont get me wrong...but is it very civilised and not 'mental' as it were.
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10-25-2008, 12:15 AM	#22
mielefan Banned 12 Rep 68 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	He's just upset he can't afford one...
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