First Oz Review of 135i this Friday (oh and Hello everyone!)

[Jimmy James]

Hi All

Jimmy James here - new member.

Considering a 125i manual, m-sport package, 18s, premium hi-fi, ipod connect.

Or I may sell a kidney and get a 135i with no options.

Thought you all may be interested in this

"BMW flies its compact 1 Series Coupe this week, headlined by the cracking 225kW/400Nm twin-turbo 135i. Watch this space for the GoAuto verdict - from Friday, April 18" - www.goauto.com.au

Anyway looking forward to high-level discussion with like-minded individuals.

Cheers
Jimmy James

[dodgey]

There was also a quick mention in the CarsGuide from the Daily Telegraph last Friday.

Titled "Happily in Red"

[WAY]

What did the carsguide review say? Or is that next week as well?

[WAY]

Oh and Jimmy James, welcome. Hope you end up getting a 1 coupe. What else are you considering? And how are you affiliated with GoAuto? Give us a hint of what GoAuto is going to say! It's always interesting to hear the AUssie review as it is obviously more accurate for our road conditions.

[Jimmy James]

Thanks Way - not affiliated with Goauto, I just visit the site!

To be honest I have considered MANY cars over the last 18 months and nothing has made me want to part with my 172. Golf GTi came close but the steering is nowhere near as good. R32 I love and think its a great package. Again the steering isnt up to the little Clio's high standards but it was a front runner because it had 4WD, all the fruit, gorgeous engine note and german build. But the 125i now makes it look hideously overpriced. I liked the idea of a 350z but I cant fit a surfboard in it and think putting racks on one would look lamer than lame! The Evo also appeals as I once had a GSR Lancer, loved it, and always aspired to an Evo someday. I love the look of the new Evo X but I think the price is now a fraction too high - for me 60k is the cutoff for a japanese car and even the base EVO X will be at least 65 on the road.

Anyway, as for the 125i, I can't remember the last time a new BMW with a straight six had a RRP of less than 60k. Its rear wheel drive, I like the looks, the steering should be quality, and I think it may be tuneable down the track, hopefully to 130i levels (195kw).

If I choose not to buy one I will wait for about 18 months (40th birthday) and grab a second hand 135i or move up to one of my two dream cars - either a manual e46 M3 with CSL wheels, exhaust and bootlid or a 996 911 Carrera 4. That will hold me over until later when I scrape together enough pennies for a 997.

To put it bluntly, I'm such a tragic car nut that I just can't decide and want pretty much every decent car I see.

Anyway glad to be on board and I look forward to all of your initial ownership reports.

Cheers
JJ

[WAY]

Jimmy James, you remind me of someone I know (also Jimmy James lol). He has a R32 now, and is a big fan of the E46 M3 and is saving his pennies for a 996 Mk2 or a 997! He wants a GT3 though. I am curious as to your choice of 996 too, as a C4 isn't something many lust after. A 996 C4S though is a different thing. It just looks so much better with the turbo body. Btw, 997's are heaps better in everyway than a 996, so you should get that instead. Having said that, I do appreciate that a 996 is great value. Oh, GTI is a great car. Prefer that over the R32.

[Jimmy James]

Way - are you the same way that was once on the Honda forum? When my brother was looking for a Euro I was doing some research and remember some posts from someone who had Way as his user name.

Also, I think you need to share with us (or me privately) what line of work a man needs to be in to ensure an AMV8 lives in the garage!!!!

I rented a 996 C4 in NZ and fell in love with it. Its not the most exotic thing I have ever driven but the solidity, effortlessness, and quality of the steering, gearchange and engine blew me away, as did the ease with which it could be used in traffic. It just felt...right. No wonder the 911 is still the benchmark. Frankly it was a relief to find the car was so good - I pretty much treat Evo magazine like the bible and for many many years I have lusted after a 911....if it was any less than spectacular I would have been shattered. Need not have worried...!!!

The 997 is only something I could afford when its 12-15 years old, and when I buy one, I will never sell it. The proportions are perfect, I love the interior of the 997 and everytime I see one I'm still impressed. Yes the R8 looks gorgeous....but its not a 911. You can't create pedigree in one foul swoop, but I must admit the R8 is one hell of an opening gambit from Audi...let's see if the model is still around in 50 years!!!!

Just curious Way, have you ever driven a Renaultsport Clio? Give one a go if you can....steering and handling are just magnificent, even after 93000kms on the clock!!!

JJ

[WAY]

Yeah I have driven a 182. Very impressive car, feels like a go-kart! I have been tempted to buy one previously, as I am a fan of hot hatches and quick small cars. That's why I had a GTI, and have had a MCS and various Porsches including 996 and 997. All pretty small cars and just how I like it. This is why I can't wait for the 135i! But now that I have a baby (as in the human kind lol), my cars may have to change to more practical ones! I have already bought a 4WD and have a sedan on order.

Honda forum...I don't think so. But I am on various forums with the same name. Mainly forums of cars I own or have ordered. Speaking of ordering cars, I once had a R8 on order too, but the stupid dealer stuffed it up. Story for another day. Anyway I too am impressed with the Audi, but that Nissan GT-R is the one that is getting my blood flowing at the moment with crazy performance for not so crazy price!

If you like the C4, try the C4S. The wider tracks makes it much nicer to drive in my opinion. Oh and if you liked the c4, don't try the 997 GT3 as you will never want another car again lol.

You lust after 911s, you like E46 M3, you are an EVO reader...you sure you aren't the James I know? Lol. Seriously, you and him have lots in common! Btw, how do you know I have an AMV8?

[d3syd]

Welcome JJ, great to see our first South Australian in our little Aussie enclave. Hope you decide on a 1er and stick around!

PS. don't forget to vote in the "where are you from poll" and wave the flag for SA.

[dodgey]

Originally Posted by WAY

What did the carsguide review say? Or is that next week as well?

Forgot to mention, "Welcome Jimmy James!" I was thinking the same thing as Way, but the Jimmy James I know is in Sydney...

I'll try and scan the article and post it up tonight (it was last week). It's just a very short piece, and mostly fluff... (More of an ad really...)

[Jimmy James]

Way, I know you have an AMV8 because I have been reading your past posts on this forum and others.

Secondly, I can assure you all that, while I may not be the Jimmy James you know, I am most certainly the original and the best!

Hard to believe I am the first South Aussie on here but glad to be a trailblazer!

Cheers
JJ

[jksgoh]

Hi Jimmy,
good to see this little community is growing!
Get a 125i and join the NA club :thumbup:

[Eureka]

First local review of a 135i:

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...rticleID=51450

They don't go into too much detail...but the 1st sentence is encouraging: "BMW has built what amounts to a mini M3 in the new 135i Sports Coupe." !!

[Kris]

Choppy ride uh oh. First thing to go will be those shit run flats.. I was hoping for a nice supple, comfortable ride.

Im not looking forward to this..

[WAY]

Why is it that every other review we have read says surprisingly comfortble ride, then suddenly we gert a car to Australia and it becomes choppy ride??? Are our roads really THAT BAD???

[professor]

Originally Posted by WAY

Why is it that every other review we have read says surprisingly comfortble ride, then suddenly we gert a car to Australia and it becomes choppy ride??? Are our roads really THAT BAD???

I was just thinking that myself. Or perhaps our reviewers have particularly sensitive bums.

[smarm]

Sounds like how they used to describe the ride of the Audi's not too long ago.....

[Kris]

Our roads are shit house. No question.

Maybe the reviewer is 65yo and is concerned about his teeth falling out :P

[dodgey]

Originally Posted by WAY

Why is it that every other review we have read says surprisingly comfortble ride, then suddenly we gert a car to Australia and it becomes choppy ride??? Are our roads really THAT BAD???

Probably because the reviewer read that it has runflats on it

[aus_buster]

im happy they didnt mention any negative comments on its looks....

[WAY]

Originally Posted by Kris

Maybe the reviewer is 65yo and is concerned about his teeth falling out :P

Bwahaha! That is funny. Mean but funny.

[imported_Dodgy]

Google his name.

I don't think the article really adds much unfortunately.

He does say the ride is firm on "choppy" roads. It's been discussed on other posts that the run flats can be a bit harsh. I wouldn't worry too much. Drive it for a while, and if it's a real problem, change them. I survived the WRX harsness for over 6 years without too much grief.

Most of the article is pretty "factual". As you would expect from a Science / Health / Car writer? (Jack of all, Master of Nun?)

Have a look at his "Blog" etc. Decide with how many grains of salt you want to sprinkle on his review.

Must say, I do fit into BM's perceived demographic (well almost, a bit over the top end).