pleasantly surprised 2012 135i

emtrey · 09-08-2011, 09:59 AM

Currently driving 2009 135i (auto) 20K miles. Love the car and just entering 3rd year of my lease. Tried on a couple of occasions to test drive the DCT/N55 version as I look forward to ordering my next 135. Finally got that chance yesterday,

I must say I am impressed.

( The only other dual clutch vehicle I had driven was an amazing Porsche Panamera so I wanted to see BMW's implementation of the technology ). Even though the car only had 125 miles on it and I respected the break in, it was quite a different animal IMHO than my current car.

My butt dyno said..this car is noticeably quicker. The DCT is awesome. Love how if up and downshifts in turns and entry to turns. Did some minor paddle shifting but mostly sport auto. Felt weird in reverse w/ a clutch operating but no clutch control by driver. I can see why people find this technology so appealing ( still a 3 pedal guy but this is my DD and wifey drives it on occasion, so DCT will be mandatory. Thankfully I have a 3 pedal sports car to fill that void so I can live with DCT). Did not drive it long enough to find any glitches/quirks excpet once it was in 7th gear as I was slowing down but as soon as I touched the accelerator as the light changed if downshifedt to third. You have to look at the dash indicator as there is no sensation as if shifts . Pretty cool.

The N55 did seem to have a more refined engine sound but not any louder to me. The car seemed to ride better than mine ( possibly new car/old tires in play here) and it seemed to have less body roll which was a nice "upgrade"

All in all, really looking forward to ordering a new 135 next spring. Thinking AW/terracotta. Gonna be a long 10 months.

Curious if anyone else has gone from n54/auto to n55/DCT and their reactions.

Pangloss · 09-08-2011, 12:03 PM

Cool. You probably won't get too many positive replies, but you might get some -- 3-year leases seem to be pretty popular around here.

I was all set to buy a 128 when I test-drove a 135. It wasn't the power that convinced me to spend the extra money, it was the AT-to-DCT upgrade. The subtlety and swiftness of shifts is interesting and an immediate draw, and the paddles are fun, but over time it seems to be more the variation of the different modes that really makes it such a great choice. It responds to your varying needs as a driver as you deal with different road situations, which goes right to the heart of what BMW is all about.

emtrey · 09-08-2011, 12:21 PM

I would still prefer a full manual trans. but since that is not a workable situation around the house, I find the DCT a much better alternative to the auto ( though its a good one).

What really surprised me was the difference from my car. Did not expect what I felt ( I also think my tires are getting tired and LOUD) Alot of the early comments mentioned the DCT was similar to the auto. I did not feel that way at all and was very impressed with the mating of the DCT to the N55.

I really don't think there is any other car for me. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar or different impression of the difference in the 2 cars. The new 3 might be nice but more than I want to spend and I love the size of the 1 series.

Of course, my wife is making some noise about missing a conv't so that may nix my --no more money arguement BUT I doubt it... LOL

blschaefer1 · 09-08-2011, 03:23 PM

Love the DCT. One of the main reasons I bought the car. That plus the torque of the N55, just awesome.

markt_sa · 09-08-2011, 04:23 PM

I have the 2011 135 dct and have done 16k kms.
The only issue I find is if you do a lot of different driving ( fast and traffic) in normal D the dct adaption gets a little confused.
An example you on the freeway and running up and down the gears playing nice. You come off the freeway and into the suburb traffic. As you stop at lights or stop signs the dct comes down the gears as normal but as you stop the change to d1 is abrupt. It almost feels like a jerk stop.
The solution is to run D in the suburbs, seq when on the freeway an use the sport button in either when you feel the need for"extra" in either.
AMAZING CAR REALLY

adobeee · 09-08-2011, 04:27 PM

How much do you pay for lease for your 135i?

x97Melbourne · 09-08-2011, 04:55 PM

I went to the dealer today to pick up my car (replacement of cv top) and test drove a 135i with DCT transm just to satisfy my curiosity. Everyone is always talking about it and I just wanted to join the party!!!

It's cool -- and the 135i automatic is FAST!!! But, I wouldn't get it. I would equate the 135i automatic to the "Millennium Force" roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio. It is FAST AS HELL, but there is NO INTERACTION. I'm not saying it's not fun, I'm not saying its not cool.....but it's not for me. I want to DRIVE not RIDE.

I wonder when the DCT will find it's way into the 335i sedan....I think it's very well suited to a sedan where an automatic is more at home. Maybe it's coming for 2012? That would be COOL!!! Maybe someone knows?

GeorgeJ. · 09-08-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emtrey

. . . . I can see why people find this technology so appealing ( still a 3 pedal guy but this is my DD and wifey drives it on occasion, so DCT will be mandatory. . . . .

In June I leased a 2012 135i 6m (M sport, premium, etc + added BMW perf kit 20hp). I opted for the 6m 1.) more engaging to drive and 2.) It is my DD and I don't want the rest of the family driving it. Cheers, George

ralawren · 09-08-2011, 10:14 PM

[QUOTE=GeorgeJ.;10384635]

Quote:

Originally Posted by emtrey

. . . . I can see why people find this technology so appealing ( still a 3 pedal guy but this is my DD and wifey drives it on occasion, so DCT will be mandatory. . . . .

In June I leased a 2012 135i 6m (M sport, premium, etc added BMW perf kit 20hp). I opted for the 6m 1.) more engaging to drive and 2.) It is my DD and I don't want the rest of the family driving it. Cheers, George[/QUOTE

The 335is coupe can be had with tge DCT. The other 3 Series ard still Steptronic

jkoral · 09-08-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emtrey

... wifey drives it on occasion, so DCT will be mandatory.

Just curious about this, does your wife not like manual or not know how to drive a manual?

emtrey · 09-12-2011, 09:26 AM

she does drive manual trans but not enough to be fully at ease. This would be a bigger issue but during non winter months I have a 6 speed manual sports car to fill the void. She has put up w/ alot of car BS form me over the years, I can comrpomise on this one,

To the party asking the cost of my lease--just over $600. 15k miles 0 down icnl sales tax

09-08-2011, 09:59 AM	#1
emtrey Captain 92 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 16 M235IX, 06 Carrera S, 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	pleasantly surprised 2012 135i Currently driving 2009 135i (auto) 20K miles. Love the car and just entering 3rd year of my lease. Tried on a couple of occasions to test drive the DCT/N55 version as I look forward to ordering my next 135. Finally got that chance yesterday, I must say I am impressed.( The only other dual clutch vehicle I had driven was an amazing Porsche Panamera so I wanted to see BMW's implementation of the technology ). Even though the car only had 125 miles on it and I respected the break in, it was quite a different animal IMHO than my current car. My butt dyno said..this car is noticeably quicker. The DCT is awesome. Love how if up and downshifts in turns and entry to turns. Did some minor paddle shifting but mostly sport auto. Felt weird in reverse w/ a clutch operating but no clutch control by driver. I can see why people find this technology so appealing ( still a 3 pedal guy but this is my DD and wifey drives it on occasion, so DCT will be mandatory. Thankfully I have a 3 pedal sports car to fill that void so I can live with DCT). Did not drive it long enough to find any glitches/quirks excpet once it was in 7th gear as I was slowing down but as soon as I touched the accelerator as the light changed if downshifedt to third. You have to look at the dash indicator as there is no sensation as if shifts . Pretty cool. The N55 did seem to have a more refined engine sound but not any louder to me. The car seemed to ride better than mine ( possibly new car/old tires in play here) and it seemed to have less body roll which was a nice "upgrade" All in all, really looking forward to ordering a new 135 next spring. Thinking AW/terracotta. Gonna be a long 10 months. Curious if anyone else has gone from n54/auto to n55/DCT and their reactions. Last edited by emtrey; 09-08-2011 at 11:12 AM..
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09-08-2011, 12:03 PM	#2
Pangloss Lieutenant 28 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Cool. You probably won't get too many positive replies, but you might get some -- 3-year leases seem to be pretty popular around here. I was all set to buy a 128 when I test-drove a 135. It wasn't the power that convinced me to spend the extra money, it was the AT-to-DCT upgrade. The subtlety and swiftness of shifts is interesting and an immediate draw, and the paddles are fun, but over time it seems to be more the variation of the different modes that really makes it such a great choice. It responds to your varying needs as a driver as you deal with different road situations, which goes right to the heart of what BMW is all about. __________________ 2012 135i convertible, DCT, Black/Beige, HK, Prem, M sport, no nav.
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09-08-2011, 12:21 PM	#3
emtrey Captain 92 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 16 M235IX, 06 Carrera S, 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	I would still prefer a full manual trans. but since that is not a workable situation around the house, I find the DCT a much better alternative to the auto ( though its a good one). What really surprised me was the difference from my car. Did not expect what I felt ( I also think my tires are getting tired and LOUD) Alot of the early comments mentioned the DCT was similar to the auto. I did not feel that way at all and was very impressed with the mating of the DCT to the N55. I really don't think there is any other car for me. Just wondering if anyone else had a similar or different impression of the difference in the 2 cars. The new 3 might be nice but more than I want to spend and I love the size of the 1 series. Of course, my wife is making some noise about missing a conv't so that may nix my --no more money arguement BUT I doubt it... LOL
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09-08-2011, 03:23 PM	#4
blschaefer1 First Lieutenant 205 Rep 393 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 xDrive 30i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Prescott, AZ iTrader: (1)	Love the DCT. One of the main reasons I bought the car. That plus the torque of the N55, just awesome.
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09-08-2011, 04:23 PM	#5
markt_sa New Member 0 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2011 135 m pack dct Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: south africa iTrader: (0)	I have the 2011 135 dct and have done 16k kms. The only issue I find is if you do a lot of different driving ( fast and traffic) in normal D the dct adaption gets a little confused. An example you on the freeway and running up and down the gears playing nice. You come off the freeway and into the suburb traffic. As you stop at lights or stop signs the dct comes down the gears as normal but as you stop the change to d1 is abrupt. It almost feels like a jerk stop. The solution is to run D in the suburbs, seq when on the freeway an use the sport button in either when you feel the need for"extra" in either. AMAZING CAR REALLY
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09-08-2011, 04:27 PM	#6
adobeee Captain 170 Rep 821 Posts Drives: '23 X6 M50i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	How much do you pay for lease for your 135i?
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09-08-2011, 04:55 PM	#7
x97Melbourne Molar World 47 Rep 916 Posts Drives: 2016 435i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I went to the dealer today to pick up my car (replacement of cv top) and test drove a 135i with DCT transm just to satisfy my curiosity. Everyone is always talking about it and I just wanted to join the party!!! It's cool -- and the 135i automatic is FAST!!! But, I wouldn't get it. I would equate the 135i automatic to the "Millennium Force" roller coaster at Cedar Point in Ohio. It is FAST AS HELL, but there is NO INTERACTION. I'm not saying it's not fun, I'm not saying its not cool.....but it's not for me. I want to DRIVE not RIDE. I wonder when the DCT will find it's way into the 335i sedan....I think it's very well suited to a sedan where an automatic is more at home. Maybe it's coming for 2012? That would be COOL!!! Maybe someone knows? __________________ Current: 2016 435i Coupe Previous: 2014 335i Sedan; 2013 328i Cv, 2011 335i Sedan Gone But Not Forgotten: 2008 135i Convertible (my favorite)
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09-12-2011, 09:26 AM	#11
emtrey Captain 92 Rep 857 Posts Drives: 16 M235IX, 06 Carrera S, 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Midwest iTrader: (0)	she does drive manual trans but not enough to be fully at ease. This would be a bigger issue but during non winter months I have a 6 speed manual sports car to fill the void. She has put up w/ alot of car BS form me over the years, I can comrpomise on this one, To the party asking the cost of my lease--just over $600. 15k miles 0 down icnl sales tax
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