Edmunds on 2011 BMW 135i DCT - the most unfiltered BMW driving experience - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Jason · 05-03-2011, 11:38 PM

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Edmunds on 2011 BMW 135i DCT - the most unfiltered BMW driving experience

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We haven't seen a good ole 135i review in quite some while, but Edmunds has chimed in with their review of a 135i equipped with with the slick DCT transmission. 1-series fans will like what they have to say about the smallest BMW offering, calling it arguably the most BMW unfiltered driving experience.

You can check out the full review here, but here were our favorite portions of the review:

Quote:

The 2011 BMW 135i isn't as whippet-light as you might want from a car that's 8 inches shorter than a 3 Series, but the turbocharged inline-6 nonetheless generates the kind of slap-in-the-face acceleration and nonchalant velocity that make the 135i as much a premium muscle car as the mighty V8-toting M3 — not much slower, either. And it's $24,000 cheaper.

The magnificent engine has a broad-shouldered torque delivery that covers the DCT's deliberate shifts in full automatic mode, but those can be hurried and sharpened by depressing the "Sport" button on the center console that calls up more aggressive shift and throttle mapping.

The DCT is rather dear as optional transmissions go — automatic or otherwise — at $1,575, but the performance is nothing short of remarkable, while those who encounter a lot of traffic congestion surely will consider the DCT an almost no-compromise godsend.

Quote:

What function? The 2011 BMW 135i is a go-fast coupe that's best treated as a two-seater. The car feels narrow and intimate, which is mostly a good thing if you're considering a car of this ilk.

For the driver, the cockpit is a model of simplicity on the order of "everything you need and nothing you don't," a graceful tenet we still expect from BMWs, particularly the Series wearing numbers starting with 1 or 3.

Quote:

...the 1 Series — and particularly the 2011 BMW 135i — should be bought first and foremost by those looking for arguably the most unfiltered BMW driving experience. At its base MSRP, the 135i's performance is practically unchallenged. Domestic muscle cars do it, but they have nothing like the 135i's build quality or interior robustness.

And did we already mention this is a nasty fast little car?

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MPFit · 05-04-2011, 04:44 AM

Nice review!
Thanks for the post!

guribeng1 · 05-04-2011, 07:20 AM

so sexy!~

135Genyus · 05-04-2011, 07:39 AM

i think that the review might as well cover the 135i from the launch "the year of the one". The DCT is sweet and i test drove it but the manual still offers more control. The DCT seems to slow on a down shift aspect. I love my 135i and i believe no other car in its class can compete with the 135i.

GO135i007 · 05-04-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135Genyus

I love my 135i and i believe no other car in its class can compete with the 135i.

I agree. I couldn't think of another car that would provide the luxury, performance, and style that this car gives me for the money.

Muffnbluff · 05-04-2011, 08:03 AM

I'll miss my 135i when it's gone in a few months, it's been a really fun car. Luckily I'm stepping into an M3 so the good times will continue to roll. Who knows, maybe when the M3 is gone I'll be looking for a 1M as a track car.

ase2dais · 05-04-2011, 08:20 AM

nice review!

Focusedintntions · 05-04-2011, 08:36 AM

While a great review...i have a feeling that their opinion will change once they drive a 1 series M haha

mellow55 · 05-04-2011, 09:10 AM

Nice!

uhn2000 · 05-04-2011, 09:39 AM

Nice.. this is a car I would like to try with DCT!

doublevanosrc · 05-04-2011, 09:39 AM

I concur with this article, the best unfiltered BMW is a great way to refer to the 1er. I love this car!!!

JHOOPS2 · 05-04-2011, 09:53 AM

Just like a good beer. Unfiltered.

MUFCbmwbear · 05-04-2011, 09:56 AM

Never drove a 135i with DCT but I loved my 135i 6MT. I really enjoyed the DCT trans I tested on M3 and 335is. Its a fantastic alternative to a tradition manual.

JasonCSU · 05-04-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jainism

Are you kidding me? no manual tranny could ever downshift as fast as the DCT...its just not possible..stop the fanboyism..

His point is that a manual still offers more control than a DCT. How is that fanboyism?

SoCali E90 · 05-04-2011, 10:05 AM

haha glad to be an owner of one. just not with the auto tranny.

SoCali E90 · 05-04-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uhn2000

Nice.. this is a car I would like to try with DCT!

i driven it and its very fun for about 15 mins. then you get bored and put it back on automatic. if you want every minute to be exciting and interactive, buy 6 MT.

Feco · 05-04-2011, 10:17 AM

My next car, whitout a doubt.

Remonster · 05-04-2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Feco

My next car, whitout a doubt.

You're gonna love it, I'm at ~14,000 miles on my 2011 6MT 135i and it's just silly to me how much fun I have in it every day.

To the DCT comments above, I've never driven a 1 with DCT but on the M3 it's very impressive. I like driving cars with manual transmissions more but the DCT is nothing to scoff at.

ParisSF · 05-04-2011, 11:29 AM

Why does Edmunds review the MY2011 after the MY2012 is out? I agree there's not much difference, but since they mention that the DCT is an expensive option, it would have been worth mentioning that it drops from $1,575 to $450 on the MY2012

Sylon · 05-04-2011, 11:36 AM

Seems like a review of the N55 135i in general, with just a bit of the DCT mentioned. Edmunds has always enjoyed the 135i, starting back when their Inside Line section had one in their Long-Term Test fleet. The timing for that was perfect for me, as they were currently testing the car as I was preparing to buy mine.

Sonic RR · 05-04-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muffnbluff

I'll miss my 135i... Luckily I'm stepping into an M3 so the good times will continue to roll.

If you think you miss it now.... Wait till you see 14mpg and $5 a gallon gas.

Sonic

DSB135i · 05-04-2011, 02:42 PM

I have this exact car and can't be any more happier with it! It is just out right FAST! Love the handling and BMW with its programs help me make the payments affordable for me! It still is a little pricey but the driving experence is just great!!! The DCT is one of the best autos I ever drove and faster than a stick. I still like manual cars but for the wife to drive it and approve this was my compromise.

05-04-2011, 08:20 AM	#7
ase2dais //Mdicted Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring Posts: 9,790 iTrader: (17) Garage List 2012 Trek Madone 5.2 [0.00] 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [5.00] 2009 + 2004 Trek - ... [5.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [5.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [3.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [3.50] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [4.75]	nice review! __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies

05-04-2011, 08:36 AM	#8
Focusedintntions Colonel Drives: 2011 135i M-Sport :D Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 2,582 iTrader: (1)	While a great review...i have a feeling that their opinion will change once they drive a 1 series M haha __________________ Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death… – Hunter Thompson

05-04-2011, 09:39 AM	#10
uhn2000 Big K... Drives: F10 M5, Cayenne S Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,303 iTrader: (0)	Nice.. this is a car I would like to try with DCT! __________________ R8GT Spyder '12 / M5 '13 (MT)

05-04-2011, 09:39 AM	#11
doublevanosrc Loves Runflats. Drives: 2011 135i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin. Tx Posts: 1,576 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW [0.00] 2011 BMW [0.00]	I concur with this article, the best unfiltered BMW is a great way to refer to the 1er. I love this car!!! __________________ 2011 135i M Sport manual in Space Graywith Coral Red leather, Harman Kardon, and Ipod -Mods- BMW PPK,3M Tint,OEM Aluminum pedals,CPE Towplate OEM tires for sale http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746421

05-04-2011, 09:53 AM	#12
JHOOPS2 AKA HISSMAN Drives: 2009 SG 135i Coupe' Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: USA Posts: 884 iTrader: (5)	Just like a good beer. Unfiltered. __________________ (FBO) Cobb Stage 2+, AR Downpipes, Injen DCI, AA (Sport) FMIC, ER Chargepipe/Synapse BOV, Carbon fiber bits and Breyton GTS-R Wheels.

05-04-2011, 04:44 AM	#2
MPFit Second Lieutenant Drives: 2012 BMW 135i CSM Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Gulf Coast, FL Posts: 250 iTrader: (1)	Nice review! Thanks for the post!

05-04-2011, 07:20 AM	#3
guribeng1 ㅎㅎㅎ Drives: 2012 M3 zcp & preLCI e90 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Brentwood, TN Posts: 237 iTrader: (0) Garage List Pre-LCI e90 335i [4.50] 2012 BMW M3 zcp [5.00]	so sexy!~

05-04-2011, 07:39 AM	#4
135Genyus King of 264 Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Yokosuka Posts: 178 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [0.00]	i think that the review might as well cover the 135i from the launch "the year of the one". The DCT is sweet and i test drove it but the manual still offers more control. The DCT seems to slow on a down shift aspect. I love my 135i and i believe no other car in its class can compete with the 135i.

05-04-2011, 08:03 AM	#6
Muffnbluff Redline Addict Drives: '12 GTI / '04 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: STL Posts: 763 iTrader: (0)	I'll miss my 135i when it's gone in a few months, it's been a really fun car. Luckily I'm stepping into an M3 so the good times will continue to roll. Who knows, maybe when the M3 is gone I'll be looking for a 1M as a track car.

05-04-2011, 09:10 AM	#9
mellow55 First Lieutenant Drives: N55 135i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: California Posts: 353 iTrader: (0)	Nice!

05-04-2011, 09:56 AM	#13
MUFCbmwbear 1. Man Utd 2. BMW 3. Beer Drives: 09 SG ///M3 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 516 iTrader: (0)	Never drove a 135i with DCT but I loved my 135i 6MT. I really enjoyed the DCT trans I tested on M3 and 335is. Its a fantastic alternative to a tradition manual. __________________ ///M3 2009 SG 6MT Loaded on Avant Garde M359. BMW Perf Splitters/Spoiler with CRT trim Space grey 2008 135i JB 6MT SOLD Winter Beater Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L Chilli Pepper Red, Soft top with some duct taping Lake Zurich raised, Wrigleyville, Southport Corridor, CHICAGO

05-04-2011, 10:05 AM	#15
SoCali E90 OOOOWEEEEE! Drives: 2011 AW 135i Sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Da Valley Posts: 2,838 iTrader: (10)	haha glad to be an owner of one. just not with the auto tranny. __________________

05-04-2011, 10:17 AM	#17
Feco Private Drives: 535i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Curitiba - Brazil Posts: 56 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 130i Motorsport [0.00] 2011 BMW F10 535i [0.00]	My next car, whitout a doubt.

05-04-2011, 11:29 AM	#19
ParisSF Private First Class Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 158 iTrader: (2)	Why does Edmunds review the MY2011 after the MY2012 is out? I agree there's not much difference, but since they mention that the DCT is an expensive option, it would have been worth mentioning that it drops from $1,575 to $450 on the MY2012

05-04-2011, 11:36 AM	#20
Sylon Brigadier General Drives: 2011 135i, SG/CR, 6MT, M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan / Ohio Posts: 3,156 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [4.60]	Seems like a review of the N55 135i in general, with just a bit of the DCT mentioned. Edmunds has always enjoyed the 135i, starting back when their Inside Line section had one in their Long-Term Test fleet. The timing for that was perfect for me, as they were currently testing the car as I was preparing to buy mine. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i \| Space Gray \| ///M-Sport \| BMW CCA #450291 Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter

05-04-2011, 02:42 PM	#22
DSB135i Private First Class Drives: 2011 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: NJ Posts: 121 iTrader: (0)	I have this exact car and can't be any more happier with it! It is just out right FAST! Love the handling and BMW with its programs help me make the payments affordable for me! It still is a little pricey but the driving experence is just great!!! The DCT is one of the best autos I ever drove and faster than a stick. I still like manual cars but for the wife to drive it and approve this was my compromise. __________________ 2011 BMW 135i Coupe Deep Sea Blue \ Savanna Beige DCT 7spd dual clutch, Premium Package, Sport Package, satellite Radio

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