The M135i

[Blader]

Well the lease on my 1'er is coming up to term so I just have to go car shopping again a chore I know but you just have to do it right!

So I drove the M135i auto back to back with a 135i DCT and they really do feel a generation apart. I have to agree with the press reviews it is real drivers BMW.

Well guess I should start with the bad news I am still not sold on the looks, however it is the best looking 1 Hatchback, not saying much I know and looks better in the flesh that in pics.

Now I haven't driven the 1M Coupe but apart from that in my opinion the M135i has the rest of the 1 and 3 series cars covered.

The engine and 8 speed auto work together seamlessly and it sounds great. Go into Sport+ and the auto holds your selected gear even if you bounce off the limiter and was the equal of the DCT.

The ride is supple and the car feels more planted with great traction and yet still has agile responsive feel. Driving the 135i straight after had a much busier ride and a flickering traction control light while not feeling as planted.

Driving the two back to back the M135i felt the better car all round and when you are in the driver seat you can't see the outside

Trouble for me is I want a vert and as great as the M135i to drive it is not really an option. But I will say that it looks very good for the M235i coupe and verts to come. Just a shame for me though that they are just too far away.

[robbieredknapped]

Completely agree. The ride is worlds apart.

[jaffa12]

I have been waiting patiently for a nippish car to replace my VWR daily driver and M135i was supposed to be 'the one' if it passes the looks test.

Starting with the price, Golf R and M135i are about 3000 pounds apart in UK but in Australia, the gap is nearly $20-$30k depending on specs.

Looks wise, I have often looked back at my E46M, E92M and now E82M, catching that last pleasing glimpse as I walked away. No, I don't do it with my R and suspect would not be doing it with a M135i.

Drive wise, I have driven a mate's TTRS against my 1M on a few occasions. TTRS gives me the grunt and assurance, my M gives me grunt and thrill. Driving the M135i reminds me of the TTRS. Great to have but less of the WOW factor. Perhaps sort of a RS3 if we could ever have one here?

Sadly, having stared at it in the fresh from all angles and having driven it, it is not 'the one' nor would I buy one over a 135i.

[splitsecond]

Now I'm tempted to test-drive an M135i, but I probably shouldn't waste the salesman's time if I'm not actually planning to buy one...

[aus135i]

Test drove the M135i (auto) over the wkend too, a few points I have gathered.
The Good
Great take off speed and the speed just adds on and on.
Engine sounds not bad for a turbo.
The damper settings were noticeable between comfort and sport+

The Bad
Looks.
2.4k for Electric seats! WTF??
Didn't feel planted as I have hoped.

now im going to be honest, the RS250 felt like a MUCH faster car around a long bend with much less body roll, however on tighter bends the M135i felt sharper! going from manual to auto at times i felt like there was nothing for my legs or left arm to do but that can be a good thing

my 2c

[Ian///M]

Stock 135i isn't a good drive.... Floaty rear end at high speed, body roll, and bad under steer. Good to hear that the M135 seems improved.

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by aus135i

..........................
now im going to be honest, the RS250 felt like a MUCH faster car around a long bend with much less body roll, however on tighter bends the M135i felt sharper! going from manual to auto at times i felt like there was nothing for my legs or left arm to do but that can be a good thing

my 2c

Funny too is that a high specced RS265 (new model) is only $50k drive away with recaros and leather, that seriously cheaper than a 135 or M135... just sayin

[MrBlonde]

It's like a girl with a hot body but a bad head. She's still got a bad head no matter what.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

It's like a girl with a hot body but a bad head. She's still got a bad head no matter what.

Just remember Kenny when your stoking the fire, your not looking at the mantle.

[froop]

Originally Posted by pavo335

Just remember Kenny when your stoking the fire, your not looking at the mantle.

[bfi2906]

This is very timely, as my finance only has about 12 months to run, so starting to think about options.

I get that the M135 is the "hot hatch" model.

But what will the replacement for the 135 coupe be, and when is it planned for Australia?

[Knightelf]

The 235i will replace E82 135i. I reckon will be announced mid next year and for sale around this time next year.

Can't wait to see the M235i.

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by Knightelf

The 235i will replace E82 135i. I reckon will be announced mid next year and for sale around this time next year.

Can't wait to see the M235i.

Great - thank you

[MrBlonde]

Originally Posted by pavo335

Just remember Kenny when your stoking the fire, your not looking at the mantle.

We must stoke our fires differently ;-)

[Blader]

"The 235i will replace E82 135i. I reckon will be announced mid next year and for sale around this time next year."

I fear you are being too optimistic here. As there has not been a single prototype sighted yet I would think at best a concept later next year at one of the major shows and the cars not being available till 2014

[Knightelf]

Originally Posted by Blader

I fear you are being too optimistic here. As there has not been a single prototype sighted yet I would think at best a concept later next year at one of the major shows and the cars not being available till 2014

Perhaps so... I would not mind at all since that means the 135i coupe will not be superseded until 2014 which is around when I will shop for a new car

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Agreed above... The new gen F series chassis beemers (F10, F20, F30 etc) are a massive leap forwards from the E chassis, ride comfort has increased massively with very little sacrifice to handling/involvement (electric steering debatable).

[BMJ]

After looking at the new M135 in the paper, i prefer the Merc A45 AMG.

[AndrewCowley]

So annoying. Great car, crap looks. Is the Exx really that out of date now?

[1BimmerNut]

Originally Posted by AndrewCowley

So annoying. Great car, crap looks. Is the Exx really that out of date now?

Saw two tonight on the way home...a red 118 which looked great - then saw a blue one without badges but didn't look like an M - brakes too small.
It wasn't as good looking in the blue.....right colour maybe but a bit homely.

[PeteA]

I've also driven a M135i and a 135i M Sport back to back. I prefer the way the 135i looks and feels under my bum on the street, track probably would be a different story.

Yes it's known that the 135i is known to push a bit on the front end and not step out when influenced, but on the street that's actually not a bad thing imo. Keeps you out of trouble. Agree about the lofty suspension though, coil overs would transform the car.

Also looking forward to the 235i. I hope it doesn't get too much bigger or heavier.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by BMJ

After looking at the new M135 in the paper, i prefer the Merc A45 AMG.

Given its performance, awd, and that it is a true amg... I wouldn't expect the price to match an m135i by any means

If it does.. Poor m135i, the amg looks stunning from everything i've seen so far.. Like e87 bmw cross the newest rs3.