Popular Mechanics 2009 Fun to Drive Award Winner

[stampchez]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...9.html?page=10

[looking]

Good stuff, another award under the 1 belt. I just don't find that the 135 has that great of a steering feel (not as commutative as I would like or feel it should be). I wonder if the 135 is living off BMW's prior reputation a bit here

[Alext]

135i doesnt have the best steering feel at all. Way over-rated. Makes you wonder what these reviewers are comparing against.

For a car equipped with power steering that has good feel try a 1996-2004 MX5. Significantly better than the 135i.

[one-35]

Originally Posted by Alext

135i doesnt have the best steering feel at all. Way over-rated. Makes you wonder what these reviewers are comparing against.

For a car equipped with power steering that has good feel try a 1996-2004 MX5. Significantly better than the 135i.

I agree... my '99 Miata felt TELEPATHIC! It would go in the direction I was thinking (before I'd steer). Even the 2006 Miata with auto/paddles felt more communicative than my 135i. That being said, the 135i is an AMAZING car (total pkg). I just took it to Streets of Willow track last week. I posted a couple track pics at the Pictures/Video SGM (color) Thread.

[AUS1969]

Yup. I don't regret moving to the 135i from a WTX Sti - but the Subaru steering was more fun, as was my '92 Miata.

[135iPony]

I haven't pushed my 135i hard because it is just a baby but my MINI GP definitely had much more communicative steering. But whereas the GP only had one setting (drive it like you stole it) the 135i is an amazing all-rounder. The 135i is so smooth, quiet and refined when driven in everyday traffic while at the same time being a hoot to drive when the road and conditions permit.

[looking]

phew so it wasn't only me....I really do wonder what they're comparing the steering feel to?

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by excel

phew so it wasn't only me....I really do wonder what they're comparing the steering feel to?

And clutch for God's sake. The stinking CDV in all BMWs (where equipped) freakin' ruins the feel. Just shows these guys are idiots, or comparing the car to a Buick.

[bmwzone]

"Then there's the buttery six-speed manual gearbox and fluid clutch that make the extra effort of rowing gears a pleasure."

Perfect summation in my book.

[4wheelcycle]

[quote=excel;276380] "I just don't find that the 135 has that great of a steering feel"

Unfortunately, I agree. I previously drove a Honda S2000 for five years. I chose the 135i over the 335i and the new Audi A5 because I thought with its shorter wheelbase it would handle quicker, like the S2000. It never occurred to me that the steering "feel" might not be as good as the S2000.

In fact, the 135i has much less steering and road "feel" than the S2000. I think the highly refined BMW suspension smooths out the bumps, but also numbs up the road feel. I think it handles fine, but I don't get the same road feel that I got with the S2000.

Despite this, I love the car. With the S2000, all the excitement happened above 6,500 RPM. The 135i is exciting anywhere above 3,000 RPM.

[Oregon]

Evidently, based on the buttery gearbox statement, the car provided Popular Mechanics was not optioned with the 'popular' notchy transmission.:iono:

[Sansnoetic]

I agree w/ everything above. The interesting part is I had a 2004 120i hatchback which felt 10x better in steering than my 135. However I'm not complaining (I love the total package), rather I'm just a little nostalgic for my 120i...

[Dave Mac]

If you guys want steering feel and a notchy gearbox go get an Evo IX. The steering my my old RS was absolutely telepathic and the gearbox was "neat" and crisp. That said, the 135i does have good handling manners and is communicative enough that you can drive it on edge with relative ease.

[bmwzone]

S2000? Nice convertible. Most notable in the movie Heartbreakers as Jennifer Love Hewitt's girlie girl car.



No where near as good as our 1's in any category as far as I'm concerned. But being fair the S2000 was a great ride in 2001. This is 2008 - no comparison.

[professor]

the 135 has its shortcomings, but i still agree that it is a hoot to drive. thanks for sharing.

[Heinzftw]

[quote=4wheelcycle;277219]

Originally Posted by excel

"I just don't find that the 135 has that great of a steering feel"

Unfortunately, I agree. I previously drove a Honda S2000 for five years. I chose the 135i over the 335i and the new Audi A5 because I thought with its shorter wheelbase it would handle quicker, like the S2000. It never occurred to me that the steering "feel" might not be as good as the S2000.

In fact, the 135i has much less steering and road "feel" than the S2000. I think the highly refined BMW suspension smooths out the bumps, but also numbs up the road feel. I think it handles fine, but I don't get the same road feel that I got with the S2000.

Despite this, I love the car. With the S2000, all the excitement happened above 6,500 RPM. The 135i is exciting anywhere above 3,000 RPM.

V-Tech kicks in around 4,500.

[looking]

Originally Posted by professor

the 135 has its shortcomings, but i still agree that it is a hoot to drive. thanks for sharing.

ya totally agreed. I was just a bit disappointed with the lack of feel - after all it's all your hear about in BMW reviews.


Maybe we should look into getting a harder steering rack bushing for more feel? I know it made a noticeable difference in my Sti

[taiheung]

If you want to feel the road and drive a BMW, get a Z3 M Roadster. Then you can feel ALL of the road.

[Yearofthe1]

I'm not purporting at all to be a "steering feel" expert, but how many of you guys above have tracked your car yet?

I had my car up at Summit Point last week, and granted it was the first time tacking my 1er and I was excited and all, but I knew exactly what my car was doing (and wanted to do) the whole time. I mean, maybe you guys are in a league of driving it will take me years to get to, but man, I think "numb steering" might be a bit harsh. You definitely can't feel every pea-pebble you run over, but is that was this car is primarily designed to do? And is that what you want anyway? That can get old during 98% of your everyday driving.

The 135i is still the best (in my opinion) all-around car for the money. It gets me to work and back in comfort, luxury, and quickness (when needed :wink: ), yet performs wonderfully during the fun times on lonely roads and on the track.

[adrean8j]

^^^Word...I was just thinking the same thing....if I wanted something that telepathic I would have bought a JCW or MX-5 or maybe even an older EVO....you can please some people some of the time, but never all people all of the time.....

[EspressoBoy]

Personally, I think these reviewers get paid to be original. Since all the good stuff has already been mentioned, they have to come up with new things to say. I am glad the car keeps getting good reviews.

If someone knows, and has the time, maybe list the top ten reviews for the car with hyperlinks. It can be added to the list for those who are waiting for their car on the boat... A bit advantage or reading online vs paper, you don't have to keep wiping the paper, when you drool. It would also make a nice sticky.

EspressoBoy

[adrean8j]

To be honest I would like to see the ten worst reviews....it is to easy to make a GOOD review....