Popular Mechanics 2009 Fun to Drive Award Winner

[MVF4Rrider]

Personally I thought the steering was quick (enough) and responsive in the 135i, but too light for my taste. I like a much heavier steering feel as long as it's quick--and quicker the better. What I didn't like was the moderate dipping and diving under hard cornering/braking.

[looking]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yup tracked the car a few times, dry and wet (I'm not Lewis Hamilton, or even close, but I've had some track time under my belt). I've also driven a wide range of cars from the camry to highly modded cars pushing 600hp at the wheel. Tracking the car brings about a whole lot more short comings then just steering feel - the thing pushes like crazy. But there was positive surprises too, tons of grip. I've been running the car bone stock so far (135 M package, premium, and comfort) and love it for what it is, sporty commuter rather then an all out track car.

This is my first BMW and I've always heard people rave about the steering feel and sorted ride. After hearing all the hype, I'm just a bit let down. I really do think BMW's offer one of the best ride qualities out there. After driving the 1, I'm still amazed at how BMW is able to combine performance and ride quality so well. But again, the steering feel is lacking - I don't expect to feel every pebble on the road, but definitely more feel. Has anyone else noticed the dead spot in the steering? that's disappointing too, especially for a sports car - I'd expect a dead spot in the camry not a 135


Again, I'm not saying the 135 is a bad car for what it is - more lux than track - but, I just epxected a bit more in terms of handling and feel.

[nonagon]

I agree, while the car is a blast to drive, the steering feel in the 135i is a bit of a letdown, compared to other bimmers. Even my X3 is more communicative.

[4wheelcycle]

Hey, that's my car, same color! And that looks like one of my dates - NOT!

[adc]

If you guys want to get rid of that dead spot and add feel to the steering, first get rid of the runflats. They are heavy and vague, truly a curse for a performance car. My 335i with PZero M+S has much better steering feel than stock.

Then, I think lighter wheels will also add to the feel - and you don't have to brake the bank in the process.

After that, apparently a simple upgrade to M3 wishbones and control arms will give you all that vaunted "BMW steering feel". (Though I'm not speaking from experience here).

[looking]

Originally Posted by adc

If you guys want to get rid of that dead spot and add feel to the steering, first get rid of the runflats. They are heavy and vague, truly a curse for a performance car. My 335i with PZero M+S has much better steering feel than stock.

Then, I think lighter wheels will also add to the feel - and you don't have to brake the bank in the process.

After that, apparently a simple upgrade to M3 wishbones and control arms will give you all that vaunted "BMW steering feel". (Though I'm not speaking from experience here).

I agree that getting rid of the RFT tires would make the car much better. I'm sure it would eliminate a lot of the understeer. I also think changing the steering rack bushing would help with input and feel. I'll definitely be getting rid of the RFT after this season, I've heard tons of people say how much better BMW's are without RFT. If you also factor in the price savings for a great set of tires, I really don't know why BMW uses RFT...

how much would upgrading to M3 wishbones and control arms be?

[adc]

Originally Posted by excel

how much would upgrading to M3 wishbones and control arms be?

I think one set goes for around $239 (they call the control arms tension rods) and the other for $168. Like here:
http://hpashop.com/category.sc?categoryId=113

Although you can order directly from the dealer if you have a special relationship with the parts guy, or you can try Tischer BMW.

Part numbers are:

Front control arms (aka tension rods):
• LEFT TENSION STRUT WITH RUBBER MOUNTING 31102283575
• RIGHT TENSION STRUT WITH RUBBER MOUNTING 31102283576

Front wishbones (aka thrust bars):
• WISHBONE, LEFT 1 31102283577
• RIGHT WISHBONE 1 31102283578

You may also be interested in these parts:
Rear subframe bushings (total $160 or so):
• RUBBER MOUNTING FRONT – 33312283382 x2
• RUBBER MOUNTING REAR – 33312283383 x2

M Strut tower bar (total cost about $300):
51-617-900-821 ring strut tower brace left
51-617-900-822 ring strut tower brace right
51-618-044-553 strut brace x2
51-618-045-860 mount for brace
51-618-046-445 stud x2
51-717-898-374 stud x4
07-119-904-401 hex bolt x2
07-146-954-965 ASA bolt w/ circlip
07-146-963-730 torx bolt x2
51-717-895-241 hex nut x6
31-316-769-731 self locking collar nut x6
51-617-891-281 cover cap x2

There is a post over at e90forums that details all these and what benefits they bring.


Ever since I drove an M3 in challenging conditions I have wanted one. I could not get over how much better the suspension was, how little understeer, funny movements etc.

But now that people are starting to figure out how to upgrade your suspension to M levels for not much money while still retaining all OEM parts, I've started considering a 135i again. According to my calculator, you could do Perf catalog suspension plus the important bits above for under $2000, if you are willing to DYI.

[looking]

Thanks, great find!

will the parts fit the 1's?

[adc]

Originally Posted by excel

Thanks, great find!

will the parts fit the 1's?

I've asked specifically and am waiting for someone to chime in. But I'm 95% sure they will, as the front and rear 1 and 3 suspensions are geometrically identical.

[looking]

^^^
that sounds promising! Please keep us updated.