Picked up my M135i today- gentlemen get your Kleenex ready for some car porn...

[vrskeith]

Ok so here it is, side by side comparison of M-Perf and Stock M135i exhausts. A mate of mine owns the white car, the grey one is mine. :-)

http://youtu.be/8d-TgbhrEAg

Tom,

It's a great sound externally

I would also be interested to hear the internal sound, normal and under load, day to day running.

Have you recorded that?

Edited 26 April, 2015 by vrskeith

[Defenderben]

Really torn now.

Been seriously looking at getting an auto. Took a 330d m sport auto out today for a test drive, as the 14 plate 135i auto, I wanted to try is out on temporary loan :(

Very impressed with the 330d, it sounded very nice even as a diesel and mpg was high 30's which is my dilemma.

I'm hooked on a straight six.

What is the real world mpg you are getting on the 135i please?

Also is there a colour to avoid as my local main dealer has a 14plate 135i in Valencia orange and they admitted they cannot understand why it has not had any interest, I'm ok with the orange having a ralley green Octavia vRS, so not adverse to unusual colours but do not want to make a mistake on this one.

Edited 26 April, 2015 by Defenderben

[lozgti]

great car figures wise

 

Just visually don't do it for me.Says he who drives a fast taxi.lol

[Furbytom]

Tom,It's a great sound externallyI would also be interested to hear the internal sound, normal and under load, day to day running.Have you recorded that?

Hi Keith, have done a little but of internal recording this weekend, just sort through the footage so may have something to show you soon.

In 'comfort' mode for normal day to day driving it sounds no louder than stock on the inside. No drone at all on a cruise/motorway speeds which is ideal. Put it into sport/sport+ and it all changes though. Louder, more aggressive tone and lots and lots of pops/crackles on the overrun. So chuffed with it. Slightly juvenile in sport mode but the ability to tone it all down and go under the radar in comfort mode is perfect for me. :-)

[Furbytom]

Really torn now.

Been seriously looking at getting an auto. Took a 330d m sport auto out today for a test drive, as the 14 plate 135i auto, I wanted to try is out on temporary loan :(

Very impressed with the 330d, it sounded very nice even as a diesel and mpg was high 30's which is my dilemma.

I'm hooked on a straight six.

What is the real world mpg you are getting on the 135i please?

Also is there a colour to avoid as my local main dealer has a 14plate 135i in Valencia orange and they admitted they cannot understand why it has not had any interest, I'm ok with the orange having a ralley green Octavia vRS, so not adverse to unusual colours but do not want to make a mistake on this one.

If you thought the straight six in he 330d was nice you'll love the M135i. Much quicker and sounds better too.

I get 25-27mpg over a tankful but that is mainly a lot of commuting in and out of town and plenty of short journeys. Motorway runs can see low 40s without too much bother.

The Orange is a marmite colour I think. Lots of people love it but feel it is too risky to buy themselves and go for the safer colour options. You don't see many on the road that's for sure, personally I quite like it. I might have got one in that colour but I really wanted the red leather interior and didn't fancy the 'lobster-spec" red/orange combo haha!

[Defenderben]

I sat in it a couple of weeks ago and gave it a few revs and it sounds awesome, he claimed it had sport exhaust but not sure if that was true.

I love straight six's, V's in various combinations and odd number setups like the old 5 cylinder Audi engines, even swmbo's 3 pot Citigo has a nice off beat tune.

But as my main daily commute car the below 30mpg scares me :(

Really torn as I do not need the size of the 3 series but the performance/economy combination of the 330d with a nice sounding six is a little tempting.

[Furbytom]

My car at our Cornwall M135i meet on Sunday:

[Defenderben]

Now keeping an eye out for a very low mileage preferably Estoril blue but any darkish colour connsidered, 135i, auto, up to 2 years old, prefer 5door too.

What are the must have options, to make it tip top?

I do need satnav as I keep getting lost in Exeter and seem to be going there more and more lately with work.

Do like your colour combo, especially the red leather.

Edited 29 April, 2015 by Defenderben

[sigarland1987]

Now keeping an eye out for a very low mileage preferably Estoril blue but any darkish colour connsidered, 135i, auto, up to 2 years old, prefer 5door too.

What are the must have options, to make it tip top?

I do need satnav as I keep getting lost in Exeter and seem to be going there more and more lately with work.

Do like your colour combo, especially the red leather.

 

Sounds exactly like the one I am forcing myself not to go and look at in the BMW dealership down the road from my work...http://usedcars.baronshindheadbmw.co.uk/showroom/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Hindhead/3415256-604923003-3496997.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_re_

 

Think I would get lynched if I suggested buying another car.

[vrskeith]

Review of Facelifted model.

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=32068&utm_source=2015-4-30&utm_medium=email&utm_content=html&utm_campaign=newsletter

[Furbytom]

Now keeping an eye out for a very low mileage preferably Estoril blue but any darkish colour connsidered, 135i, auto, up to 2 years old, prefer 5door too.

What are the must have options, to make it tip top?

I do need satnav as I keep getting lost in Exeter and seem to be going there more and more lately with work.

Do like your colour combo, especially the red leather.

I'd say the 'must have' options are black panel display to make the dash look more modern, heated seats and an

Audio upgrade as the standard speakers are absolute pants -advanced audio is good and HK brilliant.

Business Nav is very good indeed. Pro Nav is expensive for what is essentially a slightly larger screen and a few 'apps'.

[Defenderben]

What is involved to get these de-badged?

Took a 208 gti out and nice but no where near a fiesta ST.

Still waiting to take out the 135i, they lent it to a lady while her new car is delivered, so they are still advertising it as for sale but the mileage is going up and not able to view it or try it :(

[Furbytom]

What is involved to get these de-badged?

Took a 208 gti out and nice but no where near a fiesta ST.

Still waiting to take out the 135i, they lent it to a lady while her new car is delivered, so they are still advertising it as for sale but the mileage is going up and not able to view it or try it :(

If ordering a new one you can tick the "de-badge" option form the factory.

If it's used then they are quite easy to remove, the dealer could easily do this for you prior to collecting.

I think you will love the testdrive. Worth looking at a new one though. The discounts available are very tasty and often makes them cheaper than a nearly-new used one, especially if using bmw finance. :-)

[Defenderben]

Looking at this but colour is a bit of an issue :(

http://usedcars.oceanplymouthbmw.co.uk/showroom/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Plymouth/3415094-604743395-3497086.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_fa_

Not sure how it stacks against brand new it seems to have most bits on it.

I've got a figure in my head as a cost to change with my vRS as a PX but it depends on the drive.

Edited 2 May, 2015 by Defenderben

[Furbytom]

Looking at this but colour is a bit of an issue :(http://usedcars.oceanplymouthbmw.co.uk/showroom/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Plymouth/3415094-604743395-3497086.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_fa_

Not sure how it stacks against brand new it seems to have most bits on it.

I've got a figure in my head as a cost to change with my vRS as a PX but it depends on the drive.

Ocean Falmouth have this one. It's more basic than that Plymouth car but cheaper. It's been sat there ages too so probably ripe for a deal.

http://usedcars.oceanfalmouthbmw.co.uk/showroom/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Penryn/3415094-604564594-3497085.aspx?srcmdc=se_ce_re_

[pipsyp]

My Dad has had a heavily optioned 5 door auto since summer 2013.....he's had a few tasty motors over the years including an E46 M3 Coupe, 135i M Sport Coupe and a Boxster S PDK. He felt the 135i was a better all round car than the M3 and the Porsche and the M135i is the best car hes owned full stop.

Just such alot of performance and practicality for frankly not silly money....I personally just love the premise of a gorgeous sounding 3.0 litre six in such a small car.

Sure its not quite as hard edged as a true M car, lacking a diff etc but as an every day prospect I dont think much if anything beats it. Again a Golf R is a terriffic motor but I still have a bit of a problem with a VW Golf chiming in at well over 30k.....its not rear wheel drive and as effective as the 2.0 TSI engine is, it lacks charisma and other than being more powerful doesnt really stand out from any other 2.0 TSI as a powerplant. The A45 is similarly afflicted....costs way too much money and whilst it has 360hp...its still only a 2.0 4 cyl.

Its not perfect of course....its looks divide opinion (but I rather like it), its interior isnt wonderful and I wouldnt say it "feels" particularly expensive to sit in (the Golfs cabin is truthfully a bit better in this regard IMHO...but then VAG have always done good cabins) .....but again I think alot of it comes back to the powerchain.

The engine (and even the ZF auto box) is special as a 6 cyl motor in a small hatch should be, not far removed from an 1M yet sits in a car being sold for M Sport spec money.

I have to confess I am not entirely sold on the M135i LCI (not keen on the silver decor on the lower bumper...just not as neat as the pre LCI...also not so smitten on the rear end of the LCI in general)...but as most things BM it'll grow on me and am sure the LCI is that bit better still....gets the 235i's power hike for starters.

Have to say....one of these with a DMS remap, diff and M performance exhaust and intake would be my perfect car at the moment...cant think of anything else id rather have as a fast hatch...S3 possibly runs it close though.....the Golfs better but Id rather spend the bucks on an A3.

Glad youre enjoying it BTW Tom, didnt think you'd regret it for a minute.

Edited 5 May, 2015 by pipsyp

[Ally_bassman]

I love the look of them, I actually prefer the pre-fl version. Which is unusual for me as I normally like the FL (LCI) Beemers.

 

If it were me ordering one right now, I think I'd go for a 3 door Estoril Blue beauty!

[vrskeith]

My Dad has had a heavily optioned 5 door auto since summer 2013.....he's had a few tasty motors over the years including an E46 M3 Coupe, 135i M Sport Coupe and a Boxster S PDK. He felt the 135i was a better all round car than the M3 and the Porsche and the M135i is the best car hes owned full stop.

Just such alot of performance and practicality for frankly not silly money....I personally just love the premise of a gorgeous sounding 3.0 litre six in such a small car.

Sure its not quite as hard edged as a true M car, lacking a diff etc but as an every day prospect I dont think much if anything beats it. Again a Golf R is a terriffic motor but I still have a bit of a problem with a VW Golf chiming in at well over 30k.....its not rear wheel drive and as effective as the 2.0 TSI engine is, it lacks charisma and other than being more powerful doesnt really stand out from any other 2.0 TSI as a powerplant. The A45 is similarly afflicted....costs way too much money and whilst it has 360hp...its still only a 2.0 4 cyl.

Its not perfect of course....its looks divide opinion (but I rather like it), its interior isnt wonderful and I wouldnt say it "feels" particularly expensive to sit in (the Golfs cabin is truthfully a bit better in this regard IMHO...but then VAG have always done good cabins) .....but again I think alot of it comes back to the powerchain.

The engine (and even the ZF auto box) is special as a 6 cyl motor in a small hatch should be, not far removed from an 1M yet sits in a car being sold for M Sport spec money.

I have to confess I am not entirely sold on the M135i LCI (not keen on the silver decor on the lower bumper...just not as neat as the pre LCI...also not so smitten on the rear end of the LCI in general)...but as most things BM it'll grow on me and am sure the LCI is that bit better still....gets the 235i's power hike for starters.

Have to say....one of these with a DMS remap, diff and M performance exhaust and intake would be my perfect car at the moment...cant think of anything else id rather have as a fast hatch...S3 possibly runs it close though.....the Golfs better but Id rather spend the bucks on an A3.

Glad youre enjoying it BTW Tom, didnt think you'd regret it for a minute.

You really need to experience a cross-country drive in an Golf R, I would suggest.

[pipsyp]

You really need to experience a cross-country drive in an Golf R, I would suggest.

Not suggesting its not a fantastic (and devestatingly effective) point to point car.....all the motoring press rave about them and I dont doubt them in that capacity at all.

Just simply if you gave me the choice of an R or M135i Id take the BM any day of the week. I dont really care if in reality it doesnt handle as well or have as much all weather grip as an R....the Golf doesnt have one of the worlds finest 3.0 straight six's in its nose and IMHO cant match its theatrics at 7k rpm full load..they do make the most incredible noise although admittedly some of it internally is faked (but you'd never know).

[Lady Elanore]

Not suggesting its not a fantastic (and devestatingly effective) point to point car.....all the motoring press rave about them and I dont doubt them in that capacity at all.

Just simply if you gave me the choice of an R or M135i Id take the BM any day of the week. I dont really care if in reality it doesnt handle as well or have as much all weather grip as an R....the Golf doesnt have one of the worlds finest 3.0 straight six's in its nose and IMHO cant match its theatrics at 7k rpm full load..they do make the most incredible noise although admittedly some of it internally is faked (but you'd never know).

I was chatting to Judd Trumps manager last week (that's almost name dropping ) and he, like Judd, is a car nut, owning an i8 as well as lots of great history with 911s and Ferraris etc. He gave the M135 a big thumbs up too and raved about the engine  I'm still running mine in, but even so, I have cover nearly all of it's 400 miles so far with the windows down The burbles and woofles the exhaust makes are fantastic (I have the standard exhaust, not the lovely noisy one that Tom has) and even though I have a rev limit of 4,500 rpm (and a lightish throttle-opening llimit) for a bit longer, I have driven over the Snake pass several times now and found overtaking a breeze Economy on the motorway is surprisingly good too. It's all about the drivetrain this car. Great gearbox (latest auto) and a stunning engine. The extra capacity over the current crop of mad and manic 2.0 hot hatches, makes a difference I think. Pretty much undetectable lag which I guess is partly down the extra cubic inches making it easier for the designers to produce some useful 'go' before the the turbo fully spools up There is a little sense of occasion when you fire the car up, which isn't something I have felt in many cars I've owned

[Ally_bassman]

Horses for courses at the end of the day. Some prefer the Golf, some prefer the BM.

Some people prefer straight 6's, some prefer 4 pots....

I know what camp I'm in!

Edited 5 May, 2015 by Ally_bassman

[Lady Elanore]

I see Jaguar are going back to straight six's in the not too distant future. I think it's not just because it's traditional and has some advantages over V6's (as well as some disadvantages of course), but because like BMW, they can cut it in half and use it as a triple. I do like some V6's though, especially the Jaguar ones but so far I am loving my first (and probably last, damn you BMW and your FWD next generation) straight six Baby Beemer

[Furbytom]

I see Jaguar are going back to straight six's in the not too distant future. I think it's not just because it's traditional and has some advantages over V6's (as well as some disadvantages of course), but because like BMW, they can cut it in half and use it as a triple. I do like some V6's though, especially the Jaguar ones but so far I am loving my first (and probably last, damn you BMW and your FWD next generation) straight six Baby Beemer

Mucking about with my GoPro camera today recorded some M-performance exhaust noise haha:

[fabiamk2SE]

Mucking about with my GoPro camera today recorded some M-performance exhaust noise haha:

Lovely sound.

Sickly viewing down at the crazy paving though haha.

[vrskeith]

Mucking about with my GoPro camera today recorded some M-performance exhaust noise haha:

Tom,

Are you still sorting out some internal sound recordings ,driving in the various modes under various engine loadings.

 

Thanks

Keith

 

PS. Windows shut please.

Edited 6 May, 2015 by vrskeith