I like the wheels.

I know this one is coming, as is the M140i, but it doesn't add up that they will just update the current engine when they will be going full-tilt with the new 3.0 by then. makes you wonder how much an M140 plus LSD and a few upgrades would cost? Cheaper than an M2?

It looks to have the Performance exhaust. Either way, I bet it sounded great with the roof down

 

I didn't even think about putting it down (until after the test drive) as it was actually a shock that this one was the one I was going out in as the original car wasn't available. BTW, is that really the upgraded exhaust as I was definitely smitten by it!

 

Tempted to order one?

 

Now this is the problem. Yes I am, but maybe not the hairdressers version.

 

In saying that though, my sensible head says I should really stick with a diesel car that's a bit bigger and with more doors so the 435xD could be a contender. One thing that surprised me is that the BMW Pro Nav didn't show Google traffic (only just got an Android phone to compare) which I thought it did.

 

It doesn't help that the new A4 is imminent either. :|

I didn't even think about putting it down (until after the test drive) as it was actually a shock that this one was the one I was going out in as the original car wasn't available. BTW, is that really the upgraded exhaust as I was definitely smitten by it!

 

 

Now this is the problem. Yes I am, but maybe not the hairdressers version.

 

In saying that though, my sensible head says I should really stick with a diesel car that's a bit bigger and with more doors so the 435xD could be a contender. One thing that surprised me is that the BMW Pro Nav didn't show Google traffic (only just got an Android phone to compare) which I thought it did.

 

It doesn't help that the new A4 is imminent either. :|

My Pro Nav does traffic, although I don't know who the provider is. I think it's from the traffic cams, but doesn't Google gets it's info from the same place? It seems to be pretty accurate tough.

 I know what you mean about the 435D, I looked at the 335D at the time I was looking at the M135 and it is a mighty quick car. In the end, heart won out over head, but it was a close call.

 

The exhaust looks to have a thin lip around the exhaust pipes, which I thought was the MPE, but they would probably should have been chrome, whereas the standard exhaust is black.

 

Actually just looked again and they do look like an unwashed chrome.

Edited 6 September, 201510 yr by Lady Elanore

My Pro Nav does traffic, although I don't know who the provider is. I think it's from the traffic cams, but doesn't Google gets it's info from the same place? It seems to be pretty accurate tough.

 I know what you mean about the 435D, I looked at the 335D at the time I was looking at the M135 and it is a mighty quick car. In the end, heart won out over head, but it was a close call.

 

The exhaust looks to have a thin lip around the exhaust pipes, which I thought was the MPE, but they would probably should have been chrome, whereas the standard exhaust is black.

 

Actually just looked again and they do look like an unwashed chrome.

 

The Virtual Cockpit (aka TT, Q7, Passat, new A4 etc) shows a proper Google map - and even the satellite version if you want it to so maybe not exactly the same?

 

Oops. My mistake about the car as I meant the 335xd instead of the 435xD. I suppose it was because I'd also taken a 4 series yesterday as that was my other car in the firing line.

The Virtual Cockpit (aka TT, Q7, Passat, new A4 etc) shows a proper Google map - and even the satellite version if you want it to so maybe not exactly the same?

 

Oops. My mistake about the car as I meant the 335xd instead of the 435xD. I suppooe it was because I'd also taken a 4 series yesterday as that was my other car in the firing line.

Well I understand your comparison even better now then I often run a TomTom for Camera alerts at the same time as my ProNav and the two navs agree pretty much on all traffic problems.

I know this one is coming, as is the M140i, but it doesn't add up that they will just update the current engine when they will be going full-tilt with the new 3.0 by then. makes you wonder how much an M140 plus LSD and a few upgrades would cost? Cheaper than an M2?

The M2 will likely be more, but should have the full M4 suspension set up etc like on the 1M so well worth the extra.

First I have heard about the m140i reading this, hopefully will bring the m135i prices down (well hopefully anyway)

First I have heard about the m140i reading this, hopefully will bring the m135i prices down (well hopefully anyway)

 

 

That's what I'm banking on! Pretty much decided that I want to be in a M135i once I'm finished being sensible in the 320d.

 

Some early cars are around the 20k point which is good for me! :sun:

That's what I'm banking on! Pretty much decided that I want to be in a M135i once I'm finished being sensible in the 320d.

 

Some early cars are around the 20k point which is good for me! :sun:

Not bad for the money.http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Oxford/3415256-605212116-3497216.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_

A manual though.

Edited 7 September, 201510 yr by vrskeith

There's quite a few interesting cars coming out, but I keep coming back to the beamer, whether it be a e39 again or a m135i.

Very different I know but just depends on finance and what I fancy next but just want a straight six back in my car

Not bad for the money.http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/1-Series/3.0-M135i/Oxford/3415256-605212116-3497216.aspx?srcmdc=se_na_re_

A manual though.

 

Thanks Keith, funnily enough I was looking at this car over the weekend. I'm down in Oxford with work tomorrow, was half thinking about swinging by for a nosey.

 

I do want one with a manual box, 5 door and in blue..... But I've heard that the gear change is a bit rubbish for a manual. I guess i'd have to drive one to see!

Thanks Keith, funnily enough I was looking at this car over the weekend. I'm down in Oxford with work tomorrow, was half thinking about swinging by for a nosey.

 

I do want one with a manual box, 5 door and in blue..... But I've heard that the gear change is a bit rubbish for a manual. I guess i'd have to drive one to see!

Book that test drive tomorrow. I'm sure you can find time. Think the guy in a video I watched yesterday, in a new M4 SAID IT WAS A LITTLE NOTCHY.

Think I could live with that though.

Enjoy mate, looks a tidy car going by the website photos.

extract from Evo review on the face lifted model - may be worth a chat on 135i owners club, as with time and mileage the manual may free up.

What’s it like to drive?

For the most part the facelifted M135i feels exactly like the previous version. You’d need to drive them back to back to notice the extra power of the new model, but the engine remains responsive, full of torque and lively near the top end. An Audi S3’s engine, by contrast, feels lifeless and is more obviously turbocharged.

The manual gearbox of our test car was very notchy, at times taking a good shove to select third and fourth gears. We’ll give it the benefit of the doubt since the car had fewer than 1000 miles on it, though. The eight-speed automatic continues to be a very appealing alternative for those who want the added convenience. It shifts quickly and cleanly and operates without fuss around town.

The M135i still feels neatly balanced and agile in cornering. The front axle is very responsive and holds on extremely hard, which gives the car enormous turn-in speed. One of the previous version’s weaknesses was body control over vertical inputs – despite BMW not claiming any chassis revisions for this model, it did feel marginally more composed and better controlled over difficult roads.

Comment from the Autoexpress review of face ifted model :Still, opt for a manual and you won’t be disappointed. It offers a weighty but enjoyable shift action, and a perfect driving position for those wanting a sporty ride.



Edited 7 September, 201510 yr by vrskeith

Got me looking now... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201507235449963/sort/locasc/postcode/gu124pf/radius/1500/make/bmw/model/1_series/page/1/usedcars

Lovely :-) although I don't think the silver suits it IMO. It doesn't let the silver wing mirrors stand out...unless you want the sleeper look. ;-)

I'd still recommend going for the Auto if it is possible. I had a loan car last week (120i) whiles mine was having a big software update and the manual gearbox felt quite similar to my old MkI 123D g/b. It is slightly notchy as a default, mechanical and positive, but there is a feeling of a little 'boingyiness' in it's action, if you know what I mean. Whereas the auto can shift as smoothly as any car I have ever driven (Mercs, Astons, Rolls Royce etc) it also can change with electrifying pace. It really is hard to tell if it is a DSG  or not in it's shift speed, a mistake more than one reviewer has made. It is also almost telepathic in it's changing ability as well as offering a 'true' manual alternative mode, where the gear you select, is the gear you get, none of your kick down nonsense or changing up if you tickly the red line.

 

As for the power upgrade, it was also present for approx' the last year of the pre facelift model, but in typical BMW style they don't inform you of all the improvements they make during the model's cycle. Toms car has it and if there is a suspension upgrade as Evo thinks ???? then I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom's car would have that too.

 

BE WARNED (this one is for the usual trolls) THE CAR IS NOT VERY GOOD IN SNOW AND IS PROBABLY SLOWER IN A WET 'RACE' WITH A NONE RWD CAR. ALSO BE WARNED, THERE'S A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY OF MORE DRIVER INVOLVEMENT BEING REQUIRED IN DRIVING THIS CAR QUICKLY AND POSSIBLY MORE FUN WILL RESULT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

Edited 7 September, 201510 yr by Lady Elanore

^lol!!

The manual box in the M135i is very good. I enjoyed driving it but still opted for the auto although I might be tempted back to manual at some stage. The M135i gets the same six speed manual box from the previous 1M rather than the standard box in other more run of the mill 1ers apparently.

^lol!!

The manual box in the M135i is very good. I enjoyed driving it but still opted for the auto although I might be tempted back to manual at some stage. The M135i gets the same six speed manual box from the previous 1M rather than the standard box in other more run of the mill 1ers apparently.

There was a rumour that the new M2 will be manual only and not have the 7DCT option?

 

 

BE WARNED (this one is for the usual trolls) THE CAR IS NOT VERY GOOD IN SNOW AND IS PROBABLY SLOWER IN A 'RACE' WITH A NONE RWD CAR. ALSO BE WARNED, THERE'S A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY OF MORE DRIVER INVOLVEMENT BEING REQUIRED IN DRIVING THIS CAR QUICKLY AND POSSIBLY MORE FUN WILL RESULT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

 

Engage so called troll mode..................

 

TBO if I were to have one car of all year around (current car say) & one car purely for driver involvement, rwd & fun I would get something that is lightweight, mid engine, has a responsive engine, small, agile,& for the same sort on money as the M135I I'd chose..

 

 

 

 

 

Lotus Elise/Exige.................  ..........depending on specification I think on a twisty back road it would leave the M135I.................& give you more driver involvement..............

 

Just my 2p worth.............

First world problems! I like auto's, I like the fact I could use steering wheel paddles or the gear selector in a sort of touring car style sequential mode. Or just planting my foot down and seamlessly getting up to silly speeds. The MK2 VRS was great for that. But I find the gear change in my 320 rep-mobile so, so satisfying with it's stubby stick (lol) and quite short throw for a run of the mill derv. It reminded me that driver involvement appeals to me more than convenience and faster changes. But then again I cycle to work 2-3 times per week, so 5 days of the same stop/start traffic would make me swing back to an auto! haha!

I had the short throw modification on a Scooby I owned and it had a terrific mechanical action, but the actual gearbox wasn't the quickest, so you still couldn't hurry the gearchange. It did feel very nice in it's action though. The only downside with the 8sp auto in the BMW is you are never quite sure what gear you are in. Not that it matters hugely as you can hear where you are in the rev range, but with so many closely stacked gears, it is a bit odd to not know where you are. Perhaps a nice heads-up display would cure this

A head up display or fancy steering wheel integrated LED shift lights + gear indicated that I'm sure I've seen on BMW's.....I guess I won't know until I've driven one....or both! ;-P

A head up display or fancy steering wheel integrated LED shift lights + gear indicated that I'm sure I've seen on BMW's.....I guess I won't know until I've driven one....or both! ;-P

My Suzuki has a big gear indictor in the instrument panel and it's a manual

 

That's more like it!

 

That's more like it!

Very nice, but I could probably have nice little holiday for the cost of it fitted