M135i ?

[shane@mbtech]

I think I am going to order an A45 AMG. If I do, it will be rude not to do a comparison with business partners Dad new motor, he has just ordered his m135i.:beer:

On paper the AMG is quicker, but on the road is a different ball game. Anyone can write figures in a magazine, its real world that counts.

[_Nathan_]

Sounds great but you are right, I need a passenger ride in it on a proper stretch of road so I can concentrate on listening to it rather than using all my effort trying not to crash someone elses car

Thanks again

[AlexGTT]

Glad you enjoyed it Nathan but you could do with a longer blast on the open road I reckon. Agree on brakes but you do get used to them. They are powerful and don't fade like most BMW M brakes, so improvement in most areas. I think when your used to AP's, etc. they feel over soft (only at top of pedal) but they are probably tuned that way deliberately. I'd probably do harder pads and better fluid when this set need changing.

Sounds sweet as well though, don't you think.:wink: Not bad for a quiet turbo. My old 335i didn't sound anywhere near as nice. Loads of wiz, fiz and crackle. Feel like a right boy racer.:hahaha:

[_Nathan_]

Thanks to Alex for letting me have a quick blast in the 135, gearbox is the highlight, still not quite as immediate as SMG but for a day to day car pretty near being a perfect blend of snappiness and smoothness, for me I didn't like the feel of the brakes, I think harder pads to get a bit more initial bite would make it more to my taste. It did confirm that I am an NA person though, the throttle response reminded me of my wifes 335i, just that soft edge on it that gives away the fact it is turbo'd and that wall of torque which whilst undoubably quick feels very different from my preferred high revving NA delivery.

Very nice car but upon reflection not for me at the moment as an only car (which is lucky as I couldn't afford one if I'd fallen head over heals in love with it). In 4 years I can see me in one as a mile muncher as the blend of that gearbox with the speed and fuel economy is a really appealing package but would need to be alongside something else.

Alex's combo of CSL + M135i is a very good pair of cars indeed.

[AlexGTT]

335i is a great car as well shim but a bit porky and doesn't sound as nice. Super daily though.:smokin:

[shimmy]

Oh and it's still ugly but I still don't care. In fact, it's just starting to grow on me.

It is ugly and hatch is worse than the coupe, it is a problem for me.

As much as the performance shoulda great I can't get beyond the looks. I've test driven 3x 1 series before and can't like them.

However I was admiring a new 320d and I think BMw have got it spot on, the wheels seem to be on spacers and fill the arches and the ride height looks great. I have to say, if they do a M335i I might have to partake!

[AlexGTT]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

I heard the same thing.

Yeah got very popular since Alex's reports:whistle::-D

What can I say John, we are trend setters.:-D

[Curly]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

Yeah got very popular since Alex's reports:whistle::-D

[Trawler]

If my local stealer is not telling porky pies then there is now a long waiting list. Waiting for the wife's mini & we got talking, so he was not trying to sell me one.

[shane@mbtech]

On the road in my C63 I never noticed the lack of LSD, except when I was being a deliberate hoooooooligan:smokin:

[AlexGTT]

Glad your luving it Alex:smokin:What's it gripping like without the diff?

Actually pretty good John. Reckon it'll only really be missed on track. Having said that, as mentioned I haven't exactly been killing it yet, so I'll reserve judgment just now.

Unlikely :finga:

Can't argue with that. :hahaha::blalalala:

[_Nathan_]

Or maybe they just think I'm less of a :wanker: :hahaha:

Unlikely :finga:

[Curly]

Glad your luving it Alex:smokin:What's it gripping like without the diff?

[AlexGTT]

Oh and it's still ugly but I still don't care. In fact, it's just starting to grow on me.

[AlexGTT]

OK, a little interim report here. Only done 400 miles so not smashing her yet :wink: I know there is no run in period with these but I always like to gently break in new cars from zero miles.

From my first impressions, I think BMW are onto a winner with this motor. Consider what else you can buy in the high priced end hot hatch/small coupe sector? Astra VXR, Golf GTI, Focus RS, Scirocco, etc. by the time you've specced them up your @£30k and plus. The engine and gearbox alone make the M135i twice the car! Then consider proper rear drive chassis, stonking pace, lovely build quality, practicality and 38mpg.

And then there's the noise! It's no exaggeration when I say this car sounds as good as any M car (CSL aside) I've driven over recent years. From inside the car at least, and that's all that counts for me. It makes me laugh because you don't even have to be fully on it at all, it just sings in the mid range. It doesn't sound turbocharged at all.

The auto gearbox is the best auto I've ever driven. Super smooth in auto and just like a very quick DCT in manual flappy paddle mode, up or down the box.

For everyday driving it's ideal. Quiet, smooth, economical one minute. Quick, aggressive, noisy and alive the next and at the flick of switch. Just what a modern day sporty car needs to be.

Then you park it up at the supermarket and nobody gives it a second glance...............apart from pertolheads! I might be imagining it but people who know a bit about fast cars seem to love it more than the M3 V8?? Or maybe they just think I'm less of a :wanker: :hahaha: