M135i

[MartynF]

Whilst having my springs and oil leak fixed at BMW last week I test drove an M135i Have to say I was most impressed, though the Z4M felt quite a lot quicker once I got back into her!

I have just had the sales chap on the phone offering me an amazing deal if I order a new one by the end of April, don't worry there is no way I will be swapping it for my Z4M its not that special, but am considering it to be swapped with me Seat daily drive which they have offered a good PEX on too.

Anyway has anyone got one, and comments or suggestions as to options that are essential if I go ahead?

Cheers...
martyn

[Adamski]

How did the power delivery compare to the Z4M?

[KERMIT1970]

Drove the M235 last month & it was fantastic. Not driven z4mr that often,but felt on par to me.different power delivery. good fun.

[MartynF]

The power delivery was good probably a bit brisker below 4K but above 5K the Z4M is quicker... Over 20hp more and 100KG less plus the LSD on the Z4M make it feel very special. If I order the M135i and once run in I will have to get the two side by side on a quiet road to see for sure....

[gwatson]

Surprised by your thoughts on performance. My friend has a M135i 8 speed, I don't think it would have much problem pulling away from my ///M in real life situations. The power and torque is lot more accessible. There is so much grunt from 1200rpm right up to the red line, plus 8 speed gives it shorter ratios. You're always on the backdoor against a turbo car sadly

However I do agree the Zed feels more special, but that's partly down to the topless 2 seater vs hatchback thing, plus the s54

If I didn't need the space, the M135i would be an excellent daily, but no weekend car.

[MartynF]

Surprised by your thoughts on performance. My friend has a M135i 8 speed, I don't think it would have much problem pulling away from my ///M in real life situations. The power and torque is lot more accessible. There is so much grunt from 1200rpm right up to the red line, plus 8 speed gives it shorter ratios. You're always on the backdoor against a turbo car sadly

However I do agree the Zed feels more special, but that's partly down to the topless 2 seater vs hatchback thing, plus the s54

If I didn't need the space, the M135i would be an excellent daily, but no weekend car.

Getting close to ordering one, if I do its 6-8 weeks, run it in and see how it compares properly. But honestly the Z4M felt a lot quicker and it on paper should.... I think that on a twisty road (with me driving) I would be quicker in the M135i than the Z4M but, I would much prefer the wind in my hair and the shear special feel of the Z4....

For space I have a Landrover discovery 3 so a 1 series makes lots of sense.

[Wondermike]

I like them, not so keen on the headlights.

...8 speed gives it shorter ratios...

With all the (theoretical) fuel economy and low CO2 emissions that manufacturers think everyone needs, the gear ratios are getting far too long in manual cars.

The 8 speed is a cracker and for me would be better in the Z4 35i and 35is rather than the DCT - who needs 3-4-5-6-7 to all exceed 100mph

I remember when Evo tested the M135 and the auto pulled harder in 4th than the manual did in 3rd

[MartynF]

I like them, not so keen on the headlights.

...8 speed gives it shorter ratios...

With all the (theoretical) fuel economy and low CO2 emissions that manufacturers think everyone needs, the gear ratios are getting far too long in manual cars.

The 8 speed is a cracker and for me would be better in the Z4 35i and 35is rather than the DCT - who needs 3-4-5-6-7 to all exceed 100mph

I remember when Evo tested the M135 and the auto pulled harder in 4th than the manual did in 3rd

Test drove the auto, very nice but still was not convinced of the driving pleasure; so will order the manual if I go for it...

[biggiz_40]

Can't sleep so popped on to the forum.

Really liking this thread as I've just ordered an M135i Auto as a daily driver.

(M3 will feel even more special at the weekend) 4 weeks wait then........

[MartynF]

Can't sleep so popped on to the forum.

Really liking this thread as I've just ordered an M135i Auto as a daily driver.

(M3 will feel even more special at the weekend) 4 weeks wait then........

How exciting, though the auto was impressive; I think I will be going for the manual as I can blip the engine on down changes then! Though for the daily driving bit the auto is attractive.

What other options have you chosen?

Choices....!!

[Brasseye]

We drove the manual and auto and as with the z for everyday use the auto zf box was good enough 95% of the time.
Smother changes than the dct at low speed,was an amazing drive overall.

[KERMIT1970]

i like the auto better,you want more fun,just use the padels, i tried both for a day & auto wins it from me.
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic ... 36#p950036

[LeeZ4MR]

Can't sleep so popped on to the forum.

Really liking this thread as I've just ordered an M135i Auto as a daily driver.

(M3 will feel even more special at the weekend) 4 weeks wait then........

They will make a lovely combo and I agree the M3 will feel more special being used as a weekender, I was out in my bro in laws E93 M3 with the roof off yesterday and the V8 sounded epic in that, I bet the M135i will make for a great daily driver

[MartynF]

Hmmmmm now in two minds...

Have decided to go and place an order for a new M135i with:
Estoril Blue
Heated Seats
Business Nav
Comfort pack
Black panel display
Adaptive suspension

But...

Auto or manual, have been reading about both today; I think i am going to have another test drive with the Auto box before placing the order!!!!

[LeeZ4MR]

Hmmmmm now in two minds...

Have decided to go and place an order for a new M135i with:
Estoril Blue
Heated Seats
Business Nav
Comfort pack
Black panel display
Adaptive suspension

But...

Auto or manual, have been reading about both today; I think i am going to have another test drive with the Auto box before placing the order!!!!

Its such a difficult one my E92 M3 was a manual & I am pleased I stuck with it over the DCT(even though the DCT suits the V8 better) but my 330i is an auto(ancient ZF6 speed) but I wish it was a manual...I really like the M235i and If I did buy one it would have to be a manual but there isn't a right or wrong choice imo...its just what you like best.