Anyone tried a BMW 135i?

[PDT]

It's black Nevada leather. Will be less than 20k.

Will take a look for some pics as I am away at present.

[tony_danza]

I guess it'll have to be N54 within my budget

Will the manual be okay clutch wise if I want to take it to 400hp+?  I would prefer manual if I'm honest.

Then, ideally:

- Grey, white or black
- Red Leather (PIMP)
- iDrive
- Xenons
- Heated Seats

I found a black one with Lemon leather but not so sure...

The Meg I can get up to about 330hp and is great fun to drive too, but as you say will hurt me depreciation wise...

Well, you basically want my car then - the only option it doesn't have is cruise, for some odd reason.

[tony_danza]

Mike must be getting old going off his mpg figures for an N54

It's getting better, the older/more miles it has. I still c*** it down the back lanes like I'm 18!

[neg]

I suppose if its a 135i then manual for me could be an option so I suppose that gives me more choice.  123d I think would have to be auto just due to the short rev range - although there does seem to be more manauls on the market right now.

thanks for the info guys, some things to think about anyway.

[dmac1969]

Sorry for my ignorance , but does the 135i come in the 'hatch' shape , as opposed to the 'coupe' style? I test drove a 118 D Sport before I got my GTI and really like the Mk1 hatch shape (especially as a 3 door) , but I think they have ruined it with the Mk2 , the front end is fugly as 

[RobH]

Nope doesnt come in the hatch shape thank god the coupe looks way better. Probably not the best time to buy one though, id personnally wait until the new 135 is released and prices for the mk1 should drop.

A 400whp 135i with a diff and some M3 chassis mods would be mental specially for sub 20k

[tony_danza]

You can get a 130i in hatch form, obviously N/A so modding it hard, but still full of character. They are a little softer, don't have all the bracing and natural stiffness of the coupe.

[dmac1969]

Nope doesnt come in the hatch shape thank god the coupe looks way better. Probably not the best time to buy one though, id personnally wait until the new 135 is released and prices for the mk1 should drop.

A 400whp 135i with a diff and some M3 chassis mods would be mental specially for sub 20k

Ahh thats a shame , I prefer the hatch shape , but I detest the Mk2! BMW have ruined the car IMHO , and I dont think its a grower on me. I wont be buying another car for a few years anyway , plenty time to look about.

[RobH]

Nope doesnt come in the hatch shape thank god the coupe looks way better. Probably not the best time to buy one though, id personnally wait until the new 135 is released and prices for the mk1 should drop.

A 400whp 135i with a diff and some M3 chassis mods would be mental specially for sub 20k

Ahh thats a shame , I prefer the hatch shape , but I detest the Mk2! BMW have ruined the car IMHO , and I dont think its a grower on me. I wont be buying another car for a few years anyway , plenty time to look about.

They havnt released the m sport version of the new 1er though. The m sport kits always look alot better.

[Sunglasses Ron]

Nope doesnt come in the hatch shape thank god the coupe looks way better. Probably not the best time to buy one though, id personnally wait until the new 135 is released and prices for the mk1 should drop.

A 400whp 135i with a diff and some M3 chassis mods would be mental specially for sub 20k

Ahh thats a shame , I prefer the hatch shape , but I detest the Mk2! BMW have ruined the car IMHO , and I dont think its a grower on me. I wont be buying another car for a few years anyway , plenty time to look about.

They havnt released the m sport version of the new 1er though. The m sport kits always look alot better.

They have Rob and it's been out a little while mate...

http://www.babybmw.net/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=35421

It is growing on me a bit, but still not convinced..

[tony_danza]

The old one never photographed well, but it was at least balanced. The lights and bull nose bother me, and it seems under wheeled, possibly because it looks flabbier that the previous model.

That said, the 340hp M135i hatch can't be sniffed at, and let's face it, you can't see that ugly nose from the beautiful inside.

http://www.autocar.co.uk/www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/AllCars/261484/

[Sunglasses Ron]

Have you added any new toys recently Mike? Can't remember if you have gone down the LSD route yet or if it's still on the cards? Also what software route are you likely to go down?

[driver rider]

Must say great thread.  I think this may be on be shortlist for cars to consider in the future.

[tony_danza]

Nothing much really, Ben, it's 12 months since I bought it now and once the insurance gets renewed tomorrow I'll make provision for some mods - Greenlight's policy once again sh*ts on everyone else.

I'm that impressed with the car, I'm going to keep it longer than I planned. I'll do a few bits and keep sticking money away towards the Pork - means I'll wait longer but I'll get a better car (cough GT3 cough). So yes, diff, software (probably DMS) and the Bilsteins will be on  

[Sunglasses Ron]

We definitely need to compare notes at some point at one of the upcoming shows/track days.. Only driven/been in 1 N54 135i and that was with a numpty salesman next to me for ten mins whilst we fished our way through roadworks  , so not really had a decent run out in one tbh (not that it's going to be hugely different to mine of course).
I bet it drives even better with a few cornering mods and a diff (not that it's bad now). I'm actually just about to go out for a hoon in mine actually and will be doing my very best at bringing the on-board MPG computer south from it's current 30.7mpg figure..   Could do with my new boots hurrying up though, as the current ones are smoother than a bum cheek..  

Are you going to be gatecrashing the sprint at Inters again this year?