C/D Short Take Road Test: BMW 135i 0-60 4.7 Secs.

[MexicoCityM3]

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/bmw_performance_m_power/2008_bmw_135i_short_take_road_test

"We clocked a 0-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds for the heavier 335i; the 135i did it in a blistering 4.7, with a 13.3-second quarter-mile at 106 mph. The 135i is seriously quick, but best of all the quickness comes easy as the turbocharged engine has enough torque and horsepower to waft the 135i into triple-digit speeds without any drama. Slightly more engine noise and exhaust hum enter the 135i cabin than in the 335i, but the sounds are good enough to forgo turning on the radio."

"Body roll is minimal, the tires hang on tenaciously?to the tune of 0.89 g on the skidpad?and the 135i is easy to place in corners, even when you?re doubling or nearly tripling recommended speeds. In short, the 135i never feels reckless."

"You?ll notice that we?ve only compared the 135i with its bigger brother; that?s because there really aren?t many other cars on the market which really compare to the 135i. Indeed, it?s in a very small class: a class of one."

Glowing 

[Eye of the Tiger]

It's so fast, I bet it's not any fun to drive.

[Payman]

There are lots of performance coupes in the $35~$40,000 range. It's hardly in a field of one.

Still, it's pretty impressive. Too bad about the potbelly pig styling.

[Raza]

Impressive, but overseas reviews of this car haven't been as positive. 

[MX793]

Impressive, but overseas reviews of this car haven't been as positive. 

Yes, but they have higher standards (and by enthusiasts' standards, better offerings) overseas.

[Raza]

Yes, but they have higher standards (and by enthusiasts' standards, better offerings) overseas.

Shouldn't we strive for higher standards here as well?  I have high standards.  Why shouldn't my magazines?

[TBR]

Because we don't have as many good vehicles.

[ifcar]

Shouldn't we strive for higher standards here as well?  I have high standards.  Why shouldn't my magazines?

Because we don't have the cars that your magazines prefer?

[Submariner]

Thats fast.

But As cool as it is, I'm interested to know how good of a driver it is.

[Rich]

My Veyron > 135i





I want one...

[Cookie Monster]

4.7 seconds!!!

[sandertheshark]

Fifteen years ago, this would be a supercar.

"Yes, I'd like a $35,000 BMW that can run rings around an NSX, please."

[Raza]

Because we don't have as many good vehicles.

That's no excuse.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

i just can't get over the styling of the car.

Performance aside, this is a car i would never own. I'd rather have a slower(barely) last get M3 for the same money.

[ifcar]

That's no excuse.

If a car is the best we can buy, why not say so?

[Raza]

If a car is the best we can buy, why not say so?

That's fine enough, but best is relative.  If your scope is provincial enough, then any car can be the best.  That doesn't make it any good though.

(Mind you, I'm not saying this is the case with the 135i.  Certainly not the car I'd buy were it my money--I'd get a 128i first--but it seems to be a fine vehicle.)

[sportyaccordy]

i just can't get over the styling of the car.

Performance aside, this is a car i would never own. I'd rather have a slower(barely) last get M3 for the same money.

IT is quite homely. To me, the premium of the 335i is worth it for the looks and practicality.

But this will definitely be a track beast, for sure. The 128i should be a thriller as well

[Eye of the Tiger]

Fifteen years ago, this would be a supercar.

"Yes, I'd like a $35,000 BMW that can run rings around an NSX, please."

That's not too impressive. Even my Jetta can run rings around an NSX.

[Payman]

That's not too impressive. Even my Jetta can run rings around an NSX.

Smoke rings...

[the Teuton]

This car looks interesting.  What kind of LSD rear ends will fit on it?

[Raza]

This car looks interesting.  What kind of LSD rear ends will fit on it?

I assume Dinan will come out with one eventually.  And they'll charge a fuckload for it. 

I'm trying to lineup spending a fuckload on one for the Boxster in a few years.

[the Teuton]

I assume Dinan will come out with one eventually.  And they'll charge a fuckload for it. 

I'm trying to lineup spending a fuckload on one for the Boxster in a few years.

The Boxster has an open diff?  Really?

[Eye of the Tiger]

Smoke rings...

[MX793]

The Boxster has an open diff?  Really?

Neither the Boxster nor Cayman comes with a limited slip, even in S guise.  Presumably because Porsche wanted to be sure it wouldn't surpass the more expensive 911 in performance.

[Raza]

Neither the Boxster nor Cayman comes with a limited slip, even in S guise.  Presumably because Porsche wanted to be sure it wouldn't surpass the more expensive 911 in performance.

That's the ticket.  Off the track, it doesn't really come into play that often; even when you go beyond the limit of adhesion, the car reacts naturally.

[the Teuton]

Hmmm....

You people and your German cars.  I'd expect one in some kind of decently sporty car.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Hmmm....

You people and your German cars.  I'd expect one in some kind of decently sporty car.

My crappy little japanese economy car has a LSD.

[the Teuton]

My crappy little japanese economy car has a LSD.

My crappy little Japanese economy car has two open diffs. 

[FlatBlackCaddy]

My crappy little Japanese economy car has two open diffs. 

and edible carpet......

[2o6]

I hate this car.