Test drove a BMW 135i

[cozmik]

And holy fuck...


I'm at work right now, so can't type a lot but here's a quick impression, I'll write more late.

It looks great, ten times better in person than in pictures. It's nice and comfortable inside with a great dash layout and a surprising amount of room. It's wicked quick. I was shocked, and that doesn't happen often. It drives beautifully. One of the most perfect drives I've experienced.

[Pommes-T]

And holy fuck...


I'm at work right now, so can't type a lot but here's a quick impression, I'll write more late.

It looks great, ten times better in person than in pictures. It's nice and comfortable inside with a great dash layout and a surprising amount of room. It's wicked quick. I was shocked, and that doesn't happen often. It drives beautifully. One of the most perfect drives I've experienced.

Sounds like you've had a blast! Can't wait to read more. I've seen the 135i (or at least 1 series coupes) in person quite a few times. On photos I thought it was... well, too short. In person it looks great. Don't know if the BMW dealers would take me serious, if I asked for a testdrive unfortunately... 

[nickdrinkwater]

Maybe it looks ten times better, but it still looks like shit in the metal in my opinion.  Sorry.

Look forward to hearing about the drive though.

Pommes, long time!

[the Teuton]

So you're selling the Saab?

[Raza]

Sell a Saab and buy a BMW.  Only a master of evil, Darth...

[CALL_911]

Sell a Saab and buy a BMW.  Only a master of evil, Darth...

I think that plan sounds about right.

The 135i is wonderful. I really, really love it. I seemed to have coaxed my Father into wanting one that badly as well.

[Champ]

The local dealer just got some, 3 128 converts and a red 135 that is optioned into the mid/low 40's.

Crazy how they get so expensive.  At base MSRP they are great but then add options...

[hotrodalex]

They really look great, the only drawback is price. For most buyers that isn't a problem, so BMW did a GREAT job on it.

[MX793]

Just swung by the local dealership and they had a pair of 128s.  One manual, one auto.  Both priced at $35K and change.  IMO, they do look better in person than in photos.  The camera must pick up on some things that either aren't really there or are much more subtle in the flesh.  I may stop by tomorrow and see if I can get a test drive since, if I do get a new car this summer, the 128i (lightly optioned) is within my price target and on my interest list.

[TheIntrepid]

At base MSRP they are great but then add options...

This is, unfortunately, the case for all entry-level cars from luxury makes. A base model 323i last year cost $29,000 CAD last year but not even cruise control was standard on the automatic version.

[CALL_911]

This is, unfortunately, the case for all entry-level cars from luxury makes. A base model 323i last year cost $29,000 CAD last year but not even cruise control was standard on the automatic version.

I don't care. I'd just take a stripper 323i with a manual. I'd be very happy, and get aftermarket suspension upgrades if needed.

[NomisR]

I'm going through building 135i thing, but what exactly is active steering? 

[Raza]

I'm going through building 135i thing, but what exactly is active steering? 

Another example of BMW being stupid. 

Active steering makes the ratios super quick at low speeds and then slows them down at high speeds. 

[CALL_911]

I'm going through building 135i thing, but what exactly is active steering? 

Basically, it means that the car will have variable steering ratios. It fucks with the steering feel, and it just plain sucks.

[NomisR]

Another example of BMW being stupid. 

Active steering makes the ratios super quick at low speeds and then slows them down at high speeds. 

Take out power steering and we'll be happy

[Raza]

Take out power steering and we'll be happy

Speed sensitive steering is fine.  But what makes BMW think it needs to change everything??  I like buttons.  I like turn signals that work.  I like predictable and natural steering.  What do they have against it?

[CALL_911]

I like predictable and natural steering.  What do they have against it?

Active steering aside, I think BMW knows a thing or two about that.

[Raza]

Active steering aside, I think BMW knows a thing or two about that.

But they forget. 

[CALL_911]

But they forget. 

With the case of active steering, I fully agree.

[850CSi]

This is, unfortunately, the case for all entry-level cars from luxury makes. A base model 323i last year cost $29,000 CAD last year but not even cruise control was standard on the automatic version.

That may be the case in Canada, but it isn't the case here. My car had only one option in it (heated seats), one of the most basic E90s you will find. There really isn't a single option I wish I could have. Options are overrated.

[hounddog]

Sorry, most reviews of the AS system find it very usable in daily driving.  Very few BMW drivers will ever really push their cars or even drive anywhere close to the cars limit, or for that matter go to a track with it.  So, the inevitable argument about how bad it is for the track is a non-argument.

I drove one the other day that had it, an 07 550, and initially did not like it.  But, after a few turns around the block got I used to it and really did not mind it.  It actually made city (suburb) driving more precise.  But, I know that I would not be taking a $55,000 car to a race track.

[hounddog]

This is, unfortunately, the case for all entry-level cars from luxury makes. A base model 323i last year cost $29,000 CAD last year but not even cruise control was standard on the automatic version.

What is a 323?  Not being jerky, just wondering if there is a model other than the 328 and 335? 

[MX793]

What is a 323?  Not being jerky, just wondering if there is a model other than the 328 and 335? 

For several years now, Canada has gotten a 3 series model slotted below the lowest US model which featured a smaller engine, fewer standard goodies and obviously a lower price.  For the current generation, the lowest model is the 323, which has a 2.5L I6 with around 200 hp.  Last generation it was the 320, which had a 2.2L I6.

[CALL_911]

For several years now, Canada has gotten a 3 series model slotted below the lowest US model which featured a smaller engine, fewer standard goodies and obviously a lower price.  For the current generation, the lowest model is the 323, which has a 2.5L I6 with around 200 hp.  Last generation it was the 320, which had a 2.2L I6.

I wish we got that model.

[Vinsanity]

It wouldn't make sense for BMW to sell a car priced close to $30k with fewer options than a Civic EX.

[sportyaccordy]

It wouldn't make sense for BMW to sell a car priced close to $30k with fewer options than a Civic EX.

But is the Civic EX the ultimate driving machine???

Seriously though I don't understand it either. I would love a 'reasonably equipped' 320i.

[Raza]

Sorry, most reviews of the AS system find it very usable in daily driving.  Very few BMW drivers will ever really push their cars or even drive anywhere close to the cars limit, or for that matter go to a track with it.  So, the inevitable argument about how bad it is for the track is a non-argument.

I drove one the other day that had it, an 07 550, and initially did not like it.  But, after a few turns around the block got I used to it and really did not mind it.  It actually made city (suburb) driving more precise.  But, I know that I would not be taking a $55,000 car to a race track.

I've never seen a single review of a car with Active Steering that didn't lambaste the system harshly.  It was so bad that BMW had to remove Active Steering from the sport pack. 

[Vinsanity]

But is the Civic EX the ultimate driving machine???

Seriously though I don't understand it either. I would love a 'reasonably equipped' 320i.

I dunno. I don't like the idea of having a BMW that's slower than a V6 Camry

[CALL_911]

I dunno. I don't like the idea of having a BMW that's slower than a V6 Camry

[Vinsanity]

Sorry but there are too many 325's, etc in my area as it is. A sub-200hp BMW with patio furniture interior is what we would call "all show no go"