135i test drive and pics in Canada

StealthBimmer · 11-03-2007, 04:34 AM

** Write up copied from the 1addicts forum by jobes 10-31-07. Link to pics included in this thread. **

I had the opportunity to drive a 135i coupe and cab today. The 135i coupe and cab were black sapphire auto fully loaded. I also got to quickly try a 135i montego blue in manual.

First impressions of the car... the car was smaller than I thought it would be. Exterior wise I am still not totally in love with the look but I still think it looks alright. The interior is decent in size. I am just under 6 feet and i fit fine in the car, but that leaves the backseat with very little room. The interior is your basic BMW interior... the car I drove had I drive and the screen pops up from the dash as soon as you put the fob into the slot.

The sport seats are your typical BMW sport seats... they hug nicely. The M sports steering wheel was quite nice. Same paddle shifters from my 335 were found in this car.

While driving this car I found myself grinning most of the drive. The pickup seemed similar to my 335 if not a touch quicker. The auto changing gears was smooth and effortless. Nothing different from my 335. The handling was firm and responsive. The route they made us take allowed us to open it up as well try some windy roads. We had to be careful of our speeds due to the new law and of course not wanting to be reckless.

If you have driven the 335i step system you will find it similar in ride and performance. You do notice the car is smaller and tend to want to take corners quicker. I must say that when I was driving this I did have the same exhilaration I felt when driving a Cooper S. IF not more... I enjoyed this car way more than driving a Cooper S.

This car is a hell of a performer and the people that are willing to pay the money for it will not be disappointed. The Cabriolet was all "disguised" with tape on the emblems... haha but you can't really hide the grille now can you? IT drove the same but has the typical blindspots a cab would have with the roof closed. I didn't have an opportunity to open the roof. Wasn't sure if I was allowed since this was a preprod. I don't think I would pay the extra money to get the cab version... I see a lot more women driving this model than men.. just my opinion.

Now quickly to the 135i in manual.... wow.. i thought the auto was fun... this was way more fun. By no means am I an expert driver but the clutch was soft... the gears a little sticky... probably because the car is new. Power in the engine the same as in the 335. Turbos kicked in around the same at 1700... the manual was definitely fun but by no means does it mean the auto was shabby. This model did not have IDrive but who needs it right? The auto coupe was fully loaded whereas the manual was not. No power seats etc.

All in all I had a hell of a fun lunch time. You guys will love this car when it comes out. BMW did not mess up with this one.

I was able to snap a few quick pics but nothing thorough because I was not supposed to be taking them. I didn't get a chance to take pics of the taped up vert but I might get a chance later on in the week.

I want a 135 coupe!!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2077

cali-ti · 11-03-2007, 04:50 AM

hmmmm ... wonder if those seats would fit in the ole ti ...

**1996 328ti** · 11-03-2007, 12:42 PM

I want the 135 but not willing to pay $35,000.
Plus from what I read, it will not make a good weekend track car due to overheating problems unless the oil system has an after market cooler.

**Bozola** · 11-03-2007, 02:20 PM

But your sig... says you will! Wazzup?
________
vapolution

**1996 328ti** · 11-03-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bozola

But your sig... says you will! Wazzup?

That was when I thought I was going to make $35,000 on the sale of my house.

larryn · 11-03-2007, 09:05 PM

I'm definitely getting a 135i, and getting rid of the e90 in the spring. My only questions are what the price will be, what options do I want, and will i be able to swing another European Delivery.

As far as the overheating issues.. I'm cautiously optimistic that the 135i is not having that issue. If you opt for the sports package, you get the oil cooler. All of the cars that they drove on the Gotlandring track in Sweden last week were sports package equipped cars, and none of the reviews (out of about 10 I've read so far) mentioned overheating. For the 335i's launch, the first few reports did mention higher than normal temps.

My only wish is that I can somehow get a sunroof delete, like our friends to the north can.

**1996 328ti** · 11-03-2007, 09:14 PM

I'd love to do ED with delivery at the Performance Center.

larryn · 11-03-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I'd love to do ED with delivery at the Performance Center.

Is that even an option for you? I know you live right by there... If so, how could you pass that up? I would beg, borrow, steal, sell off a kid or two....

**1996 328ti** · 11-03-2007, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

Is that even an option for you? I know you live right by there... If so, how could you pass that up? I would beg, borrow, steal, sell off a kid or two....

It's an option for anyone.

larryn · 11-03-2007, 10:22 PM

I thought that you could one or the other. I didn't think I could do a ED, then have the car delivered to Spartanburg @ the PDC?

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