BMW 135i

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10-03-2007, 09:52 AM
Kestrel

BMW 135i

Is anyone else interested in the BMW 135 that is coming out in the spring of 2008? I know it's "old news" (and there are probably a couple of threads on this board about it already) but I think that car could be pretty cool. It's hard to tell in the pictures I've seen if it looks good or just looks fat. BMWs usually strike me that way - except for the old 8 series, they just don't seem to take good pictures. But stuffing that 335 engine in a smaller (lighter) frame has got my attention. 0-60 times could be sub 5 seconds, and BMW rarely makes a bad handling car.

I'm starting to get serious about replacing my 8 year old CR-V with something a little better (heck, a '72 Vega would probably be better ;)), and the 1 Series -- including the recently announced droptop (http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...vertibles.html) is certainly on my list. I've been waiting for something to "grab" me, and maybe this is it?
10-03-2007, 09:56 AM
Titus

I would be more interested in it if they offered a lighter, striped down version with a 4 cyl in it.
10-03-2007, 11:00 AM
jrj512

I might be interested in the 128i. It is on the list of replacements for my TSX.

(So was the new Mazda 6 until i found out that while Europe gets a new 6 based on the new Mondeo, we get the old chassis again. Stupid Ford...)
10-03-2007, 11:10 AM
CosmosMpower

;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Is anyone else interested in the BMW 135 that is coming out in the spring of 2008? I know it's "old news" (and there are probably a couple of threads on this board about it already) but I think that car could be pretty cool. It's hard to tell in the pictures I've seen if it looks good or just looks fat. BMWs usually strike me that way - except for the old 8 series, they just don't seem to take good pictures. But stuffing that 335 engine in a smaller (lighter) frame has got my attention. 0-60 times could be sub 5 seconds, and BMW rarely makes a bad handling car.

I'm starting to get serious about replacing my 8 year old CR-V with something a little better (heck, a '72 Vega would probably be better ;)), and the 1 Series -- including the recently announced droptop (http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...vertibles.html) is certainly on my list. I've been waiting for something to "grab" me, and maybe this is it?

What you want is a minty clean 05 RX-8 6spd. J/K I think the 135i will be a blast, I heard it probably won't have a LSD which sucks, maybe you will be able to scavenge one from an E46 M car.
10-03-2007, 11:40 AM
altiain

BMW has publicly stated that only full-fledged "M" cars will get real, mechanical limited slip differentials. The 135i will have to make due with selective brake application to simulate a real diff.

Still, it does look like it's going to be quite an interesting car.
10-03-2007, 12:12 PM
JDMClassic

Looks pretty good..

http://edbmw.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/official3.jpg

http://edbmw.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/more3.jpg
10-03-2007, 12:24 PM
Kestrel

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

What you want is a minty clean 05 RX-8 6spd.

Actually the RX-8 is on my short list too, along with the Infiniti G37 Coupe. As you can see, I'm looking mostly at up-scale 2+2 vehicles. The problem with the Mazda is the dealership is too far away (for general maintenance purposes), and I'm too lazy to do more than minor maintenance stuff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

BMW has publicly stated that only full-fledged "M" cars will get real, mechanical limited slip differentials. The 135i will have to make due with selective brake application to simulate a real diff.

:shock: A modern day, performance oriented car without a limited slip differential?
10-03-2007, 12:58 PM
trickyrix

My question would be... can you get the 1-series without all that iDrive nonsense? I'm not sure I'd want a strippo 4-banger, but a 128 with just the bare necessities would be nice (AC, pwr windows, cruise, etc)...
10-03-2007, 01:01 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

BMW has publicly stated that only full-fledged "M" cars will get real, mechanical limited slip differentials. The 135i will have to make due with selective brake application to simulate a real diff.

Like turning brakes???

::Drive2::
10-03-2007, 01:36 PM
altiain

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestrel

:shock: A modern day, performance oriented car without a limited slip differential?

Seems to work well enough for Boxsters and Caymans (which have never been available with a mechanical limited slip and have always gotten by with active braking), but they're mid-engine, so who knows?
10-03-2007, 02:00 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

Seems to work well enough for Boxsters and Caymans (which have never been available with a mechanical limited slip and have always gotten by with active braking), but they're mid-engine, so who knows?

Just seems like an overly complex solution compared to a good old fashioned limited slip. My old 7 was prone to zero traction moments in the slippery stuff - so much so that it almost couldn't/wouldn't get out of its own way... esp when the turbo woke up (super-low compression + pretty big turbo = ginormous turbo lag + sudden one-wheel-drive).

Besides, I'd rather not have a computer decide that it's having a bad day and lock up one wheel just for shits and giggles...
10-03-2007, 02:10 PM
wrxmr2eater

The original Elise offered in the US had no LSD IIRC, it wasn't until buyers (mostly autocrossers if I remember) demanded it that it became an option.
10-03-2007, 03:21 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestrel

Actually the RX-8 is on my short list too, along with the Infiniti G37 Coupe. As you can see, I'm looking mostly at up-scale 2+2 vehicles. The problem with the Mazda is the dealership is too far away (for general maintenance purposes), and I'm too lazy to do more than minor maintenance stuff.

:shock: A modern day, performance oriented car without a limited slip differential?

PM sent.
10-03-2007, 03:22 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxmr2eater

The original Elise offered in the US had no LSD IIRC, it wasn't until buyers (mostly autocrossers if I remember) demanded it that it became an option.

The first 05's didn't have them and you could get them as an option at the end of the 05 builds, they were rare. Very few 06's have them as well, it's a bit of a rare option. I drove one that was supercharged on R comps and coilovers no less and it seemed fine without one. Certain people feel otherwise. I probably won't have one on mine, just the sport and touring packages.
10-03-2007, 03:48 PM
channelmaniac

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Besides, I'd rather not have a computer decide that it's having a bad day and lock up one wheel just for shits and giggles...

:D

For a second there I thought that was Iain posting... and had to look over to see who it really was.
10-03-2007, 07:05 PM
MX-5EE

I was actually very disappointed to hear that they wouldn't be selling the BMW 116i wagon. I was thinking lately that as my wife and I started a family, one day it would be nice to own a compact, fuel efficient, 4 seat luxury car. This is a car class that is common and competitive in Europe but non-existent in America. The fuel efficient requirement kinda eliminates the RX-8. I think a BMW 116i Wagon would fit that description handsomely. I only need one fun car, and the Miata is it.
10-03-2007, 08:18 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX-5EE

I was actually very disappointed to hear that they wouldn't be selling the BMW 116i wagon. I was thinking lately that as my wife and I started a family, one day it would be nice to own a compact, fuel efficient, 4 seat luxury car. This is a car class that is common and competitive in Europe but non-existent in America. The fuel efficient requirement kinda eliminates the RX-8. I think a BMW 116i Wagon would fit that description handsomely. I only need one fun car, and the Miata is it.

Audi A3 2.0T
10-04-2007, 04:49 AM
aalvarez04

The 135i seems like a good deal. Lots of power and I've heard from the 335i owners the car makes a lot of power with tuning. 70hp from tuning. This motor with the turbos that change shape or shaft something? Is quite nice and helps them make torque at very very low rpm's, less that 2000rpms it is already making max torque. On another note is does look good.

Correct me if I am wrong on any statements which I’m sure I am.
10-04-2007, 06:51 AM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by aalvarez04

The 135i seems like a good deal. Lots of power and I've heard from the 335i owners the car makes a lot of power with tuning. 70hp from tuning. This motor with the turbos that change shape or shaft something? Is quite nice and helps them make torque at very very low rpm's, less that 2000rpms it is already making max torque. On another note is does look good.

Correct me if I am wrong on any statements which I’m sure I am.

Not sure about any variable geometry with the turbos... the 335 has two small turbos that spool up quickly to reduce lag. It's also got direct injection and an unusually high compression ratio (10.5:1!). I have yet to drive one, but the specs look really good - it makes max torque from 1500-5000 rpm.
10-04-2007, 07:11 AM
Miatamoto

The engine is incredible. I had a chance to run a 335i on a small autocross course during a publicity event. They let us run it back to back with the G35 coupe and the power of the BMW was great. It made the G35 feel like a slug.

I'm a N/A power junky, but the power delivery was really good. Not much lag at all, but it is still a turbo car. Putting this engine into a lighter car should be a lot of fun.
10-04-2007, 07:51 AM
Sharpie

Quote:

Originally Posted by aalvarez04

On another note is does look good.

Correct me if I am wrong on any statements which I’m sure I am.

I guess I'm the only one, but I think it's UGLY. The lines don't flow, too much z4 in there.
10-04-2007, 08:12 AM
Miatamoto

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpie

I guess I'm the only one, but I think it's UGLY. The lines don't flow, too much z4 in there.

No, I'm with you on the styling. The 3 series coupe looks pretty good, but I'd much rather see the hatchback here.
10-04-2007, 09:55 AM
CosmosMpower

I don't think the N54 has variable turbine technology, I know the 997 Turbo does though and it's pretty cool. I drove a 335i and I wasn't really impressed, it didn't feel very fast at all but it was so smooth and quiet and you could tell it was pretty quick watching the needle.

I will agree, it's freaking ugly in coupe form.
10-04-2007, 03:06 PM
MX-5EE

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

Audi A3 2.0T

With an EPA rating of 21 city/29 hwy it's not what I would call fuel efficient either. I would like to see at least 25mpg city, if not 30mpg. So that pretty much just leaves a fully-loaded Mini Cooper as the only thing coming close to what I have in mind.

My Miata guzzles enough gas as it is at 24mpg around town, thank you very much.
10-04-2007, 03:14 PM
wrxmr2eater

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX-5EE

With an EPA rating of 21 city/29 hwy it's not what I would call fuel efficient either. I would like to see at least 25mpg city, if not 30mpg.

I have the same 2.0T in my wifes Passat and get @27 city and 32-34 highway at real highway speeds. I have the manual of course, not the DSG transmission. There is so much torque in higher gears that you can choose most any gear you want to accelerate in.

I am not pushing VW/Audi's though because they still have tentative reliability. The Audi does get you a really good warranty though for a little extra if you are looking at buying new.
10-04-2007, 03:17 PM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX-5EE

My Miata guzzles enough gas as it is at 24mpg around town, thank you very much.

You don't know guzzles, I'd like ya to meet guzzles - 9-10 mpg in town downhill with a 27 gallon fuel tank!::Banana::
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...85_28_full.jpg

So do you think this BMW will look better in person?? It does have some pudgy proportions.
10-04-2007, 04:27 PM
tailchaser

but it's so purty!
10-04-2007, 08:06 PM
MX-5EE

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

You don't know guzzles, I'd like ya to meet guzzles - 9-10 mpg in town downhill with a 27 gallon fuel tank!::Banana::
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...85_28_full.jpg

So do you think this BMW will look better in person?? It does have some pudgy proportions.

Nice, my dad used to own a 72 Lincoln Continental Mk IV when I was a kid. It got about that mileage. If you look at the width and wheel base, it was larger than a modern minivan, and about twice as heavy.

In any case, my idea of a "luxury compact" to supplement my Miata is about 5 years off. The idea is that if we have 2 kids, and I am stuck with both kids and wife is away with the Fit, then I have a small problem if I want to go anywhere. But since our current family consists of me, my wife, and out cat, then that pretty much means that this won't be necessary for a few years at minimum. With luck my wife's car will be paid off by then. Who knows, by then maybe BMW will wake up and offer the 116i wagon? Maybe they will offer the diesel version :)
10-04-2007, 08:46 PM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by MX-5EE

With an EPA rating of 21 city/29 hwy it's not what I would call fuel efficient either. I would like to see at least 25mpg city, if not 30mpg. So that pretty much just leaves a fully-loaded Mini Cooper as the only thing coming close to what I have in mind.

My Miata guzzles enough gas as it is at 24mpg around town, thank you very much.

Man... the Miata gets miraculous gas mileage, IMHO. Especially considering the way I generally squirt around town and flog it on the highway. The worst I ever got was about 24, but it generally gets about 26-27. On my big road trips, I average 30 and I've seen 36.

My '85 RX-7 got about 20 if I pussy-footed it.

My '98 Cam-ray got about 24-25 (4-hole, auto).

One of my proudest moments came when I squeezed 18 mpg out of an entire tank in my buddy's Civic Si coupe on a road trip to New Mexico (see below)...
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7...opsmallwg7.jpg

My '84 745i got about 16 mixed and 22 hwy if I was a good dog - but it usually got about 18 on the highway... cheap gas a 26 gallon tank will make your right foot reeeeaaaaaal heavy.

My '95 Z28 got 27 hwy (once), but usually about 14-16 mixed.

OH... and I had to borrow my folks' '88 Ford custom van once in college. It was a 1-TON with a 460 and a C-6 tranny. Now, granted, I did autocross it one weekend... but still... can't one expect more than 7 mpg outta the thing? Did I mention that it would run about 115 balls-out?

Anyhow, if you want obscene in-town mileage, I figure you've got two options:

1) a Schwinn

2) a VW TDI... that you leave at home when you take the Schwinn to work

::Banana::

BTW, nice Caddy, POS! My dad's got a '76 Eldorado convertible in the garage... red w/ white leather!
10-04-2007, 10:37 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxmr2eater

I am not pushing VW/Audi's though because they still have tentative reliability.

You don't say!! ;)
10-04-2007, 10:42 PM
Treibenschnell

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxmr2eater

I am not pushing VW/Audi's though because they still have tentative reliability.

You don't say!! ;)
10-05-2007, 02:26 PM
MX-5EE

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

Man... the Miata gets miraculous gas mileage, IMHO. Especially considering the way I generally squirt around town and flog it on the highway. The worst I ever got was about 24, but it generally gets about 26-27. On my big road trips, I average 30 and I've seen 36.

My '85 RX-7 got about 20 if I pussy-footed it.

My '98 Cam-ray got about 24-25 (4-hole, auto).

One of my proudest moments came when I squeezed 18 mpg out of an entire tank in my buddy's Civic Si coupe on a road trip to New Mexico (see below)...

(Pic Deleted For Brevity)

My '84 745i got about 16 mixed and 22 hwy if I was a good dog - but it usually got about 18 on the highway... cheap gas a 26 gallon tank will make your right foot reeeeaaaaaal heavy.

My '95 Z28 got 27 hwy (once), but usually about 14-16 mixed.

OH... and I had to borrow my folks' '88 Ford custom van once in college. It was a 1-TON with a 460 and a C-6 tranny. Now, granted, I did autocross it one weekend... but still... can't one expect more than 7 mpg outta the thing? Did I mention that it would run about 115 balls-out?

Anyhow, if you want obscene in-town mileage, I figure you've got two options:

1) a Schwinn

2) a VW TDI... that you leave at home when you take the Schwinn to work

::Banana::

BTW, nice Caddy, POS! My dad's got a '76 Eldorado convertible in the garage... red w/ white leather!

Or get a Honda Fit, my wife gets ~33mpg on hers driving around Dallas highways (75&635, highways, but you won't get highway mileage on those). And so far my Miata gets 22-24mpg, I definitely am seeing alot lower mileage on my NC than you guys see on your NA's/NB's. I guess that is the price of the larger MZR engine and side airbags.
10-05-2007, 02:59 PM
tailchaser

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxmr2eater

I am not pushing VW/Audi's though because they still have tentative reliability.

In an interesting correlation, if you'd said that about a Ford, that would be EXACTLY why you'd be pushing it.
10-11-2007, 07:44 AM
miataspeedracer

I think the 135i is a great idea. My only concern is that it will be
1. $5,000 more expensive than it should be
2. 500 pounds heavier than it should be

Under $30K and under 3,000 lbs, it would be on my VERY short list for my next car. Alas, this is 2007(8)...

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