GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: davyk31 on 29 September 2019, 11:57
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Had a look yesterday at the new M135i and really liked it. Need a drive to see what it’s like but looking like it might be my GTI replacement.
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Had a look yesterday at the new M135i and really liked it. Need a drive to see what it’s like but looking like it might be my GTI replacement.
Are they in showrooms yet?
I’ve just been watching a few reviews and keep getting invites from BMW to drive “the 1” so might take them up on it. A more future proof car than a new mk7 and has more torque. How it will compare to a mk8 is anyone’s guess, neither are beauties!
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I haven't seen one in the flesh but from what I've seen on various forums, the purists are not liking the new 135 at all. The loss of the 6-pot and RWD was always going to upset them but the styling has not been very well received either although I quite like it.
On the plus side, the new car is said to be a lot more economical and more spacious than the cramped interior of the old model. There's a dealer a short walk from where I work so I might pop in and have a look soon.
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The RWD purists are bound to hate it, the 6 cyl 3.0 is a definite loss and I bet the 2.0 isn’t massively more economical. A friend had a couple hire 140i’s and they were surprisingly good on fuel.
Styling? A bit quirky, the 135i looks better than the lower models. The interior looks really good.
Worth a look for sure.
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The launch day was yesterday at least in my local showrooms but likely nationwide. Interior is great and looks really modern. The back also looks great, Side a bit bland and front pretty good although the grill dominates.
The M135i does look a better with the optional 19" wheels which only come as part of a £1500 pack. Getting a drive this week and I'm sure it doesn't drive or wound anything like the rear wheel drive 3.0 litre but I would not have considered one if they were still rear drive as its for my wife's daily driver.
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Its been a bit rubbished by the press and the Beemer fanbois but I thought it looks a lot better than the old one and promises more interior space - both issues for my vs my Golf Mk7.
As I'm probably not going to be able to get the Mk8 GTI I want next year, one of these could well fill the void I thought, but I suspect that once I've optioned the things I want its going to be a 45k car with bugger all discounts. Too rich for me.
But I'll probably at the very least take a look in the showroom.
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They come to about £40k with the essential couple option packs and met paint.
With the A35 and Golf R as competition BMW will discount heavily. Maybe not just yet but once the Mk8 is in production they’ll bang the prices down. There may even be lease deals early on to generate interest.
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Discounts will definitely be available on the 135i, probably big ones too. BMW are notorious for this. My cousins just bought a new 140i, last build slot available. He got £10k off the car. When I was looking at it 3 years ago they offered me £6k off without me pushing at all. But, that’s why you can pick a nearly new 140i up for £23k.
Reviews look interesting. Joe Achilles loves it. No surprise there though.
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Coast 2 coast are already offering 11% off and it only came out yesterday.
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Coast 2 coast are already offering 11% off and it only came out yesterday.
True to bmw form. Good find there!
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I looked it yesterday , salesman was to eager to get my business , saying he could do fantastic deal if I did a deal in sept . Show room was empty on Saturday afternoon
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https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/bmw-m135i---driven/41025
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I've never tried to buy a BMW... do the dealers themselves tend to offer discounts or do I need to find a broker?
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The one I spoke to was offering great deals before we had walked across the showroom to even see the car
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Never looked at BMW before as having been in colleagues performance BMW over the years can state categorically that what others consider fun (the back wiggling about) is not my idea of fun - I am a pretty relaxed passenger but the times when I was not were all in performance BMW, one time in the wet was particularly convincing.
Also the last bad winter, where there was a quite a bit of snow, the cars that were mainly abandoned in our company car park were all BMW.
So as you can tell RWD has not ever been for me on a performance car, fun on a track?, massively i expect, but on a UK road you can keep them.
Imagine I am not alone and maybe why BMW have opted to go FWD and extend the AWD as standard fits on their new performance BMW like the 135i
It came too late for me to consider it, but think I would have openly gone and looked and seen what it was all about.
Initial impressions are that its not the worst to look at though think its not that pretty either, a sort of ok generic hatchback that see across the range
The interior looks good though and think its in same vein as the new MK 8 thats upcoming with the 2 screens sweeping across and creating some twin effect.
In terms of drive, the 300 BHP and AWD combination would tick my box and it would only be the ride that would want to know about, but think it would be a non issue and a chassis control option would tick that as being perfectly good also.
There should not be any new car worries really as its not like BMW have ripped up the play book, its just a reconstituted Mini Cooper Works with a BMW cabin bolted to it (know there is more to it than that, but fundamentally) and thats considered a decent option ( i looked at one, its just too blown up for me in styling, its like everything has had air line applied to it to exaggerate features)
So BMW have put themselves back into the frame for folk like me and it would be down to comparing the finer options and on face of it I feel I would likely have deferred this time around as it simply does not grab me like the A35 AMG did when went to look at - Will have a look next time around
I am quite pragmatic about most things and have no real loyalty, I would readily swap if felt something was compelling enough so testament to the old girl MK 7 for keeping me for another 3 years despite the growing choice out there in segment
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https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-driven/bmw-m135i---driven/41025
Not sure about those looks, as others have noted. The X2 looks better (to me). Maybe if I see one in the flesh....
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@ Hertsman
Everyone in Europe manages to drive BMWs and Mercs in winter, by simply being on the correct tyres. I really don't get why people in the UK think it's ok to tool around in slush on cast-iron 255 runflats.
I ran my 2 old M135is on CrossClimates in the winter months. Was unstoppable.
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@ Hertsman
Everyone in Europe manages to drive BMWs and Mercs in winter, by simply being on the correct tyres. I really don't get why people in the UK think it's ok to tool around in slush on cast-iron 255 runflats.
I ran my 2 old M135is on CrossClimates in the winter months. Was unstoppable.
agreed, made same point myself that if ever did have to have a Beemer first thing would do is get myself a set of winter wheels/tyres - unfortunately most just soldier on, or not as case maybe :) but totally agree with you
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RWD is wonderful in the way in which they have totally uncorrupted steering, but I appreciate oversteer rather than push understeer/torque steer is unnerving.
I did a CAT driver training course years ago in skidding, helped loads to understand what the car does and why? when it lets go. Clowns showing off with lead feet and getting all tank slapper sideways is not the way.
As for the new one. I'd be interested in trying one, but I can't see me buying one. A BMW has to drive like a BMW, that's why you buy one. It will bring in a whole new audience of non-old folk who believe AWD is king.
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Some interesting points on AWD v RWD. In New England I havent seen a RWD bmw or MB. Bar the 2 seater sports cars. All saloons are AWD.
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Really......can that possibly be the case??
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RWD is wonderful in the way in which they have totally uncorrupted steering, but I appreciate oversteer rather than push understeer/torque steer is unnerving.
I did a CAT driver training course years ago in skidding, helped loads to understand what the car does and why? when it lets go. Clowns showing off with lead feet and getting all tank slapper sideways is not the way.
As for the new one. I'd be interested in trying one, but I can't see me buying one. A BMW has to drive like a BMW, that's why you buy one. It will bring in a whole new audience of non-old folk who believe AWD is king.
BMW is one of the most popular choices as car within my company, mainly the standard versions, not performance, then say Audi and VW, and so had plenty of opportunity with colleagues to see and be driven in all sorts over the years including some of the more serious performance versions of the few like me that really like their cars, and in that group some enthusiasts who think anything other than 6 pot, RWD is trash :grin:
My personal feeling is that I really did not like the few rear end wiggles experienced, one on a wet night that definitely had me worried where going to land.
However, I do see purity of it quite well and would be my preferred on a track also imagine, I just do not like it on normal roads and so RWD is not something personally considered - Sure there is many like me which BMW are now aiming at.
Which takes me to your comment "It will bring in a whole new audience of non-old folk who believe AWD is king." as think you totally right, and its a marketing decision in hope that the few customers they lose to ditching the RWD will be replaced by a ton of folk now looking at BMW as viable option - As I am already in the FWD/AWD camp then I would definitely be looking at the BMW next time around
The 1.35i came too late for me this time, but from all seen there would not have been enough to sway me towards it, the A35 AMG for example had me really wanting to go see it, have no feeling for the 1.35i to do the same.
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The 1.35i came too late for me this time, but from all seen there would not have been enough to sway me towards it, the A35 AMG for example had me really wanting to go see it, have no feeling for the 1.35i to do the same.
I agree with you - I did like the Merc very much. Right up to the point where I looked at the prices.
For me I'm looking at a Golf sized car from a German maker in mid 2020. Therefore it looked like this:
VW - I'd love one but looks like my timing is wrong.
Audi A3 - too expensive for the spec I want and the new A3 is what, late 2020?
Merc - too expensive for the spec I'd want and even the basic high powered ones are too much IMHO.
BMW - previously too small and ugly.... now it at least fixes those points, whether the price is too much remains to be seen.
My issue is that whatever I choose I am absolutely refusing to pay the extra road tax hike for a car with a RRP over £40k.
Of course there is one thing that could utterly crap on all of my quest for a German car, but I guess we'll have to wait and see how that shapes up.
I can't move any earlier on this unfortunately.
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The 1.35i came too late for me this time, but from all seen there would not have been enough to sway me towards it, the A35 AMG for example had me really wanting to go see it, have no feeling for the 1.35i to do the same.
I agree with you - I did like the Merc very much. Right up to the point where I looked at the prices.
For me I'm looking at a Golf sized car from a German maker in mid 2020. Therefore it looked like this:
VW - I'd love one but looks like my timing is wrong.
Audi A3 - too expensive for the spec I want and the new A3 is what, late 2020?
Merc - too expensive for the spec I'd want and even the basic high powered ones are too much IMHO.
BMW - previously too small and ugly.... now it at least fixes those points, whether the price is too much remains to be seen.
My issue is that whatever I choose I am absolutely refusing to pay the extra road tax hike for a car with a RRP over £40k.
Of course there is one thing that could utterly crap on all of my quest for a German car, but I guess we'll have to wait and see how that shapes up.
I can't move any earlier on this unfortunately.
I was open to looking at something different but as you say the Mercedes to get anywhere near the car you want pushed me to £42,000 and that was leaving somethings out, like media pack with the Apple play, surely should be a standard function!
Liked what was seeing on the new A3 to the point realised its not even being released till 2020 - Audi always cost that bit more to take the option to the VW standard fit level, still charging for folding mirrors for example!
Do think the BMW is viable, saw a review with Joe Achilles and he 6ft 4 in and he got readily into the rear which was previously shocking with that strange bulge killing the opening. - He was quite complimentary of it.
My initial feeling for the 1.35i is that have none, but that might just be down to my previous apathy and so I think I would go and see for myself in flesh if was looking to order today as it does tick all the boxes I have, my concern is more about the feeling it gives than its functional capability as 300 BHP, AWD, nice cabin etc, are all ticks - Also price is a concern as last BMW priced up started off ok, but by time I went through the exhaustive list of options the end price was off the scale
Mercedes are other way around, you have to have to choose packs but you might not want half of 2, and want half of the most expensive pack 3
Sure there will be plenty of MK 7.5 stock at really keen pricing when MK 8 rolls out, is that not an option? as could get a real bargain.
Reason stayed with the run out TCR was felt it was the best the MK 7 series could be, and with the TCR bits and bobs adding enough to make it feel new still.
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RWD needs an LSD, doesn't have to be an aggressive one, but it needs one.
The whole trying to manage it with the rear brakes doesn't work, leads to unpredictable slip reaction and generally gets RWD a bad name as being snappy. Mine had Drexlers, not cheap, but dealer fitted and warranty approved.
Now, your average 118 owner has pretty much no idea which wheels are driven, doesn't care and just wants a BMW. So giving them more room via a transverse engine and (you'd hope) lower costs with platform sharing the Mini - you can see why marketing a rubbing their hands together.
Merc couldn't give the smallest versions of their cars away years ago, now the A-Class is everywhere.
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Sure there will be plenty of MK 7.5 stock at really keen pricing when MK 8 rolls out, is that not an option? as could get a real bargain.
Reason stayed with the run out TCR was felt it was the best the MK 7 series could be, and with the TCR bits and bobs adding enough to make it feel new still.
I fully agree. If come March 2020 I can still order a TCR, I probably would.... but I'm not going to be able to do that am I... and its frustrating for me.
I went around this quandary back in 2014 and bought a Golf and replaced it with another three years later without batting an eyelid. I still think that apart from not being able to get the Golf I want because of the timing of the shift to the Mk8 that the Golf still offers the best package. Obviously subject to seeing if they continue to market a GTI with the right balance of tech vs price.
No point in looking properly just yet, but will definitely visit BMW when the time comes.
I suspect though my strategy will be to either extend or purchase my current GTD to tide me over until a Mk8 GTI comes out.
BTW I am not even chasing the ultimate hot hatch here - I don't care about AWD or 400bhp. FWD and 270ish bhp would be fine.
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Last time I had a GTI, I snapped up a late model MK5. The dealers were pretty much giving them and the Pirelli Edition away before the MK6 arrived.
Hold that nerve :smiley:
Incidentally I got 22% off my last M135i. List price means nothing.
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The 1.35i came too late for me this time, but from all seen there would not have been enough to sway me towards it, the A35 AMG for example had me really wanting to go see it, have no feeling for the 1.35i to do the same.
I agree with you - I did like the Merc very much. Right up to the point where I looked at the prices.
For me I'm looking at a Golf sized car from a German maker in mid 2020. Therefore it looked like this:
VW - I'd love one but looks like my timing is wrong.
Audi A3 - too expensive for the spec I want and the new A3 is what, late 2020?
Merc - too expensive for the spec I'd want and even the basic high powered ones are too much IMHO.
BMW - previously too small and ugly.... now it at least fixes those points, whether the price is too much remains to be seen.
My issue is that whatever I choose I am absolutely refusing to pay the extra road tax hike for a car with a RRP over £40k.
Of course there is one thing that could utterly crap on all of my quest for a German car, but I guess we'll have to wait and see how that shapes up.
I can't move any earlier on this unfortunately.
I was quoted around £30k for an A250 Auto AMG Line Premium Plus - not bad, I thought. What Merc spec were you after?
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Incidentally I got 22% off my last M135i. List price means nothing.
It does when it comes to the next 5 years VED if you tip the list price over the £40k mark.
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Last time I had a GTI, I snapped up a late model MK5. The dealers were pretty much giving them and the Pirelli Edition away before the MK6 arrived.
Hold that nerve :smiley:
Incidentally I got 22% off my last M135i. List price means nothing.
List price is definitely just a guide, if anyone is really serious about considering certain cars you have to get self active and get your final price quotes in front of you to compare and not dismiss based just on the configuration tool.
I am a tied to the company lease deals (which are a little strange, for example a Vauxhall GTC is way more than my TCR and some BMW are not even on there for me to option, even though know on open market I could get a good quote)
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Are you not tempted by an EV, given it's 0% BIK?
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Are you not tempted by an EV, given it's 0% BIK?
Not sure if aimed at me, but at present I just bundle BIK in with my overall costs - I could get cheaper by taking the money and sourcing myself but feel the removal of hassle is worth the extra that pay as its truly a one phone call support system with all tax, insurance, maintenance, damage repair (unfortunately been a few in last 10 years) covered
I would seriously consider EV, but the cars and tech is just not there for me yet, especially the charging as I park off road with no access to any points - Basically I want the car to match the kind of car like to drive, R/GTI and charge in same fashion as put fuel in now, or be such a great hybrid that its in lowest bracket
I am careful with my ££ but I like my cars, and do not want to be driving around in a soulless box as functionally go A-B so will pay the ££ for the enjoyment provides - its my only real spend on myself rest goes into the family pot, so its justifiable
The tech is definietly getting there, some of the performance EV are really good, but practicality has some way to go still.
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Incidentally I got 22% off my last M135i. List price means nothing.
It does when it comes to the next 5 years VED if you tip the list price over the £40k mark.
^^^This.
And I know that even the extra tax is a drop in the ocean when you are talking about the total cost of ownership of a £39,999.99 RRP car but its just more tax I am determined not to pay. The buggers hit me left right and centre, I don't see why I should be paying what I believe to be an unjust tax.
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I agree, it's a silly rule!
I've managed to stay below £39k on the configurator. Still makes me laugh though, £39k for hot hatches, madness.
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You think that's stupid. I've just got a 6 month old Caravelle. New list price would have been £51k!!! £51k for a van with seats in!!!
I didn't even give the RFL a thought... until the log log came through.
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If you save even 15% off list price then this will offset the road tax.
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If you save even 15% off list price then this will offset the road tax.
We're all about principles when its about money to a Yorkshireman :D
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I've got Scottish blood in me so I know what you mean :grin:
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The A35 and this have been on the potential list to replace the wife's R.
Mercedes showed little interest in selling me one and where I live socially unacceptable to have one incase someone thinks we work for the F1 team.
I did not love BMW ownership with the M2, dealer network and over rated to drive (stunning to look at) most M140s do not seem to make the end of their PCP term as they have been written off.
I just can't get over the grill and can see a lease deal R for the wife and cash in the bank.
I think M2 Comps are on BYGOF at the moment.
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I just can't get over the grill and can see a lease deal R for the wife and cash in the bank.
Unless its from stock, I think that boat has sailed.
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Test drive arranged for tomorrow morning and price already agreed assuming I like it. Could be bye bye GTI in a few weeks.
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Be very interested to hear how you get on.
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Test drive arranged for tomorrow morning and price already agreed assuming I like it. Could be bye bye GTI in a few weeks.
We can compare notes!
I had a test drive in one Friday.
Bit of a busy weekend but I’ll try and do a bit of a micro review at some point later in the weekend.
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I drove one this morning, quality is a massive step up, although I think the plastics are cheaper feeling now on cars, overall a nice car, not sure on the driving position, I am 6" 3 and struggled to get comfy, handling as expected through 4wd, engine was very quiet even in Sports +
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Did it make you think you'd buy instead of a golf?
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Great test drive today. Plenty of power and grip with the AWD. Loved the interior, very modern and lots of tech. Great interior space and lovely alcantara seats. The car I drove had the Okus pack so had the 19" wheels which look fantastic. Long story short I placed my order so it's bye bye GTi mod November. Can't wait for it and will be nice to have another brand to try.
Any questions please ask and interested to hear what the other guys won tested thought. Pretty quiet but some nice noises in Sport
Colour was quite a discussion with my wife and I as it will be mainly her car. There isn't a great flour choice with white, black, dark grey. Red, blue and primer grey. The primer grey looks good but also has a tinge of mauve/violet which wasn't great for me. The red looks good but I have never had a red car and wife was not keen so we went blue. The blue is pretty bright and vibrant but my natural sway is towards blue cars so it fits the bill. Also went for the Plus Pack to get 19" wheels, sun pro glass and upgraded stereo. Roll on November.
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What were the seats like?
I had a BMW 420D M-Sport courtesy car about 2 years ago when the Golf R was in for a front bumper respray, and the seat bases for the front seats were horribly hard (like sitting on plywood with a thin layer of foam for cushioning) and very low. If I had to suffer seats like that, i'd not be buying a BMW. Other than that, the interior seemed adequate for a car of its class.
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Great test drive today. Plenty of power and grip with the AWD. Loved the interior, very modern and lots of tech. Great interior space and lovely alcantara seats. The car I drove had the Okus pack so had the 19" wheels which look fantastic. Long story short I placed my order so it's bye bye GTi mod November. Can't wait for it and will be nice to have another brand to try.
Any questions please ask and interested to hear what the other guys won tested thought. Pretty quiet but some nice noises in Sport
Colour was quite a discussion with my wife and I as it will be mainly her car. There isn't a great flour choice with white, black, dark grey. Red, blue and primer grey. The primer grey looks good but also has a tinge of mauve/violet which wasn't great for me. The red looks good but I have never had a red car and wife was not keen so we went blue. The blue is pretty bright and vibrant but my natural sway is towards blue cars so it fits the bill. Also went for the Plus Pack to get 19" wheels, sun pro glass and upgraded stereo. Roll on November.
Interesting.
Does it have the standard BMW 8 speed auto box? When I drove the old 1 series that was a totally meh experience other than for "normal driving" it was totally seamless - but pushing it never felt fun like a VW DSG box.
I assume from what you said about November that it has the typical BMW short lead times - unlike another German OEM...
What did all of the bits work out to as a total price? Were you able to beat them down at all?
The colour thing is disappointing but I feel like that about Golfs too....
I'll definitely have a test drive I think next early next year, see if like Monkey said if the seats are too low - I hate sitting on the floor!
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You don't seem to be able to configure the m135i on the BMW website.
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Great test drive today. Plenty of power and grip with the AWD. Loved the interior, very modern and lots of tech. Great interior space and lovely alcantara seats. The car I drove had the Okus pack so had the 19" wheels which look fantastic. Long story short I placed my order so it's bye bye GTi mod November. Can't wait for it and will be nice to have another brand to try.
Any questions please ask and interested to hear what the other guys won tested thought. Pretty quiet but some nice noises in Sport
Colour was quite a discussion with my wife and I as it will be mainly her car. There isn't a great flour choice with white, black, dark grey. Red, blue and primer grey. The primer grey looks good but also has a tinge of mauve/violet which wasn't great for me. The red looks good but I have never had a red car and wife was not keen so we went blue. The blue is pretty bright and vibrant but my natural sway is towards blue cars so it fits the bill. Also went for the Plus Pack to get 19" wheels, sun pro glass and upgraded stereo. Roll on November.
Interesting.
Does it have the standard BMW 8 speed auto box? When I drove the old 1 series that was a totally meh experience other than for "normal driving" it was totally seamless - but pushing it never felt fun like a VW DSG box.
I assume from what you said about November that it has the typical BMW short lead times - unlike another German OEM...
What did all of the bits work out to as a total price? Were you able to beat them down at all?
The colour thing is disappointing but I feel like that about Golfs too....
I'll definitely have a test drive I think next early next year, see if like Monkey said if the seats are too low - I hate sitting on the floor!
The gearbox is an Aisin or something like that not a ZF
You don't seem to be able to configure the m135i on the BMW website.
https://configure.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/configure/F40/1SMP/FHLSW,S01AG,S01CB,S01DE,S01Y3,S0230,S0249,S02NH,S02PA,S02TB,S02VB,S02VC,S02VE,S0302,S0313,S0418,S0420,S0423,S0428,S0430,S0431,S0470,S0493,S0494,S04GQ,S04P2,S0508,S0534,S0544,S0563,S05A2,S05AQ,S0654,S0688,S06AE,S06AF,S06AK,S06C4,S06U3,S0704,S0710,S0711,S0715,S0754,S0760,S0775,S0812,S0853,S0880,S08KA,S08R9,S08S2,S08S3,S08SM,S08TF,S08TG,S0ZMA
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You don't seem to be able to configure the m135i on the BMW website.
You can yes. It's not the easiest to find but under models you need to swipe across. There are four models as options from memory and M135i is the last.
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Great test drive today. Plenty of power and grip with the AWD. Loved the interior, very modern and lots of tech. Great interior space and lovely alcantara seats. The car I drove had the Okus pack so had the 19" wheels which look fantastic. Long story short I placed my order so it's bye bye GTi mod November. Can't wait for it and will be nice to have another brand to try.
Any questions please ask and interested to hear what the other guys won tested thought. Pretty quiet but some nice noises in Sport
Colour was quite a discussion with my wife and I as it will be mainly her car. There isn't a great flour choice with white, black, dark grey. Red, blue and primer grey. The primer grey looks good but also has a tinge of mauve/violet which wasn't great for me. The red looks good but I have never had a red car and wife was not keen so we went blue. The blue is pretty bright and vibrant but my natural sway is towards blue cars so it fits the bill. Also went for the Plus Pack to get 19" wheels, sun pro glass and upgraded stereo. Roll on November.
Interesting.
Does it have the standard BMW 8 speed auto box? When I drove the old 1 series that was a totally meh experience other than for "normal driving" it was totally seamless - but pushing it never felt fun like a VW DSG box.
I assume from what you said about November that it has the typical BMW short lead times - unlike another German OEM...
What did all of the bits work out to as a total price? Were you able to beat them down at all?
The colour thing is disappointing but I feel like that about Golfs too....
I'll definitely have a test drive I think next early next year, see if like Monkey said if the seats are too low - I hate sitting on the floor!
The seats were great for me. I found them very comfortable and they didn't seem low. Wasn't a driving position like a 3 Series would have where you are very low
With metallic and Plus Pack it comes to about £38500. You can add the tech pack and still just creep in under the magic 40k. Really don't need to add much unless there is something there you really need. Discounts at the moment from the market leader TRL seem about 11%. That figure may increase with the but then residuals will drop so if buying in finance it may not be any cheaper. I decided to just jump im and go for it now as the lead times aren't too long as many dealers have pipeline cars already in the system still spec amendable.
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I’d better get round to writing this before I forget all the details.
Well, I’d had a keen eye on the M135i since way before it was released.
As a serial owner for over 30 years on and off having owned examples of every generation of Golf, done the whole modifying thing from engine internals to chassis, brakes, remaps, wheels and more wheels, and gone back to preferring standard production cars: it was always a given that I’d want to know whether another marque could out Golf a Golf.
I’ve never gone on spec to test drive a car before without any intention of buying. A salesperson is relying on their time to put food on their table so I won’t waste their time. I’m either serious or I stay away.
However I’m on the mailing list for BMW for some reason and was duly invited to come and test drive the new “the 1”.
Initially I ignored it but curiosity got the better of me when I was offered an hour unaccompanied with the car.
No salesman’s time wasted, just me and a car.
The M135i is an interesting car.
The previous generation M135/140i was the modern answer to the big engined Ford Capris, BMW’s answer to the Golf VR6’s of yore. A car for manly men and girls who grew up on BMX bikes not browsing nail varnish ranges.
This new one is BMW’s answer to a niche that VW group had to itself for five years.
Merc were quick to launch the A35 along with the rest of the new A class to steal sales from the ageing R and S3, BMW did likewise and the M135i is a launch model. No doubt more hardcore versions will follow in time just as Merc have rehashed their punk rock but very expensive A45.
VW group’s rivals mean business as these cars are all similarly priced, specced and nearly identical power outputs. The gloves are off.
I won’t post loads of details about the car here. There are proper road tests on YouTube and in print from people that know what they’re talking about.
This is merely the impressions from a long term Golf owner on how well BMW have done to steal hardcore VW owners away never mind the floating voters.
Unlike the vloggers and journos, I’m not relying on BMW paying my wages indirectly or otherwise, I’m a paying customer!
First up, first impressions always count which will be the looks.
In photos it looks a tall car, it looks slab sided and a bit ungainly and like most new generation hatches it looks like an SUV that’s had a rolling pin gone over the original clay model.
It looks a bit like that in the flesh too side on!
It has the typically exaggerated family nose like many newly released cars. The oversize kidney grilles actually look better in the flesh but will take a bit of getting used to nonetheless.
Elsewhere at the front, close up the little details actually look quite cool.
There’s a natty lower splitter and those odd looking horizontal flaps are actual vents a la GTI Clubsport and look good up close.
Side on it just looks like any other 1 series.
The bright blue of the test car is striking. It’s actually lower than it looks in photos and the 18” wheels don’t look lost in the arches like I thought they would. The ride height is spot on and the wheels sit well in the arches. Those latter things often criticised about the mk7 Golf. BMW have paid attention.
The rear end is the best angle.
It looks bland from the rear in photos, Focus like even.
In the flesh the rear looks great. Very aggressive and very BMW but not in a bad way.
The visible exhaust box in photos looks like a rectangular scrotum that’s not been tucked into the swim shorts properly but in the metal the exhaust looks very purposeful and the rear looks just “right” without being too subtle or OTT.
Inside looks very BMW.
It looks and feels very solid, the dash is one of BMW’s better efforts and we are assured it has all the latest tech.
Buttons are few, just a row below the screen for aircon etc.
The dash has a stitched leather look panel that looks good, giving it an upmarket aura. The steering wheel quite fat reminding me of the lovely mk5 GTI steering wheel to hold rather than the skinny mk7 effort.
Naturally there’s loads of LED backlighting which I couldn’t see in the daylight. Looks good in vids though so should look very modern during the dark hours.
The actual dials are a bit over styled and hard to read. I didn’t warm to them at all.
They were proved unnecessary on the test drive demo as it had a head up display fitted.
The HUD was great! Just the bare minimum of info exactly where you need it.
Rev counters seem a bit superfluous with modern auto boxes anyway. More on that later.
The driving position is the one area where I’d say definitely try before you buy if coming from a Golf.
I’m only 5’7” and found my bouffant brushing the folded sun visor unless the seat was on its lowest setting and yet you do sit fairly low anyway.
I actually liked the driving position unlike the RWD 1 series.
I must admit I left the seat pretty much how I found it and the previous driver was probably quite petite so I should have played about with it more. You know how it is with unfamiliar cars though, you jump in, drive and then find you don’t know what anything does or which button does what on the fly!
Speaking of which, I didn’t play about with the modes and settings. I drove the car on familiar challenging roads which aren’t conductive to taking my eyes off the road for even a split second.
It was put in drive and left as is as I was unfamiliar with how to work anything and the voice control lady only wanted to let me adjust settings and radio channels if I was pulled over and stationary.
The seats look great.
They are quite firm and very grippy. They’re a bit narrow perhaps? Maybe I’m just fat!
Padding wise MH, they didn’t feel sumptuous but were comfy enough for me. Not as much give in the cushioning or as wide across the midriff as mk7 Golf seats.
The boot seemed quite big. Plenty of room in the rear. A false floor like a mk7 Golf but no spare wheel.
The drive!
I’m a bit childish when it comes to cars so the exhaust pops on starting the car are hugely amusing to me.
It’s very programmed in as it didn’t pop when stop-start was in use.
The engine is actually very muted on the move which is both a shame and points to good noise insulation too so 50/50.
When the engine revs though there’s piped in sound that sounds far better to me than the nasty Soundaktor in the Golf.
The standout feature to me prior to driving the car was the torque figure. This figure is always the first thing I look at when considering a car. It’s the clue to general engine drivability as opposed to semi-academic headline bhp figures.
332 lb ft is something like 75lb ft more than my Clubsport so I had hoped the BMW to feel very flexible and responsive.
It probably does feel like that but...
... the gearbox!
I have almost zero experience with DSG or auto boxes and did commendably well keeping my left foot from stabbing the brake looking for a clutch during my drive.
I nailed my left foot to the footrest and it managed to stay there!
But I didn’t get on with the gearbox.
Gentle driving was like DSG Drive. Relaxed, smooth and in a high gear set quickly. Fine.
But with 332 lb ft at very low revs I’d hoped the engine would lazily gather speed without needing to drop a gear.
Alas with my unfamiliarity I found the car either accelerated reluctantly with a light press of the throttle or it kicked down several gears making the engine race in a very 3 series company car driver type way. Not something for me.
The worst of that was the pause, so a case of press pedal, a pause, then rabid acceleration which actually sounded fast rather than felt fast.
The lovely smooth push in the back the engine should have produced was completely masked by the gearbox programming. What a waste.
Yeah I could have put it into flappy paddle mode but wanted to test the gearbox and engine in standard programming. God knows what Sport mode is like.
This is something I’d need to train myself to drive around and I don’t see why I should. The car is the tool not my boss! I’ll maybe get another drive in it to familiarise myself with it to see if I change my mind as I get to know the car better, a first test drive is always a slightly unnatural experience as everything is unfamiliar.
The ride.
The remarkable thing about the ride was I didn’t notice it. So it must’ve been “just right” in a Goldilocks way.
This car was on 18” run flats too.
I’d been concentrating on how the engine & gearbox behaved on a familiar but challenging road and the ride and handling didn’t really merit anything untoward so must’ve been so competent they slipped under my radar until a bit later.
It was only when I got back in my pedalbox equipped GTI marvelling at how lithe and responsive it was when the penny dropped. I was driving the same road and suddenly I became aware of how stiff the BMW body shell must have been. There was zero flex, zero body roll and a feeling of total competence in the BMW that only became apparent when I was back in my previously rock solid feeling GTI.
I remembered at that point reading something months ago about the body bracing in the 135i. Whatever BMW did it works!
Would I swap my 7 year old design VW Golf GTI for the brand new BMW Golf that’s not a Golf?
Well, no.
The Golf feels older than the BMW but not 7 years older.
You can pick up a delivery miles Golf R for under £29k with a big standard spec, or there are dozens of March registered R’s with a couple thousand miles fitted with Pretorias for under £30k
So where the BMW is good, it’s not £5k better using current typical discounts.
As above, the Golf still has 3 or 4 month lead times despite being on borrowed time, yet the all new BMW can be delivered before Christmas! Come on VW!
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Great detailed review thanks. Sounds like you are not an auto lover whereas for me I wouldn’t buy a manual now. I drove mostly in Sport mode and found the gearbox very responsive. My order still stands :laugh:
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Great detailed review thanks. Sounds like you are not an auto lover whereas for me I wouldn’t buy a manual now. I drove mostly in Sport mode and found the gearbox very responsive. My order still stands :laugh:
It was raining at the start of the drive so the sales guy put it in normal mode before vanishing back to his desk. I had no idea how to get it into Sport or Flappy Paddle mode. I did ask Mrs Voice Control how but she kept telling me she wouldn’t do anything unless I pulled over. I was beginning to think she wanted to take advantage of me in a lay-by but I’m not that kind of boy so kept driving!
Bits I missed off because it was written in a rush.
The engine picks up speed very rapidly on kick down yet didn’t feel fast. It was so smooth in its delivery, almost like an in-line six :whistle:
I had to pass a Lycra tosser and initially went to accelerate then saw a car in the distance, I held back as I didn’t want to remotely risk a brand new car I was unfamiliar with and nor did I want to ruffle the stubble on Mr Cyclist’s shaven legs with a huge bow wave of air. The gearbox anticipated what I was going to do and held the gear and revs when I lifted off ready for me to have another go at it when the road was absolutely clear. That was quite useful.
When it was clear the car picked up speed very rapidly with the arse squatting then it thrust like a fighter jet!
Quite impressive and well into licence losing speed in seconds unintentionally. As soon as I lifted off it snicked up through the gears again and became all docile once more.
The power delivery is very linear.
Still prefer my manual Clubsport though! :grin:
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I've read a couple reviews which make point of what was true of the last one, unless it's in Sport+, then it's heavily pegged back by the safety systems.
Seems to account for the differences of those saying it's an understeery mess to a lift off oversteer silly car.
Still not convinced, it's now just a similar car in a field of many that doesn't especially stand out. You'd only buy it because you want a BMW or to have something different, rather than on actual merit IMO.
It'll inevitably get a tweak about 2 years in, or some kind of Sport pack.
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Joe Achillies one of the better YT reviewers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V84-KFUWS8E
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Joe Achillies one of the better YT reviewers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V84-KFUWS8E
Is he 8ft tall or is the car 3ft high?
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Just had a look at the configurator... seems that with the comfort pack and tech pack its £39,990.
Looks like SOMEONE is aware of the 40k VED hike! Unlike VW....
This could be a winner for me.... must go after Christmas and have a testdrive.
Do you know what makes me sad about that the most? That I am sure a BMW forum is not as good as this one!
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Babybmw is actually very good. Don’t bother with Facebook groups...
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Joe Achillies one of the better YT reviewers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V84-KFUWS8E
Is he 8ft tall or is the car 3ft high?
He's 6'4" and (just) fits in the back seat. Sat in a 118i M Sport the other day and the cabin is rather nice. Seats were a bit narrow though, even with the bolsters relaxed (and I'm not a big chap). And the manual gear stick is a bit tall..... The seats in the M135 are probably different. Space in the back is still a bit tight but much better than the old model. Boot quite a bit bigger and hey, you can fit a spare wheel in :grin: M135 is a bit too lairy for me but might look at the 120i when it comes out (assuming there will be one).
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Joe Achillies one of the better YT reviewers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V84-KFUWS8E
Is he 8ft tall or is the car 3ft high?
He's 6'4" and (just) fits in the back seat. Sat in a 118i M Sport the other day and the cabin is rather nice. Seats were a bit narrow though, even with the bolsters relaxed (and I'm not a big chap). And the manual gear stick is a bit tall..... The seats in the M135 are probably different. Space in the back is still a bit tight but much better than the old model. Boot quite a bit bigger and hey, you can fit a spare wheel in :grin: M135 is a bit too lairy for me but might look at the 120i when it comes out (assuming there will be one).
He's reviewed the 118i as well, which to be fair is spec'd up looks great as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3h1davp4E
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Yeah, I started watching that this morning over breakfast - up to the point where he says there are £11k of options added! I looked at the configurator and I think the only pack I'd go for would be comfy 1. He seemed more convinced by the 118 than the M135, other than the gearbox.
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Yes, £11k of options is daft! And no steering wheel paddles :sad:
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When I configured it, I added some (solid) paint and the comfort and tech pack... can't remember what the paint was, but the two packs were £1500 each.
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They have gone part way towards the Merc approach of bundling the options into packs but you still have to select lumbar support and tinted rear windows (on the M Sport) separately. I can see how you could rack up the options cost fairly easily.
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I just quickly specced one on the Irish Configurator. €62000. What a laugh 😂😂😂😂
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It’s a bit of a swiz, you can ignore the packs and still select individual bits of their features as options.
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It’s a bit of a swiz, you can ignore the packs and still select individual bits of their features as options.
Agreed but it’s €52000 here with no options. No way is it worth that
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Add 19" wheels and some paint and £39k already!
Looks well though...
(https://i.postimg.cc/TYX95CRf/Screenshot-2019-10-08-at-14-52-26.png) (https://postimg.cc/14J6L0nj)
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Nice looking car but few more options and you are into the increased tax bracket
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Yes, £11k of options is daft! And no steering wheel paddles :sad:
It has paddles as standard.
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M Plus pack gives 19" wheels, sun pro glass and HK stereo. Then just add metallic and its job done for £38500. You can add tech pack if head up display and wifi are your thing and it's still just under £40k
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M Plus pack gives 19" wheels, sun pro glass and HK stereo. Then just add metallic and its job done for £38500. You can add tech pack if head up display and wifi are your thing and it's still just under £40k
I thought it was pretty good value - compared to the Merc or Jag or no doubt the forthcoming Golf Mk8...
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Jag?
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Yes, £11k of options is daft! And no steering wheel paddles :sad:
It has paddles as standard.
That was referring to the 118i.
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Jag?
Yeah I was looking at an XE until I added a few toys and managed to make it north of 50k
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It's a pity Jag don't make a hatch as I would have a look at that. I don't think you can even get an XE shooting brake now, has to be an XF.
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Yeah the lack of a Jag hatch is a problem - but I still rather like the XE.
Mind you, I probably wouldn't buy one now as its likely Jaguar Land Rover are not long for this world...
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Yeah the lack of a Jag hatch is a problem - but I still rather like the XE.
Mind you, I probably wouldn't buy one now as its likely Jaguar Land Rover are not long for this world...
By what logic?
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Economics?
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Was reading this on Sunday, quite amusing in its scathing!
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/twin-test-bmw-m135i-vs-mercedes-amg-a35#1
I’ve got to agree with the conclusion though, pretty much what we’ve been saying all along.
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Was reading this on Sunday, quite amusing in its scathing!
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/twin-test-bmw-m135i-vs-mercedes-amg-a35#1
I’ve got to agree with the conclusion though, pretty much what we’ve been saying all along.
Like you said, what we all been thinking
I wanted to fall in love with the A 35 and be tempted to AMG as 300 BHP and AWD and the latest and best modern cabins should have done that, but no matter how hard tried I could not and having been in the MB forum and seen some reviews since, such as this, seems my spider senses were correct - When/If they refine it then it maybe worth a look at as do like the style
The more you see the BMW the less you like it, and thats not usually how it works, but its seemingly becoming more like an X1 bolted to a Mini and though I would have looked at it have little doubt I would have done same as did for every other BMW 1 series looked at, walked away.
The ground is set for Audi and VW to secure this territory if they get their next generation performance generation right, and personally feel that the performance models will be well received and sale as equally well as the previous generation
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That was a brutal review from TG and no mistake.
And versus the Audi S3 or VW Golf R that’s been on sale for the past six years and is about to be killed off? Both of these newcomers are alternatives, but not really improvements.
I think that is probably the only thing that was a fair comment there - VAG is the leader in this space and BMW and Merc have caught up.... just as VAG launch into the next chapter.
Which was definitely true with the current Mk7/A3 vs the previous BMW and Merc.
The one thing I just really hope is that VW find a sensible price for a performance Golf. If they can't and they get into AMG A35 territory....
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Was reading this on Sunday, quite amusing in its scathing!
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/hot-hatch/twin-test-bmw-m135i-vs-mercedes-amg-a35#1
I’ve got to agree with the conclusion though, pretty much what we’ve been saying all along.
Like you said, what we all been thinking
I wanted to fall in love with the A 35 and be tempted to AMG as 300 BHP and AWD and the latest and best modern cabins should have done that, but no matter how hard tried I could not and having been in the MB forum and seen some reviews since, such as this, seems my spider senses were correct - When/If they refine it then it maybe worth a look at as do like the style
What are the issues with the A35?
The more you see the BMW the less you like it, and thats not usually how it works, but its seemingly becoming more like an X1 bolted to a Mini and though I would have looked at it have little doubt I would have done same as did for every other BMW 1 series looked at, walked away.
The X1, X2 & MINI all use the same chassis - way of the world these days, I guess. I did think the one looked better in the flesh and was a very nice place to sit in. That's a bit more important to me than exterior looks. I might look at a 120i if/when one comes out.
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Well, I got too twitchy about it and went to see the M135i in the flesh...
Didn't drive it yet but just from a quick sit in with the engine on:
1) Seats are great (not the leather, just alacantra (sp?)). Possibly too narrow for the larger gentleman though. Definitely narrower than my Mk7.5 GTD. Seemed comfy and supportive enough but harder than my GTD seats.
2) Cabin is really nicely done, very classy. Only niggle - the central airvent opening wheel thingy is bright silver metal and looks right out of place. Looks like chav jewelry.
3) HUD is bloody brilliant!
4) Displays and MIB unit look really nice - very clear and stylish. Niggles are that the central panel and the dash panel don't actually align - OCD time! From watching the sales guy play with the system, the menus are a little clunky though but maybe he knew as much as I did. Major issue for me is that BMW don't support Android Auto. You can't even pay for it. Life without Waze might be a pain. If you are an Apple (freak) it does have wireless carplay and wireless charging.
5) ACC is not standard. Not sure if its in the Comfort pack, its not in the Tech pack which this car had. I use ACC a lot.
6) In real life the car looks pretty good exterior wise. Quite Golf-like lol. Salesman upset when i said that!
7) Engine made a lovely burble when i fired her up.
8) Looking at the long term fuel economy of the demo vehicles, its averaging 26mpg. That's not great. I guess I should have expected it to be R like given that its 300bhp 2l and 4wd. Not sure I can live with 26mpg.
9) The boot looked as big as my Golf GTD (the figures are identical but pure litres vs actual boot shape can tell a different story)
Anyway, a test drive is booked.
Oh and while I was there, I saw the 118 too - its quite nice but the demo one in the showroom had orange leather seats.... which were looking ever so tired already. How long has that car had people getting in and out of it? That's terrible! The leather was saggy, the drivers door edge squashed down and some stains already. I'll try and see if I can find out the mileage but it can't be high...
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Well, I got too twitchy about it and went to see the M135i in the flesh...
Didn't drive it yet but just from a quick sit in with the engine on:
1) Seats are great (not the leather, just alacantra (sp?)). Possibly too narrow for the larger gentleman though. Definitely narrower than my Mk7.5 GTD. Seemed comfy and supportive enough but harder than my GTD seats.
2) Cabin is really nicely done, very classy. Only niggle - the central airvent opening wheel thingy is bright silver metal and looks right out of place. Looks like chav jewelry.
3) HUD is bloody brilliant!
4) Displays and MIB unit look really nice - very clear and stylish. Niggles are that the central panel and the dash panel don't actually align - OCD time! From watching the sales guy play with the system, the menus are a little clunky though but maybe he knew as much as I did. Major issue for me is that BMW don't support Android Auto. You can't even pay for it. Life without Waze might be a pain. If you are an Apple (freak) it does have wireless carplay and wireless charging.
5) ACC is not standard. Not sure if its in the Comfort pack, its not in the Tech pack which this car had. I use ACC a lot.
6) In real life the car looks pretty good exterior wise. Quite Golf-like lol. Salesman upset when i said that!
7) Engine made a lovely burble when i fired her up.
8) Looking at the long term fuel economy of the demo vehicles, its averaging 26mpg. That's not great. I guess I should have expected it to be R like given that its 300bhp 2l and 4wd. Not sure I can live with 26mpg.
9) The boot looked as big as my Golf GTD (the figures are identical but pure litres vs actual boot shape can tell a different story)
Anyway, a test drive is booked.
Oh and while I was there, I saw the 118 too - its quite nice but the demo one in the showroom had orange leather seats.... which were looking ever so tired already. How long has that car had people getting in and out of it? That's terrible! The leather was saggy, the drivers door edge squashed down and some stains already. I'll try and see if I can find out the mileage but it can't be high...
Point 5) is a biggie, and shows how well-equipped the Golf is.
Note to Apple freaks, Car Play is a subscription service with BMW! Or at least was before.
Point 4 - why can't any car manufacturer come up with a decent interface! This is why Android Auto / CarPlay are important. Leave the software to the software companies, guys!
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It was funny actually, he was talking about all sorts of things like bendy LED automatic headlights, collision avoidance and digital dash and I'm like "what you mean like the old Mk7.5 Golf that's end of life and about to be replaced?".
When I asked about ACC and he said "you can buy it"... I was saying how I thought it was a pretty much essential item to keep hold of your licence...
And yes, the CarPlay is an annual subscription - no idea how much because it doesn't interest me.
We'll see - this car is going to have to be damned special to drive or I'm sticking to VW.
PS while I was looking another guy came along who currently has a M140i and he was saying that the new M135i was worse looking than his current car. Really? You be hard pushed to find something as ugly as that - whether it drives well or not, nobody ever said it looked good!
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Fred, as regards the seats you can adjust the side bolsters in and out so if you are a little on the larger side you can push them out a bit.
As regards the looks compared to the old models I also cannot understand the criticisms. There are owners of the old M140 saying the front of the new car is not nice, have they not seen the fronts of their cars, they are abut as ugly as can be.
Doesn't have active cruise as standard and would be nice but for all I use it I didn't feel it was worth paying for.
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Is acc in any of the packs or is it a single option?
The seats were fine width for me but I'm a skinny old guy.
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Major issue for me is that BMW don't support Android Auto. You can't even pay for it. Life without Waze might be a pain. If you are an Apple (freak) it does have wireless carplay and wireless charging.
I admit, I'm a freak. But if I was part of the Android camp (with 76% global market share might I add) that would be a deal breaker for me.
I haven't a clue what BMW were thinking not supporting Android Auto, they could pass on the licensing costs to the consumer so something seems a bit strange there.
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Apparently it's a BMW thing. They don't support AA and have no plans to. There is a company who makes a plug in upgrade thing that costs 450 quid but it's not for the new one series yet.
Oh another niggle.. No folding mirrors it seems.
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Major issue for me is that BMW don't support Android Auto. You can't even pay for it. Life without Waze might be a pain. If you are an Apple (freak) it does have wireless carplay and wireless charging.
I admit, I'm a freak. But if I was part of the Android camp (with 76% global market share might I add) that would be a deal breaker for me.
I haven't a clue what BMW were thinking not supporting Android Auto, they could pass on the licensing costs to the consumer so something seems a bit strange there.
It's a risk based decision due to the inherent issues with the platform, I'd imagine.
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Ok, I drove it...
My thoughts:
Seats - very comfy, driving position good. Visibility good. Nice big door mirrors - which are folding as standard it seems.
HUD is brilliant on the road
Parking sensors and camera are good - just as well given the usual car dealership car park chaos.
Ride is firm but not crashy - this was on stock 18's and no DCC. If anything its softer than my GTD on 18's with no DCC. We drove over lots of terrible road surfaces too.
It was wet but didn't feel skittish - I guess AWD does that.
MPG in normal drive mode and just doing normal stuff was impressive - I got 42mpg out of it over about 10 miles.
On the way back I then dropped into sport and then sport+...
In sport it was quick but smooth... it was pretty damned quick. A definite shove in the back when you boot it.
In sport+ the gear changes are harsh bangs, it holds the gears really long but oh boy does it fly. From a 40mph roll-on I overtook another car - was pushing 100mph by the time I'd got past him...
Braking into a roundabout I got exhaust pops and bangs :grin:
In Fred drives like a nutter mode it does 27mpg.
Didn't try flappy paddles as I'm not used to them and had a limited time to play.
It's a very impressive car. I think the 42mpg in normal mode is actually what is likely to sell it to me.
Now the only thing is can I stand not having Android Auto... I really need Waze with a licence loser like that...
In the end my probable spec was:
M135i
Paint (no idea which, they all cost the same unless you want white which is "free")
Tech Pack
ACC
Lumber support
comes to £39,675 - so sub the magic 40k.
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Ok, I drove it...
My thoughts:
Seats - very comfy, driving position good. Visibility good. Nice big door mirrors - which are folding as standard it seems.
HUD is brilliant on the road
Parking sensors and camera are good - just as well given the usual car dealership car park chaos.
Ride is firm but not crashy - this was on stock 18's and no DCC. If anything its softer than my GTD on 18's with no DCC. We drove over lots of terrible road surfaces too.
It was wet but didn't feel skittish - I guess AWD does that.
MPG in normal drive mode and just doing normal stuff was impressive - I got 42mpg out of it over about 10 miles.
On the way back I then dropped into sport and then sport+...
In sport it was quick but smooth... it was pretty damned quick. A definite shove in the back when you boot it.
In sport+ the gear changes are harsh bangs, it holds the gears really long but oh boy does it fly. From a 40mph roll-on I overtook another car - was pushing 100mph by the time I'd got past him...
Braking into a roundabout I got exhaust pops and bangs :grin:
In Fred drives like a nutter mode it does 27mpg.
Didn't try flappy paddles as I'm not used to them and had a limited time to play.
It's a very impressive car. I think the 42mpg in normal mode is actually what is likely to sell it to me.
Now the only thing is can I stand not having Android Auto... I really need Waze with a licence loser like that...
In the end my probable spec was:
M135i
Paint (no idea which, they all cost the same unless you want white which is "free")
Tech Pack
ACC
Lumber support
comes to £39,675 - so sub the magic 40k.
You've made it sound like a fantastic car. I'd have to look at one properly in the flesh to see if I could get past the looks, and the price. Android Auto not being present is huge for me as I hate the interface by just about every car manufacturer. Sure, you get used to them, but they're far from good.
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You've made it sound like a fantastic car. I'd have to look at one properly in the flesh to see if I could get past the looks, and the price. Android Auto not being present is huge for me as I hate the interface by just about every car manufacturer. Sure, you get used to them, but they're far from good.
It was pretty damned good. Is there anything better - yeah I am sure there is - probably a RS3 with some toys would be better still. Maybe an even more powerful 1 series at some point too.
Probably for the road I don't need any more though - this thing is perfectly capable of getting you 12+ points without trying to hard...
The looks, not sure I'd say its a real head turner but its certainly not ghastly like the previous version was. They have made it very Golf/Focus like really on the outside.
The price is the price, thats RRP I quoted. They offered me a 2700 deposit contribution and I'd expect to be able to find somewhere offering a further discount to boot. Wouldn't be surprised if I could get it sub 35k in the end, but the 40k RRP barrier is safe.
Android Auto.... yeah I have really come to love that in the last couple of years. Especially the new version.
I've only just bought a new S10, but might be tempted to drag the Mrs's old Iphone out of the cupboard and try CarPlay with Waze if I got the BMW.
BTW BMW also want £80 per year for CarPlay - free the first year.... that's pretty cheeky.
Servicing btw is every 2 years or 17k miles. They offer a service pack that is 400 quid for 3 years or 36k. I'd get 2 services for 400 quid and then be into *ouch* BMW dealer services... probably 600 quid a time and need another 2 to take me to 3 years.
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You've made it sound like a fantastic car. I'd have to look at one properly in the flesh to see if I could get past the looks, and the price. Android Auto not being present is huge for me as I hate the interface by just about every car manufacturer. Sure, you get used to them, but they're far from good.
It was pretty damned good. Is there anything better - yeah I am sure there is - probably a RS3 with some toys would be better still. Maybe an even more powerful 1 series at some point too.
Probably for the road I don't need any more though - this thing is perfectly capable of getting you 12+ points without trying to hard...
The looks, not sure I'd say its a real head turner but its certainly not ghastly like the previous version was. They have made it very Golf/Focus like really on the outside.
The price is the price, thats RRP I quoted. They offered me a 2700 deposit contribution and I'd expect to be able to find somewhere offering a further discount to boot. Wouldn't be surprised if I could get it sub 35k in the end, but the 40k RRP barrier is safe.
Android Auto.... yeah I have really come to love that in the last couple of years. Especially the new version.
I've only just bought a new S10, but might be tempted to drag the Mrs's old Iphone out of the cupboard and try CarPlay with Waze if I got the BMW.
BTW BMW also want £80 per year for CarPlay - free the first year.... that's pretty cheeky.
Servicing btw is every 2 years or 17k miles. They offer a service pack that is 400 quid for 3 years or 36k. I'd get 2 services for 400 quid and then be into *ouch* BMW dealer services... probably 600 quid a time and need another 2 to take me to 3 years.
I very nearly took a good deal on the previous M140i Shadow. I think I actually preferred the look of that one, even though the looks were one of the things that made me go GTI. I just think all these 300+BHP, 4WD hot hatches are becoming a bit "samey"
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Good to read your impressions of the car fredgroves.
Nice to see a review from someone familiar with DSG too as I only drove the car in normal and am not sure whether it had DCC or not.
The solidity of the car really impressed me and is what sticks in my mind. I think the spring rates are quite soft which they can get away with because the body is so stiff. The way the arse squatted like an old skool RWD car under hard acceleration points to softer springs too. It also points to the prodigious torque which I think is the engine’s strong point. The huge torque makes for good fuel economy and real world useable performance.
I really must go grab another drive in the one I took out before.
As for looks, I’m glad fredgroves doesn’t find it hideously ugly either, it definitely needs to be viewed in the flesh and is certainly no uglier than a new Focus (or the new mk8 Golf for that matter which has stolen a previous generation BMW’s headlight design and is just as ugly as one).
(https://i.postimg.cc/Njg7nX8G/05522111-51-C1-453-D-ADBA-052738539-F88.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnTZXnB1)
(https://i.postimg.cc/HnDb98sg/67-C294-B0-AC34-4339-86-A2-ADED4-B5-B45-B4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/R6d3MFHs)
(https://i.postimg.cc/BbTHYZX1/91196-A10-F645-4-F25-8217-670-F82-D47998.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gL0xrWyY)
The 18’s look a lot better in the flesh as does the rest of the car and it won’t be long before we see loads of leased 118i’s on the road and get familiar with looking at them.
They had a black 135 in the showroom with 19” alloys and on balance the bigger wheels made the rear look a bit more in proportion even if the style of them was no design classic (unlike a VW Pretoria).
It’s a grower I reckon, which is more than could be said for previous 1 series and the ‘Compact’
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The 19s do make it look a lot better in my opinion hence why despite going to the showroom determined to buy a car with no options except paint I ended up ordering the Plus pack.
Fred your 35k on a car with list just under 40k might be a little optimistic but not too far away.
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coast2coast are doing 11% right now already, so a £5k discount might be achievable from Berry Heathrow if not expecting a decent part exchange price too.
Once the mk8 Golf comes on song I can see big discounts from BMW if the GTI is nearly 300PS and the R 330 or more.
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Good to read your impressions of the car fredgroves.
Nice to see a review from someone familiar with DSG too as I only drove the car in normal and am not sure whether it had DCC or not.
The solidity of the car really impressed me and is what sticks in my mind. I think the spring rates are quite soft which they can get away with because the body is so stiff. The way the arse squatted like an old skool RWD car under hard acceleration points to softer springs too. It also points to the prodigious torque which I think is the engine’s strong point. The huge torque makes for good fuel economy and real world useable performance.
I really must go grab another drive in the one I took out before.
As for looks, I’m glad fredgroves doesn’t find it hideously ugly either, it definitely needs to be viewed in the flesh and is certainly no uglier than a new Focus (or the new mk8 Golf for that matter which has stolen a previous generation BMW’s headlight design and is just as ugly as one).
(https://i.postimg.cc/Njg7nX8G/05522111-51-C1-453-D-ADBA-052738539-F88.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/gnTZXnB1)
The 18’s look a lot better in the flesh as does the rest of the car and it won’t be long before we see loads of leased 118i’s on the road and get familiar with looking at them.
They had a black 135 in the showroom with 19” alloys and on balance the bigger wheels made the rear look a bit more in proportion even if the style of them was no design classic (unlike a VW Pretoria).
It’s a grower I reckon, which is more than could be said for previous 1 series and the ‘Compact’
Looks very shrunken SUV in this picture. Not sure I'm that keen. Must say the original and facelift 1 Series weren't the most attractive but the final versions of the M140i have a certain look that this new one really lacks. I know they will feel forced to go down this route but losing Rwd and the the 3.0 is just a massive shame. It's now just another fast hatch which looks a little boring.
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When I said sub 35k, I meant with the deposit contribution... So I'm looking at the dealer to knock 1300 off of 39k list, BMW finance pick up the rest. Definitely achievable I reckon.
I'm probably going to wait and see the mk8 before deciding. It won't be long now.
I suspect its going to be a tough choice but can't help but feel that despite the BMW not looking exceptional that the mk8 will look worse. On the other hand it definitely will be bigger and definitely will have android auto. It's probably quite a close thing only being decided by vw uks pricing and what they put as standard kit on the GTi...
That BMW spec I got to is pretty much every toy you could want but is still only really matching the 7.5 tech not what is promised from the mk8.
On the other hand, I could order now and be making pops and bangs before Christmas... Did I mention the pops and bangs?
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Partridge Southampton currently 13.5% discount.
Not bad on a brand new model.
Jim, they look very different in the flesh.
Still shrunken SUV but in proportion for a Golf sized Golf rival but quite sleek from certain angles.
These things will be everywhere soon with BMW’s aggressive pricing.
Hopefully VW will bring in a performance model at launch for a change same as Merc and BMW did.
Maybe the full fat GTE first so well get an idea of what the GTI and R might look like.
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Partridge Southampton currently 13.5% discount.
Is that including BMW Finance deposit contribution?
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Partridge Southampton currently 13.5% discount.
Is that including BMW Finance deposit contribution?
Showing the same price whether cash or finance (Carwow)
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Well, that's my just over 5k discount and sub 35k... wasn't too hard.
I think BMW will sell a lot of these, mainly because its a BMW but partly because its a quick 300bhp AWD family sized (finally) hot hatch with a high basic spec. The previous one was too small and had too many paid for options.
Its not very BIK friendly at 180g/km but hey... glad I'm out from under that.
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In all my time on Golf forums, this is the most serious, and sustained, discussion about any alternative car that I can remember. Maybe this BMW M135i is worth a look! Certainly sounds like it offers all the right things. VW need to get the Mk8 spot on.
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In all my time on Golf forums, this is the most serious, and sustained, discussion about any alternative car that I can remember. Maybe this BMW M135i is worth a look! Certainly sounds like it offers all the right things. VW need to get the Mk8 spot on.
I think its the first time in my 6 years with a Golf that I've seen anything that could compete, that was a genuine alternative both in terms of kit and design/styling.
That speaks highly of both the Mk7 and the M135i.
VW made a corker with the Mk7 but I think they also probably have all of the components they need to make the Mk8 a leap forward too.
Only possibly flies in the ointment will be pricing, included spec and whether the quite frankly ugly basic Mk8 can be dressed up in suitably smart looking performance trim. Having said that, I'm talking from the perspective of us lot here who would never buy a Golf Match or a M118i either. We are a little bit more picky, yet the bulk of the global sales will always be the non-performance models of any car.
Finally, VW get the damned thing released!! I've not seen anything to indicate a hard date on the reveal in the last few weeks.
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Good to read your impressions of the car fredgroves.
Nice to see a review from someone familiar with DSG too as I only drove the car in normal and am not sure whether it had DCC or not.
The solidity of the car really impressed me and is what sticks in my mind. I think the spring rates are quite soft which they can get away with because the body is so stiff. The way the arse squatted like an old skool RWD car under hard acceleration points to softer springs too. It also points to the prodigious torque which I think is the engine’s strong point. The huge torque makes for good fuel economy and real world useable performance.
I really must go grab another drive in the one I took out before.
As for looks, I’m glad fredgroves doesn’t find it hideously ugly either, it definitely needs to be viewed in the flesh and is certainly no uglier than a new Focus (or the new mk8 Golf for that matter which has stolen a previous generation BMW’s headlight design and is just as ugly as one).
The 18’s look a lot better in the flesh as does the rest of the car and it won’t be long before we see loads of leased 118i’s on the road and get familiar with looking at them.
They had a black 135 in the showroom with 19” alloys and on balance the bigger wheels made the rear look a bit more in proportion even if the style of them was no design classic (unlike a VW Pretoria).
It’s a grower I reckon, which is more than could be said for previous 1 series and the ‘Compact’
Looks very shrunken SUV in this picture. Not sure I'm that keen. Must say the original and facelift 1 Series weren't the most attractive but the final versions of the M140i have a certain look that this new one really lacks. I know they will feel forced to go down this route but losing Rwd and the the 3.0 is just a massive shame. It's now just another fast hatch which looks a little boring.
Agreed. I actually think I'd go for the old M140i and shove a remap on it.
I have another 2 and a bit years on my GTI so I don't know why I follow this thread as it doesn't affect me in the slightest.
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Seems the configurator is being amended, not noticed Mocha leather before now.
ACC on. Foldy mirrors standard.
Also for those worried about the narrow seats, you can deselect the hardbacks for normal Sports seats.
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OK, so following all the comments on this thread I darkened the door of the BMW dealer this morning to look at one in the showroom.
A face only a mother could love. Claustrophobic interior. Still feels v tight front and back.
Back half/ rear looks like a Focus with mumps.
Climbed back into my 7.5 with a sense of relief that I am definitely driving the right car.
Sorry!
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In all my time on Golf forums, this is the most serious, and sustained, discussion about any alternative car that I can remember. Maybe this BMW M135i is worth a look! Certainly sounds like it offers all the right things. VW need to get the Mk8 spot on.
I think its the first time in my 6 years with a Golf that I've seen anything that could compete, that was a genuine alternative both in terms of kit and design/styling.
That speaks highly of both the Mk7 and the M135i.
VW made a corker with the Mk7 but I think they also probably have all of the components they need to make the Mk8 a leap forward too.
Only possibly flies in the ointment will be pricing, included spec and whether the quite frankly ugly basic Mk8 can be dressed up in suitably smart looking performance trim. Having said that, I'm talking from the perspective of us lot here who would never buy a Golf Match or a M118i either. We are a little bit more picky, yet the bulk of the global sales will always be the non-performance models of any car.
Finally, VW get the damned thing released!! I've not seen anything to indicate a hard date on the reveal in the last few weeks.
Release date is next Thursday 24 Oct ,
should be I; showrooms early Dec according to my local VW dealer
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A face only a mother could love. Claustrophobic interior. Still feels v tight front and back.
Back half/ rear looks like a Focus with mumps.
Climbed back into my 7.5 with a sense of relief that I am definitely driving the right car.
Sorry!
Hmmm I got back into mine thinking the interior looked a little dated by comparison. If I had a nice 7.5 R maybe I'd not feel that way though, but i don't.
My main driver though is that even if I wanted to, I'm not going to get a brand new factory ordered mk7.5 and I am determined not to keep the current car beyond 3 years. Fair play to anyone that does, but I have got to the point in life where i can and will change my cars.
The mk8 may or may not be the car for me, but equally i am concerned that i couldn't even get one in the timescales I have. I ordered the current one in January and got it in July. So I need to order the new one in January to get it in July... can't see that changing. I don't think i can see and order a Mk8 GTI in that time.
Admittedly I can push the BMW button if it doesn't come to fruition and it turn up in 6 weeks, so i could wait...
Still yet to be convinced about Mk8 looks though - it looks like an Astra on mogadon...
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Release date is next Thursday 24 Oct ,
should be I; showrooms early Dec according to my local VW dealer
Hurrah!
I wonder about the GTI though :-/
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Have to say I stepped out of the M135i test drive back into my Mk 7.5 GTI and it immediately felt very dated. Part of that will be familiarity with the Golf but also because the Mk 7 / 7.5 is now a pretty old design. The Mk 8 will move that on for sure but as with Fred I'm ready to change now and a performance Golf is not available.
Some will love the BMW and some will hate it, some will hate it simply because they currently own a GTI and that may change if they then decide they want a BMW. We all have our reasons and thoughts, for me the M135i is a great choice for us. Would never buy another Mk 7.5 Golf at this stage, the S3 is very old now as well, that left the A35 but I didn't even go to look at it. The Merc really needs the AMG body kit to look anything special or it looks very plain and all that adds money. The BMW looks good to me, really pics don't always do it justice and drives brilliantly with a lovely interior but I will be able to report more in a few weeks whether the initial impressions were right.
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Release date is next Thursday 24 Oct ,
should be I; showrooms early Dec according to my local VW dealer
Hurrah!
I wonder about the GTI though :-/
From Autocar:
The latest version of the long-running hatchback is due to be unveiled at the German firm’s Wolfsburg headquarters on 24 October, before going on sale in the UK early next year.
Might be a longer wait, especially for performance models which were said to be due towards the end of 2020. Don't know why they would wait to release a decent version though as the people who buy an SE or GT wouldn't probably the performance version anyway.
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Just to go back to the price quickly if anyone is interested - Carwow are already doing decent discounts on the 135i
Got an offer back for 33947 which is 13.5% discount (39240 list)⁹
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Jim - didn't the Mk7 GTI get released right at the start?
Crezzer - yes, I saw someone say 13.5% already. Which is definitely game on territory for me!
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Jim - didn't the Mk7 GTI get released right at the start?
Yes, you are right, for some reason I thought they didn't release it straight away. Have definitely read that the GTI would be much later this time though.
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Release date is next Thursday 24 Oct ,
should be I; showrooms early Dec according to my local VW dealer
Hurrah!
I wonder about the GTI though :-/
My dealer reckons they will take orders from may/ June for performance golfs
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Blimey so no deliveries until Christmas 2020 :-(
Looks like its BMW time...
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Jim - didn't the Mk7 GTI get released right at the start?
Yes, you are right, for some reason I thought they didn't release it straight away. Have definitely read that the GTI would be much later this time though.
the 7s were out well before the performance models. Gtds and GTis were first delivered in September of 2013. I think base models were out quite a bit earlier.
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Jim - didn't the Mk7 GTI get released right at the start?
Yes, you are right, for some reason I thought they didn't release it straight away. Have definitely read that the GTI would be much later this time though.
the 7s were out well before the performance models. Gtds and GTis were first delivered in September of 2013. I think base models were out quite a bit earlier.
To second that, the Performance models became available to order about April/May I think - I was an early adopter of a GTD, ordered without seeing except for the base models, and received in October on a 63 Plate.
Imagine the MK 8 would be similar.
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You could order the MK7 Golf from Sep 2012 in the UK, with the performance models being preferable from mid March. I ordered my GTD on Good Friday 2013 and My Dad ordered one 2 weeks later. Due to an admin mock-up at the dealership, my Dad's was built first. I'm pretty sure his GTD was the first UK one seen on this forum and he picked it up either the last day in July or first of August.
So 6 months after the normal models were available to order, the GTD and GTI were available to order.
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On that basis, Oct 19 ordinary Mk8 intro, April 20 performance Mk8 intro then say order time 5m makes Sept 20 first ones on road........
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You could order the MK7 Golf from Sep 2012 in the UK, with the performance models being preferable from mid March. I ordered my GTD on Good Friday 2013 and My Dad ordered one 2 weeks later. Due to an admin mock-up at the dealership, my Dad's was built first. I'm pretty sure his GTD was the first UK one seen on this forum and he picked it up either the last day in July or first of August.
So 6 months after the normal models were available to order, the GTD and GTI were available to order.
ordered mine from Mick on April bank holiday Monday and picked it up end of September 13. 👍
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I see BMW are advertising 24 hr test drives on the new 1 series ,
could be a good way to compare it to my golf
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I see BMW are advertising 24 hr test drives on the new 1 series ,
could be a good way to compare it to my golf
Good idea but I expect you'll get a date in june or something.
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Thought I would catch up with everyone else and have a quick look at the 1 series.
The good; looks a lot better close up than it does in photos and videos. Driving position is spot on, and impressed by the cabin quality (in the front at least).
The bad; room in the back still feels cramped compared to the Golf and the rear bench feels hard. Also lack of free smartphone integration / app connect equivalent is disappointing on such an expensive machine.
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Is it reasonable to compare a VW with a BMW?
I mean price and customer profile? Surely BMW vs MB or at very least Audi? But not up against VW.
I am a VW fan precisely because it is not the other German marques.
I am actually intrigued by the Focus ST. If I was not committed to my present car I would be sorely tempted by the new ST. In my view, a really great looking car.....understated aggressive with great technical spec. Especially in grey or black which is a very stealth look with grey 19 inch wheels.
ST should be the new GTI benchmark.
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I've long since thought of VW treading the middle ground. Not quite as upmarket as BMW / Merc / Audi, but pitched slightly above the likes of Ford / Peugeot / Vauxhall etc. Hence why there is room for both Skoda and SEAT to sit below them in the pecking order. The gap isn't huge at this end of the market, but it is there.
So a comparison of a Golf with a 1 series seems no less rational to me than a comparison with a Focus. Comparing a Focus with a 1 series is where reason begins to get stretched.
Incidentally I also went to see the Focus ST today as well. I don't have a problem with the looks, it has an impressive list of standard equipment (although no fully digital instrument cluster - even as an option). I'm sure it will drive well, as previous generations all have. However I have to say the cabin and the build quality was disappointing. The driving position is fine, and the seats are comfortable. But the switchgear feels cheap, and although there are plenty soft materials, they don't feel tactile. The doors also lack a satisfying 'thunk' when closed firmly. In fact, i'd say if anything it feels like a class below both SEAT and Skoda. Not saying it's a bad car, but for something with a list price north of £30k, for me it just doesn't cut it.
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That is a good summary for me. The killer on ST, in addition to the “quality feel” is the list price and likely rate of depreciation.
I still love my 7.5!
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Isn’t it something silly like £34k? Whatever happened to fast cheap Fords? I can remember looking at one on pcp when my mk7 pp was stolen. It was more per month over 3 years than 2 due to the horrific depreciation. In fact I bought my S3 because it was cheaper than another gti or anything else I looked at. Crazy.
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There’s your RS3/M2/A45 I guess.
Then you’ve got the 4WD pot, R/A35/M135i
Then your FWD GTI/ST/Megane RS/I30N stuff.
Lines have blurred between the last two in terms of buyer and price.
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BMW are also rumoured to be bringing out a lower powered 2.0 litre with maybe 260bhp and front wheel drive to compete closer with the Golf GTi. Likely also going to be a higher powered version with something around 400bhp to play with the new A45. All good news for performance hatch lovers and let everyone choose their level or perhaps more often its budget that chooses the level.
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https://youtu.be/NZQI2ZXbuSQ
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https://youtu.be/NZQI2ZXbuSQ
Naughty Joe... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-derbyshire-50127635/youtuber-caught-speeding-after-posting-video-on-facebook
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Sorry to dig up an older thread, but a colleague of mine at work just this afternoon took delivery of his new 1 series. It's not an M135i by any means, just a "lowly" 116D M-Sport, but I have to say to being mighty impressed.
It's totally bog standard apart from the M-Sport trim level, slate grey paintwork (like the Golf TCR grey) and double clutch gearbox. For a BMW, I was very impressed at the standard level of kit. How much of this is part of the M-Sport trim, I don't know, but as standard it has very smart 18" alloy wheels, Full LED headlights and tail lights, large single chromed exhaust, leather (pleather) interior with seat squab extension, auto folding and dimming mirrors, auto lights, wipers, parking sensors, cruise control, digital dash, dual zone climate control, LED ambient lighting, leather steering wheel, Sat Nav (on what looks like a larger screen than my 8" unit in the GTI), city emergency braking and Lane keeping assist and Apple car play.
TBH, he's said the only thing it's missing coming from his MK7 Golf GT (his outgoing company car), is the adaptive cruise control, rear view camera (that his Golf had) and the load though position and rear arm rest in the seats.
For a diesel it's extremely quiet (although it has only got 56 miles on it), and the interior, rear and boot space now seems to be on a par with the MK7.
All in all, very impressed. Think the MK8 will have to be something very special to beat this (unless you are a BMW hater) ?
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Things missing vs my Mk7.5 GTD:
ACC (option on BMW)
Lumber support (option on BMW)
Android Auto (not an option...grrrr)
Load through/rear arm rest (an option on BMW but I won't bother)
Things I don't have on my Golf that are on my M135i spec:
Seat Squab extension (will be glad to have it back after pre-Golfs mainly having it)
Park assist/camera (comes with BMW tech pack that I spec'ed)
Lane Assist (standard on 1 series)
Blind spot monitoring (standard on 1 series)
HBA (BMW tech pack - not matrix led though!)
Traffic sign monitoring (BMW tech pack)
HUD (BMW tech pack)
Traffic data without using my phone as a wifi hotspot (standard on BMW put paid for annually after 3 years)
Wireless charging and wireless CarPlay (BMW tech pack and CarPlay is £80 per year after year 1)
Heated steering wheel (standard on 1 series I think)
Oh and its not a DSG box on the 1 series, just a 8 speed CVT I think... deffo not DSG.
The Mk8 has all of that possible I believe, except the seat squab extension - but its really down to how much that costs on a Mk8 - I think lots more than a M135i.... we shall see... in about 14 months time when a Mk8 GTI is available... your colleague has his now...
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Heated steering wheel is not standard on the 1 Series sadly.
To the poster above, what colour have you ordered.
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Me? I can't decide actually.. Still waiting a little bit longer before I order but I think that's the way I'm going now.
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Sorry I thought from your post that you had ordered. Mine was built last week as far as I know :smiley:
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Things missing vs my Mk7.5 GTD:
ACC (option on BMW)
Lumber support (option on BMW)
Android Auto (not an option...grrrr)
Load through/rear arm rest (an option on BMW but I won't bother)
Things I don't have on my Golf that are on my M135i spec:
Seat Squab extension (will be glad to have it back after pre-Golfs mainly having it)
Park assist/camera (comes with BMW tech pack that I spec'ed)
Lane Assist (standard on 1 series)
Blind spot monitoring (standard on 1 series)
HBA (BMW tech pack - not matrix led though!)
Traffic sign monitoring (BMW tech pack)
HUD (BMW tech pack)
Traffic data without using my phone as a wifi hotspot (standard on BMW put paid for annually after 3 years)
Wireless charging and wireless CarPlay (BMW tech pack and CarPlay is £80 per year after year 1)
Heated steering wheel (standard on 1 series I think)
Oh and its not a DSG box on the 1 series, just a 8 speed CVT I think... deffo not DSG.
The Mk8 has all of that possible I believe, except the seat squab extension - but its really down to how much that costs on a Mk8 - I think lots more than a M135i.... we shall see... in about 14 months time when a Mk8 GTI is available... your colleague has his now...
Its definitely not a cvt.
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Lumber Support, Fred?
I only carry small amounts of wood in the car, nothing over 2.4m, with the back seats down and a blanket covering the interior that the wood comes into contact with.
:grin:
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Its definitely not a cvt.
8 speed Steptronic apparently.
Definitely not the DCT that you can get on the M3.
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Its definitely not a cvt.
8 speed Steptronic apparently.
Definitely not the DCT that you can get on the M3.
They have been used a proper 8-speed auto for some time now in these performance models. You don't want the gearbox from the old M3/4 anyway.
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Its definitely not a cvt.
8 speed Steptronic apparently.
Definitely not the DCT that you can get on the M3.
Do they not have zf boxes :whistle:
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Do they not have zf boxes :whistle:
No, I think the zf was for the longitudinal mount engines.
From a M140i vs M135i comparison article I found this:
The M140i was also significantly quicker in two different rolling races, largely due to its quicker shifting ZF gearbox, compared to the new M135i’s Aisin unit.
That's the same gearbox as the Mini uses... surprised? lol
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Do they not have zf boxes :whistle:
No, I think the zf was for the longitudinal mount engines.
From a M140i vs M135i comparison article I found this:
The M140i was also significantly quicker in two different rolling races, largely due to its quicker shifting ZF gearbox, compared to the new M135i’s Aisin unit.
That's the same gearbox as the Mini uses... surprised? lol
The father in law has the 2series grand tourer using the mine engine so box is probably from mini too it drove surprisingly well on a trip I used it for recently
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A proper BMW with a proper engine :cool: And a serious price tag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwMsLlH1zVs
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A proper BMW with a proper engine :cool: And a serious price tag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwMsLlH1zVs
That looks okay actually. But for that sort of money, I rather fancy this beauty: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1169851
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A proper BMW with a proper engine :cool: And a serious price tag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwMsLlH1zVs
That looks okay actually. But for that sort of money, I rather fancy this beauty: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1169851
Not sure about that for a daily driver Watts! :grin:
£50k opens up a whole world of possibilities if you are prepared not to buy new.
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A proper BMW with a proper engine :cool: And a serious price tag!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwMsLlH1zVs
That looks okay actually. But for that sort of money, I rather fancy this beauty: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1169851
Not sure about that for a daily driver Watts! :grin:
£50k opens up a whole world of possibilities if you are prepared not to buy new.
Yeah, perhaps not on Wednesdays, otherwise fantastic!
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Watched a couple more videos today.
Discovered that the headlights are dynamic matrix type as standard, which is nice.
Also I think I've chosen my colour from those videos too...
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You just need to get an order in Fred!!
Mine is due week commencing 11 Nov and is booked for ceramic coating before delivery.
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Watched a couple more videos today.
Discovered that the headlights are dynamic matrix type as standard, which is nice.
Also I think I've chosen my colour from those videos too...
What colour have you decided on? I liked Misano blue but after a remark from a work colleague all I can see is British Gas van blue!! :grin:
If I do decide to go for one of these over an 'R' (or more likely a TCR) then I think for me it is going to have to be white.
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Well I was going white because it's cheap... But white bmw's are a bit chavvy.. quite liked the blue from the TV adverts but today saw a YouTube guy with a long term loaner in storm bay metallic... It does really need a black edition but meh, it will do.
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Storm Bay was my original choice but having seen a few cars at the dealers in that colour I was put off. It can look great but also can be very flat and taken on an odd mauve tone in dull light.
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Well I was going white because it's cheap... But white bmw's are a bit chavvy.. quite liked the blue from the TV adverts but today saw a YouTube guy with a long term loaner in storm bay metallic... It does really need a black edition but meh, it will do.
My money is that you're going to bottle it and get another Golf..... :whistle:
Don't think you'll be able to face leaving this great forum! :grin:
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Obviously all of those grey colours are a bit marmite, but I've wanted that sort of colour for ages. The TCR obviously delivered it and it looks really good on the Golf!
The video I saw was this:
https://youtu.be/NZQI2ZXbuSQ
As I said, it would look better with the chrome trim swapped for black, but hey ho.
White... no, the red isn't as nice as Golf Tornado red, the blue... is bold. The other colours definitely not, so probably the grey.
And yes Jim, I really like this forum, it's a lot of fun even though I'm not a total petrol head or into modifying cars!
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Obviously all of those grey colours are a bit marmite, but I've wanted that sort of colour for ages. The TCR obviously delivered it and it looks really good on the Golf!
The video I saw was this:
https://youtu.be/NZQI2ZXbuSQ
As I said, it would look better with the chrome trim swapped for black, but hey ho.
White... no, the red isn't as nice as Golf Tornado red, the blue... is bold. The other colours definitely not, so probably the grey.
And yes Jim, I really like this forum, it's a lot of fun even though I'm not a total petrol head or into modifying cars!
What sort of money are you roughing looking at after discount Fred for your spec of M135i?
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Should be a touch under 35k and a list under 40k.
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I've just had a CarWow quote from BMW Grimsby with 13% off (Saving £5,138) - for the xDrive Step Auto M135i Plus Pack, Automatic, Petrol with sunroof, in Metallic Misano blue. Never ever liked a BMW before, but this one looks fantastic. Help, am I being tempted by the dark side! :laugh:
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I've just had a CarWow quote from BMW Grimsby with 13% off (Saving £5,138) - for the xDrive Step Auto M135i Plus Pack, Automatic, Petrol with sunroof, in Metallic Misano blue. Never ever liked a BMW before, but this one looks fantastic. Help, am I being tempted by the dark side! :laugh:
Have you seen, sat in and driven one yet?
Its very Golf.... and very nice to drive.
I keep saying it, in almost 8 years I have seen nothing that comes close to a Mk7 performance model... not in style, tech, practicality or price but now I have.
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I've just had a CarWow quote from BMW Grimsby with 13% off (Saving £5,138) - for the xDrive Step Auto M135i Plus Pack, Automatic, Petrol with sunroof, in Metallic Misano blue. Never ever liked a BMW before, but this one looks fantastic. Help, am I being tempted by the dark side! :laugh:
Pull the trigger now :grin: or use the quote to try a local dealer
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Should be a touch under 35k and a list under 40k.
A decent discount. My worry would be the huge depreciation that BM's suffer. You can already get a fully loaded new shape 320i M Sport will del miles on a 69 plate for £30k. That's £40k car with nearly £9k gone already. And a 3-year-old M140i with sensible miles, auto and 5 doors can be snapped up for around £20k...
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Is the BMW auto as good as dsg? Some reviewers have said the gearbox is a bit of a let down in the 135i
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A decent discount. My worry would be the huge depreciation that BM's suffer. You can already get a fully loaded new shape 320i M Sport will del miles on a 69 plate for £30k. That's £40k car with nearly £9k gone already. And a 3-year-old M140i with sensible miles, auto and 5 doors can be snapped up for around £20k...
I did get a PCP quote from the dealer I visited for the test drive.
From memory a £39k car (that dealer didn't offer me the discount, CarWow did) after 4 years and 32,000 miles was worth 15k. Can't remember the deposit amount on that quote.
I've yet to sit down and look hard at that - from memory VW Golf residuals were a LOT higher.
Its one of the things I need to do before I drop the hammer on this.
When you are playing the PCP game, its all about cost of ownership - for example, my current GTD actually costs less than an equivalent(ish) Astra over three years...
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Is the BMW auto as good as dsg? Some reviewers have said the gearbox is a bit of a let down in the 135i
Its not DSG, which is a positive and a negative depending on what you are doing...
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Take a look at lease deals on the M135i as I found they were a lot cheaper than PCP. The discount in my PCP quotes was only 10% but still the leasing seems a lot cheaper. Especially if you can qualify for the BMW ALphabet finance.
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Is the BMW auto as good as dsg? Some reviewers have said the gearbox is a bit of a let down in the 135i
Its not DSG, which is a positive and a negative depending on what you are doing...
It's not the ZF8, regarded as pretty much the best slushbox you can get (sure it's not PDK/DCT/etc) but it is very good. The main thing is how it's configured, the old F-series Mxxxi for example was a very different state of tune than the rest of the range.
So, what you have got is the Aisin 8G45 8speed auto, which by all accounts isn't quite as good as the ZF, but good enough and does have M specific tune and ratios. It'll at least hold a bloody gear until you say so, rather than auto upshifting... more than I can say for my DSG :)
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It's arriving at the dealers tomorrow :laugh:
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Look forward to pictures and your views.
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Should be picking it up middle to the end of next week as it’s booked for a ceramic coating before I take delivery. Means the dealers won’t even be washing it as the detailed will do that so less risk of any marring to the paint.
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If only VAG could deliver cars that fast...
It never fails to amaze me how they can't.
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If only VAG could deliver cars that fast...
It never fails to amaze me how they can't.
It'll be no problem for you now though Fred... when is your Beemer arriving?! :smiley:
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I've got a little while to wait before ordering it yet...
And I suspect something will happen that means I don't get it, because my life just seems to be like that at the moment :cry:
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How do I post a pic?
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You need to use a hosting site. I use postimg.cc.org, plenty of others. Upload and select hotlink for forums and paste the code into your post.
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I saw a storm bay coloured one at the dealers today... Definitely the colour for me! Just like a tcr lol... Looks good with the gloss black spoiler and diffuser bits. Also the front grill looks a little less shouty.
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I saw a storm bay coloured one at the dealers today... Definitely the colour for me! Just like a tcr lol... Looks good with the gloss black spoiler and diffuser bits. Also the front grill looks a little less shouty.
You must be getting a good amount of free coffee at your local BMW dealer Fred?! You'll be getting an invite to their Xmas party if you're lucky :grin:
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https://youtu.be/0TeicsIUzlE
Storm Bay!
When I went to test the 135i there was a Storm Bay M Sport 118 in the dealership and it was definitely the colour I’d choose.
I saw the car I test drove parked up in Sainsburys today, must’ve been a sales exec picking up his lunch en route to work. The blue is certainly striking but it was good to see the 1 series out in the wild away from the confines of the dealership.
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Tomorrow at 4.30!! Can't wait :smiley: :smiley:
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How was the delivery and first impressions?
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Delivery and hand over were great. The sun was even shining all day which was perfect.
Car had been detailed and ceramic coated which gave a fantastic finish. Driven about 100 miles and absolutely love it. It is very effortlessly fast, very quiet with a bit of a throaty engine noise although it’s probably mostly falsely created. Lovely handling and light direct steering. Does feel very Golf like which is perfect for me and seems to have plenty of grip. The roads are wet and dirty today but it feels very secure.
Great seats and interior as well. Kids would say a little less rear room but I have the seat pretty far back. Boot a bit smaller too although it has a false floor which can maybe be removed to give more depth.
Technology good and more detailed than the GTi so I’m still working
On learning that.
Overall I’m delighted. Any questions please ask.
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Congrats davy, get some photos up!
Was very tempted with one of these myself, the test drive really impressed me.
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Congrats davy, get some photos up!
Was very tempted with one of these myself, the test drive really impressed me.
Go for it if you can as the drive really is good. Not sure my technical skills go as far as posting pics if a hosting site is needed.
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Congrats davy, get some photos up!
Was very tempted with one of these myself, the test drive really impressed me.
Go for it if you can as the drive really is good. Not sure my technical skills go as far as posting pics if a hosting site is needed.
A bit late for me now as I bought a TCR instead.
Easy to upload on here https://postimages.org/ just follow the instructions and click on the forum hotlink to copy the direct link. Even I can manage it!
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Congrats on your new baby! :cool:
I thought the boot was EXACTLY the same size as the golf Mk7 - 380 litres? Whether both figures are with the floor moved though I am not sure, but they should be the same.
I'm still really keen on getting one.... just have to wait a little longer.
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Yes that figure must be with the floor removed. With the floor in place or is definitely not as deep by a margin.
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https://youtu.be/i8LPgonuJ98
Thought the BMW would do much better with all that extra torque.
Goes to show how much skill it takes to drive these latest generation 4wd auto-box hatches quickly.
Absolutely zero.
Good to see the Golf holds its own still. :lipsrsealed:
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https://youtu.be/i8LPgonuJ98
Thought the BMW would do much better with all that extra torque.
Goes to show how much skill it takes to drive these latest generation 4wd auto-box hatches quickly.
Absolutely zero.
Good to see the Golf holds its own still. :lipsrsealed:
Do people generally want to buy a car that aims to crash and kill them if they haven’t the skills of Lewis Hamilton???
I’m quite happy with a car that is safe and stable in all situations?
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https://youtu.be/i8LPgonuJ98
Thought the BMW would do much better with all that extra torque.
Goes to show how much skill it takes to drive these latest generation 4wd auto-box hatches quickly.
Absolutely zero.
Good to see the Golf holds its own still. :lipsrsealed:
Do people generally want to buy a car that aims to crash and kill them if they haven’t the skills of Lewis Hamilton???
I’m quite happy with a car that is safe and stable in all situations?
A little bit of an extreme view! I can’t think of many modern cars that try to kill you so long as you drive to the conditions.
Let’s just go with ‘un-involving’ when doing traffic light Grand Prix style driving as per the vid.
Like being a passenger really. Requiring no input. A bit like not posting up photos on forums...
:wink: :grin:
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Interesting video.... just proves all of the current 4wd 300bhp hot hatches are.... pretty much the same in a straight line.
Hard to be scientific about it if you are talking driving a circuit for lap times too, I expect they'd pretty much be the same there as well.
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https://youtu.be/i8LPgonuJ98
Thought the BMW would do much better with all that extra torque.
Goes to show how much skill it takes to drive these latest generation 4wd auto-box hatches quickly.
Absolutely zero.
Good to see the Golf holds its own still. :lipsrsealed:
Saw this at the weekend as popped up in my YT feed, was keen to see how the 'old' Golf got - pretty well it seems.
How boring does the A35 sound? Merc must have had to put a lot of effort in to make it sound that crap. M135i sounds great though and goes well.
Had a nosey last week in my local BMW - which happens to be one of the largest in Europe :smiley:
They had an M135i in the blue with the optional 19s, the less 'spokey' ones and it looked very purposeful. Outside I prefer the rear angles to the front angles I think.
Very nice inside, seats are lovely. The steering wheel is far too thick though, really no need for it to be like that.
Still looks like a slightly squashed X2. Not 100% sure about it looks wise.
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LOL, yes - they seem to make steering wheels for Andre the Giant sized hands!
I had the optional alcantara one in mine, it was a bit thinner thankfully.
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How much was that option ?
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Oddly I love the feel of the BMW steering wheel. Feels just perfect and really chunky. My wife also mentions it after she drives the car too
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I didn't feel like the thicker steering wheel was a problem - and I don't have hands like shovels.
The Mk8 Golf btw is stated to have gone chunky too...
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Interesting that a Golf which is basically mechanically unchanged from 2014 is still keeping up with the latest batch of hot hatches.
Got to admit though, that M135i did sound nice.
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I didn't feel like the thicker steering wheel was a problem - and I don't have hands like shovels.
The Mk8 Golf btw is stated to have gone chunky too...
BMW have notoriously gone for thicker rims and this one is no expectation.
(https://i.postimg.cc/QdVbdFwk/DCC527-B3-55-ED-430-D-94-E3-5249-FEC4-F564.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/87QWyz1j)
Mk8 looks same as Mk7.
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Interesting that a Golf which is basically mechanically unchanged from 2014 is still keeping up with the latest batch of hot hatches.
Well, the S3 is basically an R its not the RS3, the M135i for all intents and purposes is a Golf R and the Merc is the A35 variant not the A45 variant.
I can't really see how a straight line test of 2 identical and 2 pretty much identical cars would result in any significant differences.
The BMW has a little more torque than the rest and thats about it.
I don't think the choice between those 4 would ever be about power and stopping distances. Its about the badge, the external aesthetics, interior design, tech and ultimately for most... price.
Of those things, the VAG offerings are still one generation behind, but not for long. With the next generation no doubt the price will be identical to BMW and Merc I suspect, if its not already (I have no idea about the S3 price).
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Mk8 looks same as Mk7.
Nope, chunky monkey:
(https://www.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/93-vw-golf-mk8-steering-wheel.jpg?itok=XQEY2UAn)
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Yeah, maybe a little thicker from that angle. But not got those great big daft bits at the top like the beemer.
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The rim of the steering wheel in the mk6 performance Golfs was thicker than the mk7 version. Here’s the mk6 steering wheel in the R;
(https://i.postimg.cc/Qx2RrFx7/C108-F895-A793-4068-889-B-CC6046-E7-F894.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
IMO it was nice - quite sculptural and had a good feel, and I liked the perforated leather sections. The mk6 instrumentation does looks very dated now though compared to the mk7.5 and the forthcoming mk8.
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It were all skinny wheels when I were a lad. The one in my first car was comical by modern standards. ‘67 ragtop 1500 Beetle.
The wheel in my 25th Anniversary GTI, that was a nice one. MKV GTI I really didn’t like, not a fan of sculpture.
Alcantara wheel was out of the M Performance range at the dealers. I imagine there’ll be a load of it for the new car too. £650 iirc and really must get around to selling it.
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I was a huge fan of the chunkier sculpted steering wheels of the mk5 and mk6 GTI/R, I always felt the mk7 standard steering wheel a bit lacking in the tactile sense (the Alcantara of the CS and perforated leather of the TCR goes some way to address this).
Back in the days before airbags (or more specifically before I could afford cars with airbags) I’d swap out the plastic VW steering wheel and add a Momo or Personal wheel and it does make a difference to driving pleasure.
I was a bit taken aback by quite how thick the M135i steering wheel was though. It felt like a bit of scaffold pole covered in leather.
I actually quite liked it but there must be a Goldilocks thickness where the mk7 ‘wheel is a bit weedy and the 135 wheel a bit beefy.
I have girls hands btw. Mind you, you’d not want to go on a date with a girl that had hands like mine! :grin:
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Clarkson used to say rude things about the ideal thickness of a steering wheel and girls’ hands! 🙂
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Clarkson used to say rude things about the ideal thickness of a steering wheel and girls’ hands! 🙂
That sounds about right for him! :grin:
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How are guys finding the M135i now you’ve had them a while. What’s better than your Golf and what’s not. I’d be interested to hear. 👍
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Not got mine yet... a little bit longer to wait.
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Not got mine yet... a little bit longer to wait.
You’ve ordered? Must’ve missed that bit.
Spec?
Good choice btw.
I see a blue 135i parked up most weeks and the more I see it the more I like it!
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Nope, still sitting here waiting the precise moment.
Spec will be Tech2 pack, lumber support, ACC and storm bay :cool:
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Fred - what is the delivery time?
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Fred - what is the delivery time?
6-8 weeks from order.
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Not impressed with the new M135ixdrive....
Mate had the previous gen (besides other "M"s)…& has just got the 2020 M135i xdrive & I had a look the other day..
Personal notes (having been in his other "M"s...&.considering this car is supposed to take on the Golf R/Merc):-
1. defo tell its the cheapest range in the group.
2. sounds like a diesel tractor on start up! (aftermarket exhaust required to solve)
3. rear foot room (i.e. height of space to stick feet under seat) with bucket seats is way less than current Golf
4. bucket seats are to narrow!!…& he commented on it first & he's very slim build (70kg).
5. rear camera, exposed all the time!! ...VW have it retracting behind the boot badge on a mass produced cheaper car!
6. rear diffuser is to short & you can clearly see the whole of the bottom section of the exhaust back box.
7. screenwash tank is black plastic, not clear/white, so can't easily tell the screenwash level.
8. the 4 pot calipers are way too big for the number of pots...the Porsche Macan Brembo 4pots are lighter, dirt cheap & you can fit 17" alloys over them! (& yes I know the Golf R has single piston types)
9. digital dash needles/speedo/revs...no "analog style" round type...unlike Golf..
10. main earth point behind big "+" is just a surplus cable crimp terminal (eye)….not a proper bayonet metal bracket
11, steering wheel not flat bottomed..
& the styling....NOPE....fake rear brake vents, extended fake upper section of the main grill.....looks like a Kia or various other Asian cars.....…..but that's personal choice..
Only things I really liked was the rear roof tails, buttons still on the dash (unlike new Mk8 Golf), factory 4 pots, twin struts for the bonnet (MK8 Golf has none)
I'd personally pick the previous gen M135i....or stick to the Golf R...
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Its basically a JCW clubman with some styling/cosmetic changes (for the better I'd argue - lots of things about the current mini range I find hard to get along with in the real world and I have quite a bit of experience with them! They suffer from style over usability in a massive way).
The BMW is quick, it stops well, it handles very flatly, the ride is Golf like in that its firm but not harsh, its nicely sound insulated, the main components are tried and tested.... and most important to me.... its available now and not this time next year... and its sub 40k.
Could it look better? Maybe but it looks a lot more Golf Mk7 like than either the previous 1 series or even the Mk8 Golf :-)
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Saw a red M135i on the move (going the other way) the other day - first one I have seen in the wild, other than in a showroom. Looked fantastic in the rear review mirror...
From the pictures I've seen of the Mk 8, it doesn't seem to be much of a looker to me. Getting a bit too big maybe? All subjective I know, but the 7.5 might turn out to be the high water mark as far as appearances go.
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Mk8 GTi pictures don't look bad actually. The only thing I don't particularly like is door mounted wing mirrors. I'd imagine they will cause wind noise.
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Loving our M135i now we have had it 6 or 7 weeks. Really good drive, so much grip even with the greasy winter roads it never scrabbles for traction. Very effortlessly fast and I like the fact it pretty quiet and refined.
Odd the comment above about the seats being narrow. I am not small and find them very comfy, does the posters mate know that they are adjustable for width and can go very wide. There is a little switch at the front corner of the seat to electrically adjust this.
Can't really think of any downsides just now. I like the looks especially the side quarter and rear view. The front I'm ok with but maybe it's not a beautiful. Interior is well built and I like the digital dash layout as its very clear and easy to read.