So, why did we go go for the GTI over the 135i?

[Gryzor]

All perfectly good reasons to go for the 135i Squit

Personally, like a few people on here I also truly dislike the looks of the 1 series, whereas the bland and understated looks of the GTI are what drew me to it in the first place.  The BMW may have the performance, but even 6.5 seconds and 152mph is a overkill for today's crippled roads and law-enforced restrictions.  I also don't see it being as versatile as the GTI, and it doesn't have all of the options I want.

Both great cars for sure, and neither will disappoint their respective owns.  Not that I have much choice, but I don't mind a bit of a shambled wait either!

[Gung-Ho]

Congratulations on your purchase Squit. The M-lite is an amazing bit of kit.  Test drove one back in February & was completely blown away by the performance but unfortunately unlike you couldn't get the deal I wanted.

Been a BMW customer for many years now and my only criticism would be the interior quality & cramped rear. It wasn't bad but it just wasnt upto BMWs usual standard... but then that's probably why they can sell it at a competitive price.  I don't actually mind the looks... Ok it's not a stunner, but it does grow on you over time.

Can I just ask... Did you go for vanilla spec or did you load up on options? And secondly what are the cuurent lead times like? When i was looking in February there was a 3-4 month wait?

[am1w]

I got itchy feet in September last year and decided I wanted to change my car which at that time was a Mk6 GTI. I also wanted to change from a hatchback to a saloon. The only saloon that really interested me and caught my eye was the newly released BMW F30 330d M Sport for which I got a great discount if I bought two. So the deal was done.

If I was in the market for another hatchback then the BMW F20 M135i or Mercedes A45 AMG would have been contenders with the Mercedes in the lead for my custom. I decided not to go for the Mk7 GTI as, (a) I knew it would look very similar to the Mk6 version, (b) I wanted a change of make and (c) I wished for a car with sub 6sec 0-62mph acceleration. The Audi S3 Sportback was not considered  as its styling left me cold and again it would look very similar to the previous model. 

When the time comes to change my F30 in 2-3 years, I'll probably go back to buying a hatchback as I find a saloon a bit too long for my liking. But which fast hatch I do not know. But I know there will be plenty to choose from.
 

[Jimble]

I think it's been mentioned before but i think the 135i is probably a rival to the Golf R rather than the GTI, the 125i would make a better comparison for performance and spec.

I did consider the 125i until i test drove a 120d and there were too many little annoyances with the design, for example i felt the A pillar was a little imposing, not enough room in the back or boot, i'm not a fan of the design of the dash with the screens that look like they should fold away, much prefer the older cars with the nav option and i couldn't really get along with the driving position although that could be how bolt upright you sit in the Golf compared to the very low slung seats in the BMW.

The biggest problem with it though was my wife, she took one look and said "it's a bit ugly isn't it?"

[Squit]

To some extent, I agree with most of the above criticisms. The 1-series is not perfect, but having had a 123D for over three years, I know I can live with its shortcomings and the F20 is a big improvement in many respects. I honestly do like the M135i five door shape and don't really care that others hate it - maybe that's even part of the attraction. I just hope I can learn some self-control, otherwise bye bye license...

A month or two ago, I had pretty much decided on the GTI - I wanted to find out what all the fuss is about, but all the uncertainties that have been highlighted in this forum have put me off completely. VW's mishandling of the launch has directly lost them at least one sale.  I might regret my decision, but there's always the edition 40 or golf R.

Gung-Ho: The one I ordered has quite a lot of options: 5 door auto with metallic paint, comfort pack with sensors front and rear, adaptive suspension, Harmon Kardon, folding and dimming mirrors, debadge, sun protection and heated front seats. Maybe that's why they agreed to 10% discount? Also, it's a cash sale and my second car from that dealership (Williams Liverpool). They've predicted delivery by the end of July, but could be June, apparently.

[Gung-Ho]

Gung-Ho: The one I ordered has quite a lot of options: 5 door auto with metallic paint, comfort pack with sensors front and rear, adaptive suspension, Harmon Kardon, folding and dimming mirrors, debadge, sun protection and heated front seats. Maybe that's why they agreed to 10% discount? Also, it's a cash sale and my second car from that dealership (Williams Liverpool). They've predicted delivery by the end of July, but could be June, apparently.

Wowza!!!! You really have raided the options bin!!! No wonder you got a cracking deal... All that lot must have pushed the total cost to around £35k?? (just a guess).

The other thing I was a bit concerned about was rear tyre wear on the Michelin Supersports. The car I test drove belonged to the Business Manager (so it wasnt exactly a demo car that gets a hammering) who had only covered 3k miles, but the rears were already down to 2mm, which was a little bit disconcerting. I currently run Michelin Pilot Sports on my five which have proved very costly to replace over the years!!! Something I would not like to repeat.

[MAW73]

I think it's been mentioned before but i think the 135i is probably a rival to the Golf R rather than the GTI, the 125i would make a better comparison for performance and spec.

Yep spot on Jim. Don't get me wrong I'd like a 135i same as people would an R. But I was more than happy with my Gti performance hence opting for the 125i. The 1er isn't to everyones tastes especially when selling it to people  on a gti forum. However, I've not looked back since as the 125i has been awesome.

[am1w]

Andy (Exonian), you need to jump ship just as Martin (MAW73) and I have! 

The Bavarian Experience may be just the ticket for you. You'll even think you are the mad King Ludwig, who built those wonderful castles and was very chummy with the equally mad Richard Wagner, composer of those wonderful operas that were so loved by the totally mad Adolf H.

Did I not convince you when we spoke today?

[Squit]

Wowza!!!! You really have raided the options bin!!! No wonder you got a cracking deal... All that lot must have pushed the total cost to around £35k?? (just a guess).

Total price including petrol (cheeky buggers add £40 on the bill for petrol) and tax was £35775 (forgot to include black panel display in the options I listed before), but the deal I got brought it down to £32,200.

The golf spec I was looking at comes to £33,255 (before any discount), hence it was a pretty easy decision. Yes, the M135i has more in common with the Golf R, but that just highlights the relative bargain that is the M135i and the expensiveness of the new GTI, particularly if you go for 5 door DSG and a few options, especially leather.

[Jimble]

Wowza!!!! You really have raided the options bin!!! No wonder you got a cracking deal... All that lot must have pushed the total cost to around £35k?? (just a guess).

Total price including petrol (cheeky buggers add £40 on the bill for petrol) and tax was £35775 (forgot to include black panel display in the options I listed before), but the deal I got brought it down to £32,200.

The golf spec I was looking at comes to £33,255 (before any discount), hence it was a pretty easy decision. Yes, the M135i has more in common with the Golf R, but that just highlights the relative bargain that is the M135i and the expensiveness of the new GTI, particularly if you go for 5 door DSG and a few options, especially leather.

This is a fair comment.