Comments on: 2008 BMW 135i review

By: Frank

Frank — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:17:42 +0000

The fit and finish of the 3 series interior is certainly a lot nicer than the 1 series, that for me would keep me from rating this car 5 steering wheels.

However, I do think of all the 1 series models, the Coupe is by far the best looking and if one could configure this model with the 3.0 liter BMW diesel engine then I agree, this is a hard car to beat and would likely outperform its petrol counterpart.

As far as the GTR goes, I would go with an Audi R8 before the GTR. I would even say the Corvette has a superior style over the GTR, which mechanically is a superior car, but just not as pleasing to the eye.

By: The Year of the One

The Year of the One — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 10:37:16 +0000

Frank
What other car has the 135i BMW kudos for same or less money.
The new 370Z might come close? but like GTR v Porsche no cigar.
Now if you want overpriced Euro equivalent performance then look at Audi and TTS .
By the way I do not think the Scirocco is Oz bound so take it off your list.
Your list would be interesting reading

By: Frank

Frank — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:56:54 +0000

I think the downside to this car is that a comparable 3 series does not cost much more and is a far better car with respect to handling and interior finish and space.

It is however interesting how BMW has configured the 1 series first with the hatch, then the coupe, convertible and the new up coming X1 cross-over. It is basically BMW’s counter to the VW Golf/Jetta/Tiguan offerings. I would say the 1 series coupe config is the best of the bunch with respect to looks.

It is a lot of money though when compared to any of the VW product, even a Jetta TDI fully equipped is not near as costly and offers nearly the same specs. OK, it is not rear wheel drive, but there is a lot to say for the VW Golf/Jetta range and certainly if and when it comes the new Scirocco will be a compelling choice.

I guess what I am saying is, I like this car, but like the BMW family model Mini Cooper S, it is too expensive for what it is.

By: The Year of the One

The Year of the One — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:40:20 +0000

$94k on road with auto, directional headlights, sat nav,sunroof,upgrade sound,metallic paint etc…it adds up.
Jess I like this stuff and do not see it as rubbish.
The figures you quote are not on road and you can usually add about $10k for dealer delivery,stamps etc.I bought about a year ago when they were not discounting you could probably get $3k off today due to GFC.

By: David O'Callaghan

David O'Callaghan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:49:01 +0000

Been an owner for about 6 weeeks now, fantastic car
paid $85k for Black manual with met paint/sunroof/sat nav/the top stereo and parking sensors

Lokks muscular in the flesh

VVV happy

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:37:22 +0000

@ The Year of the One still can’t work out the $94k d/a price you paid. RRP is $72,80 (manual) $75,764 (auto). Other than satnav the rest of the options would only be needed as a w@nk factor. So even if you optioend up a little how did you get to $94K? No one should ever pay more than RRP drive away for any car (actualy you should aim lower as there is enough margin in them for discount.

Great car no doubt, I’m looking to buy one (manual). Only need the satnav option, the standard option are good enogh for me. It’s a performance car not something I need to make heavier with sunroofs and other rubish.

Great review by the way. Wish there was a video review to go with it.

By: mcl334

mcl334 — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:36:54 +0000

53litre tank will give you lots time to pose at the service station!!

By: Yanzo

Yanzo — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:10:36 +0000

after all this comprehending i finally figured out what car i want. this one! looks a bit stupid but what’s under the engine will make up for what it lacks in looks. at least the interior is better the the 3 series.

it’s rear wheel drive (i want to drift)
almost 50/50 weight distribution (i want a good handling car)
and 400 NM of torque at 1300-5000 rpm (holy sh!t)

By: The Year of the One

The Year of the One — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:53:28 +0000

Wheelnut-I have one , I love it,but have a look at Top Gear Aust rating of it on their website (as opposed to the back of the mag) and then try to reconcile this with “the best car BMW makes” per Clarkson.I would be very wary relying on any opinion of Top Gear Oz.Probably why the local show is dead in the water ie many agree with me.
Nevertheless I know what is brilliant for the $ and the 135i of near on M3 performance is, as much as I hate the word “awesome”.

By: Wheelnut

Wheelnut — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:40:09 +0000

Eric – I think that Top Gear Australia did a comparison between the 135i and the new M3 to see how well the baby beemer would perform given that it has the same inline 6 cylinder engine that was in the old M3 [infact it was the only decent story of the entire series]

They drove both of them through the Dandenongs and the 1351 was virually always in the M3s mirrors.. the verdict was that it is an aweome performance car; for the money.. I’d definitely have one

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:23:06 +0000

I understand the 135i truly a stunning performer . correct me if i am wrong, I guess the 125i coupe is not that bad as well … right ? 3 L Rwd small and compact, is it going to out perform 130i or maybe golf r32 ?

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:53:58 +0000

Zed, i’m in the same boat. I love both of these cars. The BMW 1 series will probably have a DCT in the future.

By: Zed

Zed — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:08:09 +0000

Tossing up between this and the Evo X MR SST. The Evo is the obvious weapon of choice for tracking and all-weather, all-road insane performance. The Bimmer is more polished in ride, interior, noise. Too bad it don’t have a dual-clutch sequential box.
PS – BMW made THE most powerful F1 engine EVER during the turbo era! Wasn’t durable though. 1000+ bhp from 1.5 Litres!!!!

By: Year of the One

Year of the One — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:57:09 +0000

John
135i looks nice in the metal compared to photos particularly in darker colours.
Also Audi has never been in F1 ( and it builds the Veyron)and has won Le Mans on numerous occassions so does that make Audi inadequate.Such thinking defies logic.

By: John Smith

John Smith — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:20:43 +0000

Its not nice looking with that grille and the ridged side body.
Plenty fun for near 1/2 the price elsewhere

Dont forget BMW NEVER hit big time in F1

By: The Year of the One

The Year of the One — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 01:40:04 +0000

I cant get my phone address book to be accessed via the cars blue tooth.Have tried 3 different Nokias with bluetooth and no success.Anyone help?
By the way – fanatstic car- Sparkling graphite with coral red leather- sat nav,professional sound etc.$94k on road but cheap when compared to M3 for not much difference in performance.
Ride is great not like previous run flats.Will be an icon if not already.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:53:36 +0000

My apologies – there must currently be an error in their configuration tool because the prices are more than the ‘prices and options’ PDF file… appears they have updated that properly, it says $72,230 RRP (manual). That sounds a lot better!

By: Starromeo

Starromeo — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:28:30 +0000

I just logon to the site, but couldn’t see the price increase you talked about. I don’t think the 7% increase from $57000 will be as much as $8000, could be a mistake.

By: Josh

Josh — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:24:47 +0000

I just noticed the BMW Australia website updated their ‘build your car’ configuration tool, where you can select what extras you want and it will total the price up for you. They had the luxury car tax (LCT) at 25% just the other day and base price was $71,400… now base price is $79,453 at 33% LCT! I didn’t realise the difference would be so much. Then all the extras with the 33% LCT it is a big difference compared to the 25% LCT! I now wish I brought this 135i before July this year :) You guys who brought it before July are very lucky, well done!

By: Year of the One

Year of the One — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 03:42:44 +0000

Josh
You are right the BMW options are a killer but it’s standard kit is high compared to EVO.Personally as a daily drive I think the 135i is less brusque than EVO. But each to their own.