BMW 135i Coupe, Lap 2

Agent004 submitted on 10/26/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 5:27 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[26] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: BMW, 1-Series, 135i, Coupe

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BMW

1-Series

135i

Coupe

BMW 135i Coupe, Lap 2

Here is another look at the BMW 135 Coupe performing on the racetrack, this time with 001 driving. The note of the engine and the exhaust in the video, doesn't do it justice, it is a sweet, smooth sound that grows gradually in volume and throatiness the further along the RPM range you go.

A look into this video will give you a sneak peak at what's about to stun the automotive world, in that you can see how well it performs on the track, and just how fast out of a corner the twin turbo engine propels this lightweight "3-Series", and how the competition (what little there is in this market right now) is going to be left in the dust wondering how they couldn't have been prepared for such a car.

It's only somewhat negative trait was to understeer in every corner. This can definitely be attributed to its extremely small rear swaybar. Measuring in at about 3/4", it will in no doubt be a racers first modification.

Brake fade was minimal with BMW's first ever 6 piston calipers, but even if it was more noticable, a simple pad swap would remedy that problem. Everything else about the car made it a real pleasure to drive on the track. It was easy, predictable and down right fun...and that's with the DSC on. With DSC off, it was as predictable and as easy, but even more fun and quicker in turning laps. Being able to jam the throttle coming out of a turn without having the DSC pull back the power meant that the turbos could get up into their power quicker, as well as not have to worry about DSC grabbing the rotors with the brakes.

Even at 6'3", I found the front seats extremely comfortable and roomy. There is less room than in the 3 Series, and it is a little noticable, but not so much that it made it prohibitive in getting comfortable. On the track, the tighter interior helped keep you locked into the steering wheel and centered over the pedals.

If I could change one thing on this car today, I would swap out the tires for some better ones. It comes with Bridgestone runflats. Runflats are a 50/50 toss up between love and hate, but the Bridgestone brand doesn't go along with the luxury brand, and they definitely don't go along with the sport centric brand. Having received both Michelin and Continental tires on previous BMWs, I can say the Bridgestones rated the worst of the 3. They had a tendency to follow grooves in the road a bit, giving the impression that the car felt like it was wandering at higher speeds.

There is truthfully very little else I would change about the car. With an estimated market price of mid to low $30,000, and the fact it is closer to a 3 series than the E46 chasis is, it is hard to argue that this is not the perfect around town car with weekend racer roots. It's fast, it's nimble, it's inexpensive for a luxury brand, it offers most of the features of a 3 series, it's sharp looking, it's masculine in its coupe form, feminine in its convertible form, it turns heads and, well, it's a BMW.

If you have trouble viewing the video, please use this link.

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xxxxG37 - 10/26/2007 5:59:10 PM

+1 Boost

004 - how about 0-60?

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Agent004 - 10/27/2007 12:10:56 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

We actually ripped off a 4.8 0-60 and a 4.9 0-60, but it was a downhill straightaway, not with a lot of grade, but enough not to include the time in our articles yet. The air temperature was perfect, low 50's, tire grip was there for a hardish launch, but more than 4000RPM and we got too much wheelspin.

I think with stickier tires and power shifting 1-2 and you could be 4.6-4.7.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 10/27/2007 5:58:04 AM

+1 Boost

power shifting as in flat-foot shifting? Works great on turbocharged cars.

minimalist - 10/26/2007 6:05:18 PM

+2 Boost

i believe you meant, "with an estimated market price of mid to low $30,000, and the fact it is closer to a 3 series than the E92 chassis is, it is hard to argue that this is not the perfect around town car with weekend racer roots."

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Agent004 - 10/27/2007 12:05:13 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

HA, well I see what you mean (by the weight rising each year, right?), but, lets not forget how much safer and quieter the car becomes model after model.

This 1 Series reminded me of the first time I drove an E36 M3, but with way better steering input feel.

supermoto - 10/26/2007 6:34:26 PM

0 Boost

The M version of this car will skool just about anything out there. Can't wait to see it.

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2ndbimmer - 10/26/2007 7:27:49 PM

+1 Boost

I cant wait to drive this vehicle! It is going to be awesome!

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enthusiastx11 - 10/26/2007 7:45:46 PM

+2 Boost

what a great car for a daily driver!
sounds like a blast to drive.

nothing beats a car that's MECHANICALLY engineered to perform (i.e. it's predictable and controllable with or without electronic nannies).

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Threepoint1415926 - 10/27/2007 12:21:01 AM

+1 Boost

Bridgestones definitely dont go along with a sports centric brands? Correct me if I'm wrong but F1 exclusively uses Bridgestones. And between the RE050A, RE01R and SO3, Bridgestone has some of the (if not the) highest user rated performance tires in the world. Run-flats may be another story but I would put a Bridgestone on my car any day before a Michelin after my all my tire failures with the pilot sport.

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Agent004 - 10/27/2007 12:32:03 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Formula 1 teams don't have a choice with who they use, and I don't remember ever watching a race where the tires weren't getting blasted.

The SO3 is a GREAT tire...on the track. On the road it will tramline like nobody's business.

The stiffer sidewalls of the runflats probably help on the track, but on the road I'd rather have a bit softer sidewall. Especially around Boston where potholes can go weeks without getting fixed.

Larry - 10/27/2007 12:56:36 AM

+1 Boost

I am impressed with the 1 series

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dayday - 10/27/2007 8:07:15 AM

+1 Boost

i just realized that 135i is about the same size the evo x is! it will be pretty interesting to see a comparison test between these two.
battle of German and japan is on!(again)

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IS3andME - 10/27/2007 12:58:53 PM

+3 Boost

^^^The problem is, the 1 series is a entry level luxury car. The Evo X, is a racer based off a econobox, two diff animals altogether. look at the 1series interior and look at the Evo or the Lancer interior--world of difference.

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BMWfan_Alfredo - 10/27/2007 1:11:39 PM

+1 Boost

all i have to say is i am STOKED for this car...FINALLY in my price range when it comes out...well...either this or an used E46 M3 ;-)..time to start saving...i LOVE the looks of this car, the size, the engine ;-) should be a blast and cant wait to see it on the streets.

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investor27 - 10/27/2007 8:44:12 PM

+1 Boost

The Evo comes with a dual-clutch setup as standard I believe.

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 1:48:11 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Today, we went to the dealer, test drove, and custom-ordered a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i.

Deep Green Metallic
Sand Beige Napa Leather - Bamboo Trim
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Climate Package
Technology Package
Multi-Contour Seats with Lumbar Support
Comfort Access
Heated Rear Seats
Running Boards
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
iPod Adapter
Power Tailgate (new for 2008; not on website)

---

$66,970 (plus the pwr tailgate)

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SevorbeupstryIsBack - 10/28/2007 3:20:57 AM

+1 Boost

Lucky bastards.. here in Germany that same car costs about 95.000 euro or so.

mscottc1 - 10/28/2007 1:51:21 PM

+1 Boost

Congrats S4-- that will be an awesome machine for you I'm sure. why no sport pkg? The sport seats are more comfortable to most people than the comfort seats.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 2:19:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

It's my wife's, actually... and I feel that the ride would be too harsh for her with the Sport Package. She has an RX330 right now, so I'm guessing you know what I mean. If it was MY car, I'd be getting it with the 20" rims...

But it's still a sweet ride. Thanks guys.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/28/2007 2:30:10 PM

+1 Boost

Definately Lucky

I had a Black 3.0d with the same spec ordered over here and when it arrived i was given a bill for 52,290.00 GBP {107,414.41 USD)

and that was for a 3.0 diesel not the 3.0sd which has the twin turbo engine. {not avail till mid 08}

gsh23 - 10/28/2007 7:05:35 PM

+1 Boost

i heard the 1 series is based on the old e46 chasis. is this true? i hope not...

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 11:25:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Why would that be a bad thing???

MunichRob - 10/29/2007 6:12:38 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Good choice on the new set of wheels S4, I'll definitely be giving it a good look before going for the Escalade. Just so happens I've got my car connection at the Caddy dealer.

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MunichRob - 10/29/2007 6:18:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

BTW I was just thinking that if BMW ended up releasing a 135i hatchback in the states, it would most likely generate a similar cult following to that of the Z3 hatchback. It could be to BMW what the R32 is to VW; even though the R32 isn’t necessarily a love it or hate it car like the Z3 was, or the 1-series is.

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