BMW M135i test drive

jamesa · Post by **jamesa** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 10:46 am

Thanks for the feedback Peter.

Philrose · Post by **Philrose** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 1:02 pm

Yeah many congrats.
Not sure about the pub meet at the moment for 2 reasons ---
1 The weather
2 I've damaged the Alpina

Needs a new door. My own stupid fault, no excuses just sheer unadulterated stupidity.

shaziman · Post by **shaziman** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:53 pm

Congrats Peter, pics!!

I_MNL · Post by **I_MNL** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 2:21 am

Peter&Janet wrote: Is anyone going to the gate hangs well first week of dec? I need an injection of Alpinas.

Yes, I am going! Have a look at the thread and add yourself!

http://thealpinaregister.com/forums/vie ... hp?t=14109

Oh and please bring the M135i so we can have a look and maybe you take us for a short drive?

Peter&Janet · Post by **Peter&Janet** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:37 pm

Hi Marie-NoÃ«lle,

Sorry saw your post too late, have to catch you at a later meet.

Peter

dave_alp · Post by **dave_alp** » Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:15 pm

Peter&Janet wrote:Hi Marie-NoÃ«lle,

Sorry saw your post too late, have to catch you at a later meet.

Peter

Are you active on babybmw Peter? I am dwlstacey over there

congrats on the m135!!

Peter&Janet · Post by **Peter&Janet** » Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:04 pm

Yes I am active on the baby site but try to stay in the back ground as it's a bit more in your face than this much more friendly site. I think the average age is low 30's hence very competitive and the testosterone produces frequent arguments. However it is a very good source of info and many of the contributors are knowledgeable. Will look out for you.

No photos of the M135 as it's permanently filthy.

Quick review as I've done 1400 miles this month includes 1 run to Brighton, 1 run to Warsash Southampton and Christmas shopping in Sheffield and I have to say it's fantastic. Average mpg since owning is 36 and the average for the long runs is at 43. I put the winters on and immediately the noise levels of the Michelins has reduced, however they have reduced the mpg so I guess the rolling resistance is higher. Faults =nil, enjoyment 100% so disappointed Alpina couldn't do this.
Comfort, can't fault it, the seats are manual, heated but easy to adjust and not far removed from the B3. The only noise now is the spitting and purring of the exhaust and it's quite musical in a nice way.
I put the light leather in and I feel the ambience is perfect and not at all constricted. Handling remains good with these run flat winter tyres although we haven't had any snow I'm sure they will perform well.
The 8 speed auto is fabulous and better than the B3, the paddles are much better and can be used with the hands low down the steering wheel. The auto stop start is fine and although lots do not like this feature it's not been an issue with us. Sun roof is great and helps the little Garmin get a signal in the cabin and no need to mount it on the dash board.
Bottom line is for 32K, with all the necessary extras fitted, 3.5K discount and Â£300/month with an APR 4.9 it was too good to miss.
I know it's not an Alpina and some day will return to the fold but not just yet.

jamesa · Post by **jamesa** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:49 am

Thank you again for the feedback, sounds promising ...

Dirty pictures are fine

Why the Winter run flats when Summers are standard ... `spare` interface concern ?

At that price & performance it may well tempt more of `us`

Peter&Janet · Post by **Peter&Janet** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 10:20 am

Regards the winter tyres; I ordered the full set of alloys and tyres from Sytner and turns out the Pirellis are run flat type. Unlike the original tyres which are not run flat. It costs approx Â£64 a year for BMW to clean and store and change them out twice. The alloys are 18" 225 x 30. I'll nip out later and get a pic. With discount they were Â£1800 unfortunately there is an alternative and much cheaper 17" available but would not fit over the oversized brakes.

jamesa · Post by **jamesa** » Sun Dec 23, 2012 12:46 am

Further praise ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=en ... xwecTp91-o

Great soundtrack too

Peter&Janet · Post by **Peter&Janet** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 6:53 pm

Quick update but some rainy day pics with the sytner supplied winter tyres.
Still averaging 36 mpg and very happy.

jamesa · Post by **jamesa** » Wed Dec 26, 2012 8:02 pm

... and amazing economy !