[DaveA]

So, I just agreed to buy a new M135i…

I got a really nice deal from my local dealer on a factory build car that included taking in my Golf GTI in p/ex… They bettered the internet prices I was getting on the new car and also (I thought) helped minimise the impact of -ve equity in my Golf (which was not massive, but, every £ helps)…

So they made doing the deal pretty easy, especially considering I will not be making a ,one journey to collect and I will not have to be messing about selling my car separately...

June delivery expected, so now need to get a booking in with the detailers for its new car prep and protection…

So, for the spec geeks, here it is… Feel free to tell me where I should have saved/spent my money…

M135i Auto
Misano Blue
18” Standard Wheels
Standard Interior
Berlin Trim
HK Sound
Enhanced BT and wireless charging
Power boot (getting old)
Steering wheel heating (getting old)
Through Load
Lumbar Support
Icon Adaptive Lights
Driving Assistant
Parking Assistant
Comfort Access

Not every option box ticked, but a fair few of them…

[Hedoniste]

Congrats ! Misano is a great color

[Wing Co]

Nice one, steering wheel heating is essential!

[beerglass007]

How do you find the 135i compared to the 340i with the B58 engine

I currently have a 440i and eyeing up the 135i but not sure about a 4 pot engine

[DaveA]

Originally Posted by beerglass007

How do you find the 135i compared to the 340i with the B58 engine

I currently have a 440i and eyeing up the 135i but not sure about a 4 pot engine

Well, there's no denying that they are different, and the straight six in my 340 was a lovely motor, but I find the the transverse 4 cylinder engines are quite in character with the hatchbacks... I have had the Golf nearly 2 years now...

The 6 in the 340 enabled it to be an effortless cruiser... But I would not have had it in the "sporty car" bracket as I would certainly feel less comfortable having fun in the car on moorland roads where I live compared tho the Golf I am now in...

In the 1-ers (and I never had a 1-er with a six) I am led to believe they had he same sorts of characters but there were compromises in layout, weight distribution etc etc, that will have impacted dynamics... I think in the smaller cars, the transverse 4 layout is pretty well proven, isn't it...

With modern turbo engines, the difference is less obvious... the turbo installations mute engine noise somewhat and impart a low end push that you rarely used to get with smaller normally aspirated engines. So there is no doubt in my mind that the difference in driving experience is less that what it might have once been...

A bigger difference, for me, was to adapt back from RWD (I was six RWD cars in succession) to FWD (or a front biased AWD in the 135)... But now that I have, I am 100% in favour of the FWD for my type of driving fun... (typically moorland roads where you can have tons of fun without ever breaking the law)...

It's not been a problem for me at all.. But, of course, it is one of those personal things and if you have any doubts at all then get yourself a long test drive booked in...

[ScottC25]

Originally Posted by beerglass007

How do you find the 135i compared to the 340i with the B58 engine

I currently have a 440i and eyeing up the 135i but not sure about a 4 pot engine

We've currently got both....I've just taken delivery of an M340i and the wife has an M235i.

Both cars are brilliant to drive, but there definitely is a difference.

340 is smoother, quieter, and feels very similar to the refinement of the F10 5 series I used to have.

The M235i is a bit more "shouty"

I think I definitely prefer the 340i as it is certainly a bit more refined, but the 235 is still masses of fun to drive, I like taking it out because it has a sunroof, and mine doesn't....

I also really like the seats in the M235i, they are really comfortable, and the alcantara material is really nice.

[dappercivility]

Originally Posted by beerglass007

How do you find the 135i compared to the 340i with the B58 engine

I currently have a 440i and eyeing up the 135i but not sure about a 4 pot engine

I had the G30 540i with maybe abit similiar B58 engine, not the same exact tune and specs as the previous F20 M140i.

The power delivery is very different from the B58. For the F40 M135i, the 4 potter does pull strongly from low to mid revs but feels weak when the revs go higher. Top end power is not there and you feel you are just making more noise instead of forward pull.

The B58 however pulls strongly even at the top end and power feels never ending and you feel you can rev beyond the redline and needs another gear. I am speaking from the context of the G30 540i B58 though and I would think the F20 M140i would be even stronger.