[RagingKileak]

Hello all,

This is my 1 series coupe review, hope you like

I remember when the 1 Series was first launched by BMW; I've never really been interested in concept cars or motor shows, so it wasn't until it actually hit the streets that I saw one - and I immediately thought 'eww, what’s the point of that?' I can understand that BMW wanted their share of the premium hatchback market, but priced above rivals from Volkswagen and so on, I couldn't see the 1 Series proving much of a success.

Although I was wrong about that, my actual opinion of the 1 Series has changed little over the past few years, with the Hatchback always being the ugly duckling in the BMW range as far as I was concerned. I'd be lying if I said that the introduction of a Coupe to the 1 Series line up had changed my mind - to be honest, I didn't notice that at all, possibly because very few people bought one.

Once I finally did track a 135i Coupe down (and I had to pay a £1000 deposit for the privilege) it is easy to see why the car splits opinion. From the front, the car does resemble its Hatchback sibling, with only minor visual differences to set it apart. From this angle, the car is by no means astonishing or beautiful, it’s not as aggressive as the 3 Series Coupe and it lacks any real sense of individuality or occasion. Viewed from the side however, the Coupe reveals much more about its character, the wheel arches bulge in an almost muscular fashion, whilst the lines bend and bulge attractively from front to back. Huge BMW stamped front brake callipers add subtle purpose, whilst on my 135i, chrome window trim adds a touch of class which is not entirely to my taste, but far from unattractive. In my opinion Coupe's fitted with the BMW Performance Aero side skirts actually lose some visual impact due to the cut outs to the rear of the skirt, which unfortunately break up the clean lines. When compared by appearance alone, the rear of the 135i unfortunately gives nothing away when compared to lesser models in the range, the exhaust appearing slightly larger, but otherwise sharing the same rear diffuser and subtle boot spoiler where fitted.

There is little chance of mistaking the 135i for a 123d however, once the engine is fired up. Having driven a superb BMW 335d for the past year, I was looking forward to two things more than anything else; the exhaust note you only get with a petrol car, and a manual gearbox which will never be available with the 335d. The 135i doesn't disappoint on either front, with a superb low down growl rising to a metallic rasp which climbs beautifully alongside the whistle of the N54 engines twin turbo’s. Somehow, this is a car which manages to make precisely the noise you want it to, be that a near silent hum, or a manic, whizzy howl and I really can't imagine how BMW could have made it any better.

Driving the 135i is an absolute pleasure, the aural delight from that exhaust amplified by the eager to please engine and much improved gearbox make progress inevitably rapid. Pleasingly then, the chassis is more than capable of handling bends with poise and precision to such a degree as I have not experienced since my E46 M3. This is a car which can attack corners at speed and still allow for correction through use of accelerator and steering wheel combined, empowering the driver with an amount of feel which inspires tremendous confidence. This car, unlike the 335d, is practically begging for a Limited Slip Differential, and in my case will be getting one as soon as possible. Where previously I had accepted the science and logic of the device, I couldn't imagine how it would feel, in the 135i, I'm already absolutely confident I know what the outcome will be.

The 135i is not quite the perfect drivers car, the chassis is, if anything, even harder than the 3 Series and rock hard suspension combined with run flat tyres do ensure that this car is even more skippy over uneven surfaces than its bigger brother. The nose is still a touch heavy and occasionally following a sharpish turn at speed it can be difficult to swing the back round, despite the amount of feel offered through the accelerator pedal. In the end, the car often snaps and then half stage traction control can bog you down, rather than the smooth, progressive oversteer I would prefer. Again, something which I am sure can be 'corrected.'

Making progress in the 135i is so sublime, so unhindered by doubt that only a metaphor will suffice to describe it. Imagine then, if you will, how double cream would feel if it was dribbling down Scarlett Johansson’s inner thigh. Gravity, like the N54 would drive it rapidly onwards over velvet skin, disturbed only slightly by the occasional hairy moment, and only really struggling with a knobbly kneecap, before smooth progress continues down the calf until the end of the journey. Any trip in the 135i is almost always pleasant, intensely pleasurable and tends to inspire an incredibly smug feeling.

From the driver’s seat, there is little to criticise about the 135i Coupe. In the car I bought, the interior is an unusual but surprisingly easy on the eye combination of 'Boston Lemon' leather and 'Dark Poplar' wood trim. This, combined with an obvious focus on the front occupants leads to quite the 'special' feeling; especially at night when the ability to fold the i-Drive display into the dash really darkens the cabin and places the entire focus where you want it to be - on the road. Superb Xenon headlamps light the way, a pricey option on this car, and something which my 335d lacked. If only BMW would follow other manufacturers lead in making this a standard addition to all their cars, or at least the more rapid models.

In summary, my view of the 1 Series coupe has drastically changed from barely knowing it exists, to trying to imagine life without it. Hmmm, perhaps a little bit OTT, but the truth is that I am surprised at how well BMW have mated what is a very compliant piece of metal with what must be considered one of the best engines currently available, or in fact the BEST engine currently available in its class for several years, according to some accolades. The only letdowns were largely exactly the same as I found in the 3 Series, the Bluetooth, Navigation and Entertainment systems still look quite 'old' although they are fully functional, and run flat tyres in conjunction with M-Sport suspension continue to be an annoyance.

If I had to buy it again, I still would.

9/10

Matt

[creepy coupe]

Good write-up Matt, sums the 135i nicely it really is a great car, disconecting the exhaust flap makes they sound even better IMO, and a short shifter kit is money well spent, I still miss mine.

[JLR1969]

Come on Matt we have not had the delight of some photos yet.

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

Come on Matt we have not had the delight of some photos yet.

I know mate, its the absolutely cack weather though!!

I will do what I can

Matt

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

I know mate, its the absolutely cack weather though!!

I will do what I can

Matt

Never mind the gay excuses, get em posted

[Hotcoupe]

Great write up Matt, and very informative.

It will be interesting if your views change as your time with the car lengthens, although one generally gets on with a car or not in a relatively short period of time.

The 1er was/is very like the E9x range when they first came out, some got it, other's did'nt.
I personally thought the new E90 looked awful when it first appeared in SE guise, however like all the new Beemers, people soon started to grow to like them and the 1er is no exception in that respect.

It's obvious that a trip to Bird's is in the offing along with some suspension mods and replacing the solid rubber bands of rubber etc, so what else have you got in mind?

Are you planning on replacing the 'wood' interior in the car? CF perhaps?

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Great write up Matt, and very informative.

It will be interesting if your views change as your time with the car lengthens, although one generally gets on with a car or not in a relatively short period of time.

The 1er was/is very like the E9x range when they first came out, some got it, other's did'nt.
I personally thought the new E90 looked awful when it first appeared in SE guise, however like all the new Beemers, people soon started to grow to like them and the 1er is no exception in that respect.

It's obvious that a trip to Bird's is in the offing along with some suspension mods and replacing the solid rubber bands of rubber etc, so what else have you got in mind?

Are you planning on replacing the 'wood' interior in the car? CF perhaps?

Thanks for all the comments etc peeps, unfortunately I lack the skill to individually quote you all, so will answer points I remember hehe!!

I actually really like the wood, although I had planned to replace with CF by wrapping it. However, I will now try to find replacement pop in CF inserts and see how I feel about that.

Its likely a quad exhaust with CF diffuser will be going on along with sports cat downpipes, full exhaust with mid cat removal and obviously a decent remap.

I may also consider some induction just because I have been offerred a Riss Racing kit for very little money, I dont expect much power but more noise would be good, plus it kind of completes the under bonnet look.

Oh, obviously an LSD looks very likely, I just couldnt 'picture the feel' on the 335d if that makes any sense, wheras now I can. The car got 4 brand new Potenza' RFT's when I bought it, so changing wheels/tyres (I dont like the wheels) would be good, as I can keep the wheels now with good tyres for selling or trading in later.

With regards to this quick exhaust note mod - is it this I am looking for?
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...=213042&page=7

As for pics - you know I never just get a couple of snaps, I have a proper camera now off another member here, and I want to get them done proper

All in all I think its a great car, its not better or worse than a 3 series and I reckon that I would have many similar thoughts if I was testing a 335i - the bigger change for me was diesel back to petrol and auto to manual, that feels more significant than 3 to 1 series...

Will add ASAP!!

Matt

[creepy coupe]

Yep that's I Matt, takes two seconds to do and IMO is a nice balance between standard and the BMW performance exhaust, which is quiet loud.

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Yep that's I Matt, takes two seconds to do and IMO is a nice balance between standard and the BMW performance exhaust, which is quiet loud.

Cool I will check it out...

I am not 100% convinced mine doesnt have a BMWP exhaust already, it looks different to others and it seems louder than I expected (but lovely) so if I have the standard, then however I choose to move forward in terms of exhaust, I think I will be very happy indeed!

Matt

[prt71]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Good write-up Matt, sums the 135i nicely it really is a great car, disconecting the exhaust flap makes they sound even better IMO, and a short shiter kit is money well spent, I still miss mine.

Childish I know but short shiter kit has just made me laugh for ages. I was thinking of some sort of commode seating option if you were caught short needing to shite.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Cool I will check it out...

I am not 100% convinced mine doesnt have a BMWP exhaust already, it looks different to others and it seems louder than I expected (but lovely) so if I have the standard, then however I choose to move forward in terms of exhaust, I think I will be very happy indeed!

Matt

Standard is black chrome, performance is stainless.

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by prt71

Childish I know but short shiter kit has just made me laugh for ages. I was thinking of some sort of commode seating option if you were caught short needing to shite.

Oopps

[RagingKileak]

lol,

I forgot to mention the BMW Performance Steering wheel, handbrake and shifter are all on the cards - I wanted to be sure that they would go with the Lemon, but I am now satisfied they will, but thats what could lead to CF trimming.

In that case, the exhaust is standard as its black chrome, I thought that was likely to be the Performance, as black chrome is obviously less common on most cars!!

Happy days then, if it sounds like it does standard, I am excited about the potential!!

Matt

[pjs]

Praise the lord, 9/10. HappyKileak

[M3-FAST]

Matt - you may be interested.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E87-CARBON...item3ca6648d5c

Car sounds great and look forward to seeing it in a couple of weeks As for hairy moments whiltst exploring Scarletts thigh....do you reckon you would have any

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by pjs

Praise the lord, 9/10. HappyKileak

Hallelujah!!

Matt

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

Matt - you may be interested.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E87-CARBON...item3ca6648d5c

Car sounds great and look forward to seeing it in a couple of weeks As for hairy moments whiltst exploring Scarletts thigh....do you reckon you would have any

hehe, lol second time you have done that mate - they are for the 5 dr hatch - although the ashtray trim looks the same, and possibly the long dash bit, the door handles will be different!!

Cheers anyway though mate,

As for Scarlett - I will let you know it goes - but there wont be any pics

Matt

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Its likely a quad exhaust with CF diffuser will be going on along with sports cat downpipes, full exhaust with mid cat removal and obviously a decent remap.

Matt, the exhaust is obviously not a problem,is there a good diffuser,CF or not available?
If not you could be looking at the same problems you had with the big 'D', and tears before bedtime/toys out of the pram is never a good thing, and could result in major sulks on your part and another 'What car next' thread from yours truly

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

lol,

I forgot to mention the BMW Performance Steering wheel, handbrake and shifter are all on the cards - I wanted to be sure that they would go with the Lemon, but I am now satisfied they will, but thats what could lead to CF trimming.

I nearly bought one from Ant @ SR. However after driving Ant's car I quickly came to the conclusion that the money would be better spent elsewhere.I was also concerned about the durability/wear rate of the covering of the wheel itself.

It's undeniably a nice bit of kit, however, and as you like analogies and SJ, think along the lines of Scarlett, with no brains and in Stepford wives mode.
Sex and in every which way imaginable and on tap with no restrictions, sounds great, but after 5yrs would start to pale!
The steering wheel would start to pale after 5 weeks, very much style over substance.

£500 odd would put a huge dent in another worthwhile and substantive/performance orientated mod IMO.

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

mate - they are for the 5 dr hatch
Matt

bugger! Can't believe I didn't spot that!!

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Matt, the exhaust is obviously not a problem,is there a good diffuser,CF or not available?
If not you could be looking at the same problems you had with the big 'D', and tears before bedtime/toys out of the pram is never a good thing, and could result in major sulks on your part and another 'What car next' thread from yours truly



I nearly bought one from Ant @ SR. However after driving Ant's car I quickly came to the conclusion that the money would be better spent elsewhere.I was also concerned about the durability/wear rate of the covering of the wheel itself.

It's undeniably a nice bit of kit, however, and as you like analogies and SJ, think along the lines of Scarlett, with no brains and in Stepford wives mode.
Sex and in every which way imaginable and on tap with no restrictions, sounds great, but after 5yrs would start to pale!
The steering wheel would start to pale after 5 weeks, very much style over substance.

£500 odd would put a huge dent in another worthwhile and substantive/performance orientated mod IMO.

Some good points mate, definately.

The Exhaust - I did my research beforehand, there are a number of quad kits with proper diffusers thankfully, including a bastuck one which this time doesn't come with comedy plastic shit from Duke Dynamics lol!!!

If not... your totally right, I am not up for another quest lol

The BMWP steering wheel has been a massive thought process for me. I think I could possibly talk myself out of it yet, shame about the possible fade - do you think it would be so quick?

I have also considered a little bit of custom leather/alcantara on the Short Shift, handbrake and steering wheel so watch this space - it would be a lot of money, but the engine path on this car is well trod, I know how much I am going to pay and afterwards the bang for buck isnt much anyway, so interior mods etc might come into play on this car...

I am also gonna go for a BMW Performance front bumper because I know it can accomodate a Forge intercooler - I have planned ahead a bit more with this car than I did with the d!!

And FAST (sorry I you never post your name mate and I forgot lol) dont worry about it, I will get one when it comes up, but feel free to link me to E82 parts if you spot them. Thats E82 by the way. E82... E82.... E... 82....



Cheers
Matt

[MIKEYBMW1]

spell check its DEFINITELY as I have just been informed lol

[mjh93sa]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it Matt.

But, seriously get some pictures up, we're dying to see it.

Matt