[jonw]

Anyone driven a 135 with the DCT box ?
Are they good ?

[Boz335i]

member VtecAbuser has one, he was running 12.7 @ 110mph at the pod last month, I'm sure he'll give you the low down.

I have DCT and it's bloody marvellous, in fact it's the one thing I like most about my 335i.

[jonw]

Cheers Boz.
Never driven one with DCT have heard nothing but good reports about it though .

[nicktyler]

I have never driven DCT but I can't imagine it is anything but brilliant! I might go to the garage and pretend I am upgrading to get a go but it might make me dissapointed by the manual.

[Falmouthboy]

Plenty of people here
http://www.babybmw.net/
happy to give you a view

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by nicktyler

I have never driven DCT but I can't imagine it is anything but brilliant! I might go to the garage and pretend I am upgrading to get a go but it might make me dissapointed by the manual.

If you like autos then the DCT is eesentially the 'latest' fancy auto box, with settings too play with too.

If you like manuals then there's only 1 choice.

[RagingKileak]

DCT is the bollocks.

Remember though that ALL 135i's with DCT will also be N55. I don't like the N55 as much, but I was built to mod cars. If you've no plans to mod then an N55 will suit you fine.

Matt

[jonw]

Cheers fellas for the replies.
Was given an e93 M3 to try out the DCT box today for a few hours.
Never driven a new shape M3 before. Fuck me they are good and that box is like something off a playstation game the way it blips in between gear changes .
I need to test drive a 135 with DCT though.
How much slower are the 135 compared to the M3.
Is it a huge jump in performance difference ?

[Boz335i]

Originally Posted by jonw

How much slower are the 135 compared to the M3.
Is it a huge jump in performance difference ?

First of all I just want to say is that the comment about DCT just being another auto is laughable and shows to me that they haven't driven one.

Comparing an M3 to a 135i is a tricky one, if you just want to race one in a straight line then you will win over 1/4 mile, not by a lot, but a significant amount more with a tune (referring back to the 12.7 last month at the pod, M3 would be around 13.3). You have a 240kg weight advantage which will be telling.

Put some bends in then no chance, M3 is a track ready car, with a very nice soundtrack.
For me, modding is addictive, so if you're into that, then get the 135i. The only thing that needs changing on the M3 would possibly be a upgrade to an aftermarket exhaust. I've never tried an M3 with DCT but I can imagine that it would be awesome.
I have a rule, that I never go to test drive a car that might make me disappointed with mine, unless I've got the money in my pocket to buy it.

[Vtec Abuser]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

member VtecAbuser has one, he was running 12.7 @ 110mph at the pod last month, I'm sure he'll give you the low down.

I have DCT and it's bloody marvellous, in fact it's the one thing I like most about my 335i.

COUGH - 12.7 @ 111 - COUGH

On a serious note - I have been more than happy with my 1er over my first year of ownership. Had a faultless 30k so far and never looked back since my transition to a 6 pot, RWD from a 4 pot, FWD.
Let's be honest though, it's no M3 and never will be. Sure if you chuck on some engine software it will be all over one in a straight line, but that is where the similarities will soon end. But for half the list price and running costs would do you expect?
For me it's the perfect balance of performance and comfort, especially coupled with the DCT box.. My advice would be to take one for a test drive and get an opinion for yourself mate.

[SteveC]

Originally Posted by Boz335i

First of all I just want to say is that the comment about DCT just being another auto is laughable and shows to me that they haven't driven one.

Comparing an M3 to a 135i is a tricky one, if you just want to race one in a straight line then you will win over 1/4 mile, not by a lot, but a significant amount more with a tune (referring back to the 12.7 last month at the pod, M3 would be around 13.3). You have a 240kg weight advantage which will be telling.

Put some bends in then no chance, M3 is a track ready car, with a very nice soundtrack.
For me, modding is addictive, so if you're into that, then get the 135i. The only thing that needs changing on the M3 would possibly be a upgrade to an aftermarket exhaust. I've never tried an M3 with DCT but I can imagine that it would be awesome.
I have a rule, that I never go to test drive a car that might make me disappointed with mine, unless I've got the money in my pocket to buy it.

Agree 100%. Especially the last paragraph. There's no better way to make yourself dissatisfied with what you already have than test driving something newer and better.

[dxb335d]

He test drove an E93 version.

[parapaul]

Same with buying a new car too - never drive the one you really want until you've exhausted all the other options...

[Boz335i]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

He test drove an E93 version.

Well spotted, almost half a ton difference then, that's like having 3 x 24 stone passengers sitting in the car with you

[dxb335d]

It's approx 200kg heavier. So nearly quarter of a ton.

Deffo blunts the Performance

[jonw]

Had a drive of a 135 DCT today cracking little car and going to order a alpine white Sport Plus spec one this week.

I can't justify buying or running an M3 not while the wife has a GT at the moment although I would really really like to have one on the drive.

What's the opinions on the Cobb/JB4 tunes for the N55 ?

[Boz335i]

Originally Posted by jonw

Had a drive of a 135 DCT today cracking little car and going to order a alpine white Sport Plus spec one this week.

I can't justify buying or running an M3 not while the wife has a GT at the moment although I would really really like to have one on the drive.

What's the opinions on the Cobb/JB4 tunes for the N55 ?

Congrats. You won't be disappointed.

I thought about the M3 but everything was double the price of the 335i, warranty, servicing, brakes etc. They're good, but not twice as good.

Speak to Ben (vtec_abuser), he has a tune on his N55.

[jonw]

Cheers Boz.
Going to add a bit of spec prof nav, xenons, heated seats, dab and HK stereo.
This will be the 4th 1 series me or the mrs has owned.

[Vtec Abuser]

Originally Posted by jonw

Had a drive of a 135 DCT today cracking little car and going to order a alpine white Sport Plus spec one this week.

I can't justify buying or running an M3 not while the wife has a GT at the moment although I would really really like to have one on the drive.

What's the opinions on the Cobb/JB4 tunes for the N55 ?

There is no Cobb tune available for the N55 yet, but there is the JB4 which gets great reviews and easily removed for dealer visits.

I too have a AW 135i DCT, so welcome to the club mate..

[Gibbo]

Jon, I assume the coupe must now be in it's last year of production. I would check if there is any BMW central discount support on the car to help you get a better deal.

[jonw]

Cheers Vic.

Gibbo yes some support this quarter on the 1 coupes plus not bad finance rate.

Dealer giving me decent trade in of 16.5 for my e93 as well.