Test Drove today!

[mflint1513]

So I finally got to test drive one of these great cars today. Let me tell you something, it's by far the best BMW I've ever driven.:thumbup:

I've owned an e36 and currently own an e39. I used to borrow my friend's Z3 roadster and drove my buddy's X5 once over the winter. Hands down, the 135i beats all of them.

I'm 6''0", 200lbs and the front seat just wrapped around me like a glove. The dealer I test drove with was 6'4", 275lbs (former pro ball player) and he was also comfortable. Seriously, he stretched out and reclined just to show it could be done. Anyway, I was surprised that I liked the automatic as much as I did. The paddle shift, steptronic tranny was awesome. I got on the interstate and we were up to 80 mph in no time. He even let me have a little bit of fun and I "kiilled" a Porsche!

The backseat leaves something to be desired...like legroom. However, I plan on NEVER spending time back there (I can do it all just fine from the front seat, thank you very much :angel:) so the back seat isn't a big deal. For those of you that haven 't seen one of these, it's like any other lil' sports car that japanese makes have with a back seat that's there for insurance purposes only! Interestingly, we both sat in the 6 series as well and it had just as little leg room in the back. Funny.

Anyway, I'm going to go with the black saphire paint, black and tan interior, nav, premium sound, and all the good stuff!

I'm seriously impressed by this vehicle!

[Excitmnt94]

glad you got to test drive one! i have been waiting for weeks to get one in again so i can start doing test drives again. they are impressive to say the least.

[One&Only]

I'm with you...I've been driving a MINI, on and off track, for 4 years and after my test drive, I actually think I can give up the MINI....The 1 is all that & a bag 'O chips!!!!

Thanks to Adrian's BMW, my more than capable CA, I pick mind up, ED, July 27.

[Vitacura]

The 135i seems to be an amazing car. Can't wait till I can drive one around.

[scottn2retro]

In stock form, my driver said it felt a lot like an e39 M5 in a lot of ways (plenty of power, similar understeer).

Not the worst car to be compared to.

[jjb83]

i test drove the 135 coupe on friday, right after driving a 335 and a 335d (the "d" was a "drive for the cure" vehicle, as bmw does not officially import their 335 diesels into usa yet).

my expectation for the 135 was that it would be basically a cheaper feeling version of the 335.

but, WOW! i was TOTALLY AMAZED by how edgy and just plain fast this twin turbo feels in the 135, versus the 3 series! maybe the 135's suspension characteristics play a role here, in addition to the obvious weight savings.

anyway, for sheer driving fun, the 135 is the hands-down winner for me! this 135 puts a genuine smile on my face, and i didn't want to give this car back!

for what it's worth, i was least impressed by the 335d, but maybe in part because i began that drive with high expectations for it, based on the glowing reviews i've read from various european magazines. naturally the "d" was ok, but it didn't really stand out from its premium-unleaded cousin. both were somewhat upstaged by the 135's raw excitement, and the "d" has a slight, raspy, gurgling sound at idle and low rpm, almost like there's something small rumbling around inside.