What to replace an F21 M135i manual with?

[pvr]

Golf R.

Fantastic car, but not really a cost saving element compared to the 135 ...

[M1k3yC]

idej_z4, did you drive the newest 3 cylinder ST or the previous gen 4 cylinder? I have considered the 4 cylinder and tried to test drive one a few years ago. Ford weren't interested because the car they had was not the spec I wanted (and therefore I wouldn't buy it), despite me being serious at the time about getting one and happy for that particular dealership to source it. That and the fact I've owned two Fords previously (2004 Focus and a 2007 Fiesta ST150) puts me off a bit. Both of those cars drove well, but neither felt all that special to me. I know that the newer Fiesta STs are an improvement, but there's so many Fiestas on the road.

R60BBA, yes, the Golf R is a nice vehicle but it's more car than I need. May as well stick with the M135i.

Interesting that the Audi isn't getting any love and several people think I should keep the M-lite.

[bmbardo]

I’ve owned an M135i and bought an R56 JCW for my wife. I’ve also got an Abarth 180 Comp on order.

I liked the Mini and enjoyed driving it, but we had it at the same time as the M135i and there was no comparison. The M135i is just streets ahead in every way.

After I sold my Z4C I bought an E92 M3 hoping it would deliver the same thrill as the M135i. It didn’t, it was the most disappointing car I’ve ever owned and the M135i was a much better car.

I’m looking forward to the 595, after 2 years with the Abarth 124 Spider. I had huge fun with the Spider, a great car with so much character. I hope the 595 delivers the same, but I know now that it won’t come anywhere near the M135i.

You may have guessed I voted to keep the M135i. An amazing all round package.

[Player 1]

You could get a lot of Toyota GT86 for £20k and you can drive the pants off it everywhere

[M1k3yC]

I've been tempted by a GT86 on and off. I can't really justify owning that and the Z4 Coupe because I think there is too much overlap in what they offer as rear wheel drive sports cars.

bmbardo, when do you get your 595? I got the impression it was a short lead time when you told me about it a few weeks ago. What was the reason you didn't go back to an M135i? Plenty on the secondhand market.

Something I haven't mentioned is that I want a sunroof. I've had a few cars with sunroofs and I miss having one. So a cheeky exhaust and sunroof are high up on the list! My M-lite was a bit of a compromise spec (for me) because I got it just before the M140i came in and I could only choose from a small number of prebuilt cars. Mine has Harmon Kardon, red leather, adaptive suspension, and a manual box (all good), but it's white (looks amazing only when very clean) and does not have a sunroof. Ideally I would have had blue with a sunroof, or even an M235i.

[bmbardo]

Hi Mike

The 595 was due to be delivered last Tuesday latest, but still no show. Apparently there are issues with the transport company as other dealers are having the same issues. The car is in the UK, but where I don’t know!

Lead time is 12-14 weeks for a factory build.

If it takes much longer I’ll have to reconsider options. I have been looking at M135 / 140, but if I do go down the BMW route it will be the 235/240 or another nice Z4C. Now I wonder who might have one of those?

Also looking at changing the X5. There is a good deal on the new X3M Competition, but I think my wife would cut them off if I did.

[sars]

If you don’t need four seats, how about an MX5, probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on

[M1k3yC]

if I do go down the BMW route it will be the 235/240 or another nice Z4C. Now I wonder who might have one of those?

In a very recent twist of events, my parents might take mine off my hands. They/we (it's a family heirloom practically) have a 1967 MGB GT, but despite having a recent restoration and now an ongoing engine rebuild it spends more time off the road than on. The current thinking is they may part ways with the MG and have the Z4 instead since at least they can actually use it.

If you don’t need four seats, how about an MX5, probably the most fun you can have with your clothes on

Funny you should mention that. I was mulling over an MX-5 ND and going the BBR Super 200 route (minus decals): https://bbrgti.com/products/bbr-mx-5-nd-super-200

I spend more time reading about cars than driving them I should be doing some test drives soon, though. The intention was to go tomorrow, but it looks like rain all day and I want a dry test drive.

[Mr Tidy]

Personally I'd rather have an M135i than any of the other cars mentioned - but if I really felt the need for a change maybe an M240i or M2 would fit the bill!

[M1k3yC]

Test drove an F56 JCW today - https://approvedusedminis.co.uk/vehicle/201910253686660

I was underwhelmed. It didn't seem much, if at all, quicker than a Cooper S. Unfortunately, there wasn't anywhere we could really open it up. The exhaust is hilarious, though, I'll give it that!

20191115_140154861_iOS.jpg (369.86 KiB) Viewed 1196 times

[LeeZ4MR]

Test drove an F56 JCW today - https://approvedusedminis.co.uk/vehicle/201910253686660

I was underwhelmed. It didn't seem much, if at all, quicker than a Cooper S. Unfortunately, there wasn't anywhere we could really open it up. The exhaust is hilarious, though, I'll give it that!

20191115_140154861_iOS.jpg

I think in comparison to your manual M135i I'd also feel a bit underwhelmed by it too. I think one of the big reasons why I love my F56 Cooper S so much is because I had a E90 330i auto before it...which was about as exciting to drive as watching paint dry. So the MINI was a breath of fresh air in comparison for me.

[bmbardo]

Mike

The Abarth was delivered today, I pick it up on Tuesday.

Picture for you of my M135i and JCW a couple of years ago. You’re right about the exhaust on the JCW, but they are also quick when you get chance to open it up. They need driving harder, differently, to the M135i.

[M1k3yC]

Glad the Abarth turned up! I'd be interested to know how you get on with it and how it compares to the JCW you had. Nice picture - must have been difficult to decide which vehicle to use!

[TitanTim]

Keep the 1er and get a diff fitted. The other considerations it wouldn't be worth swapping IMHO. As you said yourself you love the 1er and I think other cars would be disappointing after a while for overall daily use.

Tim.

[enuff_zed]

Test drove an F56 JCW today - https://approvedusedminis.co.uk/vehicle/201910253686660

I was underwhelmed. It didn't seem much, if at all, quicker than a Cooper S. Unfortunately, there wasn't anywhere we could really open it up. The exhaust is hilarious, though, I'll give it that!

20191115_140154861_iOS.jpg

Interestingly, wifey was looking at a convertible Cooper S last weekend. Salesman offered her a weekend with the JCW equivalent to see how she got on with it (coming from a 220d converible).
He quite happily stated that she would not notice much, if any, difference in performance between the S and the JCW. His opinion was that the JCW picked up quicker after 70 mph, but before that, not enough difference to be really worthwhile.
I haven't driven either, so cannot comment; but was surprised a salesman gave such an honest opinion!