3002 tii
Active member
Sorry to disappoint if you were expecting an exotic but I'm a realistic dreamer 
No worries, I'm still keeping the Z. Over the last few months I have been mulling over what my next commuter car should be. I was considering anything from a Golf R to E90 M3 CPO and everything in between but I ultimately settled on a 2013 135is, which is a car I've lusted over since its press release late 2012. For those not familiar with this model, it's exclusive to the US but its essentially a 135i that comes equipped with certain BMW Performance parts as standard, mainly PPK v2 (which is an ecu tune and upgraded cooling), exhaust, wheels and other random aesthetic parts. Think m135i but on the older chassis and 7 speed DCT instead of 8 speed. I was able to scoop up a new one for over 14% below MSRP after negotiations, incentives and rebates. Car is loaded with Premium, Technology, M-sport, DCT, heated front seats and HK surround.
First impressions (after 20 miles)...
1) The run flats aren't as bad as I remember and this was coming home on I-95 (the worst freeway on the east coast).
2) The exhaust sound is intoxicating. I can see how some think the drone might get tiresome over time but I don't mind it at all
3) NO lag which is a pleasant surprise! When I test drove my friend's 135is DCT few weeks ago, I was shocked at the throttle response lag, especially when trying to merge onto a highway. That car was an early build so not sure if there's been a software update but there is no lag whatsoever. Press gas, car moves.
4) The "I-drive" or whatever this last iteration is called is more intuitive but still not great. I'll have to play around with it some more
5) Car is perfect size for a modern day sport coupe. The back seats are still usable, overall visibility is good and the seats provide good lumbar support (my factory M-sport seats on the Z4 were terrible in that regard).
6) Brakes are very smooth and linear. On the 335i I drove couple years ago, I was surprised how sensitive the brakes were. The slightest touch would grab hard. On the Z, it was the opposite. You would really have to apply pressure to get the initial deceleration. This is right in the middle, very linear and smooth, not overly touchy/sensitive.
7) Aesthetically, Le Mans blue is way more impressive than picture show. It's much darker than what you see online. The style 313 wheels have a very aggressive stance. Typically oe wheels need a 12-15mm spacer in he rear for a flush stance but the rears are already flush with the fender. The fronts could probably use a 10mm spacer but I may leave as is. Also the black accents (mirror caps, shadowline window trim, and black headliner) all add a unique subtle touch. The only modification I have planned is the Performance carbon fiber trunk lip:
Out with the old
In with the ONE
and the Z of course
Factory exhaust note
[youtube]0BpaGftZ9fU[/youtube]
No worries, I'm still keeping the Z. Over the last few months I have been mulling over what my next commuter car should be. I was considering anything from a Golf R to E90 M3 CPO and everything in between but I ultimately settled on a 2013 135is, which is a car I've lusted over since its press release late 2012. For those not familiar with this model, it's exclusive to the US but its essentially a 135i that comes equipped with certain BMW Performance parts as standard, mainly PPK v2 (which is an ecu tune and upgraded cooling), exhaust, wheels and other random aesthetic parts. Think m135i but on the older chassis and 7 speed DCT instead of 8 speed. I was able to scoop up a new one for over 14% below MSRP after negotiations, incentives and rebates. Car is loaded with Premium, Technology, M-sport, DCT, heated front seats and HK surround.
First impressions (after 20 miles)...
1) The run flats aren't as bad as I remember and this was coming home on I-95 (the worst freeway on the east coast).
2) The exhaust sound is intoxicating. I can see how some think the drone might get tiresome over time but I don't mind it at all
3) NO lag which is a pleasant surprise! When I test drove my friend's 135is DCT few weeks ago, I was shocked at the throttle response lag, especially when trying to merge onto a highway. That car was an early build so not sure if there's been a software update but there is no lag whatsoever. Press gas, car moves.
4) The "I-drive" or whatever this last iteration is called is more intuitive but still not great. I'll have to play around with it some more
5) Car is perfect size for a modern day sport coupe. The back seats are still usable, overall visibility is good and the seats provide good lumbar support (my factory M-sport seats on the Z4 were terrible in that regard).
6) Brakes are very smooth and linear. On the 335i I drove couple years ago, I was surprised how sensitive the brakes were. The slightest touch would grab hard. On the Z, it was the opposite. You would really have to apply pressure to get the initial deceleration. This is right in the middle, very linear and smooth, not overly touchy/sensitive.
7) Aesthetically, Le Mans blue is way more impressive than picture show. It's much darker than what you see online. The style 313 wheels have a very aggressive stance. Typically oe wheels need a 12-15mm spacer in he rear for a flush stance but the rears are already flush with the fender. The fronts could probably use a 10mm spacer but I may leave as is. Also the black accents (mirror caps, shadowline window trim, and black headliner) all add a unique subtle touch. The only modification I have planned is the Performance carbon fiber trunk lip:
Out with the old
In with the ONE
and the Z of course
Factory exhaust note
[youtube]0BpaGftZ9fU[/youtube]
south yorkshire