What to replace an F21 M135i manual with?

[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?

:rofl: 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! :lol:

 

[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!

 

[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!

 

[LeeZ4MR]

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!

The JCW is quite a bit heavier than the S for some reason too. So that could also explain why there isn't that much difference in performance even though it has 30(ish) bhp more.

 

[bmbardo]

Well Mike I collected the 595 on Tuesday and very happy with it. With working I’ve only done 30 miles, but it handles really well and sounds lovely. I like the infotainment system and the seats are great.

It’s the 70 Anniversary Edition in Circuit Grey with the special badging and stitching to the seats. There was a nice Campovolo Grey one awaiting collection, looked very well. Asphalt Grey is also a great colour with a matte finish.

The driving and pedal position is a bit odd at first, but I’m ok with it now.

Let us know what you go for.

 

[M1k3yC]

This week's been busy with work so any progress on this was firmly put on hold. Glad to hear you're happy with the 595. I'll try and drive one soon to see if I enjoy it. Interestingly, the Mini salesman that let me test drive the JCW last week also quite readily said he didn't think there was much difference between the S and JCW. The latest GP has just been properly launched, but I don't think it's worth buying new.

I had thought about modifying the 1 series. I'd be more likely to go to an M235i/M240i or an M2 Competition instead, though.