rikk, I guess you are starting to fall in love with it gently??
It would have been a disappointment for me reading you would still go totally for the (cheaper, FWD) Golf. Although the Golf is a ripe and polished car, the RWD 1-series will have to blast it away in almost every relevant aspect.
Concerning the M135i, I guess you're right, the 125i is a magnificent balanced car, then M135i will certainly be a blast, every time again!
I can only dream of your 125i experience! Have fun with it man, every time again!