[e92_m3]

Originally Posted by bmwaddict

Sorry! Reviews are really good, but the whole front end is a no go for me.

+1!

BMW needs to fix the front end. Car looks hurt.

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

i'm talking about the spirit of the car b/c there will not be a 1M again. The jury's out on whether there will actually be an M2, either....

"is" models are a joke, they're basically North American only "swan song" models as some sort of token of appreciation for us being the largest market, yet slighting us with a lot of the other performance models.

I would be willing to bet money that we'll see an M2, even in the shitty economy the 1M sold out very quickly and impressed the hell out of the press.

The M135i is a sportier 135i, but it wasn't designed with the same goals as the 1M was, it's a high performance 1 series but it is supposed to fit into this new category of half-way M cars whereas the 1M was much more...hardcore I guess is the word.

I agree with you on the is models, but the fact is those were regular cars with the performance suspension, exhaust, power kit, etc. bolted onto them and that's exactly what this M135i is. A real M car like the 1M and the theoretical M2 would be like the M3 and others with around 80% of their parts changed from the standard car.

[ovekvam]

In my opinion, the last hardcore ///M-car was the M3 CSL. Now the M cars are powerful, heavy, luxurious and rather comfortable, but not really purpose build for track duty, like some of them used to be. The 1M even had a turbo engine, with plenty of throttle lag. The M135 does not seem very different to me. They are very good cars, but the original M spirit is fading.

I have noticed that the F20 gets a LOT of critical comments on the looks from Americans on most car forums. This can probably explain why USA is not getting this car. It simply does not fit the American taste. If BMW wanted to sell this car in USA, I guess they would have styled it more like a Ford F150! :-)

Here in Norway I get plenty of positive comments on the looks of the F20, maybe except for my rather special choice of wheels for it.

[Sonnig]

Cool, difference is minor but effect is obvious.

[Ove]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

In my opinion, the last hardcore ///M-car was the M3 CSL. Now the M cars are powerful, heavy, luxurious and rather comfortable, but not really purpose build for track duty, like some of them used to be. The 1M even had a turbo engine, with plenty of throttle lag. The M135 does not seem very different to me. They are very good cars, but the original M spirit is fading.

I have noticed that the F20 gets a LOT of critical comments on the looks from Americans on most car forums. This can probably explain why USA is not getting this car. It simply does not fit the American taste. If BMW wanted to sell this car in USA, I guess they would have styled it more like a Ford F150! :-)

Here in Norway I get plenty of positive comments on the looks of the F20, maybe except for my rather special choice of wheels for it.

Where's the pictures of your car Ove?

[bmw1mc]

Good reviews but still looks like an elephants arse...

[MartinHattingh]

Originally Posted by bmw1mc

looks like an elephants arse...

Funny, I've always had this opinion about the entire E81 (and to a lesser extent the E82) family. In contrast, the F20's looks finally convinced me to buy a 1er...

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Ove

Where's the pictures of your car Ove?

There is a thread about it here:
http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704968

[Needsdecaf]

What this tells me is that the M3 is going to be epic....

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

What this tells me is that the M3 is going to be epic....

Epic as is best selling M3 yet, maybe. And probably fast too. But I don't think it can match the old ones when it comes to exciting driving experience. It will be full of luxury gadgets and driving aids that isolate the driver from the driving provess. My guess is that the new M3 will set new standards when it comes to slow throttle response and low fuel consumption.

I don't think it will ever reach the legendary status of the E30 M3 and E46 M3 CSL.

[SCOTT26]

I would not say that the car is a direct successor to the 1M Coupe , more of a successor to the 135iMSport. Journalists that say it is ? I cannot fathom exactly why? Except that the M135i is a car the meets all expectations like the 1M.

In regards to the E81 and E87 , BMW came close to introducing a 135i but then reconsidered as the Coupe and Cabrio's main party piece.
The US will get to experience this car but it will be in a Coupe and Cabrio body and be called the M235i.

The best thing I like about the 1er is that it is distinctive , it deliberately stands out and that is important, I do not give a Golf or Astra a second look because they have blended in, when you look at the 1er it stands out.
When you compare sales , the F20 has completely oversurpassed the previous E87 since they hit the market in the same time frame.

Looks may be subjective but I am sure that the F20 owners here have people glancing over their shoulder and giving their car a second look.

The whole BMW design revolution was to give each BMW that desirability and that noticeable effect and that has been an enormous success which has driven us to the very top.

[BMWDAD]

Should I buy one? autocar

None of this seriously diminishes the appeal of this car, which has to be one of the most entertaining in the entire BMW range, offers truly memorable go for the money and a highly capable and entertaining chassis besides. It’s a shame that the 1-series, three-door or not, doesn’t make a more appealing eyeful, like a Vauxhall Astra GTC. Maybe the next-gen 1-series coupé will fix that.

[ovekvam]

Originally Posted by formula M

How long have u been a car buyer, as ur comments^ seem a tad near-sighted...?

Americans cannot have an opinion on this 135i, because it is not sold here.. & if it was, BMW would remove the 6-manual, then try to sell it here as a german marketing joke.

Secondly, there of 50 States in the United States + Canada when u say North America. Each State has moAr people in it than Norway. Thus, there are 50x moAr "Americans" discussing BMWs here, than people from ur very small country. Ur comment is moot.

Thirdly, the 1M does not have turbo lag.

Fouth, farmers and home owners use trucks alot. As "Americans" spend moAr of their income on their homes (re-modeling, new kitchen, addition to the house, shrubbury, etc) than any other nation. Thus, a means of transporting those things.

Lastly, you might get alot of looks in Norway, because people can actually SEE THE CAR IN NORWAY....!

The F20 is my first brand new car, but I have been driving second hand cars for 22 years before.

I have been reading comments about F20 in several forums worldwide, and it seems to me like 90 percent of the Americans are negative towards the look of the F20. In UK it gets mixed reviews, while comments from other countries are mostly positive.

I don't believe that the 1M has no turbo lag. I have driven plenty of turbo cars (not the 1M), and they all have a lag. I have read journalists say that even my F20 116i and the 335i do not have turbo lag anymore, but my experience is that the lag is indeed very noticeable.

The F150 comment was meant as a joke, but there is a difference between the general taste in car looks between countries. Hatchbacks are not very popular in USA and China. Special sedan versions are made for these markets.
In Southern Europe, hatchbacks are very popular, while station wagons are very popular in Nordic countries.

[jozeff]

Originally Posted by formula M

Secondly, there of 50 States in the United States + Canada when u say North America. Each State has moAr people in it than Norway. Thus, there are 50x moAr "Americans" discussing BMWs here, than people from ur very small country. Ur comment is moot.

Poor yanks!!! Upset their national, arrogant, "we are the most mighty nation in the world, therefore all car company's should kiss our feet" attitude!!

[ticamihai2003]

I am very excited about the M135i but like most of the posts in this thread I would have to agree the car doesn't look as well as it drives. This, though, is not a big minus for me. I would still go for the M135i or 125i M sport if my budget isn't great. Although I like the looks of the new Merc A class a lot, I would still go for a 1'er without thinking twice.

I am just waiting for the insurance money on my car and then I will order a 1'er....if the new MINI F56 doesn't make me change my mind .

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by formula M

Secondly, there of 50 States in the United States + Canada when u say North America. Each State has moAr people in it than Norway. Thus, there are 50x moAr "Americans" discussing BMWs here, than people from ur very small country. Ur comment is moot.

Norway has 5 003 900 (april 2012) inhabitants. A small country indeed.
Of the 50 states in the US, 22 have more than 5 millions. Colorado slightly more, Alabama slightly less.

[Superspeed]

M135i isn't a true M-car, and was not intended to be, and I do agree about the M badge being watered down.
In the 60's and 70's the BMW's ran circles around almost any car without any other badge than the blue-white propeller.
Still I give BMW credit for making cars that outperform it's competitors. Only they should do it without the M. It's in the genes.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by ovekvam

Epic as is best selling M3 yet, maybe. And probably fast too. But I don't think it can match the old ones when it comes to exciting driving experience. It will be full of luxury gadgets and driving aids that isolate the driver from the driving provess. My guess is that the new M3 will set new standards when it comes to slow throttle response and low fuel consumption.

I don't think it will ever reach the legendary status of the E30 M3 and E46 M3 CSL.

Sorry, I disagree.

I don't hold the E30 M3 and CSL as my ultimate M cars. SO I guess we won't agree.

[Diver]

Let's hope the coupe has all the good attributes of this car with more style.

[ESC OFF]

This silly American would buy one!

[BMWDAD]

Back on topic, I am extremely interested in replacing my 08 335i coupe, with a 2 series coupe M235i or M228i (usa) as long as it has the dynamics of the M135i hatch.

Looks like BMW has done it again. When you guys get your M135i's lets hear from you. But do not make us to jealous.

[bimmerboy]

Sorry but i see no comparison to the 1M, this is basically an updated 135i....

Kinda offensive IMO to be comparing this car to the 1M actually.