BMW 1-Series Forum (F20) 135i - 1Addicts.com > Second Generation 1 Series Forum > 2012 BMW 1-Series Sporthatch (F20) Discussion > Chris Harris Drives the M135i vs. A45 AMG
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      07-17-2013, 11:10 PM   #23
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And i second carlos lago. I even like the fat dude who looks like that fat actor.
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      07-17-2013, 11:56 PM   #24
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The reviewer is a win due to Slayer t shirt.

Any metal heads in here??
Haha...yeah, I noticed the shirt right away, too. Nice choice.
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      07-17-2013, 11:59 PM   #25
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You have to be on crack to think the M135i interior is better.


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      07-18-2013, 12:03 AM   #26
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Ive been confused why all reviews of the A45 AMG doesn't compare it to the M135i xDrive... Of course the AWD will have more grip...
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      07-18-2013, 12:09 AM   #27
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I do understand we are comparing stock to stock... but in the real world if you invested the savings over the A45 AMG into the M135i... you will have a forced to be reckoned with as well... Chip, Downpipes, Intake, Intercooler... I wouldn't think the A45 would be close.
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      07-18-2013, 12:49 AM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerNFS View Post
Ive been confused why all reviews of the A45 AMG doesn't compare it to the M135i xDrive... Of course the AWD will have more grip...
More traction off the line, but also more weight that would generally make it slower. The reason they don't use the X-drive for comparison, is that it is not available with right hand steering. And the reason they don't compare the Mercedes to the 1M, is that the 1M is not available at all, and it has not been for quite a while.

I find it interesting that Chris Harris thinks the suspension setup (bushings and all) is too soft for bumpy roads when pushing the car. We have quite a few roads like that in Norway, and I think this is really where the 116i M-Sport shines. It soaks up the bumps while staying perfectly in balance. Maybe the lower weight of the 116i makes the difference?
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      07-18-2013, 01:08 AM   #29
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The X drive I think would get flogged by this purpose build AWD merc, the 1M, I think, would be eaten by the merc.

The BM X drive is an afterthought and, as mentioned elsewhere, is not available in RHD. The 1M is a 7 year old platform that has had an M3 underside make over and a tune. There's alsways a new toy, and thank god for merc in this instance, they have lifted the bar, BM and Audi et al will have no choice but to lift their game and adjust their pricing accordingly.

Re the subject of pricing, not all markets are the same, down under the A45 is RRP almost $30,000 cheaper than a base Boxster and $37,000 less than a Cayman.
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      07-18-2013, 01:11 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackJetE90 View Post
You have to be on crack to think the M135i interior is better.


The A45 seats are very nice and the interior is more unique and "special" feeling, but I must be on crack coz I prefer the M135i interior. The A45 seems like its trying a little too hard and I can't get over the screen that seems tacky and like an afterthought.

But each to their own and I know I seem to be in the minority!
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      07-18-2013, 01:12 AM   #31
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Good review but useless. We cant get either of these cars in the US.

I always see hot hatches the ultimate street racing/darting machines.
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      07-18-2013, 01:20 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine* View Post
The X drive I think would get flogged by this purpose build AWD merc, the 1M, I think, would be eaten by the merc.

The BM X drive is an afterthought and, as mentioned elsewhere, is not available in RHD. The 1M is a 7 year old platform that has had an M3 underside make over and a tune. There's alsways a new toy, and thank god for merc in this instance, they have lifted the bar, BM and Audi et al will have no choice but to lift their game and adjust their pricing accordingly.

Re the subject of pricing, not all markets are the same, down under the A45 is RRP almost $30,000 cheaper than a base Boxster and $37,000 less than a Cayman.
I agree that in Australia the pricing is definitely not as markedly different than in the UK. I've generally preferred BMW to Mercedes (personal preference) and decided on the M135 over the A45. The price difference was still significant (A45 is $10-15k more on road than the spec I wanted, although it does come with more standard features), we preferred the look of the M135i both inside and out (I know, unbelievable but just not a fan of the A class exterior) and like the fact that its RWD and has that awesome, under stressed 6 cylinder and 8sp auto.

Plenty of people will prefer the A45's looks and interior and I'm sure point to point it is a quicker machine than the M135 (or a lot of things for that matter). Both awesome cars and the competition can only be good for the hot hatch market!
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      07-18-2013, 01:20 AM   #33
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I like Chris Harris and his attention to details in a review. A 4 cylinder with 345hp now that is some thing crazy insane. For the noise though the inline-6 seems to have it covered.

Seems like both cars are good in their own way. I think this comparison will be more fair once the 1M comes out. The new BMW EPS setup with overly light steering feel and bit of numbness on that track was described spot on by Chris Harris. You can get good lap times but not right off the bat got a do few laps to get a hang of it.

It must be a MB and BMW thing to use cheap hard plastic in their lower level cars now. I find it to be the same story in F30 3 series. However, Lexus I guess is not following this cost cutting trend of using hard cheap plastic materials.
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      07-18-2013, 01:36 AM   #34
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Wonder if the car Chris was driving had the sports exhaust?

For a 4-banger it sounds damn good.


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      07-18-2013, 01:41 AM   #35
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Awesome video, he made me say f**k me lol.
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      07-18-2013, 01:48 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayani_1 View Post
It must be a MB and BMW thing to use cheap hard plastic in their lower level cars now. I find it to be the same story in F30 3 series. However, Lexus I guess is not following this cost cutting trend of using hard cheap plastic materials.
I don't think this is a cost cut trend. The interior in the F20/F21 feels less cheap than the previous 1 series. In this market segment, I think the interior quality feel has never been better than now. I guess Audi is still slightly ahead, but BMW is catching up.
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      07-18-2013, 01:56 AM   #37
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The problem is not with the entire interior. It is not with switch gear as they still feel high quality. It is the rest of cheap plastic specially that is scattered through out the cars.

Are you sure you are not confusing the interior looks with feel of quality fit and finish. Because even though the interior imparts improved looks the fit and finish of materials is not up to par. One can tell a clear difference upon touching the hard plastic.

It is quiet evident even in slightly upper level new F30 3 series. I guess it stops with the F10 5 series for BMW.


Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post
I don't think this is a cost cut trend. The interior in the F20/F21 feels less cheap than the previous 1 series. In this market segment, I think the interior quality feel has never been better than now. I guess Audi is still slightly ahead, but BMW is catching up.
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      07-18-2013, 02:06 AM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kayani_1 View Post
The problem is not with the entire interior. It is not with switch gear as they still feel high quality. It is the rest of cheap plastic specially that is scattered through out the cars.

Are you sure you are not confusing the interior looks with feel of quality fit and finish. Because even though the interior imparts improved looks the fit and finish of materials is not up to par. One can tell a clear difference upon touching the hard plastic.
I think the interior material quality is good compared to previous generations of small BMWs (1-series, E36 and E46 Compact). I particularly like the pad on the side of the center console, where the driver can rest the leg. Very few cars have details like that.

The five and seven series are obviously even better, but I think the difference is smaller than in the old days.
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      07-18-2013, 02:08 AM   #39
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I personally like the Mercedes
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      07-18-2013, 03:13 AM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ovekvam View Post

I find it interesting that Chris Harris thinks the suspension setup (bushings and all) is too soft for bumpy roads when pushing the car. We have quite a few roads like that in Norway, and I think this is really where the 116i M-Sport shines. It soaks up the bumps while staying perfectly in balance. Maybe the lower weight of the 116i makes the difference?
I know what he means - I think when you are really loading the chassis up laterally on smoothly-surfaced but undulating roads, you do get the sense of a little squidge or vagueness from the rear. I actually decided to increase my tyre pressures a few psi and found this improved that feeling without any obvious loss of grip for hard road driving (might be a different issue on track), but suspect it is in part tyre characteristic and part bushings.

Some of the roads I saw in Norway were quite demanding, and in country Australia we have some appallingly chopped up surfaces - patched tarmac along with subsidence . I was very happy with how the compliance of the M135i allowed the car to manage corners on these roads, finding grip and remaining controlled. Given the car isn't developed with our little country in mind I was surprised how purpose-built it felt.
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      07-18-2013, 03:24 AM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnydad View Post
I know what he means - I think when you are really loading the chassis up laterally on smoothly-surfaced but undulating roads, you do get the sense of a little squidge or vagueness from the rear. I actually decided to increase my tyre pressures a few psi and found this improved that feeling without any obvious loss of grip for hard road driving (might be a different issue on track), but suspect it is in part tyre characteristic and part bushings.
The M135i is heavier, runs on wider Pilot Supersports (mine has narrower Sport 3), and it has a lot more power. I guess that loads up the rear suspension more than what is possible with the 116i.

If the bumps are very high, it is possible to bottom out the suspension, which of course makes the car slightly unsettled.
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      07-18-2013, 03:50 AM   #42
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A45 is one quick bugger, .5 seconds faster at 1/4 mi..
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      07-18-2013, 04:18 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnnydad View Post
I know what he means - I think when you are really loading the chassis up laterally on smoothly-surfaced but undulating roads, you do get the sense of a little squidge or vagueness from the rear. I actually decided to increase my tyre pressures a few psi and found this improved that feeling without any obvious loss of grip for hard road driving (might be a different issue on track), but suspect it is in part tyre characteristic and part bushings.
Yes. I upped the tyre pressure a few days ago and it has helped with the rear end feedback. might drop the fronts back down the OEM as they feel a touch light now.

Last edited by creepy coupe; 07-18-2013 at 07:21 AM..
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      07-18-2013, 04:44 AM   #44
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M235i Vs CLA45 AMG
Nothing will change.
Only 'true' M vs AMG will make a difference.
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