[MeganeTrophyGuy]

Though I got flamed by a bunch of M3 owners the last time I posted how much I like the M135i (and I am an ex-M3 and Alpina B3S owner), I had such an amazing drive yesterday that I feel almost compelled to write again…

I've owned the car for 8 months and have always been impressed by how fast, tactile and easy it is to change directions in this (at least for BMW) lightweight, small speed demon, but this weekend was the first time I really pushed its limits in my favorite kind of driving (not on the circuit, though I do that sometimes too).

I should begin by saying the only mod I have is the extremely well-judged M-Performance aftermarket exhaust and a new set of Super Sports at all 4 corners.

Did a 5 hour mountain drive (with a good friend in a Cooper S) through the gorgeous and very challenging hills of Izu and Hakone, about 2 hours outside of Tokyo and I just could not stop smiling or laughing as I attacked some of the most challenging, tight, cliff-hugging roads in Japan. I have taken every sports car I've owned up there countless times (987 Boxtser S, Megane Trophy, Golf Gti, Alfa 147 Gti, Impreza Sti, M3, Alpina), and this car was, by a wide margin, the most exhilarating and fun drive I have ever had there!

The suspension setup may appear to be a little "soft" to some, certainly softer than my Megane or Boxtser, but was almost perfect on tight, winding roads. No matter what combination of hairpin, sweeper or quick change in elevation, the M135 changed directions predictably, quickly and fluidly, almost like a ballerina dancer. The insane power deliver meant that I could literally FLY in and out of turns and the brakes had almost no fade at all despite my constant, all-out assault on the mountain roads. The sound of the engine, especially with the many crackles and pops on over run really added to the experience. I think that some of it has to do with how small and light the car is, some with the versatility of the 320hp turbo straight 3, and some of it to do with it being RWD (I never missed the lack of a mechanical diff).

Anyway, as much as I have truly enjoyed this car during my normal daily commute and occasional highway blasts, this weekend's drive has made me look at and appreciate the M135is depth of ability in a new way. I don't have enough adjectives to describe how good it is so I will just end by saying that I am truly in awe of this car, one of the best cars to come out of Munich in 30 years!….