07-17-2013, 11:56 PM | #24 |
Captain
48
Rep 723
Posts |
Haha...yeah, I noticed the shirt right away, too. Nice choice.
__________________
Previous - 2015 M4 - ZEC, M DCT, ZLP, Adaptive M Suspension, HK Audio
Previous - 2015 X3 xDrive35i - BSM, ZPP, ZCW, Nav, HK Audio Previous - 2013 135is (N55) - Carbon Black, ZPP, ZTP, DCT, HK audio, heated seats Previous - 2010 e90 335i (N54) - BSM, 6AT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Hi-Fi, Nav, BMW PPK & PE, Dinan S2 Previous - 2007 e90 335i (N54) - BSM, 6AT, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW, Hi-Fi |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 12:09 AM | #27 |
Enlisted Member
1
Rep 44
Posts |
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.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 12:49 AM | #28 | |
Brigadier General
268
Rep 3,290
Posts |
Quote:
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? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:08 AM | #29 |
Brigadier General
1342
Rep 4,100
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:11 AM | #30 | |
Second Lieutenant
95
Rep 227
Posts |
Quote:
But each to their own and I know I seem to be in the minority! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:20 AM | #32 | |
Second Lieutenant
95
Rep 227
Posts |
Quote:
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! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:20 AM | #33 |
Lieutenant Colonel
82
Rep 1,656
Posts |
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.
__________________
nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:48 AM | #36 |
Brigadier General
268
Rep 3,290
Posts |
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.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 01:56 AM | #37 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
82
Rep 1,656
Posts |
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:
__________________
nickname"BAD 3",MHD E85 tune,RennArt catback non-resonated exhaust,VRSF Downpipes, VRSF 7"FMIC,VRSF stock side inlets,SSQV BOV,ECS CP,M-performance alcantara steering,retrofit M3 paddle shifters,Alpina B3 tranny flash,AFE power seal CAI,LED angels,ST Coilovers,M3 upper/lower control arms,E93 M3 Front Swaybar ,235/35/19x9 ,275/30/19x9.5. M sport bumpers, CF diffuser. When in doubt..flat out.
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 02:06 AM | #38 | |
Brigadier General
268
Rep 3,290
Posts |
Quote:
The five and seven series are obviously even better, but I think the difference is smaller than in the old days. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 03:13 AM | #40 | |
Captain
110
Rep 931
Posts |
Quote:
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.
__________________
John
17 F87 M2 Pure - long beach blue 10 E91 320d LCI - space grey - black dakota - steptronic - innovations - 157s - front PDC - Konis 99 BMW Baby Racer - red; 05 Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup - French Racing Blue - Konis - Eibachs - Remus - Turinis |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 03:24 AM | #41 | |
Brigadier General
268
Rep 3,290
Posts |
Quote:
If the bumps are very high, it is possible to bottom out the suspension, which of course makes the car slightly unsettled. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-18-2013, 04:18 AM | #43 | |
Lieutenant General
1818
Rep 13,043
Posts
Drives: BMW M340I G20
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
|
Quote:
Last edited by creepy coupe; 07-18-2013 at 07:21 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|