1,200 miles in the 135is (long!)

[zhpnsnv]

Back in Febtober, you all helped me order a 135is (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?8073-Help-me-order-a-135is).

Since then, I ordered the car, sold my ZHP, drove a 1991 325iX and a Dodge Caliber, then took delivery on December 9th (or thereabouts). After a month and 1,200 miles, I'm ready to share some impressions and comparisons having moved on from a 3.5 year/75k mile experience in an IR/Alcantara 330i ZHP.

The Order
Not looking to purchase a new car, I went to my USAA account online to see if I could pay off my ZHP before the end of 2012. As I clicked around, I saw a shiny link that said, "Save $4,000 on a BMW!" Now, I'd always had a bit of a thing for the E82 since it came here in '08, even to the point that I contacted dealers in the Spring of '12 to see if I could drive a manual 135i. Not having any to drive, I forgot about the itch and enjoyed my ZHP.

Then this link winked at me, so I clicked it. Then I clicked a bunch more when it asked me to spec up the car I wanted. Then I clicked "yes" when it asked if I wanted to submit my inquiry to local USAA dealers. Then I clicked my e-mail inbox 5 minutes later to find a dealership in NY proclaiming that they could get me a 2013 135is for under dealer invoice (+ 7% off MSRP). Interesting. I e-mailed back that he'd have to do better. He did.

This caused the initial conundrum: I've procured the price I'm willing to pay for a car I think I want, but I've never driven one, and I still love my ZHP.

So I left it alone for a little while until I got a call from another local dealership responding to my request to drive a 135i from the Spring. Except this test drive would be with a 135is. And I had a price I was willing to pay. All roads were leading to a new car no matter how I tried to fight it.

I called up my car-purchasing partner (my dad), and we went to the dealership to drive the car.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/347AA8D7-4602-4207-B994-ADD708A1C9E3-11283-00000EBA3FCF6874.jpg

It was parked right next to the building, which I didn't think was significant at the time. I took note of the style 313 wheels, the black mirrors, and the disappointingly chrome grilles, as well as the performance exhaust:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/3F816276-F026-4897-958F-B1FFED7893DF-11283-00000EBA43156AF9.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/C0716166-3146-4688-B1ED-B08F9EB9E4C0-11283-00000EBA50FB33AA.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/31B8BC2F-CA53-409B-95D4-A5FD5A0A6E69-11283-00000EBA4A2FA58B.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/61B8D562-54AC-416F-807F-8865A7B3732A-11283-00000EBA46225AEB.jpg

It all seemed to be standard E82, to be honest. Then my CA came out with the keys and started the thing. The Performance exhaust cold start reverberated off of the glass windows, called everyone to attention, and rumbled and growled its way to operating temperature. My father is typically not amused by this sort of thing; we both giggled and were basically amazed a car would come from the factory sounding like this thing does.

No turning back, I test drove the car. After, I sent Keith a picture text of it. His response was something to the effect of, "Looks like a Marc-mobile." Smart guy!

Driving the car convinced me I could move on from the ZHP, so we began negotiating price. The dealership couldn't match the USAA guaranteed price, then they insulted me for the trade-in on my ZHP, so I walked out and hastily made an illegal "feeler" thread here for my ZHP.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/029F1571-6CD4-4790-90C5-9E5D731E28CA-11283-00000EB915E80130.jpg

This is my ZHP leaving my driveway with its great new owner:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/84575985-354C-4D9D-80B1-EF0ECB1C2B3A-11283-00000EBA78678A2E.jpg
:crying

With my in a comfy-garaged new home, and I was without a car until I saw my friend and local CCA chapter president Larry at 7-11, who offered his extra bimmer to me:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/CA9CC929-6B46-4DC0-BDD3-A4E6EC6255B8-11283-00000EBA75098D75.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/529332EE-6745-4197-93D4-4713EC12112C-11283-00000EBA714969D4.jpg

In the meantime, I put in my official order with your help:
2013 135is
Space Gray
Coral Red
Heated Seats

I went back and forth with Space vs. Titanium, and I even seriously considered going with the LeMans Blue that I test drove since it's the "official" 135is color (as IR is the official ZHP color) and comes with the is-only blue stitching on the interior. Nevertheless, the poll you helped me with was conclusive.

At this point, the order was placed, my car was gone, and the wait began.

The Wait

The wait seemed to be interminable. Basically, I spent hours tracking the car's progress, calling the hotline, threatening to cancel the order, and watching every youtube video of every 135i ever made, twice.

I also ordered my winters during the wait:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/8ECBD745-47B5-4249-A7DD-7A2DFDF3A921-11283-00000EBA9BA89419.jpg

Driving the 325iX was an absolute blast, and it was appropriate, because to me the E82 is more related to the E30 in looks and proportion and performance than the 2002 of its marketing campaign.

Driving the rental dodge caliber was gross.

Finally, after placing the order in early October, the car was ready for me in mid December.

Delivery Day:

Delivery day coincided with a weekend I was to spend with my two best friends from high school, so they and my original car-buying partner (dad) all saddled up and headed north to the NY dealership to pick up my new ride.

I arrived to the dealership with minimal fanfare. My car was nowhere to be found, and my CA wasn't there to greet me. The dealership was busily helping other customers. Once I found my CA, he took me to the delivery section of the dealership, where I saw the 1er for the first time:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/717A85A4-B26D-47E2-BCEA-C5C306542BA6-3108-000000FA147ED3FD.jpg

Then I started it for the first time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db67dEbVzpQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db67dEbVzpQ

Then I stopped worrying about the coral red being too bright:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/73A40CBE-D4E2-4771-871C-6408B3981082-3108-000000FA07FE5906.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/B3A0E011-BB43-4414-B01B-769E2A3B3C49-3108-000000FA1F42E3D0.jpg

After I signed some papers, I was ready to take it home:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/18cd477c276a2af42d988a234dd3ec82.jpg

First stop, took my buddies to my place of work (where we may or may not have transformed the gymnasium into a modern-day american gladiator arena as we created our own version of the Eliminator):
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/6c646722105fdbd837f744a7945a053b.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/3610FEE3-D9FB-4E99-BD88-7505197335C1-3108-000000FA1C4D8F49.jpg

Breaking In

I'm one who believes the BMW hype of break-in periods. As such, I pledged not to rev the car past 5k rpm, but I made no promises as to how I would get to 5k rpm:biggrin. While I didn't have red-line fun during break-in, I had plenty of fun.

Mods

Ha, mods. I'm such an OEM fan that I never thought I'd ever have a section of anything entitled "mods." Still, I made three (actually 4 with clearbra):

Tint:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/C6072948-EF89-4504-82F8-75EC0D106BD4-10354-000003A50AED0812.jpg

Winters:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/396B2817-A2A1-4A0D-8DD9-46AD520881AF-17419-00000681FE710E62.jpg

Grilles:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/EF43ED8D-B638-450C-9CAB-02816C1DC58C-1505-0000008DD710B7CE.jpg

Alright already, how does it DRIVE?!

This car is frantic. It does everything NOW. Insane acceleration? Yes, please, NOW. Darty steering? Yes please, NOW. Bumps and shakes thanks to the run-flat tires? Yes, NOW and ALWAYS.

It is easily faster than my ZHP below 5k rpm, and the steering is just as good as the E82 still uses a real-deal hydraulic power steering system. The suspension with runflats is as you'd expect the ZHP to be if it were plagued with runflat tires: harsh. With regular tires, it's perfect, so I plan to ditch the runflats in the spring and keep them in case I ever need to get rid of the car.

While there are a lot of similarities between driving an E82 and a ZHP, you can tell the E82 is a 1 and the ZHP is a 3. The ZHP is more refined, smoother, and it feels to be better put-together to me. I'm not complaining, because I've always wanted BMW to make a NEWER car LESS refined, and they've went and done it with this car, but if your desire is a refined, smooth, silky, performance car, then you're not going to do better than a ZHP (except for with an E46 M3, I'd say). But if you've got a hankering for some real power in a similarly communicative and well-proportioned package, well then it becomes obvious why everyone loves their 1ers.

I doubt I'll ever be more comfortable in any car than I was in my ZHP's alcantara and cloth heaven. But the 1's interior is as it should be: not so barren as the E90, and still driver-oriented and simple as I like. The steering wheel is beefy, the shifter (not my favorite) has a shorter throw and has more positive feedback than the ZHP's, and the seats with the adjustable lumbar and inflatable side bolsters are definitely a step up. The red is perfect - much deeper than pictures show.

Because this car is noticeably less refined than the E46 platform, you feel the performance exhaust run past 1,800 rpm up to 2,100 rpm. It vibrates your bottom and reminds you that you're not driving some luxo-barge.

So I'm loving it, very much, as it crackles and burbles its way into my heart.

My Favorite Parts of the 1:
- Space Gray/Coral is amazing each time I look at it.
- Performance exhaust is almost too loud, but I'd go into a depression if it wasn't on my car.
- The added power of the PPK2 makes this car more powerful than I'll ever need, so no thoughts of tunes or anything else of the like.
- The 313 wheels are incredibly impressive in person. Wasn't sure I'd love them, but I do.
- Low-end torque fits my driving style, especially around town. Having something near 300 lb/ft available at 1,800 rpm = :blink.
- With the proper tires, this car will feel and handle as it should.
- Bluetooth is awesome!
- Cold start - it startles everyone!

Undecided on:
- Leather in general vs. cloth. Can't imagine I'll like the leather better in the end.
- Lack of a dipstick - I'm checking the oil frequently, but I don't know if the computer is accurate!

Dislike:
- Automatic wipers are stupid and can't be made to only go intermittently based on what I want instead of vehicle speed (looking to get this programmed out).
- Smaller gas tank = much shorter range than E46.
- Lack of donut spare (have BMW mobility kit like M-cars).

In all:

Do I miss my ZHP? Of course. But I think this E82 will be one to remember, and I think it'll provide me with about 3-5 years of Freude Am Fahren, which seems to be how long I keep cars before I get the itch for something else. This will be the first time I won't profess to keep the car forever, because we all know that won't happen. But in the meantime, it's causing lots of grins and keeping me young, as it seems to be a decidedly less mature car than the E46:biggrin.

[danewilson77]

Great writeup, Marc. Very informative. I will point to this if some asks about a 1.


Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hornung418]

Cant wait to see this 1er in person.

Great write up, Marc.

From a GS3, this was sent.

[brettbimmer]

She looks great Marc! Enjoy her!

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[zhpnsnv]

Thanks all! Justin, I won't be @ the fam reunion. We will have to figure something else out. I can't say I really own the car until you drive it and teach me something obvious about it I didn't already know ;) hahaha

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Very nice write up.

[S85FTW]

Love the car, nice write up. Glad to see you are enjoying the 1. I have to say even the F30 is leaps and bounds better than the E90. I dreaded driving my wifes old car to work, but now with the F30 that turbo motor and having all that torque available immediately makes me feel perfectly fine not driving the M. And IMO that says a lot about bmw's turbo motors.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I won't be @ the fam reunion.

That's right. Since getting the 135, you won't be seeing us any longer.

:biggrin

[zhpnsnv]

That's right. Since getting the 135, you won't be seeing us any longer.

:biggrin

You wish it was so easy to be rid of me!!!! :)

[danewilson77]

That's right. Since getting the 135, you won't be seeing us any longer.

:biggrin


You wish it was so easy to be rid of me!!!! :)

Dunno....seems to have worked. :dunno

[Hornung418]

Thanks all! Justin, I won't be @ the fam reunion. We will have to figure something else out. I can't say I really own the car until you drive it and teach me something obvious about it I didn't already know ;) hahaha

What are you driving to the philky auto show?!?!?

From a GS3, this was sent.

[UdubBadger]

Loved reading. Makes me miss my girl


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[zhpnsnv]

What are you driving to the philky auto show?!?!?

From a GS3, this was sent.

Was gonna catch a ride with BP

[Hornung418]

Well it looks like I'm due for a trip north in the future :)

From a GS3, this was sent.

[zhpnsnv]

Dunno....seems to have worked. :dunno

False, attendance at family reunion has nothing to do with car and everything to do with employment.

[zhpnsnv]

Well it looks like I'm due for a trip north in the future :)

From a GS3, this was sent.

Damn right. We should have a mafia party at this house. I was told to use it accordingly.

[Hornung418]

Hehe. I'm game!

From a GS3, this was sent.

[M0nk3y]

Good write-up.

I actually test drive a 09 128i today and everything you said is pretty much par. The car has more pep in it's step versus the 3 series sister. It's more responsive, you feel more, IMO it's the way a car should be. What don't you like about the shifter though? It's a longer throw than my Z but it's a nice solid gearbox with no slop.

I'm surprised however they fitted the car with run-flats given that you have a M-Mobility kit?

[SoCalZman]

Interesting that you say the ZHP is a more refined, better built platform since it was designed in the 90s and the 1 is based on its successor, the E90. what parts of the car make you say that? How's the wind noise compared to the ZHP? i would have thought BMW would have improved things over 10 years. I wonder how this car is going to age compared to our ZHP, which isn't exactly a Toyota reliability wise already.

I would still own one, though :-)

[kayger12]

Very much enjoyed that read.

Glad you found your mobile happy place.

Sent from my kick-A Galaxy S3

[zhpnsnv]

Good write-up.

I actually test drive a 09 128i today and everything you said is pretty much par. The car has more pep in it's step versus the 3 series sister. It's more responsive, you feel more, IMO it's the way a car should be. What don't you like about the shifter though? It's a longer throw than my Z but it's a nice solid gearbox with no slop.

I'm surprised however they fitted the car with run-flats given that you have a M-Mobility kit?

I like the shifting, just not the shift knob. ZHP knob is so much better to me. I got the mobility kit on my own knowing I was going with non-runflat winters and eventually summers.


Interesting that you say the ZHP is a more refined, better built platform since it was designed in the 90s and the 1 is based on its successor, the E90. what parts of the car make you say that? How's the wind noise compared to the ZHP? i would have thought BMW would have improved things over 10 years. I wonder how this car is going to age compared to our ZHP, which isn't exactly a Toyota reliability wise already.

I would still own one, though :-)

I guess I would say I can tell the 1 is an "entry level" car compared to the E46 ZHP, which was the top of the range save for the M. The road/wind noise is more than in the 3, and the exhaust alone makes the car sound bad-ass and much less mature. My ZHP had some interior rattles, but when it's cold, the 1er has them already. Maybe unrefined isn't the best way to describe a 2013 BMW, but I will say that this car is more visceral than any E90 I've ever driven by about 100 miles.

[Ryans323i]

Really enjoyed your write up. Definitely want to continued information of your experiences with the new car.

I'm still not a fan of silver cars, but yours is truly beautiful paired with the coral interior. Excellent choice.

[zhpnsnv]

Thanks Ryan!

[kpro]

Marc,
I have a ZHP knob on my 135 and the performance shifter...I highly suggest it. I too was not a fan of the stock knob, mine came with the shifter but working at the dealer I've driven stock ones as well and the $500 or so is worth it IMO.

As far as wind/road noise...Rob's ZHP makes much more noise than the 135, but my exhaust is so much louder. So really its a hard comparison.

[zhpnsnv]

Marc,
I have a ZHP knob on my 135 and the performance shifter...I highly suggest it. I too was not a fan of the stock knob, mine came with the shifter but working at the dealer I've driven stock ones as well and the $500 or so is worth it IMO.

As far as wind/road noise...Rob's ZHP makes much more noise than the 135, but my exhaust is so much louder. So really its a hard comparison.

Cool. Thanks for the suggestion. I think eventually I will go ZHP knob and leather boot since nothing else is alcantara in the car.

Maybe all the NVH I'm experiencing over my ZHP is exhaust related; wouldn't doubt it because the perf exhaust is loud. Very surprised it's a BMW part! Which exhaust do you have?

[BimmerWill]

Thanks for writing this up. I will be using your opinions as well as others over the next couple of years to determine what 1er I end up going with down the road. Graduation can't come soon enough...should be done already lol.... :facepalm

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[zhpnsnv]

Cool! In the next couple of years 1ers are going to really drop in price as the 2er comes out. It will either be people's cup of tea or not - similarly proportioned but still following BMW's trend away from analog and fully into digital (electric steering, driving modes, yada yada yada).

[midlandtech]

Really enjoyed your write up. Definitely want to continued information of your experiences with the new car.

I'm still not a fan of silver cars, but yours is truly beautiful paired with the coral interior. Excellent choice.

Take that back!

I love the sound of that exhaust it sounds so mean.... Now I want to drive one...

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

[zhpnsnv]

Take that back!

I love the sound of that exhaust it sounds so mean.... Now I want to drive one...

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk HD

Don't do it!

The downside of the exhaust is the NVH, especially from 1800 - 2100 RPM. It vibrates the car a smidge, which I read is normal for the Performance Exhaust. To me it adds to the visceral nature of it, but I wouldn't hate if it were gone. Can't find a range that the exhaust doesn't sound good, and I haven't been able to drive full windows down yet (stupid winter). Cold start is such an angry growl. The other night I was leaving a meeting @ work at 9:00 pm. I park near the building, so I started it up and of course it's all "ROOOOAAAARRRR I'MMMM ANGRY YOU STARTED ME WHEN I'MMMM COOOOOOLD RRROOOOAAARRRR." A parent stops me as I'm pulling out of the driveway, motions for me to roll down the window (even though we no longer roll windows), "Your car is quite loud!"

hahahah

[midlandtech]

I like aggressive exhausts... I've probably listened to the video 7-8 times..my wife however... Not so much


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CERF04ZHP]

I love the e82. To this date, one of the more fun driving experiences I've had was piloting a 135i M-Sport with a DCT Transmission. Total perma-smile.

via EVO.LTE

[zhpnsnv]

I like aggressive exhausts... I've probably listened to the video 7-8 times..my wife however... Not so much


~Steve
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Go to youtube and search 135i BMW performance exhaust. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[zhpnsnv]

Dane- can this thread be moved to project or maint updates?

Dropped off for break in service today:
Oil and filter
No indicator reset
Diff fluid
Tranny fluid
Remove auto wipers
NO WASH!

[danewilson77]

Dane- can this thread be moved to project or maint updates?

Dropped off for break in service today:
Oil and filter
No indicator reset
Diff fluid
Tranny fluid
Remove auto wipers
NO WASH!

Why yes......yes it can.:) Why no wash?

I think it fits Projects perfectly.

[SoCalZman]

why "NO WASH!"? dont think theyll do a good job at the dealer?

[zhpnsnv]

NO WASH because while they have highly trained and certified technicians wrenching on the cars, they have the equivalent of bus boys (not that there's anything wrong with that) washing the cars. Cars washed from the dealer will come back swirled, will not be washed well, and will require paint correction afterwards. This is especially bad in the winter when the car has basic salt and grime on it. My dealer has a special key chain for my car that alerts the bus boys not to wash the car.

[Torxuvin]

NO WASH because while they have highly trained and certified technicians wrenching on the cars, they have the equivalent of bus boys (not that there's anything wrong with that) washing the cars. Cars washed from the dealer will come back swirled, will not be washed well, and will require paint correction afterwards. This is especially bad in the winter when the car has basic salt and grime on it. My dealer has a special key chain for my car that alerts the bus boys not to wash the car.


Good man. :cheers

[danewilson77]

Good man. :cheers

+1. I thought you were pissed that they didn't wash it.

[M0nk3y]

Why yes......yes it can.:) Why no wash?

I think it fits Projects perfectly.

BMW is kind enough to install swirls with no charge :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Johal E32]

NO WASH because while they have highly trained and certified technicians wrenching on the cars, they have the equivalent of bus boys (not that there's anything wrong with that) washing the cars. Cars washed from the dealer will come back swirled, will not be washed well, and will require paint correction afterwards. This is especially bad in the winter when the car has basic salt and grime on it. My dealer has a special key chain for my car that alerts the bus boys not to wash the car.

LOL!

When my dad was buying his M5 last night, they asked if he wanted it detailed for free. My dad said, "no, I don't mean to be rude, but I doubt you guys will do a good job. I would rather have my son (me) do it..". Salesman, "Okay, to be honest our details are pretty bad, we wash and detail 90 cars a day and they don't even turn out that great" :rofl

Congrats on the 135! It looks like a awesome little car.

[zhpnsnv]

LOL!

When my dad was buying his M5 last night, they asked if he wanted it detailed for free. My dad said, "no, I don't mean to be rude, but I doubt you guys will do a good job. I would rather have my son (me) do it..". Salesman, "Okay, to be honest our details are pretty bad, we wash and detail 90 cars a day and they don't even turn out that great" :rofl

Congrats on the 135! It looks like a awesome little car.

haha good work on your dad's part. It's pretty awesome so far, but two of my complaints are that the build quality is showing itself to be inferior to the ZHP (interior wise - materials, noises, etc...), and now I know they can't get rid of my auto wipers. I'll deal, but it's annoying.

It's funny how the 1er tricks the eye into thinking it's a different size than the E46 coupe. In reality, it's damn close.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/BMW135CoupeVsE46Coupe.jpg

Been hooning it a bit more up above 1,300 miles. Lots of power, more than I can enjoy day to day, but it's nice to know it's there.

[kayger12]

Wow. Would never believe they were that close without seeing the overlay.

[Torxuvin]

Wow. Would never believe they were that close without seeing the overlay.

+1 That's really interesting. Is it narrower?

[zhpnsnv]

Good question. Not sure about width. It can't be far off.

The overlay is helpful. When you're around the car, in it, driving it, it's much more obvious that it's closely related and almost identical to the size of the e46 coupe. Had they put a four door version out, it would have been the true successor to the e46.

[johnrando]

Thanks for showing that overlay, never woulda guessed!