Discussion
I’m aware this could be answered with “it depends” as I guess in many ways it does, but regarding the m135i and handling, are they really that bad?
I’ve read numerous old threads about the handling with very differing opinions. I like to drive on back roads and b roads in Derbyshire quite a lot sticking to the limits, am I right in that the suspension only becomes an issue when you’re going beyond these kind of speeds? I think Chris Harris said they’re fine until about 90.
For reference I think my E92 handles great for what it is and some people might think the ride is terrible whereas I’m quite used to it. Is the m135i a lot softer than the E92 (m sport)?
I know it’s probably personal preference and the roads that you drive, really going for a test drive is a good idea but I’ve seen one going through the auction tomorrow that’s interested me and I’m tempted to bid but the apparent handling issues is putting me off a bit.
Has anyone moved from e92 to a m135i?
I’ve read numerous old threads about the handling with very differing opinions. I like to drive on back roads and b roads in Derbyshire quite a lot sticking to the limits, am I right in that the suspension only becomes an issue when you’re going beyond these kind of speeds? I think Chris Harris said they’re fine until about 90.
For reference I think my E92 handles great for what it is and some people might think the ride is terrible whereas I’m quite used to it. Is the m135i a lot softer than the E92 (m sport)?
I know it’s probably personal preference and the roads that you drive, really going for a test drive is a good idea but I’ve seen one going through the auction tomorrow that’s interested me and I’m tempted to bid but the apparent handling issues is putting me off a bit.
Has anyone moved from e92 to a m135i?
Thank you for your reply, that’s really good to hear!
Is yours a 5 door model? The one I’m looking at is a 3dr 2013 which I believe has the underbody bracing and therefore better?
What tyres are you running? I have sport contact 6s on my e92 which I love (other than wear) but it doesn't look like you can get any conti’s in the rear size on the m135i.
Is yours a 5 door model? The one I’m looking at is a 3dr 2013 which I believe has the underbody bracing and therefore better?
What tyres are you running? I have sport contact 6s on my e92 which I love (other than wear) but it doesn't look like you can get any conti’s in the rear size on the m135i.
JonDerz said:
Thank you for your reply, that’s really good to hear!
Is yours a 5 door model? The one I’m looking at is a 3dr 2013 which I believe has the underbody bracing and therefore better?
What tyres are you running? I have sport contact 6s on my e92 which I love (other than wear) but it doesn't look like you can get any conti’s in the rear size on the m135i.
You can retrofit the underbody bracing to the 5 door / any that dont have it.Is yours a 5 door model? The one I’m looking at is a 3dr 2013 which I believe has the underbody bracing and therefore better?
What tyres are you running? I have sport contact 6s on my e92 which I love (other than wear) but it doesn't look like you can get any conti’s in the rear size on the m135i.
We've it retrofitted to our 2019 M140i.
As you said this is a massive it depends question.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
CG2020UK said:
As you said this is a massive it depends question.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
Thanks for your reply. At what sort of speeds do you notice how poor it is or is it always there in your opinion? Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
JonDerz said:
Thanks for your reply. At what sort of speeds do you notice how poor it is or is it always there in your opinion?
I think it’s always there but it’s very dependent on the road. I found it’s undulating “wavy” roads that catch it out. You need to be going fast enough that you hit the waves in the road in quick enough succession.
The car just never seems to settle on some roads. If it was to firm it would just crash like my M2. If it was to soft it would sway. The problem is the car tries to do both at the same time and it just doesn’t work.
I’m lucky enough to have a brilliant 45mile route through the Glens of Antrim and along the coast and some of the roads it just hates.
JonDerz said:
Thanks for your reply. At what sort of speeds do you notice how poor it is or is it always there in your opinion?
It's road dependent, obviously added speed will exacerbate things. If you're looking for a hot hatch then there are better options if you want a fast all rounder then the M135i works.One thing I will say is that if you're down to one car, then test drive it as only you know what you're looking for handling wise, opinions on here may help but only driving one will give you the true answer.
CG2020UK said:
As you said this is a massive it depends question.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
Is that not over playing how bad it is? Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
ZX10R NIN said:
JonDerz said:
Thanks for your reply. At what sort of speeds do you notice how poor it is or is it always there in your opinion?
It's road dependent, obviously added speed will exacerbate things. If you're looking for a hot hatch then there are better options if you want a fast all rounder then the M135i works.One thing I will say is that if you're down to one car, then test drive it as only you know what you're looking for handling wise, opinions on here may help but only driving one will give you the true answer.
This
We've ran a 2019 M140i as an all rounder for 3.5 years now from new.
I fitted the underbody brace when the car was new, so cant comment on the pre-brace handling.
As a day to day all rounder its great. Far more personality than the generic 4 banger AWDs we see in this sector.
It does get driven hard, and during those times you're aware of the suspensions limitations, but given for us thats probably only 5-10% of the time, its not much of an issue.
As I'm finding out on the thread i've started on the subject, theres a wide range of suspension upgrades available, so its not like someone is stuck with something thats an issue for them and not resolvable.
Thanks for the replies. As mentioned a test drive isn’t doable as the car I’m interested in is going through today.
I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
JonDerz said:
Thanks for the replies. As mentioned a test drive isn’t doable as the car I’m interested in is going through today.
I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
I personally think you'd be missing out on a brilliant all rounder, but i totally get that that might be for the best as you cant test drive it to see how minor an issue it is.I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
Its a shame you've been talked out of it.
I ran a 2013 m135i for 5 years and 40k miles. It’s a great car, mine was 100% reliable and cost nothing (other than servicing) to run.
It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
Deep Thought said:
JonDerz said:
Thanks for the replies. As mentioned a test drive isn’t doable as the car I’m interested in is going through today.
I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
I personally think you'd be missing out on a brilliant all rounder, but i totally get that that might be for the best as you cant test drive it to see how minor an issue it is.I don’t really want to have to mess about changing suspension to be honest.
Leaning more towards sticking with the e92 for now and maybe look at driving one if I still have the m135i itch.
Although if it goes cheap I might go for it
It’s a shame you've been talked out of it.
I’ve never heard the same criticisms put towards the E9* series that you hear of the m135i which makes me think it’s likely to be ‘worse’ on back roads.
I know the E92 isn’t the last word in handling for most people but generally I’ve been happy with mine. I’m pretty sure the m135i would ride better but is it more fun to drive from a handling point of view? Or more capable?
I feel it’s going to be a spur of the moment thing if I do bid later
I’ll definitely watch it go through.LeeM135i said:
I ran a 2013 m135i for 5 years and 40k miles. It’s a great car, mine was 100% reliable and cost nothing (other than servicing) to run.
It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
Thanks for your reply, what is 8/10ths going to be though in speed terms? Are we talking 70+ or does it struggle at say 60 on a bumpy back road?It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
I don’t want to have to change suspension so I either like it standard or don’t
Deep Thought said:
CG2020UK said:
As you said this is a massive it depends question.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
Is that not over playing how bad it is? Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
I generally find all BMW suspensions could use a little bit extra time on fine tuning
JonDerz said:
LeeM135i said:
I ran a 2013 m135i for 5 years and 40k miles. It’s a great car, mine was 100% reliable and cost nothing (other than servicing) to run.
It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
Thanks for your reply, what is 8/10ths going to be though in speed terms? Are we talking 70+ or does it struggle at say 60 on a bumpy back road?It’s handling is best described as mini GT car perfectly comfortable and capable of covering large distances at speed and in comfort. For B roads I would say it’s a 8/10ths car, if you push it to hard it can bite. I had a mk7 Golf GTI before the m135i and it was much easier to drive at speed on B roads as the electronics and brakes made it corner on rails but it was fairly dull and it didn’t feel like I was having any input in how it got round a corner.
The m135i is flawed but it is fun. You can go to birds and get a LSD and suspension upgrade which are supposed to transform the car.
I don’t want to have to change suspension so I either like it standard or don’t
My friend spent a lot on handling upgrades on his m235i,
Spec is here for some good tips (hell of a car by the way) :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204136365340?mkcid=16&a...
Spec is here for some good tips (hell of a car by the way) :
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204136365340?mkcid=16&a...
CG2020UK said:
Deep Thought said:
CG2020UK said:
As you said this is a massive it depends question.
Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
Is that not over playing how bad it is? Personally the car is grippy and the suspension is very comfortable which makes it brilliant as a daily.
However down a B road the rebounding is poor and it makes the car bounce and never settle. What makes it worse is the fact the car has a cult like following and in response it gets over played how bad it is.
It’s better than 90% of cars on the road but against it’s hot hatch rivals it’s very noticeable how poor it is especially as the engine is a beast and takes the car to speeds that expose it.
It’s not just the m135/140i, I generally find all BMW suspensions are rubbish.
I generally find all BMW suspensions could use a little bit extra time on fine tuning
Agreed.
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