135i Test Drive
Took a manual one out for half an hour this afternoon. Unfortunately in traffic which even here you can't seem to get away from.
Can't really compare it to much as have not driven the 335i or M3.
Anyway initial impressions good, test vehicle was that metallic dried blood that looks good on road kill but not so sure about a 1 series. Luckily the interior had a new car odour to it and not one that normally accompanies that colour. I suppose the shape is up to the individual, i quite like it but don't profess to have any taste in the arts.
A comfortable driving position was easy to find (i am 1.82m or 6 foot) though in time i am sure i would perfect it, steering wheel felt plump and curvaceous but there again a man likes curves in the right places! Again i am sure i could get used to it, all other controls fell to my hand which was great, though i did catch my wrist on the centre console a couple of times.
Gauges simple and concise which again appeals to me
Well it feels really quick, all that low down torque means you can be forgetful with the gear change and you still have instant power. Clutch felt very light to me but got used to it soon enough and the gear change was great, snick snick snick.
Lane changes easy and effortless and had good practice with a semi emergency manoeuvre when someone decided i was invisible and needed my lane, foot down and with a flick of the wrist we were away from them before they even finished applying lipstick.
Managed to find a couple of tempting bends, snicked to third and planted foot, slight chirp from tyres but held the line well with minimal body roll, this effort managed to extracted an alarmed look from my BMW chaperone who by now had given up trying to show me the sunroofs, radios, temp controls, cds etc and with pursed lips was staring stoically towards the horizon.
Brakes felt very sharp either on or off but i suppose you would get used to this.
Oh yea bucket type seats are great though you would only be taking midgets to the local bar in the back seat.
Overall impressions, very good.
Will i be getting one, well going to drive a couple more cars but i am tempted. Will need to take for another spin before i make up my mind though.
So got half an hour of free time and a driving licence, BMW has some entertainment for you.
Can't really compare it to much as have not driven the 335i or M3.
Anyway initial impressions good, test vehicle was that metallic dried blood that looks good on road kill but not so sure about a 1 series. Luckily the interior had a new car odour to it and not one that normally accompanies that colour. I suppose the shape is up to the individual, i quite like it but don't profess to have any taste in the arts.
A comfortable driving position was easy to find (i am 1.82m or 6 foot) though in time i am sure i would perfect it, steering wheel felt plump and curvaceous but there again a man likes curves in the right places! Again i am sure i could get used to it, all other controls fell to my hand which was great, though i did catch my wrist on the centre console a couple of times.
Gauges simple and concise which again appeals to me
Well it feels really quick, all that low down torque means you can be forgetful with the gear change and you still have instant power. Clutch felt very light to me but got used to it soon enough and the gear change was great, snick snick snick.
Lane changes easy and effortless and had good practice with a semi emergency manoeuvre when someone decided i was invisible and needed my lane, foot down and with a flick of the wrist we were away from them before they even finished applying lipstick.
Managed to find a couple of tempting bends, snicked to third and planted foot, slight chirp from tyres but held the line well with minimal body roll, this effort managed to extracted an alarmed look from my BMW chaperone who by now had given up trying to show me the sunroofs, radios, temp controls, cds etc and with pursed lips was staring stoically towards the horizon.
Brakes felt very sharp either on or off but i suppose you would get used to this.
Oh yea bucket type seats are great though you would only be taking midgets to the local bar in the back seat.
Overall impressions, very good.
Will i be getting one, well going to drive a couple more cars but i am tempted. Will need to take for another spin before i make up my mind though.
So got half an hour of free time and a driving licence, BMW has some entertainment for you.
