First time in a BMW (first of hopefully many)

Good evening Gents,

Three weeks ago I bought a new m135i. My short car history includes:

2005 Volvo S40 2.4i
2013 Renault Megane RS265 Trophy

The renault was a true monster. Born and bred on the track. Unfortunately it proved not to be the most ideal on our roads as a daily driver.

I spent almost a 3 months extensively test driving cars from the A250, GTI7, V40 (Volvo, I couldn't leave it out since), Merc C-Class and the M235i.

The m135i far and above proved to be the best compromise between comfort, raw speed, a brilliant engine note (albeit artificial but that doesn't matter when backed up by performance in my view), and practicality. The m235i lost out by some margin due to the lack of possible discounts and being a coupe. Still, it would have been my second pick.

After long negotiations with Sandton Auto's Mr Ntunja, I collected the car on Saturday 14 June to much excitement.

Three weeks later the excitement remains. I've done 2000km (two trips to Botswana helped) and have started opening the car up. As a brief comparison coming from the RS, the trade off between Limited Slip Diff front wheel drive and rear wheel drive is... Interesting. I can't take anything away from the RS's ability to dig into corners the harder you push the car. However the ease of loosening up the read end of this car offers far more smiles with a dash of hooliganism. A reviewer said it best. Excuse my remix - RS is a sharpened weapon whereas the m135i fists it's way through the curves. As this was less of a passion purchase (Nurburgring records need not apply), I envision to stay faithful to this fisting 'M' for many years and many miles. It has so many feelgood factors (HK Sound, comfortable seats, adpative suspension, 235kw, auto 8) that make a blade seem almost unnecessary.

One big critique? Runflats. G'damn runflats. I have to live with these tyres for the next year or three. Why wasn't there an option to switch? Why??

I snuck onto the forum so consider this my official hello. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Picture's below:



My fiance's fave picture. Before the unveiling and the very passionate salesman giving the car a photo op.


Lurking under the covers.


Just before the reveal


Just...


I meant it. The salesman was passionate!

I took her to work on Monday and after work gave her a few more shots:







Lastly a big shout out to Treschen for his recommendation. I didn't end up going for his recommended dealer but he certainly helped get my foot in the door. Also to Sandton Auto (Mr. Warren and Zamo). They made magic happen. See you guys on the road.