Alternatives to M135i? Looking to buy.

[mkeeton]

Hi,

I have been out of the South African car market for a while except for occasional rentals. I am looking to buy something in the next couple months. The M135i is top of my list.

I need:
Fun to drive with decent power and automatic.
Refined highway car that has reasonable ride quality and is quiet inside.
Hatchback with fold down seats to carry 2 bikes. Don't want to use a bike rack.
Reasonable economy.
Small. Have a tiny parking bay at my flat.

So, the M135i checks all the boxes. How would a 120d compare? Any other competitors out there. I have owned previously a Mercedes B class and found that reliable but bland. How about the Ford Focus with diesel and automatic (DCT) box?

Any ideas would be much appreciated. Top of the budget would be around 350k.

Cheers, Mark.

 

[Diesellover]

Tbh I wouldn't even consider the Ford. I would however consider the Golf 7 Gti. The 120d is also a good option.

 

[mkeeton]

Tbh I wouldn't even consider the Ford. I would however consider the Golf 7 Gti. The 120d is also a good option.

Thanks. I saw a couple Gti for sale in Cape Town. I will go and test drive one. Haven't been in a Gti since the 80s!

 

[OPC]

The GTI is good and all, BUT

nothing can beat a 6 pot rwd car for fun of driving.

 

[Holiman]

The m135i is a great car. The n55 is great sounding and reliable engine. But also I heard you mention mountain bike. An Audi s3 sportback would also be a good alternative. Considering you mountain bike, I know for sure the areas you go to will not always be tarred. That could help somewhat. For your use case, I wouldnt consider anything front wheel drive. All or rear wheel.

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[mkeeton]

The m135i is a great car. The n55 is great sounding and reliable engine. But also I heard you mention mountain bike. An Audi s3 sportback would also be a good alternative. Considering you mountain bike, I know for sure the areas you go to will not always be tarred. That could help somewhat. For your use case, I wouldnt consider anything front wheel drive. All or rear wheel.

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I have had an A4 in the past but really like the BMW execution better than Audi. It would mainly be road biking so all terrain access not an issue. Drove 2 M135i today and love the engine note. Speedy as well.... although I am spoiled by electric car acceleration! Nothing like an engine that makes max torque at zero RPM. Rear wheel drive is high on my list after living in snow country where AWD is a must... and really pretty boring. The n55 has been great in the US as well so that was definitely a factor. Thanks for the input.

 

[mkeeton]

So, I am looking actively for an M135i. Decided that it would be a great option for our needs.

If anyone is selling one in the next 4 months, please let me know.

Must be an automatic.
No accident damage (other than minor fender bender).
Preferably no mods...other than perhaps exhaust. But no chips or turbo mods.
No preference on color but do like the blue.
Prefer km under 100,000 but OK with higher if can prove good service history.
One or two owner car.
I am in Cape Town but if the right car was out there would travel.
Willing to pay fair market rate. Cash purchase.

Thanks, Mark.

 

[Holiman]

So, I am looking actively for an M135i. Decided that it would be a great option for our needs.

If anyone is selling one in the next 4 months, please let me know.

Must be an automatic.
No accident damage (other than minor fender bender).
Preferably no mods...other than perhaps exhaust. But no chips or turbo mods.
No preference on color but do like the blue.
Prefer km under 100,000 but OK with higher if can prove good service history.
One or two owner car.
I am in Cape Town but if the right car was out there would travel.
Willing to pay fair market rate. Cash purchase.

Thanks, Mark.

Good luck.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6000 using Tapatalk

 

[AshG108]

Nice to hear you made your mind up and it is on the M135i!

There were 3 for sale on the forum here, very good specs and prices too...have a look at the for Sale section.

 

[mkeeton]

Nice to hear you made your mind up and it is on the M135i!

There were 3 for sale on the forum here, very good specs and prices too...have a look at the for Sale section.

I did check the sale section. Everything recent is gone but a great looking car posted in October is still for sale. So, working on a plan. Thanks.