Got My 135 today...first impressions

[pghollysprings]

Picked up my SGM 135 today. 6spd, sport package, HD radio, premium radio, rear park distance thingy, that's it.
Wow.....the power/torque band is amazing! Coming from Acura RSX Type S it's quite a change having power available across a wide rpm range. The handeling in limited trial is phenomenal. I took it in a parking lot and threw it around without any hiccups. This was with stability control on.
Sorry, no pics yet.
Ok, couple points based on forum topics. No 'auxillary' clip on cup holder thought convertible in showroom had one.
My sales guy was obviously clueless on details of car.
When I asked about split rear seats cause it was not obvious from interior how to fold down seats my sales guy told me that feature was only with the cold weather sky package......not true, there's 2 levers accessed from the trunk that are not located on the seat backs, but rather located up high on the underside of the rear deck lid to release the 60/40 splits. The manual describes a rear seat fold down center console (no asterick indicating this is an option). However my car does not have that.
On Premium sound with HD radio (no I drive). Yes as others have noted, it is Logic 7 (with pseudo center channel). You can choose between 'music' or 'cinema' settings. You also get an equalizer.So far I think I prefer the cinema setting as it more centralizes vocals. (I'm an audio freak). The effect is same as switching between music and cinema setttings with dolby digital 2. Overall, the premium system is what I'd rate as 7 out of 10. Note that's in comparision to my Type S which had clarion dolby digital preamp with fosgate and digital amp for JBL 12 inch subwoofer and polk DB speakers. As others have noted, this system does not reproduce true sub bass frequencies.
I was able to crank the volume to levels higher than I would listen at normally without audible clipping or distortion.
I guess from other forum posts I may have difficulty adding sub system due to optical signals with premium system. The HD radio is great. What happens is if the station also broadcasts in HD, after about 2 sec it switches from analog to digital. There's a clear improvement in sound quality. Haven't tried CD yet.
The 3 people who took me to the dealer who with me scouted the lot for my car which wasn't on lot.....all reacted that my car was the best looking bmw ...they were blown away.
As to the 'pudginess' some refer to from the side view, I can see that on the lighter colors. But on mine, I feel it's muscular looking, kind of like a bull dog.
Also, I love the leathertte (spelling). I found out after fact that the sport seats don't have adjustable lumbar support like the power seats, but I'm able to obtain comfortable position anyway.

Also, I wasn't aware that 135 comes with a rain sensor in the rear view mirror that provides automatic wiper activation and speed control.
The dealer provided me with free carpet mats that have BMW logos, but the seem real cheap to me....I'll look for something better.

That's it for now
Paul

[GT3]

Many congrats on the new car. Enjoy!

[Bizall]

Congrats...same trunk release thing as the E46...at least with my wife's 05 330xi.

[Dan203]

Yeah I found out after it was too late that the center folding down in the middle back seat only comes if you have the cold weather package. Apparently that's part of the "ski bag". If I had known that I would have paid the extra $100 just for the flexibility, but oh well.

Dan

[BMW Dreamer]

So you don't get any rear folding armrest unless you get the cold weather package?

Nice write-up and Congrats on your new pocket rocket.

The lumbar only comes with the premium package, not the power seat option. You must spend $3300-3400 in June to get the power lumbar with the premium pkg. I might change my mind and get the premium package vs leather. Alot of little things come with the premium package.

Glad to hear the premium hi-fi sounds good. I was considering the HD Radio option but decided against it. Is it worth it? In Chicago most of the FM stations are now in HD, and I listen to FM alot, should I make the plunge???

Thanks and BIG CONGRATS on your new ride.

[Bizall]

Yes, the center armrest/pass through for skis is only with the cold weather package. Both back seats again to fold down without.

[RickR]

Originally Posted by pghollysprings

The dealer provided me with free carpet mats that have BMW logos, but the seem real cheap to me....I'll look for something better.

Coco mats are nice if you like the retro look (which I do). They come in a lot of colors and are custom fitted to the car model.

http://www.cocomats.com/

[imported_NA]

The "fold down armrest" that comes with the cold weather package or more of a flap to access the ski bag and pass through. This car basically has no rear center armrest. Although I found you can prop the flap up a little bit but on a downward angle... I figure backseat passengers will be uncomfortable regardless...

[imported_Katera]

In the vert you can buy the fold down separately without having to get the cold weather package. I did, I'm pretty sure the coupe is the same. I think it was $150 bucks or so.

[dmboone25]

Congrats, nice write-up and post some soon. :biggrin:

[pghollysprings]

As noted in other threads, the HD radio is not something you can add on, as most stations are transitioning to HD and it was $350 vs. $500 for Sirius. HD radio is free and with the Sirius/XM merger the'll be new receivers coming out so I'll just get a portable.

[whya1?]

Originally Posted by NA

The "fold down armrest" that comes with the cold weather package or more of a flap to access the ski bag and pass through. This car basically has no rear center armrest. Although I found you can prop the flap up a little bit but on a downward angle... I figure backseat passengers will be uncomfortable regardless...

+1

I wouldn't consider that useless piece of foam an arm rest. That is actually an insult when you think how much this car costs. If GM or Ford did something like that people would be up in arms. It does show you the economy car roots of the vehicle though. Just wish they had brought over that diesel to complete the package!

[Dan203]

Most of the GM or Fords I've been in don't have a rear armrest because they have a center seat.

I was thinking about having an armrest custom made to fit into that tray in the back. However I don't have rear passengers very often, so I may not want to spend the money.

Dan