TPL, GD is right, I was at BMW Waterloo yesterday and spent some time fooling around in the 128i cabrio and drove the Sedona Red 135i that was parked out front. I'm running to a meeting now so I'll just copy and past my email to GD:
OK - I'll try to be objective...
You NEED to drive this car. End communication.
Haha, ok, It was Sedona Red, Premium Package, Sport Package, loaded. Sedona Red looks quite nice in the flesh but not my cup of tea. It had the grey poplar trim which looks kind of brown in direct sunlight. I'm happy I went with the glacier aluminum. It had a sunroof. I know you complained about headroom in the front seats but I had no problem with the seats all the way down. Either way, I'm happy I didn't check that box - more room, less weight. The seats are typical BMW...super supportive, lots of adjustments to find the perfect position, and yet pretty comfy.
Now, the important stuff: I went out with the Sales Manager as he, "wanted to show me it's limits". Later, he admitted that it was his first opportunity to drive it. And drive it he did! He just beat on it...redlining it and diving into on/off ramps. He said that he will be getting one for himself. The car handles like a dream. Effortless hanging on at 120+km through an exit ramp. Incredible. It feels so nimble and tossable. It will take me a while to get used to the brakes. They are soooo grabby compared to the RSX....but I guess you can't compare the Acura's brakes to 6-piston brembos...
The transmission feels nice. Not long by any means...but I wouldn't call it short. Coming from the Acura, it took me a bit to get used to the clutch (I have the same problem going to the 645Ci/M6/540i). The uptake is much quicker and it engages quickly resulting in a couple lurches (under fast shifting
).
Does it ever get up and go! 4.7 to 60 doesn't surprise me. It feels fast....even faster when you look down at the speedo! O...and the sounds...THE SOUNDS! The turbo whine made me wet...and the exhaust note is sooo much deeper and more raw in comparison to the 335i and 535i. Incredible power in every gear. I was coasting along in 5th gear on the highway, punched it, and it still pinned me to the seat. Fantastic!
In comparison to the M6, it feels much more nimble (obviously because of the size), and it feels faster at least off the line. No doubt the M6 is much faster...but it's just too smooth. The 135i lets you feel the power
Anyways, words don't do it justice. You must drive it.
Mine should be hear in about 3-4 weeks. The wait just got a lot harder.