BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      06-23-2007, 05:38 PM   #1
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Who has actually driven a car with a N54

Who on here has driven a 335i?

I did BMW's X5 autocross event today. There was a 335i for me to test drive as I waited. It was the first time I have ever driven a N54 car. This car is FAST. Period. There is no dispute. I was in the car with my Mother-> 125lbs and Brother -->160lbs and myself 160lbs.

This vehicle is amazing. If i needed a sedan. This would be it hands down. The handling was superb. I see why all there is so much praise and desire for the vehicle. All I can think of is the 1 series with this motor in it. Throttle response was amazing. The car was so SOLID. No rattles or wiggling of the wheels. Absolutely amazing.

I know that many of you prefer the 260hp NA 3.0 liter for reasons such as cheaper price, less nose heavy(the car is going to have 50/50 weight balance anyways so who gives a sh*t.) etc...

I am NOT worried about a 135i being slightly detuned. In my honest opinion it needs to be slightly detuned. A car 300lbs lighter with the IDENTICAL motor would be way to much.(many of us agree that the car is underrated at 300hp anyways)

So here comes the question. Who has ever driven a 3/5series with the N54 motor in it. I want to hear from all of you.
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      06-23-2007, 06:48 PM   #2
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All I hope is that it's a software detune, not a hardware....
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      06-23-2007, 08:23 PM   #3
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I have driven the E92 335i with the N54 motor on two occasions. In short it's a monster! The torque is disgustingly addicting, especially because it's so readily available from low rpm's. The first time i drove it I could have sworn there was a smidge of turbo lag, but after a little more extensive driving that notion proved false. What I loved most about the N54 was how user friendly it is, it could have been a brutal motor like what you'd find with the S54- surplus of neck snapping revvs abundant(or was that SMG that was doing the neck snapping??? :iono:)- but it's quite smooth and responds with such an immediacy that sometimes you think you're driving a GT as oppose to a sports car. I think those of us expecting the 135i to be aggressive engine response will be pleasantly surprised but not disappointed by it's smoothness. BMW has pulled a hat trick w/ the N54 by making it a swiss army knife, or an engine with a dual personality. - Getting excited just writing this all up!!!!!
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      06-23-2007, 08:47 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deutsch View Post
I have driven the E92 335i with the N54 motor on two occasions. In short it's a monster! The torque is disgustingly addicting, especially because it's so readily available from low rpm's. The first time i drove it I could have sworn there was a smidge of turbo lag, but after a little more extensive driving that notion proved false. What I loved most about the N54 was how user friendly it is, it could have been a brutal motor like what you'd find with the S54- surplus of neck snapping revvs abundant(or was that SMG that was doing the neck snapping??? :iono:)- but it's quite smooth and responds with such an immediacy that sometimes you think you're driving a GT as oppose to a sports car. I think those of us expecting the 135i to be aggressive engine response will be pleasantly surprised but not disappointed by it's smoothness. BMW has pulled a hat trick w/ the N54 by making it a swiss army knife, or an engine with a dual personality. - Getting excited just writing this all up!!!!!
Great write up man!! I especially loved disgustingly addictive.
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      06-23-2007, 09:19 PM   #5
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I have a 335i with procede. 320whp 383wt. With some michelin ps2's.

It's an amazing engine. With V2 of procede coming out (360+whp) as well as full turboback exhaust(+20whp). I can't imagine a 135i at 3150lbs with 380whp!!! With some suspension work, rims, tire, it will be my dream come true!

Anyways. I love the n54. I love the idea of the 135i. I'm the first at my dealer's list. Let's just hope it's light.

I saw that the 130i weighted just 3076lbs. I'm hoping the 135i is 3150 or less.

Let's hope for lsd option, aftermarket there such a pain.
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      06-24-2007, 12:01 AM   #6
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Driven many 335s & 535s (N54). It :headbang:
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      06-24-2007, 01:45 AM   #7
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I have driven the 335 a few times--it really is a monster. The turbos give it a different feel than my NA 328i, but this engine in the 1 series would be scary fast. I just hope BMW puts nice brakes and suspension on the 1er coupe. :biggrin:
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      06-24-2007, 05:45 PM   #8
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me 2..


Quote:
Originally Posted by Wiggum View Post
All I hope is that it's a software detune, not a hardware....
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      06-24-2007, 08:47 PM   #9
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From the amount of responses I'm getting there are many of you on this site have NOT(edited) driven a BMW with the bi-turbo N54 engine. Thats pretty shocking since there is a good number of people that DO NOT want the engine.

Even if I'm not in the postion to purchase a 135i from the initial release I think it will be worth the wait. I was sitting on the sofa smiling today and was randomly asked why. I honestly said the test drive yesterday refuses to leave my head!! :biggrin:
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      06-24-2007, 09:07 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onehots2k View Post
From the amount of responses I'm getting there are many of you on this site have driven a BMW with the bi-turbo N54 engine. Thats pretty shocking since there is a good number of people that DO NOT want the engine.

Even if I'm not in the postion to purchase a 135i from the initial release I think it will be worth the wait. I was sitting on the sofa smiling today and was randomly asked why. I honestly said the test drive yesterday refuses to leave my head!! :biggrin:
Right, now imagine that same drive in a car that is a little smaller and lighter, hopefully with a tighter suspension and better brakes--THAT is why I am considering the 1er and not even a year into my E92 lease....
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      06-24-2007, 09:10 PM   #11
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The 135i will be a very serious drivers car that if not driven keenly will probably become a handful despite the balance in the engines reflexes, especially being such a small package. I've read a ton of articles on the E87 130i alone that have mentioned the hardcore character of the engine being just that much more intense in a car of such compact dimensions, especially when compared next to an E90 330i. Hopefully this will scare some of those badge whores off too!
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      06-24-2007, 09:35 PM   #12
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I totally agree with you DMB, and Deutsch. I just edited my post. Check it out. Its just that the N54 had some not wanting it, and I was wondering if they ever drove it.

Many people talk about the car having being too nose heavy versus the 130i but I have no fears about this.
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      06-24-2007, 09:45 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by onehots2k View Post
I totally agree with you DMB, and Deutsch. I just edited my post. Check it out. Its just that the N54 had some not wanting it, and I was wondering if they ever drove it.

Many people talk about the car having being too nose heavy versus the 130i but I have no fears about this.
I think we all agree--I am going to have to take it easy the first few times I drive this little monster, that's for sure. There are times when I feel the 230 HP in my N52 is a lot to handle, and my 328i has a fat ass. :biggrin: I am really excited about the capabilities of this car--March seems to be VERY far away (which, correct me if I am wrong, is when the car is supposed to be hitting US dealers).
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      06-24-2007, 09:51 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
I think we all agree--I am going to have to take it easy the first few times I drive this little monster, that's for sure. There are times when I feel the 230 HP in my N52 is a lot to handle, and my 328i has a fat ass. :biggrin: I am really excited about the capabilities of this car--March seems to be VERY far away (which, correct me if I am wrong, is when the car is supposed to be hitting US dealers).
ugh, I feel u! I cant believe we still have 2 wait like 9 more months in order to get this car, and the impatience only gets worse! I say we get another fix of pictures in order 2 keep us somewhat satisfied 'til July...
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      06-24-2007, 09:52 PM   #15
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If one has any reservations about buying a 1er(or any other BMW for that matter) equipped w/ the N54 engine, that is very reasonable as this is the first turbocharged BMW motor has done in quite some time and it's still fairly new. I do know that there were quite a few fuel pump failures on 335i's,and since then BMW has switched fuel pump suppliers from Siemens to Bosch, so that problem has been virtually eliminated- from what I know? Other than that there have been a few bad turbo's that have gone out quite early(like scary early, just after weeks to months of ownership). As with any all new engine in a new car there are always most certainly going to be bad apples in the barrel. However I'm confident BMW has worked this issue out. While the 135i will appeal greatly to those seeking a pure-no frills-performance car I'm sure the sticker will have many thinking twice.
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      06-24-2007, 09:54 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
I am really excited about the capabilities of this car--March seems to be VERY far away (which, correct me if I am wrong, is when the car is supposed to be hitting US dealers).
I'd wait for an internal memo leak, or official U.S. spec PR material before I'd make that assumption. You may very well be correct.
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      06-24-2007, 10:01 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deutsch View Post
I'd wait for an internal memo leak, or official U.S. spec PR material before I'd make that assumption. You may very well be correct.
lol--I WANT to see the memo--then I won't be set up for disappointment. :biggrin:

But March seems reasonable--the debut is supposed to be in LA in Sept, right?
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      06-24-2007, 10:12 PM   #18
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I've heard Frankfurt.... but who knows... more will be revealed the first week of July.... I hope? All I know is that the car looks ready for an imminent launch.
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      06-25-2007, 12:14 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deutsch View Post
I've heard Frankfurt.... but who knows... more will be revealed the first week of July.... I hope? All I know is that the car looks ready for an imminent launch.
Do you have any thoughts about the rear end, specifically the tailights? I really hope there are some lights on the trunk lid--that really completes the back of my E92 if you know what I mean....In all the spy shots I have seen, the back is always in camo--and if it turns out that the trunk lid DOESN'T have any lights on it, that could be a deal breaker for me...
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      06-25-2007, 07:47 AM   #20
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The trunk lid does have lights on it. The 1er retains the typical BMW design cues, including the L-shaped taillights.
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      06-25-2007, 09:06 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tdc View Post
The trunk lid does have lights on it. The 1er retains the typical BMW design cues, including the L-shaped taillights.
It was rumored to--but again, I had not seen any definates, so....plus I had seen the back of the 3 and 5 door 1ers on this page, and they don't have lights on the hatch, so I wondered.

But if you are right--I will do all I can to get my hands on one. :biggrin:
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      06-25-2007, 10:29 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
But March seems reasonable--the debut is supposed to be in LA in Sept, right?
European Debut in September at the Frankfurt AS then the North American Debut in November. Those arent confirmed but Im willing to bet my bottom dollar that the 1 Coupe is at least at Frankfurt.
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