MarkCup's BMW M140i

[MarkCup]

No mention of the replacement engine!

Why would he mention it? It has no Field Service Action outstanding on it because it has the correct gasket fitted and the engine number matches what's on the V5...that's all any buyer needs to know.

Sure it's a very capable car but it does nothing for me I'm afraid. Looks like any other 120D on the road.

It does...just like my RS which, apart from the spoiler and exhausts, looked like just about every other Focus Titanium diesel out there. The fact it was ordered with badge deletion saved me the bother as I'd have peeled them off straight away!

What is the button next to the gear stick? Top is traction control, next two are to change driving modes and the one at the bottom I don’t know. Mine doesn’t have this button so wondering what it does.

It's parking sensor activation and deactivation. They all come on when you select reverse, along with the camera, but they don't come on as you crawl forwards toward something. I've not worked their logic out 100% yet, but if they're not on and I want them, I press it, and if they are and I don't, I press it.

 

[MarkCup]

This looks like it so £26,990
https://www.jamespaul.co.uk/ford-focus-rs-lux-pack-winter-pack-6370619

Seeing that makes me want to go and buy it!!!

In other news the original owner contacted me on IG last night. It has a few, internet essential, choice mods done already fixing some shortcomings they have as they leave the factory...under body bracing, radiator and paintwork protection and so on. Seems like a really nice bloke...he stressed that he would only have a manual and wanted a good one hence it being the way it is.

Then the penny dropped about why this car really stood out to me compared to all the others...it's mostly because people ONLY buy a manual one because they can't afford the auto. As monthly repayments are everything and they come with a sort of half decent spec as standard, most manuals leave the factory with next to no options boxes ticked.

Unlike this one.

 

[JamesBryan]

Be interesting to see how long it lasts at that level of tune lol.
Must have ALL of the boost ?

Not sure what other mods it has, it may even be just a map.

Are they 335bhp standard?

 

[KitsonRis]

It's parking sensor activation and deactivation. They all come on when you select reverse, along with the camera, but they don't come on as you crawl forwards toward something. I've not worked their logic out 100% yet, but if they're not on and I want them, I press it, and if they are and I don't, I press it.

ahh right, I don’t have the cameras on mine. I was worried that it was the active suspension as I have that and it’s not obvious you have it, only when you edit the driving mode it says “drive train and chassis”. Nice interior, wanted that one but not an option any more, same with a manual despite the brochure saying it is available. Although I wasn’t that confident in the dealer and his knowledge despite being asked several times. Kept trying to sell me a 5 door without active suspension as “I don’t need it”.

 

[Christopher]

I hoped that you'd go for one! Great spec!

I looked at M135is quite a bit before I bought the 335d. They're awesome cars but I needed the extra space.

Cracking buy. Red interiors are for gents.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

PDC activates when you engage reverse (or you press the button when going under a certain speed, sound 10mph)

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

Not sure what other mods it has, it may even be just a map.

Are they 335bhp standard?

Something like that.

But they go to early 400s with a piggyback so it stands to reason that an ECU tune would unlock some extra. It could also be a freak engine. Either way it doesn’t sound like a surprising figure. They’re f**king fast!

 

[JamesBryan]

Something like that.

But they go to early 400s with a piggyback so it stands to reason that an ECU tune would unlock some extra. It could also be a freak engine. Either way it doesn’t sound like a surprising figure. They’re f**king fast!

Crazy to think you can get 130+bhp gain from just a map then.

Edit: It has a sports cat and panel filter, but that's it.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

Crazy to think you can get 130+bhp gain from just a map then.

It’s one of those where they frequently put out high 300s whilst standard, so yeah it’s 130 over book. But probably more like 80-100 over standard.

Still bonkers though!

 

[JamesBryan]

It’s one of those where they frequently put out high 300s whilst standard, so yeah it’s 130 over book. But probably more like 80-100 over standard.

Still bonkers though!

It dyno'd at 340bhp standard.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

It dyno'd at 340bhp standard.

Then f**k!

 

[Al_G]

Why would he mention it? It has no Field Service Action outstanding on it because it has the correct gasket fitted and the engine number matches what's on the V5...that's all any buyer needs to know.

Oh right, I thought that the engine numbers would be different as the original engine is not longer in place.

 

[MarkCup]

ahh right, I don’t have the cameras on mine. I was worried that it was the active suspension as I have that and it’s not obvious you have it, only when you edit the driving mode it says “drive train and chassis”. Nice interior, wanted that one but not an option any more, same with a manual despite the brochure saying it is available. Although I wasn’t that confident in the dealer and his knowledge despite being asked several times. Kept trying to sell me a 5 door without active suspension as “I don’t need it”.

I find it really noticeable, the switch between comfort and sport+ is marked...not as night and day different as the switchable dampers of the FRS were, but my wife and children all noticed it when I secretly switched.

As for how it is in terms of it being a truly active system reacting to individual bumpers or cornering load...until I drive my friends auto 140 I have no idea. Thus far it just seems a tidy enough handling thing with very little rear end traction!

 

[KitsonRis]

I do notice it yes when going over speed bumps in sport. I can’t compare to other systems as I’ve not driven anything like this before. I’ve not driven mine anywhere near it’s full potential and I don’t think I’ve even turned it into full yob mode, just the first sport mode which caught me by surprise the first time. Then again I’ve only really driven it to work and down the M40 a few times in it so far so nothing to testing. Eco mode is pointless I think, verging on dangerous on motorways when you want to pull out past something and nothing happens. The first tank of fuel I put in it did 32mpg and for a brand new engine I was impressed and that was with no Eco mode driving.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

Agreed!!! And another good reason to get the manual is you don’t even get eco mode.

It’s so s**t. I’ve said before it has you hesitating to use your right foot because you want that blue number to go up. I managed 40mpg average on my journeys in comfort so it’s really not needed IMO.

I’d you’re worried about not being able to afford 40mpg in petrol then don’t buy an M135i!!

 

[alistairolsen]

So how much 'better' is the M140i than the M135? I assume the newer engine gets over all the N55 issues?

I assume the M240i is identical apart from body style?

 

[The Psychedelic Socialist]

I'm sure it will lose value but it has a few things in its favour;
The 135i beneath it
There's no M1 above it
It has every option the internet says they should have except the auto 'box
The next 1 series will be FWD only and have a four pot

Are you sure about the FWD? I heard it was going to be a FWD platform, but that doesn't rule out a Haldex style arrangement like the Golf R or even a Twinster setup like the RS. Definitely not fully rear biased, but could still be fun.

 

[leeds_182]

I drove my puss 135i and loved it so can only assume that this would be better. Looking forward to the tube vids.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

So how much 'better' is the M140i than the M135? I assume the newer engine gets over all the N55 issues?

I assume the M240i is identical apart from body style?

They’re both good, x40 is just an improvement on an already good drive train.

 

[massiveCoRbyn]

Are you sure about the FWD? I heard it was going to be a FWD platform, but that doesn't rule out a Haldex style arrangement like the Golf R or even a Twinster setup like the RS. Definitely not fully rear biased, but could still be fun.

Sure I read somewhere that the replacement for the M140i will be 2.0 turbo 4WD

 

[KitsonRis]

Agreed!!! And another good reason to get the manual is you don’t even get eco mode.

It’s so s**t. I’ve said before it has you hesitating to use your right foot because you want that blue number to go up. I managed 40mpg average on my journeys in comfort so it’s really not needed IMO.

I’d you’re worried about not being able to afford 40mpg in petrol then don’t buy an M135i!!

Ahh nice 40mpg, looking forward to getting mine close to that over time, but seeing as it is barely 1000miles old it is still running in. I don't care about mpg figures. My other car is an E34 535i which barely gets 25mpg on a good day. However it is satisfying getting large mpg figures out of cars that shouldn't do them!

I heard ther new one will be FWD and not a 6cyl from the dealer when I ordered mine. I then laughed. Pretty sure I told him I wont be having one if it is.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

The new one will be xdrive I’d have assumed. Could still be 6cyl. Could be BMWs USP when competing with RS3 and A45.

 

[MarkCup]

Are you sure about the FWD? I heard it was going to be a FWD platform, but that doesn't rule out a Haldex style arrangement like the Golf R or even a Twinster setup like the RS. Definitely not fully rear biased, but could still be fun.

I expect they will go a little lairy with the setup for the more powerful versions, but I understand it will be a 2.0 four-pot and, yeah, it may get some form of 4WD/AWD.

What there won't be is anything that's simply a big engine up front and driven wheels at the back...which for years it what BMW have been saying makes the ultimate driving machine ?

I was thinking about mine today and looked up the dimensions as it feels really small...apart from the length of it (+200mm or so), it's almost the same width and much less height than my Fiesta ST. The feeling I get from it is like I did when I had my 172 Cup; small car, mentally large engine/big power. It's bonkers really.

 

[eon172]

Bloody forum, you got me looking at M140s now [emoji848][emoji31][emoji6]

 

[Sir_Dave]

@MarkCup they are pretty small cars i think. To compare, my friend ollie had a fiesta st when i had my M135i ...

Also compared to the e46:

On the flipside, how tiny is Sarah’s mk1 TT compared to more modern cars!! That beetle lol.

 

[AlexS]

Interesting you should get one of these Mark. I am two months/ 2000 miles into ownership of a 16 plate LCI auto. I have to say I am not gelling with it at all and will probably try and off load it before Christmas. The engine is a peach, it's monumentally quick, remarkably economical and fantastically well built.
On these cold mornings I am not sure I would want to get into anything else.. the Harmon Kardon is great, the seats comfortable it's a great day to day companion.
In terms of the drive though,
I am not sure how you find it but I struggle to place it on the road, the steering is pretty numb the back end hops about abit. Chassis wise I feel it's pretty unremarkable.
The general consensus seen to be to modify it but having bought it with a service pack and BMW warranty I don't feel that's a route I want to go down.

 

[Ian_182]

Wow I only go away for a week and you've bought this.
Nice engine and interior.

 

[497adam]

Interesting you should get one of these Mark. I am two months/ 2000 miles into ownership of a 16 plate LCI auto. I have to say I am not gelling with it at all and will probably try and off load it before Christmas. The engine is a peach, it's monumentally quick, remarkably economical and fantastically well built.
On these cold mornings I am not sure I would want to get into anything else.. the Harmon Kardon is great, the seats comfortable it's a great day to day companion.
In terms of the drive though,
I am not sure how you find it but I struggle to place it on the road, the steering is pretty numb the back end hops about abit. Chassis wise I feel it's pretty unremarkable.
The general consensus seen to be to modify it but having bought it with a service pack and BMW warranty I don't feel that's a route I want to go down.

Still on runflats?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JB21]

Having a good read on the M135/140 it seems these are over sprung at the rear and set up more for the smoother German roads not our crappy UK surfaces. Lots of complaints online about this as above about hopping around at the rear, a set of springs (Eibach, Birds etc) seems to help but not fully nullify the issue, Bird's B-series kit does but at £1300 (not fitted) it wouldn't be an option for me personally.

This complaint is the only real doubt I have about purchasing a M135i but if spec'd with adaptive dampers set in comfort and changing the springs hopefully this should help? As the roads up here are dreadful the say the least. Even my current VRS with new B12 suspension struggles.

 

[davo172]

Do like these but must be very hard to get all that power down on anything but a dry day !!

 

[davo172]

Remember reading in evo mag that the M4 is almost undrivable on anything but a dry day.

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

Remember reading in evo mag that the M4 is almost undrivable on anything but a dry day.

Bullshit, just need to have your wits about you.

 

[AlexS]

Still on runflats?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yep on the Michelin Pilot Super Sports..

 

[Ex-User (19928)]

Yep on the Michelin Pilot Super Sports..

PSS aren’t runflat mate. The steering isn’t the same as hot hatches of old, it is electric after all but I found it pretty good. Certainly went where you wanted it to go and it felt quite quick too. You could get good angles with just half a turn of the wheel I found.

The back end hopping about will just be your one tyre fire. If you leave traction on then you can boot it everywhere in relative safety, it’ll just hold you back from time to time. Turn traction off and it exposes the want for 2wd.

 

[Christopher]

The runflat equivalent is the Pilot Sport ZP. My 335d has them all around. They're a decent tyre to be fair, but they'll still be getting swapped for Pilot Sport 4s once I'm due some.

If it's anything like mine, you pretty much ride the TCS in the lower gears if it's anything other than bone dry. Torque is life.

 

[MarkCup]

Can anyone advise on wrap removal from my grille?

I spoke to the original owner for an hour last night. As well as finding out what an absolute gem of car I've found, he also said that the usual chrome bits of the front grilles are wrapped black.

He's also sending me the original grey mirrors caps, I'm thinking I'll sell the carbon ones and go back to stock.

I'm guessing a hairdryer and patience required for the grille?

 

[Daz.]

Why did he sell out of curiosity did he say?

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

Can anyone advise on wrap removal from my grille?

I spoke to the original owner for an hour last night. As well as finding out what an absolute gem of car I've found, he also said that the usual chrome bits of the front grilles are wrapped black.

He's also sending me the original grey mirrors caps, I'm thinking I'll sell the carbon ones and go back to stock.

I'm guessing a hairdryer and patience required for the grille?

Hair dryer/heat gun and lots of patience mate

 

[AlexS]

PSS aren’t runflat mate. The steering isn’t the same as hot hatches of old, it is electric after all but I found it pretty good. Certainly went where you wanted it to go and it felt quite quick too. You could get good angles with just half a turn of the wheel I found.

The back end hopping about will just be your one tyre fire. If you leave traction on then you can boot it everywhere in relative safety, it’ll just hold you back from time to time. Turn traction off and it exposes the want for 2wd.

I assumed they were run flat. My mistake.
I 've been spoiled with an Elise for the last 5 years I guess.

Can't say I have tried it with the traction control off. Certainly goes very well.

 

[Al_G]

When’s the first vid due for release?