[Kev.k]

You certainly wouldn't like the depreciation!

A f80 M3 for late £20’s is a bargain. They’re cheaper than RS3’s. I’d never buy a new one.

[BillTheButcher]

I had an M135 before the RS3 and I still have an M235. The lack of a rear diff really does not help the car and they just feel nervous, on a typical English B road they do not feel happy. My concerns are more in the body roll and steering department than rear end.

 

I PXed my M140i Shadow Edition a few weeks ago for an AMG A45. I liked a lot of things about the 140 but I got fed up of not being able to put the power down.

[coxeterj]

I PXed my M140i Shadow Edition a few weeks ago for an AMG A45. I liked a lot of things about the 140 but I got fed up of not being able to put the power down.

 

And I bet the A45 feels like a proper bit of engineering rather than a 1 series with a big engine in!

[BillTheButcher]

And I bet the A45 feels like a proper bit of engineering rather than a 1 series with a big engine in!

 

 

My experience is very limited: it's the only BMW I've driven since I owned an E39 M5 about seven years ago. My experience with the 140 will teach me not to believe journalist/reviewer hype...

 

Compared to the hyper-alert A45 the 140 feels like a lazy GT. 

[Rs3owner]

The gearbox is far superior in the m140 to the a45's

This is something merc need to drastically improve!

As above the m140 is shocking without the adaptive suspension and it's crying out for a lsd, then again that's why it's not a true M car

[BillTheButcher]

The gearbox is far superior in the m140 to the a45's

This is something merc need to drastically improve!

As above the m140 is shocking without the adaptive suspension and it's crying out for a lsd, then again that's why it's not a true M car

 

I prefer the gearbox in the A45 but I can see why the 140's ZF is so well-liked. In full auto (any mode) the ZF is smoother and less intrusive. In manual the A45's 'box is quicker to respond and more engaging IMO. My only gripe with the Merc's gearbox is that it's very grabby when cold but as soon as the oil's up to temperature it's fine. From everything I'd read I was expecting it to be a bit poor but I've been really impressed. Still not as good as Audi's S Tronic, though.

[coxeterj]

The gearbox is far superior in the m140 to the a45's

This is something merc need to drastically improve!

As above the m140 is shocking without the adaptive suspension and it's crying out for a lsd, then again that's why it's not a true M car

 

Its shocking with adaptive suspension too!

[coxeterj]

I prefer the gearbox in the A45 but I can see why the 140's ZF is so well-liked. In full auto (any mode) the ZF is smoother and less intrusive. In manual the A45's 'box is quicker to respond and more engaging IMO. My only gripe with the Merc's gearbox is that it's very grabby when cold but as soon as the oil's up to temperature it's fine. From everything I'd read I was expecting it to be a bit poor but I've been really impressed. Still not as good as Audi's S Tronic, though.

 

Agree with your assessment. The ZF box is excellent  and more suited to a GT car (which is basically what the 140 and 240 are). The DSG and 4matic systems are crisper and more engaging if a little jerky at times. Depends what you want really I guess!

[135i king]

Can't really slag the 140 off when they come in at easily under £400pm with little or no deposit. They have flaws like all cars but for the money they're a steal.

Much more fun to drive fast than my old 8p RS3 was.

[coxeterj]

Can't really slag the 140 off when they come in at easily under £400pm with little or no deposit. They have flaws like all cars but for the money they're a steal.

Much more fun to drive fast than my old 8p RS3 was.

 

Thats the exact reason they are a terrible buy for anyone buying on HP or cash. Depreciation is monsterous.

Edited by coxeterj, 02 May 2018 - 04:02 PM.

[135i king]

Yeh without a doubt, I can't see why people would buy cash or hp though when the deals new are so good. I got ours for my missus but I can't deny that I really enjoy driving it, recently just fitted an akrapovic cat back and it sounds incredible!

[coxeterj]

Yeh without a doubt, I can't see why people would buy cash or hp though when the deals new are so good. I got ours for my missus but I can't deny that I really enjoy driving it, recently just fitted an akrapovic cat back and it sounds incredible!

 

I haven't jumped onto the PCP bandwagon because I just don't like the thought of being tied into an endless loop of variable interest finance payments for the rest of my life. I understand why many do it but I cant help but think this is a bubble thats going to burst when interest rates go up. I also know the motor industry like these deals for a reason and push them for a reason and its not out of the kindness of their heart. I Also don't like thought that a bank owns my car. 

 

My 2 pence worth..... Not a criticism of people that take out PCP its just not for me. 

 

P.S agree on engine noise!

Edited by coxeterj, 02 May 2018 - 06:27 PM.

[BillTheButcher]

I haven't jumped onto the PCP bandwagon because I just don't like the thought of being tied into an endless loop of variable interest finance payments for the rest of my life. I understand why many do it but I cant help but think this is a bubble thats going to burst when interest rates go up. I also know the motor industry like these deals for a reason and push them for a reason and its not out of the kindness of their heart. I Also don't like thought that a bank owns my car. 

 

My 2 pence worth..... Not a criticism of people that take out PCP its just not for me. 

 

P.S agree on engine noise!

 

I'm a car salesman's dream: for the last five years all of my cars have been on HP/PCP. I made the mistake of test driving a remapped 996 Turbo and I've been digging the hole deeper ever since. Luckily for me the finance company refused to lend me enough to get the 996 GT2 that I drove on the same day. 

 

I'm not complaining. I know that it's a mug's game (especially when I change cars as often as I do) but it's enabled me to get into cars that I'd never have been able to otherwise.

 

The only limit I impose on myself is trying to make sure that I never owe more than the car is worth.

Edited by BillTheButcher, 03 May 2018 - 09:01 AM.

[135i king]

In all fairness the only reason I've done this pcp is because it's shared with the missus.. She was already in the world of pcp and was going to be paying 220 pm for some kia so I just offered to go half's with her on the M140 - at 180 each a month. My next car will be bought cash + bank loan.

[coxeterj]

In all fairness the only reason I've done this pcp is because it's shared with the missus.. She was already in the world of pcp and was going to be paying 220 pm for some kia so I just offered to go half's with her on the M140 - at 180 each a month. My next car will be bought cash + bank loan.

 

Did you get her to go halves on the Akrapovic?!  I hope so!

[135i king]

Unfortunately not, I got her that for her birthday 😂😂.

I see you have a Focus RS ad your DP, did you eventually go and drive one and like it? I knew you were looking at the Type R also.. What did you get?!?!