Inaugural Road Trip

"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures) 01/26/2015 at 13:13 • Filed to: bmw, 135i, lake cushman, road trip

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My wife and I took the new 135i for it's first road trip. We drove 2.5 hours to Lake Cushman, WA. The lake is at the very southeastern corner of Olympic National Park. Since it's still "winter" here, the roads were pretty empty, and there was only one other car at the lake when we got there. Here's what the first viewpoint approaching the lake looked like:

The water level was really low. So low, that we got to see this collection of old-growth tree stumps which are normally hidden under the water.

Also, this stump, which looks like it's walking into the lake:

Enough about the lake though, what about the car?

Just as I'd hoped, the 135i was fantastic on the twisty roads leading to the lake. Great visibility, and the ride isn't too harsh. The steering is perfectly weighted, with good feedback. The 3.0L turbo is plenty powerful and has a surprising amount of torque even down at 1500 RPM. Also nice, I averaged 27 mpg for the trip.

Most importantly, the car is fun. I look forward to driving it, even for chores or commuting.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/26/2015 at 13:16

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That is a creepy ass place.

Jimmy Tango > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/26/2015 at 13:54

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Love it, going to take fam here soon solely based on this trip report!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Jimmy Tango 01/26/2015 at 14:01

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You may want to wait until summer, because the place was seriously dead. There are picnic tables, campsites, bathrooms and kayak rentals once they're actually open. Nice scenery, though.

We're planning on going back soon to hike Mount Ellinor, which is right next to the lake.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/26/2015 at 14:03

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Great shots of the lake, those look super creepy...the stumps walking into the water reminded me of War of the Worlds!

Also, glad to hear about the car. 27 real world MPG sounds great! May I ask if this is a second car? How are you doing with the space factor? I would love a 1 or 2 series when it's time for a car change...but I'm a bit concerned about the practicality of its size and how cramped it might start to feel on longer trips (especially going from a Subaru wagon).

Jimmy Tango > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/26/2015 at 14:22

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Thank you for the tip!

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 01/26/2015 at 14:23

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My wife has a Versa hatchback that handles our hauling duties. Seriously, we've used it for a new back door, and about 20 bags of bark for landscaping. Both of those trips were ridiculously unsafe, but I'll forever respect the Versa for that.

For its size, the 1-series is very practical. The back seats are usable (and they fold down), if you can get to them. The trunk is reasonable too, with a good-sized opening. It's no wagon, obviously, but it has more usable space than a Mustang or BRZ. If you plan on using the back seats often, a 3-series might be a better option. The front seats are great. Not cramped at all and adjustable in about 1000 different ways. For reference, I'm about 5'10".

Burrito de EJ25 > Bryan doesn't drive a 1M 01/26/2015 at 23:27

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Check out that sneaky MSP3!

It's a MSP3, right? I can't see the hood from here, but it has dark wheels.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Burrito de EJ25 01/27/2015 at 10:38

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I think it was the Mazdaspeed.