2013 BMW M135i

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

● The first of the ‘M Performance’ models from BMW

● 320hp turbocharged straight six

● Low mileage and two owners from new

● In current ownership for 10 years

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

It’s no surprise that we’re big fans of putting large engines in small cars here at PH which is why the appearance of an M135i always piques our interest. The first of the ‘M Performance’ branded models, the M-lite F20 turned up the wick on the rest of the range but without introducing full fat M division running costs.

With the N55 twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six crowbarred under the bonnet, it was good for 320hp and made a considerably better noise than its four-cylinder contemporaries. Although the majority left the factory with an automatic gearbox, around 20% of them sold in the UK were specified with a six speed manual gearbox, as we see here.

For many, it acted as an accessible entry point into performance BMWs and, indeed, the owner of this car moved on to an M2 about six months ago and as a result his M135i has seen little use since.

Presented in white with a black interior, those who know will know but to the rest of the world it’s quite the stealthy performance hatch. As well as a large engine, drawing on the extensive BMW parts bin brings large car refinements too with the ubiquitous iDrive system providing access to a sat nav that will still just about keep up with what’s available on your phone.

All in all, it’s a quick and versatile all-rounder that should fit smoothly into the life of its next owner, while presenting the opportunity for some fun when the opportunity arises. As we’re unlikely to see the like of it again, there’s arguably never been a better time to sample the joys of a large-engined hatch with the interactivity of a manual box.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

● Registered new 10 June 2013

● Reportedly acquired by the current owner with just 1,400 miles on the clock from the lady who bought it new

● The electronic service record on the iDrive shows the following main dealer services: July 2015 at 14,536 and June 2016 @ 18,174 miles

● A print of the history from the independent garage subsequently used for servicing shows that the following services were carried out: September 2017 @ 23,905 miles, June 2019 @ 29,956 miles, August 2020 @ 35,135 miles, August 2022 @ 49,099 miles, December 2023 @ 55,872 miles

● It has just been freshly serviced in preparation for sale

● The original book pack is present

● MOT valid until 30 August 2024

● V5 present in the owner’s name

● HPI clear

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● The black leather sports seats are very well preserved with little wear to show for the car’s age and mileage

● The rear seats look to be hardly used

● Sadly, the parcel shelf has gone astray at some point but the boot area is neat and tidy and the original first aid kit is present

● It’s very nicely specified with satellite navigation, dual zone climate control and heated seats and the vendor reports that everything is in full working order

● In all, it looks an inviting place to spend time and is in very good condition

𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿

● Finished in white with silver mirrors and sitting on 18 inch 10 spoke alloys, the overall look is subtly sporting but if it were de-badged then it would fly largely under the radar

● There are a few minor car park dings on the nearside and some small chips/minor bumper abrasions

● The vendor tells us that the paintwork looks a little flat but a visit from a dent removal service and a thorough valet should address these

● The photographs show that both headlights have condensation, which appears to be common in wetter conditions

● The wheels are largely unmarked save for some minor kerb marks on a couple of them and they wear a matching set of Dunlop Maxxsport tyres with 3-4mm of tread all round

● In summary, while perfectly usable as-is, with a light refresh, this will be back to very good condition

𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹

● Uniquely amongst its peers, the M135i features a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six which is both tuneful and powerful

● It drives the rear wheels via a six speed manual gearbox

● In addition to the extensive service history, it has just been freshly serviced for the new owner

● Potent and refined in standard form, there are a number of options for aftermarket modifications which opens up the potential to personalise it to your particular tastes

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆

Now that brand new large petrol-engined hatchbacks have gone the way of the dodo, the powerful but relatively affordable M135i looks increasingly tempting.

This example will surely tempt keen drivers with its manual gearbox and, in a restrained colour scheme, it presents the opportunity to be an understated way to make progress or a blank canvas for development and customisation, according to your tastes.

Either way, the big car features in a small package provide a level of usability that make this a versatile and entertaining choice.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex.