BMW M135i F20 build
Discussion
So I've just picked up this M135i (2014 MY) having come from a Stage 2 Fiesta ST previously this is a lot different.
I am already thinking about upping the power and wanted to see if anyone has any experience in MHD/ BM3 or custom maps for the N55 engine.
If anyone has any advice/stories or wants to just have a general discussion regarding these cars let me know.
Cheers
I am already thinking about upping the power and wanted to see if anyone has any experience in MHD/ BM3 or custom maps for the N55 engine.
If anyone has any advice/stories or wants to just have a general discussion regarding these cars let me know.
Cheers
Court_S said:
Having owned an M140i for a couple of years, I think I’d set about sorting the slightly wayward chassis before chasing power. In the right conditions mine was very good, but it was equally frustrating at times due to the bouncy rear end.
I hear M4 lower control arms and bracing are common upgrades in terms of the chassis. I know people praise the hell out of an LSD but I just don't have the money to justify it as this will be mainly a motorway car. I don't know what springs are on it currently, looks quite low to me so I won't know until I get it up on a ramp to have a look but I wouldn't mind coilovers and upgrading the disks and padsDylanaledhall said:
Court_S said:
Having owned an M140i for a couple of years, I think I’d set about sorting the slightly wayward chassis before chasing power. In the right conditions mine was very good, but it was equally frustrating at times due to the bouncy rear end.
I hear M4 lower control arms and bracing are common upgrades in terms of the chassis. I know people praise the hell out of an LSD but I just don't have the money to justify it as this will be mainly a motorway car. I don't know what springs are on it currently, looks quite low to me so I won't know until I get it up on a ramp to have a look but I wouldn't mind coilovers and upgrading the disks and padsNot owned one myself but my Motorsport mechanic pal up here in Preston has a lot of these in for the F80 M3/M4 arms and upgraded brakes etc...
Superb car though...
Glenn63 of these forums has one that Grinspeed have tweaked a lot... Worth seeking his Reader's Car thread out
Dylanaledhall said:
I hear M4 lower control arms and bracing are common upgrades in terms of the chassis. I know people praise the hell out of an LSD but I just don't have the money to justify it as this will be mainly a motorway car. I don't know what springs are on it currently, looks quite low to me so I won't know until I get it up on a ramp to have a look but I wouldn't mind coilovers and upgrading the disks and pads
Sort the shocks and springs first (wholeheartedly recommend the Bilstein B12 combo) before looking at anything else. You’ll notice the improvements every single mile you drive.IMHO they don’t need anymore power, definitely not if suspension/chassis isn’t upgraded.
Stock pads are OK, M3/M4 pads are a direct fit and a decent upgrade, no need to change from stock discs unless it’s for aesthetic reasons.
M4 front arms and LSD are probably a waste of money if it’ll spent most of its time on the motorway (as mine does). Your car is a 3 door so should have the rear under body bracing from factory (5 doors don’t).
If you haven’t already, get over to babybmw.com, everything you could possibly need to know has been done/discussed in great detail.
Enjoy the car, they are fantastic things with a few simple tweaks.
swanny71 said:
Sort the shocks and springs first (wholeheartedly recommend the Bilstein B12 combo) before looking at anything else. You’ll notice the improvements every single mile you drive.
IMHO they don’t need anymore power, definitely not if suspension/chassis isn’t upgraded.
Stock pads are OK, M3/M4 pads are a direct fit and a decent upgrade, no need to change from stock discs unless it’s for aesthetic reasons.
M4 front arms and LSD are probably a waste of money if it’ll spent most of its time on the motorway (as mine does). Your car is a 3 door so should have the rear under body bracing from factory (5 doors don’t).
If you haven’t already, get over to babybmw.com, everything you could possibly need to know has been done/discussed in great detail.
Enjoy the car, they are fantastic things with a few simple tweaks.
Cheers Buddy IMHO they don’t need anymore power, definitely not if suspension/chassis isn’t upgraded.
Stock pads are OK, M3/M4 pads are a direct fit and a decent upgrade, no need to change from stock discs unless it’s for aesthetic reasons.
M4 front arms and LSD are probably a waste of money if it’ll spent most of its time on the motorway (as mine does). Your car is a 3 door so should have the rear under body bracing from factory (5 doors don’t).
If you haven’t already, get over to babybmw.com, everything you could possibly need to know has been done/discussed in great detail.
Enjoy the car, they are fantastic things with a few simple tweaks.
That's interesting about the M3/ M4 pads, didn't expect them to be a direct fit but that's good news
swanny71 said:
Sort the shocks and springs first (wholeheartedly recommend the Bilstein B12 combo) before looking at anything else. You’ll notice the improvements every single mile you drive.
IMHO they don’t need anymore power, definitely not if suspension/chassis isn’t upgraded.
Stock pads are OK, M3/M4 pads are a direct fit and a decent upgrade, no need to change from stock discs unless it’s for aesthetic reasons.
M4 front arms and LSD are probably a waste of money if it’ll spent most of its time on the motorway (as mine does). Your car is a 3 door so should have the rear under body bracing from factory (5 doors don’t).
If you haven’t already, get over to babybmw.com, everything you could possibly need to know has been done/discussed in great detail.
Enjoy the car, they are fantastic things with a few simple tweaks.
Cheers Buddy IMHO they don’t need anymore power, definitely not if suspension/chassis isn’t upgraded.
Stock pads are OK, M3/M4 pads are a direct fit and a decent upgrade, no need to change from stock discs unless it’s for aesthetic reasons.
M4 front arms and LSD are probably a waste of money if it’ll spent most of its time on the motorway (as mine does). Your car is a 3 door so should have the rear under body bracing from factory (5 doors don’t).
If you haven’t already, get over to babybmw.com, everything you could possibly need to know has been done/discussed in great detail.
Enjoy the car, they are fantastic things with a few simple tweaks.
That's interesting about the M3/ M4 pads, didn't expect them to be a direct fit but that's good news
Iv an m140 and did as above first, suspension. Certainly needed the most as there no slouch standard power.
I went with Bilstein B14’s, M4 LCA’s, chassis brace, polly bushes and LSD and a proper geo set up and it was like a completely different car to drive after. Planted, not bouncing about all over the place and can actual get the power down out the bends (or induce nice slides instead!)
But then i went for power as well. The B58 super easy for big power not as easy on the N55. I just done downpipe, fuel pump, intake, hybrid turbo and that’s 500bhp/550ftlbs it’s a little rocket now!
Also put on better discs, pads, lines and fluid as they fade quick on track, standard probably fine for road use.
I went with Bilstein B14’s, M4 LCA’s, chassis brace, polly bushes and LSD and a proper geo set up and it was like a completely different car to drive after. Planted, not bouncing about all over the place and can actual get the power down out the bends (or induce nice slides instead!)
But then i went for power as well. The B58 super easy for big power not as easy on the N55. I just done downpipe, fuel pump, intake, hybrid turbo and that’s 500bhp/550ftlbs it’s a little rocket now!
Also put on better discs, pads, lines and fluid as they fade quick on track, standard probably fine for road use.
The M135i has significantly softer rear springs as standard than the M140i, so the overly hard rear isn't as big a deal on these cars.
Looking at the picture above, it looks to be riding lower than standard anyway so has probably already been modified (along with the mirror caps, side stickers, aftermarket spoiler etc.)
Looking at the picture above, it looks to be riding lower than standard anyway so has probably already been modified (along with the mirror caps, side stickers, aftermarket spoiler etc.)
Edited by Mr Happy on Monday 14th August 12:04
Glenn63 said:
Iv an m140 and did as above first, suspension. Certainly needed the most as there no slouch standard power.
I went with Bilstein B14’s, M4 LCA’s, chassis brace, polly bushes and LSD and a proper geo set up and it was like a completely different car to drive after. Planted, not bouncing about all over the place and can actual get the power down out the bends (or induce nice slides instead!)
But then i went for power as well. The B58 super easy for big power not as easy on the N55. I just done downpipe, fuel pump, intake, hybrid turbo and that’s 500bhp/550ftlbs it’s a little rocket now!
Also put on better discs, pads, lines and fluid as they fade quick on track, standard probably fine for road use.
Glad you're enjoying it I went with Bilstein B14’s, M4 LCA’s, chassis brace, polly bushes and LSD and a proper geo set up and it was like a completely different car to drive after. Planted, not bouncing about all over the place and can actual get the power down out the bends (or induce nice slides instead!)
But then i went for power as well. The B58 super easy for big power not as easy on the N55. I just done downpipe, fuel pump, intake, hybrid turbo and that’s 500bhp/550ftlbs it’s a little rocket now!
Also put on better discs, pads, lines and fluid as they fade quick on track, standard probably fine for road use.
I would love to have had a 140 but it was double the insurance of the 135 and was around double the monthly payments too unfortunately. I have seen someone who's put the Pure 800 turbo on the N55 and that made well over 500bhp but I'm a fair way off that for now, and like you've said the suspension and geo need sorting before anything elseMr Happy said:
The M135i has significantly softer rear springs as standard than the M140i, so the overly hard rear isn't as big a deal on these cars.
Looking at the picture above, it looks to be riding lower than standard anyway so has probably already been modified (along with the mirror caps, side stickers, aftermarket spoiler etc.)
I thought that, definitely looks like it's been played around with (I'd imagine springs). Not sure if they've just gone for aesthetic or if there's anything been done under the bonnet. The only thing I can see is above the air box there's a sticker that says K&N so possibly has a panel filter but that's probably it Looking at the picture above, it looks to be riding lower than standard anyway so has probably already been modified (along with the mirror caps, side stickers, aftermarket spoiler etc.)
Edited by Mr Happy on Monday 14th August 12:04
From my own experience with one... Get the rod bearings upgraded! Much cheaper than it knocking it's self to death.
https://williamsperformance.co.uk/products/n55-rod...
https://williamsperformance.co.uk/products/n55-rod...
Do what I did, flog it and get your ST back 
I just dont rate them, certainly not as standard.
I might have tried some mods to sort it out had it been a manual but with the bouncy suspension, woolly steering and auto it was just too far from being right for me. I will get something else soon but am holding on to the ST, had I changed in that direction I would have been gutted.
A lot go from an ST to an F20 M lite, or a Golf R/S3, then come back as though they are posher and faster (std vs std) they are missing something.
Would like to try a sorted, manual one with an LSD etc, but then I just think buy an M4 Comp, as by the time you have done all the mods, it adds up and you arent that far off.
Good luck with it, they are pretty solid cars to be fair.
I just dont rate them, certainly not as standard.
I might have tried some mods to sort it out had it been a manual but with the bouncy suspension, woolly steering and auto it was just too far from being right for me. I will get something else soon but am holding on to the ST, had I changed in that direction I would have been gutted.
A lot go from an ST to an F20 M lite, or a Golf R/S3, then come back as though they are posher and faster (std vs std) they are missing something.
Would like to try a sorted, manual one with an LSD etc, but then I just think buy an M4 Comp, as by the time you have done all the mods, it adds up and you arent that far off.
Good luck with it, they are pretty solid cars to be fair.
I’ve had my M135i for almost six years and I still really like and have no plans to change anytime soon but imo it’s no where near being a “sports car” mine is around 370hp and slightly lowered for aesthetic reasons.
The numb steering isn’t great and the handling doesn’t inspire me with confidence.
It is however great as a GT, effortlessly covering miles. The auto box, low down torque and the smooth engine are a great combination.
The numb steering isn’t great and the handling doesn’t inspire me with confidence.
It is however great as a GT, effortlessly covering miles. The auto box, low down torque and the smooth engine are a great combination.
I also came from a Fiesta ST-2 to a 2014 M135i f20. So enjoy!
I've kept mine completely standard but been hot on maintenance.
I change the oil every 9k and have replaced all the necessary gaskets etc. My rocker cover gasket was leaking. Got quoted £700 to fix so did it myself for £40 and 5 hours of swearing.
Nerdy fact I found out recently...any m135i from mid 2013 and up has the newer engine that they put in the LCI model in 2015. So 322hp instead of 315hp, bigger turbo outlet. They just never announced it until the face-lift came out.
This does mean that they have the more reliable waste-gate on the turbo. But they are still prone to rattle a bit, mine does it when cold and has done for 20k miles. Will replace soon though!
I bought mine with 46k miles and its now on 75k with no real issues so far.
Rod bearings has been mentioned but that's mostly down to hard driving from cold or hard track use. With track use in mind, I was also warned not to take on track without fitting a baffled sump. Oil starvation in fast corners is a problem on these.
I've kept mine completely standard but been hot on maintenance.
I change the oil every 9k and have replaced all the necessary gaskets etc. My rocker cover gasket was leaking. Got quoted £700 to fix so did it myself for £40 and 5 hours of swearing.
Nerdy fact I found out recently...any m135i from mid 2013 and up has the newer engine that they put in the LCI model in 2015. So 322hp instead of 315hp, bigger turbo outlet. They just never announced it until the face-lift came out.
This does mean that they have the more reliable waste-gate on the turbo. But they are still prone to rattle a bit, mine does it when cold and has done for 20k miles. Will replace soon though!
I bought mine with 46k miles and its now on 75k with no real issues so far.
Rod bearings has been mentioned but that's mostly down to hard driving from cold or hard track use. With track use in mind, I was also warned not to take on track without fitting a baffled sump. Oil starvation in fast corners is a problem on these.
J4CKO said:
Do what I did, flog it and get your ST back
I just dont rate them, certainly not as standard.
I might have tried some mods to sort it out had it been a manual but with the bouncy suspension, woolly steering and auto it was just too far from being right for me. I will get something else soon but am holding on to the ST, had I changed in that direction I would have been gutted.
A lot go from an ST to an F20 M lite, or a Golf R/S3, then come back as though they are posher and faster (std vs std) they are missing something.
Would like to try a sorted, manual one with an LSD etc, but then I just think buy an M4 Comp, as by the time you have done all the mods, it adds up and you arent that far off.
Good luck with it, they are pretty solid cars to be fair.
Sorry I've gone completely against your advice and got an M lite I just dont rate them, certainly not as standard.
I might have tried some mods to sort it out had it been a manual but with the bouncy suspension, woolly steering and auto it was just too far from being right for me. I will get something else soon but am holding on to the ST, had I changed in that direction I would have been gutted.
A lot go from an ST to an F20 M lite, or a Golf R/S3, then come back as though they are posher and faster (std vs std) they are missing something.
Would like to try a sorted, manual one with an LSD etc, but then I just think buy an M4 Comp, as by the time you have done all the mods, it adds up and you arent that far off.
Good luck with it, they are pretty solid cars to be fair.
All jokes aside I am enjoying it but I am definitely missing the Fiesta more than I thought I would. It's a shame the ST left without my knowledge but hey ho these things happen for a reason.
I used to argue the same with the 140, by the time you get a decent spec one, do the handing and power mods you're looking at M4 money which seems pointless in my eyes (despite the fact imo the B58 is better than the S55). But the M4 is a better overall product I think we can all agree. An M4 is the dream and hopefully if I get on with my 135, an M4 will be the natural progression
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