BMW M135i: Spotted
In the market for a hatchback? You could buy an entry-level Fiesta, or you could opt for a six-cylinder rear-drive M135i...
They say you don’t know what you’ve got until its gone, and with the next hottest BMW 1 Series set to adopt a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, that will soon ring true for the M135i and M140i.
The good news is that for now you're living in a world where an exciting six-cylinder, rear-wheel drive BMW hatchback is currently on sale. This has been something to celebrate since 2007, when the first M135i arrived and provided us all with an alternative to the growing trend of four-cylinder hot hatches.
It was facelifted in 2015 when the 3.0-litre engine was gently reworked to offer 326hp and 332lb ft of torque, so this silky six didn’t just sound good, it had some real punch, too. Opt for an eight-speed automatic as most did and it would you’d reached 62mph from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. Doing it yourself with the standard manual only took an extra two-tenths.
Despite wearing an M badge though, this was not an out-and-out M model (although it was just 19bhp down on the red-blooded 1 Series M Coupé), rather it was an M-fettled BMW, and thus more forgiving - to the point of normalcy if that's what you wanted. For many owners the idea of its being the top-of-the-range 1 Series was a good enough reason for buying. But the front-engined, rear-drive layout meant that the M135i was much more than just a motorway slip road performer.
True, that didn't necessarily make it the finest driver’s car in the land, and in time all-wheel drive alternatives like the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 proved to be much faster point to point. Their advantage was not all to do with traction either, but rather a product of the BMW's reluctance to keep its body fully in check over challenging ground.
Nevertheless, for some, this only added to the appeal. The M135i was not a point and squirt missile in the A45 mould, and nor could it be driven well without due care and attention. With the stability control off, an owner would have to respectfully learn how best to utilise that uncommon mix of strong engine, short wheelbase and right-wheel drive.
Certainly its rare to find that sort of description applied to a model that can now be had for about the same price as a base-level Ford Fiesta, yet here we are. Previously owned by a BMW technician, this car – equipped with a six-speed manual and M Performance exhaust – has only ever seen servicing at a main dealer and has remained in completely original spec. Despite having covered 50,000 miles, it’s described as “immaculate” inside and out.
Even with the end of six-pot BMW hatchbacks now in sight, we wouldn't be foolish enough to suggest that it looks depreciation proof at £13,995 - but certainly the M135i is a member of that fast exiting era that will hard to forget in a few years. We recommend you try now.
SPECIFICATION - BMW M135i
Engine: 2,979cc six-cylinder, turbocharged
Power (hp): 326hp@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@1,300-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 5.1 seconds (4.9)
Top speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
Weight: 1,505kg (EU including 75kg driver, +20kg for auto)
MPG: 35.3 (NEDC combined, 37.7)
CO2: 188g/km (175g/km)
Price then: £31,725
Price now: £13,995
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