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
It’s debadged and when driven normally in auto, it’s quiet, smooth and lovely and when driving it hard it just sounds wonderful and has a muscular power delivery, it also feels like it has power everywhere. The chassis isn’t perfectly sorted over 9/10ths though. In anything other than dry weather, it can also require car as it can easily overpower its rears.
My last 3 cars have been 2.0 turbo engines and there’s just something about the 3.0 turbo engine in a small car.
It’s imperfect but as an all rounder, I also think it’s fantastic!
I'm not really a BMW man but I have always fancied one of these.
I actually like the fact that its a bit flawed and you have to pick your moments and can't just rag it everywhere like you can in a Audi RS3 or Golf R.
Also, without badges, it doesn't look so different from all the M badged 118ds out there. The sort of discreet quick car that BMW don't do so much any more.
BTW I think the author got confused between the M135i and the old 135i which if memory serves me right came out in 2007.
Anyway off I went to look at a couple of second hand ones. They look wider and lower slung than the normal ones naturally enough but none had an M badge so I just thought that the previous Owners tarted them up. Anyway took one for a spin and thought that its a bit lively but drive a Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT so was used to a bit of grunt. Beautiful thing to drive however. I saw the BHP figure and I thought, hmmmm house renovations, kids etc... this might go down as well as a nuns knickers. So I layed off buying it and Went with a new Subaru Impreza instead, which is better for the snow in winter and nice inside and .....
God Id love that BMW :-)
When you can't even get such basic facts correct it is disappointing, and it's time and time again on these articles.
Can you not at least use people who have some interest in the subject matter to write these articles?
It's completely standard aside from upgraded pads and upgraded springs. (Pagid RS29 front, Ferodo DS2500 rear, H&R springs, non adaptive model).
Has the must haves -
Pro Nav
Harmon Kardon
Auto
I've recently completed Anglesey and Oulton Park back to back doing nearly 1000 miles in 3 days.
Had absolutely no issues and had a whole boat-load of fun.
A really amazing car. Literally does everything.
And can easily achieve 40mpg on a long gentle run
42582705365_10991c3984_o by Fat Bear Photography, on Flickr
2018-07-18_07-08-45 by Fat Bear Photography, on Flickr
White with red leather is the best combo :-)
I'd buy a September 2013 build onwards I think it was, so you get the electronic waste gate and better turbo.
The last two i've seen would seem to support this. A blacked-out estoril blue one with a nasty exhaust being driven in max-attack mode around a Tesco car park on Saturday afternoon, and the other was a fake one...probably a 120d Sport with M135i alloys and a poorly-located badge on its rear.
Shame really, as although my personal experience as an ex-owner was ultimately disappointing, I do think they have their plus points.
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