What is it?
Essentially, it’s the fast flagship of the new BMW 1 Series line-up - and it’s arguably even more controversial than its lower-powered front-wheel-drive siblings. Why? Well, whereas many owners of lesser 1 Series are unlikely to notice whether they are being pushed or pulled, those who bought the old M140i (the sort of customers who are no doubt expected to loyally trade-up) certainly will.
To counter this, BMW has fitted the new M135i with a turbocharged 302bhp engine (its most powerful production four-cylinder motor yet) and an enhanced version of its xDrive four-wheel-drive transmission.
Read the BMW 1 Series 118d first drive review
There’s also bespoke M Sport suspension that has been stiffened and lowered by 10mm, a quicker steering rack and more powerful brakes. All good stuff, then. Let’s start with the engine, which not only delivers 302bhp but also serves up a thumping 332lb ft of torque at just 1750rpm. A development of the brand’s existing 2.0-litre four-pot, it packs a stronger crank and pistons, plus higher-flow fuel injectors. On paper, it pretty much matches the Mercedes-AMG A35 for power and comfortably out-muscles it for torque.
Yet arguably it’s that four-wheel-drive transmission that deserves the most attention. At the front, it features a Torsen limited-slip differential, while the back axle is of the hang-on clutch type, allowing power to be sent rearwards in just 250 milliseconds. However, the maximum torque split is 50/50 and most of the time the M135i runs in front-wheel drive, unlike larger xDrive models that work the other way around. Hmmmm. Mated to this system is the familiar eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.
The 1 Series is also the first internal-combustion-engined model to benefit from the i3’s ARB traction control. Monitored by the engine’s ECU, it reacts 10 times faster than normal ESP-based set-ups, more precisely controlling the motor’s torque to just keep the wheels from spinning and so reducing the need for time-wasting brake intervention.
Suspension changes are limited to a stiffer set-up, with a 10mm-lower ride height (two-stage adaptive dampers are optional and fitted to our test car), while at the front, the subframe gets an extra couple of bracing bars for increased steering accuracy. Speaking of which, the electrically assisted rack features a quicker ratio of 14:1, as opposed to the standard car’s 15:1. Finally, the brake master cylinder is larger for better response and more consistent pedal pressure when the going gets quick.
Join the debate
Takeitslowly
Rear drive to X drive, one step forward, etc, etc....
Given the writer is correct about present M140i owners being one of the target markets for this version, could BMW simply have left RWD in place for this one model, saved on weight and therefore cost of the new car...surely a more enticing proposition for any prospective buyer?.
Luap
.
Not really possible, as the drivetrain layout is entirely different. The platform is now FWD based with a transverse engine.
Its basically the same car as the Mini Clubman/Countryman and BMW X1/2
eseaton
A really horrible and
Summed up by the replacement of a truly great sounding engine with fake synthesized noise.
Cheapskate. And no way 4 stars.
StuM82
Grille
Expect the .2 version of this car to have a much smaller kidney grille. They just don't suit this car. They make it look like the 'mummy wagon' 2 series. Hardly 'aspirational'.
ricequackers
Is it me or does the new 1er
Is it me or does the new 1er look a bit too much like a compact MPV? It looks more like the Ultimate Carting the Kids to School Machine than a hatchback.
Anyway, enthusiasts should stick with the 2 series coupe as BMW aren't going to mess with the six up front and power to the back formula.
Lanehogger
Change of engine is one thing, but it's those looks!
With the previous M135i/M140i always having not just a 3.0 litre, but also a turbocharged, engine it was always going to be a bit of an issue when it came to replacing it, whether it was RWD or FWD orientated, even if BMW went to the expense of creating a new V6 to slot in transversely. The performance gap and engine spec between the M135i/M140i and the M2 wasn't huge and neither would it have been against the new M340i either which also has a 3.0 litre engine turbo unit. While it gave the M135i/M140i so much character and punch continuining with a large lazy, torquey engine in a 1 Series just wouldn't have sat comfortably in BMW's M/M Performance line-up. Though I'm sure BMW could have eeked more power from the 2.0 engine for this new M135i to make up for the lack of cylinders, character and reduction in pace compared to its predecessor.
But what does it for me is the look of thing because I too think this new 1 Series looks more MPV (and SUV too) than a hatch and at some angles it looks and has the proportions of the 2 Series Active Tourer and X1, and for a hot hatch it just doesn't quite work.
The Colonel
Trading Up?
I'd be interested to know more about where BMW see buyers coming from. I doubt (on no other basis than instinct, to be honest) that they really don't see current 140 owners as future owners of the new 135. I think they'd see them - older, more encumbered with offspring and pets, perhaps - trading up to a 3 or something X-ey.
On the styling, I do agree on the MPV like nature of it, which I believe is the current X styling filtering its way down...resulting in this, the MPV-a-fying of a hatch. Korean at the rear, A-Class at the sides, and Oh Dear at the front.
Hey! Maybe, after all, they did design it for the "oh no, I've got kids what do I do now?!?" 140 trader upper.
Anyway, either way it'll be a roaring success and come February there'll be loads of, MOA, nearly new, sub-£30k examples on the BMW Approved website, just as there typically are 140s, which makes them great value hoots.
The Colonel
Bad edit:
I doubt that BMW really DO see current 140 owners moving into the new 135.
mfe
Future BMW
AddyT
mfe wrote:
C63 ALL day long. Far cooler with a lot more character and doesn't have the whiff of a BMW driver. Tell him from me that's the weapon of choice! A lot more respect and admiration will come his way as a result of his decision!
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