2008 BMW 135i review
June 5, 2008 by Karl Peskett
2008 BMW 135i review & road test
Model tested: 2008 BMW 135i Sport
Recommended Retail Price: $71,400
Options fitted: Electric Glass Sunroof – $2,750; Metallic paint – $1,600; BMW Radio Navigation with favourite buttons – $2,700
Everything – space, pace, power, poise, quality, dynamics – the lot
Um, nothing?
CarAdvice rating: 
(5/5)
Review by – Karl Peskett
Photography by – www.OzCarSightings.com
Ever been to a movie that was hyped up so much, yet you were extremely disappointed after seeing it? It’s a real let-down when you expected a joyous experience, yet were given so little. Worse still is when a movie is touted as a comedy, and ends up being a moody drama.
Conversely, there are some encounters that surprise and entertain, and still keep delivering, no matter what you were expecting. One such experience, is the BMW 135i.
Known as the 135i Sport, this coupe version of the BMW 1-series is something that you need to engage in to really understand the significance of what BMW has been able to achieve.
When we were handed the keys, we didn’t fully appreciate what we were about to go through. On paper it all looks pretty good – twin turbo six-cylinder, rear-wheel-drive, six-speed manual, and a coupe body. But it’s how it all comes together that really impresses.
Tags: BMW 135i, BMW Reviews
Thanks for the ride last week Karl, amazing.
I actually ended up test driving one at Auto Classic yesterday….WOW.
Bang for buck, this is THE car under $150k to buy.
$70k for a 225kw BMW is really good value and I really like the look of the 1-series.
arent they only 40kg lighter then the 335i? does it feel heavy to drive?
If i win Tattslotto on the weekend I will buy one of these………..it will sit nicely beside another fantastic car………FG FPV F6 ……..two of the best engines in the world !!!!
Mitch, the steering is heavy, but the car can be thrown around with abandon. It doesn’t feel heavy at all.
Also, BMW’s quoted 0-100km/h time is very underdone. It’s capable of flat fives any day of the week.
*drools*
Amazing car….
Would love it in AWD – yes, understand that BMW don’t do AWD but would be hard to get that power down in the wet…
Karl, did you have a chance to drive it in the wet? Would seriously love to know.
Great write up! :O)
Cheers Steve.
Yes, did have a chance to test it in the wet, and it seriously is one of the most predictable, yet fun cars around.
Trust me, no need for AWD here.
Its the only BM i think id consider.
Its not stupidly priced like any of the 6cylinder 3 series. Its not hopelessly underpowered (and overpriced)like the 4cylinders.
One thing thou, Do me a favour Karl can you check if both of your legs are attached? The rear leg rooms got to be the limiting factor not the head room.
Nice, All I need now is a house and a spare $71.4K.
Sounds like a great car. Why would you spend more money on something else?
My thoughts on the car :
In person it looks 10 times better then the pics – its a nicely shaped and mildly agressive looking car.
Then you spot the m badges, and the monster 6 pot front brakes… and you begin to grin, you know this is no normal small bmw.
Pop the hood, and it looks like a plastic shelled 4 cylinder. Absolutely no hint of what lurks within. You cant see a cooler, a turbo, anything to remotely suggest this is a beast.
Get in, its got plenty of room, even with the sunroof. Easily fit my large self into the car, so should be no challenge for 98% of people. For those of you doubting the interior, no need – high quality fit and finish, very simple looking but you dont need 100 knobs with the Idrive screen handling most tasks.
Drive off in it, and an ever so slight burble at low rpm certainly sparks interest. Even with the run flat tyres the car is smooth and quiet to cruise around in, no stress. Barely any road noise, bumps are soaked up with ease. Then you get onto some open road, 60kmh, 6th gear, 1200rpm.. and you put your foot down. you barely have time to consider it, before the needle gets to 1700rpm and the car begins to pick up momentum quicker then any granny spec BMW you can imagine. A this point Im impressed. This thing has a massive spread of useable power. I doubt many would pick it as a turbo if they didnt know.
Finding a suitable piece of road, and turning off the drivers aids, and nothing can prepare for how freaking good this thing is. Plant it in second, and the thing rockets off heading for the next corner substantially quicker then I had anticipated, Wait wait wait, then smash those brakes , and the car comes to a standstill immediately, with no sign of fade.
Now, its rather wet on the day we went for a ride. This is a blessing when your in a RWD twin turbo car with a chasis as sorted as this. Not only does it handle insanely well, but with the correct drivers inputs, this thing has angles that would leave D1 drifters impressed. Want to switch it back and keep it going down the road? Not a problem! At no point did it even feel like it wanted to bite back at what it was being told to do. The grin is now ear to ear, if not more. This is awesome! Wait , wait , wait, bang, smash those 6 pots, wipe that speed off and repeat. Switching on the stability control allows insane cornering speeds to be had, without a hint of over or understeer. The traction control is not agressive, and works brilliantly.
BMW must be congratulated at the highest level possible. They have built a car, that at 70 grand must be one of the biggest bargains in their history. Half the price of a M3, just as fast in a line, and surely its handling would be close to on par. Then I get hit with the fact that it runs a 3.08 diff. Woah. Imagine it with a flash tune, some boost, a diff ratio – surely youd be owning an 11 second car.
If your interested in it, do whatever you have to. Sell a kidney, trade your soul to the devil, befriend evil but cashed up dictators, take up the escort industry, whatever. My thoughts – white, lowered on tints, with some black bbs mesh rims. Gold gold gold.
You will not be let down by this car.
6 out of 5 stars, if that is possible.
Seriously…. its that good. Ive been blessed to ride in many many cars in my time… and its up there, and for dollar value, the best bang for buck ever.
Go find someone with one and get a ride!
God I can’t wait for my dad to take delivery of his 125i Convertible in a month! We went to BMW last week to have a look at them before delivered (ordered over 2mths ago to make sure he would get it this year!) and it’s just fantastic.
I have actually seen a footage of Best Motoring (Japanese Car Show) having a 1/4 mile between the new M3 and the 135i (or 130i – can’t remember).
The 135i was actually faster on the 1/4 than the M3 (which has a V8 in it – and much more expensive). Having said that, the difference is barely 0.04s. So it can be said that it is as fast as an M3.
This is my new dream car. A dream that can actually come true. (forget the Veyron – to far fetched).
I recon we’re gonna see a lot of these on the road pretty soon, and compare to the new STI or Evo X for around the same price, I’d rather get the 135i.
Now…I need to work harder to get that promotion!!
My Grandma (bless her cotton socks) has got the 120d from 0-100 in 7.2 secs plus fuel economy of 5L/100km and I love the thing (even though it’s a diesel) I rate it over the 335i Granddads got, I could only imagine what I would think of the 1 with the 335’s engine in it, drool!!
Sign me up as well !!!
NAH, the TRD Aurion is better, and so is the Falcon, which has the second best engine in the world – bahahahahahaha.
Now seriously guys, how far do the competition have to go in order to equal this little baby?
I’m not normally a fan of BMW but this little license loser would look nice in my garage :)
Roll on the 50 Mil tonight…….
The onroad price will be in the 80’s and beyond when you start adding bits to it – and you will.
Mitchell Oke : please dont insult this car by comparing it to a 125….
Thanks.
Standby for the Benz, Audi and Lexus fightback!
Cheers
F-0
PS It does look a little odd though!
Had a quick dive of my wife’s 125 coupe and even without the two turbo’s its a cracker. Plenty power and an amazing sound from the engine which gets better the harder you push it. The car urges the driver to drive it hard!
Thanks for the great review Karl. I’ve been waiting 6 months for my 135, and I only have about one more week to wait!!
BTW I have never seen a 1 series coupe in the metal – my car will be the first one I lay eyes on, and you can’t imagine how excited I am.
Excellent review, drove one today at Auto Classic and agree with all that was said, except the drive wasn’t long enough (but it was during work hours, so…). Tom, excellent response, well written.
Frugal One, it looks better in the flesh, believe me!
It’s a good thing there are cheaper yet fast Beemers coming out for those who can’t quite afford an exotic. I saw two of these on the road but quite a shame one of the drivers is an undeserving, abusive scumbag. I’d drive this car fast, but not to the point where I become annoying to others.
Interstingly, fuel economy is .1 litre more than the quoted figure for the bigger 3-Series with the same engine. Even so, efficiency under 10 litres/100 km for such a powerful car is fantastic. If there’s anything to fault, it would be just the iffy looks and the compromised practicality of a coupe. Otherwise it would be in my garage, well if I could already buy one.
Peformance wise this car is gun, the engine is sweet as.
A work mate here in the states drives a red one, I dont like the styling…. it looks “pudgy”.
They should of just made the 335i smaller… and calle that the 135i..
everything is good, but again the looks… I dunno, just looks awkward and again.. pudgy.
Probably the ugliest BMW in there current lineup…. but thats only because the rest are very good looking.
I agree, not big on the looks so much (interior is very nice though), but that engine at under 80k… a precedent setter in its class.
Pure motoring perfection; Such a brilliant formula and there’s nothing like it in the world. Don’t really like the looks but I’d be prepared to live with it for a drive like that. Would this be more fun than an STi or Evo?
And CarAd; when are you giving the XR6 Turbo a full review like this?
This could give the Turbo Falcons a real headache at BFYB :( the TRD burgular sure won’t, however).
Most importantly how does it compare to E46 M3?
How is that important?
Comparing it to an old M model car, which this isnt. Id dare say they would be pretty even.
#2
Whats all the fuss about?
Its a JAA, Just Another Auto.
U guys are easy impressed!
Cheers
F-0
Great review – and the first from Australia that I’ve come across. In regard to the M3 comparison, Edmunds Inside Line compared the 135i with 335i Coupe and E46 M3. They rated the 135i equal to the M3 as the overall winner. For half the price! Why buy a much bigger/bulkier F6 or Clubsport when you can spend only a few thou more, get similar or better performance and the cred of a BMW badge? I’m sold. Now where’s a dealer prepared to get me one this year?
Have been following 135i since Xmas and placed a deposit 3 months ago.Test drove 2 weeks ago and finalised order…Gulp-All up price $94k.Not cheap but test drive for only 30 minutes confirmed this car is a bargain.
Makes 911 Porsche Carrera and M3 look like a rip off.
It is a car you want to drive until it runs out of gas.Huge fun,quality and class.
Sti and evo are good but not in the same league.
Quote [Skitza] The onroad price will be in the 80’s and beyond when you start adding bits to it – and you will.
That’s right BMW are the OPTION kings.. infact if you ordered a fully optioned 135i Coupe complete with all the various “indiviual” features or M specifications etc you would be paying about the same price as the new M3
Wheelnut – unless you go nuts adding the carbon fibre mirrors and seats, etc, it actually won’t be anywhere near an M3.
The test car as optioned was a little over $78K. I would suggest that you don’t need to add all the extras, because the test car had everything you would want.
Even with those features, it’s still half the price of an M3.
My $94k was on road..watch those dealer delivery charges too
I know Karl but as there are a number of people that have more money than sense I expect a few customers will GO NUTS..
I mean its like you see people driving around in a $15K barina [for example] and spend close $15k – if not more; on the In Car Entertainment System alone.. which is Nuts
This car renders the Z4 useless, with two extra seats, a convertible option and does pretty much the same stuff at a lower price. The 135i has nearly the same performance as the M Coupe and with the turbo, has more useful torque compared to the high-revving six. But a new Z is set to come out soon, likely to be built in America.
Fred thats stupid. If you get a 120i convertible, its a nice well driving and reasonably sporty car that a whole new world of cant-quite-afford-a-three-series-convertible types will buy. If you buy a Z4 2.0i, you’ve got a wonderfully fun, uniquly styled chuckable roadster that people who buy BMWs for more than the status will own. Im not knocking buying them for status but face it – it is sort of the image that they’ve got these days.
If you look at youtube an auto 135i clocked 4.7 secs for 0-60 and 13.3 qtr mile… yee ha!
That heads both M3 coupe and Z.After a qtr mile and on a track the M3 & Z may pick up the 135i.
Therefore based on road driving I think Fred is probably right .
By the way who thinks the Z and other 1s are prettier than the “pudgey” 135i.
I think the Z and 3 series(arse) and the 1 series hatches are all ugly sisters compared to the 135i.
How can anyone, like Jamison,think the 135i is the ugliest BMW
Seems there are a lot of existing BMW owners who are pissed off with the 135i-brilliant car and a lot cheaper than they have spent their hard earned on- 2002 ti over again?
1. The 135i AUTO is faster to 100km/h and the 0-400m than the new EVOX with SST. The EVOX MR SST will cost as much as a 135I does here – lol
2. A fully optioned 135i (met paint,sunroof, sat nav, perf stereo) comes nowhere near the price of a new M3 (157K + ORC). Not even close (at least 60K less)
ordered mine about 3 months ago. have been for 2 test drives. its just arrived at the showroom and am picking it up thursday (I hope). Haven’t been this excited in years!
Steve has been on 2 test drives says it all!
Piers Ward Top Gear journo said the 135i did not inspire him and he did not want to get in and drive it again yet he raves about his long term TT (he is kidding isn’t he?). The other side is Clarkson saying it is the best BMW ever!Some Oz journalists think it is too heavy but do not know where or compared to what. Believe me I have asked one who had no reply but was happy with the performance and fuel usage.Go figure?
I say take the tii when it comes if this such a big deal.
Sometimes you have got to think what gives with some journos?
Steve has go it right, test drive twice, at least, and be excited .
“the ride is perfect….”
Well I own one and it is jiggly and can crash over some types of road. Firm, sometimes harsh and in need of proper tyres (not the run flats) would be a better desciption.
I think its great value………..Not as attractive as a 3 series but I wished the old 3.2 normally aspirated that was in the last 2 M3s would have found its way under the bonnet before BMW pulled the pin on the worlds best Inline 6……….
That propelled the previous E46 M3 from 0-100 in 5.1 secs and I could only imagine what it would have been like with a couple of hairdryers attached………Would have nailed the current E92 M3 for sure….I guess thats why they used the 3.0 litre instead ,would of given the F6 a real run for its money as well .hehehe
Is that a first aid kit I see in the boot……….. optioned ???
Hi missile babe. Hows yer doing.
Nice little motor this, it actually reminded me of the early 3 series as the size is nearer that than the current 3 series.
Wasn’t it great seeing BMW getting all those engine awards wiping the floor with nearly everyone. I always say the BMW make the best engines in the world.
See yah.
$70k for a small sedan doesnt seem like great value…. if I was in the U.S getting it for $50k or whatever they pay then maybe thats great value… not in Aus though.
Can you get a set of golf clubs in the boot?
Great car.
Quivive I have found the ride to be better than expected and better than 335i (probably because run flats are improved).I have not found it harsh,jiggly or overly crashy unless doing quite ridiculous speeds in some very rough corrugated and bouncy corners.In some ways I think that is the problem the 135i wants you to push it to its very high limits and then you may getting a less than perfect ride on our less tha n perfect roads.For me I am happy it is more GT then rally car.If you want both I guess you need to spend at least $200k plus on a Porsche.
I have had my 135i since 26 May – $90 k on the road. It is easily the most enjoyable car I have owned in my 54 years – yes it appeals to baby boomers too!
Titan silver, red leather, roof, nav. $16 2 GB memory stick with Dire Straits and Michael Bubble and everything in between.
The engine sounds beautiful, pulls like there is no tomorrow, ride is so much better than my Monaro and similar to my wife’s 3 series. The 6 speed box is superb, the grip awesome – brakes (being used to none on the Monaro) are a tad sensitive but superb when I wear my slippers.
I only hate it when I have to get out and have a red wine!!! I don’t think BMW realised what a wonderful 3 series beater they created!!!
Just buy one!!!
Taking delivery of mine next week. It’s the brilliant driving experience I can imagine. Just perfect. And it’ll put knots in your stomach, make your knees buckle and your hands shake — that’s how well it performs. Test drove once and ordered one on the spot. Then I asked to test drive another a few weeks later because I just didn’t want to forget that feeling. If you’re on the fence about whether you like it, test drive one. You’ll know then…
Ugly & Overpriced but…
sensational performance.
Donnie! uglier than a rex or evo.I dont think so.
Check the standard gear of 135i versus these 2 ricemobiles of around same price and you will think otherwise.”Bargain” normally does not go with BMW but compare it against bmw and non bmw competition.Pretty damn good but then again not a Falcon Ute turbo which one prominent OZ car magazine voted best bargain performance car of the year. Problem is most people would not be seen dead in one but cattle dogs don’t seem to mind.
BMW are trying to woo younger buyers to the brand with this model and have priced accordingly.($30k- $40k cheaper than 335i)
I reckon BMW will actually increase prices on this model next year when they work out they have actually sold to a savvy and more affluent older generation and not the younger generation they were hoping for.
I have been comparing the EVO X MR with the 135i. One thing i’ve noticed is that once you add a few extras it costs a lot more compared to the EVO X. But interestingly insurance is significantly cheaper for the 135i compared to the EVO.
Josh
You are right the BMW options are a killer but it’s standard kit is high compared to EVO.Personally as a daily drive I think the 135i is less brusque than EVO. But each to their own.
I just noticed the BMW Australia website updated their ‘build your car’ configuration tool, where you can select what extras you want and it will total the price up for you. They had the luxury car tax (LCT) at 25% just the other day and base price was $71,400… now base price is $79,453 at 33% LCT! I didn’t realise the difference would be so much. Then all the extras with the 33% LCT it is a big difference compared to the 25% LCT! I now wish I brought this 135i before July this year :) You guys who brought it before July are very lucky, well done!
I just logon to the site, but couldn’t see the price increase you talked about. I don’t think the 7% increase from $57000 will be as much as $8000, could be a mistake.
My apologies – there must currently be an error in their configuration tool because the prices are more than the ‘prices and options’ PDF file… appears they have updated that properly, it says $72,230 RRP (manual). That sounds a lot better!
I cant get my phone address book to be accessed via the cars blue tooth.Have tried 3 different Nokias with bluetooth and no success.Anyone help?
By the way – fanatstic car- Sparkling graphite with coral red leather- sat nav,professional sound etc.$94k on road but cheap when compared to M3 for not much difference in performance.
Ride is great not like previous run flats.Will be an icon if not already.
I´ve had the same problem with the 135. My Nokia N97 didn´t even conect to the car´s bluetooth. I also have a N96 that connected and showed the addressbook. I went to BMW and uograde the car´s software. Still my N 97 did´t work. I gave up and waited for a new firmware for my N97, but left the bluetooth on. After about 1 month, before the firmware update, it just suddenly began to work, not only connecting but showing the address book…
Its not nice looking with that grille and the ridged side body.
Plenty fun for near 1/2 the price elsewhere
Dont forget BMW NEVER hit big time in F1
BMW has the fatest recorded speed in F1, Check out montoya lap in monza 02 i think and in the early 80’s built the most power (turbo) engine in the brabham. They usually dominate the engine power figures in F1.
John
135i looks nice in the metal compared to photos particularly in darker colours.
Also Audi has never been in F1 ( and it builds the Veyron)and has won Le Mans on numerous occassions so does that make Audi inadequate.Such thinking defies logic.
Tossing up between this and the Evo X MR SST. The Evo is the obvious weapon of choice for tracking and all-weather, all-road insane performance. The Bimmer is more polished in ride, interior, noise. Too bad it don’t have a dual-clutch sequential box.
PS – BMW made THE most powerful F1 engine EVER during the turbo era! Wasn’t durable though. 1000+ bhp from 1.5 Litres!!!!
Zed, i’m in the same boat. I love both of these cars. The BMW 1 series will probably have a DCT in the future.
I understand the 135i truly a stunning performer . correct me if i am wrong, I guess the 125i coupe is not that bad as well … right ? 3 L Rwd small and compact, is it going to out perform 130i or maybe golf r32 ?
Eric – I think that Top Gear Australia did a comparison between the 135i and the new M3 to see how well the baby beemer would perform given that it has the same inline 6 cylinder engine that was in the old M3 [infact it was the only decent story of the entire series]
They drove both of them through the Dandenongs and the 1351 was virually always in the M3s mirrors.. the verdict was that it is an aweome performance car; for the money.. I’d definitely have one
Wheelnut-I have one , I love it,but have a look at Top Gear Aust rating of it on their website (as opposed to the back of the mag) and then try to reconcile this with “the best car BMW makes” per Clarkson.I would be very wary relying on any opinion of Top Gear Oz.Probably why the local show is dead in the water ie many agree with me.
Nevertheless I know what is brilliant for the $ and the 135i of near on M3 performance is, as much as I hate the word “awesome”.
after all this comprehending i finally figured out what car i want. this one! looks a bit stupid but what’s under the engine will make up for what it lacks in looks. at least the interior is better the the 3 series.
it’s rear wheel drive (i want to drift)
almost 50/50 weight distribution (i want a good handling car)
and 400 NM of torque at 1300-5000 rpm (holy sh!t)
53litre tank will give you lots time to pose at the service station!!
@ The Year of the One still can’t work out the $94k d/a price you paid. RRP is $72,80 (manual) $75,764 (auto). Other than satnav the rest of the options would only be needed as a w@nk factor. So even if you optioend up a little how did you get to $94K? No one should ever pay more than RRP drive away for any car (actualy you should aim lower as there is enough margin in them for discount.
Great car no doubt, I’m looking to buy one (manual). Only need the satnav option, the standard option are good enogh for me. It’s a performance car not something I need to make heavier with sunroofs and other rubish.
Great review by the way. Wish there was a video review to go with it.
Been an owner for about 6 weeeks now, fantastic car
paid $85k for Black manual with met paint/sunroof/sat nav/the top stereo and parking sensors
Lokks muscular in the flesh
VVV happy
$94k on road with auto, directional headlights, sat nav,sunroof,upgrade sound,metallic paint etc…it adds up.
Jess I like this stuff and do not see it as rubbish.
The figures you quote are not on road and you can usually add about $10k for dealer delivery,stamps etc.I bought about a year ago when they were not discounting you could probably get $3k off today due to GFC.
I think the downside to this car is that a comparable 3 series does not cost much more and is a far better car with respect to handling and interior finish and space.
It is however interesting how BMW has configured the 1 series first with the hatch, then the coupe, convertible and the new up coming X1 cross-over. It is basically BMW’s counter to the VW Golf/Jetta/Tiguan offerings. I would say the 1 series coupe config is the best of the bunch with respect to looks.
It is a lot of money though when compared to any of the VW product, even a Jetta TDI fully equipped is not near as costly and offers nearly the same specs. OK, it is not rear wheel drive, but there is a lot to say for the VW Golf/Jetta range and certainly if and when it comes the new Scirocco will be a compelling choice.
I guess what I am saying is, I like this car, but like the BMW family model Mini Cooper S, it is too expensive for what it is.
Frank
What other car has the 135i BMW kudos for same or less money.
The new 370Z might come close? but like GTR v Porsche no cigar.
Now if you want overpriced Euro equivalent performance then look at Audi and TTS .
By the way I do not think the Scirocco is Oz bound so take it off your list.
Your list would be interesting reading
The fit and finish of the 3 series interior is certainly a lot nicer than the 1 series, that for me would keep me from rating this car 5 steering wheels.
However, I do think of all the 1 series models, the Coupe is by far the best looking and if one could configure this model with the 3.0 liter BMW diesel engine then I agree, this is a hard car to beat and would likely outperform its petrol counterpart.
As far as the GTR goes, I would go with an Audi R8 before the GTR. I would even say the Corvette has a superior style over the GTR, which mechanically is a superior car, but just not as pleasing to the eye.
From all the reviews i read this cars gold, They should drop the old 3.2 e46 m3 engine in it, tweak the suspension setup, add a few little slits here and there, and its ready for a M badge!!
I have an old Audi S3 (225 hp). I wanted another Audi. I went to Audi and realised that the TT and the new S3 still come with 4 cilynders and “only” 260 Hp, the most. I drove them and didn´t really feel the car strong. I went to BMW and testdrove the 135. Man, I got scared with it´s toque. I couldn´t believe the car was so powerfull. However I liked the Audi´s interior most, I immediatly decided for the 135. I got about 2 months to “tame” the car (or stop being scared of it). At BMW I heard from the Salor that some people sold the car cause they were afraid of it´s power…
I don´t understand why Audi insists in the 4 cilynders “S” cars…