2008 BMW 135i review
June 5, 2008 by Karl Peskett
At first glance, you’re thinking “how can BMW justify $71,400 for a 1-series”. And when we spoke to most people, it was the price that first put them off. But hop behind the wheel, and you realise just how much of a bargain this car is.
The outside of the car does look a little dopey in photos, but in the metal it’s actually very attractive. The rear three-quarter view is probably the best, where the agressive hauches sit over those fat wheels.
Sliding into the fully-adjustable bolstered seats, you find a quality interior. The optional poplar wood trim sets off the darker surrounding plastics, and is contrasted by the cream leather; this is a feast for the eyes.
There’s very little clutter as well, with most of your commands available through the (complex) I-Drive system. The instrumentation is also clear and unfussed – you could almost call it plain. Combine that with four useable seats (although the rear headroom is a little tight for my six-foot frame) and it’s starting to look good.
But the real magic begins when you insert the stubby key fob and press the start button above it. A quick whirr, and the engine bursts into life, settling into a satisfying deep burble that hints that there’s some potential.
Reverse gear is a push and shove up to the left, and slow movements reveal a light clutch with a slightly high takeup point. As you flick the ergonomically shaped gear lever into first, slightly more revs are needed than you expect, to get away. Thank the tall 3.08:1 diff ratio for that. Ah, this thing’s going to have some legs then.
The motor is one of the smoothest straight sixes around, and hanging a couple of hairdryers off it doesn’t do it any harm, either. After experiencing this car for a week, it’s no wonder that it’s won International Engine of the Year awards several times.
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.
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
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.