2008 BMW 135i review
June 5, 2008 by Karl Peskett
But it’s the torque that surprises you most. It’s one of the few cars that you can go straight from first to sixth without any problems. In fact, stay in sixth gear, idle down to 900rpm, and you’ll be doing between 45-50km/h. Put your foot flat to the floor and the car pulls away with no complaints. No stuttering, no hesitation – just a deep growl and you’re off.
The torque delivery is so linear that any gear, any revs, any touch of throttle, and you feel that push coming on strong. Amazing is too delicate a way to describe it. Plus it’s economical too.
But then as the revs rise, the car keeps surging forward and by 2000rpm, there’s some serious shove going on. The power builds exponentially until you’ve reached 7000rpm, by which time you snatch another gear, and the whole experience starts again.
First gear is over very quickly, and whack it into second and the catapult sensation continues. With the DTC off, and in the wet, slip angles are possible, even in a straight line. But the fact that this car also complies with your every input means it doesn’t get out of hand.
The ride is perfect for this type of car, even with 18 inch runflats. It absorbs the bumps, and although it’s on the firm side, it’s not teeth-rattlingly harsh. On the flip side the handling is superb, with (very slight) initial understeer to warn you to wash off enough speed, but then it sits confidently on the outside rear tyre and holds at maximum grip until you tell it not to.
On quick turn in with that near perfect weight distribution, it needs to have the throttle pressed a little to get the best out of cornering, which then settles the suspension to an attack attitude.
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.