BMW M135i: Bavarian hot-hatch scorches S3

By Tim Beissmann
August 01st, 2012

FIND DEALS

The BMW M135i is now on sale in Australia, marking an ominous return to the premium hot-hatch market for the German manufacturer.

Sitting proudly at the top of the BMW 1 Series line-up with a starting price of $68,400 before on-road costs, the five-door-only M135i is $25,600 pricier than the conventional 118i hatch, but more than accounts for the difference with its added performance.

The BMW M135i’s 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine is identical to that used in the $178,300 BMW 640i coupe, making it an unbeatable bang-for-you-buck prospect.

The engine produces 235kW of power at 5800rpm and a menacing 450Nm of torque between a tremendously broad 1250-5000rpm rev range.

Teamed with the standard six-speed manual transmission, the M135i launches from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds and goes on to a hit an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. The optional $4000 eight-speed automatic returns even sharper figures, however, hitting triple digits in just 4.9 seconds. It also uses less fuel over the combined cycle, rated at 7.5 litres per 100km versus 8.0L/100km for the manual.

The M135i’s M-tuned sports suspension and variable sports steering system can both be controlled by the driver to deliver the desired ride and handling characteristics.

The dynamics package is supported by an M Sport brake system – incorporating four-piston fixed callipers at the front and two-piston fixed callipers at the rear, all finished in dark blue metallic paint – and 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/40R18 high-performance tyres at the front and 245/35R18 rubber at the rear.

Visually, the BMW M135i is distinguished by its M aerodynamics body kit, anthracite roof liner, door sills with M badging, leather upholstery on the sports seats and the M leather steering wheel.

Bi-xenon headlights, expanded Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, and the interior lighting package headline the standard features list.

The M135i becomes the third model in BMW Australia’s new M Performance Automobile range, joining the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d triple-turbo sports SUVs.

Its closest competitor in Australia is the Audi S3 Sportback. The Audi is $600 cheaper at $67,800 and features the brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive system, but is significantly less powerful than its Bavarian rival, trailing the M135i by 47kW and 120Nm.

Sponsored Ads

Crummydore

The front-on shot reminds me of Kung Fu Panda.

I would still have one though!!!
- Jake
  
  Yeah, but somehow this looks better front-on than the lesser 1 series models…or is it just growing on me?
  The rear looks a bit mismatched though…I’d have one but probably wait for the coupe.
Smart US

…but its nowhere near Toy 86 in balance/value ratio… as they say.. good try BMW
- Hunter
  
  But I would think that this is more of a Golf GTI competitor, and only just in that respect.
  - Hunter
    
    i.e. the GTI is quite a bit cheaper.
  - bob
    
    Its a Golf R competitor. Not GTI.
  - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=737660467 Kit Ho
    
    BMW wants the 125i to compete with the GTI
- Splatcat03
  
  The BMW has too much power, too much torque, too much stopping power and too good suspension, to be a good sports car.
  - Tyson
    
    I think it’s that way, to make even the worst drivers look decent while driving it, which is quite a commendable feat. lol
  - Andreas Papas
    
    Right….
  - AndyGF
    
    In true scope of abilities;
    The 86 is just a buzzing peppy four-potter with low grip Prius tires on the back so owners can lie to their mates and tell them how they got it all leery/sideways one night (before the iphone alarm went off).
    
    The BMW 135i delivers the perfect balance of abilities, and has a subdued smooth sonorous sound track better than that of a supra, and nobody is comparing the 86 to a supra…
    
    …
    
    Speaking of old JDM scrap-heap crusiers, the 86 is just the perfect excuse for ‘hater’ punks to crawl out of their ’80s & ’90s rubbish bins, and finally into a new car, and listen to them crow… after all, their standards where so low to begin with.
    - Legnab
      
      Well said AndyGF , hope they bring in the coupe , a better looking car .
    - Phil
      
      ‘hater’ punks? The irony is killing me…
      - AndyGF
        
        Lonely weekend? Awe shame…
- Phil
  
  If you value a nicer interior, better acceleration than a Falcoon taxi, better laptimes than a Crummer SV6 (Aug edition Motor Mag), 21st century service intervals – this has a much better balance of value.
- Ben
  
  If Toyota put anything even remotely comparable to the M135i on the market I would take a look at it. The 86 has a place in the Australian car market but put simply, folks that are looking at the M135i wouldn’t even consider the Toyota as a viable alternative. It drives well but is just uninspiring.
  
  For my money, a German designed, engineered and built RWD hatch with the M135i’s stats @ $70k + on roads is a phenomenal and affordable bit of kit.
- JJ
  
  Why are people continually bringing the 86 into it? It isn’t even in the same category.
  
  Yes, it’s a nice car, but it is not even close.
- Jake
  
  Vastly superior to the Toyota & the price reflects that…designed & priced to compete with Audi & Benz.
- Phil
  
  And here I was thinking this flame bait couldn’t be more obvious… All of you are idiots!
- Redbaron
  
  I laughed out loud at this comment. Funny how people who can’t afford a given car will always troll anything that isn’t japanese or a VW
- meemer lover
  
  people who’s buying these cars, they most likely used to own your toy that you taking about now they want to upgrade. i think bm knows the buyer better than you.
Elroy

Is there a hatch with better performance ,braking,handling?
gt86.com.au

For that much it could have at least come with a LSD.
Beancounter

Caradvice: ”The Audi is $600 cheaper at $67,800…”

Beancounter: The Audi S3 Sportback is $71,200.
Xristo303

Sounds like good value on paper, but when the only ones available in the showrooms will no doubt come with sunroof, metallic paint and auto, it’ll easily be a $90k+ car drive away.

Just look at the 5 dr golf R. There’s examples of some fetching $75k driveway!
- Phil
  
  Why do you have to buy a car that’s on the showroom floor? Order one with no options and you’ll only pay the base “on paper” price.
  
  Anyway, according to the Lexus fans, BMWs only sell with massive discounts.
- Phil
  
  Why do you have to buy a car that’s on the showroom floor? Order one with no options and you’ll only pay the base “on paper” price.
  
  Anyway, according to the Lexus fans, BMWs only sell with massive discounts.
  - F1MotoGP
    
    Another unprovoked stab at Lexus fans. Phil, you’re too transparent.
- Phil
  
  Why do you have to buy a car that’s on the showroom floor? Order one with no options and you’ll only pay the base “on paper” price.
  
  Anyway, according to the Lexus fans, BMWs only sell with massive discounts.
heinous

my eyes!!!!! gouge them out!!!!!
- K20A
  
  Just did. With a spoon in the shape of Ssangyong.
john

This is a very amateruish design effort by BMW. They did an Audi and put a downsized corporate face on the front which did not work at all with the A1 and does not work here. Having said that I have just purchased a car which at the time was considered a design joke but aged quite well. I just bought a 2008 M5. Itself no picasso but underneath the bodywork is one serious car. Just like this one!
Sigh

Its ugly as sin! Could have 350kw’s and nobody would still care for it.
Kale

I will buy one.