BMW 135i test

BMW 135i
In an automobile industry more and more politically correct some carmakers are resisting. For BMW, sport models are a technological show piece.


While the M3 has been an icon for years, the coupe version of the 1 Series has little to be jealous of.


Powered by a 306 brake horsepower 3.5-litre 6 cylinder engine, the 135i can be had with a performance upgrade package, as well as an aerodynamic kit. The engine power-kit is an extra €2000, providing nearly 30 additional horsepower.

The result is a BMW with 330bhp and a very race car like engine sound thanks in large part to the exhaust system.



The bucket seats assure an ideal driving position. On the road, the steering and gearbox prove to be just a bit stiff but the overall ride is incredibly smooth for a proper sports car.






On the test track, this 135i demonstrates its aggressive character. There is just a hint of chassis roll but the brakes and overall handling is exemplary. The changes made to the brake system, axles and suspension can definitely be felt.



The six-cylinder engine’s acceleration and sonority take us back a few years. It is raw, sensational even, and when you crunch the numbers its performance level nears that of a 2000 six-cylinder M3 E46. The 135i weighs less than 1500 kilograms and needs a scant 5.2 seconds from naught to 100km/h.


For a car this size it is a true explosion of power and with the driver aids turned off the back end wants to step out just a bit.

As we mentioned earlier, this 135ihas been sublimated with a package of add on parts from the BMW catalogue. Its sports car personality is undeniable but nothing excessive. It is a BMW loaded to the gills, for sure, but with BMW made parts, which makes the difference. ..Gorgeous 18-inch wheels, with touches of carbon fibre... exterior rear view mirrors, spoiler and rear diffuser housing two inox muffler pipes.



The interior nears perfection. Sporty but also sober with leather and alcantara bucket seats with a multi-function steering wheel, which we will come back to and a very nice blend of aluminium and carbon fibre.





Under the bonnet is the famous straight six-cylinder engine, which for this year has a new permanent injection system to improve fuel consumption and lower CO2 output.

The steering wheel is an additional €1200, which isn’t much when considering this BMW made performance kit runs an extra €16639..For €60,000 you can have this exceptionally agreeable and sporty car.