The BMW M135 is the sporty sibling in the 1 Series lineup, blending sleek design, upgraded features, and impressive performance. Its bold exterior, enhanced interior touches, and powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine promises a premium driving experience. However, it’s not without drawbacks including limited practicality and less excitement compared to rivals. If you’re seeking a fast, stylish car with a prestigious badge, the M135 might suit you. But, does it justify its price tag? Let’s find out!
Exterior Design
Visually, the M135 has some design upgrades over the standard 1 Series. The grille has horizontal slats, and, of course, the M badging. The lower front bumper is more aggressive. Moving down the side, you’ll find unique alloy wheels. The standard ones are 18 inches, but optional 19-inch wheels are available.
The brake calipers can be painted, though this feature isn’t unique to the M135. The gloss black door mirrors and side skirts add a sporty touch. At the rear, there’s a more pronounced roof spoiler and a redesigned lower bumper with a fake diffuser. However, the quad tailpipes are the real deal and look great—reminiscent of the old M2.
Interior Features
The interior changes depending on the options chosen. Standard features include a sports steering wheel, sports seats, M-colored accents on the dash, M kick plates, and LED lighting. However, these features can also be added to the standard 120 via the M Sport pack.
With the M Package Pro, this car includes upgrades like an M sport steering wheel with a red center marker, tri-color stitching, and snazzier gear selectors. The M Sports seats are more body-hugging, featuring an illuminated M logo. Beyond these upgrades, the rest of the interior is like a regular 1 Series, including the infotainment system, which is responsive but overly complicated.
Back Seats
In the rear, there are tri-color seatbelt accents, which are optional for the standard 120 as well. Red seat inserts add flair, but headroom and kneeroom are limited for taller passengers. A Honda Civic Type R offers more space.
Engine & Performance
The M135 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It drives all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 0-60 mph time is claimed to be 4.9 seconds, but real-world tests recorded 4.6 seconds. The quarter-mile time stands at 13.29 seconds.
Cargo Space
The boot isn’t as spacious as a Honda Civic Type R, but it’s a decent square shape with hands-free opening. For an extra £175, you can add three-way folding seats.
BMW M135 Cons
- The M135 has less power and torque than its predecessor, the M135i.
- It weighs 100 kg more, resulting in a lower power-to-weight ratio.
- The car lacks adaptive dampers and has basic “passive” dampers instead.
- Driving modes are overly complicated and distracting.
- The exhaust sound is artificial and played through the car’s speakers.
BMW M135 Pros
- The M135 offers more boot space than the standard 1 Series due to the absence of a mild hybrid system.
- The M Dynamic pack enhances handling with stiffer suspension, lightweight wheels, and improved brakes.
- There are plenty of customization options, including 10 exterior colors, 4 interior trims, and 5 alloy wheel designs.
- A mechanical limited-slip differential improves grip on the front axle.
- The M135 chassis is upgraded with stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars.
Driving Experience
On country roads, the M135 offers decent grip and a sporty look, but it lacks the exhilarating drive of competitors like the VW Golf R. The steering and chassis feel disconnected, and the gear shifts are slower than expected. While the suspension is firm, it doesn’t feel truly connected to the road.
For regular driving, the car is reasonably comfortable, though the suspension is slightly stiff. Fuel efficiency averages around 30 mpg. The M135 is best for those who want a fast, stylish car with a premium badge rather than a thrilling hot hatch experience.
Verdict
Should you avoid it, consider it, shortlist it, or buy it? If you’re after a fun, driver-focused hot hatch, avoid it. But if you want a stylish, fast BMW and have the budget, buy it. Overall, this car is a consider it.
