2012 BMW M135i Reviews

BMW's M tag is far less exclusive than it once was but still signals high performance. Forty years ago in Munich BMW decided to step up its commitment to motorsport and create a specialist division. It focused on racing engines and one car in particular: the 3.0 CSL.With 270kW from a 3.3-litre straight-six -- and weighing a mere 1.1 tonnes -- it won everything European touring car racing had to offer. A few years later, BMW wanted a car to compete in a Formula 1 undercard race and made a mid-engined supercar called the M1. To meet the rules, it had to build at least 400 road-legal versions. As well as a stunning shape, the M1 was the fastest German sportscar of the time. Just 456 were made, so it's very collectable now. That car gave the division its name and within a few years it was turning out the M3 and M5 performance variants that cemented BMW's reputation as a driver's badge. When it applied M-ness last year to the 1 Series two-door, it wanted to reserve “M1” for the 1970s original -- or its heirs -- so it broke with convention and called it the M Coupe. Which suggests that behind the scenes BMW may be working on a new M1 supercar. In a way, that's exactly what it needs because the blue, violet and red tricolour is being applied increasingly liberally across almost everything BMW makes. That M Coupe saw the division embrace turbocharging for the first time, but any inhibitions about how far M could legitimately go had already been dismantled a couple of years earlier when it allowed offroaders, inherently non-racy vehicles, to qualify for performance tuning.The X5 M and X6 M were the result; amazingly capable SUVs but a long way from where it all started. There's more. To maximise the potential of the badge, there's now a sub-brand called M Performance. This is sort of M-lite, with a performance wand waved over the chassis but assembly on the standard line rather than specialist construction.VALUEThe prices start from $68,400 BMW M135I, $292,500 BMW M6 (coupe) and $308,500 (convertible). Its debut vehicles are powered by M's first diesel, a triple-turbocharged six-cylinder in the M550d versions of the X5 and X6. BMW admits this diversification was inspired by the success of its M Sports packages, which apply racy cosmetics such as sports seats and aero kits to standard cars.M Sport versions have just become available for the 3 Series launched early this year and BMW expects 40-50 per cent of buyers to opt for it -- on a car already available with a so-called Sportline trim. Depending on which model you start with, this can add $8900 to the price.M Performance parts are the latest twist. They leverage the M Performance sub-brand to offer buyers a selection of aftermarket add-ons. In effect, the M badge has been parlayed into a huge Sports-R-Us superstore. If it used to stand for Motorsport, perhaps it now stands for Marketing.In fact it's difficult to say what it stands for, so diverse are the offerings. The two latest are effectively bookends for the non-cosmetic side of operations. At one extreme is the M135i, an M Performance model that spices up the mainstream hatchback launched last year.For the price the M135i’s performance is sensational: 4.9 seconds to 100km/h (slightly slower with the manual). That's identical to the M Coupe, which was $30,000 more. At the other is the M6 Coupe or Convertible, which is the most expensive M you can buy and, aside from the V12-powered long-wheelbase 7 Series limousine, the most expensive BMW.TECHNOLOGYOnly a year after it debuted in an M car, they both use turbocharging. Thanks to emission regulations, turbocharging is needed to meet the challenge of getting performance and economy from smaller capacity engines. In M cars, it changes the character of their power delivery. Previously, you had to rev the daylights out of them before you could tap into their potential. With turbos delivering huge torque virtually from idle, that's no longer the case.It has made the M6, which is a mechanical twin to the M5 launched earlier this year, much more like its AMG rivals from Mercedes. The engine, downsized from the previous 5.0-litre V10 to a 4.4-litre V8, uses turbos to get 39kW more power and a whopping 160Nm more torque. The redline arrives 1000rpm lower, at 7200rpm, but peak torque is accessible across virtually the entire rev band, from 1500-5750rpm.It's some compensation for turbocharging's downside: lag between throttle and response. But what it means in practice is wheelspin on demand and power oversteer if you turn all the settings to max and take it to a track, as BMW did for the launch.The M6 Coupe can hit 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and twice that in just 12.6, making it BMW's fastest car. The Convertible, being heavier, is a fraction slower but still quicker than its rivals from Jaguar or Maserati. Of course, there's an option called the M Driver's Package, which lifts maximum speed from an artificially limited 250km/h to 305km/h. I've little doubt it could get there.DESIGNThe Convertible is heavier and less rigid than the carbon-fibre-roofed Coupe, but they are both the wrong side of 1.9 tonnes. The M6 has piled on 200kg since the 2006 original. It's a splendid luxury express with one of the best cabins I've seen in a BMW. However, it's a long way from where M started and although everything works -- the brakes held up well, for example -- I wanted to be less remote from the car.That's something you get more of in the M135i. Even though this is not a full-dose M car but an M Performance model, it's closer to the first M3 than anything bar the M Coupe mentioned above -- which is now, sadly, unavailable. The M135i looks like a frumpy little hatchback rather than a performance car and, initially, seems too softly sprung for a performance variant.DRIVINGThe Lakeside circuit in Queensland is much tighter and twistier than Phillip Island, where it took the M5. Any overzealous throttle use brought the tail out and the traction control light was almost permanently on. Disappointingly, there was less subtlety and feel to the steering, throttle and brakes than I'd like and where the M5 was a hoot at Phillip Island, the M6 felt large and weighty at Lakeside. I was acutely aware my daring depended on fat rubber and it seemed like hard work from behind the wheel. No wonder, given the speeds achievable. However, brilliant front-end grip means you can point it around corners with confidence. The rear can stutter a little, but it tracks through bends with superb composure. It's also relatively light, at 1.5 tonnes.The M135i’s engine -- a familiar 3.0-litre turbo six -- sounds great when pressed and comes with an unsampled six-speed manual or excellent eight-speed automatic. There are issues, such as tyre noise and wide A-pillars, but against rivals such as the Audi S3 it looks an absolute bargain.VERDICTWith more M cars on the way, including an M3 Coupe and Convertible rebadged as the M4, it's a vital reminder of where the whole M thing started.BMW M135IPrice: from $68,400 Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol, 235kW/450NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 8.0L/100kmBMW M6Price: from $292,500 (Coupe) to $308,500 (Convertible) Engine: 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 petrol, 412kW/680NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 9.9L/100Km (10.3L/100Km)

There are BMW M cars and now, there are other M cars from BMW, not quite as hard-edge but still with the characteristics to qualify as a seriously sporty drive, oh, and much more affordable.VALUEThe new M135i is a case in point. It's pitched about half way between a garden variety BMW and a fully blown M car such as the M3 but for the six-speed manual it costs a much more accessible $68,400....half what you'll pay for the M3. Eight-speed auto is an extra $4,000.But it isn't half the car - by any stretch of the imagination, more like 80 per cent in outright performance and handling terms. BMW leverages the M brand in M135i with a smattering of go fast bits and the rest from the regular parts inventory.Inside gets a good amount of luxury kit like premium audio, voice control, multi media connectivity, Bluetooth audio and phone, leather sports seats while the exterior has a body aero pack, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with auto high beam and blacked out body hardware.TECHNOLOGYWhen you take parts from there, you have a really high baseline and that's why the M135i is such a crackin' good thing to drive. The engine for example sees duty in a range of other models including the 335i, the 535i, the X5, the Z4 and others.It's a single twin-scroll turbo six cylinder petrol unit with fully variable valve adjustment in Valvetronic and double Vanos as well as direct injection. BMW calls it Twin Power in reference to the dual boost effect of the twin scroll turbo. They used to have two individual turbos. The 3.0-litre engine is good for 235kW/450Nm output from just 1250rpm _ in a car the size of a Toyota Corolla.DESIGNIt's a bit of a sleeper in the looks department but presents a more appealing face than the regular 1-Series.PERFORMANCENeedless to say, it pays attention to the right foot like few other small cars. Lucky drive goes to the rear wheels because that much grunt through the front would be a challenge. The eight-speed automatic we drove is a conventional torque converter unit but changes like a dual-clutch system.The powertrain can propel this compact five door hatch from 0-100kmh in better than 5.0 seconds while sipping fuel at an average of 7.5-litres/100km. It is truly amazing engine performance on a number of fronts and sounds unreal, then you point it at a series of corners and it moves up a notch.DRIVINGThe M Sport-specific suspension rides 10mm lower than a standard model and features adjustable sports dampers. The steering is likewise upgraded with variable gearing with different response at low, intermediate and high speeds. You can see and feel the effect even at parking speeds or turning around. Even the brakes are upgraded with large rotors and multi piston callipers from the M-Sport division. Wheels are 18-inch with Michelin Pilot low profile tyres.We were treated to a good long drive in the M135i in a number of driving environments, in all of which the car excelled. It's particularly handy on a winding mountain road but is also comfy and safe on the freeway. Around town, the eight speed auto comes into its own but when you're in sports mode, it flicks through the gears rapidly with small increments between each cog. There's even auto stop start and EcoPro drive mode to maximise fuel efficiency in the city.VERDICTWe are not fans of the look but the car itself is fabulous to drive. It's engaging, forgiving and satisfying to drive, even down to the shops. Just needs to be less of a Q-ship _ a tad more overt would be good so people know what you are driving and how discerning you are.BMW M135iPrice: from $68,400Warranty: 3 yearsSafety rating: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, 235kW/450NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; RWDBody: 4340mm (L); 1765mm (w); 1411mm (h)Weight: 1430kgThirst: 8.0L/100km 188g/km CO2

There's some good news and some bad news. The good news is that BMW is about to deliver one of the hottest hatches that Australia has ever seen. The bad news is that delivery of the car has been delayed, at least until the end of the year.Apparently a small flaw has been detected in the design of the wheels and you know what perfectionists the Germans are . . . The exciting BMW M135i tops the 1 Series range and partners the $75,000 135i M Sport Coupe - but it's going to be cheaper and offers the added versatility of a five-door hatch. There's a three-door version too, but we'll only be taking the five-door for which the company says there's a greater demand.POWERThe turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six with direct injection develops a maximum 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque from an ultra low 1300 revs. It's hooked up to a six-speed manual or optional eight-speed sports auto, with drive through the rear wheels.All-wheel drive is available overseas but it won't be offered in Australia (for some obscure reason). The coupe in comparison produces 225kW and 400Nm of torque.THE STATSThere's not much in it. The dash from 0-100km/h takes just 4.9 seconds for the auto and 5.1 seconds for the manual. Of particular note however is the fact the car is just as quick as the previous 254Kw 1M Coupe and only a tenth of a second slower than the hallowed M3.DESIGNIt looks a whole lot better without that nasty 'banana' line of the previous 1 Series. The blunt, squared off front end projects a feeling of power and the proportions are better this time, giving the car a more cohesive look. But we're still not real keen on the rear apron, especially the black, cutout section.NOT A REAL M?No, it's not a real BMW M model - but it's pretty damn close. Suffice to say it looks the part, sounds the bizz and goes like a cat on a hot tin roof. As well as the powerhouse engine, it's fitted with a body kit and M Sport suspension, that drops the ride height 10mm.It can also be optioned with adaptive suspension and electronically controlled dampers. M Sport four and two-piston stoppers have been added and it sits on 18 inch ferric grey alloys, with 225/40s front and 245/35s at the back.FUEL ECONOMYIt's actually not too bad. It benefits from BMW's Efficient Dynamics program and is fitted with auto start/stop as well as offering the ECO PRO driving mode to maximise fuel economy. Average fuel consumption for the manual is a claimed 8.0 litres/100km and 7.5 litres/100km for the auto. We recorded a figure of 11.2 litres/100km over a distance of about 120km at the launch of the M135i this week in Germany which wasn't bad considering the way we were driving.THE DRIVEIn a word, impressive. The engine is as smooth as silk. But that smooth visage hides a crouching tiger. Ambling along the highway the car cruises smoothly and effortlessly, with little input from the driver. But, punch the accelerator, and it takes off - no, make that blasts off. The rear of the car squats and squirms in quick succession as the specially developed tyres scramble to put all that power to ground. Bang. Bang. Bang. The gears snap home one after the other, either automatically or using the large steering wheel mounted change paddles.Off throttle it has lovely bubbling burble. The car has that typical BMW feel and smell, composed and confident with a chunky sports wheel that's ergonomically perfect - or is it the other way around? With a wider track and longer wheelbase, the car sits flat and almost attached to the road, with high levels of grip that will challenge the tightest corners. Then there's the four-piston M Sport brakes that bite hard but progressively when the need arises. Overtaking can be accomplished almost at will. All in all, it's a force to be reckoned with.VERDICTWhat's not to like? It's cheaper and faster than the coupe and half the price of an M3. And you get the versatility of a hatch thrown in, which means it will fit right in with an active lifestyle.BMW has put a price tag of $68,400 on the M135i and even at that price there will be no shortage of takers. Yes. It's a bloke thing, but anything that can blast from 0 to 100km/h in less than five seconds deserves our continued and undivided attention. Thank you BMW.BMW M135iPrice: from $68,400Engine: 3.0 litre 6-cyl petrol 235kW/450NmTransmission: 6-speed auto or 8-speed manual; RWD0-100kmph: 4.9 seconds automatic; 5.1 seconds manualThirst: 7.5L/100 automatic; 8.0L/100km manual