BMW M135i News

BMW’s new-generation 1 Series will land in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter this year in two flavours, 118i and M135i xDrive guise, with pricing expected to come in at around $45,000 before on-road costs for the former and $60,000 for the latter.Though an official confirmation is still forthcoming, CarsGuide has seen documentation confirming specification for both the entry-level, front-wheel drive 118i and flagship all-paw M135i hot hatch.While the 118i is expected to step up significantly from the outgoing version’s $38,990 pricetag, the changeover to new-generation form will come with a substantial lift in equipment and technology.Standard equipment in the 118i will include 18-inch M alloy wheels, an M Sport exterior styling package and LED headlights, while inside, two 10.25-inch screens – one for instrumentation and the other for multimedia – are fitted, along with a head-up display and illuminated trim finishers.Powering the 118i is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine (shared the entry-level X1 and X2 SUVs, as well as the Mini Cooper) producing 103kW of power from 4200-6500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1480-4600rpm, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.With drive sent to the front wheels, the 0-100km/h acceleration takes 8.5 seconds.For comparison, the outgoing 118i produces 100kW/220Nm from the same engine configuration, which is sent to the rear wheels.Meanwhile, the top-spec M135i’s expected $60,000 price will place it lineball with its $59,990 M40i predecessor, as well as competitive against the $65,800 Audi S3 and incoming Mercedes-AMG A35.Though engine outputs are down from 250kW/500Nm to 225kW/450Nm – due to a switch from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six to a 2.0-litre force-fed four powerplant – the new-generation M135i will sport all-wheel-drive traction instead of being rear driven.Drive will be channelled through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8sec.The top-spec M135i will add 19-inch Cerium Grey-coloured wheels, keyless entry, automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist, leather upholstery and an uprated harman/kardon sound system.A smattering of M Sport goodies are also fitted, such as brakes, steering wheel, seats and rear spoiler.Although the 1 Series is available with a choice of five engines overseas, BMW Australia has opted for petrol-only power for its new small hatchback.CarsGuide understands more variants will launch next year to bolster the 1 Series range, but the bulk of sales are expected from the 118i and M135i xDrive versions.

Major engine enhancements to BMW's entry-level M Performance models will arrive before the end of the year.The Bavarian brand says it will "pass the baton" from the existing turbocharged six-cylinder engines powering M135i and M235i models to the typically more powerful and less thirsty new engine that will launch in models dubbed M140i and M240i.The upgrade affects three models in Australia: the M135i five-door hatch, M235i coupe and M235i convertible.The power boost is backed by a 7 per cent drop in fuel use, with the claimed official consumption now down to 7.9L/100km. As is becoming the norm with most makers, performance increases despite the engines being less thirsty.In this case 0-100km/h times are down to 4.6 seconds using the eight-speed auto that is already on M Performance models here. The convertible's extra mass adds 0.1 second.Power increases from the current 240kW/450Nm to 250kW/500Nm — incredibly, that matches the figures of the bahn-storming 1 Series M coupe cult car built in 2011-12.That car has only now been superseded by the M2 coupe, which can run to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, thanks to outputs of 262kW/465Nm, trick componentry and weight-saving measures.Prices for the existing M Performance models start at $62,900 for the M135i and top out at $86,500 for the M235i convertible.Expect minor increases across the range, given the engine updates are likely to be backed by refreshed fenders and features.BMW Australia spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher says the new powertrain should fuel already strong local demand for the company's performance variants."We don't have any specifics other than the release at this point but we do know Australians will welcome the added performance," she says."Until the arrival of the M2 the M135i and M235i models were our go-to hot hatch and fast coupe respectively and there is still a big market that appreciates a good engine without wanting to engage every day with a full-on M model."The gear ratios in the eight-speed auto have been stretched to match the extra power.Drivers can choose to perform multiple downshifts on the paddle-shifters when entering a corner, with the car then matching ratios to revs as they drop.Left in auto mode, the transmission can employ predictive shifting — checking with the satnav to match ratios with the contours of the road.

A member of the 2013 Australia's Best Cars judging panel says motorists are spoilt for choice right now. Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania general manager of roadside and technical Darren Moody -- who sits on the panel with judges from motorist clubs around Australia -- says new car buyers have access to record low interest rates and are still getting great value for money, despite a recent dip in the value of the Australian dollar.He and the 11 other judges from around the country had been trying to make life even easier for buyers, testing 50 vehicles in 15 categories for the 2013 best car awards.The awards, run by the Australian Automobile Association, involved all the state auto clubs. In October Mr Moody and the other judges spent six days at the Australian Automobile Research Centre at Anglesea in Victoria testing all the vehicles.The judges' choice this year was the Mazda6 Touring, winner of the category for best medium car under $50,000. "It brings premium features to the category," Mr Moody said. There was no winner in the people mover category this year. AAA chief executive Andrew McKellar said it was the first time in the 13 years of the program that an award has been withheld."It's unfortunate that not one vehicle in that class meets the expectations of an Australia's Best Car," he said.Australia's Best Cars 2013Judges' choice: Mazda6 TouringBest light car: Renault Clio Expression TCe 120Best small car under $35,000: Hyundai i30 ActiveBest small car over $35,000: Audi A3 Sportback TFSI CoDBest medium car under $50,000: Mazda6 TouringBest medium car over $50,000: BMW 320iBest large car under $60,000: Holden Commodore VF SV6Best large car over $60,000: Lexus GS350 F SportBest people mover: Award withheldBest sports car under $50,000: Volkswagen Golf GTIBest sports car $50,000-$100,000: BMW M135iBest SUV under $45,000: Subaru Forester 2.5iBest SUV $45,000-$65,000: Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander CRDiBest Luxury SUV over $65,000: Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDIBest all-terrain 4WD under $100,000: Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6Best 4x4 Dual Cab Ute: Ford Ranger XLRead the full story here. 

BMW has issued a safety recall for a total of 2894 cars sold between November 1 2012 and July 31 2013 for a defect that could see a lack of lubrication cause the vacuum pump to fail and reduce the effectiveness of the brake assist function that adds extra force for panic stops.The carmaker says however that the vehicles will still be able to brake under normal circumstances. "They don't lose braking ability, but still lose brake assistance," BMW Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says. The affected vehicles are: the F20 1 Series; F30, F31 and F34 3 Series; F10 and F11 5 Series; E84 X1 compact crossover;  F25 X3 Series and E89 Z4 sports car.Fletcher says there have been no accidents or injuries, but a small number of vehicles have experienced the problem. "There have been about six or seven reports," she says. "We believe that only about 0.5 per cent of the vehicles in the recall will need fixing."An inspection taking less than an hour will determine if a vehicle needs the fix -- which will require up to another five hours. "We'll replace the component, and while parts can sometimes be an issue, ours are being airfreighted from Germany right now," Fletcher says. BMW says concerned owners should contact their nearest BMW service centre, or call 1800 813 299.

The 1 Series hatchback range now matches the pricing of Mercedes-Benz's A-Class, for which demand continues to exceed supply, the waiting list for the current range topper stretching to November. The Benz entrant outsells its BMW equivalent by some two to one.In Carsguide's April comparison test between the A250 Sport and the 125i the latter fell short on value and luxury. So if the drastic realignment smacks of desperation it has the effect of making the flagging Bavarian a good deal more competitive and indeed the best value in the model's two generation history.BMW boss Phil Horton says the range-wide revision resutls in some $5000 added value. It also marks the effective death knell of the manual BMW. Already a thing of the past in the 3 Series range on up, it is now history in its most driver-oriented passenger model.The eight speed torque converter automatic is standard to match Benz's non-optional seven speed twin clutch auto. The base 116i gains better upholstery and rear park distance control; the 118i, 118d and 125i get a nav system via 6.5-inch screen, enhanced smartphone connectivity including voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming. The 125i also cops 18-inch alloys and sports seats. The range topper M135i  -- soon to face off against the A45 AMG  -- gains fore and aft park distance control, top spec nav and internet functionality.Option packages are similarly polished up to the extent that the 116i can finally be had with rain sensing wipers. Metallic paint, leather upholstery and though-loading system amongst others are still extra costs items.The compact prestige price war becomes yet more intense in October with the arrival in of Benz's CLA four door coupe followed in the first half of next year with the GLA, an SUV built that like the CLA builds on the A-Class. BMW riposte later in 2014 with the 2 Series coupe and cabrio, developments of the 1 Series.

BMW has revised their 1 series hatches, adding $5000 of extra value with all but one model dropping by at least $700.The revamped hatches, which will be available in Australia as early as July, will have increased specifications and amended prices.With the exception of the 125i, all 1 series hatches receive a price drop. The 116i gets a $1700 price drop, 118i is $700 cheaper, the 118d drops by $1400, and the M135i is $3500 cheaper than the pre-revamp models. The 125i is $1400 more expensive than the previous rendition.BMW says that every aspect of the 1 series hatch has come under review, to ensure the best product for their customers.“This revision has resulted in over $5000 of added value for the dynamic 1 Series hatch, in some cases much more,” Phil Horton, BMW Australia Managing Director said, “the entry point into the BMW brand has never been better value.”The entry level 116i, which starts at $35,600, gets an upgrade to ‘sensatec’ upholstery, and rear park distance control.The 118i, 118d and 125i also gets the ‘sensatec’ upholstery, as well as a high-resolution 6.5 inch screen, an upgraded navigation system with iDrive, and extended smartphone connectivity with voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming.The 116i, 118i and the 118d will now be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the higher powered 125i and M125i receive an eight-speed sports automatic with launch control function as standard.The 125i will come standard with 18 inch double spoke alloy wheels, and sports line -- sports seats for driver and front passenger. The top of the line M135i M received the biggest revamp, with eight-speed sports automatic transmission, front and rear park distance control, a ‘Professional’ navigation system with touch controller function and internet functionality.BMW have restructured their option programme, grouping options into packages, which they say will simplify the choices for their customers, and reduce prices.Packages include the Convenience package -- available only in the 116i -- which comes with a rain sensor, anti dazzle interior mirror and extended smartphone connectivity.The Advanced Parking package combines BMW’s parking assistant feature, with front and rear parking distance sensors and a rear parking camera.The Visibility package comes with bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, high-beam assistance, adaptive headlights and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors.Those who enjoy great acoustics can take advantage of the Premium Sound package. A Harman/Kardon sound system with a digital radio teams up with a ‘Professional’ navigation system, bringing high-quality sound and internet functionality.Fans of ride comfort can grab the comfort package, with electric seats, memory function, lumbar support, and seat heating for the front seats.Extra options such as metallic paint, sunroof, and leather upholstery are all still individually selectable.The BMW 1 Series begins production in July, arriving in showrooms from September.

We'll see three new entrants due to lob within the next 12 months, including Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class.It will be joined in the fray by Audi's new A3 and the new Volvo V40, a shorter, hatchback variant of the S60 sedan for want of a better description.All are five door hatchbacks with front wheel drive. BMW's stylistically challenged 1-Series is the only rear wheel drive. Although some manufacturers are reluctant to admit it, the main competition for all players is VW?s super popular Golf.CLEAN SHEETThe Benz is a clean sheet project having nothing at all in common with the previous A-Class mini people mover. That job has been ceded to the new Benz B-Class and it's an effective device for everyday family motoring. New A-Class is taking Benz in a totally new direction that will open up a wider and younger customer base to the three pointed star. Early kick-off price guesstimates are in the $35,000 range.DIGITAL NATIVESIt's a car precisely targeting the Gen Y and Xers (so called Digital Natives) replete with a full array of connectivity right down to being able to seamlessly hook up your iPad or iPhone to the in-car info/control system.It will be a smart phone on wheels offering a smooth transition from a digital lifestyle to a digital driving style. And get this, there's a virtual co-driver you can question or instruct to operate in-car functions.LOOKSThe stunning looker, which bears a remarkable similarity to the A Concept of 2011, will be made in Germany, Hungary and tellingly, China. And we can expect a few other variants built on the same front wheel drive platform (moving to all wheel drive when AMG gets its hands on A-Class).UNDER THE BONNETIt will be powered by a range of existing and a couple of new Benz turbo direct injection petrol and turbodiesel engines rated from 80kW through to 155kW with capacities ranging from 1.6 through to 2.1-litres. Benz hasn't confirmed it but a three door hatch variant should become available a little further down the track and possibly a drop top cabriolet.Benz's performance partner AMG has been enlisted to develop certain A-Class parts so they have intimate knowledge of the car already. The A250 Sport enjoys significant AMG input. New A-Class will be offered with six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch manumatic transmissions and all models will have auto stop/start to optimise fuel economy.Camtronic that alters valve lift in the petrol engines for peak efficiency will also make an appearance. An 'Eco' mode will be available to squeeze out the last kilometre in fuel economy if you drive carefully.ACRONYMS R USBenz won't hold back on the acronym features list either that will see the new baby Benz fitted with a speed limiter (Distronic), radar-based Collision Prevention Assist (CPA), Pre-Safe collision preparation and Lane Keeping Assist as well as Fatigue Alert and numerous other electronic driver and safety aids. They have filtered down from larger models as has the luxury inventory.STYLEIt has an assertive stance on the road with a masculine frontal appearance and deeply sculpted panels. The ride height is low and a striking "pointillist" style grille is available on some models. It looks ready to pounce from all angles and inside, the assertive, quality theme carries through with seats for four and a reasonable boot space.The dash is from funky town featuring an electroplated look to many surfaces and impressive audio and lighting spex. It rates a strong five stars in crash testing and boasts newly developed pedestrian safety technology. The multi-faceted headlights feature a bank of LEDs for daytime running, indicators and parking lights. It rates a low 0.26Cd for aerodynamic efficiency.VERDICTIf it goes as good as it looks the new A-Class could be a world beater. It has the potential to lift Mercedes-Benz to a new level with a wider audience and still maintain that prestige aura associated with the 110 year old automotive brand. We find out soon enough.

Kids aren’t usually a factor in Car of the Year judging.  But child friendliness rates highly with women buying cars – and with women judging cars.The countdown has been kicked off to decide the Women’s World Car of the Year, and the kid factor is one the judges pay a lot of attention to.“Statistics show that women drive children in cars significantly more often than men – and that means women need to take that into account, both when buying and as judges of cars,” WCOTY president Sandy Myhre said from New Zealand.“Any woman who has grappled constantly with child seats and belts and children considers those things when looking at buying a car.  Men might too but the fact is, women drive children in cars more than men.“Women would not consider that aspect in a Porsche 911 more than a bloke. The point is, it can be considered in these awards - and that is one of the points of difference in these awards.”Myhre points out that significant research into buying habits show that in addition to buying for themselves, women have a major influence in household purchase decisions for big ticket items.Ford Australia, for example, says their research shows that women are behind the majority of purchases of the Territory SUV – either as single women buying one, or in influencing the joint decision with their partner. “A report from Mattingly & Associates in Australia concluded, in part, that businesses that didn't understand this influence would be hard-pressed to stay in business.  That report was aptly called 'When I've Made Up Our Minds',” Myhre says.However, the kid factor is just one of the criteria by which the 2012 Women’s World Car of the Year will be judged.There are four categories in the Women's World Car of the Year – Family Car, Luxury Car, Sports Car and Economy Car. Points are allocated to each of ten criteria: driveability, engineering, comfort, child friendliness, style, interior, storage, dashboard efficiency, carbon footprint and colour range.The 20 judges from eleven countries have submitted their own personal short list and more than 300 cars were suggested. These individual choices were then whittled down to form a master list of 32 in terms of popularity. Judges will now allocate points for these cars from a criteria list.The announcement of the winning cars in each category and the supreme winner will be made before the end of March. The supreme award trophy and category certificates will be presented to the car companies concerned at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2012 – the Paris Motor Show – in September. The supreme trophy will this year be made in The Netherlands. Category-winner certificates will be designed at Peartree Studios in Colerne, UK.The first winner of the Women's World Car of the Year was the Jaguar XF in 2010 and the trophy made in South Africa was presented at the Jaguar boutique showroom in Knightsbridge, London. In 2011 there was a dead-heat between the Citroen DS3 and the BMW 5 Series. The two trophies made in India were presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. 

The German brand said it would never make a full-on M-car based on its baby 1-Series, but the latest Carparazzi pictures reflect a major backflip. Or perhaps a car which is an M1 in everything but its name ...The wide-body 1 Series is caught during brisk runs through the countryside near BMW headquarters in Munich and it is clearly very different even from the 135i coupe.  The biggest change is the flared wheelarches and the giant alloy wheels, which wrap around huge four-wheel disc brakes.The M1 is expected to get its motivation from a 260kW inline six-cylinder engine fitted with twin turbochargers. It will make the car easily the most powerful in its class, ensuring a 0-100km/h sprint time in the 5.5-second range.The Carparazzi pictures also show a much deeper front airdam with bigger radiator opening, as well as scoops to the front brakes.  The new boss of BMW's M division, Kay Segler, admits his mission is partly to make cars which are more affordable and accessible to younger buyers."We want to make M young again, and affordable," he says.  "My sons would like to have an M, and when they're 40, not 60."The M1 is likely to be previewed later this year, most likely at the Paris Motor Show in October, with sales in 2011.