BMW F20 M135i First Driving Review

AutoCar gets their hands on the newly minted BMW Performance Automobile M135i and gives us a first driving impression. There is ample comparison to the standard F20 135i and the E82 1 M Coupe as you'd expect. BMW's new M Performance Automobiles are a halfway point between a standard production BMW and a full out M car creating a fine balance of increased performance without going all out.

Richard Bremner, the test driver from AutoCar, enjoyed the compromise in the BMW M135i ride and handling opting for comfort mode most of the time over the stiffer sport settings. Overall the car is easier to live with on a day to day basis then the firm to the point of harsh ride of the 1 M Coupe.

The result is a an excitingly rapid drive that sits just the right side of hectic, the excitement of the six's keen blare built on by the 'box's light thumps in sport, the ra-ta-tat of the exhaust's over-run, the lightly clasping support of the seats and an excellent driving position. While some may desire the more uncompromising character of the 1M Coupé, the fact is that this M135i's ride is less maskingly firm, its steering more delicate and its character easier to live with. And it's also a whole lot cheaper, being almost £10k less.

Read the complete driving review at AutoCar.co.uk

Unfortunately BMW M wasn't able to do anything about the bug eyed look of the F20 1 series, but there is hope that the soon to be released coupe and convertible will improve on the looks. Looks aside it seems like BMW has a hit on it's hands with the M135i. If BMW would bring it state side would you buy one?

Originally Posted by tim330i

If BMW would bring it state side would you buy one?

In a heartbeat.

Definitely tempting. I just went down to my local BMW dealer here in Taipei. The 118i Turbo is about 1.6 Million NT and the new 135iM is supposed to sell for about 2.7-2.8 Million NT Which is not too cheap here in Taiwan. A great car but one would be paying roughly $85-90K for that car here in Taipei,Taiwan which is not that cheap. I really like that car though Back in 2007 I bought the 130i for roughly 1.92 million NT and this one is basically going to be about 700,000-800,000 NT more which is roughly $23,000-26,000 USD more Dealer will be taking orders soon he said for September-October delivery times.

I am testing the new f20 125i tomorrow, sport pack manual 2l turbo 160kw
Selling in aust at about 50k aud

I like the interior but what I like more is the 4 piston calipers in the front that they now offer

I could tolerate the M coupe, the Z4M, I even like the 1st gen 130i hatchback.

But this is just too ugly, BMW has gone off the deep end.

Originally Posted by Chris90

I could tolerate the M coupe, the Z4M, I even like the 1st gen 130i hatchback.

But this is just too ugly, BMW has gone off the deep end.

could not agree more... this is the first car post bangle designed by the new desgner.... since then he got better with new 6, new 5, new 3, etc...

the end is pure ugly
Front light is shxt ugly

the rest is OK

I'm happy I got a 1M.

Originally Posted by Chris90

I could tolerate the M coupe, the Z4M, I even like the 1st gen 130i hatchback.

But this is just too ugly, BMW has gone off the deep end.

Must admit that this is not the best looking car on earth but the reviews it has received so far are all pretty good. I think this car would a custom made LSD with a better gear ratio would make one awesome city or track car.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...c_first_drive/

I would buy one. I like hatchbacks as I currently drive a GTI. I want to get back into a RWD car in the next year, wish this one was coming over... If not I will look at the 2 - series coupe, and the 4 - series. I am concerned about the size of the 4 though.

Chris Harris tested and M135i blew RS3 away

Originally Posted by Chris90

I could tolerate the M coupe, the Z4M, I even like the 1st gen 130i hatchback.

But this is just too ugly, BMW has gone off the deep end.

Different strokes for different folks. I completely disagree that it is ugly. I think it's a good looking car and would make for a great DD. I wish they would bring it stateside.

Originally Posted by jfox335i

Different strokes for different folks. I completely disagree that it is ugly. I think it's a good looking car and would make for a great DD. I wish they would bring it stateside.

It's grown on me as I've seen more pics & video. I think the 235i will be better looking anyway.

M135i looks beautiful in Escorial blue

Definitely not a silver or white

I would mind this at all

125i M sport pack



in Estoril Blue

beautiful car

Word: FUGLY

'nuff said

peace out..

Geekapoo

Look great in real life