Road Test - 2008 BMW 135i

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?se...p;page_number=1

http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/d...508_RT_BMW.pdf

"Driving the new 1 Series is to experience BMW's philosophy in its purest form, thanks to the car's compact dimensions, surefooted manners and abundance of power."

"But the real thrill ride in the line is the 135i. Weighing slightly more at 3340 lb., this model has amazing pulling power. For those who remember what a big deal it was when the M5 boasted 300 horses, the 135i represents a similar breakthrough in performance for this class of rear-drive vehicle, giving new meaning to the term "pocket rocket."

"While not in the same league as the M3, this hotted-up version of the 1 Series is best described as an "M2.5." The reduced weight and muscular powertrain deliver at least two-thirds the excitement of the 414-bhp V-8-powered M3 Coupe. So in this respect, the 1 Series does live up to its expectation as a sort of entry-level vehicle into the world of M."

"The 135i simply goes where it's pointed, as evidenced by its slalom speed of 70.6 mph, with little or no drama. There is a slight bias toward understeer when entering a corner, but judicious application of the throttle easily pushes the car to a more neutral attitude. The large tires and taut suspension give tremendous grip, enabling the car to pull 0.91g on the skidpad. And in braking, the posted stopping distances are 204 ft. from 80 mph and 114 ft. from 60."

"The 135i is a driver's car, a "gotta have" car."

0-60 4.8
0-100 11.9
Quarter mile 13.4 sec @ 104.0 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 114 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.91 g (avg)
skidpad 0.91g




Motor Trend - Quick Test: 2008 BMW 135i

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes...test/index.html

"While BMW claims the 135i sprints to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, our test machine consistently ripped off 4.7-second runs, easily besting the factory estimate, and buzzed through the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds at 105.6 mph. Under braking, the 135i's six-piston front brakes, and wide, sticky tires haul it to rest from 60 mph in an impressive 102 feet, and the 1's average lateral acceleration checked in at 0.94 g."

"Says editor at large Arthur St. Antoine, "I'm blown away by this little stealth fighter. I can't recall another car that's been more surprising to drive; I expected the 135i to offer solid performance, but it's breathtakingly quick. Refined, too-it's a bona-fide BMW. Direct and communicative steering feel, bags of grip. An absolute blast to drive."

"On the road, the 135i delivers fine motoring without compromise. BMW says the torque sweet spot range is 1400-5500 rpm, but in real driving situations, it feels even broader than that. The 135i's interior and ride quality first rate and on par with its stablemates, though space is definitely at a premium."


0-60 4.7
0-100 11.9
Passing, 45-65 mph 2.4
Quarter mile 13.3 sec @ 105.6 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 102 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.94 g (avg)
MT figure eight 25.2 sec @ 0.76 g (avg)
2.74-mi road course lap 163.93 sec

 

Dinan has released the new software for the twin turbo six which pegs the hp to 384. Certainly approaching M level with that power combined w its M suspension and killer brakes. I'm seriously considering the 135i with the performance you get for the $$.

 

I have a driving session set-up with a dealer at a track on April 4. These reviews are just making me look forward to it more and more.

 

Drove both the 135i and new M3 back to back at a dealer/BMWCCA meet yesterday. Both cars were outstanding. If you got money to blow, get the M3 but frankly the 135i was a hell of a car for the money. The 135i had punch at all rpms consistent w the favorable torque curve reported on dyno runs. The cockpit was cozy but not cramped - felt like my old e46 cockpit. The steering was outstanding, perfect road feel like you expect from a traditional bmw (no active steering). Those new brakes in 135i were also outstanding and I hit them hard from 40 mph or so. I took both cars up to 90 mph - dealer was in car an did not want to go further. The M3 was a beast. It was Interlagos blue, 6 speed manual coupe. It produced a beautiful exhaust note and took off with an unending power supply. I frankly would opt for thr 135i for the money. The car is a tuners dream and the dinan flash already produces 384 hp which will drive straight line performance like an M3 (384 vs 414 hp for M3). My only complaint about the M3 is that it feels like a larger GT car and departs from the more nimble versions. In any case, can't go wrong w either car.

 

I would get definately a 135i because of the price + mods = cheaper + faster than M3 e92 and Porsche Cayman.

(vs Porsche Cayman)

(vs M3 e92)

(vs Ford GT)

( Modded vs Corvette Z06) it seems would beat the M5!

(vs Cherokee SRT8)

 

I think this may be my next car.

 

Spent last week in Germany, and saw literally hundreds of 1 series wagons. I don't believe the wagon is available in US? Very attractive car, and I saw many more of these than new 3 series. Many were small engine diesels, 116s.

 

definitely going to consider 135 cabrio for a weekend car.