M135 is definitely a brilliant all rounder that can be turned into an almost proper M car with an LSD and a set of good shocks/springs. Even a stock M135 is still a lot of fun. The best luxury hot hatch, especially for the money.
They are not too bad in the wet once on decent tyres. Bin the standard runflats or PS-4's and fit either Goodyear Assymetric 6 or Michelin PS-5 and the car is much improved in the wet. (Mines an M140i)
Small world... This is my old car. Strange to see you driving it James! Being that your videos are one of the reasons it ended up at Stratton in the first place. Say hi to Alex for me, loving the Elise.
I'm almost a year into owning a m140i and totally agree with the sport+ thing.......drive it with care in bad weather, infact don't do it. As for performance, there's plenty I personally have trouble getting anywhere near its limits so I guess that speaks for itself
Got a 120i (2007, got it for a sing, with 20200 kms on the clock!), and even that is a bit tail happy if you put your foot down even just a little bit, in the wet.
The LCI 2 M140i is really miles ahead of these early M135i's interms of interoir, engine is step on too (new B58 unit) and the body has been revised to be more inline with the 2 series for handling dynamics
Great review! I´m happy with my Mineral Grey 2013, great fun to drive and reasonable running costs. Easily works as a daily driver. As seen in the video, the black chrome tailpipes fitted from factory does not age well. Mine was even worse, so I´ve replaced them with the chrome ones from the basic (non M Sport/Sport Line) 335i
The new M135i takes the old m135i and refines/solidifies the platform even more. Yes its not a "pure" RWD car, but its a AWD machine. A real daily driver. 45-50mpg when you want it, and 310bhp to have enough fun on the weekend. P.s the 1 series your mother had is worth some serious money now!
When really "pushing on" or on track these "M lites" start to fall apart, particularly with rear axle location. These aren't full M cars no question, the M2 comes alive above 8/10ths, the 135/140is fall apart above 8/10ths and when new the manual box is horrible as well but that can be solved with the excellent ZF auto
Detailed review - good stuff. I have noticed that there are not many camera views of the dashboard whilst your on the move in your videos. Great to see what wheel your holding, cockpit etc Anyhoo good stuff as always and always look forward to your vids Jay.
Don’t get the M lites mixed up they really are fantastic cars. Wife has a M240i bloody quick car of which blew my NA Evora away 😢 One of the reasons you don’t buy a NA Evora it simply isn’t quick enough. The M240i is basically an old M3 in a 2 series shape 👌 Fab Video!
JayEmm on Cars Agree 👍 Still trying to decide on either an Elise, Exige or an Evora. You saw my post on Seloc. The Mrs is buying an X3 or X5 so it’s purely a toy
I think its a little optimistic to suggest that these have a good chance of being a first car. I'm not sure I want to know what the insurance would be like on a 300+bhp rwd car for a first time driver.
Cletus, there's nothing wrong with testing a car in the rain, because, believe it or nor, it does rain in other parts of the U.K. Furthermore, on a smooth, dry road, most cars can put in a pretty decent performance. It's what they're like when the weather's foul that's more important. And, as long as you don't drive like a pillock, the M135i does very well in adverse conditions. Naturally, if you stick the boot in with a powerful, RWD car, you're going to visit the scenery; but if you don't realize that, you're a bit on the dumb side. By the way, how is Clovis getting on with his MR2 repair❓
I'm sure these M140i/M240is are more than capable on public roads but I would definitely get an LSD by M performance or Quaife for more predictable traction and for the occasional skids. They really are exceptional value for money and pretty remarkable on fuel. But seeing how the low mileage M2s are worth circa £37k (and probably depreciate quicker once the unpleasant sounding yet more powerful M2 Competition appear on used markets) , I guess the potential buyer under 30 y/o would have to see the difference in maintainance costs, insurance quotes between the M2 vs the M-lites, and how important having the practicality of a hatchback body is over the better looking coupe-exclusive M2. Having said that, Its a bit unfortunate that insurance quotes for these M-lites increase every year because of how attainable they are and often driven in the style of Sidways Sid and Monky London haha
But then 1 year old high specced m140i are at 20s. With barely any miles and still on warranty. If it is between a new m140i and an used m2, it's not even a choice lol.
Great review, Not a car I would choose but then I do have an idiosyncratic choosing process, take my latest car, a 911 GTS - I'm finding that not everyone gets it. I'd welcome your view J , care to take a look ?
You get the impression that the 3.0 unit is barely breaking a sweat at peak power or torque. I bet u can get a lot more than 300 odd horsepower out of it.
Mike L the n54 is an open deck engine as is the n55, the crank on the m135i and m235i has the same forged crank as the m2, so, strength wise there is no difference, m2 n55 is also open deck
JayEmm on Cars Your videos are really nice and informative. I think with limitations of car you can test your channel is the best. I really missed Chris Harris on cars and I find your channel and Carficton are close to that. I am wishing you at least 500 000 subscribers for the next 2 years.
I thought 💭 for a minute I had picked the wrong channel because when you took your hat 🧢 off your hair had a striking resemblance to Don Kings 🥊😂 love the brand content if not the weather 👍🏽
JayEmm on Cars are you going to the Bmw show at Gaydon this year? That’s got to be an awesome content upload 👌🏽and the British Motor museum too ....💁🏻♂️
I've got a very busy summer planned, I dont think i will get to many shows. Show videos never do well anyway, but I prefer just looking at the cars and talking to people anyway
Good vid but I cannot get excited about M-lite cars. I have only ever owned 3 BMW's and all of them M5's. I know the n5x and b58 engines are good and tunable and will run rings around my M5 in a straight line and even possibly corners, but owning a proper M car to me just feels more special. Plus V10. :D
JayEmm on Cars I know, every time I get out of mine I'm listening for a spun shell lol. It's getting them done next weekend so no more worries after that. Now fuel economy, that's a whole different ball game. Nearly half a tank done yesterday doing less than 30 miles lol.
Horrific. Bobbing around town. Hoon time is limited. You should post more on PH in the YT thread, your previous posts on there are sensible and informative.
jonny jones I’ve got an E46 M3 and love it and them. After I sold my last one which i deeply regret I had a S4 4.2 and the a Cayman S ( which was its equal) but not practical. The E46 M3 for me is still by far the best drivers car. I have upgraded mine with a relatively cheap suspension upgrade by H n R and it’s on rails and the induction noise is in my opinion the very best in all cars 😎👍🏽 th-cam.com/video/IBYnYIC73k0/w-d-xo.html
The absolute fucking WORST thing about this bloody country is ; the only time you get to drive your car is mainly weekends, either the weekends are raining meaning you cant go hard, OR its sunny and there is bloody WEEKEND wafflers on the road meaning stuck at 30mph - E - V - E - R - Y - W - H - E - R - E !!!
A friend and I, borrowed a mutual friend hes M135I 320Hp, about a year ago. It was pretty cool, nice engineroar and great seats.. It was Dark grey with some sparkle you know. But those old orange/semi yellow speedo, is SO damn dated. Looks like shiat...
have to say that review was pretty much a waste of time. Should have waited until the weather was dry, or not have bothered. Continuous views of the bonnet were not useful. I normally like your stuff!
The looks can grow on you- I think it looks squat and purposeful from the rear but the front is definitely not the best looking. I like the interior, it doesn't feel cheap (apart from the plastic around the gearstick)- the switchgear all has a quality feel, everything is well screwed together. Yes, it's not up there with more expensive models but it's certainly on a par with VW and a clear step above Ford, Renault etc. The exhaust noise on the outside is real, on the inside it's enhanced but at least it's boosting the ACTUAL sound of the engine, unlike what you hear in a Golf R or other 4 cylinder hot hatches these days. Listen here: th-cam.com/video/4vdg_OVpbLk/w-d-xo.html and it sounds the same, just quieter than with the "symposer" switched on. Maintenance costs...well that might be a worry. I've already had one scare that fortunately came to nothing but that's another story...
M135 is definitely a brilliant all rounder that can be turned into an almost proper M car with an LSD and a set of good shocks/springs.
Even a stock M135 is still a lot of fun. The best luxury hot hatch, especially for the money.
It's faster than a M1 so I'd say BMW can keep their 'proper' M
@@whatwelearned m140i is way better then 135i the b58 engine in the 140i is night and day difference
@@lukeskywalker1666 it's not a night and day difference. N55 sounds significantly better as well.
@@AliveGhost13 sounds better but in terms of performance the b58 is different league
@@lukeskywalker1666 it's not in a different league in stock form, is it? The M2 n55 produced near 380bhp.
An M135i is a great all round car!
They are not too bad in the wet once on decent tyres. Bin the standard runflats or PS-4's and fit either Goodyear Assymetric 6 or Michelin PS-5 and the car is much improved in the wet. (Mines an M140i)
Small world... This is my old car. Strange to see you driving it James! Being that your videos are one of the reasons it ended up at Stratton in the first place. Say hi to Alex for me, loving the Elise.
Haha, I'll pass on the love. Nice car, but you made the right choice.
Even smaller world this is my new car!
Henry Rees 😂😂😂😂
this comment is gold
I'm almost a year into owning a m140i and totally agree with the sport+ thing.......drive it with care in bad weather, infact don't do it.
As for performance, there's plenty I personally have trouble getting anywhere near its limits so I guess that speaks for itself
Got a 120i (2007, got it for a sing, with 20200 kms on the clock!), and even that is a bit tail happy if you put your foot down even just a little bit, in the wet.
I have a n54 135i and totally agree, while it's brilliant and responsive from 1500rpm it really drops off over 6000.
Jay, old E series 135i with DCT box was N55 engine as well so same as one in the M135i
The LCI 2 M140i is really miles ahead of these early M135i's interms of interoir, engine is step on too (new B58 unit) and the body has been revised to be more inline with the 2 series for handling dynamics
And hence why I got one, end of production great deals from BMW
naa, new control arms and kw coilovers with a good jock will be no different and your saving 8-10 grand lol
Fantastic review 👍just ordered a 120i M Sport can't wait i know it's not as fast as the 135i but will be plenty quick enough for me
Having owned both an M140i and a 116i 4 cylinder, I can tell you that the 116i handles way better because of the lighter power plant.
Omar M Khalil 😂
Omar M Khalil really?????
Excellent review James....as always 👍
Thanks Ryan!
Great review! I´m happy with my Mineral Grey 2013, great fun to drive and reasonable running costs. Easily works as a daily driver. As seen in the video, the black chrome tailpipes fitted from factory does not age well. Mine was even worse, so I´ve replaced them with the chrome ones from the basic (non M Sport/Sport Line) 335i
How was yours in the rain and winter conditions? I'm thinking of getting one but don't want to be going side ways round corners haha
The new M135i takes the old m135i and refines/solidifies the platform even more.
Yes its not a "pure" RWD car, but its a AWD machine.
A real daily driver. 45-50mpg when you want it, and 310bhp to have enough fun on the weekend.
P.s the 1 series your mother had is worth some serious money now!
When really "pushing on" or on track these "M lites" start to fall apart, particularly with rear axle location. These aren't full M cars no question, the M2 comes alive above 8/10ths, the 135/140is fall apart above 8/10ths
and when new the manual box is horrible as well but that can be solved with the excellent ZF auto
The ZF is very good, I drove the M235i with it in
when pushing on in an m2 it falls apart at 9/10ths where as the csl comes into it's own above 9/10ths
needs chassis bracing all around and rear bushing upgrades!
Detailed review - good stuff.
I have noticed that there are not many camera views of the dashboard whilst your on the move in your videos. Great to see what wheel your holding, cockpit etc Anyhoo good stuff as always and always look forward to your vids Jay.
Hi Anthony, we have started experimenting with doing that - some cars it is easy to get a good angle like that, some not
Don’t get the M lites mixed up they really are fantastic cars.
Wife has a M240i bloody quick car of which blew my NA Evora away 😢
One of the reasons you don’t buy a NA Evora it simply isn’t quick enough.
The M240i is basically an old M3 in a 2 series shape 👌
Fab Video!
Cheers Boggy. An M240 should be a LOT quicker than an NA Evora. Huge amount more power and torque, better gearing
JayEmm on Cars
Agree 👍
Still trying to decide on either an Elise, Exige or an Evora. You saw my post on Seloc. The Mrs is buying an X3 or X5 so it’s purely a toy
I think its a little optimistic to suggest that these have a good chance of being a first car. I'm not sure I want to know what the insurance would be like on a 300+bhp rwd car for a first time driver.
I was referring to the 1 series as a whole, rather than the M135i. It is likely however to be a first "performance" car
I've gone from a 116i to an m135i so I'd class the m135i as my first performance car
Cletus, there's nothing wrong with testing a car in the rain, because, believe it or nor, it does rain in other parts of the U.K. Furthermore, on a smooth, dry road, most cars can put in a pretty decent performance. It's what they're like when the weather's foul that's more important. And, as long as you don't drive like a pillock, the M135i does very well in adverse conditions. Naturally, if you stick the boot in with a powerful, RWD car, you're going to visit the scenery; but if you don't realize that, you're a bit on the dumb side. By the way, how is Clovis getting on with his MR2 repair❓
The MR2 is going well. We were supposed to film an update today but Clovis has been unwell
"Unwell"⁉️ There's no room for backsliders in JayEmm on Cars, get him back on the coal face‼️🤨🤨🤨
great vid as ever
M140i books 340hp but on dyno real power 365hp
Lovely shirt lovely car your starting to remind me of Eddie izzard a bit now
I'm sure these M140i/M240is are more than capable on public roads but I would definitely get an LSD by M performance or Quaife for more predictable traction and for the occasional skids. They really are exceptional value for money and pretty remarkable on fuel. But seeing how the low mileage M2s are worth circa £37k (and probably depreciate quicker once the unpleasant sounding yet more powerful M2 Competition appear on used markets) , I guess the potential buyer under 30 y/o would have to see the difference in maintainance costs, insurance quotes between the M2 vs the M-lites, and how important having the practicality of a hatchback body is over the better looking coupe-exclusive M2. Having said that, Its a bit unfortunate that insurance quotes for these M-lites increase every year because of how attainable they are and often driven in the style of Sidways Sid and Monky London haha
Yup, BMW has always been the go to car for people who aren't experienced enough with high power, RWD
I guess that's how I ended up with one :P
But then 1 year old high specced m140i are at 20s. With barely any miles and still on warranty. If it is between a new m140i and an used m2, it's not even a choice lol.
Great review, Not a car I would choose but then I do have an idiosyncratic choosing process, take my latest car, a 911 GTS - I'm finding that not everyone gets it. I'd welcome your view J , care to take a look ?
I've been meaning to watch your latest video on it Roger
my ocd got to me after seeing that blackened exhaust tips...
There was never a e85 m135i it was just a 135i. A45 amg and rs3 are significantly more expensive and are rivals to the m2, not an m135i 🙄
You get the impression that the 3.0 unit is barely breaking a sweat at peak power or torque. I bet u can get a lot more than 300 odd horsepower out of it.
You can!
The n54 is best for more power as it is forged from the factory. The n55 isn't as strong. You will see more bigger power n54 cars than n55.
Mike L the n54 is an open deck engine as is the n55, the crank on the m135i and m235i has the same forged crank as the m2, so, strength wise there is no difference, m2 n55 is also open deck
Should have been a 10 min introduction on the car, before the "to be continued", 20 mins seemed too long. Look forward to the REAL review.
If I manage to get it again the second part will be pure performance, this was all the other bits
the m140i zf 8 transmission is a peach and as for that 3 ltr 6 pot awsome
Great video again man.
Thanks!
JayEmm on Cars
Your videos are really nice and informative. I think with limitations of car you can test your channel is the best. I really missed Chris Harris on cars and I find your channel and Carficton are close to that. I am wishing you at least 500 000 subscribers for the next 2 years.
That would be nice wouldn't it!
Great review ! Just seen you in Bedford near the hospital the Evora looks great 😍
Haha yep that was me. Visiting Torque Automotive!
I thought 💭 for a minute I had picked the wrong channel because when you took your hat 🧢 off your hair had a striking resemblance to Don Kings 🥊😂 love the brand content if not the weather 👍🏽
Haha, cheers. Weather beyond my control sadly!
JayEmm on Cars are you going to the Bmw show at Gaydon this year? That’s got to be an awesome content upload 👌🏽and the British Motor museum too ....💁🏻♂️
I've got a very busy summer planned, I dont think i will get to many shows. Show videos never do well anyway, but I prefer just looking at the cars and talking to people anyway
Good vid but I cannot get excited about M-lite cars. I have only ever owned 3 BMW's and all of them M5's. I know the n5x and b58 engines are good and tunable and will run rings around my M5 in a straight line and even possibly corners, but owning a proper M car to me just feels more special. Plus V10. :D
I desperately want an E63 M6, but I know it would ruin me
JayEmm on Cars I know, every time I get out of mine I'm listening for a spun shell lol. It's getting them done next weekend so no more worries after that. Now fuel economy, that's a whole different ball game. Nearly half a tank done yesterday doing less than 30 miles lol.
They were either 30 blindingly brilliant, or absolutely horrific miles
Horrific. Bobbing around town. Hoon time is limited.
You should post more on PH in the YT thread, your previous posts on there are sensible and informative.
Thanks Mike, I tend to avoid it - the annoying thing about PH is I am not allowed to post links to my own videos!
Nice shirt
Thanks!
is this a better drive than your e46 m3 and does it feel faster im thinking of getting a nice e46 m3 or 1m as just sold my bmw m4 comp pack
I'd be getting the newer car myself. After an M4 the E46 would feel quite slow.
I think I genuinely prefer the drive of these too
its just that sound of the e46 m3 that takes some beating many say
jonny jones I’ve got an E46 M3 and love it and them. After I sold my last one which i deeply regret I had a S4 4.2 and the a Cayman S ( which was its equal) but not practical. The E46 M3 for me is still by far the best drivers car. I have upgraded mine with a relatively cheap suspension upgrade by H n R and it’s on rails and the induction noise is in my opinion the very best in all cars 😎👍🏽 th-cam.com/video/IBYnYIC73k0/w-d-xo.html
Are you jason dawe?
Stop comparing it to an elise🤔
Follow up video please ( I have a M135i i can lend you )
The absolute fucking WORST thing about this bloody country is ; the only time you get to drive your car is mainly weekends, either the weekends are raining meaning you cant go hard, OR its sunny and there is bloody WEEKEND wafflers on the road meaning stuck at 30mph - E - V - E - R - Y - W - H - E - R - E !!!
Yep, pretty much
where did you get that hat?
Sweden
A friend and I, borrowed a mutual friend hes M135I 320Hp, about a year ago.
It was pretty cool, nice engineroar and great seats..
It was Dark grey with some sparkle you know.
But those old orange/semi yellow speedo, is SO damn dated. Looks like shiat...
*great car, typical English weather lol! For the money now they are a bargain for sure*
Deffo. A guy was on my last track day with a later 135i, black, 1M front, gold wheels, looked the business
RIP friend. Oh, otherwise a good review.
Clarkson span off because he had the traction control off....
Still a real possibility with it on after having a ride in my mates, feels dangerous as fuck under hard pulls in even the smallest bit of damp
Want to see 140M
My M135i was classed as a total loss last week, im devastated :(
That sucks!
Should’ve tested the M140i
0/10 vauxhall astra door locks. A class has same issue.
Who chooses clothing you wear its hilarious 😂
Me, mostly!
A car that has an awful lot going for it... apart from looks.
Christopher Bell which is exactly where the M235 M240 comes in
New one is same, possibly worse looking!
have to say that review was pretty much a waste of time. Should have waited until the weather was dry, or not have bothered. Continuous views of the bonnet were not useful. I normally like your stuff!
Does this guy brush his hair and teeth in the dark
Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah !! How long does it take to say this car is shit in the wet !!!!
Very boring 💤 sorry
The ugliest BMW of all time, cheap interior and the exhaust noise is fake. But its biggest issue will be its maintenance costs.
It's much cheaper than an M to maintain, and the exhaust noise from outside is not fake!
Agree about the looks 😣
The looks can grow on you- I think it looks squat and purposeful from the rear but the front is definitely not the best looking. I like the interior, it doesn't feel cheap (apart from the plastic around the gearstick)- the switchgear all has a quality feel, everything is well screwed together. Yes, it's not up there with more expensive models but it's certainly on a par with VW and a clear step above Ford, Renault etc. The exhaust noise on the outside is real, on the inside it's enhanced but at least it's boosting the ACTUAL sound of the engine, unlike what you hear in a Golf R or other 4 cylinder hot hatches these days. Listen here: th-cam.com/video/4vdg_OVpbLk/w-d-xo.html and it sounds the same, just quieter than with the "symposer" switched on.
Maintenance costs...well that might be a worry. I've already had one scare that fortunately came to nothing but that's another story...
staggabob I’m comparing the interior quality to the previous 3 series and to Mercedes and Audi. By that measure its cheap.
Maintenance costs compered to what a Merc or Audi coz they are well known for being cheap and reliable.
Terrible review