Buyer’s Guide and review - Why the M135i M140i is the last hot hatch
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.ย. 2024
- Impossibly quick and yet relatively economical!! An M135i, M140i buyer's guide with model variations, the options to have and driving impressions! Surely the last ever rear drive, 6 cylinder hot hatch. Buy one while you still can.
#bmwm135i #hothatch #buyingguide
So,
It was reviews like yours which made me confident that the M140i was the right car for me.
I managed to pick up a low mileage, 1 owner, 2017 M140i auto with adaptive suspension, a few months ago, for £20,000 exactly.
I wanted something which wouldn't ruin me financially, and could be a reasonable daily driver, practical, and not too 'shouty'. I have owned several BMW's and previously had an E91 320d m-sport touring, which was reliable (M47 engine), economical, and actually quite a brilliant do-it-all car, just slow, heavy, and absolutely no fun at all.
Having owned 'quick' cars (many BMW's) previously, I looked at the various options and drove as many of them as I could.
The obvious Golf R, quick and also discreet. I found it very 'meh', it was fast, but didn't feel fast, it was just a bit uninspiring, clinical, and actually a bit boring.
The Audi S3 (the RS3 was out of my price range), was not a bad looking car, but the driving position was not as good for me as the BMW's, and actually pushing on a bit in one was a disappointment. The understeery reputation is very justified, and it just did not have any fun factor on a twisty road.
The Mercedes A35 were a bit pricey. but I could stretch to a higher mileage one. They are fast enough, but my god, the interior I found to be very gash, way too blingy for me, and although they are quick, it just didn't make me smile.
So, the M140i.
Smiles-per-miles thing thing is on another level to anything in the same class. It's not perfect, it's a 1 series, and the doors creak a bit, the trim has some small rattles from everywhere, the leather seats (or *Pleather* as I call them), are not the best quality, although the shape is just perfect and driving position spot on.
The Engine is just brilliant. Compared to the earlier M135i yes it's not as revvy as you say, and peak power comes in earlier and slightly drops off right at the top of the rev limit, but the torque from 2k is much better and makes it much faster in real-world driving.
The auto gearbox is outstanding. Yes, every now and again it does hold on to gears while driving slowly when it really should change up, and it might not be quite as millisecond fast as the best DCT's .... but ...... for a torque converter it is just bloody brilliant.
The car is fast enough stock, but I couldn't resist a cheeky remap to 'cough cough' well over 400bhp and almost 600nm torque, and now it is just a missile, although I need a limited slip diff even more now that I did before.
So, I shall be getting a LSD and underbody brace fitted, which should not really affect it's daily driver feel, but turn it into a real RS3 / A45s competitor for about half the price.
Yet, I can still park it anywhere, and unless somebody is a petrolhead and knows what the twin exhausts, silver mirrors, and front vent mean, everyone else just sees it as a 118d m sport, which is something I absolutely love.
Is it my perfect car ?
Yes it is.
This has helped a lot! Swapping my F21 118d for the m135i - exactly the same spec almost 😂😎 I love my 118d so will be the perfect car for me really
Youve inspired me a little more to go for an m135i as much as i love my audis i cant wait to get rid of mine
Had my 2014 m135i for a year now , will likely be the best car you’ve ever owned . Small and nimble with an inline 6 turbo engine . Couple that with the 8 speed silky smooth transmission and you have a complete package .
@@adsa3449 Yes they are great cars.
My M140i now has a Wagner 200 cell cat, and XHP3 gearbox software (it's awesome for the ZF8, a must).
The car is mapped to 455bhp/634nm, it's bloody ace :-))
@@DjNikGnashers I’ve just fitted mine with a Berger air intake , aluminum charge pipe, and catless downpipe . Currently running MHD stage 2 as I don’t have the intercooler yet for 2+.
I looked into XHP and was costing me something like 400-500 dollars. How noticeable is the gearbox tune is it worth getting before I get my intercooler mate ?
Love an N55! I have M135i ewg 2014 447hp on 19s and h&r springs, once above 400hp these are pretty much supercar catchers.. decat only is needed to really here that beautiful 6 pot BMW engine sing! Without doubt one of best BMW engines made 👌
The only hatchbacks I would ever consider, RWD is a must. I do much prefer the old N54 135i though
Glad you are back, usual high quality review of a 'normalish' car with your opinion but none of the outlandish BS or pointless brashness. Appreciate your high quality and highly watchable video, looking forward to the update regarding the 964
Thanks for sticking with me!! Much appreciated!
The LSD was never a factory option. You could ask the dealer to fit it after delivery however.
yes, you are correct Kolan, my mistake.
"mini GT car more than out and out track car" - "big engine that goes against the grain of other hot hatches" - it's a Focus ST225 for the 2010s! Loads of character, potential future classic.
Definitely a future classic, assuming tax laws don't make owning petrol car impossible :/
Lovely Jubbly, a honest review of a car, they're not all perfect like some other vlogs you watch.
Cheers fella!
These cars are awesome. I love mine.
BMW were cheap with the chassis probably because of cost. Strut bar, lower front and rear bracing + rear subframe bushing upgrades (inserts or full replacements) make a massive difference. After doing the upgrades, it is so fun to throw it around corners (as one would expect from a hot hatch!).
I do love the M140 look and engine, a real gem, when I could drive it , that is, rather that going for my weekly shopping because of covid19. I am also happy that you spared the life of that pheasant at 09:55, that was a close shave, this is also a beautiful animal, in a very different way than the M140 ;-) Great review with a lot of context info. Thanks
Ha ha love the bloopers Jack 🤣 that 140 is lovely a customer of mine has got a M2 in a lovely blue/green colour it's amazing car, The good old Germans know how to make some top drawer cars 😃
Sadly they do.. as an Italian it hursts that aside from Ferrari the other males struggle to match the Germans!!
My gf has the 120d with sport pack and it has to be said its a lot nicer to drive than her old audi a3 tdi quattro, this thing feels like it has its full power whereas the audi felt 30 hp down, it doesnt understeer like the audi and it goes around corners balanced on throttle nicely. I wish id got the 135i/140i before my c63 - perhaps ill take a job that requires more milage and ill get one as a second car. I see their prices rising a fair bit now the shoddy xdrive 135i is here.
I have a 68 plate M140i Shadow which is a brilliant piece of kit. I miss the space in my previous 64 plate 535d Touring but for sheer fun and grunt the little 1er is hard to top. Quite practical aswell, my wife and 2 little ones fit in without much trouble and it has taken a massive IKEA desk + chair boxed up, never thought I'd squeeze it all in that day but I did.
Can't see me leaving BMW now. My next car is likely to be something like a 530e Touring in a couple of years time. We shall see, gutted that the state is forcing everyone down the electric route but I can't fix it on my own.
Thanks for the content 27
Was tempted by a 3 series when I was looking but though the 1 would be more fun!! Thanks for watching
Absolutely brilliant little cars
For the money I totally agree.. and still amazed at how fuel efficient they can be!! Thanks for watching buddy
Very good review. I have a pre LCI 3 door manual with non adaptive suspension.
Another great aspect of these cars is that they are very easy to tune and modify. Mine has the Motec performance upgrades (Springs, spacers, air filter and Remus Power Riser black box). Allows the car to move slightly closer to M2 dynamics at a fraction of the cost of an actual M2.
Im planning on selling mine soon, instead of an LSD I upgraded to wider wheels (9.5j rear with 265 tires) and it handles the power fantastically (370bhp now).
Interesting way to deal with the grip issue, thanks!!
Loved my 2013 car. Sold it two years ago for a Giulia QV. Mine had Birds Anti roll bars and a Quaife diff, Auto, Pro Nav, HK sound and plenty of other options. Great cars, great value.
For sure.. yours sounds like it was ideal spec for when I was looking. Tried everywhere but could not find one with a diff
I pointed this out to the bloke who bought it when he was quibbling about a few minor scratches on the seat backs, find another with a Quaife and bespoke ARB's, oh and springs. Really sorted it, the steering came alive and I trusted the car a lot more whereas before I never had complete faith in it around a set of bends. Sorted out the somewhat crashy suspension too. Did want to go more sideways though :)@@Number27
Excellent review I like the detail you have gone into.
Thanks for your kind comments Imi and for watching!!!
Great review and I think it touches on a lot of key things which most reviews don't understand / put forward... I will say however that some key parts were not mentioned, primarily the fact its an extremely practical car. It doesn't have the pedigree of 2 series variants, and for the cost the e90 M3 is more of a drivers car... But the m135i is a 'civilised hooligan' which is 'dad spec'... I see it as a tight micro estate with plenty of grins and the potential to turn into some mean e.g. Springs, lsd, short shift, remaps etc.
Tight micro estate! I like that 👍👍👍
picking my 2013 m135i up this week! thanks for the review, helped with my decision.... as well as the test drive! :')
Enjoy it!!!!
Shitt im excited in your place 😂
Great video. The main reason I owned a M135i was for the straight 6 turbo and RWD. It’s a box a really wanted to tick in a market full of 4pots with fwd/AWD. I over saw the subjective looks and the dull dull interior for those reasons. I’m just wondering how the new M135i will appeal now with fwd and a 4 pot? BMW have taken away the only aspects of why most people bought one in a saturated market of sameness.
Yep I know what you mean but owner surveys appear to show most don’t care about the rear drive element and want more room
Number27 the rest of the one series range might as well of been fwd tbh. The rear seats were a joke for adults. The famous M135i vs Gti top gear episode was pretty spot on sawing off legs. Oddly enough I traded it in for a Gti in the end
Bought my manual 140 after really wanting a 718 but worried I would regret the noise. The 140 was a no brainer not laggy like the 718 and 35 horses more for 20 k less with a pleasant sounding engine . Ok so. It doesn't handle like the 718 but for 20 k less I can live with that. I went with adaptive ,heated seats estoril Blue and kept the rest standard . The nav and stero are fine for my use. Great fun to drive. Steering better in sport than comfort . And great fun in the wet even without the slippy diff
Thanks Laurence! Did not realise steering also changes with the sport settings??
@@Number27 not sure if this is only a 140 thing but would assume the 135 does it to. The steering is notably firmed up when in Sport mode and above. The car feels un-naturally light in comfort. Personally i'd have the sport steering with the comfort suspension setting but it won't allow you to do that. AFAIK. As someone has mentioned spring rate / damping could be better but probably comparing to Porsche standards
Lol 😂 👍 I love your out takes!! Keep up the good work
Glad you like them chap!!
Very interesting, looking to get one of these next year. By the way some old fella stole your car, luckily he was caught on camera.
I have an M135i (October 2013) and I get around 30mpg on the motorway and around 20mpg in the city. The best and worst I've seen is 35mpg and 15mpg. so in the real world, I would say the average mpg is 25.
I’ve definitely managed 40mpg on motorway with the efficient dynamic engaged and cruise control at 65-70mph! Unless the car Colite maybe is lying?
In town 20-25mpg depending on traffic!!
@@Number27 If I'm doing 50mph in 8th gear I'll get 40 mpg but not at motorway speeds.
@LM AO Lmaoo I was about to say the same thing as well! He's literally everywhere 😂
ArmanE46 😁
Good honest review bro 👍🏻
Great review as always Jack ! You are a BBC grade car aficionado and I hope to see you one day on TV :)
Cheers
ha, way too kind. I'm not eloquent enough for that!
Love your work Jack, I missed your vids on your recent sabbatical, so hope you're back for a little while at least. My only critique was that you never gave us an explanation as to why you didn't like the E46 (don't be too harsh, I have one), but I guess that was early #27 days. I like what you've done to your 964, losing the 4 wheel drive too. Your outakes had me actually laughing, 'not easy that . .
Yep, I really need to do something on the E46!! Just between us.. it was the steering I had an issue with
Sounds amazing
Great review
Wonderful video. Thanks for posting this.
Cheers Paul!!
M135i and a 964, not a bad shout at all sir. The LCI 135 is the sweet spot imo, prefer the N55 to the B58. Had a late model pre LCI one and loved it.
Needs an LSD, and fatter rear tires, they look excellent with meatier rubber on the back. The underbody brace is easy to fit and very noticeable, can also sort out M4 lower control arms for better front end. Better dampers make a big difference. Obviously an exhaust is excellent on these cars.
I have a ton of time for these, modern classic in my eyes and shockingly underappreciated for a long time. You actually see a lot of 140s about now but a few years ago the 135s were a rare sight.
I will own another one some day, the perfect perfect daily for me but I don't have need for one atm.
Thanks fella!! The 135 is a good all rounder that’s still a bit interesting
100% agree. Got a pre-LCI and it’s just a fantastic drive. 6 months of ownership and I still just drive it out on a weekend because it’s fun. Aside unexpeced family arrivals I doubt I’ll ever sell it.
Great helpful video thank you. I see you have a booster seat and baby seat in the back, have you got any pictures of them in situ? Thanks Mike.
"Think of it as a mini GT", I couldn't have said it better!
Thank you Arman!
Next gen 4Pot Turbo and AWD?? So just like any other hot hatch these days.. Will be really interesting to see how the prices of these cars evolve in the future. Could be anything from searched for gem to no interest at all.
Yep, weird that BMW are going front drive but then they have the mini platform already and market research showed that their clients want space over performance for these
@@Number27 BMW somehow completely lost their character the recent years. Which is remarkable because i don't have the same impression looking at Mercedes and Audi. Mercedes even brought with the AMG brand some interesting cars into the market and Audi has recently tried to have their RS-models being less nose heavy and more neutral handling. But BMW...
I guess we will have to stick to the good old ones from now on..
Hi. great review. I still have my 2012. It’s a great all rounder. Can fang it down the back roads or drive for hours on motorway. Like you said, a mini GT car.
Thank for watching, glad you agree!! Awesome cars..
Excellent review!!
Thanks Hassan!
I ran a new M135i LCI for a year and hated it. Changed to a manual Golf GTI and never looked back.
Golf was impressive when I drive one. Lighter on its feet. I’d still prefer one of these though, just a bit more interesting
Can’t really compare an M135I to a golf GTI; different leagues tbh.
Samad Kayani agreed. The Golf is much better
@@toothy3637 get a grip the golf is half the car. The golf r is more comparable power wise. The BMW actually requires some driver ability to get the most out of it whereas the golf definitely does not.
Toothy36 I didn’t mean the golf is better, could never say a Golf (VW) is better than BMW, that just doesn’t happen in the car world. I meant as in, the GTI has 230ish BHP, and is front wheel drive with a 2.0 4 cylinder. The M135i is a 300+ BHP, RWD with a 3.0 6 cylinders. Completely different cars, opposites in fact. The GTI is a better town cruiser for everyday usability, the M135I is just a monster and requires a certain degree of skill. You have to get used to BMW to enjoy it, the car won’t do it for you. That means modulating the throttle and steering input, that’s what makes BMW a drivers car whereas the GTI you can point it in the direction you want and floor it. In the rain, this is very prevalent; could probably put around 30% of power down in 1st and 2nd gear. Like I said, not everyone likes this; but it’s the far more engaging car.
Great honest opinions 👍🏻
BMW inline6 counts among the finest engines ever. Though sound was better then, when still naturally aspirated , same with 911.
Yes turbocharging does not help sound!!
Great little review, cheers ;-)
Thank Dav!!
Awesome review
Thanks!
That’s a future classic, now BMW 1 series will be 4 cyl non rear wheel drive, the 6 pot RWD will be the cars to own, all other series BMs are simply to lardy nowadays
Very true... thanks for watching David!!
So the N55 and the B58 are similar? I disagree, the B58 as a lot of more low end grunt. The torque difference is very noticeable. Also i think the sound is pretty great - that's why i opted for the useless audio system - i don't need it. Also yes you can blame the ZF8spd, because it becomes terribly slow when you want to downshift 3+ gears in manual mode.
I’m surprised you think a manual will make the car harder to sell. Personally I always filter by manual and 3 door when looking at hot hatches.
Great video
Or just buy the Shadow edition 👍🏻
Sounds amazing 👍
Does sound good!
torque Converter, NO steering feel, Open diff.
the Post 2009 hot bmws serve only one purpose: keep e46s desireable.
haha!! Did not love my E46 though, also had little steering feel though perhaps compared to the 135 back to back it would feel different
@@Number27 what did you Not like about it? im surprised about the steering, compared to its rivals it was the steering that swayed me from a a4 to the 3 series. Really good Video, Liked and Subscribed! i had a 140i for 2 months...my mistake was expecting it would replace a e46 330i and a Megane rs at the same Time. a driving Machine it is Not. but on small wheels and in comfort it was a great cruiser
buyers in France puted rubbish options like sono Harman k, lights, auto gear box but not the dif. F**k. It s the most important option
My god, I feel you, looking for a megane rs, it's unbelieveble how many people bought it without cup chassis and lsd. Buyng a bmw without lsd, might as well just buy a Dacia Sandero.
@@SpeedDaemon3 I ve got the megane with the cup chassis. 😬 A masterpiece
A little gt not a hot hatch. Lasts good hot hatches clio 3 rs, 208 gti BPS, fiesta st mk6, mini jcw gp, audi s1
Had the first Mini Cooper GP and that was a fab little go kart!
Number27 I was an apprentice when I had my mini but couldn’t afford a Cooper so I swapped out the 998cc & dropped a 1300cc A series with an LC40 fitted it was class,I wanted to put the turbo unit in it but couldn’t afford an engine,
I’ve got an F30 335d & was having a bit of fun against a 135i the other week,there wasn’t much in it to be fair,
I absolutely disagree that you need the LSD, had mine for 2 years and never had a single issue.
Well, "never had an issue" is not exactly the standard of measurement for whether or not an LSD is advantageous.
opmike343 I'm not saying it is, I'm just giving the opinion of someone who's covered 21,000 miles in 18 months and never felt the need for one. I guess if you want to take it to track days or drive around the Nurburgring then maybe you do. For anyone else who can actually drive in most normal circumstances it's fine as it is.
after looking at a lot of forums, it seems like the chassis is the weakness. lower bracing front and back, strut bar and rear subframe bushing inserts has absolutely transformed my car. so planted and steering feel has improved a lot.
Bought a m135i LCI auto. Best decision ever!
40 mpg on the highway are you sure?
Nice video, what should I rather get m140i or m140i? What car would be more reliable for everyday use?
MATT88888 what?????😅🤦♂️
Is your car on run flats? If it is I would strongly recommemd changing, it transformed my Z4.
how is the adaptive suspension working in the system? you select by selecting drive mode and it adjust itself automatically?
The biggest questions is xdrive or rwd? I heard about some issues with the xdrive (can’t drive tires with more than 1.5mm wear, ...)
Good video
Thank you Danilo! 🙏
Such a shame there is no feel from the steering wheel
Any idea how you can tell how they have an LSD?
I'm thinking to get one this summer.
I'm busy until June but then I'll start hunting for one
Total bargains these!!!
What is he talking about ? You don’t need more power in the 140i?
As someone who sells a lot of cars in the UK, how do you go about it? Do you sell private and if so what websites do you find the best? Looking to sell my 1M and dealers are offering poor money on them
Would have thought dealers would have loved a 1M? Much in demand. Would love to do a video on it and we can say it’s for sale? I’d try pistonheads as well, you should be able to sell it.
M135i or Audi S3? I can’t make my mind up
135i any day, the Audi is SO boring
Thats been my issue for a whole month bro, but for the price an m135i is a more sensible choice, s3 is way to expensive for a facelift and you get the basics for around £19000.
Picking up my m135i facelift on Tuesday for just 17000 fully kitted
Not very good with cars, but could anyone tell me what the difference is between an M sport 1 series and a M135i?
@Otis Piffington owned a 120d since July last year. I was very clueless when i posted this comment haha!
Ended up with 2 german cars....plus the sprite ?
Indeed I did.. for now!
These are good road cars, and fast, but it's no M Car. I had one on track for the day and is was pretty disappointing if I am honest.
Yes, more like a mini GT I think.. bit fun!!
That is not a good idea with an original M135/140. But after suspension change, sport brake brackets, steelflex, downpipe, m-performance exhaust, remap and larger cooler -> it is a blast on the track. I propably keep mine for long after the petrol era!
Can’t fault the engine but just don’t like the look of the 1 series.
You’re not the only one!!
Enjoying all the new vids. Wondered if you looked at the 228i? The Road and Track review reckons it's more nimble and chuckable www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a29245/bmw-2-series-comparison-test/
No I hadn’t as needed hatch practicality! But the 2 series is definitely supposed to handle better!
Test drove a M140i. Was SO disappointed. SO wanted to like the car. It was a manual car. Found it very cramped inside and wel,l just boring to drive, unless in a straight line. Just boring.
Not the most involving cars but very good all rounders and amazing value
@R A Why change my user name? as I said I SO wanted to like the car but was underwelmed by it. I found the Skoda VRS to be a more involving drivers car. Just my opinion of course.
@R A Not sure what the tyres were, but it was a near new car.
@@fasthracing What made it so 'boring' to drive compared to the Skoda?
@@Arman-nl6mg Too easy to drive
so the steerings iffy , and the auto box removes the involvement , no lsd ,
long story short ,,, you bought the wrong car, or your expecting the wrong things from the right car.
either way , its just wrong.
that aside ,,, nice car.
The idea of a Hot hatch is something small ,quick and most importantly cheapish. This car is not cheap people. I work at BMW in England and work on these all the time. and for the money there are better cars that dont have issues . Dont get me started on faults and issues that this car is born with.
Actually I would be really interested to know the issues you allude to.. especially since I now own one of these?
@@Number27 High pressure fuel pumps and timing chains can have issues. But this year have escaped the b+ cable recall where some cars have caught fire . BMW are quite good with recall so they will always release the info when they know. There is a silly thing with boot latch/lock which can become locked and unable to open. But easy fix .
Ive a 330d amongst other motor's. I had a couple of drives of my pals m140i and can honestly say that it was so underwhelmed . Maybe because or the missing turbo and low torque but all because of the buid up from my pal. I was just like meh.. It feels slower than my e46 330d
Sound is terrible, cannot hear the words clearly
Imo a hot hatch cant be automatic.
I know what you mean...
@Violent Night's Well thats just wrong. This car is available with a manual. The Focus RS is manual only, all VAG cars are available with a manual, the new huyndai N cars are manual and so on and so on
CLIO 172 AND 182...are the best THE 🔚
No way, had a 182 and found it hugely overrated.. but thanks for watching!
I had the 172 cup, and loved every moment in it
Sorely missed. However the m135i is like a more refined car. It does both fast, and comfortable. Hits all the right spots for.
b58 is 10% more efficient
b58 is a better engine. all round.
The Golf R is the answer in this segment.
If only we knew the question.
Found it too boring.. at least the 1 has the 6 cyl engine and rear drive!! Gold is good though
@@Number27 those are text book reasons for recommending it, it pulls well and has some more character but unfortunately it's probably one of the worst sounding i6 they have ever made. Rwd would be great if it could put its power down in anything but dry weather, and as you said it needs an lsd to modulate it properly. It all just crumbles as soon you try to push on in it.
It's also cramped in the back and because of the drivetrain which defeats the purpose of opting for a practical hatch.
I personally think you are far better with an actual M car or a Golf R.
@@TDS981 The worst sounding i6? Haha no.
You would be amazed if you hear one irl, especially with the MPE.
@@TDS981 The N55 sounds leagues better than the S55 which is an actual M engine.
I have a feeling you won’t keep this car for long,Miss most of the ones you got rid of 😢
Me too bit I really needed something every day usable!
Can’t believe Bmw 😔 i’m unsubscribe you😉 Hopefully your passengers are going to have lots of fun !!!
Ahhhh, no dont unsubscribe me!! I’ll buy an Alfa immediately!
@@Number27 😂
Not even a manual. Double the size of a hot hatch. And heavy as fuck. Yeh the B58 is a beast but even in the "smaller" 1 series its no hot hatch. Far from it. Hot hatches are few and far between these days. Clio, suzuki swift would be a better place to start. Golf's are huge, as are fiesta's now
+++++
Truthfully mate you can't fuck with Vw Golf r Audi rs3 and even a A class amg
Massively ugly car.