2013 BMW 135is Coupe and Convertible Announced!

[Heffp14]

I mean it's not guna be the same as the 1M, but unless you want to pay up the ass for a used one then this is your best bet.

http://autogalaxy.co/2012/05/15/2013...-well-take-it/

[John_01]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

"The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel."

So, does this mean it's the exact same suspension as the regular Sports/M-Sports cars or a bit different? I don't know enough about the low level details on the 1 suspension.

Exactly the same. The front has upper and lower links with seperate pivot points. IOW, its macpherson struts with anti-dive geometry..

[ORIGIN M.]

Love to have this clarified in general or at least for North America.

Originally Posted by John_01

Exactly the same. The front has upper and lower links with seperate pivot points. IOW, its macpherson struts with anti-dive geometry..

[Marioalex24]

Originally Posted by Bimmerlover76

Personally, I think BMW should keep the ///M logo specific to those that are 100% M-spec and add the "s" (e.g. 135is, 335is, etc.) to those cars that aren't exactly ///M cars but have a performance upgrade (factory) with some M stuff to it. If BMW is trying to whore-out the ///M to sell more cars, then we are no better than ricers with a fancy badge or oversized muffler attached.

I agree 100%

[John_01]

Originally Posted by Bimmerlover76

Personally, I think BMW should keep the ///M logo specific to those that are 100% M-spec and add the "s" (e.g. 135is, 335is, etc.) to those cars that aren't exactly ///M cars but have a performance upgrade (factory) with some M stuff to it. If BMW is trying to whore-out the ///M to sell more cars, then we are no better than ricers with a fancy badge or oversized muffler attached.

You are right, but its all about marketing and making a profit.

I guess the branding strategy works because there are still a lot of aspirational buyers, and the M label still holds a lot of value.

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by John_01

You are right, but its all about marketing and making a profit.

I guess the branding strategy works because there are still a lot of aspirational buyers, and the M label still holds a lot of value.

Agreed. Audi is plastering S-Line on anything that doesn't move and Mercedes offers an AMG package on most models now. I understand the desire to keep the M badge "pure" but BMW is understandably cashing in on their legacy and offering cars that offer some performance benefits along with lots of cosmetics.

I don't blame BMW -- the average 3 Series buyer has no reason to buy an M car, but if they can get a car that looks similar (not identical) and has some benefits, why not? Most true enthusiasts won't eschew the real M cars just because BMW offers watered down M-Sport models and most real enthusiasts will be able to differentiate between real M cars and M-Sport models. Aside from some hurt feelings, BMW doesn't really have a lot to lose as long as they keep making real M cars to push the upper limit, but they have a lot to gain ($$$).

[simianspeedster]

Originally Posted by John_01

Exactly the same. The front has upper and lower links with seperate pivot points. IOW, its macpherson struts with anti-dive geometry..

Got it -- thanks. I thought the E82 had an all aluminum suspension like the E9X -- it appears not.

[John_01]

Originally Posted by simianspeedster

Got it -- thanks. I thought the E82 had an all aluminum suspension like the E9X -- it appears not.

Current model E82 is very similar (virtually identical) to the E9X, alloy at the front but steel wishbones and links in the rear. Only the 1M and M3 get alloy bits on the rear end.

[BMW86]

Anyone know where I can buy one of those "is" badges?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I don't know where the 1 series and X1 are built to be honest. But, regardless of that, to my knowledge BMW does not plan any gaps in production for the 1 series. So if they did plan to wind it down, it wouldn't be to free up more capacity for the X1, it would be to ramp up on the new model.

They are both built in Leipzig. BMW Leipzig Werk builds: all... e82, e88, e84 (X1) and F20 (four door 1er hatch).

X1 is the money maker since they produce about 177K units per year there. Next year, Leipzig Werk expands and will produce the i3 and i8 as well. Leipzig Werk is BMW's most modern factory.

Leipzig Werk use to build the e87 and e81 (two door hatch) as well.

Regensburg Werk produces some F20 units too. Along with some 3er's (e9x) and M3 models. Regensburg use to co-produce the e87 (four door hatch) as well as Leipzig(use to).


Dackel

[vladberca]

I think it's a good alternative for the US market since F20 M135i isn't available

[twin fed]

No, thank you. You could build a better handling and faster 135i for way less. Not to mention better looking.

[Diver]

I am starting to think this is a bit pricey for what you get. Unless one was planning on installing a PPK 2 anyway because they really needed the extra cooling, it would make more sense to get a regular 135i.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

The 335is is currently listed on BMWUSA as having a twinpower turbo, the same as the N55 335i. The same is listed for the Z4 35is. I believe the N54 is already a thing of the past.

BMW uses the TwinPower turbo marketing term for both single dual scroll turbo and twin turbo engines.

It may be that the 335is will change to the N55 (or simply go out of production early), but as far as I know this has not been announced and is not the case.

As someone else mentioned there is also the Z4 35i and 35is which both still use the N54. However, I don't think we have 2013 Z4 information yet, so a change to the N55 may be in store. It would mean a drop in power for the 35is though, so I am skeptical of the N55 for that particular model. It seems it would be more likely to see it simply discontinued.

The 740i/iL also still uses the N54, but that is all but certain to change with the LCI which is imminent.

[KingOfJericho]

For those wondering about the timing for 1er coupe and vert replacement, the future BMW model timeline points to a June 2013 Internet reveal of the 1/2 series. That would make it a 2014 model and mean that the current 1er coupe and vert are around for the next year and not any further.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

They are both built in Leipzig.

...

Thank you for the very detailed post. Great information.

So in short, it sounds like they have plenty of capacity to continue to produce the E82/E88 and are expanding to handle even more.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

For those wondering about the timing for 1er coupe and vert replacement, the future BMW model timeline points to a June 2013 Internet reveal of the 1/2 series. That would make it a 2014 model and mean that the current 1er coupe and vert are around for the next year and not any further.

Remember, though, that an internet reveal does not mean the car will go on sale at that time.

Also, as I mentioned earlier, the lack of test mules casts a degree of doubt on that particular timeframe for the F22 reveal. Contrast that with the F32 date, for example, which appears to be a more reliable one given what we know about the current state of development for that car.

[mblaucoupe135]

No led angel eyes is kind of a bummer too.

Not offering the oveboost function either like other 'is' models makes me think the n55 can't handle the extra power like the n54 can.

[Lorde]

Looking into buying a 135i for the wife, this came out yesterday and was a bit underwhelmed. $5k more base price?? Should have just kept on cranking out 1Ms.

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

No led angel eyes is kind of a bummer too.

Not offering the oveboost function either like other 'is' models makes me think the n55 can't handle the extra power like the n54 can.

It is an interesting ommision not offering overboost.

[propkaPT]

so pointless. Take the 135i...great car...but missing a few bits...build the 1m and put those bits in...which we want (GIVE US MORE 1M!!!)...then this marketing gem...hey I wonder how many ///M badges it will have plastered all over it?

Wake up BMW... the 135i is an enthusiasts car and buyers will not pay extra for ///M badges

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by propkaPT

so pointless. Take the 135i...great car...but missing a few bits...build the 1m and put those bits in...which we want (GIVE US MORE 1M!!!)...then this marketing gem...hey I wonder how many ///M badges it will have plastered all over it?

Wake up BMW... the 135i is an enthusiasts car and buyers will not pay extra for ///M badges

Exactly how I feel about this but sadly there will be people to pay that extra. More important, I am wondering if the 135i and 135is will be offered side by side or there will be only the new is after 2012 model year ends in July, because if there will be only one choice left to select then this will mean a obligatory surcharge for everyone who wants to buy the top of the line 1 series. Anyone has clear info. about this point?