MotorTrend Review

coolguy · 10-30-2007, 01:04 AM

First Drive: 2008 BMW 135i

Link: http://www.motortrend.com/reviews/co...ive/index.html

Unleashing a musclecar

By Ron Kiino

If you're skeptical that nostalgia is an effective marketing tool for selling automobiles, perhaps you've forgotten about the success of such neo-classics as the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Mini Cooper. Then there's Ford's upcoming new Mustang Bullitt, a handsome reincarnation of the 1968 original and a ponycar that pulls at Hollywood heartstrings.

BMW is banking on similar sentiments when it introduces the all-new 135i and 128i coupes to the U.S. this spring. A so-called "contemporary rendition of the 2002," the 1 Series does a stellar job of incorporating the hallmarks of the 2002 Series-rear drive, powerful engine, and space for four-into a modern, attractive package.

While not a movie icon like the 1968 Bullitt, BMW's 02, which graced U.S. shores in the late 1960s and early 1970s, nonetheless left an enduring mark on the car world. Why else would BMW display a pair of pristine 1972 2002 tii coupes at the 135's international press launch on the Baltic island of Gotland, Sweden? Can you say heartstrings? By combining a gutsy four-cylinder and a well-balanced chassis with German engineering and an attractive price tag, BMW created an instant hit and, unbeknownst at the time, a cult classic. In fact today, an immaculate 2002 can fetch as much as $30,000. Plus, many of the 84,000 sold in the U.S. between 1968 and 1972 are still scooting around today, and some are even being raced. Avid only begins to describe fans of the 02.

Of course, these enthusiasts are nevertheless stuck with a vehicle that's well into its 30s. In car years, that tends to mean dubious reliability, expensive maintenance, and an absence of amenities. What to do if you want to go modern? Well, the 1 Series-certainly the 135i-makes an obvious and compelling case. And with 300 horsepower, a six-speed manual, and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the rear-drive 135 isn't only compelling but propelling. Zero to 60 should take about five seconds and the quarter mile under 14.0, especially considering a heavier 335i coupe we tested needed 5.1 and 13.6 at 104.3 mph, respectively. Top speed will be limited to 155. Pocket rocket? More like musclecar. For a small two-door-8.9 inches shorter end to end, 1.4 narrower, and 0.3 taller than the 335 coupe, with a 4.0-inch-stubbier wheelbase-the 135 puts up big numbers, placing it in the same ballpark, ironically, as the aforementioned Bullitt.

"An entirely new class of its own," says BMW, the 135 is indeed difficult to classify. Starting at around $35,000 (the naturally aspirated, 230-horse 128 will come in below 30, according to BMW), it could be compared with a multitude of sporty cars, ranging from the Mustang and the upcoming Camaro to the Nissan 350Z and the Volkswagen R32. While its price and performance pit it against these cars, its brand label lifts it to a more elite stratum, despite the fact that it'll be BMW's "entry-level" car. But there's very little that's entry level about the 135, considering it shares the 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 and much of its architecture and front-strut, rear-multilink suspension with the $41,575 335i coupe. All that sharing, though, results in weight savings of only around 130 pounds.

Okay, so it's not a lightweight, tossable toy like the 2002. But, as we found out at the two-mile Gotland Ring, it's still a satisfying, blistering car at the racetrack. Fitted standard with the M aerodynamics package (lip spoiler and racier front and rear fascias and side sills) and the firmer M sport suspension, which lowers the car by 0.6 inch, the 135, wearing 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear Bridgestone Potenzas, displayed linear (albeit a bit numb) steering, negligible body roll and moderate understeer that, with 300 lag-free horses under your right foot, can be easily transitioned to oversteer on demand, especially with stability and traction control turned off. The brakes, which are best described as large and in charge, are always on their game. Supplied by Brembo, the front 13.3- and rear 12.8-inch vented discs get squeezed by tenacious fixed calipers-six-piston front, two-piston rear-for the ultimate in feel and strength (128s get single-piston floating calipers). Neither the 335 nor the M3 get brakes this robust. Suffice it to say, they resist fade like a tidal wave.

Around Gotland, the 135 provided a taut, compliant ride that made enjoying the cozy cockpit a pleasure. Though more snug than the cabin in a 3 Series, the 1's offers enough space in back for six-footers and is smartly adorned with such standard or optional equipment as leather or leatherette seats, HD and satellite radio, navigation (with iDrive), Bluetooth, moonroof, iPod integration, adaptive bi-Xenon headlamps, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which expands the 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space.

What about a convertible and an M1? While the former is coming in spring, the latter isn't going to happen, at least in name, as that's a sacred badge for BMW. But rest assured that a more powerful, featherweight tii is most likely. Until then, the 135 will make you feel as if you're partying like it's 2002.

tii
Shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the racy, lightweight tii concept sports myriad carbon-fiber pieces-hood, mirrors, front air intakes, rear spoiler, and rear bumper insert-and an Alcantara interior. Expect a production version within two years.

Convertible
Out spring 2008, the 1 convertible uses a cost-saving softtop, which can be lowered in 22 seconds. Price will grow by about $3000 compared with the coupe, while trunk space with the top stowed shrinks to 8.5 cubic feet. Weight increases by around 200 pounds.

2008 BMW 135i Base price $35,000 (est) Vehicle layout Front engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe Engine 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6 Transmission 6-speed manual Curb weight 3450 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 104.7 in Length x width x height 171.7 x 68.8 x 55.4 in 0-60 mph 5.0 sec (mfr est) EPA city/hwy fuel econ 18/27 mpg (est) CO2 emissions 0.92 lb/mi (est) On sale in U.S. March

~AJ · 10-30-2007, 01:11 AM

Cool!

Tiisomeday · 10-30-2007, 02:02 AM

Numb steering feel...this sentiment seems to be ubiquitous across all the major reviews. I'll have to get my hands on one in a while to see how it compares to my current e46. I wonder when we will know the list of changes that come on the Tii (if it makes production of course)?

MastaMind · 10-30-2007, 06:19 AM

Minus the steering feel and general disappointment that the car isn't extremely lighter than the 3 series, all of the reviews seem to be very positive. This car seems to be shaping up exactly as expected. I don't think the 135i was ever intended to be as hardcore as a true M car, but it will, for most enthusiasts, provide an excellent, affordable alternative. Plus, everyone is raving about the brakes!

C_Topher · 10-30-2007, 06:27 AM

I wonder if the steering feel would improve if you get rid of the run-flat tires? This really is one of my few complaints about the car - I know we are all going to go through a few sets of tires, and those are going to be expensive to replace.

1ster · 10-30-2007, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiisomeday

Numb steering feel...this sentiment seems to be ubiquitous across all the major reviews.

It is largely, no doubt, a function of the electric power assist + the run flats. My Civic Si has EPS and I'm not a huge fan, but it's the way of the future because it cuts parasitic losses on the drivetrain and therefore marginally bumps fuel economy. I think it also helps stability control systems keep things sorted out.

So EPS has its advantages, but it's bad for steering feel. Not fatal -- you get used to it -- just bad.

palou · 10-30-2007, 10:00 AM

It would be useful to know if the test car (with the numb steering) was equipped with the optional Active Steering or not.

adc · 10-30-2007, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_Topher

I wonder if the steering feel would improve if you get rid of the run-flat tires? This really is one of my few complaints about the car - I know we are all going to go through a few sets of tires, and those are going to be expensive to replace.

It certainly plays a big part.

While my 335i is in the shop (stupid iPod adapter problem), I have a 328iT loaner. Even without the Sport Pack, this thing running on 205/16" has better steering than the 335i. I was shocked.

I think lightweight wheels and non-RFT tires will do wonders for the steering feel on the 135i.

atr_hugo · 10-30-2007, 10:26 AM

Have to echo adc's thoughts, tires contribute a very high percentage to what people refer to as 'steering feel'.

Yes the electric rack may not be as 'tingly' connected as a good hydraulic or manual rack (and you don't want a manual rack in a one and a half ton car ; -). But the key phrase I'm seeing in regards to steering (aside from 'a bit numb') is 'linear', which leads me to believe they aren't dealing with active steering.

UJackM · 10-30-2007, 09:03 PM

You wish sometimes you had no power steering. How quickly time goes by. On my first car, Toyta AE82, 20 some years ago, I did not have power steering. It was tons of fun. Of course, it wore puny 175 tires and weighted less than 1t (about 2,200 lbs).

~AJ · 10-30-2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ster

So EPS has its advantages, but it's bad for steering feel. Not fatal -- you get used to it -- just bad.

EPS is also relatively new. In another engineering generation or two, EPS will likely have a better steering feel. Unfortunately, we are the early adopters.

Bill K · 10-31-2007, 09:43 AM

We have one thread thats says the rack is electric and one that says its hydraulic. Which one is it ?

atr_hugo · 10-31-2007, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill K

We have one thread thats says the rack is electric and one that says its hydraulic. Which one is it ?

Good question!! (We also have the UK brochure saying the 135i does not get electric steering assist and the US brochure saying the 135i does get electric steering assist.)

"Earth to BMW, come in BMW!!!"

cruizin01 · 10-31-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill K

We have one thread thats says the rack is electric and one that says its hydraulic. Which one is it ?

According to the new etk the vehicle has a traditional hydro rack, not like the electric rack in the Z4's.

Bill K · 10-31-2007, 01:07 PM

After rereading the article Hugo posted i belive the 128 gets the electric and the 135 gets the hydraulic. Someone
correct me if this is wrong.

cruizin01 · 10-31-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill K

After rereading the article Hugo posted i belive the 128 gets the electric and the 135 gets the hydraulic. Someone
correct me if this is wrong.

The 128 is not in the etk yet. I will post when I find out, or Im sure someone around here knows for sure.

abc · 10-31-2007, 05:11 PM

is the e90, and e92 electric or hydralic?

atr_hugo · 10-31-2007, 05:12 PM

I believe the 3 series uses an hydraulic rack.

10-30-2007, 01:04 AM	#1
coolguy Captain 43 Rep 611 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	MotorTrend Review First Drive: 2008 BMW 135i Link: http://www.motortrend.com/reviews/co...ive/index.html Unleashing a musclecar By Ron Kiino If you're skeptical that nostalgia is an effective marketing tool for selling automobiles, perhaps you've forgotten about the success of such neo-classics as the Volkswagen New Beetle and the Mini Cooper. Then there's Ford's upcoming new Mustang Bullitt, a handsome reincarnation of the 1968 original and a ponycar that pulls at Hollywood heartstrings. BMW is banking on similar sentiments when it introduces the all-new 135i and 128i coupes to the U.S. this spring. A so-called "contemporary rendition of the 2002," the 1 Series does a stellar job of incorporating the hallmarks of the 2002 Series-rear drive, powerful engine, and space for four-into a modern, attractive package. While not a movie icon like the 1968 Bullitt, BMW's 02, which graced U.S. shores in the late 1960s and early 1970s, nonetheless left an enduring mark on the car world. Why else would BMW display a pair of pristine 1972 2002 tii coupes at the 135's international press launch on the Baltic island of Gotland, Sweden? Can you say heartstrings? By combining a gutsy four-cylinder and a well-balanced chassis with German engineering and an attractive price tag, BMW created an instant hit and, unbeknownst at the time, a cult classic. In fact today, an immaculate 2002 can fetch as much as $30,000. Plus, many of the 84,000 sold in the U.S. between 1968 and 1972 are still scooting around today, and some are even being raced. Avid only begins to describe fans of the 02. Of course, these enthusiasts are nevertheless stuck with a vehicle that's well into its 30s. In car years, that tends to mean dubious reliability, expensive maintenance, and an absence of amenities. What to do if you want to go modern? Well, the 1 Series-certainly the 135i-makes an obvious and compelling case. And with 300 horsepower, a six-speed manual, and a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the rear-drive 135 isn't only compelling but propelling. Zero to 60 should take about five seconds and the quarter mile under 14.0, especially considering a heavier 335i coupe we tested needed 5.1 and 13.6 at 104.3 mph, respectively. Top speed will be limited to 155. Pocket rocket? More like musclecar. For a small two-door-8.9 inches shorter end to end, 1.4 narrower, and 0.3 taller than the 335 coupe, with a 4.0-inch-stubbier wheelbase-the 135 puts up big numbers, placing it in the same ballpark, ironically, as the aforementioned Bullitt. "An entirely new class of its own," says BMW, the 135 is indeed difficult to classify. Starting at around $35,000 (the naturally aspirated, 230-horse 128 will come in below 30, according to BMW), it could be compared with a multitude of sporty cars, ranging from the Mustang and the upcoming Camaro to the Nissan 350Z and the Volkswagen R32. While its price and performance pit it against these cars, its brand label lifts it to a more elite stratum, despite the fact that it'll be BMW's "entry-level" car. But there's very little that's entry level about the 135, considering it shares the 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 and much of its architecture and front-strut, rear-multilink suspension with the $41,575 335i coupe. All that sharing, though, results in weight savings of only around 130 pounds. Okay, so it's not a lightweight, tossable toy like the 2002. But, as we found out at the two-mile Gotland Ring, it's still a satisfying, blistering car at the racetrack. Fitted standard with the M aerodynamics package (lip spoiler and racier front and rear fascias and side sills) and the firmer M sport suspension, which lowers the car by 0.6 inch, the 135, wearing 215/40R18 front and 245/35R18 rear Bridgestone Potenzas, displayed linear (albeit a bit numb) steering, negligible body roll and moderate understeer that, with 300 lag-free horses under your right foot, can be easily transitioned to oversteer on demand, especially with stability and traction control turned off. The brakes, which are best described as large and in charge, are always on their game. Supplied by Brembo, the front 13.3- and rear 12.8-inch vented discs get squeezed by tenacious fixed calipers-six-piston front, two-piston rear-for the ultimate in feel and strength (128s get single-piston floating calipers). Neither the 335 nor the M3 get brakes this robust. Suffice it to say, they resist fade like a tidal wave. Around Gotland, the 135 provided a taut, compliant ride that made enjoying the cozy cockpit a pleasure. Though more snug than the cabin in a 3 Series, the 1's offers enough space in back for six-footers and is smartly adorned with such standard or optional equipment as leather or leatherette seats, HD and satellite radio, navigation (with iDrive), Bluetooth, moonroof, iPod integration, adaptive bi-Xenon headlamps, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which expands the 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. What about a convertible and an M1? While the former is coming in spring, the latter isn't going to happen, at least in name, as that's a sacred badge for BMW. But rest assured that a more powerful, featherweight tii is most likely. Until then, the 135 will make you feel as if you're partying like it's 2002. tii Shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, the racy, lightweight tii concept sports myriad carbon-fiber pieces-hood, mirrors, front air intakes, rear spoiler, and rear bumper insert-and an Alcantara interior. Expect a production version within two years. Convertible Out spring 2008, the 1 convertible uses a cost-saving softtop, which can be lowered in 22 seconds. Price will grow by about $3000 compared with the coupe, while trunk space with the top stowed shrinks to 8.5 cubic feet. Weight increases by around 200 pounds. 2008 BMW 135i Base price $35,000 (est) Vehicle layout Front engine, RWD, 4-pass, 2-door coupe Engine 3.0L/300-hp/300-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6 Transmission 6-speed manual Curb weight 3450 lb (mfr) Wheelbase 104.7 in Length x width x height 171.7 x 68.8 x 55.4 in 0-60 mph 5.0 sec (mfr est) EPA city/hwy fuel econ 18/27 mpg (est) CO2 emissions 0.92 lb/mi (est) On sale in U.S. March
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10-30-2007, 01:11 AM	#2
~AJ Private First Class 3 Rep 184 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: OC iTrader: (0)	Cool!
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10-30-2007, 02:02 AM	#3
Tiisomeday New Member 2 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Numb steering feel...this sentiment seems to be ubiquitous across all the major reviews. I'll have to get my hands on one in a while to see how it compares to my current e46. I wonder when we will know the list of changes that come on the Tii (if it makes production of course)?
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10-30-2007, 06:19 AM	#4
MastaMind I like beer 32 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: AW 135 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Under Pressure iTrader: (0)	Minus the steering feel and general disappointment that the car isn't extremely lighter than the 3 series, all of the reviews seem to be very positive. This car seems to be shaping up exactly as expected. I don't think the 135i was ever intended to be as hardcore as a true M car, but it will, for most enthusiasts, provide an excellent, affordable alternative. Plus, everyone is raving about the brakes!
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10-30-2007, 06:27 AM	#5
C_Topher Señor Member 16 Rep 452 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	I wonder if the steering feel would improve if you get rid of the run-flat tires? This really is one of my few complaints about the car - I know we are all going to go through a few sets of tires, and those are going to be expensive to replace.
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10-30-2007, 10:00 AM	#7
palou New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (0)	It would be useful to know if the test car (with the numb steering) was equipped with the optional Active Steering or not.
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10-30-2007, 10:26 AM	#9
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	Have to echo adc's thoughts, tires contribute a very high percentage to what people refer to as 'steering feel'. Yes the electric rack may not be as 'tingly' connected as a good hydraulic or manual rack (and you don't want a manual rack in a one and a half ton car ; -). But the key phrase I'm seeing in regards to steering (aside from 'a bit numb') is 'linear', which leads me to believe they aren't dealing with active steering.
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10-30-2007, 09:03 PM	#10
UJackM Private 0 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2007 iTrader: (0)	You wish sometimes you had no power steering. How quickly time goes by. On my first car, Toyta AE82, 20 some years ago, I did not have power steering. It was tons of fun. Of course, it wore puny 175 tires and weighted less than 1t (about 2,200 lbs).
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10-31-2007, 09:43 AM	#12
Bill K Private 1 Rep 71 Posts Drives: S2000 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ms iTrader: (0)	We have one thread thats says the rack is electric and one that says its hydraulic. Which one is it ?
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10-31-2007, 01:07 PM	#15
Bill K Private 1 Rep 71 Posts Drives: S2000 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ms iTrader: (0)	After rereading the article Hugo posted i belive the 128 gets the electric and the 135 gets the hydraulic. Someone correct me if this is wrong.
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10-31-2007, 05:11 PM	#17
abc Captain 27 Rep 772 Posts Drives: 325 Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	is the e90, and e92 electric or hydralic?
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10-31-2007, 05:12 PM	#18
atr_hugo No longer moderate 325 Rep 4,401 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: - iTrader: (0)	I believe the 3 series uses an hydraulic rack.
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