Blog on TopGear

bmmr_razr · 10-23-2007, 05:58 AM

BMW 135i Coupe

Posted by Piers Ward at 2:00PM on Monday 22 October, 2007

BMW's recent Efficient Dynamics programme, where its cars
are being tuned to have much lower emissions and fuel
consumption, means that, in 2008, 40 per cent of BMW
sales will emit less than 140g/km.

That's a pretty awesome stat and soon knocks quite a few
greenies' arguments into the nearest cocked hat.
But don't for a minute think BMW has forgotten how to do
power. Take the new 135i Coupe - it'll do 0-62mph in 5.3
seconds, courtesy of 302bhp and 295lb ft. Oh, and it emits
just a tiny fraction more than 140g/km of CO2.

The engine is the singular most impressive aspect of this
car. It really is seriously quick, although the acceleration is
more elastic than instantaneous shove-in-your-back stuff.
It's the same lump that appears in the 335i Coupe,
complete with the nifty twin turbos that virtually eliminate
all lag.

Inevitably, everyone will talk about this car being the new
M1. I challenge you to spend the next few days counting
how many headlines appear in various car mags or websites
with those letters. But this isn't. Far from it.

It's much more a cruising GT than that, courtesy of the
uninvolving steering and relaxed but rapid engine. Just tool
around in sixth and let the torque do the work for you.
That should also help BMW keep more cars under that
140g/km figure.

Permalink:

http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/117-bmw-135i-coupe/...

POST A COMMENT

1ster · 10-23-2007, 06:58 AM

His comment on steering feel directly contradicts several other reviewers.

I really hope the 1er doesn't drive like a baby GT car. If I wanted a GT, I'd just buy the Merc C350 and enjoy the auto tranny and extra interior room.

Propagator · 10-23-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ster

His comment on steering feel directly contradicts several other reviewers.

I really hope the 1er doesn't drive like a baby GT car. If I wanted a GT, I'd just buy the Merc C350 and enjoy the auto tranny and extra interior room.

It could be a matter of standard. I have my doubts about how feelsome an electrically assisted rack can be. The steering on the 1er hatchback was generally considered to be very good for an EA rack, but ultimately not nearly as commuicative as HA racks on the 3 series per british press.

And this is not the first review that points out that this is more of a GT car than a true track star, at least right out of the box. Porky weight, effortless engine, compliant suspension, understeer at the limit, I think everything points to a very potent GT that you can easily live with everyday and have fun on the weekend.

BForbes · 10-23-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinzero

I think everything points to a very potent GT that you can easily live with everyday and have fun on the weekend.

I think your right. I can live with that too until an //M comes along.

Propagator · 10-23-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onehots2k

I think your right. I can live with that too until an //M comes along.

Yeah, if I ever consider the 135i, I would very much like it to be a great daily driver than a jarring track car. For that you have your STI and EVO.

Big Windy · 10-23-2007, 11:42 AM

this article was pretty much worthless. if they are going to say that it is far from an M1, they can at least explain why. not impressed, top gear...

sirploppy · 10-23-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spinzero

Yeah, if I ever consider the 135i, I would very much like it to be a great daily driver than a jarring track car. For that you have your STI and EVO.

I agree. 135i being a great daily driver would also justify BMW in making a true hard core M1.

If they do ever build an M1, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

STI-135 · 10-23-2007, 12:08 PM

Totally agree on the STI comment. There is nothing subtle about it. The subbie can shake your fillings loose and induce motion sickness over uneven pavement..... yet I still cant wait to drive it. I guess I am a glutton for punishment.
Nevertheless, I still find myself even with limited time behind the wheel always wishing I had both, a sporty car and a car that is a little more forgiving for longer trips.
I am hoping that this car will be exactly what I am looking for. If it is a little loosey goosey it will just be a matter of time before the aftermarket busts at the seams to support it and make it into a much sporty car than straight out the box.
Bottomline:
I am still excited about the 135 and cant wait till they hit our shores and we get some "actual" reviews from owners.

Robert · 10-23-2007, 02:58 PM

Oh for the love of god these journalists know nothing. They complained the new M3's steering is too light and too vague as well. Now they are complaining the 135i is not a M because the steering is light? Wait but the new M's steering is light according to them.

10-23-2007, 05:58 AM	#1
bmmr_razr Private 16 Rep 66 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2007 iTrader: (0)	Blog on TopGear BMW 135i Coupe Posted by Piers Ward at 2:00PM on Monday 22 October, 2007 BMW's recent Efficient Dynamics programme, where its cars are being tuned to have much lower emissions and fuel consumption, means that, in 2008, 40 per cent of BMW sales will emit less than 140g/km. That's a pretty awesome stat and soon knocks quite a few greenies' arguments into the nearest cocked hat. But don't for a minute think BMW has forgotten how to do power. Take the new 135i Coupe - it'll do 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds, courtesy of 302bhp and 295lb ft. Oh, and it emits just a tiny fraction more than 140g/km of CO2. The engine is the singular most impressive aspect of this car. It really is seriously quick, although the acceleration is more elastic than instantaneous shove-in-your-back stuff. It's the same lump that appears in the 335i Coupe, complete with the nifty twin turbos that virtually eliminate all lag. Inevitably, everyone will talk about this car being the new M1. I challenge you to spend the next few days counting how many headlines appear in various car mags or websites with those letters. But this isn't. Far from it. It's much more a cruising GT than that, courtesy of the uninvolving steering and relaxed but rapid engine. Just tool around in sixth and let the torque do the work for you. That should also help BMW keep more cars under that 140g/km figure. Permalink: http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/117-bmw-135i-coupe/... POST A COMMENT
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-23-2007, 06:58 AM	#2
1ster Large Member 164 Rep 937 Posts Drives: Join Date: Aug 2007 iTrader: (0)	His comment on steering feel directly contradicts several other reviewers. I really hope the 1er doesn't drive like a baby GT car. If I wanted a GT, I'd just buy the Merc C350 and enjoy the auto tranny and extra interior room.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2007, 11:42 AM	#6
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	this article was pretty much worthless. if they are going to say that it is far from an M1, they can at least explain why. not impressed, top gear...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2007, 12:08 PM	#8
STI-135 New Member 0 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Totally agree on the STI comment. There is nothing subtle about it. The subbie can shake your fillings loose and induce motion sickness over uneven pavement..... yet I still cant wait to drive it. I guess I am a glutton for punishment. Nevertheless, I still find myself even with limited time behind the wheel always wishing I had both, a sporty car and a car that is a little more forgiving for longer trips. I am hoping that this car will be exactly what I am looking for. If it is a little loosey goosey it will just be a matter of time before the aftermarket busts at the seams to support it and make it into a much sporty car than straight out the box. Bottomline: I am still excited about the 135 and cant wait till they hit our shores and we get some "actual" reviews from owners. __________________ 06STI w/goodies
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2007, 02:58 PM	#9
Robert Major General 417 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Oh for the love of god these journalists know nothing. They complained the new M3's steering is too light and too vague as well. Now they are complaining the 135i is not a M because the steering is light? Wait but the new M's steering is light according to them. __________________ - There's nothing in my pocket other than knives and lint
	Appreciate 0 Quote