2008 BMW 135i (Car and Driver Magazine)-

What it is:
After learning the hard way that Americans don't want a hatchback BMW at any price, BMW is bringing over a coupe version of the diminutive 1-series.

Why it's important:
The 1-series coupe will be BMW's entry-level model, bringing six-cylinder refinement and rear-wheel drive to a primarily front-drive segment. Also, the 300-hp 135i will be quick enough to be regarded as an M1, although BMW won't call it that.

Platform:
Based on the previous generation 3-series (E46).
Powertrain: The base engine will be the 230-hp version of BMW's 3.0-liter six you'll find in the 328i, but the more sporting version will be the 135i. Packing a 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six, the 135i will weigh 300 fewer pounds than the 335i and will have a better power-to-weight ratio than the last M3. A 135i should be able to spring from 0-to-60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions will be available.

Competition:
Audi A3 and TT, Mazdaspeed 3, Mini Cooper S, Subaru WRX, Volkswagen GTI, Volvo C30.

What might go wrong:
The styling might be a turn-off, and the 1 could steal sales from the 3-series.

Estimated arrival and cost:
Spring 2008; about $25,000 for a 128i, rising to $35,000 for a 135i.

My thoughts-
If all of this is true, this car will be the first car in a long time to really peak my interest that I can afford. Less weight (atleast 200lbs), cheaper price, better looking (in my opinion), and same engine as the 335i, should make the 135i one of the best automotive buys ever. For my next car I still am very interested in the EVO X, but I must admit that if all of this true, the EVO X might have some competition from my heart from the BMW 135i. Well now that I think about it, I am pretty damn sure the EVO X is my next car, but the 135i is very nice indeed

 

this will be a contender for my next purchase if i can't afford a GT-R

 

3000ways,

The last time we saw such body style was back in 93-94 with the 318TI but there are not too many around the country to start anyways.

Yes indeed, as I responded to you on the other post, this car is going to be a direct competitor to the Evo especially if they fit the car with the AWD like the are already doing it on the 335XI.

I can't wait to see the real test. BMW estimates 0-60 in 4.5sec bone stock from factory and in the 12's 1/4 mile. The styling doesn't convence me though..

Carlos

 

a 12sec bimmer at $35k? that would be awesome! but sounds too good to be true... the price to hp ratio just keep droping nowadays... i wonder when a 300hp civic si will appear...

 

What are you talking about bro? it is not like what you think. It is a reality, the car is 300lbs lighter than the regular sedan or coupe 335I.

The 300 hp rated engine has been proven to be a real output of 330-35hp. People ran 13.2 on the stock auto sedans 335is stock so it wouldn't be crazy to think that with 300lbs less weight this car is very well indeed capable of runing a 12.9 sec stock.

Also remember, there are software/piggy back adding already 114lb/tq to the wheels and 50-60whp with no other mods(exhaust/manual boost controller/air filter,race gas)

Sumarizing, you better believe it, this is an affordable and fast German car for a price tag of $35K. You might not like it and you can ignore it but it is a reality.

Carlos

 

Good news. This is the only BMW I will ever consider buying. This car could possibly be better performance wise compared to the Evo X. If it is, this will be my next car.

 

dont get me wrong. i've read lots of stories about the 335i and its just unbelievable.. and i do love the idea of a $35k, 300hp baby bimmer. but i think it will steal some sales from the 335i or even M3 since it's so fast that it could actually outrun a 335i

 

I believe this is going to be somewhat like the Cayman S (where it has the potentional to be better than the 911) In this case I believe this car being turboed and lighter will give some serious competition to their new M3 but for much less price. Hopefully it comes out as advertised.

 

1 series, i love it! thanks for sharing.

 

Here's my attempt at predicting what the M1 could look like.

original:

PS Black:

PS White:

 

a 300 hp, 300lbs less than an M3, hatchback already exists now...

it's called the Z4 M Coupe.

 

Yea, but Steve, you forgot the part about the $35,000 sticker.

 

Dont care if that car comes with rocket packs,,, well ,, ummno its fugly.

And we wont get the 3 door hatch. 4 door for north America.

 

Damn. It is an ugly sum-bish, ain't it?

 

yeah i agree...with the looks. 135i so ugly i wouldnt be caught driving it. but i wont down it for its performance...the car 135i's are bad a$$. but i myself love more of the sedan look, even if it was 300lbs lighter it doesnt matter to me. i would purchace the 335i and just mod it to make up for the weight.