For lovers of compact sports cars with a bite, 2012 is likely to be the year when their wildest dreams came true. The BMW M135i F20/F21 marked the first time that M Performance made its way into the popular 1 Series. Its inline six-cylinder petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology along with the adaptive M suspension tuned with M precision for high performance, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres custom-made for this model, and aerodynamically optimised body features redefined the standards for power and driving dynamics in this segment and made the BMW M135i F20/F21 one of the most powerful vehicles in the compact class.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder petrol engine
- Output: 235 kW (320 HP)
- Torque: 450 Nm
- From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds*
- Equipped with unique-to-compact-class rear-wheel drive
* with 8-speed automatic with Steptronic and all-wheel drive BMW xDrive
NEW LOOK FOR MORE PERFORMANCE.
NEW LOOK FOR MORE PERFORMANCE.
The BMW M135i was available as a 3-door F21 and 5-door F20 model. Both variants feature dynamically elongated body lines and a particularly flat roof line. Added to this is a powerfully contoured side view with particularly pronounced rear wheel arches which ensure a sporty and elegant appearance. At the same time, each model retains its distinctive appearance. The frameless windows of the 3-door M135i form a coherent window surface, uninterrupted by the B-pillar, and create a dynamic, elegant impression.
The longitudinal engine-mount architecture, adopted from higher segments, gives the F20 a distinctive design that is unique in the compact segment – with a long bonnet and the resulting optimum weight distribution. Last but not least, the design of the BMW M135i F20 stands out thanks to M specific features such as the contrasting exterior mirror caps and the contrasting model designation.
M PERFORMANCE SIX-CYLINDER.
M PERFORMANCE SIX-CYLINDER.
The 2012 M135i caused quite a stir when it was launched, as it had an M Performance inline six-cylinder engine under the bonnet – a power unit previously only found in higher vehicle segments. The engine produced 235 kW (320 hp) and 450 Nm and was available with a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic. The six- and eight-speed variants delivered the engine power to the road exclusively via the rear axle. The rear-wheel drive, favoured by enthusiasts, was a notable exception in the compact segment and gave the M135i F20/F21 the superior M handling.
Later, the model was also available with an 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, allowing the M135i to perform the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. With its characteristic rear-wheel drive and 6-speed manual transmission, it completed the sprint in 5.1 seconds, or 4.9 seconds with the 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic. The top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fans of the compact sports car were particularly delighted by the model-specific, flap-controlled, double-sided exhaust system with its sonorous, powerful sound.
2015 was the year in which the flagship of the 1 Series underwent a series of extensive modifications to the front and rear design, making it more expressive, sportier and more efficient than ever before.
TOP OF ITS CLASS.
With its striking performance and design features, the first generation of the BMW M135i was an absolute highlight in its segment – on which the community fully agreed. In 2015, the compact performer was voted winner in the compact car category in the „sport auto Award” readers' poll.
M TOUCH FOR MORE SPORTINESS.
M TOUCH FOR MORE SPORTINESS.
As part of this model update, the BMW M135i received a redesigned kidney grille and enlarged air intakes. Like the significantly flatter geometry of the headlights, the modified design elements once again emphasised the model's dynamic driving potential. The rear lights were also completely redesigned. They featured the L-shape characteristic of BMW models at the time as well as LED light elements.
SUCCESS STORY – PART II: THE BMW M140i.
SUCCESS STORY – PART II: THE BMW M140i.
The new edition of the sportiest representative in the premium compact segment was launched in 2016 as a 3-door and 5-door model. With the BMW M140i F20/F21, BMW M continued the success story of its compact performer. The proven and popular combination of an inline six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive and even weight distribution between the axles for optimum driving dynamics was retained in the M140i. Yet, it stood out with an even more spontaneous response and greater efficiency thanks to the newly installed B58 engine. The unit provided the BMW M140i with more power and torque, increasing the values to 250 kW (340 hp) and 500 Nm respectively. Equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, the M140i xDrive clocked the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. With rear-wheel drive and 6-speed manual transmission, it cleared 100 km/h in 4.8 – or in 4.6 seconds with the optional 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
5 POWERFUL FACTS:
- Output: 250 kW (340 HP)
- Torque: 500 Nm
- From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds*
- 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder petrol engine (B58B30)
- More performance and efficiency
* with 8-speed automatic with Steptronic and all-wheel drive BMW xDrive
GRADUATION WITH HIGHEST HONOURS.
GRADUATION WITH HIGHEST HONOURS.
Towards the end of its production cycle, the BMW M140i F20/F21 – like the BMW M135i before it – demonstrated its momentous significance for the premium compact segment with several awards. In 2018, the BMW M140i was voted winner of the ‘sport auto Award’ in its category. The BMW M140i xDrive continued this success in the final year of its production run in 2019 with another win at the “sport auto Award”. The first generation of the M Performance 1 Series BMW thus made a magnificent debut, laying the foundation for the success of this series.
