BMW 135i Sport Coupe 2008 Review

Not so much
>> Scatty ride
>> Noddy-car looks
>> Poor man's ticket to 335i

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
BMW anticipates the sportiest version yet of the 1 Series will attract a younger set, compared to those buying the high(er) performance 3 and upwards models. That is, 30 and 40-something males; coincidentally of an impressionable age around the time the classic 2002 sports coupe was first available.

Even if they don't remember the original compact coupe, BMW expects the sporty 1 will at least build on the company's "existing buyer profile that is the youngest of all premium market brands" and is targeting owners of European and Japanese sportscars "with above-average incomes". They'll need it, as the 135i isn't exactly cheap, especially considering how close the more grown-up 3 Series Coupes start.

For those prepared to wait and save for the six-figure outlay the bigger Coupe commands, there's also the 125i Coupe starting at around $55K. It appears BMW is wisely having a two-way bet with the Coupes, pricing the non-turbo model in the same ballpark as its Japanese and European rivals.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The hottest 1 starts at $71,400 equipped with the company's much-lauded twin-turbo six-cylinder engine (see MECHANICAL below) and six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic with gearshift paddles costs $2800 extra.

Australian-delivered 135i models come standard with extra M Sports kit -- hence the 'Sport' addition to the 135i's title -- including M-exclusive leather-trimmed steering wheel, logoed door sills; sport seats, M Sport suspension and light-alloy wheels.

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights with washer function and BMW's 'Corona' rings positioning lights, foglights, rear park distance control (front and rear assistance costs an extra $675) cruise control and climate control. Seating for the driver features electric adjustment with memory function but heating for the front pews costs an extra $685.

The 125i starts at $54,400, fitted with a naturally-aspirated version of the 3.0-litre six. The $17K-cheaper model wasn't available at the launch, but when it arrives in May expect 17-inch alloy wheels and many of the 135i's standards including hill-start assist and rear parking control.

The 125i can also be ordered with its blown brother's M Sport package, for an extra $2300.

MECHANICAL
The 135i gets the 335i's 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine featuring latest-technology fuel injection and the company's BI VANOS variable valve timing system. The engine is good for 225kW at 5800rpm and 400Nm from 1300-5000rpm.

Fitted to the 1 Coupe, the engine is claimed to use 9.6L/100km. Interestingly, the auto and manual 335i are rated at using 9.5L/100km. BMW claims 8.7L/100km for the non-turbo 125i.

Equipped with the six-speed manual, BMW says the 135i will do 0-100km/h in 5.3sec (0.1sec longer for the auto) on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. In comparison, the last-generation E46 M3 manual had the same capped top speed and claimed a 0-100km/h of 5.2sec. The 125i does it in 6.4sec.

A six-speed automatic transmission with paddleshift will be available after the Coupe models are released for sale in May.

The 135i Sport gets 18-inch BMW M double-spoke alloy wheels with 'mixed' widths (215/40 R18 at the front and 245/35 R18 at the rear). Rubber for the Coupe models is the run-flat type, which BMW insists is safer for providing stability in the event of a sudden deflation. A tyre puncture warning system comes standard.

The top-flight 1 Coupe uses 338mm x 26mm front and 324mm x 24mm rear ventilated disc brakes with six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers. By way of comparison, the 335i gets 348mm front and 336mm rear discs.

BMW's Active Steering system is optional for both Coupe models ($2750). The 125i isn't granted the 135i Sport's electronic differential lock, however, which slows the inside rear wheel to enhance traction under hard acceleration in corners.

The 1 Series Coupes use the five-door models' front strut and multi-link rear suspension set-up, but as mentioned in our international launch review (more here) the Coupes get firmer springs, re-rated dampers and thicker anti-roll bars. The 135i model comes with lower M Sport suspension standard, while the upgrade costs $800 extra on the 125i.

Both the 135i and 125i use rack and pinion steering with hydraulic power assistance, as opposed to the five-door 1 Series models' electric power steering.

PACKAGING
Though BMW is careful to point out the 135i Sport is not an 'M Car', it does come standard with the maker's M Sport package (for Australian buyers). This kit comprises bodywork tweaks, interior trim upgrade and sports seats in addition to the aforementioned 18-inch alloy wheels and sport suspension.

Both 1 Series Coupes are four-place two-doors. BMW says this configuration "makes better use of the available rear space", which is at a premium. The rear seats are separated by a flat console.

The Coupe models share the five-door sportshatch's 2660mm wheelbase, and overall width (1748mm) but are 121mm longer overall (4360mm). Luggage capacity with the seats in use is better by 40 litres than the five-door models, at 370 litres.

There's added flexibility thanks to standard folding rear seats with 60:40 split. This is an option on more expensive 3 Series models.

Fitted with the M Sport suspension (as standard for 135i) the Coupe's height is 1408mm; compared to the 125i at 1423mm (without the M Sport upgrade), and 1421mm for the hatchback models.

As for the Coupe's styling, see our (second) favourite website sniffpetrol.com for an example of the fun that can be had with the rather bulbous look of the two-door's glasshouse… It's feint praise, but the Coupe is actually the good-looking 1 in the band and from the A-pillar forward, at least, does indeed resemble the blessed 2002.

Predictably, weight varies between the models: the 125i is stated at 1405kg and the 135i at a hefty 1485kg, compared to the five-door at 1385kg (for the 130i)... And a relatively lightweight 1525kg for the 335i Coupe!

The Coupe-only Sedona duco is similar, though not quite enough, to the red used for the 2002 but nice nonetheless, while the Le Mans Blue or the range's only non-metallic (and thus without the $1600 premium) option, Alpine White, looked the best of the fleet lined up at the launch. The Coupe is available in a choice of 12 colours all up.

Add that list to the range of options for interior trim including black, beige, red, terracotta or 'lemon' colours for the leather and two trim variations (poplar grain grey or accentuated aluminium), and the 1 Coupe buyer has a pleasant problem trying to decide.

If that's not enough, a tii-inspired BMW Performance range is also available for the 1 Series Coupe and hatchback models (more here) but the exclusivity and chance to customise comes at a price. Photos shown hereabouts include a couple (others can be seen at the 1addicts.com forum) with the BMW Performance range parts fitted to an Alpine White car.

SAFETY
The 1 Coupes come fitted with BMW's latest stability control program (Dynamic Stability Control+) and smart braking system featuring soft-stop braking, brake drying, brake pre-tensioning and brake fade compensation which is designed to automatically apply a greater force between pad and disc to maintain stopping performance after periods of hard braking. Hill-start assist is also standard.

The Coupe models haven't been crash test rated but the 1 Series hatch on which they're based was awarded five stars for occupant safety and one (of a possible four) for pedestrian safety. The most likely change to the rating after testing will be against the five-door model's three stars for child protection in the rear.

Until any lab crash rating, buyers can be otherwise assured with standard-fit safety equipment including anti-locking braking system, BMW's Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake Control systems, traction control, driver and front passenger airbags, front side airbags and head airbags front and rear. If you lost count, that's six all-up for occupants in the cosy coupe.

COMPETITORS
Both 1 Coupe models can be lined up against the likes of Audi TT and Alfa Romeo Brera on price and comparable drivetrain options. Closest rear-wheel-drive contender is the Nissan 350Z, for a lot less money.

The Volvo C30 T5 and Audi S3 come close if all you want is a compact sporty, but neither can boast rear-wheel drive.

BMW's 130i Sports Hatch is also a contender. Recently undergoing what's commonly referred to in the industry as a 'repositioning', the 130i's ticket was dropped to below $60K in February this year in light of the Coupe's arrival and tight pricing between the hatch and two-door models. The 130i now starts at $58,900 for the manual model.

The more likely contenders are compared here.

All of these are, of course, available now, as opposed to the wait-time on the Coupe. BMW says May, which isn't far off, but at least one buyer we know will have to wait 'til July for his 125i. Then again, he's ordered it with various Performance Range bits and the M Sport package, and sunroof...

There'll be a selection of boy and girl racers out there who will also shop the 135i against the likes of Subaru's WRX STI and the soon-to-be-released Mitsubishi (don't call me Evo X) Evolution. While we can't talk in detail about the Mitsu (its local release has been delayed and will now be in June or July), we can guarantee you that the 135i beats the Subaru hands down in terms of cabin fit and finish. At $64,990 the STI spec.R might challenge the 135i in terms of bang for bucks but it needs a big dose of class added in the cabin to match the Beemer.

ON THE ROAD
If you haven't already, drive the Alpine Way up to Lake Crackenback and the Snowy region. The route is a favourite for the local reps of manufacturers with something special to demo because the steep runs up and down hill, and most every corner variation, do all the talking.

The Coupe made a strong argument throughout the 400km-plus drive with full-bodied roadholding and grip combined with the agility and sprightliness of a small car -- which, of course, it is.

Thus the ride was at times rattled and scatty, just like any high-strung small sporty. That said, the 135i Sport's ride is at least as comfortable as the lesser 1s: firm but at times flustered by otherwise innocuous road intrusions. Blame it on the run-flats and/or bigger wheel combo but the Coupe 'crashed' over surface conditions that were anything less than ideal.

At least these adverse reactions are largely heard, not felt, and the Coupe's steering remains composed and consistent. Turn-in is sharp and the tiller is well-weighted and communicative, revealing a good sense of the small car's grip -- not only in the tight stuff but also on long sweepers that will cast others adrift.

Our international launch review was direct from Sweden's Gotland Ring and while rural highland roads aren't necessarily 'real world' or those used everyday either, a localised comparison suggests the Coupe will be equally taut during more mundane driving over highways and the like.

Some of the hot-shoe hacks commented on brake fade, despite the best efforts of the aforementioned monitor system. We noticed a slightly longer pedal after a few miles of downhill carving but brake performance remained strong with no noticeable change in effort required. Besides, we're not ones to stomp into corners or ride the stoppers, preferring to be economical with the brakes, shift gear and use engine braking. As God intended.

The standard-fit six-speed manual is one of the best for making the job fuss-free, if not downright fun for its short throw and smooth operation. Matched to the twin-turbo's generous and wide-reaching torque range, however, you're frequently skipping gates. Not that that's a problem.

Undeniably, this is the cheapest ride to BMW's twin-turbo six-cylinder 'engine of year', and even to (some of) the company's M car dynamics. That it's wrapped in this misshaped, overweight baby of the family takes some convincing, however.

If you simply have to have that engine -- and we get that, too -- hurry to sign up and wait.

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