BMW 135i Coupe Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The BMW 135i is the spiritual successor to the BMW 2002 - the car that arguably epitomizes the German brand more than any other. Since the 2002, BMW's entry-level sport sedans have grown in size with every successive generation. In fact, today's 3 series is closer in size to what a 5 series used to be than to that inspirational 2002. And as its size has grown, the value inherent in BMW's entry-level sport sedan has, to some degree, diminished. Enter the 135i...

Smaller than a 3 series, and a spiritual successor to the 2002 that first came to the U.S. in 1968, the size of the 135i speaks to the cars dynamic personality. With a shorter wheelbase and overall length as well as a narrower beam than the 3 series, the 135 symbolizes the return of the small BMW sport sedan.

What Porsche is to sportscars, BMW is to sport sedans. And it would be fairly safe to say that BMW owns the category. After all, the company's 2002 started it back in the late 1960s. And while today we think of a sedan as a four-door, the term actually represents a car that seats four, whether it has two doors or more.

Like any good sport sedan, the working environment of the 135i is well laid out ergonomically. The six-speed manual gearbox is precise and smooth, although it would be better still with a slightly shorter throw, which conveniently is available as a performance option through BMW. There's also a six-speed Steptronic automatic available for those who prefer a little less sport in their sport sedan.

Even with its more practical small footprint, BMW's newest sport sedan still offers plenty of space for its passengers - even those that find themselves in the back seat. Craftsmanship hasn't been compromised on the entry-level 1-Series either, the interior is completely rattle-free and all the controls work with the premium-car precision typical of BMW products. Ergonomics are spot on as well, again highlighting the fact that the 135i, despite its small size, is a premium car.

With an interior that is simple and clean in design, featuring rich materials and solid craftsmanship, as well as a traditional old-school sport sedan personality - both dynamically and dimensionally - the 135i makes a strong case for itself within BMW's lineup. Yes, it can get expensive if you start to check off option boxes - even sneaking up perhaps too closely to the 3 Series coupe.

But given its performance capabilities and its unique personality, the 135i gives you a ton of value that's hard to find anywhere else - even within the BMW lineup. As world-renowned investor and businessman Warren Buffet once said, "price is what you pay, value is what you get." In this regard, the BMW 135i gives you value above and beyond the price you'll pay.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

BMW 135i

Performance
- Acceleration: Nearly imperceptible turbo lag and short gearing add up to impressive acceleration
- Handling: Tons of grip - quick steering, but a bit overboosted - lack of limited-slip differential results in spinning inside tire when you try to put the power down
- Braking: Very effective with little fade - great pedal feel - a little squirrelly at the limit

Design
- Exterior: Stocky, upright proportions look great - a true entry level BMW
- sagging line of rocker panel the only real fault aesthetically
- Interior: Clean and simple with premium materials and great build quality

Utility
- Comfort: Good ride/handling compromise - typical great BMW ergonomics
- Space: Surprisingly good front and rear given its footprint - decent trunk size

Safety
- Dynamics: Quick reflexes and predictable reactions
- Technology: Airbags galore, defeatable traction and stability control and Great brakes (w/ABS & EBD)

Value
- Price: Not the greatest value proposition when optioned up
- Mileage: Not too shabby if you can manage to stay off the boost (which is nearly impossible)

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: A true entry-level BMW with proper old-skool proportions - still, the 3 series coupe doesn't cost much more...
- Fun to spank: Throttle steering not on the menu due to lack of LSD - fun to drive nonetheless

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 liter, twin turbo Inline 6
Power (SAE): 300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 300 lbs-ft @ 1400 - 5000 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 3350 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.8 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.4 sec. @ 104 mph
Top Speed: 150 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $34,900
Competitors: BMW 328i/335i coupes, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, Used E46 M3?