BMW 135i Coupe Part 3: Performance Review

Sibling rivalry - sometimes it can be a positive thing. Other times, it can get downright nasty. Trust me, as an older brother, I can attest to both. I bring this up to point out that in the case of the BMW 135i, its main rival may prove to be its older sibling: the 335i coupe.

We already know the 3 series BMW well, as it's been available in the U.S. for just over two years. But just how does the new 1 series fit into the line-up? The BMW 135i is the German company's new entry-level coupe, and the spiritual successor to the much-loved 2002. As such, it is both smaller and less expensive than the next car up the ladder, the previously mentioned 3 series.

The two cars are separated by roughly $6000 in price, and while dimensionally they seem to be significantly different, under their skins the two are quite similar. Both cars share BMW's magnificent, award-winning three-liter, twin turbocharged and intercooled engine, which produces 300 horsepower. The bigger story regarding the engine, however, is a torque curve flatter than day-old beer, with a maximum 300 lb.-ft. of torque available from 1400 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm.

This makes for a brisk performer to say the least. And while the corporate line may suggest that there's no inner-company rivalry here, the numbers suggest a different story. The 135 can not only hang with the 335, it can even scare owners of the top performing 3 series. That's right, the performance numbers put up by the baby brother aren't that far off the stats produced by the daddy: the M3. Let's look at it: 0-60 takes 4.8 seconds... in the 135! The M3 does the deed a half-second quicker. And while the gap grows as you gain speed, the point is that the 135 is ridiculously fast, especially given its entry-level status.

Throttle response is nearly instantaneous, making you wonder if this thing really is turbocharged. A quick look under the hood won't help answer that question, as the turbos are buried deep within the engine bay. Not much of a clue from the exhaust note either. All you hear is semi-hushed exhaust gasses escaping through the tail pipe accompanied by too little of BMW's legendary inline-six music. However, there is an optional performance exhaust system available from BMW that should enhance the sound coming from that fabulous engine.

On the handling front, the 135i has razor sharp responses to steering wheel movements and it tenaciously clings to the asphalt. The body does roll a bit when you really hustle the car into a corner, but once it takes a set, it is planted. The front tires give up the chase before the rears and throttle inputs don't give the back end much of a voice in the matter, as the open differential results in a spinning inside tire if you try to throttle steer the little 1 series.

So what do we think of the performance of the newest member of the BMW family? Well, there's certainly a lot to like here, starting with typical BMW smoothness in power, handling and braking - which features six-piston front calipers. Ditto the gearbox, which is not only smooth but precise as well.

Negatives? The lack of a limited slip differential - something that BMW seems to reserve exclusively for cars wearing an "M" on their trunk lids. And... em... well, that's it really.

Stay clear of the options list and this car represents a solid performance bargain. But if you can't resist the temptation of premium packages, navigation systems and such, you'll quickly be pricing the car right up the family tree toward the excellent 3-series coupe.

Which takes us back to the question we alluded to earlier about the 1 series vs. the 3 series...

Are there enough differences between the coupes to justify the existence of two rather than one? Or will the kid brother cannibalize sales of its more mature older brother?

The most natural competitor for the 1 is in fact the 3, but they are still different enough to coexist... and to thrive. For buyers it will most likely come down to personal preference, as always. If you like the styling of the sleek and classy 3 series coupe, the more upright and compact 1 probably won't float your boat. Conversely, if you like the feisty, nimble character of the 1, and you've been longing for a BMW coupe sized more like an the original E30 3 series, then the more relaxed, mature and larger 3 just won't do.

Either way - big brother or little brother - you'll end up with a car from a family full of over achievers.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

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?