BMW

BMW 1 SERIES HATCHBACK M135i xDrive 5dr Step Auto [Tech Pack]

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph4.8s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2167 g/km

In this modern-era form, BMW's M135i gained xDrive 4WD and a rather different outlook on life from the rear drive M135i and M140i older generation designs that preceded it. In late 2021, the brand added a few dynamic changes to give the car a sharper feel, creating the model we look at here. This Baviarian hot hatch still doesn't have the old school track-style appeal its rear-driven predecessors had, but that's because it's matured a bit. If you have too, then you'll probably rather like it.

ONE TO WATCH

Unlike its predecessors, BMW's M135i xDrive conforms to class expectations to widen its sales reach. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Review

In this modern-era form, BMW's M135i gained xDrive 4WD and a rather different outlook on life from the rear drive M135i and M140i older generation designs that preceded it. In late 2021, the brand added a few dynamic changes to give the car a sharper feel, creating the model we look at here. This Baviarian hot hatch still doesn't have the old school track-style appeal its rear-driven predecessors had, but that's because it's matured a bit. If you have too, then you'll probably rather like it.

Background

New models primarily appeal to those who bought the previous version of the same car - but this one's different. In its previous generation guise, the BMW M135i (later the M140i) was a rather unique hot hatch confection, rear driven with a howling straight six engine - a car for the hot hatch cognoscenti. The sort of model a race track instructor would use as his day-to-day drive. The problem for BMW is that there aren't a lot of those kinds of people. So the M135i has changed - into this, a four cylinder family five-door that's primarily front-driven, with occasional four wheel traction. It's a BMW of the 'M Performance' variety, rather than being a full M car. But it is, the Munich maker insists, despite the change of hot hatch emphasis, a proper sporting BMW. Is it? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

So what's different with this lightly revised model? Not too much. BMW has retuned the camber settings, plus a new hydromount has been installed for the front suspension, while the mounts for the trailing and control arms at the rear axle have been revised. The steering's now a little sharper and the engine note is now a little rortier. That's about it. Otherwise, things are as before, which means there's a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged 306hp engine beneath the bonnet, in place of the previous generation model's sonorous 3.0-litre straight six. And AWD in place of that older car's classic rear-driven set-up. The performance on offer (rest to 62mph in 4.8s en route to 155mph) exactly replicates that of the old generation pre-2019 340hp M140i model. And of course, compared to that previous design, this modern-era M135i has the added advantage of standard xDrive 4WD, Launch Control and a mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to get its grip to the gravel. But it's a very different kind of car from before that still these days merely replicates what's on offer from obvious rivals like the Golf R and the Audi S3. There's not the same challenge in driving it that characterised the previous generation pre-2019-era model - but then, you might have expected that. As before with the M135i xDrive, this car differs from lesser 1 Series variants with its stiffer suspension set-up and features a 10mm-lower ride height, with two-stage adaptive dampers being optional. At the front, the subframe features an extra couple of bracing bars for extra steering accuracy and the electrically assisted rack features a quick ratio of 14:1, as opposed to the standard car's 15:1. Finally, the brake master cylinder is bigger than that of a standard 1 Series for better response and more consistent pedal pressure.

Design and Build

As you might expect, the top 'M135i xDrive' variant has its own unique 'M Performance' look. That gives this top variant 18-inch 'M light alloy Double-spoke' wheels with a 'Bicolour' finish and the front, plus the rear bumper styling is bespoke. There's an M rear spoiler, unique side sill covers and a 'Cerium Grey' finish for the exhaust tailpipe, the side M logo, the mirror caps and the frame of the front kidney grille. The M135i interior's set apart by M seat belts and M sports seats with upholstery in 'Trigon' cloth and 'Anthracite' alcantara. Plus this flagship variant comes with the brand's desirable 'Live Cockpit Professional' package, with its 10.25-inch centre-dash and instrument cluster screens and 'Connected Package Professional' additional media connectivity features. Otherwise, the recipe is as with any other 1 Series. This car has the cabin feel of a larger, more luxurious product. Some of that's down to cabin quality - soft-touch surfaces and the sold feel of all the fixtures and fittings matched on a plusher model like this one by things like contrast stitching and intricate 'Extended lighting' door panel strips. Plus you get much more space in the rear and in the boot than with the older generation rear-driven models. Two adults can comfortably fit on the back seats without having to squash in their knees, as was the case with the previous rear driven design. And out back, there's a decently-sized 380-litre boot.

Market and Model

There aren't really any spec changes for this updated M135i xDrive, though you can now specify three extra paint colours ('M Sao Paulo Yellow', 'Frozen Orange' and 'Frozen Pure Grey'. Otherwise, it's as you were. You'll pay just over £41,000 for this M135i xDrive, which is about par for the course if you're looking at cars in this segment - probably models like the Audi S3 Sportback, the Mercedes-AMG A 35, the Renault Megane R.S. and the Honda Civic Type-R. We've detailed all the visual exterior and embellishments you get as part of M135i spec in our 'Design' section. Many 'M135i' buyers upgrade to the optional 'M135i Plus Pack', which includes Sun Protection glass, a harmon/kardon audio upgrade and a choice of two designs of larger Bicolour 19-inch wheel - 'M V-spoke' or 'M Double-spoke'. Bear in mind though, that you can't upgrade to this pack if you specify the optional adaptive damping system - as quite a few customers for this hot hatch are going to want to do. Other options you might want to consider include the 'BMW Icon Adaptive LED headlamps' we tried. The brand also thinks that the optional Head-up display will be popular too. And if you think you or your partner might struggle with slotting this car into tight spaces, you could consider the 'Park Assist' system, which automatically does it for you and includes a Reversing Assist camera. What else? Well the Harmon/Kardon 'Surround Sound' audio set-up is worth a look. Plus a wireless charging mat is available as part of an 'Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging' option.

Cost of Ownership

This auto-only petrol hot hatch variant manages up to 38.2mpg and (on 18-inch wheels) 168g/km of CO2 - which puts it amongst the class leaders in this segment when it comes to efficiency. Insurance is a group 36E rating. Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. You can check all of this using menus in the 'iDrive' centre-dash display; the centre-dash screen's 'Car' section tells you engine oil level, service requirements and (on a diesel model) your AdBlue level. Plus the car will give you four weeks' notice of when a check-up is needed so you have plenty of time to book it. A TeleServices' feature comes as part of the BMW 'ConnectedDrive' services you can also access through the iDrive infotainment system. Via this, before each service appointment is due, your 1 Series can automatically put in a 'TeleServices' call to your nominated BMW service centre, complete with detailed information on vehicle condition. You'll then get a call to arrange a service appointment, something you'll already have budgeted for if, at the point of original purchase, you opted for one of the two fixed cost 'Service Inclusive' or 'Service Inclusive Plus' packages which cover you for five years or 50,000 miles.

Summary

What you think of the M135i xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. It was clearly never intended to be a direct replacement for its six cylinder rear-driven predecessor. But see it as what it is, the Munich maker's alternative to a Golf R, a Mercedes-AMG A 35 or an Audi S3 - and you'll get the point immediately. We're disappointed that BMW no longer offers something so refreshingly, radically different to cars like those. But we can understand why the business case for reversion to a more established uber-fast hot hatch formula was so compelling. Compelling isn't the first word that springs to mind when considering the drive experience this car serves up, but it's undeniably impressive. Traction out of corners, that thing you had to fight for in the old rear-driven model on damp roads, is superb. And the four cylinder powerplant makes up for in willingness what it lacks in authentic howling character. For the first time, here's a really quick 1 Series model you could easily justify to the family. The M135i may no longer be a unique confection. But these days, it's an undeniably more complete one.

  • Rain sensor including auto headlights activation
  • Rear window wiper
  • Green tinted heat protection glazing
  • Front and rear electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing
  • Windscreen wipers with integrated washing jets

  • Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Braking readiness
  • Electrically operated hand brake
  • Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
  • Torsen mechanical limited slip differential
  • Front and rear disc brakes
  • Brake drying
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

  • Anthracite Velour floor mats

  • Anti roll bar front and rear
  • Drive Performance Control

  • Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging

  • Attentiveness assist
  • Active guard plus
  • Speed limiter
  • Servotronic steering optimised at all speed ranges
  • Sporty fast gear shifting in sport mode
  • Park assist including reversing assistant, lateral parking aid and reversing assist camera

  • Pull away assistant
  • Eco pro mode

  • Wifi hotspot preparation
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional sat nav system including 10.25" high resolution display and Intelligent Voice Assistant
  • Integrated owners handbook
  • Gearshift time display in manual mode
  • BMW Online services
  • Head up Display
  • On board computer
  • Check Control warning system for monitoring of lights and door/luggage compartment open warning
  • Optimum shift indicator
  • Oil sensor for level and grade
  • Connected eDrive Services
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Personal Profile

  • Cerium grey exterior mirror caps
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Electric folding and anti dazzle exterior mirrors
  • Heated, electrically adjustable exterior mirror aspheric on driver side, convex on passenger side

  • Contrast stitching on instrument panel

  • VALVETRONIC engine management
  • Engine cover with M performance designation
  • Balancer shaft
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (50 litres)
  • Double VANOS
  • Aluminium lightweight construction
  • Petrol Particulate Filter
  • Launch control
  • High precision injection

  • DAB Digital radio
  • Bluetooth audio streaming

  • Visible VIN plate
  • Shark fin antenna
  • Body colour door handles
  • High gloss shadowline window frame, mirror frames and B/C pillar embelisher trim
  • Fading support
  • Matt black air guide grilles
  • Front door sill finishers with M135i designation
  • Kidney grille in Cerium Grey with Mesh design
  • M performance exhaust system
  • M logo designation side in cerium grey
  • High gloss shadow line exterior trim
  • Lightweight engineering
  • Model designation on right side of tailgate
  • Round exhaust system with twin cerium grey tailpipes in left and right split

  • BMW icon adaptive LED headlights
  • Direction indicator side lights in exterior mirrors
  • Nearside reverse light in rear light cluster
  • LED eyebrow turn indicators
  • Preparation for high beam assistant
  • High level third brake light
  • Follow me home headlights
  • Automatic headlight beam throw control
  • High beam assistant
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Rear fog lights

  • Two zone automatic air conditioning

  • Driver side folding compartment in instrument panel
  • Four grab handles integrated in roof lining
  • Front and rear side armrest integrated into door trim
  • Steering wheel paddles
  • 3 spoke M sports design leather steering wheel finished in nappa leather with specific M badge
  • Front Armrest foldable with integrated storage compartment
  • Storage compartment in centre console
  • Conditioned based service
  • 12V power socket in centre console
  • Folding rear clothes hook
  • Multi-function controls for steering wheel
  • 2 cupholders in front centre console
  • Glove compartment
  • Manual adjust steering wheel
  • Anthracite headlining
  • Front and rear door pockets

  • Welcome lighting

  • Interior lights pack - 1 Series
  • Extended storage pack - 1 Series
  • M Sport aerodynamics pack - 1 Series 135i
  • Luggage compartment pack - 1 Series
  • Connected pack professional - 1 Series
  • Extended lighting pack - 1 Series M135i

  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats, front pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters, rear coded belt buckles
  • Crash sensor activating central locking release, hazard warning lights, fuel cut off, interior lighting + activation of safety battery terminal clamp
  • 2 tone horn
  • Driver and front passenger seat belt security check
  • Airbags - Front driver and passenger, front and rear head, front side, curtain head protection
  • Front passenger manual airbag deactivation
  • Seatbelt warning
  • Side impact protection
  • Warning triangle and first aid kit
  • Rear child proof door locks
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

  • 3 rear seat head restraints
  • Height adjustable front head restraints
  • Folding rear seats
  • Driver and front passenger seat heating
  • Child seat ISOFIX attachment for two outer rear seats and front passenger seat with anchorage points
  • Front M seats
  • Rear seat backrest with manual 60:40 split folding with 3 top tether clips integrated on rear of seat panels

  • Deadlocking function system to all doors
  • Remote control with integrated key with High-gloss Black inlay and M designation
  • Thatcham Cat.1 alarm with remote control and immobiliser
  • Start/stop button with comfort go keyless engine start and auto start stop deactivation button
  • Central locking switch for all doors, fuel filler cap and luggage compartment
  • Automatic drive away locking facility
  • Locking wheel bolts

  • Electronic differential lock
  • Eight speed sport automatic transmission with electronic selector lever

  • Sun visors with vanity mirrors and insert tab

  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • 18" Burnished M double spoke Bi-colour alloy wheels finished in Cerium grey matt - style 556M

  • BMW mobility system

  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 235
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 168
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 142
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 164
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 168
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Min: 235
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Max: 240
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Min: 168
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Max: 173
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Min: 142
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Max: 147
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Min: 164
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Max: 172
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 174
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 167
  • CO2 (g/km): 154
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED
  • Engine Code: B48A20T1
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
  • CC: 1998

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • EC Urban (mpg): 34.4
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): 47.1
  • EC Combined (mpg): 41.5
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 28
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 37.2
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 46.3
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 39.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Min: 28
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Max: 27.4
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Min: 38.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Max: 37.2
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Min: 46.3
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Max: 44.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Min: 39.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Max: 37.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 39.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 38.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 10.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Min: 10.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Max: 10.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Min: 7.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Max: 7.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Min: 6.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Max: 6.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Min: 7.2
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Max: 7.5
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 7.1
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 7.4

  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Service Interval Mileage: 18000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 72
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 306
  • Badge Engine CC: 2.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 36E
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: [Tech Pack]
  • Coin Description: i xDrive
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

  • Engine Power - KW: 225
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 332
  • Engine Torque - NM: 450
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1800
  • Engine Power - BHP: 306
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.8
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 45.9

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Rear: 225/40 R18
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 225/40 R18
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: M DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 556M

  • Width (including mirrors): 2081
  • Height: 1434
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4319
  • Width: 1799
  • Wheelbase: 2670

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1525
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2085
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 50
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 380
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N
  • Max. Loading Weight: 560
  • Max. Roof Load: 75
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1200
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

  • Sun protection glass: £300

  • City braking function: Included

  • Adaptive suspension: £500
  • M sports suspension + self levelling: Included

  • Active cruise control with stop and go: £0
  • Lane departure warning system: Included
  • Cruise control with brake function: Included

  • Automatic tailgate operation: £500

  • Illuminated Berlin interior trim: £0
  • Illuminated Boston interior trim: Included

  • Stereo speaker system with 2 mid range speakers in the front door trims and rear parcel shelf + 2 central bass speakers underneath the front seats: Included
  • BMW gesture control: £300
  • Harman/Kardon loudspeaker system: £750

  • Individual metallic paint: £560
  • Electric panoramic glass sunroof: £1,000
  • Metallic paint: £560
  • Solid paint: Included

  • Through load system: £150
  • Heated steering wheel: £150
  • Luggage compartment separating nets: £150
  • Trigon cloth/alcantara upholstery: Included
  • Dakota leather upholstery with perforation and contrast stitching: £800

  • Comfort pack 2 - 1 Series: £1,500
  • Driving assistant pack - 1 Series: £1,000

  • Metallic - Mineral grey: £560
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £560
  • Metallic - Misano blue: £560
  • Metallic - Melbourne red: £560

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Individual metallic paint - Storm Bay: £560

  • Manual adjust driver/passenger seats: Included
  • Electric front seat adjustment - drivers with memory: £750
  • Driver + front passenger electric lumbar support: £150

  • Comfort access system: £500

  • Trigon cloth/alcantara - Anthracite: £0

  • Dakota leather - Mocha: £800
  • Dakota leather - Black with grey highlight: £800
  • Dakota leather - Magma red with grey highlight: £800

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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