BMW M135i revealed

BMW has today released images and details for its three-door 1 Series. In amongst that material is info on the new M135i. We figured that was of more immediate note and so have prepared these pictures for you, starting with a handful of five-door pics.

The M135i is the first petrol powered model from the M Performance Automobiles division. And it’s plenty fast, too, able to reach 100km/h in 4.9 seconds with optional 8-speed automatic transmission (5.1 seconds for standard 6-speed manual).

On paper, then, it’s a near match for the mighty 1 Series M Coupé. Here’s the relevant bits from the introductory BMW press release:

First ever BMW M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine: BMW M135i with a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and 235 kW/320 hp as well as M-characteristic suspension components and aerodynamically optimised body features; Highest level of performance and the most outstanding efficiency within the competitive environment; Typical M-style coherence between drive, suspension technology and aerodynamic balance as well as model-specific interior design for unmistakeable driving pleasure in a compact model; BMW M135i also available as a five-door version.

In addition, an all wheel-drive xDrive spec M135i will be available from November 2012 production.

More pics, including the three-door M135i, and further press information can be seen below. There’s also a promo video included that will never make it to Australian TV screens.

UPDATE: BMW Australia has advised the M135i will be coming to Australia, but at this stage in five-door configuration only. A launch date is yet to be confirmed, but they are hoping to have it in showrooms before the end of the year.

Extracts below taken from: The new three-door BMW 1 Series (890kb PDF)

BMW M135i: M-typical body styling for optimised air intake, “sports car feeling” in the interior.

The performance potential of the BMW M135i is reflected in its individual exterior and interior design features, which are integral parts of the series equipment in this BMW M Performance automobile. The body details are typical of a car designed to handle the aerodynamic requirements associated with dynamic, high-performance driving situations – it is such details that convey the unique M style and flair. The front apron is typical of M styling that reflects the car’s firm and responsive road handling, with the large air intake vents needed to meet the cooling demands of a high-performance straight six-cylinder engine, auxiliary units and oversized brakes. The competitive character of the car can also be seen in the three-dimensional flaps on the outer air vents, a detail inspired by automobile racing. These air inlets take up the space reserved for the fog lights in the other versions of the three-door BMW 1 Series. They are separated by horizontal struts in Ferric Grey metallic – a design detail that distinguishes BMW M Performance cars.

In addition to the BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line and the exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey, the specially contoured side skirts and 18-inch M light alloy double-spoke wheels with mixed tyres intensify the side profile of the BMW M135i. The rear apron, the lower portion of which is finished in Dark Shadow metallic, also encloses the dual exhaust pipes.

Furthermore, the door sill finishers with aluminium inserts that feature “M135i” lettering match an interior design that expresses the joy of sheer driving pleasure. The interior details include exclusive cloth Hexagon/Alcantara upholstery, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and blue accent stitching, the BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite, interior trim in Aluminium Hexagon with matt Estoril Blue or high-gloss black accent lines, gear selector and handbrake with leather gaiters, M driver footrest, speedometer and rev counter with red chronoscales. The colour of the interior lighting is variable, and the car key features blue detailing.

Engines: the straight six-cylinder petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo for the BMW M135i tops the engine line.

This power plant enhances the wide selection of engines available for the new compact three-door BMW 1 Series. At the same time, it is an essential component of a portfolio that positions BMW M Performance automobiles at the top of the performance segment. The BMW M135i is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, which is known for its spontaneous performance and high revving, plus a level of efficiency that is remarkable in this performance class. The technology package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, direct High Precision Injection with central multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing. This 3.0-litre engine delivers a maximum power output of 235 kW/320 hp at 5 800 rpm. This impressive power results from the maximum torque of 450 Nm that is available between 1 300 and 4 500 rpm.

The BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h – the top limit permitted by the vehicle’s electronic speed control system. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0 litres (7.5 litres)/100 km, and the CO2 emissions level is 188 grams (175 grams) per kilometre. The exclusive power train for the compact BMW M Performance car also features a customised cooling system, M performance control and engine sound tuning, plus a newly developed six-speed manual transmission with dry sump lubrication. A dynamic eight-speed automatic sports transmission with gearshift paddles integrated in the steering wheel is available as an option.

The BMW M135i: maximum agility combined with unparalleled precision thanks to M-specific suspension tuning.

Model-specific suspension technology allows the BMW M135i to exploit the performance of its uncommonly powerful engine, allowing the driver to experience remarkably self-assured, exhilarating driving dynamics. Thanks to the individual control of the suspension and damping systems as well as the specific elasto-kinematics of the front axle, the BMW M Performance vehicle is able to indulge the driver with a set of particularly sporty driving characteristics. In addition, its Variable Sports Steering system determines its own set of characteristics. The harmonious interaction of engine, suspension and aerodynamic balance rewards with a fascinatingly agile driving experience, under the precise control of the driver at all times.

The BMW M Performance vehicle is delivered with a fixed calliper M Sport Brake System with four-piston units on the front axle and two-piston units at the rear as standard equipment. The system is fitted with oversized brake discs and dark blue metallic callipers bearing the M logo. The M Sport Brake System is also available on all of the other models in the new BMW 1 Series three-door sedan range, in combination with the optional M Sport Package.

The standard 18-inch M light alloy wheels on the BMW M 135i are fitted with tyres of differing sizes: 225/40 R18 on the front axle and 245/35 R18 on the back. The high grip tyres, designed specifically for this model, guarantee that both the acceleration torque and the braking torque are optimally transmitted to the road surface.

Download

• BMW M135i specifications (145kb PDF)