ARTICLE BMW M135i Unveiled - Both 5-door and 3-door available

south · May 13, 2012

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After the Concept version a couple of months ago, BMW has now officially unveiled the M135i. Available both as 5-door F20 and 3-door F21 version, the M135i will be powered by an 320hp N55 inline-6, making it the first M Performance model powered by a petrol engine. The M Sport Package and the M Sport Brakes are standard. There also a choice between a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission and an 8-speed auto. Depending on that choice, the M135i is able to perform 0-100 kph in 5.1 or 4.9 seconds, respectively.

Optical cues include unique wheels and mirror colors, both executed in ferric grey which is bound to become a M Performance trademark color. xDrive will be available as of November 2012. Speaking of availability, the M135i won't hit US shores so the wait for the first M performance model bound to the US continues... Full press release and photos after the break.

F21 3-door M135i

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F20 5-door M135i

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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 CO 2 emission 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.

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ARTICLE BMW M135i Unveiled - Both 5-door and 3-door available

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