PetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlogPetrolBlog
  • Home
  • 70s cars
  • 80s cars
  • 90s cars
  • 00s cars
  • Manufacturers
    • CITROËN
    • PEUGEOT
    • RENAULT
    • Alfa Romeo
    • Audi
    • Dacia
    • Daihatsu
    • Fiat
    • Ford
    • Honda
    • Hyundai
    • Lancia
    • Matra
    • Mazda
    • Mercedes-Benz
    • Mitsubishi
    • Nissan
    • Opel
    • Proton
    • Saab
    • Seat
    • Skoda
    • Suzuki
    • Talbot
    • Toyota
    • Vauxhall
    • Volkswagen
    • Volvo
  • Features
    • 10 of the best
    • CarTunes
    • General Bunk
    • It’s time to appreciate
    • Major Waffle
    • New cars
    • Regrets
    • Reviews
    • Save Our Scrap
    • Shatchbacks
    • Shednesday
    • The Barn
    • Whatever happened to?
  • Garage
  • Shop
0

The Swift 1: BMW M135i review

Published by Gavin Big-Surname at 10th May 2013
The Swift 1: PetrolBlog's 2013 review of the BMW M135i

I was only popping downstairs for a sandwich. A quick bite to eat before returning to the office to carry on with some work. But then I caught sight of the BMW M135i through the bedroom window. It was parked on the lane in the usual place, but for some reason I felt the sudden urge to go for a drive. My custody of BMW’s range-topping 1 Series was coming to an end and I knew there was half a tank of premium unleaded sat in the tank.

The BMW M135i review. Seen here in Glacier Silver

There was nothing for it – the sandwich could wait. I grabbed the keys from the sideboard, put on my shades and headed out to the car. The destination – the Warren House Inn – reputedly England’s third highest pub and arguably one of the loneliest. It stands high up on the road between Postbridge and Moretonhampstead some 1425ft above sea level. When the Dartmoor winds are howling and rain lashing down in torrents it’s an unforgiving and desolate place. But on warm and sunny days like these it’s a magical and beautiful place to be.

I had been eager to try the M135i for some time. After a very, very brief flirtation with it last year I was left wanting more. To M enthusiasts I acknowledge the mere thought of an ‘M Performance’ BMW is enough to make the blood boil. Say it quietly, but the M135i is turbocharged. Shhh. But as much I love the true M products, I have no real allegiance to the badge. I was therefore free to experience the car with an open mind.

And when the BMW Press Office suggests you drive one back from the SMMT Day at Millbrook, you can’t exactly refuse, can you?

The first thing that struck me about the M135i is just how ‘normal’ it looks. To the untrained eye it looks just like a common-or-garden 1 Series – especially in the more practical 5-door body shell. The Glacier Silver metallic paint just about completes the subtle junior executive look of the car.

BMW M135i on the Moors

At first I was disappointed. I’d want my snarling overpowered BMW to shout rather than whisper. Estoril Blue or Valencia Orange perhaps? But the more I lived with the car, the more I grew to love the understated approach. You have to admire the person who chooses to spend upwards of £30k on a 5-door hatchback when to most people on the morning commute it could simply be another £18,000 114i ES.

The clues to the car’s true potential are there though. Like the 18-inch M light alloy wheels wrapped in ultra-grippy and wonderful looking Michelin Pilot Super Sports tyres. Or the huge M Sport brake discs complete with blue calipers. Not to mention the twin exhausts, M aerodynamic bodykit and discreet M135i badge on the boot lid. I’d say it doesn’t shout, but then I’d be lying. Something that becomes abundantly clear as soon as you press the start button…

The 3.0-litre engine immediately roars into life before settling down into a light and characterful burble as it ticks over. The needles on the dials do a merry dance, helping to deliver some theatre to the whole experience. Any thoughts that this is merely a brisk 5-door hatchback go out of the window. Nipping out for a quick pint (of Coke) never felt more apt.

Select drive (this car was fitted with the optional 8-speed sport automatic transmission), release the handbrake (thankfully not some electronic contraption) and the M135i moves smoothly away. In standard automatic mode and with the Drive Performance Control set to Comfort, the M135i feels almost normal. Tap the throttle and there’s a hint of the explosive power on tap, but BMW should be applauded for enabling the M135i to retain its natural character.

Optional 8-speed automatic transmission on BMW M135i

It’s a well worn cliche, but the M135i truly is a car for the junior executive who wants to let his or her hair down at the weekends. You could live with the car on a daily basis and never once feel like you’re attempting to control a wild animal straining at the leash. Heck, with efficient driving and a huge amount of willpower, the M135i fitted with an automatic ’box could return 37.7mpg on a combined cycle. Thirty-seven-point-seven-mpg – from a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol-engined performance car. Good lord.

Take it from me though, you will not see figures anywhere near that. And that’s because the M135i is an absolute riot to drive. Forget the Eco Pro and Comfort settings and switch the car to Sport. Select manual transmission and become acquainted with the flappy paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Left to change down, right to change up.

Within an instant of selecting Sport mode, the M135i comes alive. It’s as though the car shudders with excitement as its true potential is realised. On so many cars the difference between Sport-this and Comfort-that is so subtle it’s hardly worth the effort of making the switch. Not in the M135i – the difference is absolute. For me, the button should be obsolete. Put some tape over it or cover it in Super Glue. Sport is the only way to go.

The entire set-up of the car feels even more driver focused. The adaptive M Sport suspension feels firmer, the steering feels meatier and the throttle response is so instantaneous you barely have to time to catch your breath before the M135i propels itself forward. Whatever speed you’re doing and whatever gear you’re in, your body is pressed back into the excellent sports seats.

BMW M135i interior

And yet it all feels so refined – the drama and excitement is entirely down to the immense 450Nm of torque and the overwhelming force of acceleration. There’s never a sense that the M135i is about to kill you. Instead you find yourself grinning from ear-to-ear as you pilot the 5-door hatchback through the lanes. A 1 Series doesn’t have the right to feel this good. But bloody hell it’s good.

Which is why I’m prepared to break from tradition here by suggesting the automatic transmission should be the default choice on the M135i. Not only is the auto quicker and more efficient than the manual, the gear changes are lightning quick – no mere mortal could match them. Press hard on the throttle and a change up delivers a symphonic change in soundtrack and a subtle thud as you’re pressed back into your seat. The downshifts are equally effective, especially when powering into a bend.

The Swift 1: BMW M135i review on PetrolBlog

That’s also thanks to the immense stopping power delivered by the M Sport brakes. In short, this thing is insanely quick, has bucket loads of grip, has the smoothest automatic ’box I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing and has a set of anchors to shame a superyacht.

And that’s before I explain how beautifully balanced the car is. For sure the steering is a little numb, but it’s so well weighted and the turn-in is so sharp, it rarely becomes an issue. In fact, for all of the car’s explosive performance, it’s the balance and steering that shone through the most. These two factors help to make the M135i an immensely satisfying car to drive.

The Warren House Inn loomed into view in record time and even with a glut of tourists enjoying some rare Dartmoor sunshine, I was able to park the M135i right outside the door.

A pint of Coke and the BMW M135i

As I sat there enjoying my drink I got to thinking about the car and the other rear-wheel drive hero I experienced earlier in the year. Suddenly it dawned on me just how much I miss the thrill of driving a rear-wheel drive car. The BMW M135i and the Toyota GT86 share a great deal in common. Both are driver-focused, rear-wheel drive sports cars which I could see myself living with on a daily basis.

Of course the BMW is the more practical proposition – a big boot, two extra doors and proper rear seats make that abundantly clear. But in the same way I admire anyone who chooses a GT86 over a hot hatch, I also admire anyone who buys an M135i.

BMW M135i at the Warren House Inn

Is £30,555 (for the 3-door manual) a lot to pay for a 1 Series? Probably. But then it shouldn’t really be seen as ‘just another 1 Series’ – it’s much more than that. It will naturally go head-to-head with thew new Audi S3 Sportback when that arrives later in the year. The four-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbocharged Audi will offer similar levels of performance and efficiency for a little more cash.

But forget the Audi for a moment. Instead, think of the M135i as a practical alternative to the Porsche Cayman. As daft as that may sound, the figures create quite a compelling case for the BMW when pitched against a PDK-enhanced Cayman. The BMW offers more power – 320hp versus 275hp. More torque – 450Nm versus 290Nm. It’s quicker to 62mph – 4.9 secs plays 5.6 secs. And at 37.7mpg it’s a whole 1mpg more economical than the Porsche.

And even taking into account the kitchen-sink levels of options fitted to my test car, it’s still substantially cheaper than the £41,616 Cayman. Makes you think, doesn’t it? What the M135i lacks in purity and authenticity, it more than makes up for in terms of drama, practicality and Q-car status.

Side view of BMW M135i

I downed my pint of Coke in record time and made my way back to the office. As lunch hours go, this was one of the better ones. I remained hungry for the entire afternoon, but I don’t think the adrenaline stopped flowing until tea time.

Think about that next time the clock approaches one. You could stay at your desk watching inane drivel on YouTube or you could spend an hour playing with a rear-wheel drive hero. I know what I would do.

Share
0


Related Waffle


Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres

PetrolBlog looks at Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres

Aug 11, 2021
BMW M5 CS Laserlight

The new BMW M5 CS has YELLOW LIGHTS

Jan 27, 2021
BMW 2002 sunroof

10 of the Best: When BMW Made Us Smile

Nov 17, 2020
BMW X7 Dark Shadow Edition Large SUV

Something Wicked This Way Comes: The Large SUV

Sep 11, 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest PetrolBlog Videos:

https://youtu.be/fXRLAHLNX7M
https://youtu.be/0vnsNaXh7KM

PetrolBlog in print!

Classic.Retro.Modern

Support PetrolBlog – Buy Stickers

  • PetrolBlog sticker PetrolBlog car sticker £4.00
  • French Tat bumper sticker #FrenchTat bumper sticker £3.50
  • French Tat window sticker #FrenchTat window sticker £4.00
  • PETROLBLOG laptop sticker PetrolBlog laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker Waffle & Bunk laptop sticker £3.00 £2.50
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car window sticker £4.00
  • Too good to scrap bumper sticker TOO GOOD TO SCRAP bumper sticker/plaster £3.00
  • Tollfoolery sticker Tollfoolery car bumper sticker £3.50
  • Too Good to Scrap TOO GOOD TO SCRAP window sticker £3.00
  • My car is the goat bumper sticker My car is the G.O.A.T bumper sticker £3.00

What you’re saying

  • 1st August 2022

    Gavin Southwest commented on Buy this Renault Clio Baccara and be like PetrolBlog

  • 26th July 2022

    Volker commented on AMC Eagle: the original crossover?

  • 25th July 2022

    Alun Morris commented on The Autobianchi Bianchina Panoramica was a shooting brake for ladies

  • 22nd June 2022

    David Cooper commented on Whatever happened to the Talbot Matra Rancho?

  • 8th June 2022

    Astra commented on Has Top Gear wrecked a Matra Bagheera?

Fresh waffle

  • Citroen 2CV resting on the back of a truck1
    PetrolBlog: the chump is coming back
    13th May 2022
  • 2022 Dacia Jogger in Terracotta1
    The Dacia Jogger is a practical remix of the Matra Rancho
    14th December 2021
  • Toyota Land Cruiser No Time To Die2
    No Time To Die in a Toyota Land Cruiser
    13th December 2021
  • Fahnome Knight Rider build your own KITT0
    Sponsored: K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider is now available as a kit
    17th November 2021
  • Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur rear light7
    The Hyundai Heritage Series Grandeur is the future we want
    12th November 2021
  • Club PetrolBlog most beautiful1
    Club PetrolBlog members at their most beautiful
    20th August 2021
  • Renault Avantime in Geneva0
    You won’t believe these facts about French cars
    19th August 2021
  • 2008 Citroen C51
    Berlin or bust: the Unmistakeably German ad campaign
    12th August 2021
  • Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres1
    PetrolBlog looks at Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres
    11th August 2021
  • Toyota Camry V6 and Porsche 9243
    An unexceptional day out in the Toyota Camry V6
    2nd August 2021

Newsletters

PetrolBlog
ABOUT | ADVERTISING / SPONSORSHIP | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS & CONDITIONS | CONTACT US

The world’s least influential car blog since 2010.

Copyright © PetrolBlog.

0
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and analyse site traffic. We also share information about how you browse our site with our advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you have provided to them or that they have collected for your use of their services.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT