[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Next BMW M Performance Model Up: M135i Spied Again, With AWD xDrive?

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On the heels of the just revealed BMW M Performance Automobiles opening lineup, our spies have spotted yet another F20 prototype which we believe may be the test mule for an upcoming M135i model to join the M Performance lineup, possibly by summer.

Now that the M550d and X5/X6 M50d have officially been announced, it's really no big stretch to believe that BMW will go with an "M135i" moniker for the F20/F21 135i equipped with M-Sport package. To revisit the info so far on a possible M135i model -- a report came from a BMW presentation to Dutch dealers in November that a "M135i" 1 series hatchback was coming this summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.

This particular prototype is seen wearing the M Sport front bumper, rear diffuser, and sideskirts. The wheels are the F20 M sport wheels painted black, and you can see the large M Sport brakes peeking out from behind the spokes.


M135i XDRIVE?

BMW M President Dr. Friedrich Nitschke has previously stated that the M Performance cars would include both petrol and diesel models, so an N55 powered M135i would make sense. Nitschke also stated that the "intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive would also play a significant role in the BMW M Performance Automobiles." All 4 of the just revealed BMW M Performance models feature AWD xDrive, so could the M135i possibly come with xDrive as well? Call this a case of the eyes seeing what the mind wants them to see, but we could easily be convinced that the front and rear tires seen in the first photo below are the same size; which, if true, would point strongly to the possibility of AWD xDrive transmission for an M135i.

Also, in case you missed it, a 3-door F21 which is also possibly an M135i in testing was also spotted in testing last week.

[jozeff]

DUH!!! its a 118i! look at the badge!

[Hecobb74]

M135i xdrive 5 door - bring this exact model to Canada and they'll be a ton of them sold.

[AKRAPOVICOWNS]

No way of it getting the tri turbo instead?would be pretty damn nice

[mkoesel]

If they really do release this complete with a 320hp N55, it will make the question of what is to power the next 1M even more curious.

I wonder how sure we are that this is not powered by a 4 cylinder. Just thinking out loud here. The one thing that makes me wonder is that, apparently, the additional engine options being added to the 1 series lineup for April do not include a 240hp N20 128i. Instead, the top gasoline offering will reportedly be a 215hp N20 125i. If this turns out to be the case (Jason - any official info on this yet?), then it has me wondering what they could be saving the top-spec N20 for? It seems at least plausible that it could be for an ///M130i model, with an N20 bumped up to 255hp or so (or maybe just the 240hp version). This would actually make sense, given the outgoing 1 series hatchback featured a 130i with a ~260hp N52 as the top end model - no N54 or N55 powered E8x hatchback was available.

[bimmerjph]

Y u no make RWD!

[Jason]

Originally Posted by bimmerjph

Y u no make RWD!

It can still be introduced with RWD. The xDrive is just speculation on our part, based on the facts and statements we set forth above.

[advantage20]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I wonder how sure we are that this is not powered by a 4 cylinder. Just thinking out loud here. The one thing that makes me wonder is that, apparently, the additional engine options being added to the 1 series lineup for April do not include a 240hp N20 128i. Instead, the top gasoline offering will reportedly be a 215hp N20 125i. If this turns out to be the case (Jason - any official info on this yet?), then it has me wondering what they could be saving the top-spec N20 for? It seems at least plausible that it could be for an ///M130i model, with an N20 bumped up to 255hp or so (or maybe just the 240hp version). This would actually make sense, given the outgoing 1 series hatchback featured a 130i with a ~260hp N52 as the top end model - no N54 or N55 powered E8x hatchback was available.

A smart remark. The N20 is gradually replacing all previous naturally aspirated inline-6 while keeping same power level, and since the previous 330i for instance delivered 272ps, the next 130i, 330i and 530i should all get the N20 at 272ps. So a 272ps ///M130i xDrive does make sense indeed since its designated rival Audi S3 currently offers 265ps. However 2 round separated exhausts usually mean inline-6...

[H_RV_0335]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

M135i xdrive 5 door - bring this exact model to Canada and they'll be a ton of them sold.

Damn right!

[and 1]

if they do offer AWD, it'd be very tempting to trade in my E82

[andreadebi]

on the dutch dealer event was said that 135i is scheduled for summer 2012 and the 4wd version will follow from december 2012 (http://www.driving-fun.com/2447/home...et-320-pk.aspx)

consider that new mercedes a class will have an amg version rumored with awd
audi s3 has awd and for sure there will be also a new rs3 version for the new gen a3

[Onehp]

Looking good.

Now make a M150xd too, please. Will eat a RS3 for lunch and beat most cars on any long trip. Why? Why not!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by advantage20

A smart remark. The N20 is gradually replacing all previous naturally aspirated inline-6 while keeping same power level, and since the previous 330i for instance delivered 272ps, the next 130i, 330i and 530i should all get the N20 at 272ps. So a 272ps ///M130i xDrive does make sense indeed since its designated rival Audi S3 currently offers 265ps.

Good point about the Audi S3, yes.

However 2 round separated exhausts usually mean inline-6...

Another good point. I did consider that too, but on the other hand a dual exhaust N20 would also be a nice feature to help justify the ///M badge and M Performance branding.

[IancoleTX]

I mean it's basically going to be a 135i with a mild tune and upgraded suspension, is it not? I don't see the point in calling it an M car, just call it an "is".

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Jason

It can still be introduced with RWD. The xDrive is just speculation on our part, based on the facts and statements we set forth above.

The M135i will be offered with both RWD and AWD drivetrains.
The more powerful option will be announced in 3dr and 5dr when the 3dr is officially launched.
The regular 3dr will also be launched with new engine options.
M135i will be another addition the M Performance axis of (Alpine White) power.

Have not driven it , but some who have say the car is a proper performance hatch and the M enhancements really add more to the car to really be the stand out 1er in every attribute from dynamics to steering.

[z335ixp09]

please bring this here in the US!!!! a 1-series with an N20 (328i spec) or an N55 would be a deal breaker for me. ever since i went with hatches, i couldn't think of getting one that's not. altho i'm really enticed to get an F30.

[sq86]

Too bad this won't make it to the US...

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Tri turbo engine hasn't even been made yet. Its still in the design phase.

Its out in diesel form today...

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

M135i xdrive 5 door - bring this exact model to Canada and they'll be a ton of them sold.

^ This

[SCOTT26]

The 3dr 1er Sporthatch : BMW M135i in Mineral Grey.

Acknowledgement to Autoevolution.com

[as7920]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

....The more powerful option will be announced in 3dr and 5dr when the 3dr is officially launched.
The regular 3dr will also be launched with new engine options....

And can you remind me again Scott when this will be? Geneva? I am going this year and would love to hear/see some stuff.

More importantly, will the xDrive M135i make it to UK in RHD? How about 3er xDrive RHD this time around too?

Disappointed with the new about the M550xd not being UK RHD.

[spark58]

Originally Posted by as7920

How about 3er xDrive RHD this time around too?

The F30 3 series will available with xDrive and RHD and for the first time will be sold in the UK.

My dealer says it will be available in June 2012 and should be available to spec and order from around March. It won't be able in all engines there will definitely be a 320xd but petrol engines have yet to be confirmed. There may or may not be a 320xi. It will available in the same trim levels as the sDrive versions (i.e. Sport, Modern etc.).

It follows if the RHD xDrive 3 series is successful in the UK, then it follows that they will introduce it on other models such as the 1 series.