When BMW’s awkwardly-named 1M hit U.S. shores in 2011, it was an instant sensation. Evoking memories of the classic E30 M3 from 1985 to 1992, the high-performance variant of the smaller 1-Series coupe sold out its U.S. allotment of fewer than 1,000 cars very quickly, leaving enthusiasts pining for a replacement.
The 2013 BMW 135is looks to fill that void for American BMW fans, and the critical acclaims it has received so far would lead you to believe BMW has succeeded in doing just that. I’m a couple of days into a test-drive of a 2013 135is, and while it’s hardly the heir to the E30 that many consider it to be, it’s a refreshing change of pace from most modern cars — not to mention that it’s stupid fast.
A quick disclaimer: I’m not a huge fan of coupes. They just aren’t my preference, and I’ve never quite understood the stumpy looks of the 1-Series. I’m far more partial to the look of the current European M135i, which is already based on a newer generation than this 135is. This car will be replaced next year by the all-new 2-Series coupe and convertible.
Somehow, the 135is manages to look quite a bit better than other 1-Series models, the 135i included. The 135is has a more aggressive front fascia than the 135i, which, when combined with the lowered stance and "Shadowline" black trim pieces, gives it a more muscular look that the 1-Series has always lacked.
Let that aggro look be your guide. This is a brute of a car, as opposed to the more balanced, delicate nature of classic BMW coupes. The 320-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine provides its 317 lb-ft of torque from just 1,300 rpm. Make no mistake, even at 3,400 pounds, this thing pulls. Zero-to-whatever mph runs are shockingly easy and always giggle-inducing.
As much fun as the speed is, however, there are some issues I’ve come across with the 135is. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think the 135is has too much engine. The torque is undoubtedly impressive, but it’s everywhere; the pull is so strong in all gears that it feels like shifting is an option. Having this kind of power on tap is no doubt glorious, but it sort of takes away from the traditional sports car experience, in which you have to work the higher rev ranges and earn your smiles. Speaking of the 6-speed manual: Despite the short (somewhat rubbery) throws, it just feels heavy, like you’re raking gears in a bigger car. Again, the 135is weighs almost 3,400 pounds, so despite its smaller size, it’s by no means a featherweight.
Then there’s the tiniest bit of lag in the throttle response -- subtle, but enough that you notice when cruising in second gear from one stop sign to the next. The BMW performance exhaust sounds great even at lower speeds, though, so the lag is easy to ignore. But when cruising at highway speeds (from 2,000 to 2,200 rpm) using a lighter touch on the gas, the exhaust starts to drone, which should really be tuned out of any factory-built piece.
The steering could be a little sharper at speed, too. It’s very good, but once you start leaning on the car it seems to loosen up, which in turn makes you lose a bit of confidence in the corners. A common modification is to fit M3 front arms (and bushings), which give more camber and (I think more importantly) more caster. OK, last complaint, seriously: the heat index in the Washington, D.C., area is topping 100 degrees this week, and it would be nice to be able to point a vent at my head!
Don’t think I don’t enjoy the 135is. There is a lot to love about this car. For me, the lack of a navigation screen or a battery of buttons to change up the suspension settings or steering feel or throttle character makes the 135is feel downright Spartan. The 135is is intended to be a driver’s car, and that’s appreciated. The suspension strikes the perfect balance between comfort and stiffness. The sheer power of the 135is is completely unexpected — it’s almost a stealth muscle car.
The 135is will find a fan base through the sheer absurd fun of its speed, but I think that’s where it and I part ways. I just want the whole package to come together a little more: I’d prefer a 1-Series with the 2.0-liter engine and a weight loss of around 500 pounds. I hate to be the guy who doesn’t love the powerful, "stripped" version of a popular car, but as much as I want to love the 135is, and as much as I’ve found to like about it, it just isn’t doing it for me — though it still has a few days to win me over.
James Tate cut his teeth in the business as a race-team crew member before moving to the editorial side as senior editor of Sport Compact Car, and his work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Automobile, Motor Trend and European Car. When not writing, Tate is usually fantasizing about a vintage Porsche 911.
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Source: MSN
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