BMW received some jeers over the implementation of “Active Sound” technology in the F10 M5, where the car reproduces and boosts and the car’s engine sound electronically via the in-car audio system.
And the same technology may now be in use in the M135i (and possibly other models as well). The M135i actually sounds great inside the passenger cabin, but a BIMMERPOST site member recently conducted a test on his M135i by unplugging the sound symposer device, which led to the loss of much of the engine noise inside the car’s passenger cabin. Check out the comparison videos inside.
Auto Express UK track tests the new BMW M135i versus the Subaru WRX STI 340R. Here’s how they compare on paper.
BMW M135i:
3 liter inline 6 cylinder
316 hp / 450 Nm torque
0-62 mph (0-100kmh) in 5.1 seconds (manual), 4.9 seconds (automatic)
Weight: 3174 lbs
Subaru WRX STI 340R:
2.5 liter 4 cylinder
316 hp / 450 Nm torque
0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds
Weight: 3249 lbs
2012 was a busy year for BMW and saw the company introduce many models. These include the LCI 7 Series, 6 Series Gran Coupe, ActiveHybrid 5, F10 3 Series Sedan, F11 3 Series Touring, M135i hatchback, M Performance Automobiles, M6 Coupe and Convertible, and M6 Gran Coupe.
BMW revisits the 2012 year in this review video.
We recently reported on the M135i recording a 8:05 bridge to gantry Nurburgring lap, but Sport Auto has now released its official time in the M135i for a full lap on the Nurburgring.
Sport Auto has piloted the M135i around the Ring in 8:18. The test car was RWD and equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission.
Here’s how this time compares to other notable cars with similar lap times:
7:48 - BMW M3 GTS
7:50 - BMW M3 CSL
8:05 – BMW E92 M3 (2007)
8:09 – Audi RS4 (2006)
8:09 – BMW E63 M6 (2005)
8:13 – BMW E60 M5 (2004)
8:13 – Mercedes C63 AMG (2009)
8:15 – BMW 1M Coupe (2011)
8:16 – Porsche Cayman S (2009)
8:17 - Porsche Boxster S (2009)
8:18 – BMW M135i (2012)
8:18 - Lexus IS-F (2007)
8:22 – BMW … CONTINUED
The new Limited Edition Lifestyle equipment package shines an even brighter spotlight on the aesthetic qualities of the BMW 1 Series Coupe and BMW 1 Series Convertible. The package’s exclusive and high-quality equipment details are carefully coordinated and add engaging flourishes to both the interior and the exterior.
As well as the exclusive Mineral White metallic paint, customers can also choose from two other exterior colours, while 18-inch light-alloy wheels accentuate the cars’ classy looks. The Lifestyle Edition contrasts are particularly effective on the BMW 1 Series Convertible; a brown soft-top with silver pigmentation generates fascinating light effects, for example. Brown leather trim with white contrast stitching plays the lead role in the interior of the Lifestyle Edition cars. A matching brown sports leather steering wheel, … CONTINUED
It’s shootout time again at CAR and they’ve got their hands on some hot hatches. In this preview video, they pit the BMW M135i against the Focus ST, Golf GTI, 35 Astra OPC and Renaultsport Megane 265 RB7 in a 1/4 mile drag race.
No surprise here, the M135i destroys the rest of the field at 13.16, followed by the Megane at 14.28. Chris Harris comes in last, no doubt due to the car he was racing in
Check out the full shootout results and action in the January 2013 edition of CAR.
Enjoy this mega gallery from the 2012 Essen Motorshow featuring plenty of tuned and aftermarket equipped cars of all brands and makes.
BMW trotted out its latest BMW M Performance Parts wares and models.
BMW presents: The fastest Christmas Song in the World: Send your own Christmas greetings on http://www.fastestchristmassong.ch and watch the making-of on http://pinterest.com/bmwswitzerland
Driving in the M135i by BMW DTM driver Martin Tomczyk
BMW TwinPowerTurbo technology again takes two of Ward’s 2013 10 Best Engines Awards. The 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder (N20) and 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 (N55) are both repeat winners.
“Nearly every BMW now sold in the US features TwinPower Turbo technology,” said Ludwig Willisch – President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “In such a competitive market, to take two spots highlights the benefits of the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy. It also shows that while we look for improvements in efficiency, we are still committed to fulfilling the promise of The Ultimate Driving Machine.”
Currently five models feature the 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder – Z4 sDrive28i, 528i Sedan, 328i Sedan, X3 xDrive28i and more recently, the X1 sDrive28i/xDrive28i. They will be joined next spring by the … CONTINUED
