Latest news with #BMWM135
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BMW M135 xDrive review: Faster, sharper and still premium
The BMW 1 Series has always been a popular choice amongst those who wanted a small everyday premium car. And hardcore enthusiasts that wanted to tear up the streets. The Citizen reports that over time, with the advent of the world going SUV-crazy, the BMW 1 Series has become more of a niche car. And with the change from the old days of them being rear-wheel driven and powered by those legendary N54 and N55 engines, dare I say it, the car has become more civilised in M135 xDrive guise. Just like the VAG boys have moved from 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, VW Golf Rs to 2.5-litre, five-cylinder Audi RS3s for breaking records. With the new M135 now running the same 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder powerplant as before, it's no longer considered a weapon for the BMW guys that want to tear up the streets and dragstrips. Today they are spending stupid money on S58 3.0-litre straight-six powered M2s, M3s and M4s. New naming strategy A quick lesson in BMW badging might also be in order right now. BMW have dropped the 'i' from the naming of their gasoline-powered cars because this letter is now reserved for their electric cars like the i4 etc. But the diesel cars still get a 'd', and the plug-in hybrids get an 'e' and the mild hybrids don't crack a mention. I think these corporate execs have too much free time on their hands like the Audi guys who decided the 30 TFSI and 40 TFSI means something to them and only them. So, when I type M135 and M135i, I am actually referring to two different cars and have not just made a typo. This is in no way a VW Golf 8 R versus BMW M135 shootout. But almost everybody I spoke to had to chip in and say that the Golf would smoke the M135. So, for what it is worth, these two are separated by mere hundredths of a second here and there at any measured distance. And by less than one kilometre too as you can see from the comparison chart. Faster than before This does not mean the BMW M135 is slow by any means. It is in fact now very much back on par with the VW Golf R. And also somewhat quicker than its predecessor despite making less power and torque, while almost weighing in the same. But how? Let me give you the numbers first, so that you too can try figure this out, before I add my two cents. The BMW M135 hit 100km/h in a fraction better than claimed 4.77 seconds, while the previous M135i did this sprint in 5.41 seconds. At the longer 800m mark, the new car is doing 212km/h, while the old one is lagging at 199 km/h. This is an advantage that stays all the way to their electronically limited top speeds of 250 km/h. Even in the roll-on acceleration runs, the new M135 outguns the old M135i. For 2025 the F70 BMW M135 xDrive produces 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The previous F40 BMW M135i xDrive with the same engine churned out 225kW and 450Nm. 50Nm of lost torque is not easy to overcome, especially when the listed kerb weights are only a mere 5kg in favour of the new car. Dual-clutch advantage The power now comes in a bit later, as does the torque. Yes, the power holds a bit longer, but the torque starts running down at the same place on paper. But this alone can't explain the difference in performance on the road. I have only two explanations that make some sort of sense to me. One, put the two cars on a dyno and you might see graphs that indicate different power and torque figures throughout the rev range that differ from the claimed numbers. Two, the change in transmissions from the previous gen's eight-speed, torque converter back to a seven-speed dual-clutch unit has had a bigger effect on the performance than we thought it would. I thought the old transmission was really good, but my off the line data indicates that the dual-clutch set-up gets up and bolts away from torque-converter. And without anything else to work with, unless I got a dud M135i from the manufacturer a few years ago, I am just going to say that the new F70 BMW M135 is quicker than the old F40 M135i. And I have no idea why. BMW M135 road test data
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
BMW M135 a premium pocket rocket that keeps Golf R in check
Latest reiteration of all-wheel drive hot hatch has become more civilised than before. The BMW 1 Series has always been a popular choice amongst those who wanted a small everyday premium car. And hardcore enthusiasts that wanted to tear up the streets. But over time with the advent of the world going SUV-crazy, the BMWs 1 Series has become more of a niche car. And with the change from the old days of them being rear-wheel driven and powered by those legendary N54 and N55 engines, dare I say it, the car has become more civilised in M135 xDrive guise. Just like the VAG boys have moved from 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, VW Golf Rs to 2.5-litre, five-cylinder, AudiRS 3s for breaking records. With the new M135 now running the same 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder powerplant as before, it's no longer considered a weapon for the BMW guys that want to tear up the streets and dragstrips. Today they are spending stupid money on S58 3.0-litre straight-six powered M2s, M3s and M4s. ALSO READ: Box-fresh all-new BMW 1 Series makes dramatic debut New naming strategy A quick lesson in BMW badging might also be in order right now. BMW have dropped the 'i' from the naming of their gasoline powered cars because this letter is now reserved for their electric cars like the i4 etc. But the diesel cars still get a 'd', and the plug-in hybrids get an 'e' and the mild hybrids don't crack a mention. I think these corporate execs have too much free time on their hands like the Audi guys who decided the 30 TFSI and 40 TFSI means something to them and only them. So, when I type M135 and M135i, I am actually referring to two different cars and have not just made a typo. This is in no way a VW Golf 8 R versus BMW M135 shootout. But almost everybody I spoke to had to chip in and say that the Golf would smoke the M135. So, for what it is worth, these two are separated by mere hundredths of a second here and there at any measured distance. And by less than one kilometre too as you can see from the comparison chart. BMW M135 faster than before This does not mean the BMW M135 is slow by any means. It is in fact now very much back on par with the VW Golf R. And also somewhat quicker than its predecessor despite making less power and torque, while almost weighing in the same. But how? Let me give you the numbers first, so that you too can try figure this out, before I add my two-cents. Very little separates the times posted by the BMW M135 and VW Golf 8R. Picture: Mark Jones The BMW M135 hit 100km/h in a fraction better than claimed 4.77 seconds, while the previous M135i did this sprint in 5.41 seconds. At the longer 800m mark, the new car is doing 212km/h, while the old one is lagging at 199 km/h. This is an advantage that stays all the way to their electronically limited top speeds of 250 km/h. Even in the roll-on acceleration runs, the new M135 outguns the old M135i. For 2025 the F70 BMW M135 xDrive produces 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The previous F40 BMW M135i xDrive with the same engine churned out 225kW and 450Nm. 50Nm of lost torque is not easy to overcome, especially when the listed kerb weights are only a mere 5kg in favour of the new car. ALSO READ: New BMW 1 Series and 2 Series out to banish doubt further Speed-seven double clutch The power now comes in a bit later, as does the torque. Yes, the power holds a bit longer, but the torque starts running down at the same place on paper. But this alone can't explain the difference in performance on the road. I have only two explanations that make some sort of sense to me. One, put the two cars on a dyno and you might see graphs that indicate different power and torque figures throughout the rev range that differ from the claimed numbers. Two, the change in transmissions from the previous gen's eight-speed, torque converter back to a seven-speed dual-clutch unit has had a bigger effect on the performance than we thought it would. I thought the old transmission was really good, but my off the line data indicates that the dual-clutch set-up gets up and bolts away from torque-converter. And without anything else to work with, unless I got a dud M135i from the manufacturer a few years ago, I am just going to say that the new F70 BMW M135 is quicker than the old F40 M135i. And I have no idea why. BMW M135 road test data
Auto Express
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car Deal of the Day: Blistering BMW M135 for a bargain £301 a month
Near-300bhp power Four-wheel drive, adaptive suspension Only £300.90 a month Hot hatchbacks with a premium feel don't come much more complete than the BMW M135. Here is a car that mixes the compactness and ease of use of a 1 Series, with a fire-cracker engine and trick four-wheel drive system. What's not to like? There's plenty to love, to be honest, but this desirable package normally comes with a steep price tag. Not so through the Auto Express Find a Car service, because right now you can get the blistering BMW for just over £300 a month. Advertisement - Article continues below This deal, from is a real steal given that it's only £4 a month more expensive than the next cheapest 1 Series on the Auto Express platform – and that is the base-spec 120 Sport. It's a two-year deal and requires £3,960.79 to be put down first, while mileage is capped at 5,000 a year. Bumping this up to 8,000 per annum costs less than £16 a month extra. For just £300.90, you'll be taking the keys to one of the most engaging hot hatchbacks around. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that pumps out 296bhp, and this is all kept in check with a clever xDrive four-wheel drive system. This latest M135 (which, incidentally, has lost the 'i' in its name to help differentiate it from BMW's electric offerings) has traded its eight-speed auto for a seven-speed twin-clutch semi-auto to deliver quicker shifts. It certainly works – it hurtles to 62mph in under five seconds, while top speed is limited to 155mph. Compared with the pre-facelift M135i, the new M135 has adaptive dampers as standard and the chassis has been stiffened. This means the pocket BMW is very engaging through the bends, plus you can soften the ride should you need a little more comfort around town. The Car Deal of the Day selections we make are taken from our own Auto Express Find A Car deals service, which includes the best current offers from car dealers and leasing companies around the UK. Terms and conditions apply, while prices and offers are subject to change and limited availability. If this deal expires, you can find more top BMW M135 leasing offers from leading providers on our BMW 1 Series hub page. Check out the BMW M135 deal or take a look at our previous Car Deal of the Day selection here…
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand ‘assessing' jobs at UK plant after as company opens up on ‘difficult decision'
US tariffs have wreaked havoc in the car industry RIDE IT OUT Major car brand 'assessing' jobs at UK plant after as company opens up on 'difficult decision' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WORKERS' jobs at a major car plant in the UK are hanging in the balance. A major car brand said it is 'assessing' the future of dozens jobs at of its plants. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The BMW plant's future in Swindon is being 'assessed' Credit: Alamy 3 The BMW plant in Swindon sits side-by-side with a MINI factory Credit: Getty BMW has said jobs at its Swindon Plant "are currently being assessed," casting doubt over the futures of workers. The carmaker announced that it was axing 180 jobs from its Oxford factory on Sunday, amid uncertainty surrounding recently hiked US tariffs. In March, US President Donald Trump declared that a 25% levy would be put in place on all vehicles imported to America from the UK. This has put a significant strain on the British automobile industry. It is currently unclear whether the new UK-US trade deal, announced this afternoon, will have any impact on this 'assessment'. BMW's decision to reduce the workforce at the Oxford plant, could have a knock-on effect of further job cuts may be implemented in Swindon. A spokesperson for BMW Group told The Sun: "Swindon has a much smaller workforce than Oxford and any potential changes would be proportionate to those we've already communicated in Oxford. "Our plants in Oxford and Swindon work closely together, with Swindon producing metal pressings and body components which are then sent to Oxford for final assembly. "Plants Oxford and Swindon remain at the heart of MINI production, together manufacturing and exporting a range of models in strong demand both in the UK and internationally. "As announced in February, in light of the multiple uncertainties currently facing the automotive industry, the BMW Group is reviewing the timeline for reintroducing battery-electric MINI production at Plant Oxford. "As always, discussions about changes to roles must take place with the individuals concerned and relevant trade unions first so we are not in a position to share further details at this stage." BMW's Swindon Plant is situated in Bridge End Road, in Stratton St Margaret. This is adjacent to a MINI Plant, which is also owned by BMW Group. Here, the Swindon plant makes steel panels for MINIs which are produced at the company's Oxford factory. The Swindon factory employs approximately 500 people. BMW M135 is a power-packed hot-hatch that's precise, solid & slick… everything about is 'sheer driving pleasure' The plant produced almost 33 million panels and over 3 million sub-assemblies in 2023. Last year, BMW was granted permission to extend its Swindon factory by more than 2,200 square meters. This was done to improve the factory's efficiency, and to maintain the number of jobs available on site - which are now under threat. A BMW spokesperson told the Swindon Advertiser: "Temporary work is one of the ways that companies can respond flexibly to the high volatility of the global economy. "The BMW Group needs lasting flexibility, which is achieved, among other measures, by using temporary workers. "This means that the number of temporary workers employed can fluctuate over time. "While this is always a difficult decision, the recent adjustment to temporary staffing levels at MINI Plant Oxford was a long-planned measure to align our workforce with current business requirements. "The impact for temporary workers at the Swindon Plant is currently being assessed and will be communicated to the team shortly." The MINI plant in Oxford employs more than 3,500 workers. BMW Group insists that the 180 people who have lost their jobs were all temporary workers. On this decision, a BMW spokesperson said: "While this is always a difficult decision, the recent adjustment to temporary staffing levels at Mini Plant Oxford was a long-planned measure to align our workforce with current business requirements." This is the second round of layoffs at the plant in only two years at the plant, after the company let go of several temporary workers there in September 2023.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand ‘assessing' jobs at UK plant after as company opens up on ‘difficult decision'
WORKERS' jobs at a major car plant in the UK are hanging in the balance. A major car brand said it is ' 3 The BMW plant's future in Swindon is being 'assessed' Credit: Alamy 3 The BMW plant in Swindon sits side-by-side with a MINI factory Credit: Getty The carmaker announced that it was axing 180 jobs from its Oxford factory on Sunday, amid In March, US President Donald Trump declared that a 25% levy would be put in place on all vehicles imported to This has put a significant Read more Motors It is currently unclear whether the new BMW's decision to reduce the workforce at the Oxford plant, could have a knock-on effect of further A spokesperson for BMW Group told The Sun: "Swindon has a much smaller workforce than Oxford and any potential changes would be proportionate to those we've already "Our plants in Oxford and Swindon work closely together, with Swindon producing Most read in Motors "Plants Oxford and Swindon remain at the heart of MINI production, together manufacturing and exporting a range of models in strong demand both in the "As announced in February, in light of the multiple "As always, discussions about changes to roles must take place with the individuals concerned and relevant trade unions first so we are not in a position to share further details at this stage." BMW's Swindon Plant is situated in This is adjacent to a Here, the Swindon plant makes steel panels for MINIs which are produced at the The Swindon factory employs approximately 500 BMW M135 is a power-packed hot-hatch that's precise, solid & slick… everything about is 'sheer driving pleasure' The plant produced almost 33 million panels and over 3 million sub- Last year, BMW was granted This was done to improve the factory's efficiency, and to maintain the number of jobs available on site - which are now under A BMW spokesperson told the Swindon Advertiser: " "The BMW Group needs lasting flexibility, which is achieved, among other "This means that the number of temporary workers employed can fluctuate over time. "While this is always a "The impact for temporary workers at the Swindon Plant is currently being assessed and will be communicated to the team shortly." The MINI plant in Oxford employs more than 3,500 workers. BMW Group insists that the 180 people who have On this This is the second round of layoffs at the plant in only two years at the plant, after the company let go of several temporary workers there in September 2023. 3 The MINI plant in Swindon makes steel panels for MINIs which are produced at the company's Oxford factory Credit: Getty
