Compact Performance Has A New Name - The BMW M135i

MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA – Aug 1, 2012: BMW Australia today announced pricing and specification for the latest addition to the BMW M Performance Automobile range, the eagerly anticipated M135i 5-door hatch.

The new range-topping variant in the BMW 1 Series line-up will arrive in Australian showrooms in October with a starting price of $68,400.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the M135i is a car for true performance enthusiasts and would turn the hot hatch segment “on its head”.

“Since being unveiled the M135i has drawn huge interest both here and overseas and eager Australian customers have already snapped up almost a quarter of our first production allocation,” said Mr Horton.

The BMW M135i is the latest in the M Performance range and is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, which is known for its spontaneous high revving performance, plus a level of efficiency that is unrivalled in this performance class.

The technology package includes a TwinScroll turbocharger, direct High Precision Injection with central multi-hole injectors, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing. This 3.0-litre engine delivers a maximum power output of 235 kW at 5 800 rpm. This impressive power results from the maximum torque of 450 Nm that is available between 1,250 and 5,000 rpm.

In standard 6-speed manual transmission form, the BMW M135i sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 8.0L /100 km, and the CO2 emissions level is 188 grams per kilometre. However, equip the car with the optional 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission and the figures become even more impressive with the sprint to 100 km/h taking just 4.9 seconds with the fuel consumption and emissions reducing to 7.5L/100 km and 175 g/km respectively.

The unique power train for this BMW M Performance car also features a customised cooling system and M performance control dry sump lubrication for the six-speed manual transmission.

The BMW M135i enables maximum agility combined with unparalleled precision by way of the M-specific suspension tuning. Thanks to the individual control of the suspension and damping systems as well as the specific elasto-kinematics of the front axle, the BMW M Performance vehicle boasts particularly sporty driving characteristics. In addition, its Variable Sport Steering system enhances those dynamic characteristics to the fullest.

The BMW M Performance vehicle is also fitted with the M Sport Brake System as standard, incorporating four-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear, all in dark blue metallic paint bearing the distinctive M logo.

The model specific 18-inch M Double Spoke alloy wheels on the BMW M135i are fitted with high performance tyres, specifically designed for this model. The 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear tyres guarantee the optimum traction to support the dynamic driving capabilities of this car.

Visually the M135i is treated with the M Sport package features such as a full M aerodynamics exterior body package, anthracite individual roof liner, door sills with M designation, Dakota leather upholstery on the standard Sports Seats, M leather steering wheel and high gloss shadowline.

Additional standard features of this model include such highlights as Bi-Xenon headlights, Interior lights package, extended connectivity of bluetooth devices including voice control and the HiFi Loudspeaker system.

“Combining M character and performance with everyday useability gives our BMW M Performance vehicles their own unique place in the market,” said Mr Horton.