BMW 135i reviews hit the 'Net, mild swooning ensues
by Damon Lavrinc on Nov 2nd 2007 at 5:34PM 
The first few reviews of the BMW 1-series – specifically the 135i – have begun to hit the web after the baby Bimmer's launch abroad a couple of weeks back. The reception thus far has been positive, citing the 3.0-liter twin-turbo's grin-inducing torque and communicative steering as high points. The portly curb weight (3,440 pounds, or only 130 pounds lighter than the 3-series coupe) and a suspension tuned for comfort rather than track duty have been the biggest gripes. We've assembled links to some of the first reviews after the jump, but until we get our hands on one, we'll remain mum on passing final judgment.
Gallery: BMW 1-Series Coupe
A Return to BMW's Core Values - InsideLine
2008 BMW 135i Test Drive: Slick, Not Stripped Down - Popular Mechanics
Driven: BMW 135i - Automobile
BMW 135i Coupe Test Drive Report - Paul Tan
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Charles 5:43PM (11/02/2007)
Ok, i am just letting you all know right now... I am going to throw a little fit...
I WANT ONE! I want one NOW! I cant wait any more... I can't, I can't, I can't. I dont see why I cant have one now! Please, Please, Please, Please?
I want 1 (haha, get it, der)
OK... Im done.. sorry
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TheOne442 5:50PM (11/02/2007)
Sounds like we need a CSL version.
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testa di cazzo 5:59PM (11/02/2007)
i agree with that. and the csl version should change both the headlights and taillights to make it actually look good...
Pokey 5:56PM (11/02/2007)
Okay, I like BMW, but, this has to be one of the dorkiest looking cars on the market right now, especially from the front!
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psarhjinian 8:13AM (11/03/2007)
It's dorky-looking because BMW has done what Toyota did with the Echo: took a design meant for a hatchback and made a sedan out of it.
I'm really disappointed by this: I thought the 1-Series hatch was a great idea, but apparently BMW is still stinging from the 318ti's reception, which is silly because the 318ti's problem wasn't that it was a hatch, it's that it had a cheaper interior interior, older suspension and weaker powertrain than the sedan.
TigerMil 6:02PM (11/02/2007)
No excuse for this porker.
I'll keep my E46 M3 thank you.
And while I'm ranting I really dislike the hardtop V8 convertible. I'd buy a ragtop V8 M3.
Or else it's back to ragtog Mercedes CL. Perhaps a CL63...another porker.
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taipeileviathan 6:26PM (11/02/2007)
man i feel sorry for your girlfriend...
just kidding, no excuses for porkers. in terms of cars, that is.
TigerMil 8:27AM (11/03/2007)
Don't misunderstand...I LOVE all women...
Maytag 6:03PM (11/02/2007)
Hate me, but from the pictures it looks like a stretched Suzuki X-90. But in a good way.
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Corey L 6:14PM (11/02/2007)
What boggles the mind is how can such a small non-AWD car weigh in at 3400lbs?
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AlexP 6:17PM (11/02/2007)
German-engineered. :rolleyes:
vice 9:35PM (11/02/2007)
Jesus, what a fatty indeed!
Well, there was a time when the Germans really could design a fun, lightweight, tossable car: the 200tii.
It weighed only 2225 lbs.
simianspeedster 6:20PM (11/02/2007)
The 135i's weight is very disappointing. Even though the 128i that I was thinking about waiting for will probably weigh 50-100lbs less, I'm glad I didn't wait. I was hoping it would weigh 3,200lbs tops...
-SimianSpeedster
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Maestro1 6:37PM (11/02/2007)
Its heavy, but at least it'll stick to the roads :P.
My biggest gripe about this thing is the dorky clown-car like headlights which really kind of put me off. The rest of the car is great though.
And for those who want a CSL version: Agreed, but let's start off by getting an M1 first.
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dskinner 6:40PM (11/02/2007)
I was so excited about the 1-series, but 3400lbs, come on! I thought for sure that the 3.0tt would be awesome in the 3000lb max 135i. I was wrong, and now I must wipe a tear.
So much for a revamp of the classic 2002tii!
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Alex 7:14PM (11/02/2007)
3440lb
- and -
"Chassis balance is one of our few complaints, as the 135i is plagued by tire-howling understeer-more so than with the 335i - a situation that's not helped by an open rear differential, a minuscule rear antiroll bar, and front tires that are narrower than those used on the rear."
- from Automobile mag.
That's what I'd suspected.
Thank you very much for the effort, BMW, but I'm not interested.
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Michael 7:13PM (11/02/2007)
I cannot believe the weight either. 3440!! I thought it was going to be 3000 or 3100 tops!! Only 130 lbs less than a 3 series, I mean come on, how much more agile than a 3 series is thing going to be? This car looks a lot smaller than a 3 series, I just can't get over how heavy it is.
I was considering this car but now I think I'm going to pass, because it seems it's just a slightly cheaper and more cramped 3 series. It's a shame really, I had high hopes for this car.
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Aetius 7:20PM (11/02/2007)
WOW. 3400lbs??? My Mazda3 is 2700lbs. And it's probably the same size as the 135i?
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psarhjinian 8:28AM (11/03/2007)
Say it with me: Front-wheel drive/front-engine is always lighter than rear-wheel drive/front-engine. Decry it through you will, FWD offers real packaging and weight advantages.
Plus, you know, there's German engineering. The Koreans and Germans have real problems with this, but usually people give the Germans a pass because of this mythical "German quality"
Luis 7:30PM (11/02/2007)
No thanks.
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