Spy Shots: Production BMW 135tii
click above for gallery of images
Few models in the BMW lineup have as much tuning potential as the newly released 135i, and the Bavarian boys and girls are intent to capture as much of that market as possible. The BMW 1-series tii concept proved that BMW was serious about offering performance parts to boost (and possibly lighten) its new turbo'd coupe, and a member of 1addicts posted photos of what could be the first 135 to get the in-house tuner treatment.
Most of the parts shown are carryovers from the tii concept, including the revised front fascia, side skirts, carbon fiber diffuser and matching rear wing. The C.F. hood may have been swapped out for a stock aluminum piece, but we're guessing the weave has been covered in matching white paint. The upgraded brakes are one of the most obvious additions, while inside, there's plenty of Alcantara covered kit, from the shift boot to the seats, which are also dead ringers for the thrones shown on the concept. The steering wheel is new however, sporting more grippy suede and complete with three different sections packed with LEDs. Your guess is as good as ours about the two displays mounted at 11 and 1, but the center mounted LED arrangement is likely a shift-light/rev meter.
Thanks for the tip, JL!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aki 3:38PM (1/25/2008)
I still think "Hyundai Elantra" when looking at those rear lights...
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3seriesisking 4:29PM (1/25/2008)
Why?
Janizary 7:29PM (1/25/2008)
Egads, you are prolific, aki.
Mke 2:39AM (1/26/2008)
Funny, I think that when I look at the interior. haha Well, truthfully, I think: Mazda.
What a pitiful expensive vehicle. lol
tankd0g 3:41PM (1/25/2008)
I wish they had gone with straight side skirts, that bend in the middle illusion reminds me of a Tiburon.
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Grammar freak 3:43PM (1/25/2008)
Still too expensive. And the above poster is right - the side skirts are very 90's-econobox
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Russell 3:53PM (1/25/2008)
Plus it looks porky
DCMotoring 4:38PM (1/25/2008)
I just saw one at an auto show recently and in person it definitely doesn't look "porky." Considering the amazing technology of its engine and the speed it is capable of, the 135i is hardly overpriced.
Also, autoblog's headline is highly misleading. There is absolutely no confirmation that these photos are of a production BMW 135tii. It's kind of like a few weeks ago when autoblog speculated that MINI might announce that it was bringing the Cooper D to the U.S. at the Detroit Auto Show. Yep, didn't happen nor will it anytime in the near future.
Frick 6:03PM (1/25/2008)
not only porky, it also looks dorky :)
those front lights especially.... I'll take a 3 series coupe over this anyday...
Law 3:45PM (1/25/2008)
Hope it has a real LSD.
I think the 11 and 1 oclock position LED bars probably light up green to yellow the higher the revs, and at redline or determined optimum shift point the center LED bar lights up red.
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Pete 4:01PM (1/25/2008)
those things on the steering wheel are heart rate monitors
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Todd in Sonoma 4:17PM (1/25/2008)
Heart rate monitors! Chuckle out loud! Like the treadmills at the gym?
Bling Bling Boy 4:25PM (1/25/2008)
I haven't seen a more feminine looking car since the first gen Mazda Miata..
If you're gonna produce a "pocket rocket", at least try a little harder to make it look the part.
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Alex 4:31PM (1/25/2008)
those 11 and 1 LEDs monitor how over-inflated your ego is and how empty your wallet is. Both light up to the max upon resting your butt on the seat.
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Capone 5:51PM (1/25/2008)
i had very high hopes for the 135i coupe to be affordable. oh well.
3seriesisking 4:33PM (1/25/2008)
Again, everyone has made evident how much they despise the 1 series. I personally think that this car will live up to its "pocket rocket" hype. C.F.+Great Engine+Superior Suspension. Sounds to me like that adds up to a pretty damn good car.
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DCMotoring 4:48PM (1/25/2008)
That's because most people would rather drive a "muscle car" with an oversized, heavy V8 and an ancient suspension. If it doesn't comply with the bigger is better, and straightline speed mentality that most Americans have when it comes to cars then its a rip off. Most people wouldn't bat an eye if they were spending $35k on a large SUV but if its a small car packed with some of the best technology and engineering available its "overpriced."
Aki 4:48PM (1/25/2008)
I think you're misunderstanding our points. It may drive well, but it's ugly as heck. Since style is a big factor in buying luxurious purchases (and the 135 carries a hefty price tag), it's not something you can easily overlook.
2004m3driver 4:47PM (1/25/2008)
Holy mother of Pearl! I guess I am deeply wrong. I use to kinda of like this iteration of the 135tti, then I saw the rear end. Those lights are horrendous just like the new C class. Guess I don't really care, just means I still have one of the best looking BMWs out there IMO.
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jg 8:06PM (1/25/2008)
IMO also. E46 M3 is sweet.
This doesn't look as good as I hope'd it would when I first heard they were making a coupe out of the 1 series hatch. I'm gonna wait until the re-do. The 1 has been around longer than the current 3 so it's almost due.