NEW DAILY - BMW M135i Joining My M2 Competition for a few months.... 

Really liking the 135. Right size for UK roads and smooth drive. Auto gearbox is great and technology is great too. Good practical daily driver

Yes Joe! Going to keep an open mind to this car after your upcoming reviews. I know which way it is swaying at the moment. 🧐

Nice one mate, genuinely looking forward to seeing how you get on with the car. I think we all need to get over the fact it isn’t a M140i. It is gutting but it was never intended to be its replacement. From my short experience with it, I am in a similar boat to you I think. As a car it seemed very capable, just need to approach it without the 140 in mind! Regardless keen to hear your thoughts after some proper time with it and no doubt putting it through its paces!

How will the 6 points you got affect the content you give us? Not a hater by the way, coppers will do anything to give out points and a fine

Anyone else actually grown to like the front of the m135i? I do haha

Great vid as always Joe. Having owned an M135i, M235i and now an M2 Competition I’ll be watching this with interest.

You need to bring your cars to the Isle of Man. No chance of getting caught speeding as roads are unrestricted. Best drive over the mountain course.

As you know I had a Birds 135i and now a LCI M2, both enjoyable cars in their different ways. I had a loan G series 320, again high spec. Like you said the new platform is a very nice place to be, times are changing as is the market. Perfect combo is an effortless daily and then something like a 964, 1M, E46 CSL, Lotus Exige etc.

Love the wireless charging, heads up display and panaramic roof. Other that that I'll keep my M240i thanks.

Looks like an interesting car Joe. A dose of practicality too over M2/M4 etc. Good video.

If that was a teaser video then the full review and long term feedback will be an absolute must watch! It doesn't immediately strike as the kind of car that the full beans can be enjoyed in? Not because it's not capable but maybe there's a sterility to it? Would love to see vid with a run down a great twisty bit of B-road with the new one and the 140i straight after. Cheers matey!

Alright Joe? I am going to enjoy listening to you as you get to know and review this car - certainly how it compares with the Golf R and the S3. All the best, as always 👍🏼

Thank you for your content, Joe! Greetings from Bulgaria and Crawley, UK!

How about back to back drives with other hot hatches to compare it to? As always, great video! We all really appreciate the videos you put out.

Cant wait to see more videos Joe on this, as I like the look of cabin so much 👍🏻 even the outside I quite like now

Thanks Joe, I'm thinking of buying one, I wasnt keen when first saw it too but it is growing on me, it's probably more a daily driver than a m140 was because it's more comfy by the sounds of it, would love to see you compare with others like this one, Audi s3, golf r, and megane rs 300 and not forgetting the new focus st, to see how different they are in everything including what you get for the price.

Joe just locked on to your channel after watching you rag the shit out of RICKY'S M4 when it was new. Love your honesty oh... And your driving.. Peace and love from Ireland..

I own an M140i and have driven this new M135i. It’s not a bad car by any means in it’s own right, as you’d expect from BMW. My initial impressions are much like yours Joe. it sounds pretty decent for a four cylinder (probably enhanced, but it doesn’t sound fake if it is), it feels very stiff in terms of the body shell (like an M car to me), it’s more refined (less road and engine noise), still some wind noise, it feels very planted and secure with the 4 wheel-drive, it’s pretty fast, it does torque steer under hard acceleration, the gearbox is much slower to respond to manual changes than the excellent ZF unit and it’s slightly roomier in the back, but only slightly and I felt had less headroom. Driven in full auto mode it’s a perfectly decent car. A lot of drivers will be perfectly happy with it. I probably would still have it over the competition. Where it falls down a bit is with enthusiasts, especially those, like me that own a 140, which feels a good deal faster, sounds better, has better steering with no torque steer, a much quicker gearbox, has lovely balance and looks more muscular. We know it’s not perfect either, it can get ragged at the limit suspension-wise if you really push it, it isn’t the roomiest in the back if you really need to carry rear passengers all the time, the looks didn’t win everyone over either, but as an overall package and particularly the drive-train, it is in a different class. With the 6 cylinder, it just feels special and quality. I think the new v old car is more they are a different proposition. Maybe direct comparison isn’t entirely fair. I think enthusiasts should wait and see what the new 4 coupe and 2 coupe have to offer in the next couple of years. If you don’t need hatch practicality, they may be a better M-lite replacement. Thanks for a fair appraisal of the new car. I’m looking forward to seeing what you make of it on a longer term basis.

it's been a bit since i didn't watch a joe video. and this one is a good one to jump back :) I'd definitly want to watch a track day with this m135i and how it compares to the old m135i :) But to be honest, the front end is arguable for sure but what a gorgeous back end ! it would've been a lot better looking with bigger wheels though.

I have just upgraded my 1 series sport after a 4 year pcp , fantastic car with absolutly no problems . Yesterday i picked up my new 1 series m sport 1800 , the only upgrade we have had is the powered hatch (£500) my wife is 4 ' 6 so comes in handy, you can also change the wheel selection for no charge . For a family man who enjoys driving but is not a commited petrol head who drives the car daily with safety in mind because it makes sence with my wife and kids its a good car It is a nice looking car that comes with a resonable amount of equipment and drives well , can i tell the difference between rear wheel drive and front wheel drive "no" driving at the speed limit , I presume i will in winter in snow and ice . Its got a new engine am i underwhelmed no because i drive it like a normal person . I tried a few cars out before picking this ( which i chose 8 weeks ago and non where in the country ) i enjoyed my previous 1 series and i know BMW did a lot of research and development on this car its very early days but i am happy . To buy this car it came in at £28,408 but i am on a pcp. Oh and its £ 32.00 a month cheaper than a Toyota corolla.

Thank YOU for creating the best content on RU-vid and being an awesome person!

Let’s see how it holds up to the daily use Joe. Som great features on the car, I will certainly miss the 6cylinder turbo. I’m looking at the e36 328i sport for old skool fun.

Firstly great channel. You are the reason for me actually coming around to converting to BMW. Are you going to do a proper drive/review on the M340i. Almost pushing the button on one but have not seen a detailed enough review on how it actually drives/covers ground.

Hi joe lovely video made, just wanted to ask when you go from a 7 for your work to the 2 or the 1, do u feel the difference in ride quality , and do u prefer the waftyness of the 7 with the power?

for all those M135i, M140i, M240i drivers who say it's the end of BMW have missed the point. It's not designed for them - its designed to grab buyers from VW (Golf R) and for the small families or older people who don't need or want a pocket rocket. Also I had a M135i and wanted x-drive with but couldn't get it. People who love the M135i. M140i etc will just have to keep buying old cars or move up to an M2 comp (in my opinion)

Got a new 135 in July, coming from fast fords. Build quality etc is obviously another level. "Smile on your face" driving factor was missing for me, until I went for a proper blast on some B-roads in the countryside yesterday, in "proper" sport mode (lever over to the left). It's obviously never going to scream like the 6cyl, or have the back end fun BMWs are renound for, but when pushed hard, the fun factor is definitely still here. I can't say I'll have it long term, but as an all round car that's quick, very comfortable, loaded with good tech, there's nothing remotely close to the price I paid for it - and seems the prices have crept up further recently. PS- It's definitely missing the noise that a hot hatch should IMO have, but I feel adding an aftermarket exhaust will just tip the car into being a bit tacky. GPF is ofc what's done it, and the fact BMW have mapped out the pops, but they were a too artificial anyway and remind me why I got rid of the Fiesta 😂

Hi Joe, sounds all good... please keep up the M2 Competition videos though! It's such an awesome car and no doubt attracting views and subscribers!

An honest review Joe. Big fan of RWD but get the BMW justifications for this change. I just wish X-drive would put more power to rear. Looking forward to your "journey" over next few months. You might persuade me to buy one (in Australia). Keep the reviews coming. You are "Mr BMW"😄

I've had an m135i (6 pot), an m235i then finally an M240i before leaving the brand for another and I like the look of the new m135i. My 135i was very skittish and the M240i a lot more planted, so maybe this new m135i for drivers like me will be more sure footed. Don't get me wrong, I like tail driven cars, but I'm hoping this car is better than your initial thoughts as so far, I'm not tempted to go and drive or consider it yet. I like your reviews, always honest and I thought your last review of the press car was very objective. Looking forward to more videos of it, will keep an eye out! Thanks

We purchased the last 140i available in bmw Dealership last year and absolutely love it.Intend to keep the mileage low,presently just 2000, as We see it as a keeper .Wife is to frightened to take it out of comfort mode as am I most of the time! We probably will never use it to anywhere near it potential,but it is just nice to know that it is the last of a great breed.The new m135i is far more plush with a few more gizmos and probably a lot safer for me and the missus, but what the heck! Maybe we should have one of each😀Love your passion and honest opinions on your beloved BMW’s.

I actually like it, looks also grows on me. btw how much is that ctrlandshift sticker option?

I have just this month ordered one. First venture back into BMW ownership having owned a 640 GC half a decade ago. It ticks so many boxes for me, will it sound like the V8 I've just sold, no... but will it put a smile on my face in all conditions and still be comfortable and refined on long journeys for a fraction of the running costs...? Yes it will. Looking forward to it.

Great vid ..! Also perfect 2 car garage with the M2 as well 🙌🏼

Hi there joe, I am from RECIFE in Brazil South America, and I’d like to say that I love your videos, and yes it’s funny how you’re always involved with BMW so much, it’s a great thing don’t take me wrong as a matter fact, I love your vids please keep up these lovey videos, keep up the good work, may God bless you and God bless the UK as well through this Brexit deal...

How effective is the the adaptive suspension feature, particularly on a bad road surface? I consider this feature for Australian roads to be essential if you want a comfortable ride or a sporty ride on a good motorway surface.

Thanks for the videos Joe, love watching your stuff 😊. Going to take some effort to win me over with this thing though. I'm an m240i owner itching for an M2C. Tell me more about that 😂 Is it worth the jump ? All the best 👍

faffed around for ages looking at A35 and S3 but collect the M135i for my wife next week after she's had 3 x M140's. I think she'll be pleased but I'll miss the B58

The “Control and Shift” option is the best thing this car has going for it.😳😬🤣🤣 love the color tho on a serious note.👌🏽

I have just picked up my new M135i..absolutely love it! The only thing that is bugging me is the finish on the wing mirrors and front grill surround is horrendous for water marks? Any idea on anything that can be applied to help stop this?

One of the best car reviewer. Deserves a lot more subscribers... For real.

I love the new M135i and plan to buy one next year - can't wait :) (maybe a new M140i will be out by then?)

Will you be getting your hands on an A35? I completely get (and like) this M135i, I am struggling with the front end though.

wow you've been busy, soooo much content to catch up with....binging it now!

Hey Joe, do you know which tyres the car has supplied when you choose the 557 19' alloys with the Plus Pack? Im looking at tyre insurance and cant find any info as to wether theyre standard or runflats?

HI Joe, how the MPG on this car compared to the M140i you had?

Hi Joe BMW gave me one of these for 4 hours & to be honest while they look & drive ok the engine is massively slower than the M140i the gear box is slow and lumpy, some cheap plastics for a 40k car!!! And the exhaust note as in your vid is awlful, I for one will be looking else where when i replace mine, I could not wait to get back in my M140i. Its ashame the have made such a mistake with this new 1 series.

I’m an E81 owner and I’ve seen these around town and I have no shame in saying I like them way more in person than I do on video. Doesn’t do them justice

Look forward to your take on it Joe. It’s a different kind of car for a different kind of customer. A lot of us struggle with the concept because we grew up with BMW in arguably its finest era - 80’s’90s, and the reality is that BMW today is a different company. They make five+ times as many cars as they did in circa 2000, the brand has adapted and in doing so has had to give up or dilute some of its principles to gain wider market appeal. I have no doubt it’s actually a brilliant car - if I had to live with it everyday I have no doubt I would love it. But it’s never going to be the kind of car we romanticise about. Will it hurt BMW? Doubtful. I imagine they will sell plenty more to the wider market which is where the numbers are at rather than the core enthusiasts.

Looks like a nice motor mate. Enjoy it for what it is rather than what it isn't. ;)

I’m watching all your older content on the M135i as I’ve got to move on from my M240i this year. Bit depressed. Be good if you could team up with a PCP / lease company to see what metal we can get in different monthly price ranges. It’s a nightmare at the moment! I’m sure that would be content many of us would love to see at this crazy time!

Personally I hated the look of this car at first, but it’s growing on me now

I drive a X1 F48 xdrive 20d, similar platform and awd system with the FWD bias and it has amazing grip. I am not man enough for RWD on the wet muddy roads of the UK lol

Drive it into the Thames Joe !! 😂 1000000 million trillon views by this time next week 👍 Just kidding matey, looking forward to your next videos 😊

I know this is off topic but have you or can you do a review on the fwd cupra 290 please , I’m in the process of leasing one for cheap money over two years and just wanted your opinion.

Isn’t the M140i a nightmare to drive in the wet? Especially when the road start getting slightly icy. I’ve got a JCW had had the m140i to test drive when it was dry and I loved it. Currently got the M135i to test today.

Best thing about this car is the seats. They look so much better than the leather on the previous model.

Great drive Joe - maybe a Welsh road test to discover its dynamics further?

Joe this is a great opportunity to have this car for a couple of months. Being a huge BMW fan, I want to see Mr BMW (yourself’s) thoughts

Just ordered my new m240i. Do I need to run it in at all in your opinion????

Hi joe, I'm an m140i owner (partly due to your reviews) and I'm looking forward to your long term thoughts. The new m135i is on my list as a replacement option, as a daily driver for myself, so it'll be interesting to see what you like and dislike. As for the looks, its challenging, but at least it's not boring!

Hi Joe! I sincerely enjoy your channel and have done so for a long time. I have a small wonder I figure you could comment on, how does the X2 M35i compare to the new M135i? (I think the X2 looks quite a lot better...)

Hi Joe, it was great meeting you at the start of the Petrol Head Tour to Spain. Will be looking out if you ever travel with Brittany agin. :)

If you spec this M135i with 18” wheels to get the adaptive suspension is it not possible to retro fit 19”S. Surely wheel arches are the same?

I've decided on the new 1 series, the 118i m sport auto, been offered £500 towards deposit also which isn't bad! I think I'm going to go for the storm bay! I was considering the blue but it seems a bit too light, baby blue ISH. Not sure how Joe has found it on the z4 when he went on the press drives or the new 1 series on the press drives! Exciting.

Does it ‘kick down’ in manual mode, and does it change down automatically in manual mode like the Golf’s do?

I thought it was the new focus when I saw the thumbnail

Thank you for choosing bmw, and thank you for your videos 😉

is it better than vw golf 2020?and why dont you just get a 3 series

BMWs always look a bit crap when they are released but after a couple of years they look great. I think they are very good at predicting future trends and future proofing their design by making a car that will not look dated in 2 or 3 years.

How comes you have not gone for the JCW F54? Better interior? similar performance? You even test drove it a few weeks back?

Not a fan of the looks at all but it's here now and it is what it is. The interior and those seats are lovely mind. Be interesting to see some direct rivals Joe like the a35 and albeit older, Golf R 7.5. I cant see this stealing sales from the merc or new golf but it'll be good to see if the m135i can hold its ground. Also please do a review of the m340i touring when possible ;)

Will be good to see a comparison with the A35 amg?

Subscribed after your driving in ricky LLF BMW M4 but some great videos 👍👍

This vs an A35 AMG?? Maybe a denim blue non aero pack one? ....let’s do it Joe! 😜

When you have a successful recipe, you don’t change, it you tweak it. Unless there are some storming lease deals, i.e. 250 per month with low deposits, BMW will really struggle to shift these...

How are BMW bringing out a M135i after the M140i? (M135i - M140i - M135i that has a Merc front grille & smaller engine 🤢)

Would you buy this as an everyday use car over the 330i ? Thanks

C segment cars are very often the only car of the family, it makes this new one series good because of for rational reasons. Just wait for the new 2 coupe and you will get your in line 6 and your RWD :).

Great review Joe. It’s not a bad car and I took one out today for a blitz and it’s ok.

I always have driven diesel Bmw, and as a truck driver I would make a comparison with all my pleasure just to try that M135i for your videos; there might be some customers to convert to petrolheads!

Nice video despite the wind and the rain. I love the channel and I am very glad it does well. Joe, why are you out of breath while introducing the car (in this video and previous videos)? Relax, take your time ;) Maybe film the car and add a voice-over.

They should of just brought the m140i xdrive over here

we dont care about how we all want a rear wheel drive. its the fact we've lost the straight 6 that annoys me

Hi Joe, I'm gonna buy a new 330i soon, what sort of discount would be realistic

Great Choice Of New Daily Driver Car

Joe I need some help pleaseeeee! I am a owner of a 4 series convertible 420d and looking to change it for a M135i…… is that a downgrade or a good choice

Hope they make a new m140i with the b58, AWD would be good but rear wheel biase 👌

You can do a series of drag in dry, wet 0-62 mph vs m2 competition

Need a comparison with the Golf R, Type R, S3 & A35 to see which 4-banger is the best (sadly)

Absolutely love mine 🙂

It's too expensive in essence. Will be interested to know how the DCT box is compared to ZF in real world driving.

Ooh a podcast! Searching now 🤙

I wrote this in another comment, but it is important to remember that this isn't about RWD vs AWD, it is the whole architecture in the new car that is the issue. The "old" X-drive system in my M140i X-drive is so rear biased that you get all the advantages of RWD (throttle adjustability, big powerslides if you want), just with some added traction for winter days. The new system is just a front wheel drive car with some power sent to the rear on demand.... no way will it let go at the rear under power. Which is a serious shame as there are already lots of other FWD based AWD hot hatches.

Lovely spec car. Joe how do you rate it against the new JCW Clubman?

Really frustrating with the new BMW 118i, took it on a test drive and it showed mpg after of 27mpg which is pretty bad and just found out realistically I'd be looking at mid thirties which again isn't great at all! Not sure what Joe got on his time with the 118i or anyone else with a new 118i auto I must say!

Will this get winter tyres as you got it over the winter season

The most imporant option is of course the ctrl + shift sticker ;)

Good vid. Do you think they are saving some emotional content for an incoming M140!? It seems they have distanced the feel between this car and petrolheads for a reason...

What about consumption? And btw great video and very honest!!

Hey Joe, do you think BMW have deliberately made this car a M135i so iit gives them the opportunity at a later date, to bring out an M140i with more power, good marketing in my opinion