Should you buy the new BMW M135i | Hot Hatch |  

Merry Christmas everyone

As an m140i owner i was underwhelmed by the new m135i at 1st but having driven one all i can say is drop the rwd straight 6 bravado and try it, fappin hell its a brilliant car and you can use all the power, interior is leagues above too. Excellent video Joe. Spot on.

If you buy one, then I'll believe you. Until then... 🤔🧐

Now that's a video, felt like a film

Clearly a well produced, edited and planned out video however, feel it’s lacking honesty. I love the way it looks and the cabin is a massive improvement over the F20 but it’s no B58 / ZF / rear drive M140i. Shame. We all know it’s not an improvement/step on from that car. The engine, gearbox and front wheel drive bias xdrive system are all backward steps.

Spot on ! I’m so glad I bought one, a smile on my face everytime I drive. It is another era ... but it is a nice car at the bottom ..’ and I do not need drama, I need a car that gives you that confidence rather than drama.

This car is growing on me. I currently own a m140i. It looks like a cross between the 2 series active tourer and bmw x2.

Video quality/cinematography/editing with a bit of budget has come on leaps and bounds 👌 well done sir 👏

Merry Christmas Joe, slick video but I won’t be changing my M140i for the M135i anytime soon. Looking forward to seeing many more videos from you in 2020.

I'm fortunate to have been under the CBS umbrella for a few years and have enjoyed a succession of powerful, top end BMWs. Whilst the m140i remained an itch unscratched, I have experience the B58 and ZF box a few times. I am now in the m135i xdrive and enjoying it immensely. Yes the B58 is a belter and the ZF box is hugely better than the Aisin but the newer car is just refined enough whilst maintaining the ability to thrill and cover ground at ridiculous speeds. I'm sure that 10% of the time a m140i would be quicker and 30% of the time it would be more thrilling but I prefer a car that doesn't scare me when I'm less than perfect behind the wheel. Enjoy your m135i/140i whilst you can, if you're good enough, but embrace the future when it becomes inevitable. Don't forget that BMW cannot ignore the A45 AMG for long too........

As a proud f20 owner, this one doesn't unfortunately scratch my itch. Not a big fan of the front fascia, love the back 3/4's though. Love the additional room inside but I'd miss the rear wheel drive shenanigans and manual option that my current one has. What it gets in the practicality department, I feel like it misses on the enjoyment department. Love the video nonetheless, keep it up!

A fan of the Joe Achilles brands, the camera work and production of this video are spot on, a Petrol Head Tours like this would be totally awesome. I hate to say this but you should have made it really clear in the intro that this is an advert for the new M135i rather than your own honest opinion / review. Great work, but just be careful that sponsored adverts don’t damage your reputation.

*Great Quality Video Joe* Yes this is a "hot hatch", but a ludicrously expensive one. A few options puts it over £40k, an amazing reach considering it is sub 300hp (when dynoed). Discounts around 10-12% are the minimum right now, but BMW needs to be way more generous for it to be viable. TRL has them at £1k deposit then £499 per month PCP (47 months), big money for this car. Value after 4 year PCP is £16k, a huge total when combined with the £24,453 paid over 47 months (including the deposit). That is for a weak spec car - add _minimum required options_ HK sound, leather and adaptive suspension and you are at £535 per month). There are 53 previous gen M140i with under 10k miles on Approved Used BMW, starting at £20k. They are reliable, look better, sound better... you would have to be mad to turn down a £25k M140i and pick a £38k M135i. My *expert* opinion: buy an M140i (and get one pre OPF filter if possible). There are at least 12 on BMW sub 10k miles and without OPF. PCP at £500 per month for a *hot hatch* is *INSANE*

Hi Joe. Stunning video. Keep up the good work. I own a m140i and have driven this new m135i and in my opinion m140i is better in every way apart from the interior. M140i feels light and nimble in comparison and is so much more fun especially in manual.

Nice video Joe but have say it’s an advertorial, not an independent review. I’ve been following you a long time and enjoyed your passion and independence till now. I’ve owned 1x 135i before you did and 2x 140i’s unfortunately; the new 135i has lost the plot in every way mate.

I'm absolutely blown away by this car. Amazing video and beautiful scenery. Triumph of a video.

I must admit, I have always enjoyed your videos and they are well produced pieces. I know you state in the video that everyone is different and recommend that people test drive this car, but I can’t understand how anyone can really enjoy this car. I had one in November for a few days and whilst it was nice inside and a practical hatch, the driving experience was far from enjoyable. There was an annoying lightness to the wheel which increased as you turned into a corner. It almost seemed like BMW we’re trying to artificially create an oversteer feel in the steering. I loved my old M135 and the M140 was a superb car also, with the improved B58, but this M135 just left me cold. I ended up going for the new M340, which is an outstanding car. Obviously it’s more money and a bigger car, but it retains the fantastic feel that BMWs are renowned for, whilst delivering amazing grip via the rear biased xdrive system. For me BMW have just got it wrong with this car. I feel that the 1 series is a great hatch and the lower models should do very well, but this model just lacks what made the old M135/M140 special. The fun, drama, noise and feel have gone and all is left is a stale but fast version of the basic car.

Buy a BMW M135i? Yes! A 2012-2016 model though, of course!

Great video Joe, I changed from a 120d to a 140i mostly after watching your videos on the 140, went from the 140 to a 220d, sadly missing the 140, so after watching your 135i videos I now have one on order, obviously it wasn’t just your videos but the information content helped me decide, if BMW produced content like this I’m sure they’d do far more sales.

Love the 1. Can’t wait to own the new generation of M135i. Amazing video, you deserve so much more recognition. Bravo Achilles.

Pretty unconvincing pat on the back from you, but my time on a test drive made me buy one anyway. Great car!

Merry Christmas, Stunning video, definitely your best yet and it was a high bar. The advertorial thing is tricky to balance though, especially with a car this marmite. I kind of feel car makers should make good cars and then take their chances with reviews. Paying someone as talented as you guys to make a film like this where you do everything you can to find something good to say about the car and never shoot it from the front is unfair on you and an admission that this generation of 1-series totally sucks. They owe you far more than the cheque for taking it this hard for the team.

Great vid as usual, but as per the 99.8% of other comments there is no chance whatsoever I will be buying this car, I will keep my m140 a bit longer, and if I need to I will switch to Audi before buying this m135, it’s been ruined. Merry Christmas to all

Superb bit of videography, absolutely brilliant!

My first ever BMW was an M140i (2017) I sold that for a 320d (long commute) then sold that for a 530e (ULEZ) now I am back to a M135i (F40). I just love it, they are an addictive practical car ( I am 6ft 2)

Fantastic thoughts on buying and driving the M135i many thanks for sharing

A BMW sponsored video. Hmm. I guess the really big question is, will you be buying an m135i? Until then it's a no from me.

Loved my 130i sounded amazing with BMW induction kit and a few other mods.

*stunning video mate! Well done to both you and Patrick*

Just go for the previous 6 pot RWD model. Save your money!

I can’t stop watching this, your intros are in another level

Great video, so professional. Also really enjoyed the tone of the video and the story telling of your journey. Thank you

Great review and some epic shots. As someone who is looking for the right M140 this is certainly giving me some food for thought, like you say it’s worthy of a test drive

I’m interested to see if/when they bring out the M140i version of this new platform, what it will be like. The talk of electric assisted power and 400+ BHP should be fairly interesting and make it stand out amongst its rivals.

Great video, was like watching a proper car review, personally think that’s your best commentary on a video. Genuinely great stuff, loved the cinematics and polish to it. Well done and thank you!!!

I test drove one the other day as I just sold my M135i rwd. I also test drove the Golf R. Gold R was better but still not for me, M135i has much better interior but that was it. In fact, the drive itself felt rather underwhelming. Auto gear changes felt weirdly loose and not as smooth. Dealer said it was due to it being new. I'm really not sure what to go for now

Honestly in my entire life i've never seen a beautiful intro like this 🙌🏼

Great video and so well produced.... doesn’t make me want to go out and put my faith in a new M135 though unfortunately. Rather look to a used M3/4 or Audi RS4 for that price I’m afraid..... Happy Christmas 🎄

I bought my old m140i off the back of one of your previous vids Joe, and I've just bought the 135 off the back of this one....I pretty much agree with everything you've ever said on them fella...Thanks for putting the effort in with these things!

Merry Christmas Joe, sorry but this new 135i is minging. I know you’ve had to back track and we all know why. We all get that and I admire you for trying to sell this car, but only non Petrolheads will buy it.

Great shots and edit Joe. Quite telling that the only driving positive over the m140 is stability, though. I still can't see many enthusiasts, particularly BMW enthusiasts, being excited about this car. This review tells me that its a good, practical, every day car, therefore surely the answer is 118?

Unreal video mate. The quality is next level!

Hell no!! I would choose 140 without doubt😎

Where abouts are these roads Joe? I’ve got my 135i coming next few weeks and want to experience them for myself, they look outstanding

Realise I'm a bit late to the party but great video! As a 51 yr old I was looking for a grown-up hot hatch I could live with every day but have fun in when I wanted & I love my M135i as it ticks all the boxes for me

Cmon Joe.... pure bluff ! Cars piss n you know it, decent car but not a patch on the M140i

Great vidoe. Lovely drone work, music, roads, peferct.

This is a fantastic video, even three years on. I hope to buy a M135i next year and videos like this certainly help me know what to look forward to. When I get it, I will definitely book a weekend in Bala. Thanks also for introducing me to Jameson Nathan Jones. What a great piece of music!

Love this video. So well put together. Great work guys

Top notch vid and content Joe 👌👌 You have changed your opinion on this car somewhat Joe! Yes, good car in the same way all the other 300ish bhp 4wd 2 liitre cars are. However BMW are late to the party in this respect, if this is your thing a Golf R is a better proposition..particularly the estate version from a practical standpoint. Sorry but the only thing the new 1 has in common with the F20 is the badge on the back. Happy Christmas fella, looking forward to your content in 2020 💪

This is a wonderfully shot video Joe. Some amazing camera shots. As for the car, I haven't driven it and have no doubt it drives well. However, it has lost its USP in RWD and 6-cylinder engine and although it's subjective, doesn't look as good as an A35, Golf R or S3.

Wow guys, serious bit of cinematography this, awesome work, a great watch. Also love this video style Joe 👍

loved that video! So tempted by the 1 series too, looks epic

This was a great video! Always value your opinion on these cars! I just got my hands on an M140i and absolutely love it! Brilliant cinematography, you've really stepped things up here!

absolutely love the colour of this car, similar as seen on some Audi specials... it's like a pastel gray... kinda 'gray primer with a gloss finish' look... a beautiful subtlety. Merry Christmas Joe x

Great video mate, thanks for sharing your story… amazing car… don’t own one yet… but is on my my shorted list… take care

I had the F20 118d and now the F40 118d. The suspension is in every term better than the F20, the efficiency is aswell and it's way more aerodynamic than the F20 without M sport package and you can really feel the difference on the Autobahn at high speeds. I personally liked the new optics after a while. The fun in the F20 was the clear steering feel and the ability to just floor it in a corner to make it dance. Now you can't do that in the F40 anymore and if you try, it's very frustrating how it struggles. The fun with the F40 lies in fast daily driving under the limits. The steering feels really responsive, the suspension is comfortable while minimizing tilt and when you have some S turns you can actually feel how the rear end gets light. It's not a small 3 series anymore, but it became what this car category is.

Great video, just rubber stamps why I bought one exactly like it. Sublime pace and handling lending to lots of fun.

This is a mega video Joe! Well done 👌🏻 I opted for the F22 M240i for aesthetics but I’d definitely have the new M135i over the new M235i gran coupe which I think has a hideous rear end (like the current X4!)

Fantastically produced video !! Awesome car.... stunning scenery... must pay a visit there!👍🏻

Great vid! I think peeps are putting the m140i in to much of a pedestal, yeah it’s a shame we lost the gear box and engine in the new car but if the handling is as good as people make out then it’s a decent compromise I’d say.. especially for 99.9% of the driving that can be done on our roads

I love my m140i but sadly I'll not be looking to upgrade to this car, saying that I'll not be looking at a similar type of car. My love is with the engine and its gearbox and unless I'm willing to go for a bigger car 340i which as i have no children so no practicality issues is unnecessary so as a couple I'd be looking at going into a z4 m40i perfect solution and a great deal cooler to be seen in. I appreciate this car is a means to an end and I'm sure somebody will like it very much.

I’ve got one - superb car and I’ve had A45s and S3s

That cottage looks amazing, car’s not bad too. Great video!

This is an incredible edit, and the equipment you have used makes it sound incredible. Good job!

Have this car and love it. Most haters never tried it or don't see the need for an all weather all rounder.

To make the perfect 1 you need to take the body (maybe except the front bumper) and interior of the new m135i and put them in that wonderful drivetrain of the m140i

Joe. This is brilliant. I'm baffled as to how I missed this. Wonderful intro. 👌👏 Thanks to you and RU-vid for throwing it my way. 😊

0:49 wait, is that the other camera man laying back there behind the couch? haha

Cracking video Joe. Just can’t help feel phrases like “goes about with no fuss” and “the car is so stable” just detaches the driver from the driving experience. For me a hot hatch should be all about the driving experience on great UK roads. For me drama and character is key in a hot hatch. This just looks like it has none... :/

For the many commenters who feel affronted by the new car and continually drip about it.... Firstly, This is not a replacement for the M140i. It’s not claimed to be. So stop slating it as though it is. It’s simply the fastest version of the F40 that’s available now. Secondly, most of us think the S3, A35 AMG, golf R, etc. Are fantastic cars which we are very glad exist. None of us give them the kind of hate you lot are giving the F40; but in all the comparisons I’ve seen so far the F40 beats them all. If you are a BMW fan you should be very happy that this new car is really that good! Thirdly, the new car looks so much better in the flesh than in photos that I urge you to go and see one before you gob off about how honking it looks. Side by side it makes the F20 look very dated (which it is). Fourthly, this thing is a top drive. It’s a riot. If you haven’t driven one then I recommend that you do. Again, before jumping in the auto-hate bandwagon. Fifthly (if that’s a thing), no one is going to take your F20s away from you. They will remain the awesome things they are now. Stop acting like spoiled babies because BMW hasn’t kept to your beloved formula for its latest car. I understand that this is a channel subscribed to predominantly by die-hard RWD 6cylinder F20 fans, and is essentially an echo-chamber for F20 loving. Throwing the F40 M135i into this demographic is like throwing Hillary into the middle of a Trump rally. (So I’m posting this at my own risk) Sixthly, I went to the dealer to buy an M140i but while there I saw and drove the new F40 demonstrator. it became a fairly easy decision. I’ve bought a new M135i. Putting my money where my mouth is so to speak. Seventhly, I’m not some 4WD fan boy that doesn’t know what RWD is like. I’ve owned, among other things two M3s and two TVR chimaera 500s (you don’t get much more RWD than those!). So I get it. But RWD is not the be-all and end-all that some of you narrow minded folks seem to believe. This new car is better to drive in a whole load of areas than the F20. You just can’t chuck the back end out: boo-hoo. Ive also had a z4-35i. So I know what the previous M135i engine was like. It’s pretty good to have one in a one series but it’s not amazing, it’s not an “S” engine and there’s not as much drama as people seem to make out. It’s more smooth than dramatic. The B58 is the same, powerful and smooth but not all that exciting. Neither is it going away, you just won’t see it in a 1er. Finally, I’m a big fan of the old m-lites, how could you not be. Is it sad that the new one series is not RWD and doesn’t have a 3ltr 6pot ? Yes, of course it is. Does that mean we should automatically hate the new car? No, of course not! That would be like cutting off our nose to spite our face. BMW are now making a very different car, but boy have they done a good job of it. I for one will continue to love BMW’s RWD offerings while simultaneously being very glad that I own such a badass little BMW. Sorry to try and swim against the tide of hate, I just find it all a bit boring and thought I’d intervene if only for the sake of variety. Keep up the good work Joe. (I’m not sure that paid adverts will help you maintain you credibility though) Cheers

Maybe new m135ix is easier to drive, maybe its better all rounder no matter the weather but it will never be as fun as m140i or m135i Its not only about the engine or the gearbox but rwd really requires you to actually know how to drive or it will bite you, thats what I love about my 140, i always have to be careful not to push my foot down too hard in the corner, counter steer if it steps out on you I absolutely love that, I cant really explain it but to me 140 feels more of a drivers car than m135ix will ever be I know 140 is far from proper drivers car but we can all agree its(m)lite version of drivers car Cheap, easy to get in - hard to master, reliable engine and gearbox, plenty of power, tunability To me new m135ix is another golf on the market, they all do the same thing and tbh I'd rather to get golf R because to me it looks better and there are far more parts I hope my next car is going to be proper M car, M3 or M4 if im lucky enough :)

Nice video Joe! I also switched from M140i to M2 competition but this sprays some positive flavour for the new M135i...

Looks and proportions are still a challenge visually. Also I remember in previous videos you complained about the Audi arm rest as one of the reasons you prefer the BMW, is not this 1 series afflicted with a similar thing it looks really low on the door to me. Strange also how journos are now extolling the virtues of AWD now that BMW are rolling it out with increasing speed especially on their performance cars. Where the same people criticized Audi as not as much of a drivers car as a RWD BMW. The times they are a changing..

Great video. After watching this and then testing driving it, I’ve ordered mine. Delivery in Nov! Can’t wait!

Normally love your videos mate, but where is the actual content about living with it day to day after 2 months? Has the gearbox improved? Is it just as quick as a M140 in day to day driving in UK damp roads? Etc etc. Nicely shot though.

The looks are growing on me, the interior in fantastic. But for me it’s like comparing the S3 to an RS3, going for a smaller, less performing and worse sounding car. The price point is all wrong imo, if the M135i was around 30k then it would draw a lot more people in, but mid 40 with a few options is crazy. You ask anyone who has a M140i and they’ll argue til they’re blue in the face with their mates who own (S3,Golf R, A45) and what do they all say... yes I don’t even need to. Losing what the f20/21 had going for it, it makes it like the rest and for me, has killed it.

Absolutely awesome! Love this Joe 🙌🏽

Thanks Joe just ordered one of these 👍🏻although looks like a lengthy wait, this video certainly helps, great cinematography

While this is a lovely video, my advice to people would be to buy a second hand M140i or M240i of the previous generation!

I’m looking back on your old videos, superb by the way! I have an M240i, love the B58, sound and RWD. However, living in the north of scotland there is only about 5 months I can get the power down. At the moment I can’t use a third of the power and although sliding around roundabouts is fun, it’s become annoying for a daily driver. I’ll be checking this one out, shame about the front end! Maybe a totally black car will help.

Did you have the Adaptive Suspension option on your test car? Most cars currently in stock and available don't have it unfortunately

I cannot in all honesty believe that a front wheel driver M/V irrespective of the XDrive will give the sheer enjoyment of my previous owned M140 model and why I ordered and took delivery of the M340 recently - Such a shame to see such a wonderful car denigrated into a platform which won’t give you “Sheer Driving Pleasure”....

You and Patrick should consider a travel channel, you make every filming location look amazing, it’s a very seductive edit, great vid guys! Happy 🎄 Christmas 🎄!!

One of the best video I’ve ever seen concerning a try of a car ! Sensational 👍

Hi Joe. Quality video. Won’t tempt me away from my M240i. I have just booked Plas Gwyn on seeing the cottage on your video. Will be trying the road and may get to go zip lining too.

Merry Christmas Joe. Thanks for a year of great videos. This one is beautifully shot. Looking forward to the new 4 series and 2 series coupes over the next couple of years or so, that will retain rear drive, albeit maybe rear biased X drive, I suspect.

Test drove one. Wasn't blown away, In fact I'd go as far as disappointed. Then took out a 2018 M140i Shadow Edition that was on the forecourt. Could not stop smiling. For me, it's got to have the Wow factor. The new M135i didn't. The M140i so did! Bought one the following week! Best decision ever 😁

Great video Joe. But I’m not sold in it, it isn’t making me want to part with the M140i. Isn’t there an updated M140i coming in 2020?

Very well produced and presented video about a great car. Well done.

I have compared this to the AMG A35, the A35 wins out, if you want the toned down look just go without the aero kit. As a small city luxury car, looks and interior feel are very important and the mercedes wins here. I think the only thing BMW can beat them on is price. The 135i isn't a car you can walk away from and do a look back stare, you'd be disappointed every time.

I think it's a great looking car and I'm sure it will be a success for BMW. But the outgoing F20 M140i is such an iconic layout which is hard to beat. If I was to buy this new M135i, I'd certainly be taking it to Motech. Have you seen the Maxton Design kit on their car? It looks amazing!

Love your videos sir. I have a 228i MSport and it's great for my daily commute and occasional trips through the smokey mountains here in the U.S.. Once I've paid the note off the plan is to find a certified used M2. If only BMW would send the 1 series to this side of the Atlantic. I tend to like my cars small, quick, and functional. The new 1 series seems to tick all three boxes.

mate, love hearing you talk about the 130i! Such an underrated gem, really. I loved that car back in the day. Unfortunately I never got to own own and decided for an Merc CLC 350 instead. Was a great car as well, but should´ve gone for the 1 instead.

Merry Christmas Joe, great video, a really good Boxing Day watch! Admittedly not driven the thing so maybe my opinion would change, but from what I've read and watched it's the one I'd pick out of the current crop of 300bhp+ hot hatches, over the Merc A35, Audi S3, Golf R etc. But would as a current F21 M135i (or if I had a M140i) owner trade in for it? I've come to the decision no. No doubt a brilliant car, but does it have the same magic that the old 3L 6 cylinder had...? All the best for the New Year, looking forward to the content in 2020!

I'd rather have a M140 or M135i, No comparison. Yes tech wise its an upgrade, but engine and sound its gone backward in my opinion. Great video though Joe.

This has to be my favourite review on this car. Well done Joe, love this video / review

I bought one, LOVE IT

I know this is an infomercial ad but I also saw your first real drive in the press car, one which was from the heart as you discovered it for the 1st time. I love your usual reviews and followed you from the start pretty much. You were the reason I went to m135i f20 rwd (no uk 4wd on old car) and one of the influencers to test drive this new f40 model for 48 hours which is what swung it for me. Long story short, I'm 9 months into ownership of this new model. Did I like the front design? Not much, no. Has it grown on me now? Yes and I do like it now I'm used to it espeically seeing the other new bmw range with this dna. How did I make mine better? With a Remus Sport exhaust and Motech stance (Eibach setup) which transforms the car into an infinitely better proposition (both in looks and handling) over the previous one. I do 14k per year so spend quite a lot of time in it. As a daily driver, this car is way way better. Interior is not comparible to the old car. It's light years ahead, more a baby 8 or x5 for sure. Screen mirroring so useful, adaptive leds incredible and the tech pack worth every penny. Power is enough for uk. 4.8 secs to 62 from standstill is quicker than most stuff on the road and the 306 horses go down in any weather, unlike my old rwd car unless dry below 3rd as you well know. Sure, I miss the 6 pot soundtrack and rwd occasionally but nothing else from the old car at all. Silly things like idrive7 and 10" digital cockpit plus the best standard alcantara seats I've ever sat in. Ambient lighting is just lovely at night and if you have Bimmercode, so much more customisation of the displays/features. Just my thoughts, maybe noone will agree but I've genuinely had both, loved the old car a lot but this new model overall is a significant jump up improvement and I am absolutely loving this new model. Subjective this next statement... on my favourite country road, I'm convinced it's quicker you know! Point to point. Keep up the good work mate, you were right both times. 👍

A big and heavy sunroof, a drivetrain that rips all the fun out of exiting corners and a set of comfortable seats are supposed to be the essentials of a 1-series? I must have gotten something wrong. 🤔