BMW M135i review - RATED OR SLATED?

After a week and over 500 miles in the new BMW M135i, I thought it was time to leave you with my final thoughts on the car after thoroughly putting it through its paces before handing her back to Rybrook BMW in Worcester.
The car was used for my daily commute, client meetings, the school run and everything in between and left rather a large impression.
The front wheel drive car has been a contentious subject since its announcement in 2019 and the handling of the car via the 60:40 front wheel biased x drive system with the help of a LSD on the front axle is truly superb.
An engine that is happy to rev and accelerate through passed 6,000 rpm and a 8 speed gearbox that can do both economical and sporty on just the push of a button... Do you need any more?
A true competitor to the rest of the market. You have all of the above and more for your consumption here.
Thank you all for tuning in and if you haven't already - please consider subscribing to the channel as we continue on our journey to become a 100% not-for-profit charity. YOUR LIKES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS can go a real way, to making a real difference in people's lives.
See you all soon
CMD X

[@JoeAchilles1]

Finally got around to watching this video, bloody brilliant mate and totally agree with everything 👏👌👊

[@CarMadDad]

Joe Achilles cheers man - appreciated 😚😚😚

[@Dr_Dave88]

After watching your video on this cat Joe, I took the plunge and got one of these and picked it up on New Year’s Eve. Took your advice and got one with the pan roof. Pretty much same spec as the one in your video actually, with storm bay colour. Great car, love it! Great for taking the kids to school in!

[@Dr_Dave88]

Great video! Enjoyed it!

[@deandakin3196]

Great review...helped me decide to buy one....a review that wasn't obsessed with the M140i and that some of us want a daily driver that can make us smile when we need it, but won't try to kill us! :)

[@CarMadDad]

Really appreciate the comment Dean. Enjoy the new purchase 🚀🚀🚀

[@JohnDoe-uy3es]

Bought one too and testdrive was so much fun

[@delboy2596]

Nice to watch a review from a real world point of view. Good job.

[@CarMadDad]

Mate LEGEND - Thank you for the positive comments dude.

[@cinematographytrev]

Absolutely cracking video... Loved your final thoughts..the look on your face says it all to be fair. As I'm watching my way through your content, it's brilliant.. And as I notice that I'm getting towards your most recent upload I'll have nothing to watch! 😮 but boy, am I looking forward to what new content you'll have for the channel. 👍

[@CarMadDad]

Thanks so much!

[@theweelerwalshie]

Picking mine up tomorrow just can't wait. Thanks for the awesome review ❤

[@CarMadDad]

Your v welcome - enjoy x

[@j999gav]

Good vid mate! Me and my wife have just bought one of these in blue with the leather option, we were worried about wear over time and the leather looks good! But all in all i agree with everything you said, it’s a great fun car to drive and we absolutely love it!

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers dude! I get the leather - if i was thinking about keeping the car long term i would consider it, but am yet to see that in the flesh. Will make the car far rarer when it comes to resale i would imagine as not many will tick the box! Really appreciate the positive comments and thoughts - LEGEND X

[@tinustussengas6767]

Ordered my M135i in white as well. Expected early may, and videos like yours just make it worth the wait! Totally agree on your review, the points you brought up are exactly the reason why I choose this car; a superior high tech hot hatch, power and control under all circumstances, and a nice sound which tells you just enough that this isn’t a 118i. I subscribed with a smile!

[@CarMadDad]

Thank you so much for the positive feedback dude and congrats on the purchase. ENJOY X

[@88detox]

Did you get the car? How are you finding it?

[@IsmailKhan-fi2sw]

Subscribed, amazing content. You seem like a great guy!

[@CarMadDad]

Thanks for the sub - it really means a lot - cheers x

[@MotechPerformance]

Great vid !!

[@CarMadDad]

THANK YOU Motech 👌

[@lightwolf3622]

I‘m so sorry for you and your speedlimit 😢 Greetings from germany. Great video!

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for the thought chap - yes they have their limitations... Awesome and thank you for watching x

[@simonnelson7770]

Great review mate, you've almost convinced me 😬

[@CarMadDad]

Quality Simon - Cheers man 🤟

[@NICKFOXTV]

Nice overview 👍🏻

[@CarMadDad]

VERY MUCH APPRECIATED BUDDY

[@Scala598]

Quality video, reminded me of Joe Achilles videos (compliment) 👌🏻

[@CarMadDad]

Mate that is a compliment Cheers 💪

[@bshah4831]

Terrific review and well done for your charity work.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers chappy Much appreciated 👍

[@kizamitsuki72]

I own one, alpin white, really fast and something-like old school sport car. Handling is amazing, also gearbox is fine working, simple to get over speeded, wonderful car

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed 👍

[@I_am_Monty]

Great review! I'm totally enjoying mine I've had it for a little over a month now. My car was burbling and popping at 500kms and I think it has something to do with year the car was built. Mine is a 2019 build.

[@CarMadDad]

Great to hear dude - thank you for the comment.

[@tinustussengas6767]

Mine is coming in may. So that is a 2020 car, I really hope for some popping, I’ll just have to wait and find out I guess...enjoy your car 👍🏻

[@I_am_Monty]

@@tinustussengas6767 good to hear. You'll enjoy it!

[@PaulSmith-ij9ge]

Just bought one of these. Im astounded it gets bad reviews. Traded my 2015 1 series in. Its a million times better in every way. I got it in saphire black with 19inch wheels and with the tech pack. It looks really mean and at the same time classy and understated. Handles superbly. Smooth around town. Pullz like a train up to 6000rpm Mega happy. Mega hatch.

[@CarMadDad]

Thank you for the view and comments Paul. Love the thoughts and great to hear you are enjoying the purchase.

[@PaulSmith-ij9ge]

I enjoyed the review mate. It mirrored my exact thoughts. Only downside so far is every m140i and their mother trying to pick on me 🤣

[@CarMadDad]

I’ve never understood people going at others based on their preference (be that car, football club or choice of any brand) To me it says more about the person that you. If you don’t like it - walk past it Unless you are trying to justify your own insecurities

[@matthawkins6875]

Joe Achilles and ctrlandshift lead me here ...for which I’m grateful. I have a little catching up to do but loving the output so far.

[@CarMadDad]

That means an awful lot dude Thank you so much and enjoy 😉

[@mariosneocleous1418]

Great review 👏🏼 Ordered mine a while ago in the black sapphire, should hopefullybe arriving in September 🤞🏻. Mine won't have the adaptive suspension but will sit on 18's. Do you think the ride will be too harsh or just right? 🤔

[@CarMadDad]

Congrats on the order Marios. I think you have some cracking choices there - ride will be quality chap - don’t you worry 😉

[@goltyx]

Good review I’m trading in my m2 comp for one of these, enjoyed the m2 but want something more sensible

[@CarMadDad]

Appreciate that chappy - yeah I can see the appeal as a M2 Comp owner myself x

[@Tim955w]

Thanks for the video, can you remember what tyres the car had fitted? Keep up the great content, best wishes.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers for the message Tim. I've had a look through old images and unfortunately cant remember or see which tyres they were on. Sorry to have drawn a blank here for you.

[@Tim955w]

@@CarMadDad Thanks for taking the time to look into this, the reason i asked is because you obviously liked the handling and i'm getting the new 128ti very soon and i believe its got Bridgestones fitted as standard - I'm getting anxious that they may not be all that good just a bit better on fuel than the sports tyre option (hence i was hoping your test car had Bridgestones, even though its a different car and chassis setup). Still can't wait, cheers.

[@CarMadDad]

@@Tim955w You are more than welcome chap. Firstly - congrats on the purchase as I have only heard good things so far... Second, Any car that comes with a BMW is usually well tested and placed on there with good reason, so let the tyre and you find your feet - it might be the perfect match! If all else fails... Michelin PS4S's! ;0)

[@Tim955w]

@@CarMadDad Reassuring points and thanks again.

[@CarMadDad]

@@Tim955w anytime chap - enjoy x

[@leefoster8015]

Took delivery of mine earlier this month. Was one of the final few who managed to bag a decent spec with a decent saving on list price. Don't get the hate at all, previous model was for a niche market. This one does everything you could possibly want in a road car under 40k. Special mention to the interior which is far and away best in class, including Audi. My only grumble is fuel economy but perhaps this will improve once she's broken in.

[@CarMadDad]

Sounds like you’ve had a good buy chap. Great to hear your enjoying the car - completely get it. Hopefully your MPG improves (maybe try relaxing your right foot on the fun pedal from time to time) 😂

[@pperformance6078]

Great review on this car I collect mine in 4 weeks time storm bay grey and Harmon stereo tinted glass head up 19inch wheels can't wait. I agree with you I sold my tunned mini r56 with 310bhp for this have had a 140 great fun but it is a bit long in the tooth needed refreshing yes you lose tail happy rear wheel but in real world with the traffic on the road now this is a better back road blast very similar to my mini but fits more people in keep up the good work your reviews are great 👍

[@CarMadDad]

Thank you Paul for the comments and great spec choices on the new wheels... ENJOY X

[@mark1968ms]

Paul Hicks Just taken delivery of 118i M Sport with Sport plus pack in Storm Bay with Orbit Grey alloys, wasn’t entirely sure about colour until I took delivery, looks fantastic, had many compliments, even from complete strangers! Enjoy!

[@pperformance6078]

@@mark1968ms Thanks for the comments collect my m35 on the 28th not long now gld you re enjoying yours forget about the negative comments mate as long as your happy that all that counts 👍😊

[@CarMadDad]

Love these lads x

[@pperformance6078]

At last just picked up my new m135i storm bay with 19in wheels. Should have collected on the 28th May but with covid 19 closing dealer just picked it up. It was a long wait but we'll worth the wait had it a week now and we'll happy with it. Next stop is motec to get some mods done watch this space 👍😉😊

[@markrhoden68]

Ordered, delivery September 2021

[@CarMadDad]

Great to hear Mark - enjoy!

[@MaxUlfhednar]

Love new M135i & M235i GC , no Old school BMW, bat nice Cars vor allday.

[@mattgibson1057]

I have had my 2020 BMW M135i for almost 10months. It is a very impressive car to drive. Very quick, responsive, great handling and the tech is impressive. The only negative point is the car is standard with Continental tyres. Should have come with Bridgestone SO2.

[@jameslee1980]

Does the exhaust pop and bang straight away or do you have to run the car in a bit because it’s looking to get one myself and I tend not to keep cars very long

[@mattgibson1057]

@@jameslee1980 I found my exhaust did immediately....It is a fun car to drive. If you want warp speed Id suggest a RS3 ..if your budget allows but the BMW is a quick car for its price.

[@jameslee1980]

@@mattgibson1057 I had a 70 reg c220d and it felt quick but It was my first car so I’ve never experienced anything else I really want an m135i would you say it feels much faster does it really push you in your seat

[@mattgibson1057]

@@jameslee1980 I have owned many fast cars including a 2003 BMW E47 with the SMG gearbox. The M135i is fast! It will plant you in your seat. The front end grip is amazing. In sport mode and the car is incredibly responsive and again fast....

[@C22RLD]

Try and get hold of a 128ti for a test, would like to see your thoughts

[@CarMadDad]

Yeah that would be a good shout chap - have heard / read good things

[@mikbish]

Good review , just no mention of mpg 🤔😅

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers fella Maybe worth trying a channel where they know what they are doing 😂

[@dom_deeroy]

Have you added an after market exhaust to get the pops and bangs?

[@CarMadDad]

No chap As I understand it the earlier models had it but later it was removed… might be worth attacking the forums or comments on the video as I know it’s been mentioned one here ☝️

[@dom_deeroy]

@@CarMadDad cheers for the quick response mate, I’m looking to finance a m135i this week I had a 69 plate (2020) one picked out. I’ll have to look into a lot more. I’m fairly certain I’m able to fit a new exhaust whilst the car is on finance so it could also be worth exploring that avenue

[@CarMadDad]

@@dom_deeroy no worries chap - my understanding is that an earlier example should do it post 1,500 miles (ish) so maybe worth a rev with the valves open to find out!!

[@kereyhaire6910]

Hi mate, what sort of mpg could be achieved on long journey's?

[@CarMadDad]

Hi chap Sorry but I wouldn’t know personally - I’ll let the comments advise 👍

[@carljones3078]

Mine is due anytime now

[@CarMadDad]

Happy Days Carl - enjoy chappy.

[@carljones3078]

Thanks mate

[@hgvgazwatson3177]

Does it have any noticeable turbo lag? I am considering trading my RSQ3 for one any feedback would be good cheers gaz.

[@CarMadDad]

Not that I can remember chap. I think you need to keep it above 3k for "full punch" but the engine and turbo were both very well managed

[@kizamitsuki72]

I own an Audi A6 50 TDI with turbo/gearbox lag, i don’t know what Audi is doing with lags nowadays, and then i own this. Try this, this is a devilish car, fantastic speed sporty and handling, amazing car

[@LewF20]

Do you get LSD as standard on the M135i?

[@CarMadDad]

My understanding is that you do yes

[@LewF20]

Excellent, I’m picking mine up on Saturday and after watching this vid, I’m so excited!

[@CarMadDad]

That’s great news dude Fingers crossed it’s everything you hoped for 🤞

[@jackmccourt6180]

Yeah but... can I kick the arse out on roundabouts and scare the shit out of my passengers?... thats kind of the BMW party piece! If they could send more power to the rear wheels and have a drift mode like the focus RS, then I wouldn't mind so much...

[@CarMadDad]

Each to their own Jack My preference also (RWD that is) but you can’t compare the two cars - they are nothing alike and not targeted at the same market

[@jackmccourt6180]

​@@CarMadDad Nah I get that. I have a 2018 1 series and I have some serious decisions to make when considering a new car. The new M135i is lovely inside and although controversial I actually don't mind the look of it.... Hell even the 2l isn't necessarily a deal breaker by itself... but when combined with FWD is just feels like an overall downgrade of a car. The next logical step for me would be an m340i... but that's significantly more expensive! If I wasn't such a motorcycle nut then I'd be able to justify the cost of an m340i... The old M140i with the new interior would have been a perfect car! You say not to compare them, but they have left a big hole where the m140i used to be that I don't think anything out there can fill without spending a lot more money!

[@CarMadDad]

@@jackmccourt6180 Only other option is consider an M2 Comp (and quick) as there are some MENTAL deals on them at the moment (or at least there was before 2020 ended). I hear your thoughts and mirror them in many respects.. However the only logical replacement for the car you have... Is the car you have ;0) BMW had the niche with your car - and have failed to replace it... How about a GR Yaris?!?!

[@jackmccourt6180]

​@@CarMadDad The yaris looks like a hoot but a big downgrade on the interior. The M2 comp is great but its in the same generation as the old m140i and will be getting replaced with a similar car to the m135i I think? Plus I kinda like having a 5 door small but practical luxury hatchback. Obviously the solution is to keep the older generation... but that argument only holds up so long before I need a new car! Plus the new car has lots of nice new tech that I'd have appreciated. I suppose it's not long before we go all electric and lose these sorts of cars all together. My temptation is to go with a V8 Mustang so I can experience a big 5l V8 before they go extinct! They are a bit plastic fantastic inside... but v8! If ford had brought out a focus rs with an interior that doesnt look like shit I'd have been all over that... but its been discontinued rather than refreshed so thats a shame.

[@CarMadDad]

@@jackmccourt6180 I hear you chap. Sounds like you have a few decisions to make... How about a B3 Alpina? OR - depending on budget the M5 Comp (They look good value used) and i bet residuals look healthy because of the M Badge!

[@davidjack3]

Sounds poor to be honest,im a lover of the 6cylinder ,but I suppose its not to be now or should it !😂

[@CarMadDad]

Yeh lot of regulations and exhaust mufflers there these days choppy

[@davidjack3]

@@CarMadDad yes,ruining it !

[@benazouthicham3401]

✌️🤍

[@CarMadDad]

👍

[@hbejinha]

clean the fucking car!!!! :)

[@CarMadDad]

Rather have a dirty car and lots of fun than a garage queen!