BMW 1 SERIES HATCHBACK

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Back in 2020 with the F40-era hot hatch version of the BMW 1 Series, the name was much the same but the car could hardly be more different. In this form, BMW's M135i gained xDrive 4WD and a rather different outlook on life from the rear-drive F20 M135i and M140i models that had preceded it. This car couldn't offer the old school track-style appeal those previous models had had, but that was because BMW had matured it a bit. Let's take a look at this car as a used buy.

Models

5dr Hatch (2.0 petrol)

History

New models primarily appeal to those who bought the previous version of the same car - but this one was different. In its original F20-era guise, the BMW M135i (later the M140i) was a rather unique hot hatch confection, rear driven with a howling straight six engine - a car for the hot hatch cognoscenti. The sort of model a race track instructor from the period might have used as his day-to-day drive. The problem for BMW by the end of this century's second decade was that there weren't a lot of those kinds of people. So in F40 form, the M135i had to change - into the M135i xDrive, a four cylinder family five-door that was primarily front-driven, with occasional four wheel traction. It was a BMW of the 'M Performance' variety, rather than being a full M car. But it was, the Munich maker insisted, despite the change of hot hatch emphasis, a proper sporting BMW. The F40 M135i xDrive sold in this form until the end of 2023, after which it was replaced by a new F70 M135 xDrive model that used almost the same drivetrain.

What You Get

As you might expect, this top M135i xDrive version of the F40 1 Series has its own unique 'M Performance' look. That gives this top variant 18-inch 'M light alloy Double-spoke' wheels with a 'Bicolour' finish, through which you glimpse the blue calipers of the M Sport braking system. At the front, there's a bespoke look for the bumper styling and the frame of the kidney grille. At the rear, there's another bumper that's unique to this model, as is the M rear spoiler and the 'Cerium Grey' finish for the two potent-looking exhaust tailpipes, which are separated by a ribbed black diffuser. Inside, the M135i interior's set apart by M seat belts, an M Sport steering wheel, M135i front door sill plates, an anthracite headliner and M sports seats with upholstery in 'Trigon' cloth and 'Anthracite' alcantara. Plus this flagship variant came with the brand's desirable 'Live Cockpit Professional' package, with its 10.25-inch centre-dash and instrument cluster screens, plus its 'Connected Package Professional' additional media connectivity features. Otherwise, the recipe is as with any other 1 Series. In F40-era form, this car gained the cabin feel of a larger, more luxurious product. Some of that was down to more appealing design; and some of it was down to cabin quality - soft-touch surfaces and the sold feel of all the fixtures and fittings, matched on plusher models by things like contrast stitching and intricate 'Extended lighting' door panel strips. In the rear, two adults can comfortably fit on the back seats without having to squash in their knees, as was the case with the previous rear driven F20 model. Out back, there was a decently-sized 380-litre boot. Push forward the rear bench and 1,200-litres of space can be freed up.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

Our owner survey revealed many satisfied users of this M135i xDrive model, but inevitably, there were a few issues reported. We've come across reports of wobbly steering racks, leaking cam covers, issues with suspension, rattly bodywork and exhausts - and issues with oil levels. There have been issues with the white needles on the instrument dials too. In the daytime they're supposed to be as bright as the numbers on the dial but with some models, they have become faded, dim or nearly invisible. We also heard of reports of horns not working when the steering wheel is turned. And issues with the sensor failing that told you about low screen wash levels. Check for creaking sounds in the nearside rear passenger area, fixed by some dealers by removing the door card and putting in some sticky tape and silicone lubricant. Obviously, a fully-stamped service history is vital. This car uses complex engines and only regular and appropriate maintenance will see them go the distance. Otherwise, it's just the usual things. Insist on a fully stamped-up service record and check the alloys for scratches and scuffs.

Replacement Parts

(approx prices based on a 2021 M135i xDrive ex VAT - autodoc.co.uk) An air filter costs in the £19 to £63 bracket. An oil filter costs around £12-£54. Front brake pads sit in the £28-£50 bracket for a set; for rears, it's around £28-£61. Brake discs can be very expensive; fronts from £84-£157; rear discs tended to be in the £61-£122 bracket. Wiper blades are in the £8-£14 bracket.

On the Road

Previous F20-era high performance petrol 1 Series variants gained something of a cult following thanks to their sonorous 3.0-litre straight six engines. So back in 2020, some enthusiasts shopping at the top end of the 1 Series range were disappointed to find that this time round, the model badged 'M135i' had a four cylinder 2.0-litre unit beneath the bonnet. Plus there was also a switch to front-biased 4WD system. The result, as you might expect, was a very different confection, particularly as the power being developed also fell significantly over the previous M140i - to 306hp. BMW though, was quick to point out that the performance on offer (rest to 62mph in 4.8s en route to 155mph) exactly replicated that of the old 340hp M140i model. And that the M135i had the added advantage not only of standard xDrive 4WD, but also Launch Control and a newly-developed mechanical Torsen limited slip differential to get its grip to the gravel. But what it all amounted to was a very different kind of car from before that ultimately merely replicated what was on offer from obvious rivals like the Golf R and the Audi S3. There wasn't the same challenge in driving it that characterised the previous generation model - but then, most customers expected that. This M135i differs from lesser F40-era 1 Series variants with its stiffer suspension set-up and featured a 10mm-lower ride height, with two-stage adaptive dampers being optional. At the front, the subframe gained an extra couple of bracing bars for extra steering accuracy and the electrically assisted rack featured a quicker ratio of 14:1, as opposed to the standard car's 15:1. Finally, the brake master cylinder was bigger for better response and more consistent pedal pressure.

Overall

What you think of the M135i xDrive depends largely on the expectations you approach it with. This top F40-era model was clearly never intended to be a direct replacement for its six cylinder rear-driven F20 predecessor. But see it as what it is, the Munich maker's alternative to a Golf R, a Mercedes-AMG A 35 or an Audi S3 from this period - and you'll get the point immediately. Back in 2020, we were disappointed that BMW no longer offered something so refreshingly, radically different to cars like those. But we could understand why the business case for reversion to a more established uber-fast hot hatch formula had been so compelling. Compelling isn't the first word that springs to mind when considering the drive experience this car serves up, but it's undeniably impressive. Traction out of corners, that thing you had to fight for in the old rear-driven model on damp roads, is superb. And the four cylinder powerplant makes up for in willingness what it lacks in authentic howling character. So, here's a really quick 1 Series model you could easily justify to the family. The M135i may not be as unique a confection as its rear-driven predecessor. But it's an undeniably more complete one.