First photos of the Spies test drive in Sweden of the new BMW 135i

The scene shifted this morning from Copenhagen to the Island of Gotland, Sweden, where Agent 001 and 004 were testing the new BMW 135i in the real world.

We will have some great video and more photos over the next few days so keep checking back for updates.

Here are just some of our photos and our intial impressions of the car from today...

1. The car SCREAMS! Wicked fast. You definitely notice a difference between the 135i and 335i. The 135i is definitely faster, tighter and more nimble. It's REALLY at home on the track AND on the streets.

2. The design is even more aggressive in person and is a real head turner.

3. It really captures the true spirit and tradition of what a BMW is supposed to be. It's the BMW for all of you who love BMW Classic design/performance.

4. NOTHING is going to beat this thing from a bang for the buck standpoint...at least not for a year or two when all their competitors wake up and realize BMW caught everyone napping.

5. With this car, you are witnessing the re-birth of the gorgeous, fast, inexpensive rear wheel drive sports car segment. BMW has the jump now but trust us...The others WILL get into this segment.

6. There WILL be people waiting in line to buy this car. don't even waste your time with the 128. Just find the extra dough and get the 135i. You NEED this car.

BMW hits a world series style, grand slam homerun. And true car lovers will be happier because if it.

Porschinator - 10/25/2007 6:17:53 PM

+1 Boost

Still undecided about the looks; I think it is droopy lines on side/door panels. May grow more on me or in look better in person. I believe the new 1 series is the same size as the 1980's 3 series.

As for performance, this should be interesting and perhaps under-cut the 335i. Looking foward to drag/G's numbers between the 1 and 3 series.

jgf330xi - 10/25/2007 6:29:31 PM

+1 Boost

WOW...

Who said "grain if salt"??

I have been waiting for this review.. for 001 to lay his hands on the car.. and it sounds like he is very glad he did..

There are very few cars I can get excited about, but this is one! Sedona red is over done, and cannot wait to see in other colors.

BMW rules.. and has knocked the socks off the competition.. well there is NO competition for this car, and that is all need be siad. It's creating it's own segment.

This much performance and 30+ mpg highway.. KUDO's to BMW...

The 135i Coupe' is faster than the 335i... but just a few hundred pounds lighter. Wait for the Cab version where the 135i has the cloth vs the HEAVY metal roof of the 335i.. Mine arrives in May-June Or when Euro Delivery is allowed.

Agent001 - 10/25/2007 6:42:39 PM

+2 Boost

There are other pics in our previous article covering the press event...Looks unreal in Silver with Red interior

001

mscottc1 - 10/25/2007 9:49:18 PM

0 Boost

My favorite (AND how I will order my convertible) is Black Sapphire with Lemon/Black Leather.

You're totally right about how much better it looks in person than in pics, 001. My first in-person time with a 135 cp was at a BMW event a few months ago, still haven't driven one & am very excited to get to do so soon!

Bmw8ter - 10/25/2007 6:59:47 PM

0 Boost

The review sounds like 004 is still trying to catch his breath after a test drive.

Need4Speed - 10/25/2007 7:20:26 PM

+1 Boost

I just picked up a CPO 2005 330Ci ZHP and I gotta tell ya, this is my first BMW and I'm really lovin this car. The car is a 6 speed and clutch takeup is sweet. It's not potently fast but I can run from most anything with this car. The thing I really like about it is changing lanes "at speed" and corners. I can only imagine what the performance on the 135i is like. I'm sure its faster and corners better. IMO ff you value performance more than anything else then this car will be hard to beat. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm stuck on the 'old' design...I would definetly be inclined to trade up. It's amusing to think that this car would actually give cars like the new IS-F and even the new M3 a run for its money.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:31:00 PM

+1 Boost

Amazing! I never thought I would consider the 1 Series, but after this review...

The 335xi still beckons to me as a winter car (so does the S5 and many others), but will the 135i be available with xDrive any time soon? If not, it probably won't have any place in my garage... )-:

AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:11:08 PM

-2 Boost

If looks are your thing, you won't want to think about the 3 series after you see one in real life. Dynamically, the S5 is not all that special...

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:49:40 PM

+2 Boost

You think I haven't seen a 3 Series coupe? LOL.

And have you driven the S5? I didn't think so.

AE86 - 10/27/2007 1:41:36 AM

+1 Boost

I meant I didn't think you had seen an S5, and yes, I have driven a prototype S5.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 1:54:14 AM

+1 Boost

The S5 is gorgeous. So is the 335xi (coupe).

And the S5 may not be quite as dynamically talented as the 3er, but its V8 engine makes up for it.

AE86 - 10/31/2007 1:45:17 AM

+1 Boost

Well, I think we all can agree the S5 is a looker. It just isn't that exciting to drive.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 7:47:49 PM

0 Boost

Uh. The 1 Series is a two-door coupe that will start at about $35,000. The A3 is a five-door hatch that starts at $26,000. I know you hate Audi because of the crappy one you had in the '80s, but comparing the A3 to this is a bit much. I have an A3 and if mine is any indication, it will still sell. LOL.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 10/25/2007 8:13:55 PM

+1 Boost

In the UK this ugly monstrosity will find very few buyers

Here you can get the Sexy A3 (3 Door) so you can get the even Sexier S3

So why then would anyone walk past a Quattro Beauty like the S3 and buy a RWD Ugly Duck like this

I fully understand that beauty is dependant on peoples' tastes but i dare anyone to tell me this 135i is betterr looking than an Audi S3.

Rupert - 10/25/2007 8:54:45 PM

+1 Boost

I like the 135i, but the S3 just blows it away, especially the probably large price difference. This BMW's gonna be what, 28-30000 pounds? Way too much for such a small car. The S3 is expensive enough at 26000.

Kinger - 10/26/2007 6:11:30 AM

0 Boost

The S3 might blow it away in price, but it has about 40 bhp less, plus the S3 isn't sold in North America.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:15:01 AM

+2 Boost

The A3 outsells the 1 series 2 to 1 overhere. Plus the S3 maybe down on power, it keeps up with the euro spec EVO IX and STI on the track.

investor27 - 10/25/2007 7:46:07 PM

+2 Boost

Does anyone know when the 123D (diesel version) will be coming to the US? Wouldn't it be possible for BMW to release both the petrol and diesel versions at the same time in the US?

AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:13:23 PM

0 Boost

I HOPE they bring the 123d to the US. I won't have to hear how great the Prius is if they finally bring some decent diesels to this market!

lexusis350 - 10/25/2007 8:35:41 PM

-1 Boost

I really like this. It has a unique look to it.

EL34 - 10/25/2007 8:51:06 PM

0 Boost

Oh my goodness, look at all those BMW 135i's!!!

Agent001 & 004, how is the front leg room?

henbmw - 10/25/2007 9:20:47 PM

0 Boost

Also, how much rear space is there; can adults fit in back? Otherwise, it looks great. I just neeeed pricing on this beauty.

Agent001 - 10/26/2007 12:49:13 AM

0 Boost

Front leg room is virtually the same as the three and adults 5'10" and under could fit in the back but they probably wouldn't want to be there for anything more thsn short drives.

The front seats are sportier than the 3 so they feel a little tighter width-wise on your back and bottom.

Also, cargo space in th trunk is quite generous and the back seats fold down which is handy.

Check out the color combo's in the powerpoint slide photos here:

http://www.autospies.com/news/Spies-give-you-the-first-look-at-the-BMW-135i-press-drive-in-Copenhagen-Exclusive-photos-22232/

001

EvoAudi - 10/25/2007 9:46:34 PM

0 Boost

I'll take it in Black.

no1listensanyway - 10/25/2007 10:00:01 PM

+2 Boost

I like it a lot. I want a coupe but this may end up being too small. The other issue I may come across when considering the 135 is, who is going to end up driving it? I see every high school in any middle upper class neighborhood having at least 4+. Time will tell.

EvoAudi - 10/26/2007 1:50:28 AM

+2 Boost

that's exactly why i can't have one in my area. it's a cute small 2 door coupe/cabrio BMW. It screams 16 year old high school rich dumb blonde all over it. frickin pisses me off.

ICON - 10/25/2007 10:32:36 PM

+1 Boost

I am really liking this car..some great angles of it in your photos 001, thanks for those.

This reminds me of the character of my first new car out of college - 1981 320i---Loved that auto and I can't wait to test the 135i...ahh memories :}

Will_ - 10/25/2007 10:37:30 PM

+1 Boost

Is it really going to cost just as much as a 3-Series? If so, WHY?

This seems like a fantastic little car, but imagine how much better it would be if it were priced in the $15-20K range...

AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:15:50 PM

0 Boost

That is Corolla Pricing Will. Do you really see this as a Corolla competitor?

Before you start whining about an unfair pricing comparison:
http://www.toyota.com/byt/pub/showSummary.do?sessionName=Corolla%20LE&seriesCategory=5&zipCode=90254&modelId=22785703&packageId=12689777&exteriorColorId=28052628&interiorId=28052642&packageName=C&accessories=28052661&[object%20MouseEvent]

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:51:04 PM

0 Boost

Imagine if the Porsche Turbo was $30K! But that's not going to happen. We knew this car would be $30K-40K from the start.

LexSucks - 10/26/2007 3:48:05 PM

+1 Boost

Will,

You just made yourself look really stupid.

ICON - 10/26/2007 12:43:21 AM

+2 Boost

Paging bitter, party of one.
Idiot!

Matthew1 - 10/26/2007 1:05:53 AM

+3 Boost

Who cares what your friend drives, he/she (it?) sounds like a right idiot for buying the dreary Yaris.

And your definition of 'bench seat' isn't the same as mine.

And I think you'll find the material quality in the BMW is far superior to the Yaris, despite what you may ASSUME from pictures.

The sooner you realise you are on the wrong website, the better.

Ignorance.com is waiting for YOU!

AE86 - 10/25/2007 11:22:13 PM

+1 Boost

PRICING- Lets not continue to PUMP the pricing on the 1 Series. Of course the BMW fan-boys are willing to pay $40k for a 1er convertible, but that price does seem ridiculous to me.

I went to the local BMW when the news first broke to put a down payment on one. The salesmen didn't know much about the car (not surprising) but had heard about it and said the target price was the low 20's. This was a BMW target and that target must have been made when the dollar was much stronger. EVEN SO, Stop talking about how it will be such a deal at high 30's.

I feel a fully optioned 135i without iDrive shouldn't be more than $32k.

I am not a convertible person, but $40k for a 135ci seems outrageous to me. 3er convts usually seem to be about $5k more than their coupes. $35k seems like the absolute max one of these coupes should cost and I think that is TOO damn much.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/25/2007 11:48:55 PM

-1 Boost

That is a little ridiculous. A fully-optioned A3 2.0T DSG is more than $32K. It is simply impossible for them to make a loaded car with a twin-turbo six that cheaply. They are in it for the profits, just like anyone else.

Will_ - 10/25/2007 11:57:41 PM

+1 Boost

I really don't see this being more than $30K. I thought this was an "economy" car? With "economy car" designation, and it's size, it should automatically start in the $15-20K range. However to continue arguing pricing on any BMW, including their "economy" car is pointless, as S4 just pointed out with his last sentence. This should make for a good pre-owned buy though.

Will_ - 10/26/2007 12:31:35 AM

+3 Boost

Why is $15-20K ridiculous, but over $40K not ridiculous?

"The salesmen didn't know much about the car (not surprising) but had heard about it and said the target price was the low 20's. "

BMW themselves initially wanted it to be in that price range. BMW ends up charging nearly double what they initially projected and that's not ridiculous? At most, this should be in the same price bracket as the A3, not BMW's very own 3-Series.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:45:09 AM

0 Boost

Over $40K will be for a loaded, loaded, loaded 135i coupe or convertible. That's not ridiculous. Think about it: it can hang with the M3, the interior is fine if you get it with options and it will be fairly unique.

I would still get a 335i coupe over it if we're going into the $40Ks, but that's only because I prefer the E92's looks, and I think the 1 looks a tad too diminutive in photos (and it probably is in real life, too). I want to fit real people in the back.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:17:20 AM

+2 Boost

Overhere the 135i coupe is only 3k cheaper then the 335i.

Rupert - 10/26/2007 7:40:45 AM

+1 Boost

I think Will's American viewpoint of Small=Economy is what's clouding his judgment.

This isn't an economy car, it's a small BMW. All the BMW attributes in a smaller, more fuel efficient package.

LexSucks - 10/26/2007 3:52:53 PM

+1 Boost

Will,

You are an idoit. How many 300hp $15,000-$20,000 cars are available today. Answer None.

investor27 - 10/25/2007 11:55:46 PM

+4 Boost

Amen to that, brother. $32 thousand fully equipped 135i is more than enough. What BMW is asking for right now for the 1 series is too much, and just plain ridiculous. I hope the S3 is coming over here to the US. The S3 is priced much more reasonable when compared to the BMW.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:46:27 AM

0 Boost

The S3 would make the A3 3.2 quattro redundant and obsolete... which is a good thing. We don't need the 3.2. Too heavy, and it gets disappointing performance and mileage. It's sort of the LS600hL of the A3 range: fancier, more expensive and more powerful, but slower, less fuel efficient and less fun.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:47:25 AM

0 Boost

Well, wait... it's not SLOWER. But it's only about 0.2 sec quicker which isn't worth $8,000. You have to REALLY want the AWD, which isn't even "real" quattro AWD. It's VW's system.

Heyhuub - 10/26/2007 7:22:27 AM

+1 Boost

The S3 wouldn''t really make the 3.2 obsolete, seeing as the s3 is far more performance aimed and over here still 4k more expensive then the 3.2 quattro.

kdawg - 10/25/2007 11:57:53 PM

+1 Boost

Overall I like it. The only thing missing is dual exhausts. I know it's based on the e46 platform, but it appears smaller in the pictures.. Have the dimensions been released yet? I can only assume the 335i is going to get a HP bump real soon with this car coming...

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 12:41:57 AM

0 Boost

No, I don't think so, that would push it too close to the M3. The 135i and 335i can co-exist.

Will_ - 10/25/2007 11:59:50 PM

+3 Boost

Maybe BMW will offer $5000 in BMW credit 2-months in to early-1-Series adopters like Apple did with the iPhone?

ICON - 10/26/2007 12:54:33 AM

-2 Boost

Will are you being serious? BMW did not intend this to be "an economy" car. But they did position it to be the entry level product to the BMW line.

Offering Premium products at every category they enter is their stated corporate strategy..they are not positioning the 1 series against the Camry/Corolla.

Got it?

minimalist - 10/26/2007 1:39:10 AM

+2 Boost

i giggled.

some of you guys are pretty funny. some of you guys are way too serious. lol.

CLK63BlackSeries - 10/26/2007 1:06:09 AM

0 Boost

"You NEED this car."

Will_ - 10/26/2007 1:32:32 AM

+2 Boost

I don't understand the point of this car then. It's basically a 3-Series with less room and weight, for around the same price then? What's the point when the 3-Series coupe looks better?

"I would still get a 335i coupe over it if we're going into the $40Ks..."

Exactly.

Kinger - 10/26/2007 6:16:52 AM

+1 Boost

Its about the performance, its quicker, more nimble and handles better. I'd certainly buy this car over the 335i because I don't need the extra space, most of the time i'm the only person in my car, at most i'd have one passenger.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:45:01 PM

+1 Boost

GS300, that's like wondering why the GS350 exists if the IS350 is more nimble and more fun. But obviously they don't compete. The same is true of these cars. The 335i is for a buyer look for performance, practicality and style; the 135i is for someone look for all-out performance.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:45:25 PM

+1 Boost

*Looking.

minimalist - 10/26/2007 1:34:13 AM

+1 Boost

i posted this in the other 1 series thread. word is the base 128i coupe to be est. $28k while a base 135i coupe to be at $33k which is the nearly same cost as the former e46 325i & 330i sedans. thats base as in with minimal options (which still has a lot of options standard). you can take that to the bank.

remember not too long ago when i said the e92 m3 was expected to be priced at $62k? "can i say i told you?" heh.

bigTYME - 10/26/2007 1:39:38 AM

+1 Boost

This car is gonna be sick. I just hope they don't charge more than 33k for an 135i. I don't think many people would even get options with this car. If you want the cool feature options get a 3 series. This car is strictly performance.

minimalist - 10/26/2007 1:46:52 AM

+1 Boost

it may be illusory, but just think about how much more marketable the base 128i, the cheapest of the bmws, can be at $29,999 as opposed to at $30,999. "just below the $30k market." every market does the bs rounding down.

MunichRob - 10/26/2007 5:03:34 AM

0 Boost

Everything about this car is great...Everything but the upside-down tailights that is. BTW BMW better offer a leather option in the interior.

Jag_xfr - 10/26/2007 6:03:12 AM

-3 Boost

This thing looks stupid. But alot of sad people will still buy this butt ugly creation! BMW styling is still rock bottom...

Kinger - 10/26/2007 6:14:24 AM

+1 Boost

Ever heard of an opinion? I'm sure everyone who buys it will think it looks great, it looks fantastic in black.

r15mohd - 10/26/2007 8:37:03 AM

-1 Boost

i'm with you on that one...the car is horrendous. looks like it was sandwiched in a accident and they fitted it with new parts and forgot to pull the frame.

the 128i needs to start at 25k...and the 135i needs to start at 30-32k...anything higher is RIDICULOUS.

gsh23 - 10/26/2007 12:50:35 PM

0 Boost

35k? thats really too high. i would really like one, but this thing is by no means cheap.

Star - 10/26/2007 7:09:10 PM

+2 Boost

Honda sells a 200 HP FWD Civic SI(Mugen) with upgraded wheels and body kit(rice) for $30K and some Japanese car fanbois on this site are complaining about the pricing of a 300HP BMW at $35K? A BMW with 100 more horsepower than a Civic, is worth a lot more than that. If a 200 HP Civic can be priced at $30K, a 300 HP BMW should easily command twice that amount. BMW 135i is an incredible bargain for under $40K.

gsh23 - 10/26/2007 8:49:02 PM

+1 Boost

what does that make the evo x and sti? steals for under 35k?

Anthony - 10/26/2007 8:56:49 PM

+1 Boost

I'd have to agree that this is overpriced for an "economy" car. However, I don't think BMW wants this to be labeled as an "economy" car. A potential problem for BMW is that many Americans will expect the same thing Will is arguing, going solely off of its size.

I do think it' a good car, and will probably buy one too, but I don't think this will do much for the brand, in the same way the C-Classn recen Coupe and Audi A3 were/are successful but not THAT successful in terms of sales...

Another thing that concerns me is how much BMW has stretched their product line in recent years. An X5, an X3, an X6, a 1-Series, a CLS-competitor... Between the already numerous 3-Serie I see everyday, soon BMWs will be as common as Nissans.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/26/2007 11:47:36 PM

+1 Boost

Well, the thing about the A3 is that they weren't aiming for high sales. It's done quite well in urban areas (surprisingly so), but it's not supposed to supplement the A4 in terms of volume. The same is true of the 1 Series vs. 3 Series. I agree that they are just a tad bit too similar, but not enough to deter me from one or the other.

Anthony, the fact that you stated you'd probably buy one is enough, isn't it? People want this car. That is what merits its existence--size, price and feature content be damned.

Rupert - 10/27/2007 5:43:58 AM

+1 Boost

The 1 series sells less than the 3 series in Europe.
Just because it's cheaper doesn't mean more people want it.

But you raise a good point Anthony. Americans' perception of small=economy may be changed by these new premium small cars. Maybe some people will ask themselves "do I really need a 3 series, or is a 1 series fine for me?".

BMWfan_Alfredo - 10/27/2007 1:15:25 PM

+1 Boost

ilikeautos is right...everytime i go to california, i see nothing but BMW, Mercedes...ALL the time...cant help but see it on the highway in afternoon traffic...such a pain...but beautiful cars..cant complain about seeing them every day..

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 1:48:58 AM

+1 Boost

Today, we went to the dealer, test drove, and custom-ordered a 2008 BMW X5 4.8i.

Deep Green Metallic
Sand Beige Napa Leather - Bamboo Trim
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Rear Climate Package
Technology Package
Multi-Contour Seats with Lumbar Support
Comfort Access
Heated Rear Seats
Running Boards
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
iPod Adapter
Power Tailgate (new for 2008; not on website)

---

$66,970 (plus the pwr tailgate)

S4cabriofoxone - 10/28/2007 11:48:31 AM

+1 Boost

Thanks, I think so too! We drove both, and it wasn't even a question... the 4.8i makes the 3.0si feel painfully slow.

carmogul - 10/28/2007 4:51:24 AM

+1 Boost

Can't wait until this spring...

investor27 - 10/28/2007 7:03:00 PM

+1 Boost

Any news on whether BMW will be bringing over the 123D or the 120D (diesel engines) to the US market?