Road and Track: BMW's 135is is the Last Remaining Driver's BMW and the Brand Has Now Lost Its Way. Do YOU Agree?

We've all heard that current BMW's don't drive the way their previous generations used to. Some models, namely the 3-series, might still offer more driver engagement than their competitors but there simply isn't the same connected, engaged and exhilarating feeling when getting behind the wheel of a modern day BMW like one used to experience from behind the wheel of, say, an E46 M3.

Road and Track sums up this phenomenon rather well in the following quote:

&amp;quot;But there's a bigger point here. The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving. The 3-series, which used to make so much more sense than the 1, is now a perfectly nice car that barely registers on the fun-to-drive scale. Like most new German cars, it focuses too much on electronics and the eventuality of a driverless future. It errs toward isolation where BMWs have traditionally favored refinement and engagement. It offers more in the way of electronic cockpit gadgets than feedback. Even the 135is's replacement, the European-market M135i, has the nerve to wear an M badge but with zero additional M chops. It's the next generation of the car you see here, in hatchback form, with a version of the F30's numb electric steering and no limited-slip differential. Worse, like the current M5, its cockpit is so isolated and quiet that you can't really hear the engine. (Also like the M5, the M135i plays fake engine noises through the stereo—a questionable trick to play on luxury-minded 5-series drivers, but unacceptable forgery in an M-badged 1-series.)

Most disturbing of all, Munich seems to have walked away from the very thing responsible for its success: the compact sports sedan. Right when Audi and Mercedes-Benz are about to jump into the market with the upcoming A3 and CLA—both of which are intriguing in spite of being front-wheel drive—BMW has nothing compelling to offer.

The 135is and the cars that came before it explain why BMW means more, to more enthusiasts, than any other brand. The Bavarians could slap sedan- and wagon-shaped four-door bodies on this car, call it the new 3-series, and it would easily remain the best car on the road for another decade.&amp;quot;

So, what do YOU think after reading that review?
Read Article

Firewombat - 4/10/2013 1:36:54 PM

+1 Boost

So have you

Firewombat - 4/10/2013 5:31:35 PM

+1 Boost

@Cleveland, just signed-up? You've commented on like 8 articles, less than me, and it's very clear from every post you've written you have no credibility and only rantings. Again, grow up sport, you'll realize credibility is backed by facts and figures not your 15 yo opinion. BTW, I think your mom is calling you for supper.

nguyenvuminh - 4/8/2013 4:15:20 PM

+1 Boost

Can't wait to see JRobUSC's comment on this one.

JRobUSC - 4/8/2013 4:47:03 PM

+3 Boost

"it's an excellent review of the 135is".

scenicbyway12 - 4/8/2013 4:47:13 PM

+2 Boost

"Right when Audi and Mercedes-Benz are about to jump into the market with the upcoming A3 and CLA—both of which are intriguing in spite of being front-wheel drive—BMW has nothing compelling to offer."

Really, how unengaged is this comment, in the next two and half years BMW has a 2er coupe, 2er grand coupe, M235, and 1er sedan, RWD and AWD, gas and diesel all coming to the US.

GermanNut - 4/8/2013 5:33:04 PM

-3 Boost

No, but Road and Track had this to say about the M135i:

"Even the 135is's replacement, the European-market M135i, has the nerve to wear an M badge but with zero additional M chops. It's the next generation of the car you see here, in hatchback form, with a version of the F30's numb electric steering and no limited-slip differential. Worse, like the current M5, its cockpit is so isolated and quiet that you can't really hear the engine. (Also like the M5, the M135i plays fake engine noises through the stereo—a questionable trick to play on luxury-minded 5-series drivers, but unacceptable forgery in an M-badged 1-series.)"

So, an M-badged car not worthy of the famed "M" moniker, numb electrical steering, no limited-slip differential and last but not least, a cockpit so isolated and quiet that you can barely hear the engine. To make up for the lack of aural acoustics, BMW decided to make "fake engine noises" from the stereo to trick the luxury-minded 5-series drivers but also the hard core compact sedan buyers into thinking the exhaust was actually loud.

scenicbyway12 - 4/8/2013 6:24:25 PM

+2 Boost

First off the M135i is not an official M car it’s a new category for BMW, think Audi “S” series, a 2M is on its way.
“Also like the M5, the M135i plays fake engine noises through the stereo—a questionable trick to play on luxury-minded 5-series drivers,” It’s hardly a trick when it’s on the cover of Automobile Magazine. Somebody that’s on Audi 24/7, has no business speaking of numb steering.
AUTOCAR
“Inevitably, however, the lack of bespoke M division engineering and components leaves the M135i feeling far more like a conventional BMW than an M product: of the two paths, the normal 1-series is the one to which the M135i remains closer.
Nevertheless, this is a fine driving companion and a car with both a spectacular set of performance numbers and a determinedly alluring price.”
RICHARD HAMON
“Whether or not it’s a proper BMW M car barely matters. That the M135i is reasonably affordable and seriously good fun to drive is rather more important.”
MOTOR SPORTS
“Over the years we’ve seen many fine fast BMWs, but this one is slightly different: not only is it an outstandingly strong competitor in its class, it is also a bargain. For a BMW, that’s rare.”.
TOP GEAR
“Here we have a BMW that's an actual performance bargain. Clearly, I'm going to have to spend the entire next two pages looking for the catch. OK, I don't. The catch is staring us all in the face. Literally. This is not a pretty car”
JEREMY CLARKSON
“One thing, though. I do wish BMW would reserve that M badge for cars that have come from its motor sport division, rather than sticking it on anything that’s a bit faster than usual. The M135i may say M on the back. But if you look underneath, there’s no limited-slip diff, so it isn’t an M car, really. Unless the M here stands for marketing.

That, however, is my only gripe. And it isn’t enough to warrant a lost star. Because the M135i is so lovely to drive and because it’s available with a proper automatic gearbox and because it has pillarless doors and because it’s only £3,000 more than a similarly powerful Vauxhall, it gets full marks from me.” FIVE STARS

GermanNut - 4/8/2013 5:18:40 PM

-3 Boost

BMW is going to be very late to the compact-sedan segment even though when it enters the market it will do so with a plethora of different model variants.

Audi has the edge over the CLA in terms of interior quality and technology. Going by BMW's recent record of attempting to produce highly engaged, connected and exhilarating "Ultimate Drive Machines" I wouldn't expect much.

scenicbyway12 - 4/8/2013 5:23:11 PM

+2 Boost

Still build RWD cars in this class. Have you read a review on the M135I

Satriani1 - 4/8/2013 7:47:36 PM

-3 Boost

"there simply isn't the same connected, engaged and exhilarating feeling when getting behind the wheel of a modern day BMW like one used to experience from behind the wheel of, say, an E46 M3."

The Germans are so familiar with their own German cars that they are able to evaluate their cars with more objectivity and dispassion (unlike American reviewers who are so enamored with certain aspects of the old BMWs that they lose perspective on the big picture). This link describes a top German car magazine's 2005 comparison of the E46 M3 against the Audi RS4. [The M3 was Euro spec so its 338 hp, 269 lb ft torque was slightly more powerful than the US Spec M3 with 333 hp, 262 lb ft torque].
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/audi-rs4-gegen-bmw-m3-50768.html

As this video clip shows, the Stig was faster in Top Gear's dry track with the S4 (not even the RS4) than the E46 M3, despite the lighter M3's superiority in straight line acceleration. Despite all the perceptions of driver engagement, connection and exhilaration with the E46 M3, it ultimately did not translate to superior results where it mattered on the track. The Top Gear reviewers ultimately preferred the Audi S4 over the E46 M3 for everyday driving, on twisty roads as well as wet roads.
http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-audi-s4-vs-bmw-m3_644906.htm

As for the situation today, perhaps BMW's key engineers have left the company, and taken their knowledge with them to rivals like Audi. And/or perhaps BMW is unable to replicate its past driving characteristics on its recent cars that are faster, more powerful and larger than they were in thepast. And/or perhaps BMW realized that to sell more cars and make more revenue and profit, it had to give its buyers what 99% of them really want -- a car they can use and enjoy every day for everyday driving situations, not for one lap around a race track.

nguyenvuminh - 4/8/2013 8:09:35 PM

+1 Boost

Hehe, pretty light on your feet JRobUSC - kinda like I will not deny or confirm type of response. Of course, does this mean that the rest of BMW cars have mellowed out and are no longer the ultimate driving machines they claim to be JRob?

GermanNut - 4/8/2013 8:50:10 PM

-3 Boost

What is wrong with BMW's marketing team? Why on earth would you take the brand's sacred "M" moniker and slap it onto an M135i and then say that the M135i is not a "real" M car. Well, if it's not a "real" M car then why the hell does it have the M infront of its numerical designation?

Hell, if that is the new naming strategy BMW will follow, then "M" doesn't stand for Motorsport, it stands for the name given to a car with a limited-slip differential.

Jeremy Clarkson was also clearly confused by BMW's moronic naming designation and said it best:

“One thing, though. I do wish BMW would reserve that M badge for cars that have come from its motor sport division, rather than sticking it on anything that’s a bit faster than usual. The M135i may say M on the back. But if you look underneath, there’s no limited-slip diff, so it isn’t an M car, really. Unless the M here stands for marketing.

At least with Audi if you have an "S" or "RS" vehicle you know you are getting true Sport and I guess Ultra-Sport performance. The "S-Line" designation for regular models with the S-Line package always comes after the name and is always referred to as "S-Line" not just "S" so customers know the difference.

The M135i should have been called the 135i M Sport.

scenicbyway12 - 4/8/2013 9:13:55 PM

+4 Boost

BMW has history using M before the numbers M sports in the late 70's and early 80's with the M535i and M635i, M sport tuned it and put a hotter engine it. While Euope saw this a lot more that the US, it's still part of BMW history, M in front means M tuned M alone means M design. Nothing new here in fact a old tradition returns. As marketing goes, isn't the letter M the most know in the auto industry.

JRobUSC - 4/9/2013 9:51:25 AM

+4 Boost

Ok, let's use your own logic there. Why should the M135i be called the 135i M Sport? It isn't intended to compete with the A3 S-line, it competes with the S3. In fact, here's a video of it beating the RS3 in a comparison:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xwecTp91-o

You sure you still want the M135 to be a "lowly" 135 M Sport? If the Audi is going to lose I'd think you'd want it to lose to something with an M in front of the name.

Anyway, I believe the first two Mxxx models coming to the states are the 2-Series and 4-Series:

2-Series - A3
2-Series w/ Sport or M Sport Package - A3 w/ Sportline Package
M235 - S3
M2 - RS3

4-Series - A5
4-Series Sport/M Sport - A5 Sportline
M435 - S5
M4 - RS5

You can follow the Audi naming structure, right? I am giving you the benefit of the doubt that you can. Unless you can't, you should have no trouble following BMW's. And I imagine that naming structure will trickle down through the lineup as other vehicles are refreshed.

xxx = Ax
xxx M Sport = Ax Sportline
Mxxx = Sx
Mx = RSx

Let me know if you're still having trouble with it, I'll... type... really... slow.

freeagent - 4/8/2013 9:23:50 PM

+1 Boost

I sure wish BMW would put hydraulic steering in the M235 in place of the numb electric steering who benefit is a fraction of 1 mpg. Stop the madness.

bmwm6 - 4/9/2013 5:08:47 AM

+3 Boost

Every brand including Porsche uses electric steering...time to get over it. Also the 1 series is regarded as the most sporty/enthusiast oriented car in its class regardless of engine spec. You can nit pick, but the bottom line is its best driving in class.

Also, I love how an audi fanboy posts an article to bash BMW. Epitome of desperation? I think so...or maybe just immaturity.

enthusiastx11 - 4/8/2013 11:19:33 PM

+1 Boost

i've owned 4 BMWs in the past 10 years...two 3-series and two 5-series. the brand has most definitely changed. my first three BMWs were decidedly about handling and performance FIRST and luxury second. my second 5-series made a HUGE shift: it became extremely luxurious (styling, seats, finishes, sound system, technology, quietness, etc). in order to do that it lost it's handling edge. in PERFORMANCE terms, the car became too much like the competition. still BETTER than the competition but not nearly as good as previous BMWs. i think this is true of virtually all of the models as BMW has attempted, successfully, to appeal to a broader audience. oh for the good old days...

enthusiastx11 - 4/8/2013 11:21:14 PM

+2 Boost

more than ANYTHING, i pine for hydraulic power steering. i HATE the drive by wire that everyone has adopted to improve fuel economy.

enthusiastx11 - 4/9/2013 12:24:35 PM

+1 Boost

only on a site with people who know zero about cars/driving would i get deboosted for wishing for hydraulic power steering. lol

GermanNut - 4/9/2013 12:30:45 PM

-4 Boost

Exactly my point, JRob, the "M" loses its prestige if it stands for both sport like Audi's "S" and Supersport like Audi's "RS".

It's a pretty awful naming designation on BMW's part.

Audi's naming designation makes much more sense and is easier to understand.

JRobUSC - 4/9/2013 2:09:03 PM

+4 Boost

of course it is. Because anything Audi does is super awesome perfect sense geniusness, and anything BMW does it stupid nonsense dumb dumb poop. Got it.

Now that we have once again clarified your position on the Audi-BMW debate, there is no reason for you to continue being part of the conversation. Thanks for stopping by the booth.

scenicbyway12 - 4/9/2013 3:51:21 PM

+3 Boost

Yes because Audi is the only company to use the RS moniker, oh wait.

Firewombat - 4/10/2013 5:34:03 PM

+2 Boost

Get back in your hole gnut

Satriani1 - 4/9/2013 12:41:09 PM

-2 Boost

Poor bmwm6, you seem to have the fanboy's hyper-sensitivity and close-mindedness to the reality and expert perceptions about the hyped BMW M3 (E46):

- by Top Gear, when comparing the M3 (E46) against the Audi S4 (B6) in 2004
http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gear-audi-s4-vs-bmw-m3_644906.htm

- by the same driver Stig driving both cars on Top Gear's track at Dunsfold airfield: M3 (01:31.8) and the Audi S4 (01:30.9) in 2004. In 2005, the Stig drove the RS4 in at least 1:25.7 around the track).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_test_track_Power_Lap_Times

- by Germany and Europe’s biggest car mag Auto Bild, when comparing the M3 (E46) against the Audi RS4 (B6) in 2005
http://www.autobild.de/artikel/audi-rs4-gegen-bmw-m3-50768.html

Why did BMW's more expensive 3 Series and 5 series significantly outsell the 1-series in 2012, despite the claims that the cheaper BMW 135 is "the best car on the road" and last in the line of BMW cars like the E46 M3? You'd think all these so-called "enthusiasts" would buy the 135 as a second or third car to have some driving fun.

My point is simple: only a tiny minority of car buyers (including BMW buyers) consider such driving characteristics to be critical criteria in their decision making. For example, we hear supposed "car enthusiasts" whining for manual transmission in reviews, but so few actually buy it. Most buyers are more interested in the overall capability of the car for their daily driving. In order for BMW to satisfy the overall needs of the vast majority of car buyers, trade offs had to be made. It's obviously worked or BMW would not be selling so many vehicles.

bmwm6 - 4/9/2013 2:52:37 PM

+2 Boost

Germannut must stick a crayon up his nose, then login under this name.

I'm glad you know how to copy and paste old irrelevant articles, but I'm not sure what you are trying to say. All I stated was the 1 series(newest generation) was the best driving in its segment based off every euro review I have seen, and the fact it uses electric steering has little effect on it still being best in class from a driving standpoint plain and simple. Not sure what an e46/s4 or sales have to do with anything...

Satriani1 - 4/10/2013 9:31:48 AM

-2 Boost

OK, here is an even more relevant article...
Auto Motor und Sport (major German and European car magazine):
Comparison test BMW 135i versus VW Golf R
First place: Volkswagen Golf R (better value for money, lol)
http://tinyurl.com/bp46znw
http://tinyurl.com/bqjdh3u

Poor bmwm6, it's a paranoid fantasy to imagine that I'm GermanNut logging in "under this name". I'm certainly not the article author 'GermanNut' or any other poster using a different name.

Obviously I responded to your rant "Also, I love how an audi fanboy posts an article to bash BMW. Epitome of desperation? I think so...or maybe just immaturity." It's similar to your rants against me in the other thread -- you immaturely dragged your personal attacks to this thread, yet hypocritically deny your immaturity, lol.

Satriani1 - 4/10/2013 9:44:32 AM

0 Boost

2013 World Car of the Year award: Volkswagen Golf. Runners-up: Audi A3, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Land Rover Range Rover, Mazda6, Mazda CX-5, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Peugeot 208, Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86 and Volvo V40.

2013 World Performance Car award: Porsche Boxster and Cayman. Runners up: Audi RS5, Aston Martin Vanquish, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster, BMW M6, Renault Clio Sport, BMW M135i, Toyobaru triplets.