He has to be polite. They all depend on not offending those who fund their lives by providing the cars. And that's the reason they NEVER talk about the corrupt manipulative lying cheating nature of "customer service" within the car industry.
New M3, RWD, Inline 6, Manual. Why should BMW lose money by offering a M135i with RWD and Manual transmission when more than 90% of the M140i sales was in xDrive + Automatic Gearbox. But I agree about the 6 cylinders, but this is not BMW pur will but an regulation/emission matter. Now, let's hope for the next M2.
Very true, but in this competitive sector, just make a car for the enthusiast aren't enough to satisfy the accountants. Also, if you aren't enthusiast, you wouldn't notice the difference anyway. Sign of the time. Personally, a used M140i with a retrofit LSD would be a better buy.
This car is a giant misconception of all enthusiasts, because it is not meant for them. Even if they still had the rwd platform there wouldn't be a 6 cylinder anymore due to emissions. Now they have the perfect excuse, this is a car only meant for the mass market, using a cheap Mini platform to gain money and to get down their fleet emissions. Nothing more. Even something like the M135i is not really meant to satisfy typical BMW customers, it is more of a hero car for generic young people that need to flex or something, for people that only care about status. This way, they attract new customers to get the sales up. The general public doesn't care about which wheels are driven, in dense urban traffic no one will notice that in the first place. And that's everything. If we still want to have hero cars like an M2 or 8 series or whatever, we have to accept that in modern times this can only be justified financially and from an emissions standpoint through cars like those. That's the same reason why sportscar manufacturers make SUVs - they need the money and eventually cut emissions with future electric SUVs and stuff. That's how it is, it's 2020 after a financial crisis, an economy crisis, hard regulations due to climate change and now hard times after corona. The era of bonkers creations like an E60 M5 or an Audi Q7 V12 TDI and all of them - it's over. It's nice that it existed, but now we live in other times, and we can do nothing else but accept it and live with it.
@@tommihommi1 I agree it's meant for this kind of fwd layout..seeing a BMW like this is perverse. Even the base turbo 3 cyl with stick I test drove a few years back was a blast
I've an interesting angle on this as I A) Sell BMWs and B) Have an M135i as a demonstrator. You will be amazed just how many people say "its not an M140" "Its not Rear Wheel Drive" "Its not a 6 cylinder, Yet when we sold a RWD 6 Cylinder M140 they all bemoaned it for not being a Golf R basically. As a person who personally owned an M140i with and LSD too I will say this car does everything better.... bar straight line out right pace.
Now those same people are complaining that the new Golf 8R is fugly How many of those M140i rwd heroes never made a car oversteer in their life or turned off the traction control I wonder? Plenty of enthusiast drivers, especially the generation that grew up with rwd cars like RS2000, Lotus Sunbeam, 325i and the like will have been happy to have fun with the M140i but 90% of drivers are scared out of their wits if a car slides from either end.
Yeah, it's just nuts. I mean the world will be electric in 15 years, it's easy to package RWD in electric vehicles so those future 1 series will be RWD, why for the last decade of gasoline BMWs make this crap FWD thing?
@@DuBstep115 Define better? It's slower than the old care and gives up all the things that previous people loved about the old one. It's about as close to objectively worse as you can get.
Guys, I understand your BMW fanboy attitude of RWD, 6 cyl turbo, etc. But remember, BMW is as much a premium brand as it is the go-to brand for relatively affordable and desirable driver’s cars. This new M135i is not the BMW we would all want, yes, but it’s BMW trying to nod toward that premium brand aspect. This new M135i has a much nicer, high-quality interior, more space in the back and is slightly bigger on boot space. The previous gen 1-series did the performance and driver’s car aspect so well, it kind of lost out on the other key aspect of a hot hatch, practicality. This for me, is more of a hot hatch than the previous M140i / M135i, because it strikes a seemingly better balance between live-ability and performance. Plus, I feel the lack of RWD not to be that much of a problem, will you drift into your driveway or your kid’s school drop off? I don’t think so... 4WD is more secure for the petrolhead families BMW are targeting this car at, as well as for cold and wet climates like the UK... 😂 I would not to trash an M140i on a narrow British road when it’s pouring rain... All of the above is my own opinion, I respect your own, but I feel like this car is being a bit misunderstood by the enthusiast community. Although, I do agree the design could be nicer, I prefer the look of the previous 1-series.
Agree, Golf R is better than this M135i M140i is the drivers car to get though, this B58 engine is only superior in fuel economy and emissions and inferior in every other way.
@@mitchelldonachie1798 I can only assume from this comment that you have never been in a Golf R, they have very nice interiors for their price point, they feel very Audiesque.
I’ve just taken delivery of one of these, I’ve fully optioned it and also had the dealer swap out the cerium grey parts with gloss black before collection, I understand how people don’t like the loss of the 6 pot, but this car should be taken on it’s own merits, if you haven’t already, I recommend a drive in the F40 M135i, it’s a very capable car, I had second thoughts just before delivery of my new car but I needn’t have worried, it truly is fantastic, remember, it’s an S3, Golf R, A35 competitor, and as such it excels in every way over them, it’s not a replacement for the M140 (that’s in development) !🙂 PS: pictures don’t do the car justice, the car looks far far nicer in person, it’s definitely a grower!
Congrats! I agree, it's seriously annoying reading through all the keyboard warriors who have not driven or even seen it in person rant about it based on statistics. You also pointed out that it looks better in person. That actually seems to be the case with a lot of BMWs, they're not photogenic, but in person their fantastic.
Just got a black saphire with tech pack and pro pack. I went to the dealership to get the last of the m140s. As already owned a 2016 1 series. In the flesh i was amazed how much better the f40 looked. Much chunkier and more aggresive.For me its not even close. The 140i is a bit faster in a straight line and sounds a bit better. And thats where it ends. I didnt think twice about shelling out the extra cash.I keep having to make excuses to jump in and drive the m135i. Its brilliant and very very fast.
Im taking delivery of a 2022 model hopfully in January i agree so many people hating on a car yet they've not driven it. Im currently in a m140i and great as that car is the fact remainss that im not interested in driving sideways around roundabouts, im not interested in driving on McDonald's car parks. This car is for the grown ups and BMW know this. You want sideways by a M2 BMW make those too
Urrgh! I really don't care for any content on this car. It's just SO boring, aesthetically awkward and it doesn't even sound half decent. Just stop, please stop!
@@berniesutton7277 This is true, sir. However, if in anyway I could influence the channel to not do anymore content on this car then that would be superb. The rest of their content is always excellent, with very interesting cars, however, this is not interesting at all ☹️.
Vinny C it might be a car that you like but, due to the ever harsher restrictions, cars like this make it possible for the cars you do like to continue to exist. Just try to appreciate the need for their existence
@@berniesutton7277 I totally see your point. I just wish BMW didn't copy the likes of the Golf R, Merc A45 AMG etc. The issue is the cars all look the same, sound the same etc. It just makes me sad ☹️.
I do like it for what it offers but it just looks hideous. BMW's designers have completely lost their minds. I'd rather buy an mk7 Golf R instead of this.
Don’t get it with these comments I love the new model looks stunning and big improvement over the old model that looked like a bread van. It’s safer look on auto trader at how many 140 rear wheel drive are on the insurance register I work in the accident repair trade and see loads that have been spun and ended in a ditch. I understand the appeal of rwd but in hands of the mrs wit;h kids in the back in the wet it’s a accident waiting to happen. And yes I owed one now have the new m135i it’s by far a better finished more polished car that in all conditions is the faster car.
@@D77-c1v the M140i is quicker, has much better tuning potential, looks better, sounds better, engine runs smoother, pulls harder throughout the rev range, is more responsive & handles better.
We bought the last 140i to be sold in the country last year and absolutely love it.Kept mileage low,at less than 2,000 miles as it is a keeper.However the new m135i is far superior on the inside, just not as unique.
Insert Witty Name I get the point that there are an awful lot of them around. I just feel that keeping it for weekends and in mint condition will just make me happy😀I am not keeping it for any financial reward in the future,just the satisfaction of caring for a piece of history.
I can see why they went the route they did with this, but why not go for any other FWD turbo car? BMW used to have something unique to offer, now its just another car. What's stopping me for buying a cheaper quicker Golf R ? Sorry BMW, you're losing it...and what's with these hideous front grills you're adopting across the range? BMW really has lost touch with reality.
I have had mine 6 months and whilst it's not the prettiest car, it's an awful lot of fun and has provided many a fantastic drive with lots of excitement at roundabouts and overtakes. It's not an M140i replacement, stop comparing Apples with Lemons. Interior is stunning, seats are super comfortable, and 40mpg + on long journeys. If you want an every day car that will beat the majority of cars off the line that you'll meet day to day, then you can't go far wrong with this. Yes it doesn't sound fantastic, but at least you don't pee off the neighbours with an obnoxiously loud exhaust!!!!
Bmw, they basically made a golf R with bmw badges... bmw stood out and decided to become the crowd It may well be a good car but it ain’t a true bmw and it simply isn’t what bmw is about If you wanted a bmw you bought a bmw If you wanted a 4 wheel drive, front biased 2 litre turbo you bought a golf or Audi or Ford or whatever else does that
Having now owned both the 140 and now the new 135, I can honestly say I’m glad i modernised. And from the rear, it’s one of the best looking hot hatches
Yes please against the A35. ... Perhaps the Audi S3? A mini countryman JCW? Look i like the M135i ... And i like BMWs... But given the choice, I'm struggling to think of a reason why I'd chose it over an A35.
Truly a hideous design language and overall style. Not a car to lust over. Maybe it sells well in China. All it needs now is that gigantic grill the M4 has! ha ha ha ha
I still can’t get on with the looks of the new car. From the side it looks like the bastard love child of an X2 and a 2 series active tourer...which is not a good thing to my eyes. The front end is grim. The beige details are particularly unpleasant. Rear end isn’t too bad. The interior is nice though. I have no issues with the interior of the old car, but this is a good move forward other than one detail...the digital dash. It’s horrible; silly shape and the rev counter moves the wrong way.
I can't really disagree much with your commentary, Sam. Although I do feel that whether this front end is attractive or not, it's way far better than the atrocious mess that has been dumped on most of the the 2021 models with that huge set of grills. Henry gives me the feeling that this BMW M135i, in many regards, is a very nicely upgraded Mini. It looks like they've lifted the Mini 4 banger and added a turbo, lifted the front wheel drive bias and suspension from the Mini, and put a different, nice looking body on it. I don't know if it's to be a step between the top Mini and the entry level BMW really, but that does come to mind. Maybe I'm just a bit set in my old opinions and such, but I'll stick with my E46 330xi manual, at ~200K, that I've enthusiastically enjoyed for the last 10 years. It runs nearly like new and I just haven't seen anything new that has made me change my tastes.
BMW is really struggling to evolve the kidney grill. It's like they don't know what to do with it. Especially on this car and their new electric models. The front design of this car looks really cheap.
This looks better than the old 140i and any old 135i so don’t know what people are talking about , sad Check out Maxton design version then you might like it more .
The comments are so funny and predictable. This a truly modern car with modern technology and bang up to date modern styling. It always amuses me how BMW owners like living in the past. ;-)
@@MY-mp6bq On the right road, in the right weather i.e. the types I encounter regularly I think it probably is. But thats just a subjective opinion, as are looks.
We don't have to let everything slide. It is a hideous creation. Undeserving of the m badge, even more so the 1 series badge. What a pathetic excuse of a successor.
It's very dull. Gives me the same sense of nothingness I get when I look at a Golf or a 308. I get that it's a capable, fast car, but £42k? No. No, thank you.
so this car is a mini under the shell. why not just get mini? mini's has more character and they re built by same company. what im trying to say is whats the point of this car. Bmw used to had only rwd hot hatch in the line up but now other than maybe little more hp why would anybody choose this car over cheaper alternatives like golf gti, focus st, type r, megan rs or better looking and as fast alternatives like audi s3 and a45? so normal customer would get a golf because its cheaper normal customer with more money would get a mini because its more hip cool and different (actually they would get a crossover or suv) car enthusiast would get whatever brand they love most. looks like bmw fans doenst really likes this car so they are not buying it either. bmw... who you aimed this car at? who is the target customer?
I'm picking one up next week and as a daily driver it's excellent and fits the bill perfectly. Interior quality superior to the A35, new S3 or new Golf and great to have the choice to use the idrive and a few buttons, far safer. Exterior may not be to everybody's liking but it is at least a new design. Most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the old Golf, A35, S3 and the new ones and I'm a fan of the larger grill (the grills on my current 1 series are looking decidedly to small now.) and if I had the dosh I would go for the new M3. All to our own.
If it said Seat or Nissan on the front, it would be the click bait favourite for best all round hot hatch. But it doesn't; BMW built their reputation on nimble RWD cars and whether they care to admit it or not, they will be seen as that for the foreseeable future.
It's official, H___ has frozen over, a FWD BMW M135, stop watching, don't care, BMW and Mercedes fwd models aren't as good as their RWD models, it's just that plain and simple, the FWD BMW work as a Mini, not a BMW
That’s a lot of money for a car that Henry is struggling to make sound interesting, let alone exciting or special in any way! Who remembers how BMW adverts used to bang on about the unique handling characteristics of their drive train layout?! Someone give Henry a nudge to wake him back up, please! 😆
If you get a chance, I'd be interested to hear your comparison with the MINI Clubman JCW - same platform and engine but MINI-fied rather than BMW-fied.
I see you wrote that 2 yrs ago. Drove both the JCW Clubman an the "updated" 135i xDrive. Wanted the JCW to be my preference. JCW didnt't seem to be refined. The engine was very loud and sounded not attractive and artificial inside the car. The Beer was astonishing I liked the ride, fantastic suspension, no more tear on the wheel. Steering feels numb and won't tell you zip, but it's precise and you know where it's going. I drove inline6 for over 20 yrs now, I didn't want to like that 4 zyl-engine. I think they put together an attracive all over package in direct comparison to the S3, A35 and Golf R, ordered mine in full spec and an individual color.
@@nearlyretired7005 1. 2 year old comment 2. The market is not demanding a FWD-based egg with a BMW badge slapped on the front. Profit isn't everything, I'd rather have BMW make marginally less money but make a better product.
Yes, I have! It‘s good for a fwd layout. I love the interior, great rear end. Hate the side line and the front. Engine is pretty decent for an inline 4, pulls nicely but runs out of puff at high revs. Why did I drive it? To find out if it could be a replacement for our M140i one day. The answer is: No way. But the new one is a good car for sure. If you don‘t know the old one. ;)
@@BaeHarrier Me too. I work in the motor trade, and compared a new M135i side-by-side with my 2017 M140i. The new model is absolute dogshit. Nobody buys a hatchback for interior quality ffsk lol ...... My remapped M140i would disappear into the distance if one of these FWD-biased shitheaps tried it on.
Lol still laughing at all the M140i fan boy hate. It’s so funny. Poor things still in a big strop. Haha. Great video from an unbiased reviewer. Great to see a BMW nailing the “golf r” formula and sprinkling some BMW magic. Well done BMW. you can still get a 6cyl RWD beemer if you really want one (3 series anyone?). But now we have more choice! Happy days!
We have a 140 and the new 135. The 140 great car but 135 to use on a daily basis can’t fault it great performance superb cabin and drove it the snow today x drive superb
I'd take an M4 with 5k miles and one elderly previous owner for the same money. As always though, have to commemorate Henry for being fantastic as his job.
Answer to your last question: I’d like to see a comparison with a rear drive 135i and a four wheel drive hatch. Is it closer to one or the other? 😊 I’ll drive. 😃😃
vomErsten honestly, pictures don’t do the M135i justice, plus swapping out the grill to gloss black further improves it and it really does grow on you, the trouble is with the new S3 is that the exterior is much like the 8v and the interior is very plastic based and cheap feeling.
@@cfbm125 I don't disagree about the new S3, but only because the facelifted 8V looks even better than the new one inside and out (I may be biased, I own one). But the hatch doesn't work for the new BMW, the proportions work better in its M235 Gran Coupe format.
BMW progressing backwards again, ruining the brand further. Mr. Weil and his design team really mucking everything up stylingwise too. I will buy a 1series RWD now.
The shape of the current 1 series is growing on me. I actually quite like it . The old m135i/ m140i were brilliant cars, they looked mean & muscular while the normal 1 series didn’t look that great to me
There is only one clincher. Would Henry buy one with his own money? I think we already know the answer.
4 роки тому+2
Ok, I see it's merits and and general usability improvements...but in the end, and in the point of view of the enthusiast car buyer, can we agree this is a step backwards? If I was in the market for a small but practical 4 door hot BMW...I wouldn't be looking at this, but the classifieds instead.
It is not meant as a car for enthusiasts. It is only meant for the mass market, and the mass market doesn't care. Why? Because they need to get their emissions down. That's all. If we want future enthusiast models, we need to accept that they will make other models for large scale markets too.
The Old out going M140i was an old dated car. People only gravitated to it because of the power. It Looked boring and dated, The Manual was slower than the auto. The Handling isn't great and it didn't have a diff. This is hands down in every way a better car. Handles better, Fuel economy is better, interior is light years ahead and real world drivability is better with the 4wd system. I've had an M140i and my brand new M135i gets here next week because it's simply better than it's rivals at the same price point. The only other thing I considered was getting another Megane RS, but they don't offer adaptive suspension. It's easy to offer a drive by internet comment - but you go buy a brand new hot hatch and see what you come back with considering the options currently out there.
And people DARE disrespect the civic type r I mean look at this bmw from the rear of the car looks like a tuned up rear back of a 1.3 rascal van smh better of the m140 2017 shape anyway I know what I'd go for in a heartbeat big R all day
OK, cards on table. I’ve owned BMWs for the last 11 years with only a six months ‘intermission’ in that time. Just a fact, not showing off or people may laugh if they want, I don’t care. Point is, I really like their cars, I like the customer service I’ve experienced, I even like their company philosophy, which seems to reasonably lean in a ‘green’ direction (as much as a car manufacturer can, at least). I have driven this and the 118i and came away underwhelmed to be honest. As Henry says, it’s a good car, no doubt about that. For me though, it was almost cynically conceived. It’s arguably good enough. No more, no less. Is that what you really expect of a brand like BMW though? Aren’t you paying the extra for something a bit special? Where it starts to fall down is a comparison with the previous car. Torque steer really is an issue in the M135i, make no doubt. I think Henry was being polite here. On our drive on country roads in the rain the wheel tugged left and right under brisk acceleration. The gearbox on ‘our’ car was poor too: slow to respond to the paddles and sometimes not responding at all. Not good in a hot hatch. It’s not the excellent ZF unit, but an Aisin ‘box. In some areas it beats the M140i. Refinement is noticeably better right from the off, especially road noise and it feels a little more solid that the old car, that extra cross bracing no doubt helping here. Interior room-wise I really can’t tell much difference. Even BMW themselves claim an extra 25mm or 1 inch in the back seats. Headroom felt worse to me, but I haven’t checked the official stats there and the boot may be bigger, but I think it scores in height rather than floor area. The M140i was a car dominated by a truly top-drawer 6 cylinder engine: smooth, powerful (noticeably faster than the new car), economical, with a great noise under power, mated to one of the best auto gearboxes in the business: the ZF 8 speed unit. Instant changes, throttle blips on downshifts, truly great. Don’t get me wrong, the old car wasn’t perfect. It’s best up to 8/10ths, as it can start to get wayward over that, but it’s comfortable, as fast as you need for the road, economical and feels a cut above in quality and powertrain. If you want a 10/10ths car, then you need the M2. What the ‘M-lites’ have, in my opinion, is a broader range of abilities. They do the ‘normal car’ thing better than the full-fat versions when you’re not in the mood and just want to get home after a long day in the office. With the new car it’s more ordinary. It doesn’t stand out from the pack of Focus, Civic, A Class or Golf. It’s a me-too car. I actually preferred driving the 118i to be honest. Less power, so torque steer isn’t an issue, more refinement, reasonably brisk and a pleasant place to spend time. If power isn’t everything, it’s probably the one I would have (or wait and see if they bring a 120i out, which may be better still). Except I wouldn’t, because, well, it’s not a looker either is it? Arguably, the old car wasn’t either, but it did look BMW, with the Höffmeister kink in evidence, a strong shoulder line, subtly bulging wheelarches and a proper kidney grille up front that’s in proportion to the car. Thankfully, I bagged one of the last Shadow Edition M140s and, as you can probably tell, that’s not leaving my possession anytime soon.
Hangry Hippo Ha ha ha. Yes, you’re right, sorry. Just trying to offer info to those thinking of buying one. I’d recommend trying both (or a M240i if it has to be a new car) before signing on the dotted line.
Henry being polite.
He has to be polite. They all depend on not offending those who fund their lives by providing the cars. And that's the reason they NEVER talk about the corrupt manipulative lying cheating nature of "customer service" within the car industry.
@@numbereightyseven watch Savagegeese he's probably the most honest car reviewer on YT and he's not afraid to criticise
RWD: Gone
Inline 6: Gone
Manual: Gone
Shame on you BMW
New M3, RWD, Inline 6, Manual.
Why should BMW lose money by offering a M135i with RWD and Manual transmission when more than 90% of the M140i sales was in xDrive + Automatic Gearbox. But I agree about the 6 cylinders, but this is not BMW pur will but an regulation/emission matter.
Now, let's hope for the next M2.
@@Rob.One. Not only that, but 140i only made up 4% of 1 series sales.
FWD means more space , less fuel.
Also its not BMW's fault for emission regs, thats on the EU and Greta.
You forgot one more
Kidney grill: *BIGGER !!* lol
You forgot one more
Kidney grill: *BIGGER !!* lol
Pass. BMW need to fire their entire design team and bring some proper styling to the table like they used to do back in the 90s and 00s.
Bring back the bangle era
@@lewdyson4744 Bangle got his share of criticism at the time ;-)
Come on at least it's not the M4
70's & 80's were my favourite eras for Bmws design. This car just sounds like my Mini Cooper S jcw
MrJef06 he did but they aged beautifully
I'm sure it's objectively a good car, but it's an insult to the BMW brand.
and to the loyal long term fans.. they are moving to new customers in the emerging market. no wonder we cant adapt to the change at all..
Very true, but in this competitive sector, just make a car for the enthusiast aren't enough to satisfy the accountants. Also, if you aren't enthusiast, you wouldn't notice the difference anyway. Sign of the time.
Personally, a used M140i with a retrofit LSD would be a better buy.
@@shin-eisato5788 bmw is just shit now
It’s still the Ultimate Driving Machine regardless if it’s FWD, RWD, or AWD.
This car is a giant misconception of all enthusiasts, because it is not meant for them. Even if they still had the rwd platform there wouldn't be a 6 cylinder anymore due to emissions. Now they have the perfect excuse, this is a car only meant for the mass market, using a cheap Mini platform to gain money and to get down their fleet emissions. Nothing more. Even something like the M135i is not really meant to satisfy typical BMW customers, it is more of a hero car for generic young people that need to flex or something, for people that only care about status. This way, they attract new customers to get the sales up. The general public doesn't care about which wheels are driven, in dense urban traffic no one will notice that in the first place. And that's everything. If we still want to have hero cars like an M2 or 8 series or whatever, we have to accept that in modern times this can only be justified financially and from an emissions standpoint through cars like those. That's the same reason why sportscar manufacturers make SUVs - they need the money and eventually cut emissions with future electric SUVs and stuff. That's how it is, it's 2020 after a financial crisis, an economy crisis, hard regulations due to climate change and now hard times after corona.
The era of bonkers creations like an E60 M5 or an Audi Q7 V12 TDI and all of them - it's over. It's nice that it existed, but now we live in other times, and we can do nothing else but accept it and live with it.
Just got a 2016 m140i, wouldn’t trade it for this ugly piece of junk
Hideous car.
hideous is an understatement
it's a mini Cooper in a BMW t shirt
@@papa_pt and I'd rather have the mini tbh
@@tommihommi1 I agree it's meant for this kind of fwd layout..seeing a BMW like this is perverse. Even the base turbo 3 cyl with stick I test drove a few years back was a blast
Austin a terrible, ill fitting, awful BMW t shirt.
I've an interesting angle on this as I A) Sell BMWs and B) Have an M135i as a demonstrator. You will be amazed just how many people say "its not an M140" "Its not Rear Wheel Drive" "Its not a 6 cylinder, Yet when we sold a RWD 6 Cylinder M140 they all bemoaned it for not being a Golf R basically.
As a person who personally owned an M140i with and LSD too I will say this car does everything better.... bar straight line out right pace.
And the sound
Now those same people are complaining that the new Golf 8R is fugly
How many of those M140i rwd heroes never made a car oversteer in their life or turned off the traction control I wonder?
Plenty of enthusiast drivers, especially the generation that grew up with rwd cars like RS2000, Lotus Sunbeam, 325i and the like will have been happy to have fun with the M140i but 90% of drivers are scared out of their wits if a car slides from either end.
I just can't love this car, at all. Hideous looks, underwhelming engine, crap noise, fwd, etc. BMW really has lost its way.
Yeah, it's just nuts. I mean the world will be electric in 15 years, it's easy to package RWD in electric vehicles so those future 1 series will be RWD, why for the last decade of gasoline BMWs make this crap FWD thing?
"lost its way" Makes better cars every generation. You are just stuck in the past.
@@DuBstep115 Define better? It's slower than the old care and gives up all the things that previous people loved about the old one. It's about as close to objectively worse as you can get.
@@ImBarryScottCSS People who value manual transmissions can ride horses in my opinion.
@@DuBstep115 Why does riding horses have to be the only option? That doesn't make any sense.
Still cant get used to the 4 cylinder and the shape from this new 1 series.
This new 135i will make the old shape straight 6 rwd 135i look way more appealing and mabye even legendary
Guys, I understand your BMW fanboy attitude of RWD, 6 cyl turbo, etc. But remember, BMW is as much a premium brand as it is the go-to brand for relatively affordable and desirable driver’s cars. This new M135i is not the BMW we would all want, yes, but it’s BMW trying to nod toward that premium brand aspect. This new M135i has a much nicer, high-quality interior, more space in the back and is slightly bigger on boot space. The previous gen 1-series did the performance and driver’s car aspect so well, it kind of lost out on the other key aspect of a hot hatch, practicality. This for me, is more of a hot hatch than the previous M140i / M135i, because it strikes a seemingly better balance between live-ability and performance. Plus, I feel the lack of RWD not to be that much of a problem, will you drift into your driveway or your kid’s school drop off? I don’t think so... 4WD is more secure for the petrolhead families BMW are targeting this car at, as well as for cold and wet climates like the UK... 😂 I would not to trash an M140i on a narrow British road when it’s pouring rain... All of the above is my own opinion, I respect your own, but I feel like this car is being a bit misunderstood by the enthusiast community. Although, I do agree the design could be nicer, I prefer the look of the previous 1-series.
Garbage BMW. Torque steer. No exhaust noise. Pass.
"Torque steer" - in what century are you stuck in? Not like they have it for more than 30 years or so
so: uggers, fwd-based 4wd, 4pot
You'd be better off getting a used Golf Rrrrrrr if you want dat (except the golf looks nicer lol)
But it’s shit inside
Mitchell Donachie in a golf R?...
Agree, Golf R is better than this M135i
M140i is the drivers car to get though, this B58 engine is only superior in fuel economy and emissions and inferior in every other way.
@@mitchelldonachie1798 I can only assume from this comment that you have never been in a Golf R, they have very nice interiors for their price point, they feel very Audiesque.
flacjacket nope been in one, impressive car no denying that. Hate the interior build quality. Just feels cheap imo
An abortion of a "car"...
lol and the new M3/M4 is Frankenstein's monster....
Yikes
This is what everyone said when the previous version of the 1 series was released 😂 this car is superior in every way to the previous generation
4cyl, auto, not rwd & looks like a Daewoo
😂😂😂the rear reminds me of a Subaru
Daewoo 🤣 Completely forgot about those.
Yes it's strong reality true
you win comment of the day today , :)
Sounds like a Civic ... this is genuinely one of the worst things I've seen in a long time, I'm no BMW fan but dear GOD...
I’ve just taken delivery of one of these, I’ve fully optioned it and also had the dealer swap out the cerium grey parts with gloss black before collection, I understand how people don’t like the loss of the 6 pot, but this car should be taken on it’s own merits, if you haven’t already, I recommend a drive in the F40 M135i, it’s a very capable car, I had second thoughts just before delivery of my new car but I needn’t have worried, it truly is fantastic, remember, it’s an S3, Golf R, A35 competitor, and as such it excels in every way over them, it’s not a replacement for the M140 (that’s in development) !🙂 PS: pictures don’t do the car justice, the car looks far far nicer in person, it’s definitely a grower!
Congrats! I agree, it's seriously annoying reading through all the keyboard warriors who have not driven or even seen it in person rant about it based on statistics. You also pointed out that it looks better in person. That actually seems to be the case with a lot of BMWs, they're not photogenic, but in person their fantastic.
Just got a black saphire with tech pack and pro pack. I went to the dealership to get the last of the m140s. As already owned a 2016 1 series. In the flesh i was amazed how much better the f40 looked. Much chunkier and more aggresive.For me its not even close. The 140i is a bit faster in a straight line and sounds a bit better. And thats where it ends. I didnt think twice about shelling out the extra cash.I keep having to make excuses to jump in and drive the m135i. Its brilliant and very very fast.
No it doesnt exceed a S3. The new one is beautiful
I agree. Not sure about excelling over the new S3 but they're both great cars.
Im taking delivery of a 2022 model hopfully in January i agree so many people hating on a car yet they've not driven it. Im currently in a m140i and great as that car is the fact remainss that im not interested in driving sideways around roundabouts, im not interested in driving on McDonald's car parks.
This car is for the grown ups and BMW know this.
You want sideways by a M2 BMW make those too
Urrgh! I really don't care for any content on this car. It's just SO boring, aesthetically awkward and it doesn't even sound half decent. Just stop, please stop!
Vinny C you could always just stop watching
@@berniesutton7277 This is true, sir. However, if in anyway I could influence the channel to not do anymore content on this car then that would be superb. The rest of their content is always excellent, with very interesting cars, however, this is not interesting at all ☹️.
Vinny C it might be a car that you like but, due to the ever harsher restrictions, cars like this make it possible for the cars you do like to continue to exist. Just try to appreciate the need for their existence
@@berniesutton7277 I totally see your point. I just wish BMW didn't copy the likes of the Golf R, Merc A45 AMG etc. The issue is the cars all look the same, sound the same etc. It just makes me sad ☹️.
I do like it for what it offers but it just looks hideous. BMW's designers have completely lost their minds. I'd rather buy an mk7 Golf R instead of this.
This reminds me... I need to head to the grocery.
Don’t get it with these comments I love the new model looks stunning and big improvement over the old model that looked like a bread van.
It’s safer look on auto trader at how many 140 rear wheel drive are on the insurance register I work in the accident repair trade and see loads that have been spun and ended in a ditch.
I understand the appeal of rwd but in hands of the mrs wit;h kids in the back in the wet it’s a accident waiting to happen.
And yes I owed one now have the new m135i it’s by far a better finished more polished car that in all conditions is the faster car.
Yes mate, fully agree 👌
I’ve had one of these for a year now, and it’s a cracking bit of kit. The comments from the muppets that haven’t actually driven one are hilarious!
Well the muppets recognise a beautiful car when they see one ! This has to be one of ugliest cars on the road.
#muppets rule
my dear god that car is ugly! every new 1 series is uglier than the other!
Could you do a head-to-head with the previous M140i?
Would be lovely to see just by how much has BMW messed up again :)
Check CARWOW, the m140i was quicker
@@D77-c1v the M140i is quicker, has much better tuning potential, looks better, sounds better, engine runs smoother, pulls harder throughout the rev range, is more responsive & handles better.
It’s not an M140 replacement though, the new M140 is in development and has been seen at the ring recently.
@@cfbm125 Is it RWD?
vomErsten the F40 M135i is xDrive and new M140i will have an AWD system much like the A45s with rear biased drift mode.
We bought the last 140i to be sold in the country last year and absolutely love it.Kept mileage low,at less than 2,000 miles as it is a keeper.However the new m135i is far superior on the inside, just not as unique.
There’s no point in keeping the mileage low. BMW sold thousands of them, it’s not rare. Go out and drive it.
Insert Witty Name I get the point that there are an awful lot of them around. I just feel that keeping it for weekends and in mint condition will just make me happy😀I am not keeping it for any financial reward in the future,just the satisfaction of caring for a piece of history.
This car is crap
I actually love the design of the car
I can see why they went the route they did with this, but why not go for any other FWD turbo car? BMW used to have something unique to offer, now its just another car. What's stopping me for buying a cheaper quicker Golf R ? Sorry BMW, you're losing it...and what's with these hideous front grills you're adopting across the range? BMW really has lost touch with reality.
Obviously you do not belong to the target group for this car. The target group loves it: ua-cam.com/video/D7nUGNpQjB0/v-deo.html
I have had mine 6 months and whilst it's not the prettiest car, it's an awful lot of fun and has provided many a fantastic drive with lots of excitement at roundabouts and overtakes. It's not an M140i replacement, stop comparing Apples with Lemons. Interior is stunning, seats are super comfortable, and 40mpg + on long journeys. If you want an every day car that will beat the majority of cars off the line that you'll meet day to day, then you can't go far wrong with this. Yes it doesn't sound fantastic, but at least you don't pee off the neighbours with an obnoxiously loud exhaust!!!!
42 grand 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Bmw, they basically made a golf R with bmw badges... bmw stood out and decided to become the crowd
It may well be a good car but it ain’t a true bmw and it simply isn’t what bmw is about
If you wanted a bmw you bought a bmw
If you wanted a 4 wheel drive, front biased 2 litre turbo you bought a golf or Audi or Ford or whatever else does that
It's still a better steer than a Golf R.
Hot hatches shouldn't be measured on BHP but by how much they make you smile.
Henry face looks pretty bored for the whole video!
“M” 🤣🤣🤣 yeah ok BMW, we believe you.
Having now owned both the 140 and now the new 135, I can honestly say I’m glad i modernised. And from the rear, it’s one of the best looking hot hatches
You still feel the same months on? Lots of people say that it feels worse to drive etc
@@jameswrightson744 I do, loving it..
That’s good to hear! I’m now debating it but must admit I also fancy the upcoming 240i
My only gripe is the new gearbox - do you time it much slower? I also like to track mine so wondering how it would cope versus the m140i
@@mrjamesmay3548 I have no issues with the gear box, well if you avoid eco. My 140 was a manual and I do miss that
Yes please against the A35. ... Perhaps the Audi S3? A mini countryman JCW?
Look i like the M135i ... And i like BMWs... But given the choice, I'm struggling to think of a reason why I'd chose it over an A35.
Truly a hideous design language and overall style. Not a car to lust over. Maybe it sells well in China. All it needs now is that gigantic grill the M4 has! ha ha ha ha
Why does this Hyundai i30 N have those ugly nostrils?
It reminds me of a Nike training shoe for some reason haha but, i think this car is super dull
2 cylinders BMW M115i up next
The i8 has a 3 cylinder mini engine ……..that’s a great car
so .. M now stands for .. Mediocre?
That's a lot of money for something that looks like a Focus ST
Honestly looks worse. This thing looks fucking hideous.
Focus ST looks way better
Would like to hear your thoughts against the Mini Clubman JCW as they share similar components.
I still can’t get on with the looks of the new car. From the side it looks like the bastard love child of an X2 and a 2 series active tourer...which is not a good thing to my eyes. The front end is grim. The beige details are particularly unpleasant. Rear end isn’t too bad.
The interior is nice though. I have no issues with the interior of the old car, but this is a good move forward other than one detail...the digital dash. It’s horrible; silly shape and the rev counter moves the wrong way.
I can't really disagree much with your commentary, Sam. Although I do feel that whether this front end is attractive or not, it's way far better than the atrocious mess that has been dumped on most of the the 2021 models with that huge set of grills.
Henry gives me the feeling that this BMW M135i, in many regards, is a very nicely upgraded Mini. It looks like they've lifted the Mini 4 banger and added a turbo, lifted the front wheel drive bias and suspension from the Mini, and put a different, nice looking body on it. I don't know if it's to be a step between the top Mini and the entry level BMW really, but that does come to mind.
Maybe I'm just a bit set in my old opinions and such, but I'll stick with my E46 330xi manual, at ~200K, that I've enthusiastically enjoyed for the last 10 years. It runs nearly like new and I just haven't seen anything new that has made me change my tastes.
Looks like something Kia would make.
That's an insult to Kia!
Even worser than Kia
BMW is really struggling to evolve the kidney grill. It's like they don't know what to do with it. Especially on this car and their new electric models. The front design of this car looks really cheap.
This looks better than the old 140i and any old 135i so don’t know what people are talking about , sad
Check out Maxton design version then you might like it more .
The comments are so funny and predictable.
This a truly modern car with modern technology and bang up to date modern styling.
It always amuses me how BMW owners like living in the past. ;-)
Ran an F20 for 4 years, F40 for nearly a year. Other than engine/exhaust noise the F40 is a superior car in every area.
Its not faster, ever. Also its not as good looking.
@@MY-mp6bq On the right road, in the right weather i.e. the types I encounter regularly I think it probably is.
But thats just a subjective opinion, as are looks.
Down on power and defiantly looks as well though, ticks all the wrong boxes for me
We don't have to let everything slide.
It is a hideous creation. Undeserving of the m badge, even more so the 1 series badge.
What a pathetic excuse of a successor.
Obviously you do not belong to the target group for this car. The target group loves it: ua-cam.com/video/D7nUGNpQjB0/v-deo.html
It's very dull. Gives me the same sense of nothingness I get when I look at a Golf or a 308. I get that it's a capable, fast car, but £42k? No. No, thank you.
so this car is a mini under the shell. why not just get mini?
mini's has more character and they re built by same company.
what im trying to say is whats the point of this car. Bmw used to had only rwd hot hatch in the line up but now other than maybe little more hp why would anybody choose this car over cheaper alternatives like golf gti, focus st, type r, megan rs or better looking and as fast alternatives like audi s3 and a45?
so normal customer would get a golf because its cheaper
normal customer with more money would get a mini because its more hip cool and different (actually they would get a crossover or suv)
car enthusiast would get whatever brand they love most. looks like bmw fans doenst really likes this car so they are not buying it either.
bmw... who you aimed this car at? who is the target customer?
I'm picking one up next week and as a daily driver it's excellent and fits the bill perfectly. Interior quality superior to the A35, new S3 or new Golf and great to have the choice to use the idrive and a few buttons, far safer. Exterior may not be to everybody's liking but it is at least a new design. Most people would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the old Golf, A35, S3 and the new ones and I'm a fan of the larger grill (the grills on my current 1 series are looking decidedly to small now.) and if I had the dosh I would go for the new M3. All to our own.
If it said Seat or Nissan on the front, it would be the click bait favourite for best all round hot hatch. But it doesn't; BMW built their reputation on nimble RWD cars and whether they care to admit it or not, they will be seen as that for the foreseeable future.
It's official, H___ has frozen over, a FWD BMW M135, stop watching, don't care, BMW and Mercedes fwd models aren't as good as their RWD models, it's just that plain and simple, the FWD BMW work as a Mini, not a BMW
That’s a lot of money for a car that Henry is struggling to make sound interesting, let alone exciting or special in any way!
Who remembers how BMW adverts used to bang on about the unique handling characteristics of their drive train layout?!
Someone give Henry a nudge to wake him back up, please! 😆
When the front grill looks bigger than the wheels you start to realise the design has gone the wrong way...
Audi grilles have been bigger than wheels for years, but they execute the design better
Looks a right mess
Yeah I would rather get a Civic Type R
Come on people, this is just BMW trying to increase values of the second hand BMW market!
Not every model will inspire enthusiasts, respectable numbers, many will find it a fine car, at least it's not a SUV
If you get a chance, I'd be interested to hear your comparison with the MINI Clubman JCW - same platform and engine but MINI-fied rather than BMW-fied.
I see you wrote that 2 yrs ago. Drove both the JCW Clubman an the "updated" 135i xDrive. Wanted the JCW to be my preference. JCW didnt't seem to be refined. The engine was very loud and sounded not attractive and artificial inside the car. The Beer was astonishing I liked the ride, fantastic suspension, no more tear on the wheel. Steering feels numb and won't tell you zip, but it's precise and you know where it's going. I drove inline6 for over 20 yrs now, I didn't want to like that 4 zyl-engine. I think they put together an attracive all over package in direct comparison to the S3, A35 and Golf R, ordered mine in full spec and an individual color.
BMW is completely losing it.
Losing what?
It's what the market demands,and they make 100's of millions profit.
They know exactly what they are doing.
@@nearlyretired7005
1. 2 year old comment
2. The market is not demanding a FWD-based egg with a BMW badge slapped on the front. Profit isn't everything, I'd rather have BMW make marginally less money but make a better product.
So much hate for this car. Has anyone actually seen one or driven one?
Yes, I have!
It‘s good for a fwd layout.
I love the interior, great rear end.
Hate the side line and the front.
Engine is pretty decent for an inline 4, pulls nicely but runs out of puff at high revs.
Why did I drive it? To find out if it could be a replacement for our M140i one day. The answer is: No way.
But the new one is a good car for sure. If you don‘t know the old one. ;)
@@BaeHarrier Me too.
I work in the motor trade, and compared a new M135i side-by-side with my 2017 M140i.
The new model is absolute dogshit. Nobody buys a hatchback for interior quality ffsk lol ......
My remapped M140i would disappear into the distance if one of these FWD-biased shitheaps tried it on.
I traded my 2016 M135i in for an M2. Had this appalling thing been available then and an M2 outside my budget I would have jumped brand.
Sl they've made a BMW Golf R that's probably slower than an actual Golf R.
So True, BMW Golf R
Lol still laughing at all the M140i fan boy hate. It’s so funny. Poor things still in a big strop. Haha. Great video from an unbiased reviewer. Great to see a BMW nailing the “golf r” formula and sprinkling some BMW magic. Well done BMW. you can still get a 6cyl RWD beemer if you really want one (3 series anyone?). But now we have more choice! Happy days!
We have a 140 and the new 135. The 140 great car but 135 to use on a daily basis can’t fault it great performance superb cabin and drove it the snow today x drive superb
I agree. Had mine out too. Brilliant car compared to the old 1 series.
It's hideous. and even the previous 1s which i never thought of as lookers are much better looking. Has the badge though so it will sell lots.
Pcp crowd will love it......
I'd take an M4 with 5k miles and one elderly previous owner for the same money.
As always though, have to commemorate Henry for being fantastic as his job.
Answer to your last question: I’d like to see a comparison with a rear drive 135i and a four wheel drive hatch. Is it closer to one or the other? 😊 I’ll drive. 😃😃
I don't like this car, pretty sure I'm not alone
It is a good hot hatch compared to its rivals, but compared to its predecessor, it doesnt have that specialty which made it so great.
disappointment oozing from every phrase while Henry is doing his best at being polite. too bad, BMW, too bad...
Old version > New
Is the Adaptive Suspension option worth having?
Have any of you guys in the comments actually driven in and spent any time with this car?? It’s very very good.
So is an S3, without the terrible visage.
vomErsten honestly, pictures don’t do the M135i justice, plus swapping out the grill to gloss black further improves it and it really does grow on you, the trouble is with the new S3 is that the exterior is much like the 8v and the interior is very plastic based and cheap feeling.
@@cfbm125 I don't disagree about the new S3, but only because the facelifted 8V looks even better than the new one inside and out (I may be biased, I own one). But the hatch doesn't work for the new BMW, the proportions work better in its M235 Gran Coupe format.
I test drove this yesterday and the new Ford Focus ST, by far the Ford Focus was the better drive.
42k for basically an i30n no thanks.
Like for the video but an awful car.
BMW progressing backwards again, ruining the brand further. Mr. Weil and his design team really mucking everything up stylingwise too.
I will buy a 1series RWD now.
Previous BMW 1 series has had a love child with a Ford Focus - disappointing front end 🔞
oh my god, they made a basic Karen mobile.
@Az Lean let me guess
You're Very quirky and random
The shape of the current 1 series is growing on me. I actually quite like it . The old m135i/ m140i were brilliant cars, they looked mean & muscular while the normal 1 series didn’t look that great to me
I'm not sure this is in any way better than a new golf R which is likely cheaper. Can we do a head to head comparo ?
There is only one clincher. Would Henry buy one with his own money? I think we already know the answer.
Ok, I see it's merits and and general usability improvements...but in the end, and in the point of view of the enthusiast car buyer, can we agree this is a step backwards?
If I was in the market for a small but practical 4 door hot BMW...I wouldn't be looking at this, but the classifieds instead.
It is not meant as a car for enthusiasts. It is only meant for the mass market, and the mass market doesn't care. Why? Because they need to get their emissions down. That's all. If we want future enthusiast models, we need to accept that they will make other models for large scale markets too.
Where is the long term review??
You will need make a competition new M135 vs M140 and Mini JCW GP!!!!
The older 140i was unique, being i6 and FR layout. This is a good car, but it's not unique in the same way that the previous generations were.
The Old out going M140i was an old dated car. People only gravitated to it because of the power. It Looked boring and dated, The Manual was slower than the auto. The Handling isn't great and it didn't have a diff. This is hands down in every way a better car. Handles better, Fuel economy is better, interior is light years ahead and real world drivability is better with the 4wd system. I've had an M140i and my brand new M135i gets here next week because it's simply better than it's rivals at the same price point. The only other thing I considered was getting another Megane RS, but they don't offer adaptive suspension. It's easy to offer a drive by internet comment - but you go buy a brand new hot hatch and see what you come back with considering the options currently out there.
And people DARE disrespect the civic type r I mean look at this bmw from the rear of the car looks like a tuned up rear back of a 1.3 rascal van smh better of the m140 2017 shape anyway I know what I'd go for in a heartbeat big R all day
I bet they sell like crap
Henry, pls line it up with its sibling, the Mini. Could a Cooper upstage its pricier twin?
Just bought one and it’s beautifully evil
My condolences to you and your family.
Lovely car😍
*DISGRACEFUL* MINI IN DRAGS
Everything here is wrong
Just keep my e39 six - cylinder.
OK, cards on table. I’ve owned BMWs for the last 11 years with only a six months ‘intermission’ in that time. Just a fact, not showing off or people may laugh if they want, I don’t care. Point is, I really like their cars, I like the customer service I’ve experienced, I even like their company philosophy, which seems to reasonably lean in a ‘green’ direction (as much as a car manufacturer can, at least). I have driven this and the 118i and came away underwhelmed to be honest. As Henry says, it’s a good car, no doubt about that. For me though, it was almost cynically conceived. It’s arguably good enough. No more, no less. Is that what you really expect of a brand like BMW though? Aren’t you paying the extra for something a bit special? Where it starts to fall down is a comparison with the previous car. Torque steer really is an issue in the M135i, make no doubt. I think Henry was being polite here. On our drive on country roads in the rain the wheel tugged left and right under brisk acceleration. The gearbox on ‘our’ car was poor too: slow to respond to the paddles and sometimes not responding at all. Not good in a hot hatch. It’s not the excellent ZF unit, but an Aisin ‘box. In some areas it beats the M140i. Refinement is noticeably better right from the off, especially road noise and it feels a little more solid that the old car, that extra cross bracing no doubt helping here. Interior room-wise I really can’t tell much difference. Even BMW themselves claim an extra 25mm or 1 inch in the back seats. Headroom felt worse to me, but I haven’t checked the official stats there and the boot may be bigger, but I think it scores in height rather than floor area. The M140i was a car dominated by a truly top-drawer 6 cylinder engine: smooth, powerful (noticeably faster than the new car), economical, with a great noise under power, mated to one of the best auto gearboxes in the business: the ZF 8 speed unit. Instant changes, throttle blips on downshifts, truly great. Don’t get me wrong, the old car wasn’t perfect. It’s best up to 8/10ths, as it can start to get wayward over that, but it’s comfortable, as fast as you need for the road, economical and feels a cut above in quality and powertrain. If you want a 10/10ths car, then you need the M2. What the ‘M-lites’ have, in my opinion, is a broader range of abilities. They do the ‘normal car’ thing better than the full-fat versions when you’re not in the mood and just want to get home after a long day in the office. With the new car it’s more ordinary. It doesn’t stand out from the pack of Focus, Civic, A Class or Golf. It’s a me-too car. I actually preferred driving the 118i to be honest. Less power, so torque steer isn’t an issue, more refinement, reasonably brisk and a pleasant place to spend time. If power isn’t everything, it’s probably the one I would have (or wait and see if they bring a 120i out, which may be better still). Except I wouldn’t, because, well, it’s not a looker either is it? Arguably, the old car wasn’t either, but it did look BMW, with the Höffmeister kink in evidence, a strong shoulder line, subtly bulging wheelarches and a proper kidney grille up front that’s in proportion to the car. Thankfully, I bagged one of the last Shadow Edition M140s and, as you can probably tell, that’s not leaving my possession anytime soon.
Write a book. This is too long
Hangry Hippo Ha ha ha. Yes, you’re right, sorry. Just trying to offer info to those thinking of buying one. I’d recommend trying both (or a M240i if it has to be a new car) before signing on the dotted line.
@@andrewmoorhouse687 Thank you.
can u compare against A35 & S3?
How does bmw go from making one of the most beautiful cars(8 Series/M8), to making these ugly ass models. They're completely losing it🤦🏿♂️