The BMW M135i and M140i are two of the most popular cars in the BMW M Performance lineup. Both cars come with powerful engines, sleek designs, and advanced technological features. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may impact a buyer’s decision.
The M135i is the predecessor to the M140i and was first introduced in 2012. It comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. The M140i, on the other hand, was introduced in 2015 and comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While both cars are powerful, the M140i has a slight edge in terms of performance.
When it comes to design, both cars have a similar look but with some subtle differences. The M135i has a more understated design, while the M140i has a more aggressive look with larger air intakes and a wider stance. The M140i also has a slightly longer wheelbase, which provides more interior space. Overall, both cars have a sleek and sporty appearance that will appeal to many buyers.
M135i Overview
The BMW M135i is a hot hatchback that was first introduced in 2012. It is the predecessor to the M140i and is known for its impressive performance and handling capabilities. The M135i is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four turbo engine that produces 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is available in both manual and automatic transmissions, and has a top speed of 155 mph.
The M135i has a sleek and sporty design, with a low and wide stance that gives it a muscular appearance. It features BMW’s signature kidney grille, along with aggressive air intakes and a sporty rear spoiler. The interior of the M135i is also sporty and stylish, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features.
One of the standout features of the M135i is its handling and performance. It has a responsive and agile chassis, with precise steering and excellent grip. The suspension is tuned for sporty driving, and the brakes are powerful and reliable. The M135i is also equipped with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in all driving conditions.
M140i Overview
The BMW M140i is a high-performance hatchback that was produced from 2016 to 2019. It is the predecessor to the current M135i model and is known for its powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, and fun driving experience.
Under the hood, the M140i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. This combination allows the M140i to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
In terms of exterior design, the M140i features a sporty and aggressive look with a low stance, large air intakes, and a rear spoiler. The interior is also sporty with supportive seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a high-tech infotainment system.
One of the standout features of the M140i is its driving dynamics. The rear-wheel drive setup provides excellent balance and handling, and the precise steering and firm suspension make it a joy to drive on twisty roads. Additionally, the M140i comes with a range of performance-enhancing features such as M Sport brakes, adaptive suspension, and a limited-slip differential.
Performance Comparison
1. Engine
The BMW M135i and M140i both come with powerful engines. The M135i has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the M140i has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M140i’s engine is undoubtedly more powerful, but the M135i’s engine is still impressive and provides plenty of power.
2. Acceleration
When it comes to acceleration, the M140i is slightly faster than the M135i. The M140i can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, while the M135i can do it in 4.8 seconds. Although the difference is small, it is still noticeable and may be important to some buyers.
3. Top Speed
The top speed of both cars is electronically limited to 155 mph. However, the M140i has a higher potential top speed due to its more powerful engine.
Design Comparison
1. Exterior
The BMW M135i and M140i share the same platform and dimensions, but they have different exterior designs. The M135i has a sleek and sporty look with a more aggressive front bumper, larger air intakes, and a lower ride height. The M140i, on the other hand, has a more subtle design with a traditional BMW kidney grille and a less aggressive front bumper. The M140i also has a higher ride height, which makes it look more like a regular hatchback.
In terms of wheels, the M135i comes with 18-inch alloys as standard, while the M140i comes with 18-inch alloys or 19-inch alloys as an optional extra. Both models have LED headlights and taillights, but the M140i has a unique LED light signature.
2. Interior
The interior of the M135i and M140i is almost identical, with only a few minor differences. Both models have a driver-focused dashboard with a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. The M135i has a sportier interior with Alcantara and leather sports seats, while the M140i has leather sports seats with contrasting stitching.
Both models have a high level of standard equipment, including climate control, cruise control, and a rearview camera. The M140i has a few additional features, such as a sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system, which are not available on the M135i.
Technological Features
The BMW M135i and M140i come with a host of technological features that enhance the driving experience. Here are some of the notable features:
- iDrive 6.0: The BMW M135i and M140i come with the iDrive 6.0 infotainment system, which is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly systems on the market. It features a 6.5-inch display screen, voice recognition, and a touchpad controller that allows drivers to access a variety of functions with ease.
- Harman Kardon Sound System: The BMW M135i and M140i come with a premium Harman Kardon sound system that delivers high-quality audio. The system includes 12 speakers and a 360-watt amplifier, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.
- Adaptive M Suspension: The BMW M135i and M140i come with an adaptive M suspension system that adjusts the damping of the shock absorbers to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. The system also allows drivers to choose between different driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
- BMW ConnectedDrive: The BMW M135i and M140i come with BMW’s ConnectedDrive system, which provides a range of services to enhance the driving experience. These services include real-time traffic information, concierge services, and remote vehicle services.
- Parking Assistant: The BMW M135i and M140i come with a parking assistant feature that makes parking in tight spaces a breeze. The system uses sensors to detect available parking spaces and then automatically steers the car into the space.
Safety Comparison
When it comes to safety, both the BMW M135i and M140i have received high ratings from safety organizations. Both models come with a range of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and traction control.
However, the M135i lacks the standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which is a notable safety feature that comes standard in the M140i. AEB is designed to automatically apply the brakes if the car detects an imminent collision, helping to prevent accidents and reduce the severity of collisions.
In terms of crash test ratings, both models have received a 5-star rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which is a good indication of their safety. However, it is worth noting that the Euro NCAP tests are updated regularly, and newer models may have different ratings.
The M140i also comes with Run-flat tyres, which allow the car to continue driving for a short distance after a puncture, reducing the risk of accidents caused by sudden tire failure. However, run-flat tyres can be more expensive to replace than regular tyres and may provide a harsher ride.
Price Comparison
When it comes to pricing, the BMW M135i and M140i are both considered to be on the higher end of the spectrum. However, there are some differences between the two models that are worth considering.
The BMW M135i, with its 2.0-litre inline-four turbo engine, has a starting price of around $43,000. On the other hand, the BMW M140i, with its 3.0-litre inline-six turbo engine, has a starting price of around $49,000. This means that the M140i is roughly $6,000 more expensive than the M135i.
It’s worth noting that the M140i does come with some additional features that are not available on the M135i. For example, the M140i comes with a rear-wheel drive system, which is not available on the M135i. Additionally, the M140i has a more powerful engine, which produces 335bhp compared to the M135i’s 302bhp.
However, the M135i does come with some features that are not available on the M140i. For example, the M135i comes with a front-wheel drive system, which provides better traction in certain driving conditions. Additionally, the M135i has a slightly better fuel economy than the M140i.
Conclusion
In summary, both the BMW M135i and the BMW M140i are impressive vehicles with their own unique strengths. The M140i comes with a six-cylinder engine that gives it a more powerful acceleration, while the M135i has a four-cylinder engine that is almost as powerful.
The M135i is a more affordable option and still offers a thrilling driving experience. It also has a more compact size, making it easier to maneuver around tight corners and narrow streets. On the other hand, the M140i offers a rear-wheel drive, which gives it a more engaging driving experience and better handling.
When it comes to practicality, both cars offer a similar amount of space and comfort for passengers and luggage. However, the M140i comes with a better fuel economy, which can be a significant factor for those who are looking for a more cost-effective option.
So, the choice between the BMW M135i and the BMW M140i ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Both cars offer an impressive driving experience, and it is up to the individual to decide which one suits their needs and wants best.
