• The F20 M135i is official, preview trailer - Too much dilution of the M brand?

                    
      		   
      Published on 05-16-2012 07:42 AM
      1 Comment Comments
      We do not see the need for this vehicle to have an "M" anywhere in its name. It is not a true M car, it really does not offer anything over the 1M (more of a step backward), and just seems to be a cash grab by BMW. Frankly this is one BMW car with the letter M in the name that we are not at all upset over not being sold in the United States. For all intents and purpose, the BMW 1M is a superior vehicle to this and that model caused more than enough of a stir with M purists.

      Whether we like it or not, BMW built the car and will continue their new M Performance line the goal of which seemingly is to make money at the expense of the M division. It gets a 320 horsepower N55 turbo six cylinder and some more aggressive body work. A manual transmission and an 8 speed automatic are the transmission options. Yawn.

      BMW at the very least gave the 1M M3 bits and made it somewhat rare despite just throwing in an N54. This model simply isn't as good and just feels like the M brand is being taken far too downscale with BMW plastering "M" on anything it can these days. We are sorry to say it, but this car is nothing special and barely should be branded a 135is let alone an "M"135i.

      It is quite fitting BMW chose to feature a female driver in the trailer considering she does not have balls and BMW has lost theirs. If people want to know why BimmerBoost is so critical of BMW these days, it is due to BMW making decisions that result in what you see below.



















      This article was originally published in forum thread: The F20 M135i is official, preview trailer - Too much dilution of the M brand? started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 19 Comments
      1. Autobahn335i's Avatar
        Autobahn335i - 05-16-2012, 08:46 AM
        Basically just a sportier design, the same way an s-line Audi has nothing to with a proper "S" or "RS" model.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-16-2012, 08:51 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Autobahn335i Click here to enlarge
        Basically just a sportier design, the same way an s-line Audi has nothing to with a proper "S" or "RS" model.
        Yes but Audi set that precedent themselves. Why should BMW mimic it? Why throw M badges on everything?
      1. Autobahn335i's Avatar
        Autobahn335i - 05-16-2012, 09:27 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Yes but Audi set that precedent themselves. Why should BMW mimic it? Why throw M badges on everything?
        $$$

        ///M has a positive image.

        I would be ok with this if the M stuff was actually performance-enhancing. But putting an M bage on the engine cover when it's just a lightly tuned N55 (software previously labeled "Performance Power Kit") is ridiculous.

        The marketing department has clearly won the overhand in the head offices of BMW.
      1. DBFIU's Avatar
        DBFIU - 05-16-2012, 11:09 AM
        LOL
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 05-16-2012, 02:06 PM
        I still don't get how they managed to make the new 1-series uglier than the current one. Didn't think that was possible.

        What a hideous front end.
      1. Remonster's Avatar
        Remonster - 05-16-2012, 02:59 PM
        As much as I love this car (styling aside, the idea of a 320hp rear wheel drive (with optional all wheel drive) hatch to take on the likes of the STI and Golf R is pretty sweet) I agree, it shouldn't have an M badge on it.

        But don't worry about this being a poor successor to the 1M, that will come in the form of the M2 if the rumors are to be believed. I'm eagerly waiting for information about the M2 as it will most likely be my next car, but if BMW $#@!s it up I will gladly give my money to Porsche for a Cayman.
      1. Remonster's Avatar
        Remonster - 05-16-2012, 03:12 PM
        Some interesting things I found in the official specs: Electronic Power Steering (definitely doesn't deserve an M badge), they renamed the N55 with Performance Power Kit to the "M Twin Power Turbo" I wonder if there is actually anything different about this engine? We know the N54 in the 1M was modified for quicker response beyond the simple power kit. Also, the auto option for the M135i is the 8 speed auto instead of the DCT which was ALREADY an option on the E82 135i (after the switch to N55).

        I guess BMW is saving the DCT and mechanical power steering for the full blown M car, even though there won't be one based on this hatchback. Supposedly there will only be an M2 based on the F22 coupe.

        On the other hand, according to the project manager for this M135i this car has had 30% of its parts changed compared to a standard 1 series (vs 80% of parts changed for a true M car) so maybe they didn't need to use the M badge, but this is certainly a lot more than a 135is so you could argue that they did need some kind of new naming that reflected that.
      1. Gtrain's Avatar
        Gtrain - 05-16-2012, 03:53 PM
        I think the M letting is being used too freely. ///M should be special cars...
      1. 1cleanAMG's Avatar
        1cleanAMG - 05-16-2012, 04:56 PM
        Am I wrong for linking this car?
      1. Eleventeen's Avatar
        Eleventeen - 05-16-2012, 05:46 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by FR305 Click here to enlarge
        Am I wrong for linking this car?
        Not if you live in Massachusetts. That's between you and god. Click here to enlarge
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-16-2012, 06:36 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by M3_WC Click here to enlarge
        I still don't get how they managed to make the new 1-series uglier than the current one. Didn't think that was possible.

        What a hideous front end.
        Hehe, good point. The new 1 is fugly.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-16-2012, 06:37 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Remonster Click here to enlarge
        Some interesting things I found in the official specs: Electronic Power Steering (definitely doesn't deserve an M badge), they renamed the N55 with Performance Power Kit to the "M Twin Power Turbo" I wonder if there is actually anything different about this engine? We know the N54 in the 1M was modified for quicker response beyond the simple power kit. Also, the auto option for the M135i is the 8 speed auto instead of the DCT which was ALREADY an option on the E82 135i (after the switch to N55).

        I guess BMW is saving the DCT and mechanical power steering for the full blown M car, even though there won't be one based on this hatchback. Supposedly there will only be an M2 based on the F22 coupe.

        On the other hand, according to the project manager for this M135i this car has had 30% of its parts changed compared to a standard 1 series (vs 80% of parts changed for a true M car) so maybe they didn't need to use the M badge, but this is certainly a lot more than a 135is so you could argue that they did need some kind of new naming that reflected that.
        If this deserves an M badge why doesn't the new e82 135is?
      1. 1cleanAMG's Avatar
        1cleanAMG - 05-17-2012, 02:09 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Eleventeen Click here to enlarge
        Not if you live in Massachusetts. That's between you and god. Click here to enlarge

        I live in Florida -_-

        I have a soft spot for RWD High HP 2 door Hatchbacks
      1. Itsbrokeagain's Avatar
        Itsbrokeagain - 05-17-2012, 04:38 PM
        I dont think it looks all that bad...
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-17-2012, 05:44 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Matt@AUTOCouture Click here to enlarge
        I dont think it looks all that bad...
        The front headlight design is just weird.
      1. SlicktopTTZ's Avatar
        SlicktopTTZ - 05-17-2012, 06:01 PM
        Yeah the front is too chubby. Looks like a chubby kid's face.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-17-2012, 06:09 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by SlicktopTTZ Click here to enlarge
        Yeah the front is too chubby. Looks like a chubby kid's face.
        How it should look: http://www.bimmerboost.com/showthrea...eing-suggested

        Click here to enlarge
      1. Remonster's Avatar
        Remonster - 05-20-2012, 08:30 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        If this deserves an M badge why doesn't the new e82 135is?
        ...because that car just has the Performance suspension, exhaust and tune and some black kidneys and mirrors. Exactly like a 335is so the is name is perfect. The M135i has different control arms and a few other things but the more I think about it, the less I think it deserves an M badge.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-20-2012, 10:56 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Remonster Click here to enlarge
        ...because that car just has the Performance suspension, exhaust and tune and some black kidneys and mirrors. Exactly like a 335is so the is name is perfect. The M135i has different control arms and a few other things but the more I think about it, the less I think it deserves an M badge.
        Control arms and black trim pieces... they both should have IS badges.