2013 BMW M135i - Reserve met

Background:

BMW introduced the 1 Series as its entry-level model range in 2004, bringing its front-engine, rear-wheel drive brand of driver focus to a sub-compact market otherwise dominated by front-wheel drive rivals. For the first time, drivers had the option of a brand new BMW at a lower price point, rather than having to settle for a second-hand 3 Series and the market responded as BMW had hoped, with enthusiasm.

Initially offered as a hatchback, coupé and cabriolet, it garnered widespread approval from critics and customers, despite styling that was initially less well received but which has become a part of the motoring landscape in the intervening 20 years.

Naturally, BMW offered performance options to supplement the standard engine ranges, with the M135i at the very top of the pile, powered by a 315bhp turbocharged 3-litre N55 straight-six, driving through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox. Compact and light, the M135i is less hot-hatch and more mega-hatch, flying to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph. Dispensing with the 30-70 dash in a mere 4.1 seconds makes this a machine on superb give and take roads and throw in M Sport-designed suspension and brakes and it's a seriously under rated performance bargain – a real Q car.

The car:

This stunning Alpine White BMW M135i was first registered in Singapore on 22 September 2013, sold new to its first owner by local BMW dealership Munich Automobiles, as a company car. As a result, it has been fastidiously maintained and has 12 stamps in its service book – 11 from BMW in Singapore and the most recent at an independent specialist in June 2023 at approximately 66k miles (all service details are in kilometres). The car was imported into the UK last year and is now fully UK-registered.

Standing out from its peers, this M135i sports a custom body kit, which has had a ceramic treatment applied. There are tinted windows all round and it sits handsomely on lowered, adjustable KW springs and 18" 5-spoke gunmetal alloys, wearing Goodyear rubber.

The superb interior is a real change from the standard funereal grey/black of most modern machinery, sporting glorious Electric Coral Red leather trim. The fully adjustable electric sports driving seats make this cockpit a fine place to be and a Harman Kardon sound system adds to the mellifluous engine notes. All the usual refinements such as electric windows and mirrors, rear parking sensors and camera are fitted, along with dual-zone climate-control, switchable driving modes, and an iDrive infotainment system with SatNav.

This magnificent machine comes with two keys and the original book packs, the adjusting tool for the KW suspension and has recently been fitted with a fresh battery.

Summary:

One of the unsung performance bargains in the current market, combining practicality with comfort, BMW handling refinement and searing performance.

Location: Birmingham
Seller: Private
Photography: Professional