Base, many are satisfied with a 135i and its 6-cylinder turbocharged twin-scroll that receives the Valvetronic and direct injection gasoline. It already has 306 hp (225 kW) and 400 Nm of torque available over a wide speed range. Because it makes a success of this block: to be both flexible and furious! It delights in revving out while enjoying a roundabout with a net effect on gas.
Our frame of one day pushes it even further: the N55 engine receives one of the BMW Performance Power Kits (2 140 euros) which allows a gain of 20 horsepower, so what makes us a total of 326 horses.The couple goes to 430 Nm at … 1500 rpm! And even with the box 450 Nm DKG! As a result, the performances are progressing with a gain, albeit symbolic, of 2 / 10 on the 0-100 km / h.
Please note: this kit can be installed on new vehicles before the first registration because you have to request a 3 in 1 to change the gray card in the prefecture with the new specifications.
The rear silencer BMW Performance , with its two outputs chrome stainless steel (1075.10 euros) is double-edged sword for health. He gave a smile and should be considered as an anti-depressant (and reimbursed by social security) in a world that rushes to the electric car. But it also allowed me ” to my adraper rhub “force to roll the windows open to enjoy the music it broadcasts. Hey, think about saving the music system: during the test, I did not set, preferring to enjoy the “brrrroaaaapp” and other “broooopppp” exhaust!
Ideally, to verify this is the small mountain road which passes and amplifies even more music.
And it will also allow you to test the puzzling behavior of the suspensions equipped 135iPerformance (881.30 euros). A delight. You can reach standing on the brakes and put it frankly, the rear does not release dangerous to pass. In contrast, a free listing of a swerve without mass transfer forward will not lead to understeer. And changes in support, it has a neutral foolproof: it is bright and secure! Of course, it’s a little farm for family use. And probably not enough to turn on the circuit. But for sports, it’s ideal. And for road use, the lack of locking is not a worry.
The brakes consist of brackets (identical to the original ones, except the color and sticker …), discs and more powerful chips (2250 euros), which show no signs of fatigue after several and repeated heavy braking ! This changes us from what we’ve had with the E46 M3 …
Online
BMW Performance offers a catalog of accessories to enhance the aesthetics of your series 1. In the case of our test, it was a black grille (99 euros), shells of carbon side mirrors (248 euros each), a rear diffuser in the same subject (1445 euros), Style 313 wheels dual radius ( 2 000 euros), a carbon spoiler (439 Euro) and door sills illuminated stainless steel (530 euros)
Aesthetically, the one in mind and budget, replaces the E46 M3 , has a nice line. This is probably the back which leaves me a little about my hunger. I prefer that of his ancestor!
Interior
It is possible to have bucket seats that do not equip our frame.But be aware that if you install them, your home will be odd because it is not possible to order with the same leather and the same color as the rear door and cons.
By cons, we find a sport steering wheel (605.93 euros), which falls well in hand, with its rim and thick coating that offers good grip. It does not have LEDs that signal the approach of the red zone. We take this opportunity to point out that the steering is a little heavy at low speed and maneuver, but ideal when the pace is accelerating.
To make the interior more sporty, a range of carbon part has taken place inside the cabin on the center console (168.30 euros), dashboard (170.54 euros) at the foot shift lever (168.30 euros ) on the doors (121 euros each) and so on. A hand brake handle (110 euros) completes the cockpit, like a foot (96.60 euros) and a footrest (89 euro) aluminum.
Box DKG
By itself, this box deserves a chapter. For many, nothing beats a manual gearbox. I am among those who, from the SMG of E36 M3 , prefer not having to do work on their left calf. And DKG reached a level of efficiency that should convince his fiercest opponents!If the passage of the report generates a few shots at medium speed, it is amazing rapidity when the tachometer almost reached the heights. And the small explosion that punctuated the ascent of a report completes the picture!
The possibility of giving more pulses on the palette on the left (the two are secured to the flywheel) during a braking phase can expect to arrive at the end of the transaction to fall several reports. And the little bit of gas to downshift, and more pleasing to the ears, prevents lock box.
Conclusion
You will understand, I was captivated by the 135i Performance . We find in it which made ​​the success of the E46 M3 , more successful and a budget equivalent to nine. All with an onboard computer that showed just 12.5 liters / 100 for sporting use … It was not easy to make the key …