Photo: Car And Driver
In case you ever thought about getting a 1M Coupe but didn't get the chance because the 6,331 units were sold before you even made it to the dealership, the 135is is the closest thing to that marvelous car.
The BMW E82 135is will still be available throughout 2013 but will be replaced starting with 2014, when the new 2 Series is bound to take its place. It's an interesting thing about this car, it's only available in the US, as Europeans are now enjoying the F20 M135i, instead of the old E82.
Why BMW kept the F20 out of American's hands until now? We can think of a couple of reasons, and we even told you about them here. Either way, the guys from Car and Driver took an E82 135is out for a test drive to bid the car farewell.
The N55 engine under the bonnet was tuned to deliver 320 HP and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque and, in this case, was hooked up to a manual 6-speed gearbox, just as God intended it to be.
The suspension might be a bit rough for some people, but when you're buying a BMW that has the 's' letter on the boot, what do you expect? The interior is a bit spartans and old-school, making you dream of the 80s when the E30 M3 was ruling the streets.
Handling the 135is on the streets, no matter how curvy, is a joy. The car is a bit heavy but you'll never feel it and all the while you're driving it you'll have a smile on your face. The hydraulic steering plays a bit part in this symphony, mind you.
Bottom line, even though this is not the famous 1M Coupe, the 135is is one of the best cars ever to come from BMW and just slightly behind the 1M. The price tag might seem a bit steep at first but take it for a spin and you simply won't care.
Via: Car and Driver
Why BMW kept the F20 out of American's hands until now? We can think of a couple of reasons, and we even told you about them here. Either way, the guys from Car and Driver took an E82 135is out for a test drive to bid the car farewell.
The N55 engine under the bonnet was tuned to deliver 320 HP and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque and, in this case, was hooked up to a manual 6-speed gearbox, just as God intended it to be.
The suspension might be a bit rough for some people, but when you're buying a BMW that has the 's' letter on the boot, what do you expect? The interior is a bit spartans and old-school, making you dream of the 80s when the E30 M3 was ruling the streets.
Handling the 135is on the streets, no matter how curvy, is a joy. The car is a bit heavy but you'll never feel it and all the while you're driving it you'll have a smile on your face. The hydraulic steering plays a bit part in this symphony, mind you.
Bottom line, even though this is not the famous 1M Coupe, the 135is is one of the best cars ever to come from BMW and just slightly behind the 1M. The price tag might seem a bit steep at first but take it for a spin and you simply won't care.
Via: Car and Driver
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