The 2013 BMW 135is coupe. Image: BMW AG
BMW’s 1 Series M is heading out of production, and (as far as we know) all inventory has already been spoken for. If you missed your chance to buy one, BMW will soon offer you the next best thing: the 2013 135is.
Available in both coupe and convertible flavors, the 135is comes with a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, good for 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. A performance exhaust system ensures that the car sounds good, too, and a larger capacity radiator should be able to handle the stress of summer track days. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual transmission or BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, ensuring that the 135is has broader appeal than the 1 Series M.
The 2013 BMW 135is convertible. Image: BMW AG
Underneath, the 135is gets a sport suspension, although we’re pretty sure it won’t allow the same cornering speeds as the M-designed suspension on the 1 Series M. The 135is comes with the now-required electronic stability control, but traction and stability control can be dialed back for a bit more fun on dry roads. For track days, both systems can be defeated entirely, which is good news for driving enthusiasts.
The 2013 BMW 135is interior. Image: BMW AG
The cars will hit dealer showrooms this fall, with prices starting at $44,145 for the coupe and $48,845 for the convertible. We doubt these will be limited production, either, meaning that there should be plenty of inventory for all interested customers.
We don’t want to sound ungrateful, but quite frankly we’d rather see the M135i hatchback that Europe is getting. Forget the idea that Americans don’t want hatchbacks, especially when they look as good as the M135i three-door hatchback concept that BMW exhibited in Geneva.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
