• Introducing the 2013 BMW E82 135is coupe and the E88 135is convertible

                    
      		   
      Published on 05-17-2012 08:52 AM
      1 Comment Comments
      Here we go, this is more like it. The new BMW 135is models based on the previous generation (but still in production) E82 and E88 1 Series. The 135is gets a sport tuned suspension, exclusive 18 inch wheels, and a 20 horsepower bump in horsepower for the N55 turbo inline 6 to 320 horsepower. It also gets trick new differential that although is not an LSD (limited slip) it will electronically brake to maintain power distribution to both wheels. This is exactly what an "is" mode should be and with a manual or dual clutch option we actually prefer this vehicle over the new M135i.

      Looking over the specs of both cars it is difficult to understand why one gets an M badge plastered on it and why the other one does not. Simply confusing and BMW instead of diluting M should have done exactly what they did here. That being using the "is" moniker effectively and giving that designation more meaning like it once had instead of diluting M.















      This article was originally published in forum thread: Introducing the 2013 BMW E82 135is coupe and the E88 135is convertible started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 11 Comments
      1. funkmobster's Avatar
        funkmobster - 05-17-2012, 01:23 PM
        I thought the Is models only went to the USA , that M135I is something for Europe i guess.
        I also think that the electronic LSD has been used on many other models before.
      1. DarkPhantom's Avatar
        DarkPhantom - 05-17-2012, 03:07 PM
        huh? looks the same to me Click here to enlarge (exterior wise, not much different)
      1. DarkPhantom's Avatar
        DarkPhantom - 05-17-2012, 03:09 PM
        Okay, maybe some subtle differences. (the is model was expected, about time it came around).
        Click here to enlarge
        Click here to enlarge
      1. flipm3's Avatar
        flipm3 - 05-17-2012, 03:17 PM
        I have to agree with you Sticky! They should keep their "is" badge instead of saturating and watering down the M badge...

        Either case, these cars are fun to drive. I'm curious to hear some reviews with these subtle upgrades. I just wonder...which will pose as a "better" platform to modify. 135i or 135is?
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-17-2012, 05:45 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by funkmobster Click here to enlarge
        I thought the Is models only went to the USA , that M135I is something for Europe i guess.
        I also think that the electronic LSD has been used on many other models before.
        IS models aren't sold anywhere else? Are you sure?
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-17-2012, 05:45 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by flipm3 Click here to enlarge
        which will pose as a "better" platform to modify. 135i or 135is?
        Dead even really.
      1. aquaskr's Avatar
        aquaskr - 05-17-2012, 07:28 PM
        The 135i already had this e-diff and sport suspension.

        The only difference I see is 20hp, black mirrors and BMW preformance wheels. The rest looks just like the m-sport package they've always offered. Why did they go to bright chrome exhaust tips. Standard black chrome ftw!
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-17-2012, 07:46 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by aquaskr Click here to enlarge
        The 135i already had this e-diff and sport suspension.
        Then this mostly just includes the performance software and some black trim pieces.
      1. funkmobster's Avatar
        funkmobster - 05-18-2012, 02:49 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        IS models aren't sold anywhere else? Are you sure?
        I'm going by this airticle on Autoblog that states that the Is is only for the US market and not for Europe.

        http://www.autoblog.nl/amerikanen-kr...s-coupe-cabrio
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 05-18-2012, 03:13 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by funkmobster Click here to enlarge
        I'm going by this airticle on Autoblog that states that the Is is only for the US market and not for Europe.

        http://www.autoblog.nl/amerikanen-kr...s-coupe-cabrio
        Oh, ya, because they already introduced the new 1 there while we are still on the E82. So it's kind of a special edition to fill the 1M void as well as until BMW decides what it wants to do regarding the F20 and the USA.

        It might be that we keep the E82 until the 2 series rolls out.
      1. xbox_fan's Avatar
        xbox_fan - 05-18-2012, 03:28 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Sticky Click here to enlarge
        Oh, ya, because they already introduced the new 1 there while we are still on the E82. So it's kind of a special edition to fill the 1M void as well as until BMW decides what it wants to do regarding the F20 and the USA.

        It might be that we keep the E82 until the 2 series rolls out.
        We'll we have the 335is and Z4 35is here, not sure the 135is will make it though (since it seems hard to sell and old body style)