2013 BMW 135is Preview

Introduction

BMW sold the 1 Series M Coupe for only one year, and follows the limted-production run with the new 2013 135is models in coupe and convertible body styles. The new 135is arrives in dealerships in the fall of 2012, and will start at $44,145.

Exterior Features

The new 2013 BMW 135is models are equipped with unique 18-inch aluminum wheels, high-gloss black grille inserts, black side mirror housings, and BMW's Shadowline exterior trim.

Interior Features

Sport seats are standard on the new 2013 135is, along with stainless steel pedals, M Sport steering wheel (with paddle shifters for models equipped with DCT), and for the 135is Coupe, an Anthracite headliner treatment.

Optional Features

In addition to a unique blue-stitched Black leather upholstery selection, the options list for the new 135is is expected to mirror the 135i models. That means buyers will select between Premium (leather, ambient lighting, Homelink, auto-dimming mirrors), Convenience (Comfort Access, anti-theft system, rear Park Distance Control), and Cold Weather (heated steering wheel and front seats) packages, further enhancing the car with metallic paint, active steering, navigation system, Harman/Kardon premium sound, satellite radio, BMW Apps technology, BMW Assist telematics, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Under the Hood

A direct-injected, turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine is installed in the new BMW 135is, generating 320 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. That's 20 extra ponies and 17 additional lb.-ft. more than a standard 135i. A 6-speed manual or an automated 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) delivers the power to the car's rear wheels. Additional upgrades include an enhanced cooling system, performance exhaust system, sport-tuned suspension, less-sensitive traction control system, recalibrated stability control system, modified rear differential, and electronic rear brake management that mimics the effect of a rear differential lock, according to BMW.

Fuel Economy

BMW says the new 135is will get the same fuel economy as the regular 135i. Based on 2012 EPA ratings, the 135is is expected to get:

• 135is Coupe manual: 20/28/23 mpg (city/highway/combined)
• 135is Coupe DCT: 18/25/21 mpg
• 135is Convertible manual: 19/28/22 mpg
• 135is Convertible DCT: 18/25/20 mpg

Safety

In addition to air bags, traction and stability control, and 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake standby, brake drying, and brake-fade compensation, the 2013 BMW 135is is available with BMW Assist, including 4 years of free Automatic Collision Notification and SOS Emergency Request service. Adaptive brake lights that illuminate brighter the harder the driver steps on the brake pedal are also standard.