Is The BMW M140i A Modern Classic, Or Another Overrated German? (Hot Hatchback Talk)
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- Опубликовано: 10 апр 2020
- Today I'm asking the question - is the BMW M140i destined to be a cult classic? I lay down the case for the prosecution and the defence, but you're the jury, so let the comments commence!
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Of course this will be a classic.. Brilliant 3.0L 6-inline turbo engine, RWD, manual option, all in a practical hatchback shape.. If you have one, hang on to it!
Pretty crappy and dangerous handling dynamics according to most owners though. The amount of these being written off is insane.
@@MD-uu5nt It's a magnet for young first-time RWD drivers. It's easy to map and modify. The handling can be sorted with a few mods and if you chuck a bit of money at it for an LSD it's sorted
@@MD-uu5nt As someone who owns one, I would say they get a worse rep than is deserved. Clarkson's spin in the M135i on Top Gear years ago was due to his going flat out in torrential rain having already burned the tyres to a crisp wagging the tail around for example. The traction and stability controls do a good job too, especially in comfort when it is nigh on impossible to get out of shape. Of course, you can go into sport+ and then switch the aids all the way off - and if you do so you are in a 340hp car that drives from the rear, so getting into trouble is always going to be available. From my experiences with it over the last 3 years, as an enthusiastic driver but not the youngest, I can say that it gives me plenty of smiles with the hammer down, nice dynamics and bizarrely will do 40mpg on sedate motorway cruises. Best to find one with the adaptive dampers if you can, they make the handling so much better.
@@MD-uu5nt nonsense. RWD cars have to be driven differently. Requires skill. Had mine 6 years now. No near misses.
The handling isn't to bad as long as you respect the power in the car , in the wet its not practical to drive in sport plus keep that for the dry and you will definitely enjoy this car😁
Definitely a future classic. Rwd & straight six turbo engine. More than likely, no other hatchback in the future with be like this car
BMW have consistently shoved their latest 6 cylinder engines into their smaller car models .. I for one don't see this ever changing
Mac Sixtyfive if idiots like Greata have there way, it will be the last we see
@@Mexxx65 That's because every single BMW small car before the 2 series Active Tourer were longitudal engine platforms, and hence you could fit the long l6 lumps. The new ones are essentially minis, so transverse engines. There is just no physical way you can fit a 6 cylinder engine with a tramsmission dangling off the end in the width of the car, and there is no way you can mount it longitudanlly because that would require, in essence, the development of a completely new chassis. It's just never going to happen. This is, without a doubt, the very last rear wheel drive hot hatch ever made. Hence why I just bought one.
@@kaboom555 Wouldn't start counting my chickens yet..BMW could stuff a transverse V6 turbo in their "sportier" new FWD models, and have it AWD before you can say ..
@@Mexxx65 they don't have a v6 and the certainly don't have any reason to spend billions developing one at this point... At least not until the 3 and 5 series platforms become transverse too. Honestly, for me, at that point there is absolutely no reason to buy a BMW anymore. There is no reason to buy a 1-series anymore.
I've owned two M140i's, and they're superb. More torque than the pre-Comp M2's, and more usable as a daily. Not needing a daily anymore, I swapped my last one for a 2006 E46 M3. The point and shoot capability of the M140 far exceeds the M3's, but get the E46 on the right road, and it'll deliver you a far more connected and visceral experience. In years to come I'd love to have both in the garage! Thanks for the video JayEmm.
Will totally become a classic, especially considering what bimmer have done to the new 1 series!
Ashley Merritt BMW focus ST 😂
Its awful and FWD too
@@Dan23_7 haha init! Although to be fair I don't wanna cuss out FWD too bad (I've got a Golf GTI haha) but yeah the ST is full chav mode and the main thing that bothers me about the new 1 is that its supposed to be RWD! They've fucked it for no good reason! If bmw want a car for those that vape, they shoulda designed it that way from the start haha
Ashley Merritt "those that vape" haha 😂
You mean youngsters who can't handle. RWD ? 😂
Really? It’s fugly
Downsizing sucks. I remember when the 1 Series had a normally aspirated V12 under the bonnet. Screw you BMW
dominicrusho huh
LOL :-D
😄😄😄
Well it did have a 3.0 na inline 6 once... Amazing car!
@@1001speedster It was a good car but compared to this it was almost like it was missing two cylinders. These BMW turbo sixes pull like a V8.
In fact the old 130i isn't really faster than an F20 125i which has a 4 pot.
No one gonna make a 6 cylinders not to mention RWD in this class anymore.
So this is the last of its kind!!
Instant classic!!
I bought one, 3 months later dad bought one if that tells u anything.
All I need to hear Zwan
It tells me you and your dad own 140s lol
Ben Binks won’t be surprised if he thought for himself
Should it be rear or xdrive?
Which is to prefer?
The 2005 BMW 130i hatchback is also a future classic, RWD 265hp 3000cc 6 cylinders
Great car that true wolf in sheeps clothing I had an 06 m sport 5 door one in silver manual and drove it to Germany for 911 50th anniversary them bmw world hq and onto Italy and then back to uk never missed beat sold it when home and regret it ever since
Having owned one these are also overrated. Cracked the head on mine too, uneconomical to repair. Average car.
no turbo...no hesitation
@@peterkukolik8402 Some would say no turbo = no power ?
I wouldn't, but you can see why your comments could be taken the wrong way.
Have you driven an M140i ? Seriously, there is literally no turbo lag, it's unreal. Mines tuned to 410bhp and the power & torque curves are identical to the stock map, it pulls instantly from very low revs. I honestly don't know how they did it, it defies the laws of physics.
@@DjNikGnashers Chill mate, I own one M140i myself. I am thinking about stage 1 next year after my warranty expires.
I can see it, they're very good cars, likely the best small car BMW are going to make for a very long time
Old 1-series was underrated, new 1-series, A3 and A-class are overrated.
I wasn't underrated, apart from driving pleasure it just wasn't a good allround car. And the A3 definitely isn't overrated.
@@Raven16691 No. The 1 series was definitely underrated, due to the fact that 95% of owners dont know how to turn off traction control and counter an oversteer.
A mate of mine has a 2014 A3 1.4tfsi (150ps) and it’s great, picks up well and returns good economy and is generally a nice place to sit. Another mate has an A class and it’s good in every respect but just not quite as good. Would love to sit in a 1 series but can’t give an opinion until I do (although I can confirm I like the look!)
Bought one last March and love it completely. That engine is just an absolute gem. No way I’m getting rid of it, it’s a keeper…
Best normal car we’ve ever owned. Our current M140i (2018) is simply amazing!
35mpg - 40mpg on the motorway, quicker in the real world than almost anything, we’ll made, decent handling and it does the shopping/ Weekends away. Someone will have to pay over the odds to get ours.
Ours is totally standard, low mileage and it’s my wives. Cannot tell you how good it is!
RichJW
Yup, ours is a White Shadow Edition.
It’s quicker than my previous 997 911 C2.
Heard that BMW are actually working on replacing the M135i I.e. the current model with a replacement as it’s a complete flop. No ones buying the M135i
RichJW
Faster hands down on the road, track I’m not 100% certain
Make sure you re-register it in your name. Why should the wife get to say it's hers lol
Motorway and city running I was getting 23mpg (no where near your 35!) and then I chipped it and I'm getting 19mpg.
Thankfully I learnt not to care about petrol with my cammed V8 station wagon that was doing 11mpg.
2019 Finale Edition btw.
RichJW
And you sir
Great video mate! The original 2012/13 M135i will definitely be a modern classic in my opinion, such a game changer back then! Hopefully see you soon buddy!
Fingers crossed we get let out soon Joe!
@RichJW Great to hear Rich, I hope you're well mate ❤️
@RichJW great to hear, and yeah let's hope this is all over soon.... 👌
I had a M140i for a year and it was, by far, my favourite engine. From my knowledge this was the first car launched with the B58 lump which is now in everything including the new supra. the S58 is a slightly tweaked version and this is in many of the new M cars... M3, X3M etc. Insurance and tax on the M140i in the UK is very attainable so for those without infinite pockets, getting this model is a very good way to get such insane performance. I live in the south east of england and rarely ever see another M140i; unlike say the Golf R, which every other "car guy" owns.
Samuel Holden I agree. I had one for a year and deeply miss it. I see Golf R’s and Focus ST’s everywhere, however a 135/140 is a much rarer site. I’m looking at getting another 140, my old one was the N55 so I think it’s only right I sample both engines 😁
Here in Italy they're very expensive
Great video. Worth noting to anyone looking into buying one of these, they make way more than 335/340hp quoted as standard. I bought mine in 2018, had it on a dyno last year making 369hp and I haven’t touched it. There are other videos on here where there making circa 360-370hp.
Never been a bimmer guy, I watch cos the journalism/ review is the best, i always expect excellent content and I'm never disappointed, cheers James...
These are utterly superb! If it's your only car it pretty much does everything!
I'll agree in a very biased fashion.
spainter1985 I’d agree with that too. Mine will be a tough little car to replace.
It’ll be a cult classic from our generation in the same way that the XR2i or MK2 Golf GTi is and was.
I don’t think they’ll ever be worth big money or exceed their original list price, but I think they’ll always be desirable and in the long term, hold their value well - possibly more so than their competitors from the same era and may even exceed the prices of the new M135 on the used market place over time.
It’ll also be one of those cars which will be hard to find one which hasn’t been in an accident or unmolested too.
I personally jumped from a 2018 M140i to a new M2 Comp have have to say, there’s lots I miss about the M140i - the torque, sound, usability of the ZF and comfort. But it really is night and day when you compare the “M-Lites” to a full fat “M” - when you test them back to back, you realise the M140i is a bit of a Frankenstein parts bin special. Albeit a rather tasty one.
Bamby Choi totally agree with you about the M140 points.
Adding aN LSD and a proper suspension (KW V3 eg) will cure the most weak points and the M140 is getting probably the best compromise between a comfy daily and a very powerful and enjoyable sports car!
This comment is underrated! I have an M140i which I garage and don’t drive hard. It will never be as worth more than it is now, but like the XR3i’s of the 80’s it will be a “nice to see” car, rather than a valuable car.
"...Frankenstein parts bin special" - this bit really caught my attention, because I've thought for a while about the parallels between these cars and the 2.8 / 3.0 Ford Capris (the Capri being exactly that). They're even kind of a similar shape! Yes, they will absolutely be classics.
Reminds me of how much the 535d had a cult following and somewhat the 335i
Have to agree with everything you say. I came from a 240i to the M2C. In some ways BMW got it right for folk like you and I,because we made the jump into the full M range. The 240i for me was more of a daily.
I bought mine last year and perfected it by fitting and LSD, Birds Suspension and an underbody brace. It’s the ultimate B road and breaths beautifully over bumpy road. I love it!
Absolutely these are gonna be an "enthusiast on a budget's" dream in the years to come although even out of the box they are a phenomenal package for the price along with the m135i it replaced. For me it raises the question of how much car is too much car as it is one thing looking on paper but another thing driving/owning and frankly they tick every box you could reasonably expect. It's a nice luxury useable daily with the drivetrain out of what would have been considered a high end sports car not so long ago. They have their flaws but so does every car. Having been out for a fast dry lap on the ring in a standard one I can confirm they grip really well and are predictable at the limit. Prices may be suppressed slightly by the full fat M cars but if that's a problem you're buying it for the wrong reasons imo
Was it a manual you went out on track with
@@diaryofanafrohairtransplan3364Auto
Love how you review cars that the rest don’t, keep up the good work.
I think it'll absolutely go down as a future classic, if it hasn't already become one. While many it's not the best looking hatch, I think the LCI F20 is one of the best looking hatches that was on sale. RWD, 3 litre straight six, 335hp from stock, optional manual gearbox, we'll never see those things again in one package.
Great car! Love a 6 cylinder hot hatch! I own a Mk5 R32 which is nowhere near as fast and looks very subtle. The noise never fails to tickle my soul especially with sports manifolds and sports cats mated to the standard cat back. Great videos as always keep them coming!
I am a M135i of 2013 vintage owner but have to say i love the R32 , i think the 135/140s in the years to come will be similar to the R32 in desirability terms. Just my opinion i have no evidence to back that up :)
Robert Sturgess I think your correct sir, especially now 4 cylinders is the new blueprint. I owned a tuned 2.0tfsi and loved it but comes nowhere near the character I get from the R32.
I owned a mk5 R32. Lovely motor with a great sounding engine. Sadly I had a number of issues with mine so ended up getting rid but a car that will go on in the history books im sure
Have a May 2018 model.Manual. It’s done about 3,800km. Already GOAT listed in our house. Sure to be a classic in years to come. Will it appreciate? Don’t care. Not For Sale. Thanks for reviewing and keep them coming. 👍
xDrive version that was not sold in UK, is a real gem. You still have RWD based car, but you get that awd in the case you need it. Just awesome.
Whilst I am undoubtedly biased as I have owned a Motec Performance modified M 135i manual for 5 years. I am certain that these will be regarded as a classic in the future. There will never be another rear wheel drive 6 cylinder super hatch in this new age of engine downsizing and (future) electrification of cars. It is also much more practical and less ostentatious than its M3 and M4 cousins. Maybe it is the (Ford) Capri equivalent for the current generation.
I’ve had a M135i, and currently have an M140i. I’d say the difference between the two in terms of power delivery is quite different, the m140i has more torque more of the time, but the outright performance of the two isn’t as large as most would have you believe, in gear performance is properly quick in either car, the m140i might pull a car length over a 1/4 mile. With regards to what I think to them, I honestly cannot think of a car this side of an M3 that I’d swap it for, the performance (admittedly mostly straight line related) is pretty special, I’ve had run ins with some of the vag all wheel drive offerings at the traffic light GP, in the dry they can’t launch much quicker than I can and the outright pace of the m140i means your passing them before leaving 3rd gear, and pulling away quite quickly. The car was priced to compete with the golf R, and Audi S3, however performance was more in line with the RS3 and a45 AMG. It’s unique in its configuration, straight 6 driving rear wheels (mostly one wheel in the wet) and has bags of character. With this in mind, I’d say yes it could be a future classic. Mines a keeper, I’ve done some chassis mods and it’s changed the car quite dramatically, and lsd is on the cards soon.
As you say a lot of mods will likely make the car much better. Out of the box as standard they are a pudding of a car with a nice engine. The M2 will become the classic.
Track Time Videos absolutely, but isn’t that the case for any car? I certainly would not call it a pudding, it is pretty good up to 8/10ths just gets itself a bit out of shape pushed past this. It’s mainly spring and dampers that are the issue. Bmw deliberately held the chassis back so it didn’t step on the toes of the m2/3/4.. we’re not talking lots of mods.
@@onetyrefire9722 not the same for any performance car at all. Focus RS, Megane RS, i30N, Golf GTI, M2 and others feel stiffer, more planted, sharper and far more sporty out the box as have dozens of other cars i recent times. The M140i feels like a 118d with a big engine shoehorned in and nothing done to address its ordinary handling which I assume is what you have sorted on yours.
Track Time Videos I understand what your saying, and to an extent agree. I will say the difference between a normal 1 series and am m135i or m140i is quite different though. They have different steering systems, different suspension, knuckles and geometry for starters. I had the displeasure of a 118d for a week while bmw made a mess of fixing my m135i and the difference excluding the engine was quite dramatic. The 118d felt like a small hatchback, light steering, nimble more like a city car. The m135i felt like I had just got back into a 3 series in the way it drives. I do really agree it is not as sharp as it’s rivals and does require a few mods to get it to that point but I don’t think it’s the pudding a lot make out. I went from a mini r56 jcw to the m135i and at no point did i feel short changed in the handling department and think this is awful.
@@tracktimevideos5164 Oh my god you are on every m140i video commenting how bad they are and bigging up your own 'focus rs', get a fucking life for crying out loud, got a right chip on your shoulder.
IMHO any small car that is over engined has an immediate appeal to enthusiasts. The 1M40 ticks a lot of box's and is going to be a purchase in the next 3 months.
Great review. I’ve only got the 118i lol, but I love it!
5:38
Those TV programmes had DSC switched off. Something you'd be very silly to do in everyday driving, especially in the wet.
The more time passes, the more I realize how stupid all those TV shows were. I watched them religiously for years and years...
@@visionist7
They got stupid after the proper TopGear finished (the 30 minute episodes).
Exactly, leave the DSC on and believe me, I own a 235i and it's impossible to spin these cars in the wet like that. People who say they're death traps are hillarious to me.
The car had also spent the day power sliding about so tyres weren’t exactly in great shape either
I've had my m140 for 4 months and it has only given me a scare once and even then it was at a bad bumble coming off a roundabout while it was -1 outside. But the car just instantly sorted itself out.
Just bought one to replace of a Golf R 7.5 ,and I think the 140 is in a different league in terms of quality and it's huge amount of low down torque,and smooth power delivery.A future classic for sure,this one is a keeper.
First bought an ND MX-5 then got a manual M140i. Both owned at once. Both from factory and completely stock.
Prejudices aside and being as honest as one could be, I considered the BMW to be a fantastic car but it never gave me the fun factor the MX-5 does. The engine is just plethoric, it honestly feels like it could drive a fully laden truck, its balance is astonishing, it produces a beautiful note throughout the whole rev range and start ups are a hair-raising event. BUT there are many ways in which the setup feels more akin to a 740 than to a small sports hatch. Almost felt like an electric motor. It offers a lot low down but is empty above 5500rpm, the engine sound is too muted -specially inside-, it suffers from noticeable turbo lag and it is way too slow to rev down. I’m amazed to hear so much praise on that department because I always considered throttle response as one of my biggest let downs, let alone the horrible ECO-SPORTS modes which were both way too extreme and didn’t really change engine behavior rather took the driver input and divided or multiplied it. The manual gearbox felt really nice, metallic, precise and relatively short throws, loved rev-matching too, but the length and spacing didn’t make sense for the torque of the engine nor the spirit of the car; second was specially long and sixth way too short. Clutch was rather heavy. Suspension -non adaptive- was very firm, too much so at the back where the car carried little weight; handling on turns gave me plenty confidence as it had buckets of grip from the Michelin Pilot SS, and the brakes had an incredible feel and power for road use. It was rather thirsty for such an advanced engine, nothing crazy but economy is not brilliant, which is a pain given the minute fuel tank. Steering was accurate but not very fast and it had a completely artificial and disconnected feel, definitely didn’t have much of a different setup from the normal 1 series. Overall a gentleman’s car rather than a raging sports car. You’ll be going ilegal speeds before you notice -and you’ll only notice once you look at the speedometer-. Made me happy for different reasons than pure feel and thrill.
This isn’t about the MX-5, obviously a very different car, but allow me to say that this simple, inexpensive, unambitious thing makes you understand what a sports car is really all about. It’s not about huge power as much as little weight, not about big speeds as much as superb handling, not about immense capability as much as raw feel. It is playful and has a very marked personality. Owning both, I easily understood the M140i is a normal car with plenty of power while the MX-5 is a sports car from scratch. And this simple reason is the same why James sold his M3 and got an S2000. The japanese call it jinba ittai.
So...BMW have lost the plot you're saying here
All I’m saying is BMW’s plot is not my plot. It all comes down to the conceptual matter of what a sports car should be and most importantly, how should it make you feel when driving it. It is not about numbers, it is about the excitement it produces, which is both subjective and hardly quantifiable.
I completely agree, possibly one of the most dissapointing cars I have every driven, the only thing good about it is the engine and the fact its RWD, but unfortunely, even those two wonderful things fail to make this a package. Its garbage, especially the manual option, just has no cohesion to it. Focus RS is a way better vehcile if you actually want to have fun and practicality, even if the engine isn't a complete pearl like the BMW.
I've got a BRZ but have driven an M140i and an M2. I have to completely agree with Jaime777. The M140i is such an overrated car, steering is so numb compared to my epas and i hate the epas on all modern cars including my own. If you think an M140i is a hot hatch then you're deluded and I'd even question you as a car enthusiast lol. It's nothing more than a small cruiser with a big engine. I used to have a Clio Williams...now that was the definition of a hot hatch. It was night and day fun/drivers car compared to that bimmer. I really question this JayEmm thinking this is a classic driver's car 🤣🤣
I was lucky enough to have an M135i from new. I preferred the Golf R on the test drives but the finance deal was massively better. I am glad it ended up that way as despite its faults it was the best all round car i have had and i only traded it in at the end of term because of doubling my daily mileage. I would 100% have one of these again, 420BHP with a remap....
I'm seriously considering getting one next year as a long term car, hopefully as stock as possible !!
These are mental, I have a 2013 f20 m135i and it's an absolute drivers dream, handles like a cartoon train and gets loose when you really push on it. For the money I pay a month it's an insane car
They brought the replacement 135 out, and these started selling off the forecourt fast! I bought 2018 shadow edition M140i, and yes in my mind it's already a classic:)
I swapped an E90 M3 for a M140i. The 140 is a better package all round, quicker than the M3 until 130mph and just more useable. Fit an LSD and stage 1 map and you have an absolute weapon.
When all cars run on volts is a few years cars such as this will be cherished. I can’t see myself ever selling it.
Chris Mcintosh I do have a manual M140 which I love as a very quick and efficient daily.
But I still remember the E92 M3 DCT which I drive for 2 days 6 years ago:
It was so much more fun to drive once you reved it above 5k, the DCT downshifts are amazing on these
I had a 17plate blue m140i sold last year as it was my wife's daily driver and she started only doing 3 miles to work then 3 miles back so sold it for a cheaper run around. Ioved it and tuned it to 400hp. The b58 made the car otherwise wasn't particularly special when driving civilised but that's why we went for it as unless you knew my wife with the kids in never had an issue with people trying to race us. Good car but not a classic. B58 is an awesome engine though. Good review!
I love my manual M140i, real wolf in sheep’s clothing, love it. What you say about being a hooligan is spot on, this car needs to be driven with respect, but it is putting 335 bhp through the rear wheels, so to be expected. As it’s one of the last big engined hot hatches I throughly expect it to be a future classic.
Jay's new intro music sounds like a remixed version of Big Car.
Another great video. Brilliant content. Future classic.
i got one of these over a focus RS, mainly because it was the cheaper option. but god dam its a good car. iv stage 2 tuned it, and installed a lip kit and rear spoiler on it. All i can is is wow
This has made me decide to buy one. Will install a mechanical LSD. Seems like a fantastic car and sure to be a classic!
I have a 2018 55Tfsi Audi A7. Am seriously considering the 140 as my next car .
Bought mine 6 months ago… I’ve had a lot of twin turbo BMWs over the years but this one is by far the best I’ve owned. So fun, so practical, gorgeous
Only one I have ever had and will ever have and yes it is special, very special, hope I can still drive it in 5 years from now ,very scared about the ULEZ. In the wrong hands, this car can be dangerous as it is so slippery. I wax it and polish it like jewellery . Never modded it and probably won't. It is the 2019 shadow edition in red Melbourne.
Well just checked the ads on autotrader, looked at theses about 14 months back you could get a 6 month old m140 shadow edition with 1500 odd miles for 26-26.5k 14 months later same cars with 10k miles are 26k seems they have a following already thanks to the new model selling out!
Hello ! Cool video ! I'm from France, and I own one of these (4 month of use). I agree with some comment here, this car is the perfect everyday life sporty car for dude "on a budget". But hard to tell if it will become a classic. I guess to be a classic, you need to be crazy, not cheapest than concurrence. Appart from the engine, nothing is too crazy on this car. It is confy, cheap to use, and it doesn't look too extreme. On the other end, this car is literaly the only car that can be : cheap to use, confortable, small but "roomy enough", and sporty. It is then a one of kind car. Every time I'm looking for different options, I find nothing... so is this enough to make it a classic ? Not sure, but it is not overrated !
I have the 2018 with a manual. Absolutely love it! Yet I wish it had a few a few more gears for the freeway :) Also, I find myself pushing it waay more than I should so the fuel economy is shite
I loved my F21 M135i, it wasn’t perfect, could have benefited from a lsd as standard, but was a great one car does all daily.
Yep, these will be sought after, especially as they're the last inline 6, RWD M-lites.
Tempted to pick up a M140i Shadow Edition for my next car...
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE ON THE M140i
Firstly love the channel J - keep up the great work!
As an owner of the M140i for 2 years and having driven quite a lot of BMs, Mercs, Audis and the odd sports / high performance car I have a few benchmarks.
The 140i engine is great, the performance, the sound - everything you’ve heard is true!
HOWEVER, some things I think are key for engagement with any car sadly lacking included:
1. Slow and numb steering - worse than my 2009 123d coupe
2. Long gear throw and not the most decisive action
3. Poor suspension/ road holding - widely discussed and I did consider Birds upgrade
As a fast practical hatch it was good, but engaging, I didn’t find it to be the case.
As context I purchased as pristine 2018, manual with just 7k on the clock and it was in great condition.
Was lucky enough to buy a Porsche afterwards and really thankful I did as all issues were addressed apart from ridiculously long gearing - 105mph in 3rd!!
Hope you found this different perspective useful and suggest you try before you buy, you may well disagree and love the m140i afterall.
Keep up the good work,
I used to have a 116i F20 in 2012, nice car!
I'm so gutted I didn't buy one of these 2 years ago. Where my wife works they had a deal with a BMW dealership and they were offered discount on a certain few BMW's, one of these was a 140i shadow edition for £25000 brand new. I was so tempted but swmbo wasn't really interested in one and she said that she likes her Hyundai i10 too much.....
Have you got divorced yet?
I've had one for 2 years. Changed the standard passive suspension ( typical cheap m car shocks ) to Bilstein B14 kit. As an ex racer wanted something practical and quick. It is certainly quick, anything more and you won't be able to use it all on the road for long without being locked up. Reasonably practical though cramped in the back. Decent on fuel although I've seen 6mpg when using it properly. Needs a LSD. Brakes are crap no matter what pads you put in. For those reasons Ive never tracked it. Ok you can add an LSD and put some proper brakes on ( AP ) but your still stuck with a heavy car with numb steering.
Running costs are very reasonable and had no real issues other than holed radiator in 20 k miles. Rear tyres about 6 or 7 k. PS4 best - PSS too noisy and and dangerous when half worn in wet ( aquaplaning ).
Too front heavy and you can feel it when pushing on - it's a heavy lump. Steering numb - the hydraulic rack in the 130i was so much nicer. You can cover the ground very quickly and its nice to have that torque as a daily but a classic - no.
One more thing - if you have one get some mesh behind grills or the low pressure radiator will end up holed..
looking at a BRZ - a lot slower but probably much more fun flat out.
Dont do it, i can guarantee you'll regret it in no time
@@specialboye4910 Why ?
I has the 2 litre sport , cracking little car great to drive, sporty feel, and a nice slick gearbox, traded it for a Scirocco another great drivers car, nice review.
Nice slick gearbox? Have you ever driven a decent manual, this one is rubbery, vauge, long throws, off set pedals.
Why couldn't they just make the gearbox feel like a Honda Type R or a Mazda MX-5?
I’ve owned two M135’s and in away miss both. The first was an automatic which I rejected due to ongoing gearbox issues and had swapped for a manual. The manual was a bit of a disappointment as it lacked the extra drama the auto provided. I’ve always felt them to be an underrated car that would rise to minor classic status; how/where else would get an engine package like that? The complexity of maintaining one long term was also a issue for me, so I swapped it for a Caterham 7.
I’d have another without doubt, just not one as a daily.
Any other 1 series owners notice how difficult the in centre steering is on these? It’s like you’re fighting to keep the thing going in a straight line
2 best ever hot hatches m140 with that strait 6 and the audi rs3 with that inline 5 two beasts when tuned👌
Is the 6MT pleasant as you said? My uncle has a lowly 120d and the shifter has vague, overlong throws and is unsatisfying. Disclaimer: I haven't actually driven it but is there much difference whilst driving?
I _have_ driven a 118i for a week but it was an auto. I loved how the car subtly eggs you on in a wide, sweeping corner until you realise you're going way faster than you should and could spin out at any second! Happened to me several times. The car has character and still has all the modern toys, even a touch panel on the iDrive dial. I would kill for a 3 door, fully loaded 140i with yes, the manual and in blue or grey (blue calipers precludes a red car).
I really like my M140i. It’s quick, isn’t horrendous to run in terms of costs, doesn’t stand out too much so I don’t feel silly driving it to work and the facelift cars are pretty good looking (certainly better than the generic, dumpy replacement). The B58 dominates the driving experience and really suits the ZF8. I swapped the standard paddles for those of an M car which look nicer and feel nicer to use. I’ve done a few other cosmic mods too (a Reiger diffuser, some carbon and alcantara trim, lost the silver mirrors and canards etc).
It’s not perfect and does get a bit bouncy when really pushing on but by the time that happens, a bouncy rear ended is the least of your problems should the police catch you. By the time it starts to fall apart handling wise, you’re really moving. I’d like a bit more exhaust noise too (mine is a run out car with the PPF) so a trip to PCW may be on the cards soon. It’ll be a hard car to replace because it ticks so many boxes for me.
I think in the years to co e that it’ll end up with a cult following a bit like the 130i.
The reason for the difference in the ZF box across manufacturers is that ZF do not make all of them, some manufacturers make their own ZF box under licence, such as Chrysler group
I'd say 130i Manual, Hydraulic steering, NA N52 👌
8:30 lol you know the new 1 Series(at least in Germany) is more expensive than the old one. It is for sure cheaper to build but the customer dont get to feel that
I prefer the older 130i, 3L inline 6 NA FR hatchback.
💯 pre-lci with hydraulic steering
I agree. More fun on the street, better sound and easier to maintain.
I think the original 1-series drove a lot better but this generation looks much nicer with a better interior.
No I want the turbocharged engine every time. Why wouldn’t you want almost an extra 100bhp or 170bhp once remapped!!!
@@Sierra747 NA smoothness and sound
This video popped up at the wrong time. I’m trying (and failing) to talk myself out of buying one of these 😂
Did you buy one ?
@@DjNikGnashers I did mate got it in September last year
@@Leefish92 :-))
Nice one Lee, had mine 18 months and love it.
Had it remapped within a few weeks of buying it, but next month it's having a 200 cell sports cat, further remap, and XHP3 gearbox map. Should be quite nippy then !
@@DjNikGnashers love mine mate. It’s still under BMW warranty so when that runs out mines getting mapped as well
@@Leefish92 Mine was 2 and a half years old when I bought it, so I wasn't too worried and got it mapped almost straight away heheh, it's a 2017 so pre OPF.
I'd have been happy with a later one, as I don't really like loud exhausts anyway, I had the cold start deleted when it was mapped too.
After driving RS3's, A45's and Golf R's, I'm glad I got the M140i because while it might not be the fastest accelerating or best handling, it's the most fun, and that to me is what driving is all about :-)
Can you review the 228i/230i? If you did, can you compare and give opinion whether power or balance is better?
I certainly hope so! Excellent car.
This is a classic in the making. The speed and torque is something approaching supercar territory.
N54 is the true classic, I’d have one if it was a bit more reliable, so mine has the N52, great car!
Great cars 👍 but you do benefit greatly from a LSD and a good suspension kit first mods I did on my 500+ bhp M135I lci 😎
richard trow totally agree (M140 here)
I like the pre-refreshed M135i with it's bug eyes.
Each to their own!
Got a question for you or a challenge. What is a good hot hatch to live with every day good on fuel on a run and you can get one for 5K?
I'd say so. Better question would be...
Is the m135i/m235i - m140/m240i all the perfomance car you need? I own a 2016 m235i. Brilliant car.
JR1892_ tv Agreed 💯
I have a 17' M240i. Absolutely all the performance you need, and if it's not, you can get an LSD and chip tune for under $3K
I hope it becomes a modern classic id quite like to hang onto mine
I can certainly see a de-badged one of these as, potentially, a very likely candidate as a "sleeper" (a bit like the old Audi RS2 wagon if memory serves) but as a Classic? Sorry, just don't see that happening myself.
Nice upload James - interesting and informative as always 👍.
It's a very good car with a nice formula and a sweet sweet engine. But most importantly, it's (most likely) the last of its kind. With how things are going, we're not gonna see the return on an I6 in a compact car. That's what will make it special in the long run and, thus, a classic!
I have an M135i and no plans of selling up any time soon. Lets hope you are right.
Only just realized you are in and around suffolk... Thought i recognized them roads.
You should do polls on the videos for questions so people can vote
I own one bought 5,000 miles 18 months ago, now on 6,000 miles, I think so ( Manual Mineral Grey over Oyster trim )
I have one and it's a great little car. However for it to really come alive I made a few changes; Quaife LSD, M4 lower control arms to give better turn in and a Milltek race exhaust to really make the sound come through. All those changes made a big difference!
Quaife always reminds me of Quavers crisps lol
Great mods - suspension missing ;)
I did get a Quaife LSD for my M140i as well, these are great! Thinking about an update to the suspension and can’t wait for the HJS down pipe once available (unfortunately mine has the OPF / filter).
My 2016 M140i has 800 miles on the clock, bought it as a future classic :-)
Just got myself the older m135i and it's great so far. The m140i is rarer/newer and twice the price where I live, so i'll have to settle for a bit less torques. Still plenty though.
Looked to buy a new one of these a couple of years ago. I was very dissappointed with it have to say. Great engine but hated most other things about it.
It's a classic, that's a beast pity they will be front/all wheel drive on the next generation 1series😔😔
Decided I'm getting one of these next week. I can only get 1 car and this will fill all my requirements..
Had mine 6 years. You won't regret it.
This is a great little car, superb engine and gearbox and for the money they cost it was a bargain. It was never the fastest street racer (if that's your thing) but I had so much fun in mine that other drivers could never have. I'd thoroughly recommend one, just don't expect it to be an "M" car, stick with some high performance tyres on it and you'll never look back. Oh and if you're into drag racing from the lights then this is not the car for you, BMW's have never been about that sort of thing so the mid range is where this thing is brutal, that's when you will wave goodbye to those S3's and Golf R's.
My personal opinion is that the M140i is less likely, but the M135i quite possibly, because I think its the M135i with the N55 engine which created the modern cult around BMWs hottest 1 series. But one factor which is applicable to both M135i and M140i, I strongly believe the manuals will be favoured rather than the autos, and they did quite quickly stop doing manual M140i's. The unarguable recipe for a performance driver focused car (which is what most classics tend to be) are a powerful engine providing big power to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox. So for me, the favourite of the lot will be a manual M135i (N55)…. and yes, I have a manual M135i so I am 'slightly' bias.
Had mine for 18 months and it is amazing, however seriously flawed as stock (harsh rear suspension and no lsd). Took mine to Birds for the B1 dynamics pack (lsd, suspension, front geo) and it is now transformed. I doubt there will be anything like it again - such a useable, comfortable and rapid car. At 6ft6 I fit and can still get my kids in the car. Once they are dropped off I can play...
Swapped my dampers for Bilstein B8s all round, not dissimilar to the ones used by Birds and the difference is amazing. Certainly tames & calms the rear end for not much money.
What did you do on the front geo ?
Mine 3 door always gets comments and I'll take that
Currently on my 2nd M140i. Owned the manual first as I’m a diehard manual driver but opted for the ZF gearbox because it ultimately suits the engine better.
As for it being a classic, I’m not so sure. I’m more inclined to say it’s a unique car in a competitive sector.
Hi Brian, i havent driven either but I have brought a manual than im due to collect in a week, have I made a poor choice would you say?
My neighbor own a M140i. Everyday thinking...
Get yourself a proper 340i f30 it looks better and is more practically and its as fast because a 140i is also quite heavy for a 'small' hatchback
Hans Schipper yes but the 340i doesnt have the M at the front
@@hspd8607 the M140i is faster than a 340i.
The M140i was just the Best Non M car ever made. The M240i 340i 440i are not the Same. The M140i is just so Good!
Had one on passive dampers- great little car and in a straight line very punchy. However it is dynamically limited which can be sorted by BIRDS etc. Do I hanker back after it? No not really my 335d x drive is a far better everyday tool and in the uk better point to point machine. They wont be a ‘classic’ in the way say a 205 GTI is but they will play a big part in the tuning scene for a long time purely down to the engine and availability.
Love them. Still saving my pennies up for one.
I think it will be a sleeper classic that only enthusiasts know about. My problem with it is that it looks so similar to the other trim levels. there's nothing special looking about it
What a great car. Shows you how much at the top of the world bmw was about 8 years ago. Making a literal hatchback with a 335i motor and a stick. Now they build cars for drill artists sprinkled with some good old collectors items bs(the new 3.0 csl which is as much of a racecar and has as much racing pedigree as my puma "ferrari edition" sneakers).
I've been looking at one of the modern N55/B58 equipped BMWs, and you can get a good mileage M140i pretty cheap (even with the skyrocketing used car prices as of writing this comment). But compared to the 2 Series, these just.....don't really appeal to me in terms of looks; I've never really liked the look of BMW hatchbacks (at least the performance ones because as you mention the video, the M140i looks like any other 1 Series), but is it worth taking the plunge simply for the absolutely fantastic B58 under the hood?
I doubt it, if you want one as a daily it's fine but it's not particularly special, the older 130i is more desirable due to the lack of turbos but even that would only be bought because the Z3M coupe has become to expensive.
Edit: they are a bargain for a daily car,.just arguing that it won't be a classic.
Beamer dealer has already contacted me to ask if i'd sell mines back to them. No ta. Ask me again when the new 140 appears sometime next year....