Bmw's m135i: can a new package revive a lost driving spirit?

BMW enthusiasts remember a time when the 1 Series was a scalpel – sharp, playful, and utterly engaging. The M135i, with its rear-wheel-drive layout and potent inline-six, was the embodiment of that ethos. But the winds of change have blown through Munich, and the current F40 generation has traded some of that raw character for front-wheel-drive practicality. Can a new performance package restore some of that lost magic?

The shift to front-wheel drive: a defining change

The arrival of the F40 in 2019 marked a significant departure for the 1 Series. BMW’s decision to adopt a front-wheel-drive platform and relegate the beloved inline-six to the M2 Coupe left many long-time fans feeling adrift. The M135i, now armed with a four-cylinder engine and xDrive all-wheel drive, seemed to be chasing a different audience – one more aligned with its rivals, the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R, than with BMW’s traditional performance DNA. The result, many argue, has been a loss of that signature BMW playfulness, replaced by a tendency towards understeer and a feeling of disconnect.

A glimmer of hope: the m performance package

However, a spark of optimism has emerged in the form of a new M Performance package, priced at around €4,000. This isn’t a full-blown M upgrade, but rather a targeted effort to sharpen the car’s dynamics. The package includes reinforced components, weight-reducing measures like new pistons rods for the dampers, optimized aluminum stabilizer bars, and additional underbody bracing. The steering and control systems have also been retuned, and a mechanical limited-slip differential has been added as standard. Further weight savings are achieved with M Compound brakes and optional forged wheels.

Facing the competition: a sachsenring showdown

The M135i needs all the help it can get to compete with the Golf R, especially on a track like the Sachsenring. Both cars can be equipped with semi-slick tires and performance packages – the Golf boasting a 270 km/h top speed, “Special” and “Drift” driving profiles, adaptive dampers with 15 levels of adjustment, and variable rear torque vectoring, even a Nordschleife configuration. The sheer breadth of technology at the Golf's disposal is impressive.

Interior disappointment: a lack of 'm' feel

While the Golf driver can effortlessly customize their driving experience via the infotainment screen, the M135i’s interior leaves something to be desired for those seeking a truly sporty feel. Beyond the well-gripped gearshift paddles, there are few cues that this is a performance-oriented BMW. There’s no dedicated “Sport” button; instead, performance settings are tucked away within the “myModes” menu, alongside surprisingly mundane options like “Silent” and “Relax.” Even adjusting the steering, transmission, ESP, and sound generator feels like an afterthought. The suspension, critically, offers only one setting: harsh.

On the road: a tale of two philosophies

The four-cylinder engine delivers spirited acceleration with a noticeable turbo whistle, though it sounds more like a diesel under duress above 3,000 rpm. The dual-clutch transmission can be a little imprecise on initial launch, and the gear selection isn't always what the driver anticipates when using the paddles. The steering, while quick, lacks feel, and the front end exhibits a frustrating tendency to understeer. Even with the M Performance components, the xDrive system offers limited feedback through the tires. The powerful and firm Compound brakes are a definite highlight, however.

The golf r: a masterclass in accessible performance

The Golf R, from the moment you press the accelerator, exudes a confidence that the M135i struggles to match. Former Porsche engineers have imbued the Golf with a remarkable ability to transform a daily driver into a genuinely thrilling sports car. With the driving aids disabled and comfort settings dialed back, even novice drivers can quickly find their stride. This ease of access—this inherent confidence—is what sets the Golf R apart.

Track performance: the golf takes the crown

On the Sachsenring, despite the summer heat, the Golf R consistently outperforms the M135i, lapping a full 1.2 seconds faster. While the M135i’s Cup tires offer improved grip and a more planted front end, the long-awaited