A new "M" 135i might be on the horizon

[mdynamics]

Quote:
Of all the things that have hampered performance over the last two decades, vehicle weight is at the top of the list. Automakers have responded by putting more power under the hood to make up for the extra pounds, and BMW is as guilty as the rest – particularly with its M cars. The first (E30) M3 came packing a 2.3-liter four-pot and was able to put out an astonishing (at the time) 212 197 hp. When the E36 came along a few years later, the cylinder count increased by two and stayed that way through the E46 generation until today, where the new E92 M3 is motivated by a 4.0-liter V8 outputting more than double of the original, but also weighing considerably more.

So what's the next step? BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is at least aware of this fact and mentioned to Auto Motor und Sport that he'd like to see the next batch of M cars lose a few cylinders, while simultaneously dropping the pounds. He points to the twin-turbocharged inline-six in the 135i, 335i and 535i as a good indication of what the future might hold, particularly in the case of the M-badged variants that would make more use of forced induction rather than upgraded displacement and higher cylinder counts (not that they could get much higher). We can only dream, but with emissions standards increasing across the globe, it's the next logical evolution of the performance breed.
Auto Motor Und Sport via Autoblog

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/b...t-on-m-models/

Another reference to turbo-charged Ms.

[Numb3rs]

Originally Posted by mdynamics

Quote:
Of all the things that have hampered performance over the last two decades, vehicle weight is at the top of the list. Automakers have responded by putting more power under the hood to make up for the extra pounds, and BMW is as guilty as the rest – particularly with its M cars. The first (E30) M3 came packing a 2.3-liter four-pot and was able to put out an astonishing (at the time) 212 197 hp. When the E36 came along a few years later, the cylinder count increased by two and stayed that way through the E46 generation until today, where the new E92 M3 is motivated by a 4.0-liter V8 outputting more than double of the original, but also weighing considerably more.

So what's the next step? BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer is at least aware of this fact and mentioned to Auto Motor und Sport that he'd like to see the next batch of M cars lose a few cylinders, while simultaneously dropping the pounds. He points to the twin-turbocharged inline-six in the 135i, 335i and 535i as a good indication of what the future might hold, particularly in the case of the M-badged variants that would make more use of forced induction rather than upgraded displacement and higher cylinder counts (not that they could get much higher). We can only dream, but with emissions standards increasing across the globe, it's the next logical evolution of the performance breed.
Auto Motor Und Sport via Autoblog

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/b...t-on-m-models/

Another reference to turbo-charged Ms.

Just read this over at E90Post. I am sure within 3 years we will see a new biturbo M-Powered car!

[Impulse]

yummy...back to their motorsports roots maybe:w00t:

[InsaneSkippy]

I'm gonna be super pissed if they come out with a performance version of this car right after I buy mine!

[ScottyGams]

gimme a procede and an M badge and I'll do it right now!

[Maus]

I was browsing the M3post-forums when I found this. According to the poster this is Scott (guess it's our Scott26) talking here, so it's pretty reliable. I can't access the forums because I'm not registered, but maybe someone can access the page around here. No more mysteries, we now know everything!
Care to join in on the discussion Scott26?
Loving this though, can't wait for some pictures! :wub:

Why so serious? M division have many intentions but the output war is over , it is not defeat for BMW or surrender. Just the priorities have changed
As I have mentioned before M-Division will become the pinnacle for BMW's "Efficient Dynamics" programme. Lower emissions are what is capable with turbo charging . As I said a few years ago on the annoucement of BMW turbo-charged future. "Turbo charging would be on BMW's terms" And the fear alluded when the 335i appeared in 2006. M-Division have some interesting developments upcoming that do use twin and quad-turbos.

First of all you will see M fettled model of the 1er Coupe and Cabrio it wont be known as the M1 but M135i it will use a boosted output of the current 135i to 355 PS , why M135i? There was no original M6 the E63 is the first M6 the latter was simply the M635 , that is why it makes more sense to follow this tradition. Also to be available will be a CS package (Coupe only) that will involve the addition of lightweight body panels such as Carbon Fibre reinforced roof and additional performance enhancing equipment . An M120i will be the entry model again using a four cylinder turbo charged powerplant of 240PS again with option of the CS package. As of now the 135i is doing well it wont be disturbed or unleashed of it's potential until late 2009.

It is best to move the benchmarks before being taken off the road altogether.

http://www.germancarzone.com/bmw-lou...roduction.html

Where I found it: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...9&postcount=43

[matt]

A german car mag wrote the 3rd time that there will be a "M1" in march 2009.

also several ppl on the biggest german 1er forum talking about a "M1" and not ordering a 135i.

but so what, i want a fast coupe now, not in 2009..

[raisemyrent]

+1 on that last, matt

pls a 135i is fast enough for me, in radar zone, pothole filled, poor, gravelly , pavement land

[grant]

M135i would be fantastic - more power, less weight, more headroom (no moonroof on carbon roof), and LSD!

[imported_saturn]

It would be nice to see a M135, but I wonder if the price will make it prohibitive for most of us or not.

[sndprssr]

As nice as that would be to have an M series 135i I can guarantee, with current prices the way they are, you are looking at a $55k+ car. Is 50.13hp really worth $20k ? There is no way the light weight stuff will be standard so there is another several thousand you can tack on on top of that...

[BMW Dreamer]

I have to wait until early 09 to order. Maybe now its good I have to wait. HAHA. But what will it cost? Probably out of my league. $40k in MAX MAX for me.

135i is just fine. No tracking for me anyway.

[matt]

135i is ok, like adevo said... a few tweks and its a good, fast car.

theres no reason for a M1...if they build a lightweight, it will cost heavyweight.

[grant]

Originally Posted by matt

135i is ok, like adevo said... a few tweks and its a good, fast car.

theres no reason for a M1...if they build a lightweight, it will cost heavyweight.

There are plenty of people who would prefer the M135 - doesn't make the 135i any less of a car, but I would prefer the choice (and I'd pay some extra for that choice) - they should offer both!

[matt]

Its still stupid by bmw not telling if there will be a "M" or not.

i mean, either 135i or M...they dont tell you sh.. on the telephone.

[Mystiqueskillz]

Originally Posted by grant

M135i would be fantastic - more power, less weight, more headroom (no moonroof on carbon roof), and LSD!

I would so get it too, but that doesn't seem like its anytime soon.

[LeifW]

<<An M120i will be the entry model again using a four cylinder turbo charged powerplant of 240PS again with option of the CS package>>


Man, this would be the perfect car for me. If they do make it, BMW probably won't bring it to the U.S. It sure would be fun though.


Leif W.

[Spook]

Originally Posted by InsaneSkippy

I'm gonna be super pissed if they come out with a performance version of this car right after I buy mine!

Dang.. how much more performance can you use?

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by InsaneSkippy

I'm gonna be super pissed if they come out with a performance version of this car right after I buy mine!

Even if you wait for March 2009 for the M135i.

In October of 2011 an all new 1-series is coming.


Plus I would guess the M135i if it comes, will at least have a $10k premium over the standard 135i.

[Oregon]

Originally Posted by slickone

Even if you wait for March 2009 for the M135i.

In October of 2011 an all new 1-series is coming.

That early? I heard 2013 til' the 1 is retooled.:iono: Having had a 135i strapped to my tuchis for all of 48 hours I can report the car is a recalcitrant child on steroids, it needs more power as said child might benefit from a nickel-bag of cross-tops. Never thought I' say that...

[hellrotm]

This is a list from the E60 forum, from someone that works with BMW.

Timeplan for upcoming models

2008
January: X6
March: 1 series Cab
June: M3 Cab
September: 7 Series
November: 3 series facelift

2009
March: Mini Cabrio
June: Z4 Roadster
September: Rolls-Royce Coupé
December: PAS

2010
March: F10
June: Mini SAV
September: X3, Rolls-Royce Midsize Sedan
December: CS

2011
March: F11
June: X1
September: 6-series coupe
October: 1-series

2012
January: 6-series Cab
March: 3-series Sedan
September: F10 M5

2013
March: 3-series Touring
September: 3-series Coupe

[cantona7]

There was no original M6 the E63 is the first M6 the latter was simply the M635 , that is why it makes more sense to follow this tradition.

WTF. The E63 is not the first M6. In Europe they got the M635, but on this side of the pond, we got an E24 M6. While I agree that badging the car as an M135i makes sense, trying to argue that there was no M6 until the E63 is bunk.