The last of the classic Bimmers: 2013 BMW 135is

The BMW 135is will be phased out next year to give way for the new 2 Series family. This sporty vehicle sits below the BMW 1M with the same engine as the 135i but tuned to 320 hp, new performance exhaust system, and an upgraded engine cooling system. Detroit News spent some time behind  the wheel of this vehicle and says that it is still one of the most fun models  to drive and calls it the last of the classic bimmers. Learn why on this excerpt below:

The light, little 3,300-pound 135is coupe I drove around Detroit carries on in the exciting way BMW’s new 3 Series sedans and soon-to-arrive 4 Series coupes and convertibles are leaving behind. The 1 Series also comes as a convertible.

The TwinPower turbocharged 320-horsepower in-line six cylinder engine responds to throttle inputs without hesitation. The clutch and short-throw shift lever worked in perfect concert with the aggressively geared six-speed manual transmission. The optional transmissions include an eight-speed automatic and an automated seven-speed dual clutch.

BMW pulled the plug last year on the even sportier 1 Series M version. Fewer than 800 of the 340-horsepower pocket rockets were sold in North America. The 135is was introduced this year as its top performance replacement.
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And special is what you are looking for when you buy the BMW badge. You can get a larger and more luxurious Cadillac ATS with an equally powerful engine for about $10,000 less. How about an even larger Chevrolet Camaro with more V-6 horsepower and better fuel economy for about $20,000 less?

But if you want to be seen arriving in a Bimmer, the modern classic is a 135is.

Source: The Detroit News