Luxurious Interior Appointments

The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. Added in 2009, a Heated Steering Wheel is available as a stand-alone option on the 135i Coupe (Cold Weather Package required). BMW's iDrive controller featured in the optional Navigation system is integrated into the center console, again following BMW's philosophy of good ergonomic design. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knob, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel.
The BMW 135i Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery options-sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. Boston Leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of each door. The optional Sport Package includes sports bucket seats with enhanced side support which are available in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.

High-Tech Suspension

In typical BMW configuration, the BMW 135i Coupe transmits power to the rear wheels exclusively. This concept- engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear - guarantees optimum traction, near-perfect weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.

The 135i Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. The optional Active Steering - a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW - is available only on the 135i Coupe.

The DSC system on the 135i Coupe is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving.

The rear differential on the 135i comes from a new generation of final drives optimized for running smoothness and fuel efficiency. Featuring double-helical ball bearings for the first time, the differential runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential. Electronic rear brake management is always used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns and low-traction conditions.

The front suspension on the BMW 135i is also built to a unique standard in its competitive group. The double-pivot spring and strut front suspension with its anti-roll bar, is made largely of aluminum and offers an optimum combination of stiffness and low weight. The stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as near-perfect wheel positioning, make an important contribution to the car's driving dynamics.

M-Inspired Design for the M Sport Package

Model year 2009 saw the introduction of a new M Sport Package. Features of the M Sport Package include an Aero kit for reduced lift at speed, an increased top speed limiter, better brake cooling, and enhanced aesthetics while the Sports Suspension offers higher traction and reduced body roll with unique wheels and performance tires. On the 135i Coupe, the Sports Suspension also includes a high-performance brake system incorporating 6-piston fixed calipers on the front and 2-piston calipers at the rear. Additionally, the M Sport Package includes BMW Individual high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, sport seats, BMW Individual anthracite headliner, and M branded trim components including driver footrest, gearshift knob (for manual transmission), and door sills. Finally, LeMans Blue Metallic exterior paint is available exclusively when the M Sport Package is ordered.

High Safety Standards

No less than six airbags come standard within the 2011 BMW 135i Coupe for optimum protection of the car's occupants. The advanced frontal airbags are activated in stages relative to impact severity while the side airbags integrated into the sides of the front seat backrests reduce the risk of injury at chest and hip levels in side impact situations. HPS (Head Protection System) side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining protect both the occupants on the front seats and the passengers at the rear. The 2011 BMW 135i Coupe also comes with crash-optimized seats with active headrests that significantly reduce the risk of neck injury in an impact from the rear.

BMW Ultimate Service

The BMW 135i Coupe features BMW Ultimate Service, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW Assist with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be ordered separately as a stand-along option.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist concierge services, from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On 2007 and later models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system (if so equipped) and the customer's Bluetooth linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. Last year brought the introduction of BMW Search, which allows those vehicles equipped with both the BMW Navigation and BMW Assist system to gain online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word.

The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

BMW 135i Coupe: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications