Likes
- Superb levels of performance.
- Excellent support and tuning network.
- Unique mechanical package for a hot hatch.
- B58 engine in M140i a huge improvement over its predecessor.
Used BMW M135i/M140i (F20) review
2012 - 2019
Dislikes
- N55 engine in M135i renowned for reliability issues.
- Many on the used market have been mistreated.
- Manual transmission feel arguably not up to scratch.
- Keeping your drivers license healthy will be a challenge.
Stuff you should know
- The F20 series M135i and M140i are notable for their combination of compact size, powerful engines, and rear-wheel-drive configuration, making them enticing options for performance enthusiasts.
- The M135i was the inaugural offering from BMW’s M Performance sub-brand, quickly gaining popularity among enthusiasts seeking high performance within a budget.
- The F20 series encompasses various body styles: F20 denotes the 5-door hatch, while F21 signifies the 3-door hatch (not available in Australia), F22 refers to the 2-door coupe, and F23 represents the convertible variant.
- Model revisions were frequent, notably with the LCI and LCI 2 updates. The F20 spans 2012 to 2015, F20 LCI covers 2015 to 2017, and F20 LCI 2 extends from 2017 to 2019.
- The distinction between the M135i and M140i lies in their engines: pre-2016 M135i models feature the N55 3.0L Turbo Inline-6, while post-2016 M140i models are equipped with the updated B58 engine.
- Despite the 2015 LCI update, some models retained the N55 engine until 2016.
- Both models include a suite of performance upgrades such as adaptive suspension, enhanced brakes, reinforced body structure, and optional features like limited-slip differentials and high-performance tires.
- A defining feature of these models is their rear-wheel-drive layout, a rarity among hot hatchbacks.
- Transmission options include an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual, and a wide array of BMW optional extras and aftermarket tuning parts are available for customization.
- While enjoying substantial fan support, some vehicles are driven aggressively or modified extensively, potentially compromising their reliability.
- The B58 engine has earned a reputation for reliability, whereas the N55 has faced reliability issues.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- Tailgate rattling, a common complaint among owners, often stems from loose trim or body pieces. Addressing this issue typically involves identifying the source of the noise and insulating it with cloth tape. While not a major concern, it can detract from the overall driving experience.
- Inspecting the boot lid for paint blistering and the exhaust tips for corrosion is advisable. These areas are prone to wear and tear over time, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions or frequent exposure to road debris.
- Owners have noted that the rear of the vehicle tends to accumulate dirt more quickly than other hatchbacks. While this is not a defect, it may require more frequent cleaning to maintain the vehicle’s appearance.
- Headlight condensation is a potential issue caused by deteriorating seals. Resolving this issue can be costly, making it important to address any signs of condensation promptly to prevent further damage to the headlights.
- Some owners have reported doors rattling, particularly on vehicles driven regularly on rough roads. While this issue may not affect every vehicle, it’s worth checking for excessive noise or vibrations during test drives.
- Electronic gremlins, such as power window malfunctions or erratic light behavior, have been sporadically reported. While not widespread, it’s advisable to thoroughly test all electronic components during a vehicle inspection.
- In certain instances, one taillight may appear brighter than the other, though this is not a common occurrence.
- Water leaks, especially in vehicles equipped with sunroofs, should be thoroughly inspected to prevent damage to the cabin electronics. Blocked drainage channels can lead to water ingress, resulting in potential electrical issues and costly repairs.
Interior:
- The HVAC blower motor is susceptible to excessive noise due to debris accumulation. While this issue is not uncommon, it can be rectified with relatively simple repairs. However, owners should beware of inflated repair quotes, particularly from BMW dealerships.
- Cracking of the numbered buttons in the center console is a known issue reported by some owners. While this may not affect the functionality of the vehicle, it can detract from the interior aesthetics.
- Steering rack rattling or clunking may occur in some vehicles but is generally covered under warranty. Owners should address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the steering system.
- Electronic issues, while sporadic, have been reported by some owners. It’s recommended to thoroughly test all electronic functions, including infotainment systems and climate control, during a test drive or inspection.
Mechanical:
M135i (N55)
- Common oil leaks are often observed in N55 engines with high mileage (over 100,000 kms), particularly from the oil filter housing, valve cover, and sump gasket. These leaks can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage if
Exterior:
- Tailgate rattling, a common complaint among owners, often stems from loose trim or body pieces. Addressing this issue typically involves identifying the source of the noise and insulating it with cloth tape. While not a major concern, it can detract from the overall driving experience.
- Inspecting the boot lid for paint blistering and the exhaust tips for corrosion is advisable. These areas are prone to wear and tear over time, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions or frequent exposure to road debris.
- Owners have noted that the rear of the vehicle tends to accumulate dirt more quickly than other hatchbacks. While this is not a defect, it may require more frequent cleaning to maintain the vehicle’s appearance.
- Headlight condensation is a potential issue caused by deteriorating seals. Resolving this issue can be costly, making it important to address any signs of condensation promptly to prevent further damage to the headlights.
- Some owners have reported doors rattling, particularly on vehicles driven regularly on rough roads. While this issue may not affect every vehicle, it’s worth checking for excessive noise or vibrations during test drives.
- Electronic gremlins, such as power window malfunctions or erratic light behavior, have been sporadically reported. While not widespread, it’s advisable to thoroughly test all electronic components during a vehicle inspection.
- In certain instances, one taillight may appear brighter than the other, though this is not a common occurrence.
- Water leaks, especially in vehicles equipped with sunroofs, should be thoroughly inspected to prevent damage to the cabin electronics. Blocked drainage channels can lead to water ingress, resulting in potential electrical issues and costly repairs.
Interior:
- The HVAC blower motor is susceptible to excessive noise due to debris accumulation. While this issue is not uncommon, it can be rectified with relatively simple repairs. However, owners should beware of inflated repair quotes, particularly from BMW dealerships.
- Cracking of the numbered buttons in the center console is a known issue reported by some owners. While this may not affect the functionality of the vehicle, it can detract from the interior aesthetics.
- Steering rack rattling or clunking may occur in some vehicles but is generally covered under warranty. Owners should address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the steering system.
- Electronic issues, while sporadic, have been reported by some owners. It’s recommended to thoroughly test all electronic functions, including infotainment systems and climate control, during a test drive or inspection.
Mechanical:
M135i (N55)
- Common oil leaks are often observed in N55 engines with high mileage (over 100,000 kms), particularly from the oil filter housing, valve cover, and sump gasket. These leaks can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage if left unaddressed.
- Issues with the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system can exacerbate oil leaks in N55 engines. Regular maintenance and inspection of the PCV system are essential to prevent further damage.
- Plugs and coils are known to be common issues in N55 engines and should be replaced as part of routine maintenance. Neglecting these components can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance.
- Oil leaks from the filter housing can contaminate the drive belt and tensioner, leading to premature wear and potential catastrophic engine failure. Regular inspection of these components is crucial to prevent costly repairs.
- Cooling system components, such as the expansion tank, thermostats, and electric water pumps, are prone to failure in N55 engines. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent overheating and potential catastrophic engine damage.
- Charge pipe complications are common in modified N55 engines and should be addressed with aftermarket upgrades to ensure reliable performance.
M140i (B58)
- The B58 engine is widely regarded as reliable and capable of producing immense horsepower with correct tuning. However, like any engine, it is not without its issues.
- Ignition coil and plug concerns are not exclusive to BMW vehicles but should be monitored as part of routine maintenance.
- Early models of the M140i may experience injector issues, which are typically resolved under warranty. It’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent drivability issues.
- The cooling system in the B58 engine is complex and primarily made of plastic components. While not a cause for concern yet, plastic experiencing multiple engine heat cycles will eventually wear and potentially fail. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent overheating and potential engine damage.
- Vanos actuator issues may occur in some vehicles but are relatively straightforward to address with proper maintenance.
- Oil filter clogging or failure is a potential issue in poorly serviced B58 engines and can lead to potential engine damage. Regular oil changes with high-quality filters are essential to prevent this issue.
- While timing chain issues have not been prevalent in the B58 engine (unlike the majority of previous BMW engines), it’s important to monitor this component for any signs of wear as the vehicles age. Accessing and replacing the timing chain can be challenging due to its location at the rear of the engine. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent potential issues in the future.
Maintenance:
- Recommended service intervals for the BMW F20 series M135i and M140i can vary depending on BMWs condition based servicing, but we highly recommend ignoring this as it’s generally advisable to follow a schedule of every 10,000km or 5,000km for track-driven vehicles. Regular maintenance can help mitigate many of the inherent issues associated with these vehicles and ensure reliable performance for years to come.
Exterior:
- Tailgate rattling, a common complaint among owners, often stems from loose trim or body pieces. Addressing this issue typically involves identifying the source of the noise and insulating it with cloth tape. While not a major concern, it can detract from the overall driving experience.
- Inspecting the boot lid for paint blistering and the exhaust tips for corrosion is advisable. These areas are prone to wear and tear over time, particularly in regions with harsh weather conditions or frequent exposure to road debris.
- Owners have noted that the rear of the vehicle tends to accumulate dirt more quickly than other hatchbacks. While this is not a defect, it may require more frequent cleaning to maintain the vehicle’s appearance.
- Headlight condensation is a potential issue caused by deteriorating seals. Resolving this issue can be costly, making it important to address any signs of condensation promptly to prevent further damage to the headlights.
- Some owners have reported doors rattling, particularly on vehicles driven regularly on rough roads. While this issue may not affect every vehicle, it’s worth checking for excessive noise or vibrations during test drives.
- Electronic gremlins, such as power window malfunctions or erratic light behavior, have been sporadically reported. While not widespread, it’s advisable to thoroughly test all electronic components during a vehicle inspection.
- In certain instances, one taillight may appear brighter than the other, though this is not a common occurrence.
- Water leaks, especially in vehicles equipped with sunroofs, should be thoroughly inspected to prevent damage to the cabin electronics. Blocked drainage channels can lead to water ingress, resulting in potential electrical issues and costly repairs.
Interior:
- The HVAC blower motor is susceptible to excessive noise due to debris accumulation. While this issue is not uncommon, it can be rectified with relatively simple repairs. However, owners should beware of inflated repair quotes, particularly from BMW dealerships.
- Cracking of the numbered buttons in the center console is a known issue reported by some owners. While this may not affect the functionality of the vehicle, it can detract from the interior aesthetics.
- Steering rack rattling or clunking may occur in some vehicles but is generally covered under warranty. Owners should address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the steering system.
- Electronic issues, while sporadic, have been reported by some owners. It’s recommended to thoroughly test all electronic functions, including infotainment systems and climate control, during a test drive or inspection.
Mechanical:
M135i (N55)
- Common oil leaks are often observed in N55 engines with high mileage (over 100,000 kms), particularly from the oil filter housing, valve cover, and sump gasket. These leaks can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage if left unaddressed.
- Issues with the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system can exacerbate oil leaks in N55 engines. Regular maintenance and inspection of the PCV system are essential to prevent further damage.
- Plugs and coils are known to be common issues in N55 engines and should be replaced as part of routine maintenance. Neglecting these components can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance.
- Oil leaks from the filter housing can contaminate the drive belt and tensioner, leading to premature wear and potential catastrophic engine failure. Regular inspection of these components is crucial to prevent costly repairs.
- Cooling system components, such as the expansion tank, thermostats, and electric water pumps, are prone to failure in N55 engines. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent overheating and potential catastrophic engine damage.
- Charge pipe complications are common in modified N55 engines and should be addressed with aftermarket upgrades to ensure reliable performance.
M140i (B58)
- The B58 engine is widely regarded as reliable and capable of producing immense horsepower with correct tuning. However, like any engine, it is not without its issues.
- Ignition coil and plug concerns are not exclusive to BMW vehicles but should be monitored as part of routine maintenance.
- Early models of the M140i may experience injector issues, which are typically resolved under warranty. It’s important to address these issues promptly to prevent drivability issues.
- The cooling system in the B58 engine is complex and primarily made of plastic components. While not a cause for concern yet, plastic experiencing multiple engine heat cycles will eventually wear and potentially fail. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to prevent overheating and potential engine damage.
- Vanos actuator issues may occur in some vehicles but are relatively straightforward to address with proper maintenance.
- Oil filter clogging or failure is a potential issue in poorly serviced B58 engines and can lead to potential engine damage. Regular oil changes with high-quality filters are essential to prevent this issue.
- While timing chain issues have not been prevalent in the B58 engine (unlike the majority of previous BMW engines), it’s important to monitor this component for any signs of wear as the vehicles age. Accessing and replacing the timing chain can be challenging due to its location at the rear of the engine. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent potential issues in the future.
Maintenance:
- Recommended service intervals for the BMW F20 series M135i and M140i can vary depending on BMWs condition based servicing, but we highly recommend ignoring this as it’s generally advisable to follow a schedule of every 10,000km or 5,000km for track-driven vehicles. Regular maintenance can help mitigate many of the inherent issues associated with these vehicles and ensure reliable performance for years to come.
Should you buy it?
So, should you buy one, let’s discuss the M135i first.
While its package may be enticing, it’s far from flawless. The N55 engine demands meticulous maintenance and attention, as well as a substantial investment of both finances and patience. If you’re willing to undertake the necessary upgrades and fully understand the commitment involved, then by all means, go ahead and purchase one. However, consider yourself warned; the M135i can be akin to having a high-maintenance partner. While undoubtedly enjoyable, the cost and trouble may very much outweigh the fun.
Now, onto the M140i. If the vehicle meets all the criteria on your pre-purchase checklist and you can confirm it hasn’t been subjected to abuse or poorly executed modifications, then yes, it’s totally worth buying.
While only time will reveal the long-term reliability of the B58 engine, even if it falters, you’re likely to have a blast before any issues arise.
In fact, we’ll take a bold stance and predict that a perfectly preserved, low-mileage M140i could become a future classic. It’s difficult to imagine BMW or any other manufacturer producing a car quite like this again, which would be a true loss for automotive enthusiasts.
So, should you buy one, let’s discuss the M135i first.
While its package may be enticing, it’s far from flawless. The N55 engine demands meticulous maintenance and attention, as well as a substantial investment of both finances and patience. If you’re willing to undertake the necessary upgrades and fully understand the commitment involved, then by all means, go ahead and purchase one. However, consider yourself warned; the M135i can be akin to having a high-maintenance partner. While undoubtedly enjoyable, the cost and trouble may very much outweigh the fun.
Now, onto the M140i. If the vehicle meets all the criteria on your pre-purchase checklist and you can confirm it hasn’t been subjected to abuse or poorly executed modifications, then yes, it’s totally worth buying.
While only time will reveal the long-term reliability of the B58 engine, even if it falters, you’re likely to have a blast before any issues arise.
In fact, we’ll take a bold stance and predict that a perfectly preserved, low-mileage M140i could become a future classic. It’s difficult to imagine BMW or any other manufacturer producing a car quite like this again, which would be a true loss for automotive enthusiasts.
Should you buy it?
So, should you buy one, let’s discuss the M135i first.
While its package may be enticing, it’s far from flawless. The N55 engine demands meticulous maintenance and attention, as well as a substantial investment of both finances and patience. If you’re willing to undertake the necessary upgrades and fully understand the commitment involved, then by all means, go ahead and purchase one. However, consider yourself warned; the M135i can be akin to having a high-maintenance partner. While undoubtedly enjoyable, the cost and trouble may very much outweigh the fun.
Now, onto the M140i. If the vehicle meets all the criteria on your pre-purchase checklist and you can confirm it hasn’t been subjected to abuse or poorly executed modifications, then yes, it’s totally worth buying.
While only time will reveal the long-term reliability of the B58 engine, even if it falters, you’re likely to have a blast before any issues arise.
In fact, we’ll take a bold stance and predict that a perfectly preserved, low-mileage M140i could become a future classic. It’s difficult to imagine BMW or any other manufacturer producing a car quite like this again, which would be a true loss for automotive enthusiasts.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of May 10, 2024.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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