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2011
BMW 135

Starts at:
$36,350
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New 2011 BMW 135
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe 135i
    Starts at
    $36,350
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Conv 135i
    Starts at
    $40,650
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135 2011 BMW 135

Notable features

Coupe or convertible
New turbo inline-six
Six airbags in coupe
Available Active Steering system
Seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission

The good & the bad

The good

Compact size
Performance potential
Handling potential

The bad

Hard on the eyes
Navigation includes iDrive

Expert 2011 BMW 135 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
BMW’s small 1 Series debuted in the U.S. for 2008 as a coupe and a convertible. The up-level 135i is powered by a new 300-horsepower inline-six-cylinder engine with one turbocharger instead of two that drives the rear wheels. A less expensive 128i covered separately in the Cars.com Research section is also offered. The 135i competes with performance cars like the Nissan 370Z and Audi TT.

New for 2011
In addition to the new 3.0-liter engine for the 135i, an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission replaces the six-speed automatic. BMW also added some features to option packages.

Exterior
Compared to the 3 Series coupe, the 135i features a more upright grille and a C-pillar that’s not as sleekly styled. A pronounced sheet metal crease runs the length of the coupe’s sides, which are otherwise relatively smooth.

  • Adaptive xenon headlights follow the direction of the steering wheel
  • Available automatic high-beam headlights
  • 135i adds an aero kit that BMW says provides greater downforce and improved brake cooling
  • 18-inch wheels are standard on coupe, available on convertible
  • Heated side mirrors and heated windshield washer jets
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Convertible features power-operated soft-top that BMW says can open or close in 22 seconds

Interior
Front occupants sit on bucket seats, and there’s room for two in the backseat.

  • Auxiliary jack for connecting an MP3 player
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat can expand the coupe’s trunk
  • Optional Sport Package includes sport seats with more aggressive bolstering
  • Convertible’s leather seats have BMW’s Sun Reflective Technology, which is designed to lower the temperature of seats exposed to sunlight
  • Optional navigation system equips the 1 Series with BMW’s iDrive control system
  • Standard HD radio

Under the Hood
The 135i’s new 3.0-liter inline-six uses a single turbocharger instead of two as on the previous version, but it retains the same power ratings: 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque. BMW says the new engine is more efficient.

  • 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Six-speed manual or new seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission
  • Optional paddle shifters for automatic transmission
  • Optional Active Steering system can adjust how much the car turns for a given turn of the steering wheel
  • Compared to the 128i, the 135i has a stiffer sport suspension and performance brakes

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants
  • Electronic stability system
  • Antilock brakes
  • Convertible loses the side curtain airbags but keeps the side-impact airbags and features pop-up roll bars

2011 BMW 135 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
BMW’s small 1 Series debuted in the U.S. for 2008 as a coupe and a convertible. The up-level 135i is powered by a new 300-horsepower inline-six-cylinder engine with one turbocharger instead of two that drives the rear wheels. A less expensive 128i covered separately in the Cars.com Research section is also offered. The 135i competes with performance cars like the Nissan 370Z and Audi TT.

New for 2011
In addition to the new 3.0-liter engine for the 135i, an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission replaces the six-speed automatic. BMW also added some features to option packages.

Exterior
Compared to the 3 Series coupe, the 135i features a more upright grille and a C-pillar that’s not as sleekly styled. A pronounced sheet metal crease runs the length of the coupe’s sides, which are otherwise relatively smooth.

  • Adaptive xenon headlights follow the direction of the steering wheel
  • Available automatic high-beam headlights
  • 135i adds an aero kit that BMW says provides greater downforce and improved brake cooling
  • 18-inch wheels are standard on coupe, available on convertible
  • Heated side mirrors and heated windshield washer jets
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Convertible features power-operated soft-top that BMW says can open or close in 22 seconds

Interior
Front occupants sit on bucket seats, and there’s room for two in the backseat.

  • Auxiliary jack for connecting an MP3 player
  • 60/40-split folding rear seat can expand the coupe’s trunk
  • Optional Sport Package includes sport seats with more aggressive bolstering
  • Convertible’s leather seats have BMW’s Sun Reflective Technology, which is designed to lower the temperature of seats exposed to sunlight
  • Optional navigation system equips the 1 Series with BMW’s iDrive control system
  • Standard HD radio

Under the Hood
The 135i’s new 3.0-liter inline-six uses a single turbocharger instead of two as on the previous version, but it retains the same power ratings: 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque. BMW says the new engine is more efficient.

  • 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Six-speed manual or new seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission
  • Optional paddle shifters for automatic transmission
  • Optional Active Steering system can adjust how much the car turns for a given turn of the steering wheel
  • Compared to the 128i, the 135i has a stiffer sport suspension and performance brakes

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  • Side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants
  • Electronic stability system
  • Antilock brakes
  • Convertible loses the side curtain airbags but keeps the side-impact airbags and features pop-up roll bars

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Maintenance
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

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  • 2011
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    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
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  • 2008
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    Starts at
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  • 2013
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  • Compare more options
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Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.0
Interior 4.1
Performance 4.9
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • Lovely to look at, lovely to drive

    Well deserved reputation for fun driving. The rewards of ownership in terms of prestige and driving excellence are many. At some point however, reliability becomes a factor especially after being stranded twice in less than a year of ownership. I have not had a continuous 3 weeks without a crippling failure. Love affairs can only go on so long. Car is now for sale.... and it's still summertime. 😢
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • not worth the money.

    This car should have compatible systems for new tech. EX. My iphone wiilnot blue tooth whit this car but old iphone will.not much room for driver
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 18 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nicest overall car Ive ever owned

    From comfort to speed, style and everything in-between this car has it. Super fun to drive and the interior is luxurious to say the least. The 3.0l single twin scroll turbo motor puts down plenty of power this car goes.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Expensive to fix but well worth the buy!

    Although this car will kill you with repairs and leaks, this is probably one of the most fun cars available! if you get the manual trans its engaging and really fast! great car over all i just wish it weren't so expensive to fix!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Breath-taking drive, fast, hangs in every curve

    This car is incredible for a convertible. Like any BMW the drive is worth the money. This car is built for speed and hangs in curves like a dream. The exterior has great lines, looks sharp, and draws looks for sure. The interior is perfect if you are smaller. While it is a four seater it isn't really for adults in the back. though it does cradle you.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fun Car for the price

    What a great handling car for the price you can beat the 135I. One thing, get rid of the run flats!!! its a different car once you change the tires.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fast and fun

    This is the most fun to drive car I?ve ever owned. BMW only made this model for a few years, then introduced the 2 series. The 135 has the same engine as the 2 but with less weight, so it really moves. I have worn out several sets of rear tires, due to its quick acceleration and RWD. No mechanical issues in 5 years of lots of miles!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • One of the best cars I have owned!

    This is a great car for an entry level BMW. Great styling. Powerful 3.0 Liter turbo charged engine. Great handling.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Bimmer

    Love that German engineering. Other than a bit too much plastic used on major Components. So far soo good.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • For the price, you can't beat the fun you have.

    What a great car. If you want something fun and not pay an arm or a leg. Get the BMW 135I!!! 135I is a fun car to drive, I have a 6 Manual and its great.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Awesome car, not so awesome maintenance cost

    This is my favorite car that I've ever owned. Unfortunately, it costs a lot to maintain. Service at BMW in my area is marked up by almost 200% percent! The independent repair shops are a must if you own this car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most fun car I've owned

    I've enjoyed this car from Day 1 - it's a vehicle that hearkens back to the glory days of BMW with the sport-sedan (OK, this one's a coupe). Although sporty and fast, the car doesn't lack for comfort, and the horsepower doesn't feel twitchy or forced. I'd recommend this car to anyone who loves the experience of driving.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2011 BMW 135?

The 2011 BMW 135 is available in 1 trim level:

  • 135i (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2011 BMW 135?

The 2011 BMW 135 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2011 BMW 135?

The 2011 BMW 135 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2011 BMW 135 reliable?

The 2011 BMW 135 has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2011 BMW 135 owners.

Is the 2011 BMW 135 a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2011 BMW 135. 80.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.0
  • Interior: 4.1
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 3.9
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