BMW M135i vs. BMW M140i: Which is Better?

There is no other brand that can compete with the reputation of BMW as far as compact performance hatchbacks are concerned. BMW M135i and BMW M140i are two different and yet interesting models in the line of the brand as per its enthusiasts. These are not only good cars in terms of luxury and comfort but they are also cars that offer exhilarating driving experiences in packages of small size. Nevertheless, it may not be easy to make a decision between the M135i and M140i, and these products have their own advantages and disadvantages.

This blog will explore the main distinctions between the BMW M135i and BMW M140i in terms of their performance, design, features, and money value in order to make a decision on which model will best fit your needs.

1. Performance: Power and Handling.

The performance of the M models is one of the greatest attractions to the BMW M models and both the M135i and M140i do not disappoint this heritage albeit differently.

BMW M135i: The Modern Powerhouse

The M135i belongs to the new generation of compact performance automobiles by BMW M135i In 2013, when BMW launched the 1 Series, it became the first model to be built on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) platform, and it made some purists uneasy. Notwithstanding this transformation, the M135i is a giant on its own.

• Engine: M135i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with a horsepower of 302 and a torque of 332 lb-ft. This engine is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission and it is fitted with xDrive (the all-wheel-drive system of BMW) which offers very good traction especially during wet or slippery conditions.

• Acceleration and Top Speed: M135i accelerates to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds which is quite a fast car acceleration. Its maximum speed limit is electronically set to 155 mph and this is more than sufficient to drive in most situations.

• Driving: Due to the all-wheel-drive, the M135i provides outstanding grip and stability particularly in cornering or any other unfavourable conditions. The chassis is set towards comfort and sharpness, which is a good balance between daily usage and dynamic driving

BMW M140i: It’s the Final RWD Legend.

Contrastingly, the BMW M140i is the final vehicle of the 1 Series model that still has a Rear-wheel drive (RWD), a feature that has long been a staple of BMW driving behavior. It also belonged to the past generation of 1 Series prior to the transition to the new FWD platform.

• Engine: The M140i has a 3.0 liter turbocharged inline-6 engine with 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. This more powerful engine is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission or in certain markets a 6-speed manual transmission, which gives driving enthusiasts more choices to enjoy a more engaging driving experience.

• Speed and Acceleration: The M140i accelerates a little faster with a 0-60 mph of 4.6 seconds and, like the M135i, the M140i also has its top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

• Handling: Rear-wheel-drive design is one of the reasons that make M140i a standout in terms of driving dynamics. It is a car that is more interesting to drive on winding roads or during track days. The steering is accurate and has excellent feedback and the balance of the car is excellent. It is more sporty and reactive than the M135i, particularly when it is taken to the extreme.

2. Design and Interior: Luxury Sportiness.

Both the M135i and M140i have the same unmistakable language of design as BMW, although they have slight distinctions in the way they are presented on the road and in the interior.

BMW M135i: Modern and Sporty

• The M135i has a modern and aggressive look and it has crisp lines, big kidney grille and sportier bumpers. Being one of the new generations of the 1 Series, the M135i is more modern and sophisticated in appearance.

• Exterior Design: The front end is designed using the iconic kidney grille of BMW that is encircled by narrow, angular headlights. The vehicle also has broader wheel arches, low stance, and rear sporty diffuser. The general appearance is smooth but muscular and the aggressive pose differentiates it with the usual 1 Series.

• Interior: The M135i has a high quality interior that is modern. The interiors are high quality and the instrument cluster has a 12.3-inch digital display, sports seats, and M-specific trim. The general feel is lavish and sporty, the ambient lighting and a well organized infotainment system.

BMW M140i: Traditional with the Hint of Aggression.

M140i, which is included in the earlier generation of the 1 Series is a slightly more conventional BMW design. It has the traditional rear-wheel-drive proportions, more muscular stance, broader track and more aggressive lines.

• Exterior Design: The exterior design of the M140i is the typical BMW design, with the large kidney grilles and sharp edges on the body. The back of the M140i is a little more aggressive as there is a twin exhaust tip and a small rear diffuser. Their appearance is more traditional and athletic and has worn out.

• Interior: The cabin in the M140i is highly furnished and driving-oriented. It has sports seats, iDrive infotainment system and driver-oriented cockpit. Premium materials are used, but the design is a touch more conservative than the much more modern design of the M135i.

3. Technology and Features: What Is on the Offer?

The M135i and M140i are both loaded with features though the former enjoys an advantage over the latter in the form of newer technology, considering that the former is of the more recent 1 Series generation.

BMW M135i: Cutting-Edge Tech

• Infotainment: The M135i will be equipped with the most recent version of BMW iDrive 7.0 that features a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android auto, and gesture controls. The interface is user-friendly and it goes well with your smartphone.

• Driver Assistance: Lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control are all standard features of driver assistance. These technological applications can be used to make the driving experience enjoyable and to provide an element of safety.

• Comfort: M135i has a climate control with dual zones, sports seat, and an Harman Kardon sound system to make the ride in it luxurious on the day-to-day commute.

BMW M140i: More Traditional Tech

M140i has a slightly older iDrive system, which is still strong, but some of the more modern features of M135i are not in its offerings. It also features a 7.0-inch infotainment display and does not have any wireless smartphone connection (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto).

Nevertheless, the M140i has all the necessary safety and comfort-related items provided such as adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist, so you do not have to worry about missing any important technologies.

4. BMW M140i - Selection, Transmission, and Models Years.

The BMW M140i features a 3.0L turbocharged engine, available with automatic or manual transmission, produced from 2013 to 2023.

Engine and Transmission: Specifications.

• Engine Type: The M140i sports a more powerful 3.0-liter Turbocharged inline-6 engine (also known as the B58 engine). The engine is celebrated in the fact that it is smooth and delivers power, which is a trademark of the BMW inline-6 engine.

• Power: The engine in the M140i has a horsepower of 335 (250 kW) with a torque of 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). This makes the M140i even more unbelievable in terms of power to weight ratio than the M135i and thus a more thrilling choice.

Transmission: M140i is available in two transmissions:

• 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (as M135i tranmission)

• 6-speed manual transmission (to people who have their way to the car and enjoy the feeling of direct control over the car performance)

M140i is not offered with xDrive as the M135i. It has a rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard. This makes the car have more dynamic and involving driving experience, and its handling is excellent and connected to the road.

• 0-60 mph: The M140i takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate between 0 and 60 mph (0 and 100 km/h), a minor victory over the M135i when it comes to straight-line performance.

• Top Speed: Like the M135i, the top speed of the M140i is electronically restricted to 155 mph (250 km/h).

• Fuel Economy: The M140i with the bigger engine has a slightly lower fuel economy than the M135i which has an average combined range of 25-30 mpg, with the driving condition and style.

Available Model Years:

• BMW M140i (F20/F21): The M140i belonged to F20 1 Series, and this ran between 2014 and 2019. In 2016, it was succeeded by the M140i that is a higher-performing and more sophisticated model of the older M135i.

• Termination of the Production: In 2019, the front-wheel-drive platform of the new 1 Series (F40) replaced the M140i, and terminated its production. Nonetheless, used models that are between 2016 and 2019 are available in the market.

Turboautoparts, Aftermarket:

• Turbocharged Engine: The B58 engine on the M140i has the option to install different performance items such as larger turbochargers, downpipes, and intakes to increase the power output, particularly with the introduction of a tune that can be used to optimize the performance of the engine.

• Exhaust Upgrades: M140i has a typical sound, and performance exhaust systems can still improve it, providing it with a deeper and more aggressive sound.

Which BMW is the best choice in 2026?

The dilemma of selecting a suitable BMW model in 2026 will be reduced to a compromise between innovative technology, driving, engine and safety demands.