2014 BMW M135i Manual

Highlights

• 315bhp straight-six

• Sought after six-speed manual gearbox

• Well specified

• Advisory-free MOT

• Strong service history with recent full service

Overview

Few modern hot hatches have garnered as much of a popular following as the original BMW M135i. Bursting onto the scene in 2012, this pocket rocket captured the hearts of enthusiastic drivers with its potent turbocharged straight-six, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and cheeky persona. While later iterations have embraced a slightly more refined character, the first-generation M135i remains a raw and raucous delight.

This particular 2014 example presents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and comprehensively specified M135i. The current owner, an enthusiast who has cherished the car since 2021, has diligently maintained a full service history, with the most recent work carried out in September 2024 at 83,223 miles, which included a set of new spark plugs. Overall, this M135i is in top-notch condition, a testament to the care lavished upon it by its current and previous keepers.

The Estoril Blue metallic paint retains an impressive depth of colour and mirror-like gloss, with only minor stone chips, as expected, on the front surfaces. The body panels are impressively straight, and the 18-inch Style 436M alloy wheels, while lightly scratched, remain in good condition wrapped in matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres. The interior is a particular highlight, with the luxurious Dakota leather upholstery exhibiting minimal wear commensurate with the car's age and mileage.

In all, it’s a well maintained, nicely kitted-out, pokey hot hatch which, thanks to its six cylinder engine, we’re unlikely to see the like of again. We think it will be snapped up.

History and Documentation

• Registered: 24 Jun 2014

• 5 former keepers

• Service History shown on iDrive and via invoices: Jan 2017 @ 15,518 miles, Jun 2017 @ 20,366 miles, Jan 2019 @ 29,914 miles, Jun 2019 @ 31,376 miles (brake fluid only), Aug 2020 @ 37,629 miles, Feb 2022 @ 55,425 miles, Nov 2022 @ 64,746 miles (plus engine oil cooler, O-ring, valve cover gasket set), Jun 2023 @ 74,320 miles, Sep 2024 @ 83,223 miles (serviced by the owner with high-quality parts)

• Current MOT, with no advisories, expires 16 Aug 2025

• HPI Clear

• All original books, stamped service history, and two keys included

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Inviting cabin with deeply bolstered heated sports seats upholstered in black leather

• The seats show minimal wear, a testament to the care this M135i has received over the years

• The multifunction steering wheel frames the classic BMW instrument cluster with clear analogue gauges

• The dashboard's central screen houses BMW's excellent iDrive system with Professional Navigation

• Cutting-edge at the time and still one of the better user interfaces today, this system offers seamless control over the Harman/Kardon audio as well as the navigation and vehicle settings

• Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures both driver and passenger can tailor the cabin environment to their preferences

• The specification also includes a retractable armrest, rain sensing wipers, Park Distance Control, and cruise control

• Subtle yet sporty aluminum trim accents add a touch of class to the interior's overall design

• The M135i's rear seats offer a surprising amount of space for a hot hatch, accommodating adults with reasonable comfort

• Despite its performance credentials, this BMW remains a practical daily driver with ample storage for personal items

Exterior

• Theis M135i cuts a dashing figure in Estoril Blue, a classic BMW colour

• The paintwork has a deep and lustrous shade that truly pops in sunlight and its condition is excellent, with only minor stone chips on the front end

• A handful of minor scratches on the rear bumper are the only noteworthy blemishes

• The 18-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels are in good overall condition while exhibiting some light scratching

• A matching set of Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, the rears of which have covered fewer than 1,000 miles

• Xenon headlights

• Five doors for maximum practicality

• There’s a subtle M135i badge on the rear which could of course be removed (one local wag has replaced his with a ‘116d’ badge), though the twin exhausts remain a giveaway to those in the know

• Overall, it’s a subtle but sporting hatch that presents really well

Mechanical

• Powered by the N55 turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, good for 315 bhp and 332 lb-ft of torque

• The gearbox is the less-often specified and now sought-after six-speed manual option

• Rear wheel drive

• 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds, which makes it a quick car, even by today’s standards

• Braking is reassuringly firm, with the seller reporting that the newly installed front discs and pads provide ample stopping power

• He also notes that it sounds very smooth, following its recent oil change and new spark plugs

Summary

The BMW M135i holds a place in all of our hearts, combining strong performance with daily driving civility. This particular example represents a great opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and highly specified version of this desirable manual hot hatch. 

With its comprehensive service history, recent major maintenance, and array of desirable options, this M135i should prove to be an entertaining and practical choice for its next owner.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in London.