| Model year | 2008 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | 135i |
| Style | Convertible |
| Base MSRP | $39,100 |
| Options on test vehicle | Sparkling Graphic Metallic Paint ($475); Coral Red Boston Leather ($1,450); Sport Package ($1,000 -- includes 18-inch wheels with performance tires, sport seats, M steering wheel, Shadowline trim); Comfort Access System ($500); iPod/USB Adapter ($400); BMW Assist ($750). |
| As-tested MSRP | $44,450 |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Turbo 3.0L inline-6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,973cc (181.3 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/magnesium |
| Valvetrain | 24 valves, double-overhead cam |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.2 |
| Redline (rpm) | 7,000 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 300 @ 5,800 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 300 @ 1,400 |
| Transmission type | Manual 6-speed |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I = 4.055, II = 2.396, III = 1.582, IV = 1.192, V = 1, VI = 0.872, R = 3.677, Final Drive = 3.077 |
| Suspension, front | Aluminum double-pivot |
| Suspension, rear | Five-link fully independent in lightweight steel |
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 16:01 |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Polenza RE050A |
| Tire type | Performance |
| Tire size, front | 215/40R18 85Y |
| Tire size, rear | 245/35R18 88X |
| Wheel size | 18 by 7.5 front -- 18 by 8.5 rear |
| Wheel material | Light alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 3.7 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 5.5 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 8.2 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 13.8 @ 101.3 |
| 0-60 with 1 foot of rollout (sec.) | 5.2 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 26 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 107 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 68.6 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 0.85 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | 66.5 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 77.3 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 68.7 |
| Acceleration comments | 4,700-5,000 rpm launch speed. Best technique: Clutch out fast (no slip). Very little wheel spin required. Very easy to launch. |
| Braking rating | Very Good |
| Braking comments | Solid, consistent pedal feel. Immediate effectiveness. The same brake performance we've come to expect from BMW. |
| Handling rating | Very Good |
| Handling comments | Skid pad: Different balance left to right. CCW feels more adjustable. CW is heavy understeer. Overall, good grip. Slalom: Not as stiff or as well damped or as easy to control at limit as 1 Series coupe -- all to be expected from convertible. Still, quite well-mannered despite compromise to structure and weight. |
| Elevation (ft.) | Not available |
| Temperature (°F) | 77.4 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | Not available |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 17 city/26 highway |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 17.2 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 14 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,660 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 3,686 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 49.7/50.3 |
| Length (in.) | 171.7 |
| Width (in.) | 68.8 |
| Height (in.) | 55.6 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 104.7 |
| Track, front (in.) | 58 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 59.3 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 35.1 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 31.3 |
| Legroom, 3rd row (in.) | Not available |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.6 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37 |
| Headroom, 3rd row (in.) | Not available |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 56 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 43 |
| Shoulder room, 3rd row (in.) | Not available |
| Seating capacity | 4 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 8 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | Not available |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years/Unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Knee airbags | Not available |
| Antilock brakes | 4-wheel ABS |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Standard |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Standard |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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