2012 BMW 135i
The 2012 BMW 135i is a coupe. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.2 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2012 BMW 135I
The 2012 BMW 135i is the six-cylinder coupe version of the first-generation 1 Series (E82). It uses the single-turbo 3.0-litre N55 inline-six, rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; a six-speed manual was standard.
Where 2012 fits
The 1 Series arrived in the US for 2008 as a two-door coupe and convertible only, with the 135i using the twin-turbo N54. For 2011 the 135i switched to the N55 engine and the six-speed automatic was replaced by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 2012 car carries those changes forward, sitting above the 128i, whose naturally aspirated 3.0-litre six offered a gentler alternative. The E82 continued until 2013, after which the 2 Series coupe took its place.
What it is like
The 135i is compact, short in wheelbase and strong for its size, so it is quick in a straight line and lively on a twisty road. It seats four, with a tight rear bench, and has a modest boot, but it is an easy car to use daily.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N55 issues include electric water pump failure, oil filter housing and valve cover gasket leaks, and a cracked plastic charge pipe on tuned cars. The dual-clutch gearbox should shift cleanly; any hesitation or harshness needs investigating. Many 135i coupes have been modified, so check for tuning.
Rivals
Rivals included the Infiniti G37 Coupe, Audi TT and Volkswagen Golf R.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 135i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 135i |
| Body Style | Coupe | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S7) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | Torque | 407 Nm / 300 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,420 kg (3,131 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 COUPES
Compared with other 2012 coupes in our database, its 300 hp is 14% less than the average 2012 coupe (348 hp), and it is 8% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2012 BMW 135i | Average 2012 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 348 hp (25 cars) | -14% |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 418 Nm (25 cars) | -3% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s | 5.2 s (26 cars) | — |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 159 mph (27 cars) | -2% |
| Kerb weight | 1,420 kg | 1,551 kg (28 cars) | -8% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,621 cc (28 cars) | -17% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2012 coupes with similar power to the 2012 BMW 135i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 135i | 300 hp | 5.2 s | 1,420 kg |
| 2012 Honda Accord Coupe | 271 hp | 7.4 s | 1,450 kg |
| 2012 Nissan 370Z | 332 hp | 4.7 s | 1,445 kg |