Starting this summer, BMW will replace the top-model of the 1 Series range – the M135i – with an upgraded version. To be sold under the M140i badge, the new model features an upgraded version of the B58 3.0 liter TwinScroll Turbocharged engine. The new unit has an aluminum crankcase and cylinder head developing 250 kW/340 hp, a 10 kW/14 hp increase in maximum output over its predecessor. The new unit lays on peak torque of 500 Newton meters (369 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm and generates maximum output at 5,500 rpm.
Therefore 1 Series models are 0.3 seconds faster than their predecessors on average. The BMW M140i 3-door and BMW M140i 5-door complete the dash from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds with the standard six-speed manual gearbox or 4.6 seconds with the optional eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. Get them with all-wheel drive and that time drops to 4.4 seconds, which is actually faster than the manual BMW M2 and only 0.1 seconds slower than the DCT version.
Along with these improved performance figures, thanks to the new B58 engines, the M140i now also claim to have better mpg ratings. In the European test cycle, they are claimed to be 7 percent more efficient. The M140i model is supposed to return between 33.1 and 30.1 mpg (7.1 l/100 km – 7.8 l/100 km) depending on the model and transmission.
Standard specification includes M Sport suspension lowered by 10 millimeters, 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design, an M Sport braking system, Variable Sports Steering with Servotronic function, a model-specific M aerodynamic package and exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic. Playing their part in the sporting interior ambience are the cloth/Alcantara sports seats with blue contrast stitching, the M leather steering wheel and an M driver’s footrest.
