BMW M135i Vs M140i: How Do These Pocket Rockets Compare?

If you’re looking for a compact BMW with incredible performance, the M135i and M140i should definitely be on your radar. With turbocharged engines delivering over 300 horsepower, aggressive styling, AWD, and track-tuned handling, these pocket rockets offer some of the best driving thrills in the BMW lineup.

But how exactly does the M135i compare to the M140i? Should you spend extra to get the more powerful M140i? Or does the M135i provide nearly equal fun for less money?

We’ll compare the exterior design, performance specs, interior features, pricing, and overall driving experience of the M135i and M140i. Read on to see how BMW’s hottest hatch and coupe stack up.

Exterior Styling and Dimensions

As you’d expect from BMW M Performance models wearing the motorsport badge, both the M135i and M140i feature aggressive styling upgrades. These include:

Signature M Sport front and rear bumpers with large intakes and openings
Aerodynamic side skirts
Quad exhaust tips
18” or 19” M light alloy wheels
Shadowline trim for a sporty dark look
Optional carbon fiber roof

Visually, the M135i and M140i look nearly identical. The main difference is that the M135i has a 5-door hatchback body style, while the M140i is a 2-door coupe.

In terms of size, the M140i is slightly longer, wider, and taller than the M135i:

M135i length: 176.5 in
M140i length: 179.0 in
M135i width: 71.8 in
M140i width: 73.4 in
M135i height: 56.1 in
M140i height: 56.3 in

So while very close in dimensions, the M140i coupe is a bit larger overall compared to the hatchback M135i.

Performance and Engine

Under the hood is where we start to see more significant differences between the M135i and M140i emerge.

Both feature a turbocharged 3.0L straight 6 cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. However, the M140i’s B58 engine makes more power:

M135i engine: Single twin-scroll turbo, 306 hp, 332 lb-ft torque
M140i engine: Twin-scroll turbocharged, 335 hp, 369 lb-ft torque

The extra boost gives the M140i a slight edge in acceleration:

M135i 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
M140i 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds

So while the M135i is impressively quick, the M140i shaves off 0.2 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph.

The top speed is electronically limited on both cars, maxing out at:

M135i top speed: 155 mph
M140i top speed: 155 mph

Clearly the M140i’s engine upgrades pay dividends in faster acceleration. But the M135i is still astonishingly quick in its own right, rocketing to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.

Drivetrain and Handling

In addition to more power under the hood, the BMW M140i also has a key handling upgrade over the M135i.

Both cars come standard with BMW’s xDrive AWD system. Power is distributed 40% front and 60% rear in normal driving. But the system can flex up to 100% of torque to either axle to improve grip and handling.

While both xDrive systems work similarly, the M140i adds:

Wider rear track for improved grip
Revised suspension tuning and bushings

This gives the M140i a slight handling advantage, with the wider rear stance adding lateral grip and stability through corners.

Both models still deliver precise, agile steering and incredible grip though. They offer some of the best handling you’ll find in the compact performance segment.

Interior and Technology

Inside the cabin, the M135i and M140i are again very evenly matched. You get BMW’s M Sport front seats with integrated headrests featuring carbon fiber trim and illuminated M badges.

Other interior upgrades include:

M Sport steering wheel
Aluminum tetragon trim
Unique digital instrument cluster
Red start/stop button
Floor mats with M stripes

BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment comes standard, running on a 10.25” central touchscreen. This includes navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and intelligent voice control.

One interior feature exclusive to the M140i is the Harman Kardon surround sound system. This 12-speaker system adds crisper, richer audio.

But overall, the M135i and M140i share very similar interiors with identical dimensions and seating for five passengers. Unless the Harman Kardon audio is a must-have, you’ll be equally comfortable and impressed inside either model.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to MSRP, the BMW M140i carries a higher cost:

M135i starting MSRP: $51,600
M140i starting MSRP: $56,700

So you’re looking at nearly a $5,000 price bump for the M140i before any options. Of course, you can drive both prices up quickly with add-ons like the Executive Package, adaptive suspension, parking assist, and more.

In terms of value, the extra performance of the M140i may or may not justify the additional cost depending on your needs. The M135i gets you about 95% of the acceleration and driving experience for less money.

If budget is no concern, the M140i is certainly worth the extra spend. But the M135i likely makes more sense if you want to optimize value per dollar.

Driving Experience

While the specs and pricing offer helpful data points, the most important consideration is the actual driving experience behind the wheel of the M135i and M140i.

In a word – wow. Both of these pocket rockets deliver a thrilling drive every time you get behind the wheel. They beg you to push the limits around every corner.

The turbo six delivers insane acceleration at any speed. These compact cars absolutely launch off the line and down the highway on-ramp. Gear changes are lightning quick allowing you to stay in the power.

Steering is surgically precise with loads of feedback through the wheel. At speed, the chassis feels like it’s on rails as you carve through sweepers. The lower center of gravity and AWD grip combine to deliver go kart handling.

Braking is similarly strong and confidence inspiring from the M Sport brakes. They provide consistent, fade-free stopping even with repeated heavy use.

It’s impossible not to have fun hustling either of these BMWs down a winding backroad or racetrack. The harder you push, the more smiles, laughter and adrenaline you’ll generate.

While the M140i may have a slight acceleration advantage and grippier rear end, the M135i is so close in driving thrills that most drivers would be hard pressed to notice.

Bottom line – no matter which model you choose, you can count on one of the most purely fun driving experiences on the market today.

Which Is the Better Buy: M135i or M140i?

So if you’re debating between these two amazing performance cars, which should you buy – the BMW M135i or M140i?

Here’s a quick recap of the key differences:

Exterior styling – nearly identical with aggressive M upgrades
Performance – M140i has more power and faster acceleration
Handling – both precise and agile, M140i adds wider rear track
Interior – same dimensions and features, M140i adds Harman audio
Pricing – M140i around $5k more expensive
Driving experience – both offer incredible thrills and handling

For most buyers, the M135i is likely the best option. You get about 95% of the M140i’s performance for significantly less money. The hatchback design also makes the M135i a bit more practical.

However, if budget is no concern and you want every last bit of acceleration, the M140i is the way to go. The extra power, grip, and Harman Kardon audio may be worthwhile if you can afford the higher cost.

No matter which of these amazing pocket rockets you choose, you really can’t go wrong. Both the M135i and M140i deliver incredible performance and driving thrills in one perfectly sized package.

So take one for a spin and get ready for massive, unstoppable grins each time you drive. These are two compact BMWs you’ll want to find any excuse to get behind the wheel of again and again.