More power is always better, right? It’s certainly been BMW’s mantra of late, and it’s driven the development of nearly every car sold in the U.S. These days, even relatively run-of-the-mill cars like the 335i and 135i are powered by the exceedingly talented (though outgoing) twin-turbo N54 engine, the 300-hp six that has helped BMW’s current lineup become its most powerful ever.
Usually, I wholeheartedly agree with the “more is better” line of thinking when it comes to engine power. An abundance of torque and a horsepower-rich powerplant usually make the driving experience that much more entertaining.
But after spending a few days with a 135i Convertible, I’m not so sure. Sure, the 135i is quicker than the majority of cars on the road. In stop-and-go driving, it’s fun racing to the next traffic light on a tidal wave of forced induction while leaving unsuspecting Boxster owners eating Bavarian dust.
Beyond pure acceleration, the 135i Convertible delivers a gratifying driving experience at moderately aggressive speeds on smooth sections of serpentine blacktop. But “moderately” is the key word, and therein lies the rub. When push comes to shove, the 135i just isn’t that well composed. The sheer amount of grunt put out by its engine feels at odds with its less-than-dialed-in chassis and suspension setup, which makes it comfortable as a daily driver but far from outstanding as a back-road burner.
A dent in driver confidence
Last summer, I drove a 128i Convertible on the same roads I tackled in the 135i Convertible and came away impressed. The 128i’s N52 straight-six is an engaging, smooth-revving powerplant in the best BMW tradition. Maybe I’m looking back through rose-tinted sunglasses, but the 128i’s relative lack of power—just 230 horsepower rather than 300—made its softly sprung suspension a less-glaring deficiency.
If you try to take advantage of the 135i’s quick and direct steering, for instance, you’ll soon notice that it isn’t transmitting enough feedback from the tires to your hands. Just as you realize you’re running out of grip from the front tires, you’re already out of grip and the 135i’s nose is understeering toward the outside of the corner.
