parallax

BMW 135i Coupe

350 hp | 450 NM | 1,560 kg

207 km/h | 1.22 g (transverse) | -1.16 g (longitudinal)

2:19,3

SHORT CHARACTERISTICS
BMW's 1 Series Coupe in the top engine version conveys with 306hp power from a 3l six-cylinder with bi-turbo and rear-wheel drive in the compact class quite unrivaled BMW-typical joy of driving and found in 2007 for many fans with this model back to the roots of building nippy, sporty coupes in the spirit of the 2002 turbo.

TEST CONDITIONS

  • Weather: 15°, dry
  • Car occupancy Persons: 2

Test values

  • Lap time Pannonia Ring: 2:19.3 min
  • Top speed: 207 km/h

DEVIATIONS FROM THE SERIES
BMW Performance package (approx. 350 instead of 306 hp; 450 instead of 400 Nm) Adjustable chassis
BMW Performance brakes
BMW Performance seats

Technology

  • Engine / cylinder / capacity: petrol / R6 / 2.979 ccm
  • Rated power: 350 hp at 5,800 rpm
  • Max. Torque: 450 Nm
  • Engine type: Twin-Scroll-Turbo
  • Drive / Transmission: Rear / 6 gear manual
  • Unladen weight: 1,560 kg
  • Power to weight ratio: 4.46 kg/hp
  • Tires: 215/40-245/35 R 18 Y

MILEAGE (FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS)

  • Top speed: 250 km/h
  • 0-100 km/h: 5.3 sec

LISTEN PRICE
approx. EUR 70.000,-- (incl. Performance Parts)

Markos Statement

The C450AMG, or AMG 43 as Mercedes now calls it, has been re-tuned by AMG, has the AMG Ride Control suspension from the C63 including AMG steering knuckles for more negative camber, an improved gearshift programme, optimised engine map control and 360mm front brake discs. In addition, the tested vehicle had the optional AMG Performance seats, which offer extremely good lateral support, can be optimally adjusted and are ideal for the race track. In everyday life, on longer journeys, they seem borderline hard to me. Even if the C450 AMG's main area of use is certainly not the race track, it cuts a good figure there too. Its role is not to be the brute that really kicks you in the back like its big brother and with which you can let the tail hang out, but rather the one that lets the "bad guys" go first, but shows that it can certainly "do it when it wants to" thanks to its all-wheel-drive traction advantage and rich torque. Unfortunately, Mercedes doesn't quite let it do what it could, the main problem being the arbitrary nature of the control interventions, even with ESP switched off. The car steers perfectly, has a slight tendency to oversteer, and you think to yourself as you slide out of the bend: "cool, they've done a great job", only to be abruptly slowed down by the electronics the next second*.

This is a great pity, because although it is not a thoroughbred sports car: the basic set-up is quite successful. The AMG Sport Parameter steering is precise in sport+ mode, the brakes can be dosed well and decelerate very well, and the chassis would also allow for more cornering speed. Thanks to the two turbochargers, the 3-litre V6 always has enough power and torque for a brisk pace and the 7G-Tronic plus can be shifted quickly and smoothly with the paddles in manual mode. In the current C43 with the 9G-Tronic, it is possible to really COMPLETELY switch off the ESP.

CONCLUSION: The AMG "Light" is a good option for those who want to combine everyday utility and fun and are looking for a sporty saloon. The 367 hp & 520 Nm are enough to have a lot of fun, especially on nice curvy country roads, and you can also be seen on the race track. In my opinion, Mercedes has closed the gap between the "normal C-Class" and the "hardcore" AMG C63 with the C450 / AMG C43.

- Back to overview -