Technical data

Near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution: The front and rear axles
each carry almost exactly half of the car’s weight. Balanced weight
gives the 1 Series Coupe neutral steering and outstanding directional
stability. And with a sport-tuned suspension and DSC provided as
standard, it remains stable in virtually all road conditions.
For details on the availability of standard and optional features, please refer to the
Standard equipment | Optional equipment charts at the back of this brochure.
Rear-wheel drive: The hallmark BMW rear-wheel-drive configuration
gives the 1 Series Coupe an athletic agility, while helping to maintain
an even weight distribution across the entire drive system. The result
is optimized traction and transmission of power to the road.
ACTIVE STEERING: FOR THE PERFECT
BLEND OF STABILITY AND AGILITY,
WITH FLUID PERFORMANCE AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Aluminum front suspension: The 1 Series Coupe uses a lightweight,
twin-joint tension strut suspension for maximum strength and minimum
weight; hydro-mounts reduce vibration and noise. The overall result is
noticeably athletic agility and responsive steering.
Steering: Torque steer is eliminated in the 1 Series because steering
and propulsion are not handled by the same pair of wheels. Steering
force is evenly distributed; steering does not become harder; and
steering-wheel angles are small. An added benefit: increased
cornering speed.
BMW engineered the 1 Series Coupe’s lightweight chassis to perfectly
harmonize with the engine and transmission. So as soon as you start
driving, you’re aware of how well it reacts to the road – with precise
steering, agile handling and lack of vibration and noise.
Further enhancing the quality of the driving experience, BMW offers
optional Active Steering in the 135i – an innovative option that adapts
the steering ratio and front-wheel turn-angle to suit the vehicle’s speed.
At low speeds, it takes just two turns of the steering wheel to move the
front wheels from far left to far right, providing greater agility on winding
roads and improved ease when parking. As the vehicle speed increases,
the steering ratio gradually changes; at highway speeds, you enjoy
greater directional stability and more comfortable cruising. The result:
intuitive steering feel at all speeds.
Active Steering also includes yaw compensation, an “active safety”
benefi t that helps to keep the vehicle going straight while braking on
surfaces where each wheel has varying levels of grip. For example, if
the car begins to swerve while braking, Active Steering compensates
by means of automatic, subtle steering adjustments.
When you combine the benefi ts of Active Steering with the 135i
Coupe’s powerful acceleration, neutral steering and excellent road
holding, it adds up to an intensely enjoyable driving experience.