
Closest available photo (2011 model year); you're viewing the 2012.
Overview
- Body
- Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- HP
- 300
- Power to weight
- 0.089 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 3.08
- Cyl
- 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 20 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $3,350EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 5/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- SmartWay certified
- No
Dimensions & capacity
- Length
- 172 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Width
- 69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Height
- 56 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Wheelbase
- 105 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Curb Weight
- 3,373 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Safety NHTSA, model year
- Stability control (ESC)
- Standard
- Forward-collision warning
- No
- Lane-departure warning
- No
- Recalls
- 6
- Owner complaints
- 19
Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- ENGINE29%
- POWER TRAIN18%
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM15%
- AIR BAGS12%
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9%
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)3%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 34 total.
BMW 135i: best and worst yearsFederal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year
EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
79 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
May 1, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGB011321
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al
Apr 1, 2021SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISCB340414
Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
Apr 1, 2020POWER TRAINB110208
Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
Jul 12, 2019EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)651512
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
Jul 10, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM613312
"Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). The engine can still be started, even with the CC message displayed. CAUSE: Car Access System (CAS) software error"
Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY541409
Wear Marks on the C-pillar Area of the Soft Top Canvas. Wear marks may form on the soft top cover in the C-pillar area, above or below the canvas seam and or along the seam. These wear marks may be visible on one or both sides and are generally less than 4mm in diameter. They are first visible as a smooth spot on the cover, and progress to a white mark. In severe cases, a hole could form in the cover material. 1. Improper limit spacing between the soft top cover and the soft top frame when fold
Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY540810
Convertible Top Does Not Open Properly. When opening the convertible top, the interior cover flap remains open. CAUSE: The cable for the flap operation is either kinked or dislodged.
- and 71 more
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Warranty manufacturer terms, by make
- Basic
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Powertrain
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Roadside assistance
- 4 yr
- Maintenance
- 3 yr / 36k mi
- EV battery
- 8 yr / 100k mi
Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.