What Happens When You Drop An M3 Engine In A BMW 1 Series

The AutoTopNL YouTube channel features many of the fastest European cars in various states of tune. These cars were tested on the legendary Autobahn in Germany, which is known for having no speed limit for certain vehicle classes. This segment features an F20 BMW M135i with an S55B30 engine swap. The S55 engine was the predecessor to the S58 inline-6 powerplant that’s currently found in multiple BMW M vehicles. However, the S55 is more than capable of producing a lot of power, and it makes for an interesting engine swap in the smaller 1 Series Hot Hatch body style.

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0-62 MPH Takes 3.2 Seconds In S55 Swapped 1 Series

The S55-swapped BMW M135i has a rapid 0-62 time of 3.2 seconds. This puts it on par with the Tesla Model S P85D and the Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG. But its speed isn’t the only impressive feature, it’s the way it puts the power to the ground. Many overpowered vehicles battle with traction, but this M135i is fitted with BMW’s impressive X-drive system. This is the reason for the lack of wheelspin and other theatrics that generally accompany BMW M cars.

While BMW’s inline-6 engines, more specifically, the S55, have been a bit divisive for their sound, this one is fitted with an aftermarket exhaust system. The sound can best be described as throaty. While the noise is accompanied by backfiring and the sound of the twin turbochargers, it’s easy to get lost in thought before the M135i is catapulted to 124 MPH. 62 MPH to 124 MPH takes 8.61 seconds, which is pretty rapid. However, the M135i continues to accelerate beyond that point.

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The M135i Has An 11-Second Quarter-Mile Time

Even with a slightly less aggressive launch, the M135i managed a 0-62 MPH time of 3.61 seconds. However, it also managed to complete a quarter-mile in 11.55 seconds, which could be quicker with a more spirited launch. The next part of the video focused on the sound of the car from different angles and distances.

As previously mentioned, the exhaust tone is quite throaty, and it sounds great with the turbo whistling. However, the sound is drowned out by crackling and popping noises the further away the car is. From the front, the engine sounds a bit restricted, which could be solved with a better air intake.

Engine Specs

(Engine specs sourced from BMW-M)

This BMW M135i Is Capable Of Rapid Times

• A quarter-mile took 11.55 seconds.
• 0-62 MPH took 3.61 seconds with a slower launch.
• The engine noise is drowned out by pops and bangs from the exhaust.

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The M135i Handles Exceptionally Well Around Bends

Taking the M135i around bends seems very easy since the X-drive system keeps the car planted. From inside the car, it doesn’t seem very loud, and the exhaust doesn’t appear to have any drone. With launch control, the M135i has a brutal launch that propels it to mind-bending speeds in seconds. It’s also revealed to sound amazing going through a tunnel, as the sound reverberates, causing the walls to act as a natural amplifier. We recommend checking out the full video to get the full auditory experience.

This could be among the best BMW engine swaps that will keep purists and gearheads happy. There are a few impressive things about the build as well. Most notably, the instrument cluster and all the gauges work as if they were made that way from the factory. On the exterior, the M135i is fitted with a set of OEM BMW wheels that suit it quite well.

The black paint has been kept in great shape and there’s nothing that stands out too much. Overall, it’s an impressive build. Now, if BMW would start bringing over their hot hatchbacks to the U.S., we would love to see them compete with the Volkswagen GTI and Honda Civic Type-R. With that said, at least they listened to the fans and are now bringing over the BMW M5 Touring.

This M135i Is Well Put Together

• The engine sounds great going through a tunnel.
• The OEM wheels look fantastic.
• The build quality is exceptional.

Sources: AutoTopNL, BMW-M