Stuffed with wide tires (Toyo Proxes 225/35-19 front and 255/30-19 rear), it will cling to turns with mad levels of grip. Hunkered down and tightened up, body roll was barely perceptible. The brakes are stock and they didn’t fade on either of the two runs we made. All in all, it’s the rocket that it seems to be on paper. Less weight plus more power in a smaller package adds up to a car that can hold its own against more powerful and costlier competition.
The official 1 Series M will reportedly pump out 360 hp to the crankless than what you can do by flashing an N54’s ECU. Those who buy the factory version probably want the M logos and factory stylistic touches. But those who build their own won’t be missing out on anything.
Hamann BMW 135i
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine
3.0-liter I6, dohc, 24-valve,
turbocharged. Hamann 4-pipe
sport exhaust, Amberg Cypheror ECU reflash
Transmission
Six-speed manual
Suspension
Sport lowering springs
Brakes
OEM assemblies
Exterior
Hamann front spoiler, rear apron
Interior
Hamann aluminum pedals, handbrake
Performance
Peak Power: 400 hp (est.)