🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

135i

Year:

2013

Chassis Code:

F20 (hatchback), F23 (convertible - though 135i was not typically F23, it's important to note generational differences)

Engine Code:

N55B30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact premium sports coupe/convertible

Competitors:

Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible, Infiniti Q50 (rear-wheel drive variants), Cadillac ATS

Performance Focus:

Rear-wheel drive platform, potent turbocharged inline-six engine, sporty handling characteristics

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers seeking a balance of performance, luxury, and BMW's renowned driving dynamics in a smaller package.

Driving Dynamics:

Emphasizes 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' through balanced chassis, potent powertrains, and precise steering.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Global (primarily North American specifications for a US-market manual)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF, HTML, or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (N55B30), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system

Drivetrain:

Transmission (ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic, Getrag 6-speed manual), clutch, differential, drive axles, transfer case (if applicable)

Chassis:

Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC, EBD), wheels, tires

Electrical:

Engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM), comfort electronics, lighting, infotainment system, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, seats, climate control, airbags, safety restraint systems

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common issues, fault code interpretation (DTC), diagnostic tool usage, symptom-based diagnostics

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component testing and replacement

Special Procedures:

Software updates, module programming, key coding, diagnostic port access (OBD-II), torque specifications for critical fasteners

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete component overhauls)

Diagnostic Tools Required:

BMW ISTA/D (Integrated Service Application / Diagnostics) or compatible third-party diagnostic scanner

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital Software (likely interactive or searchable PDF)

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Twin-Scroll Turbocharged

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

320 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque:

330 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (Valvetronic and Double VANOS variable valve timing)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01 certified)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant

ECU Type:

Bosch DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

ZF 8-speed Automatic Transmission (8HP45)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic, Sport Mode, Paddle Shifters

Fluid Type:

MTF LT-3 (Manual Transmission Fluid)

Fluid Type:

ATF LT-5 (Automatic Transmission Fluid, ZF Lifeguard 8)

Differential Type:

Limited Slip Differential (Optional)

Ratio 1St:

4.110

Ratio 2Nd:

2.320

Ratio 3Rd:

1.540

Ratio 4Th:

1.170

Ratio 5Th:

1.000

Ratio 6Th:

0.840

Ratio Reverse:

3.727

Ratio 1St:

5.000

Ratio 2Nd:

3.200

Ratio 3Rd:

2.150

Ratio 4Th:

1.600

Ratio 5Th:

1.220

Ratio 6Th:

1.000

Ratio 7Th:

0.870

Ratio 8Th:

0.690

Ratio Reverse:

3.540

📐 Dimensions

Length:

171.5 inches (4356 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

~3439 lbs (1560 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

~3472 lbs (1575 kg)

Trunk Volume:

13.0 cubic feet (368 Liters)

Standard Wheel Size:

18-inch alloy

Standard Tire Size:

225/40R18 (Front), 245/35R18 (Rear)

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not explicitly rated for this specific model variant, but typical BMW standards apply.

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on specific options)

Features:

Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB interface, satellite radio, optional Harman Kardon sound system

Features:

Park Distance Control (PDC), optional rearview camera, optional Xenon headlights

Interface:

USB, AUX-in, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to CBS or typically around 60,000 miles for iridium plugs.

Engine Air Filter:

Refer to CBS or typically 30,000 miles.

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (with heat exchanger)

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4

Common Problems:

PCV valve failure (leading to oil leaks or rough idle), turbocharger wastegate rattle, water pump failure, injector issues, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) concerns (earlier N54, less common on N55 but still possible).

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check oil levels, use high-quality fuel, maintain a clean engine bay, address minor oil leaks promptly, and follow the CBS maintenance schedule diligently.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics, dating back to the early 20th century.

Generation:

F20 (1 Series Hatchback) and related coupe/convertible variants. The 135i represents a high-performance variant within this generation.

Production Years:

The 135i was produced across various generations of the 1 Series, with the N55 engine variant typically associated with the E82 (coupe) and E88 (convertible) generations preceding the F20, and later F22/F23 generations (though the 135i nameplate was largely replaced by M235i/M240i in newer generations). The 2013 model year specifically refers to the later E82/E88 chassis before the F22 transition, or potentially early F20 variants if market specific. The manual will cover the specific chassis code for the 2013 model year.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Vehicle Awards:

While specific awards for the 2013 135i might be varied, the 1 Series and its variants have consistently received praise for driving dynamics and performance in their class from automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds.