The BMW M140i isn’t your average hot hatch. With its powerful 3.0-liter engine sending power to the rear wheels, it stands out in a crowd. However, this distinctiveness comes with some compromises, such as cramped rear seats and optional features that can add to the price tag.
Price Range: RRP £34,165 – £38,955, Used from £16,250 (These prices may change over time).
What’s Great About the BMW M140i?
1. Fun to Drive: If you’re in the market for a hot hatch that offers a combination of luxury and excitement on twisty roads, the BMW M140i should be on your list. While it might not have the dramatic styling of some competitors, it more than makes up for it with a thrilling driving experience.
2. Well-Built: Inside the M140i, you’ll find a cabin that exudes quality and sturdiness. While it may lack the high-tech extravagance of some rivals, it compensates with robust build quality.
3. User-Friendly: The BMW’s dashboard is thoughtfully designed with a slight tilt toward the driver. This layout creates a sporty feel while keeping controls within easy reach. The iDrive infotainment system is a standout feature, boasting a rotary-dial controller located conveniently near the gear lever. BMW sat-nav comes standard, adding extra convenience to your journeys.
4. Good Luggage Space: Surprisingly, the M140i boasts a practical side. It offers more boot space than the Mercedes-AMG A35, and the rear seats fold down as standard. So, whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a trip to a certain Swedish furniture store, the M140i has you covered.
What Could Be Improved?
1. Cramped Rear Seats: The M140i’s rear seats can be tight, especially in the three-door version. While the five-door model solves the entry problem, limited legroom remains an issue.
2. Limited Visibility: The small rear and side windows can make the cabin feel dark and enclosed.
3. Optional Extras: While the M140i comes with many desirable features as standard, advanced driving aids and other optional extras can substantially raise the price. Take care when configuring your ideal M140i to avoid sticker shock.
Performance: Power and Playfulness
Under the hood, the BMW M140i hides a gem – a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine. This sizable powerplant, coupled with a turbocharger, delivers a hefty 340 horsepower. To put that into perspective, it’s significantly more potent than the 306 horsepower offered by the Mercedes-AMG A35. The M140i’s 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, giving it a slight edge over the A35. However, in less-than-ideal conditions, the A35’s superior four-wheel-drive traction might tip the scales in its favour.
Where the BMW M140i truly excels is in spirited driving. It’s a lively performer, offering thrilling handling in fast corners. Despite its playful nature, it’s approachable and doesn’t overwhelm the driver. The linear power delivery from the potent engine ensures that grip loss is gradual and manageable. In wet conditions, though, the four-wheel-drive A35 might provide more confidence.
On the motorway, the M140i maintains its sporty character. Even with the adaptive dampers set to their most relaxed setting, it rides stiffer than a standard 1 Series. However, it never becomes outright uncomfortable.
While the M140i comes well-equipped, some of the fancier driving aids and features are found on the options list. Exploring these options can quickly inflate the price, so be sure to check out BMW M140i deals to see how much you can save without breaking the bank.
Tuning the BMW M140i: Unleashing Its Potential
If you’re keen to enhance the M140i’s already impressive performance, tuning is the way to go. With the B58 engine, this vehicle offers exciting tuning opportunities. We’ve tuned numerous M140i’s, B58 engines, and we possess extensive experience with the B58 Gen 2 engine. Let’s explore the benefits of dyno tuning for the BMW M140i and what you can expect in terms of power.
Dyno Tuning for the BMW M140i
Dyno tuning is a precise process that involves placing the vehicle on a dynamometer (dyno) machine. The engine is fine-tuned in real-time using live data logging, optimizing its performance.
We provide Stage 1 to 3 Hybrid Tuning Packages for the BMW M140i. We’ve developed these packages based on our own BMW M140i, which has been running at 470hp since 2020 with minimal hardware upgrades. Here’s what you can expect from our tuning services:
Stage 1: 400Hp – 580Nm
Stage 2: 450Hp – 650Nm
Stage 3: 550Hp – 680Nm (Note: Figures can vary depending on hardware.)
Upgrades for Onyx BMW M140I Stage 2 Package Includes:
Stage 2 Custom Engine & XHP Gearbox Software
Downpipe Or High Flow Sports Catalyst
OPF Delete
Induction Kit
Race Spark Plugs
Upgraded Charge Pipe
HPFP Upgrade (Optional for Stage 2 tuning)
Upgrades for Onyx BMW M140I Stage 3 Package Includes:
Stage 3 Custom Engine & XHP Gearbox Software
Downpipe Or High Flow Sports Catalyst
OPF Delete
Induction Kit
Race Spark Plugs
Upgraded Charge Pipe
HPFP Upgrade
Hybrid Turbo
Our tuning packages include a range of benefits:
Rolling Road (Dyno) Session
Before and After Print Outs
Engine Smoke Test to check for any Boost/Vacuum Leaks
Sports displays recalibrated to suit higher power
Catalyst efficiency fault code delete
Sport Mode Overrun Crackles (OPTIONAL)
Speed Limiter Off
Optional ‘Cold start delete’
Diagnostic Check
We offer both software and hardware upgrades, providing a comprehensive approach to tuning. You can choose from a variety of hardware options to tailor your package according to your preferences.
Additional Tuning Features:
In addition to engine tuning, we offer various tuning features to optimize your BMW M140i:
XHP Gearbox Tuning: Our gearbox software optimizes shift points to make the best use of your engine’s torque, ensuring smooth and efficient gear changes.
Pops & Bangs: Depending on your hardware, we can add our signature Pops & Bangs to your BMW M140i ECU software for a thrilling auditory experience.
Engine Upgrades: We can supply and install all engine modifications in-house, including everything needed to achieve Stage 2 or 3 power levels.
Limiters Deactivated: ECU soft limiters can be raised or removed
Braking & Handling Upgrades: We offer various upgrades to enhance your BMW M140i’s braking and handling, ensuring a well-rounded performance package.
Whether you’re looking for more power, better handling, or a thrilling exhaust note, our tuning packages can help you unlock your BMW M140i’s true potential. Contact us to discuss your tuning requirements and build a package that suits your preferences.
Don’t Miss Out on the BMW M140i’s Full Potential
The BMW M140i is already an exhilarating car to drive. But with our custom tuning packages, you can take it to new heights, whether you’re seeking additional power, improved drivability, or a more exciting exhaust note. To discover how you can enhance your M140i’s performance and driving experience, contact us today. Unleash the full potential of your BMW M140i with our expert tuning services.
Unlock the Power of Your BMW M140i Today!
By investing in a custom ECU remap, you can tap into the true potential of your BMW M140i. Whether you’re seeking a modest power boost or substantial gains, tuning offers a personalized approach to enhancing your driving experience.
Explore Our BMW M140i Tuning Packages:
- Stage 1: Entry-level tuning for those seeking a noticeable power increase without extensive hardware modifications.
- Stage 2: A more aggressive tune, often requiring additional hardware upgrades for optimal performance.
- Stage 3: The pinnacle of tuning, combining advanced software and hardware enhancements for maximum power gains.
With a history of successfully tuning BMW M140i models, we offer a tailored approach to help you achieve your performance goals. Discover the benefits of tuning and how it can transform your BMW M140i into a high-performance machine. Contact us today to discuss your tuning options and unlock the true potential of your vehicle.
In conclusion, the BMW M140i is a hot hatch that combines luxury and excitement. It offers impressive performance out of the box, but with custom tuning, you can unleash even more power and driving enjoyment. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your M140i into a high-performance machine. Contact us today and explore our BMW M140i tuning packages.