This BMW M135i Has Been Attacked By The M Performance Parts Catalogue

The looks of the new BMW 1-series have divided opinion almost as much as Munich’s decision to build the car on a front-wheel drive/four-wheel drive architecture. However, it is possible to spruce up the exterior of the Golf-sized hatchback, if you’re just not feeling its stock aesthetic.

Alongside the debut of the car itself, BMW has revealed a whole range of M Performance parts, modeled here by an M135i xDrive which appears to have had the entire catalogue chucked at it.

A whole host of aerodynamic bits are available, including a rear diffuser insert, a front splitter, a rear wing and bumper-mounted gurney flaps. It’s rather reminiscent of the Mercedes-AMG A35’s optional aero pack, although BMW goes one step further by crafting the 1er’s rear diffuser in love-it-or-hate-it marbled carbon. You can buy mirror caps with the same finish, too.

The gloss black kidney grilles will no doubt be a popular option, as will the black stripe down the side which runs from the front wheel arch to the rear door. If that’s still not showy enough for you, there are always the M Performance puddle lights to consider.

There are three main wheel options on the menu: two 18-inch Y-spoke designs, and a lightweight 19-inch double spoke bicolour rim. For those swapping between winter and summer tyres each year, it’s possible to buy M Performance wheel bags to go with your 18s or 19s. Lovely.

The tweaks aren’t only aesthetic - BMW has a brake upgrade available too. It includes a set of larger ventilated and perforated discs, squeezed by four-piston calipers at the front and single-piston sliding calipers at the back.

As for the cabin, you might be tempted to go for the carbonfibre/Alcantara M Performance steering wheel with its 12 o’clock centre marking. The carbon bits can be switched for leather, and on 1ers with automatic gearboxes, the wheel can be paired with carbonfibre paddle-shifters. Surprisingly, there aren’t any fancy sill treadplates available, but BMW will flog you a set of fancy ‘velvet velour’ floor mats.

Which of the above tempts you?