F20/F21 · 2015–2016
BMW M135i F20/F21 · 326 PS (2015–2016)
The facelifted M135i keeps the 3.0 six-cylinder N55, raised to 240 kW, and can have xDrive all-wheel drive. The M140i replaced it in July 2016.
Choose an engine
Identify the car and prepare its maintenanceTechnical specifications
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Power
- 326 PS / 240 kW
- Displacement
- 2 979 cm³
- Torque
- 450 Nm
- Cylinders
- 6
- Engine code
- N55
- Period covered
- 2015–2016
- Documented market
- Europe
Transmission
- Manual · 6 speeds · 2015
- Automatic · 8 speeds · 2015
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [1] BMW Group [3] BMW Group
Manufacturer figures — manual gearbox
- 0–100 km/h acceleration
- 5.1 s
- Combined consumption — period European cycle
- 8.0 l/100 km
Figures published at launch for the cited manual configuration. Consumption is a test-cycle measurement, not a real-world guarantee; automatic versions may differ. Source [1]
What distinguishes this version
2,979 cc six-cylinder turbo petrol (N55 in BMW’s parts catalogue, N55B30A at ADAC): 240 kW at 5,800–6,000 rpm and 450 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm, 5 kW more than before the facelift. Six-speed manual or eight-speed Steptronic Sport; the M135i xDrive has the automatic as standard. BMW: 5.1 s (automatic 4.9 s, xDrive 4.7 s), 250 km/h, 8.0 l/100 km (7.5; xDrive 7.8).
Engine oil: quantity and approval
Oil change: 6.5 l according to BMW’s January 2015 specification table (“oil change” quantity). The level is measured by the oil quality sensor, according to BMW’s N55 training document. Approval: the 2019 chart of Original BMW engine oils published by a BMW dealer lists, for other petrol engines from model year 2002, BMW Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30) and Longlife-12 FE (0W-30); Longlife-17 FE+ appears only for the modular engines and the N20. The chart refers to the owner’s handbook for the binding approval.
Timing drive
Chain (ADAC: “Steuerkette”); BMW’s N55 training document notes that the timing chains are mounted on the crankshaft with an M18 central bolt. No scheduled replacement in the documents consulted.
Prepare the next service
Before the appointment, note 6.5 l of oil at the change and the approval printed in your handbook. Also note the build month (registration document or VIN plate): it decides which recalls can apply. ADAC lists a BMW recall of October 2025 for cars built 09/2015–09/2021: water can get into the starter relay, with a fire risk; remedy: new starter. Another, of September 2024, covers cars built 01/2016–12/2017: driver airbag gas generator, airbag replaced. Have BMW or the workshop check your VIN. We found no BMW document giving numbered service values for this phase: ask the workshop to print the due items the car displays (oil, brakes, brake fluid, vehicle check), and do not carry over the intervals BMW published for the E87.
Maintenance and records
Questions about this version (5)
How do I recognise a facelifted M135i?
By its output: 240 kW (326 PS) from 2015, against 235 kW before the facelift according to BMW. The L-shaped LED rear lights also mark the facelift phase.
Source : [1]
Does the M135i xDrive take more oil?
No: BMW’s January 2015 table gives 6.5 l for both the M135i and the M135i xDrive. The xDrive comes only with the automatic.
Source : [1]
How is the oil level measured?
By the oil quality sensor, which also measures the level, according to BMW’s N55 training document.
Source : [2]
When was it replaced?
BMW announces the M140i from July 2016; ADAC lists the facelifted M135i from 03/2015 to 05/2016 and the M140i from 07/2016.
Which oils does the BMW chart list for the N55?
The N55 is neither modular nor an N20, so it falls under the “petrol engines from model year 2002” row of the 2019 chart of Original BMW oils: Longlife-04 (5W-30 or 0W-30) and Longlife-12 FE (0W-30). The handbook is the binding reference.
Source : [6]
Documentary sources
- [1] BMW Media information 01/2015 — The new BMW 1 Series model range
BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · PDF pp. 2–8 (summary: lights, M135i 240 kW), pp. 22–24 (“five new diesel engines”) · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [2] BMW Technical training — N55 Engine
BMW of North America — Technical training (archive.org copy) · EN · USA · Initial print 02/10 · “Crankshaft” (timing chains) · “Oil Level” (oil quality sensor) · engine-level description · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [3] BMW model upgrade measures in the summer of 2016
BMW Group · EN · Europe · Sections “BMW M Performance models of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 2 Series” (M140i) and “New four-cylinder petrol engine for eight models” (120i, 125i), from July 2016 · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [4] BMW parts catalogue (ETK) — BMW 1 Series F20 LCI 5-door, Europe: models and engines
bmwfans.info (copy of the BMW ETK parts catalogue) · EN · Europe · Model list (model – engine), F20N · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [5] BMW parts catalogue (ETK) — BMW 1 Series F21 LCI 3-door, Europe: models and engines
bmwfans.info (copy of the BMW ETK parts catalogue) · EN · Europe · Model list (model – engine), F21N · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [6] Original BMW und MINI Motorenöle — Produkt-Portfolio und Motorenanwendung
BMW Autohaus Faba (authorised BMW dealer) · DE · Germany · One-page chart, November 2019 · rows: modular (“Baukasten”) and N20 petrol engines from MY 2014; petrol engines from MY 2002; diesel engines from MY 2014 · binding approval: owner’s handbook · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [7] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW M135i (3-Türer) (03/15 – 05/16)
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Hubraum, Modellstart/Modellende, Schadstoffklasse, Nockenwellensteuerung · Rückrufe · Accessed 08/10/2026
- [8] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW M140i (3-Türer) (07/16 – 06/17)
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Hubraum, Modellstart/Modellende, Schadstoffklasse, Nockenwellensteuerung · Rückrufe · Accessed 08/10/2026