Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.My expert opinion and pricing analysis on the auctionBuilt only for 2013 as the swan song of the E82 1 Series, it took the already brilliant 135i recipe, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six stuffed into one of the smallest BMWs ever sold, and seasoned it with more power, better cooling, and a few cosmetic nods to make it feel special. This one adds the two ingredients collectors care about most, a six-speed manual and a mileage figure that suggests it spent more time admired than driven.According to Classic.com market data for the BMW 135is, the average sale price sits around $23,751, with recorded results ranging from a low of $7,100 to a high of $43,000. The catch is that averages lump tired, high-mileage cars in with the good ones, and this is emphatically a good one. A genuine 17,000-mile, three pedal example is the kind of car that lives at the very top of that range, not the middle. So is it a good buy? If it sells anywhere near the average, someone is getting a steal on a future collectible. Realistically, expect strong bidding to push it well past that, and a result near or beyond the $43,000 record would not shock me, given the miles and the manual.The offerMake: BMWModel: 135is Coupe (E82)Year: 2013Mileage: 17,000 milesEngine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six (N55)Power: 320 hp and 317 lb ft of torqueTransmission: Six-speed manualDrive type: Rear wheel driveExterior color: Blue Water Metallic PaintInterior color: Black Boston Leather UpholsteryCurrent bid: $25,000+Auction end date: June 7, 2026AdvertisementAdvertisementInterested in this 2013 BMW 135is Coupe? View the listing here.2013 BMW 135is Coupe listing detailsThe 135is wears its specialness lightly. Over the standard car, it added gloss black accents, including the grille surrounds and mirror caps, black chrome exhaust tips, and subtle badging, so it reads as a knowing wink rather than a shout. The proportions are the real draw; this is a stubby, upright little coupe that looks compact next to anything BMW sells today, and that compactness is exactly the point.The mechanical story is where it earns its keep. The 135is uses the single-turbo N55 inline-six tuned to 320 hp and 317 lb-ft, a useful bump over the regular 135i, paired here with the enthusiast's choice of a six-speed manual driving the rear wheels. Expect 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.9 seconds, which still feels brisk, though the numbers were never the headline. BMW also fitted upgraded cooling and a sport-tuned setup to make sure the car could use its extra muscle.The driving feel is the whole reason this car has a cult following. It offers the short-wheelbase agility, hydraulic steering feel, and eager turbo six that made BMW famous, in a package that's light and small enough to enjoy at sane speeds. Inside, it is a classic early-2010s BMW, with supportive sport seats, a clean and logical dashboard, and just enough technology to be livable without burying the driving experience under screens. What stands out is how little it asks of you to have a good time.2013 BMW 135is Coupe quick takeThe 135is is a small car with a big reputation, and deservedly so. It is quick, communicative, rare, and increasingly recognized as one of the last genuinely old-school compact BMWs. My overall take is that this is one of the smartest enthusiast buys hiding in plain sight, a car you can drive hard, show proudly, and reasonably expect to appreciate, all while grinning like an idiot through every gear change. With a manual and remarkably low miles, this particular example is about as desirable as the breed gets, and the winning bidder is buying a modern classic before the wider market fully catches on.AdvertisementAdvertisementDisclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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