BMW M135 and M235 Apex Edition: Factory M Performance Parts, Only 50 Units Each
BMW has launched a new limited edition in Japan. It is called the Apex Edition. It comes in two flavors: the M135 xDrive and the M235 xDrive Gran Coupé. BMW will build only 50 units of each.
The idea is simple. BMW takes a fast compact car and fits M Performance Parts at the factory. You get the look and the hardware without ordering each part yourself. Sales started on 22 October 2026. Deliveries begin in late October.
What the Apex Edition actually is
The Apex Edition is not a new engine or a new platform. It is a trim package built on cars you already know. The base cars are the M135 xDrive (F70) and the M235 xDrive Gran Coupé (F74).
Both models carry roughly 300 PS. Both use all-wheel drive. Both use a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Japanese cars are right-hand drive.
So the Apex Edition is about handling hardware and visual upgrades. BMW says the aim is sharper cornering. The wheels and brakes are the key changes.
Standard equipment
Here is what BMW fits to both cars:
- 19-inch forged M alloy wheels, Y-spoke style 1085 M;
- M Compound brakes with high-gloss grey calipers;
- M Performance Parts for the exterior and interior;
- black high-gloss M logos;
- carbon-fiber mirror caps;
- decals;
- floor mats;
- a special interior badge.
The M135 gets one extra item. It has a black high-gloss rear roof spoiler. The M235 Gran Coupé does not get it.
ℹ️ Technical Note: Forged wheels are lighter than cast wheels of the same size. Less unsprung mass helps the suspension follow the road. It also helps braking and steering response.
Colors and production numbers
BMW offers two colors only. Production is split like this:
| Color | Units per model |
|---|---|
| Alpine White | 30 |
| Frozen Pure Grey | 20 |
That makes 50 cars per model and 100 cars in total. These are small numbers. Collectors will notice them.
Japanese prices
Prices in Japan include tax. They depend on the model and the color.
| Model | Price range (yen) |
|---|---|
| M135 xDrive Apex Edition | 8.08 to 8.38 million |
| M235 xDrive Gran Coupé Apex Edition | 8.13 to 8.43 million |
The Frozen Pure Grey cars cost more. The step between the two colors is about 300,000 yen. The Gran Coupé costs about 50,000 yen more than the M135 in the same color.
ℹ️ Technical Note: Exchange rates change daily. Convert the yen prices to euro or lei at the current rate. Do not forget that Japanese prices include local taxes.
Why BMW does this
Factory-fitted M Performance Parts solve a common problem. Buyers often want the parts but hate the paperwork. They must order, wait, fit and pay a separate bill.
A limited edition removes that effort. The car arrives ready. The warranty position is clear. The look is consistent. BMW also sells the cars as a special product with a story.
Limited numbers also protect the price. A car with 50 units per color has a built-in collector appeal. That is why makers repeat this approach so often.
Can Europe get the same look?
The Apex Edition is a Japan-only run. You cannot order it in Europe. But the parts are not exclusive.
The M Performance Parts used on these cars are available in Europe as accessories. A buyer in Europe can build a similar car. The M Performance catalog for the M135 includes items such as:
- a carbon front splitter;
- black high-gloss flicks;
- carbon mirror caps;
- a carbon rear diffuser;
- a roof spoiler;
- an M Performance brake system with red calipers;
- M Performance exhaust tailpipe trims.
The Apex Edition uses grey calipers, not red. That small detail sets it apart. Check the option list of your dealer before you order. Part numbers and availability vary by market.
What this means for mechanics and roadside responders
Cars like this reach independent workshops sooner or later. Some will arrive on a flatbed. Others will stop at the roadside with a warning light. A few points are worth knowing.
Brakes. M Compound brakes are larger than standard units. Pad and disc kits are different. Do not assume a standard M135 part will fit. Check the part number against the VIN.
Wheels and tire pressure sensors. Forged wheels with new tires still need working pressure sensors. After a wheel change, the tire pressure monitor may show a fault. The sensors may need to be registered or reset.
Dual-clutch transmission. The 7-speed DCT is sensitive to low battery voltage. A weak battery can trigger several warnings at once. Test the battery first. Then read the fault memory.
Electronics. Modern BMW compacts hold many control units. A single voltage dip can create unrelated codes. Clear them only after you fix the root cause.
A bidirectional scan tool saves time here. A tool such as the THINKCAR THINKSCAN 689BT lets you read codes and view live data. Always confirm coverage for the exact model and year before you rely on it.
⚠️ WARNING: Do not clear fault codes before you read and save them. You may lose freeze-frame data. That data tells you what happened when the fault appeared.
Is it worth it?
For a collector, the answer is simple. Only 100 cars exist. The package is neat. The colors are clean. The parts come from BMW itself.
For a driver, the answer is more careful. The mechanical base is the same as a normal M135 or M235. The gains are mostly in the wheels, brakes and appearance. You pay for the exclusivity.
If you live outside Japan, you can still copy the idea. Order the parts you like. Pick the same wheel style. Add the carbon trim. You will get a similar car without waiting for a limited run.
Final thoughts
The Apex Edition shows how BMW sells performance in small steps. It uses known cars, known parts and a tight production run. That mix works well for the enthusiast market.
The M135 and M235 Gran Coupé stay the same underneath. What changes is the presentation and the hardware at the corners. For the buyers of these 100 cars, that may be enough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the BMW Apex Edition?
It is a limited edition based on the M135 xDrive and the M235 xDrive Gran Coupé. It adds forged 19-inch wheels, M Compound brakes and factory M Performance Parts.
How many cars will BMW build?
BMW will build 50 units of each model. That makes 100 cars in total. Each model has 30 cars in Alpine White and 20 in Frozen Pure Grey.
How much does the Apex Edition cost?
The M135 xDrive Apex Edition costs from about 8.08 million yen in Japan. The M235 xDrive Gran Coupé Apex Edition starts at about 8.13 million yen. Prices include Japanese taxes.
When do deliveries start?
Sales started on 22 October 2026. BMW plans to begin deliveries in late October.
Can I buy the Apex Edition in Europe?
No. The edition is for Japan only. But the M Performance Parts are available in Europe, so you can build a similar car.
Does the Apex Edition have more power?
BMW has not announced extra power. Both cars are based on the known M Performance models with about 300 PS. The changes focus on wheels, brakes and styling.
What gearbox and drive system does it use?
Both models use a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Japanese cars are right-hand drive.
Original source: https://www.tuningblog.eu/dies-u-das/bmw-m135-m235-apex-edition-807226/
✍️ Author: Bejenaru Alexandru Ionut – [email protected]
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