Overview & Reviews

BMW doesn't usually do retro, but the BMW 1 Series, a spiritual successor to the iconic 2002 coupe, comes pretty close. Produced for the 2008-'13 model years, the 1 Series coupe and convertible were meant to evoke the same passion that the 2002 did. As the company's entry-level model for those years, the 1 Series offers true BMW performance at a surprisingly affordable price. Its styling may be an acquired taste, but the 1 Series retains much of its original appeal today as one of the best values on the used-car market.

Note that the 1 Series' successor, the 2 Series, is reviewed separately, as is the rare 1 Series M coupe.

Used BMW 1 Series Models
The BMW 1 Series debuted for the 2008 model year and ran through 2013. It was available as either a two-door coupe or a convertible with a power-operated fabric roof that folds underneath a hard tonneau cover.

Although it was the company's least expensive model at the time, the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series had no shortage of motivation under the hood. The 128i came with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 230 horsepower, while the 135i stepped up to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 300 hp. The 135is packed an even higher-output version of the turbo-6 (320 hp).

Standard features on the base-model 128i included 17-inch alloy wheels, premium vinyl upholstery and a 10-speaker sound system. The 135i was differentiated by its turbo engine, 18-inch wheels, xenon headlights, slightly different front and rear fascias and a sport-tuned suspension. Some of these items were also available on the 128i. The 135is was sold for 2013 only with a bit more power than the regular 135i, plus standard sport seats and some aesthetic tweaks.

All 1 Series models offered a bevy of luxurious options familiar from BMW's pricier offerings, including leather upholstery (with sun-reflective surfaces on the convertible), the iDrive infotainment system with navigation, keyless ignition and entry and premium audio.

The 1 Series saw a few powertrain changes during its run. Initially, the 135i's engine employed twin turbochargers and was a bit less fuel-efficient, but the 2011-'13 models (including the 135is) switched to a newer design with a single turbocharger. Those models also received an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission known as DCT, whereas the previous 135i -- and all years of the 128i -- offered a conventional six-speed automatic. A six-speed manual transmission was standard on every 1 Series.

In reviews, we found the 1 Series' handling to be simply superb. Precise steering combined with a well-balanced chassis make both coupe and convertible feel right at home on a coastal freeway or a serpentine mountain road. Body roll is minimal, and the overall dynamics on models fitted with the Sport package will win approval from all but the most hard-core enthusiast drivers.

The 1 Series' turbocharged engines are incredibly versatile and offer an intense slug of power and acceleration with hardly any turbo lag, though the response of the gas pedal can be less than immediate. An overlooked gem is the 128i's non-turbocharged inline-6, which delivers smooth yet potent thrust in classic BMW fashion. This engine may be of particular interest because the 128i's replacement, the 228i, employs a turbocharged four-cylinder, so the naturally aspirated inline-6 marks the end of an era. But no matter which 1 Series you choose, you're in for a good time.

Interior materials are a step down from other BMWs, but the overall effect is still pleasingly upscale. The rear seat is strictly for two, and how often it gets used will depend on how large and how forgiving potential rear passengers are. There's not a lot of space back there, so it's almost better to consider the 1 as having a sports car-like 2+2 seating arrangement -- especially the convertible.

Powertrains aside, the 1 Series saw mostly minor changes during its production run. A new iDrive system debuted for 2009 with significant upgrades; we do not recommend the inferior iDrive interface offered in first-year (2008) models. A sunroof was standard on 128i coupes until 2010, while the 2012 lineup was treated to minor exterior styling revisions and refinished interior controls. The 135is headlined the 1 Series' farewell tour for 2013.

Although it was new to the North American market for 2008, the 1 Series actually debuted for the European market in 2004 as a hatchback.

User Reviews:

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  Puts Fun In Every Day - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Stan - March 27 - 10:52 am

  Traded my 2002 911 Targa, without any sacrifice in performance or comfort, and with much greater practicality. This is a terrific car! Simple, elegant, fast, safe and distinctive. Everything works just as you want it to. And every time you step on the gas or go into a quick turn, youre reminded why you bought it.

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  Thriller! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Greg D. - March 26 - 10:37 am

  OMG! I bought my black on black 2009 BMW 135i coupe a little over a month ago and have put ~1600 miles on it to date. This is THE most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. I have owned more powerful cars, more comfortable cars and better handling (just a little!) cars but this is the first time that it has all come in the same small package. Plenty of low-end torque and horsepower, reasonable gas mileage (if I keep my foot out of it which is impossible!), comfortable on long trips and around town and absolutely gorgeous looks. I was at the racetrack recently and my car was parked next to much more expensive and exotic cars and guess which car got the most attention? The 135i!

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  Reasonably Practical Fun - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Richard Schollen - March 5 - 9:36 pm

  I took delivery of the car just prior to the summer and got to enjoy the full on summer experience but wanted to live with it through a winter before writing a review. The verdict: invest in good set of snow tires and the car is almost as much fun in the winter as in the summer. The DSC system is totally effective at keeping things under control on snow packed roads. Switch it off and its donut time. All year round the power is enticing - smooth and unrelenting -if you keep your foot in it you will be in road-side vehicle seizure territory in a blink. Yes, the cabin is a bit tight and you wish for a few more cubbies and a bigger glovebox but the overall experience is worth it. Practical fun.

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  What Fun?! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By HWDX347 - February 24 - 3:09 pm

  I sold my Audi A4 3.2 to my son and drove to Roadshow BMW, Memphis, TN to look at a Mini Cooper S. Drove out with a BMW 135i! They were great to deal with. I test drove one in Little Rock last summer and didnt realize how fast it is. I now understand what BMW mean by Ultimate Driving Machine! The A4 is a great car but the 135i is even better. The car is much quicker, the handling is better, road feel is better and its quieter.

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  1st 1,000 miles - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 1st convertible bot - January 24 - 3:22 pm

  All around solid, stays on road. Engine has a "low throaty" sound that sets off other car alarms - too cool! Small size is very convenient, fun and adds to the great acceleration. Quiet interior with top up, car suspension handles train track crossings and bumps with ease. In rain, excellent perf both from a handling, sound & water management. I have to admit, it is expensive and very unpractical, BUT it is a kick in the pants to drive and makes my commute fun! To hell with the economy and my crappy 401K perf - lets go for a drive!

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  BMW 128i - 6 months ownership - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By mitiko - January 24 - 12:39 pm

  6 months and zero issues at all (never had this experience with prev. german cars purchased). Everything works well, surprised at how well it drives in snow (took it to Killington VT). If you drive carefully, easy to get 30/31 mpg on the highway (auto trans), but the moment you put some gusto in your driving and you hit 22 mpg very fast.

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  Great Car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By tmitch18 - January 19 - 9:44 pm

  Been looking forward to getting my 135 and its finally here. What a great car amazing engine of course and with better brakes than the new M3. Drove my brothers 09 M3 and this car felt almost as quick. I say felt because now I added the computer upgrade from Vishnu that brings my 135 to 400hp!! This car is now a monster! Of course the materials used in this car are not quite as nice but, for the money you cant go wrong.

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  Fun to drive. - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Danny - January 2 - 10:28 pm

  My 128i coupe is the only one left in this country with red leather & black ext. It is equipped with Premium, Sport, and Cold packages. It is very stable, you cant feel driving over 70 mph. Handling and corning are smooth. Overall of this vehicle is fun to drive with, but too expensive to own it. MBenz C300 sport is worth of buying, theyre nearly the same price.

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  Cutting Corners - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Kevin - December 27 - 7:28 pm

  This car looks great from a distance but open the trunk and wham, primer everywhere, that paint should be like on the outside! Guess thats why the rust protection is what 4 years! Then they put those cheesy plastic plugs through the carpet on the trunk lid to affix it to the metal and put holes in the metal to do it - cheap. I open the hood and there is a long line of open unfinished jagged steel down the inside of each side of the hood. Talk about cheap! Everywhere I look I see corners like that cut.

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  Happy Hatchback Owner - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By MunichLife - December 24 - 5:03 am

  I actually live in Germany and have the hatchback 118d version of the 1 series which I dont think is available in the US yet. It has been a superb choice, extremely fuel efficient in a country where gas has been even more expensive, an absolute blast to scoot around town in but with an interior comfortable enough for a ong trip. The business stereo package is incredible also. I am leasing now and will likely buy when I can.