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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  Perfect combination - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Chris V - December 19 - 3:49 pm

  I had my eye on a 135 ever since the first time I heard they were cramming a 300HP I6 into a car that weighs as much as a Dodge Neon. Add BMWs legendary handling, massive brakes and you might just have the perfect small sports coupe. The real added bonus for me was that I get 25 MPG combined hwy/city, the interior is attractive yet functional, and the all season tires I needed for northeast weather dont detract from the appearance. If you want to take it easy and enjoy a comfortable ride, the 135 wont disappoint. But if flat out exhilarating performance is what you seek, Id strongly recommend you purchase a 135. Oh, and befriend a state trooper unless you actually like going to court.

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  Of driving - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 162WST - November 30 - 11:45 pm

  50/50 distribution, rock solid chassis, sweet six. I love the looks of this car. One of the few 2 door rear drive coupes. Good package for the money. Some understeer at lower speed. Great to tailwhip in the rain! Transmission could be smoother. Sports pack is nice.

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  A great car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By aletodo - November 30 - 8:58 pm

  If you love driving this is the car you need to get. Fast, no turbo lag, unbelievable road feel when cornering, great brakes. The controls are intuitive, bluetooth works fine. Test drove an automatic however bought a manual (even without trying it) which I think is far superior. If you live in a cold climate and you are getting the Sports package have in mind that youll need winter tire/wheel combo - around $2500, this is if you go for the only BMW approved winter tire option.

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  Effortless power - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Mario - November 25 - 5:22 pm

  While motoring over 60mph in 6th gear (~2,500rpm) a swift thrust of the right pedal puts you over 100mph in the blink of an eye, the twin turbo moves without effort, when starting from zero, youll have to switch to second way before the you see the tacho grazing the redline, as 1st gear will be over before you figure out youre getting close to 7k! I gave it a 9 on performance because there are more powerful cars, not in any way because the power is any less than excellent.

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  No Compromise - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By yakdad - November 24 - 9:40 am

  I wanted a two seater but my wife wanted four seats to haul grandkids. We compromised on a 135i BMW 1 series. We have driven practically every other two seat and four seat on the market and both think this choice was perfect. Solid sporty performance and the 300 HP is more than enough to make one take notice. My first time through the gears (we got the manual transmission) on the highway rendered a speed of over 100 without blinking an eye. The back seats are more roomy than one would expect. The sport package seats are comfortable on long drives of more than two hours. Top down driving spares passengers from too much wind and the wind deflector actually works although its not very pretty.

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  Year One of the 1 - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By pstevenson32 - November 21 - 5:25 am

  I love my 128. It is great fun to drive. It has more than enough power for a casual driver such as me. With its 6-speed transmission, it generally gets around 24-26 mpg in the city. I have always liked the looks of BMW. Now I get the look at a fairly decent price. The 128 is a luxury car without many frills. The interior has been pared of luxury to make space for roominess. Well for the people in front, anyway. Its still pretty much a 2-seater. Oddly, for a BMW, the interior is without many standards items I have grown used to over the years. Example: The 128 is curiously without a functional cupholder. The only working cupholder is directly behind the shifter. I still love it.

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  Autobahn rocket - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Bogdan - November 12 - 9:32 am

  This is the BMW the way it suppose to be! I have been in Germany since 2006 and I drove tons of different vehicles on the autobahn, but this baby is a rocket!!! Took it to 220-230 km/h on the autobahn and it was solid planted on the road. I have the Sport Package with the Z-rated tires and that helps a lot. Love the sound of the engine, great rev crescendo, no turbo lag, corners amazing on European twisted roads! Overall, a better "driver car" oriented vehicle compared to the 3 series which seems heavy after driving the 1 series.

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  Superb coupe in the best BMW tradition - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By lfbmdpc - October 22 - 5:52 pm

  What a lovely and potent little coupe. A true drivers car, taut, precise, nimble and all those other accolades one can conjure for a superlative German performance car. The car corners like it was on rails with no discernible body roll. Absolutely NO turbo lag anywhere on the power curve which is nothing short of a miracle. I have found nothing to dislike about this car whatsoever after 1700 miles. Of course the mileage is mediocre at best (16.5 city, 22-25 highway) but I knew that going in. Fit and finish are superb and the cockpit is both comfy & functional as a true Germanic driving machine should be. Instruments are well placed and easy to use. No iDrive = no complaints. A superb car.

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  Fun, fun, fun 2nd car to drive - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By LB - September 26 - 3:57 pm

  I have had this car for over a month now and I am having so much fun with it. I have a big SUV to haul my 4 kids around so when I climb into my 135 convertible, its a pleasure to drive. Recently, I had something in one of my tires and the lights came on to alert me. I took it in to BMW service dept. and sure enough I had a nail in the tire. Not cheap tires to replace though! I have the sport package and it has run-flat tires on it. Where ever I go, I get people coming up and asking me about this car.

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  Great motor, awful car. - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By EODguy - September 6 - 11:03 pm

  Just got done driving 4000 miles across country. All I can say is that Im very disappointed. Engine is fantastic, and the suspension is good, if not a touch soft. Fuel economy is decent, and pretty much what I expected. The seats are pretty comfortable and supportive on long trips, though not the best Ive been in. What I didnt expect is the car surrounding this great motor to be such a piece of junk. It rattles over every pebble, the passenger side window no longer works, and the "premium" speakers are defective and emit nothing but static when playing high notes. Overall, not worth $40,000. And the last BMW I ever buy.