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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  Fun but problemmatic - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By josko - September 2 - 1:58 pm

  Ive owned a 135i for 4 months now. Its fun to drive, but suffers from multiple problems/issues: Throttle response is poor for a car advertised as having no turbo lag. My wife drives a Saab 9.5 which has a better throttle response, especially at low RPM. Dealer tells me performance is within spec. I cant see the radio with polarized glasses on. Radio seems to shut down intermittently, usually right after power-up. Dealer diagnosed a faulty fuel pump, and Im on a waiting list for a replacement. Apparently theyre on backorder??? Run-flat tires are a disappointment. Overall, the car handles and accelerates well, but is a disappointment compared to the E36 M3 I drove before the 135

• 

  Nice but Can Use a Few Improvements - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Max - August 26 - 3:59 pm

  Its fun to drive and has a good amount of power for the size of the car. Overall its a decent car. A few initial complaints would be the passenger seat is a little uncomfortable when the cupholder is installed (although it is removable), the standard stereo is mediocre (speakers rattle at times and changing stations is not intuitive), the second cupholder can only be used when the armrest is in the up position (unless you use it for a really short cup), and the iDrive needs improvement. If these complaints seem trivial, its because they are. Overall the car is a great little car that most people would enjoy.

• 

  Glad I bought it - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Happy Camper - August 1 - 9:42 am

  My Z4 lease was up and after research on edmunds, I decided to test this car. I liked the seats, soft top and price better than the 3 series. I am enjoying the additional room this car offers, the better ride and the performance. The 4/50k service is a real plus. I really love this car.

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  everything is right about this car - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By 135owner - July 26 - 5:41 pm

  I have never driven a car as much fun as this one is to drive. I may even take my wife to a driving school so she can enjoy it. I didnt like the look of the car when I ordered it but I bought it after one test drive around the block.{the demo car} Now I like the looks but that had nothing to do with the purchase. It is that much fun to drive. I average 22 miles per gallon but you can get 27 if you want to drive that way. I dont. On the highway 28 is easy. I wanted a sports car but with a little more room. This car is by itself when you factor in room and handling. It wasnt cheap but the best never is.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By xantdieselx - July 25 - 10:54 am

  Everything in this car is in harmony from the shifter that snicks into gear to the razor sharp precision of the steering wheel to the sport seats with adjustable bolsters that hold you in place. If you exercise restraint when ordering (and dont mind the wait) this car is actually a bargain. I got an 08 135i AW w/6sp and sport package. Everything from Xenon adaptive lighting to rain sensing wipers are standard. It comes with a lot of feature content for the money. The ride is stiff but well damped, it is amazing how well BMW pulls this off. Everything in a BMW revolves around the engine and what an engine it is. There is power in every gear at every RPM.

• 

  The Bomb - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Buba - July 15 - 2:35 am

  I test drove it on the Autobahn and it is the bomb! Really fast. There is a slight lag in the throttle response during highway (Autobahn) overtaking, but I can live with that. Probably from the turbos. Using the sequential manual transmission is a blast. However, the gas mileage is really poor in that mode. I drove a total of 29 miles all in the SMT mode and used a quarter of a tank. Assuming a full tank is 16 gallons, I used 4-gallons, or about 7-miles to the gallon. Too bad. If you really like sporty driving then get a manual transmission. That said from a performance perspective, it is almost a perfect car.

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  Fun, but no Honda - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Hector Rivera - July 3 - 5:10 am

  A very fun car with great power when the new software doesnt make the turbos lag. Not as much low end torque as the first 135i I test drove in March 08. Now needing a fuel pump makes me wish I bought an Acura or Infiniti. Lots of fun when its not in the shop. Run flat tires ride like bricks. The suspension is a little soft. I wish the cruise control was on the steering wheel. Getting into 2nd gear is slow and temperamental. Cant read the radio with sunglasses on. Headlights look like a crazy cat. Overall its a blast to drive, but the magazines must have tested one without the new 29.2 software that causes turbo lag. Would I buy it again? Not sure???

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  BMW 128i Cabrio - WOW! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By German Frau - June 29 - 9:44 am

  I considered the 3series convertible before purchasing my Mini Cooper S convertible in 2005. I loved driving it in town but it was stiff riding and uncomfortable on the highway. One day, one of my students brought in a 1 series brochure. I loved the car from the minute I saw it. Immediately I scheduled a test drive and ordered the car in April. After returning from Germany on June 20th, my BMW was waiting for me. I own the car for 9 days now. The car really drives well and I just love it. It performs well and is smooth riding on the highway. My husband liked the Mini Cooper S conv. a lot but after driving/riding the BMW conv. he changed his mind. Im/we are sold on the new 1 series.

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  Best Birthday Present Ever - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By Jesus - June 27 - 12:43 pm

  After test driving I couldnt resist treating myself to this baby. Being on a relatively tight budget I custom ordered a pretty bare-bones model since the options add up so quickly. It was well worth the wait and the price. Ive enjoyed every second in the car.

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  Great Convertible - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By BMW128iOwner - June 22 - 4:53 pm

  This car is both comfortable and very fun to drive. Being six feet tall, I thought the back seat would be a little tight for me, however when I have sat in the back it is more than enough room and also very comfortable. The materials and interior design are very excellently crafted, as well as the beautiful exterior. Automatic roof works great and car is amazing with the top down. The engine sounds powerful and exhilarating, and yet the ride is very quiet. The premium Hi-Fi sound system sounds great with the top up or down. iPhone compatibility is great and sounds great on both sides of the phone, even with the top down and strong winds.