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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  BMWs finest vehicle! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By TexasDriver - March 22 - 9:42 pm

  Not only the best looking BMW, all the legendary handling and driving dynamics are there. The interior has adequate room for four although the rear seating can be somewhat lacking for large adults. Wonderful safety features such as door anchors and BMW assist give you a break on insurance rates. This car feels absolutely rock solid! No creaking sounds, no rattles, as if its made of a single piece of metal. Its cute on the outside and plush on the inside. Get the premium package... worth it with beautiful leather/electric seats, cool compass mirror, and bluetooth. This car may outsell the 3-series someday!

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  What a Fun Ride! - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By M.J. Smith - March 21 - 8:51 am

  I was looking for a car that was fun to drive and the 135 fits the bill. The six-speed manual is a welcome change of pace from the ordinary and makes the twin-turbo a pocket-rocket. The sports suspension is firm but still very comfortable and the handling is superb. Im 64" and there is plenty of room for me to change gears and maneuver. The profile of the car is spectacular and has already gotten a number of positive comments. If you are looking to get into a Bimmer that is all about fun, this is the car for you.

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  3 years + review - 2008 BMW 1-Series
  By lfa951@gmail.com - February 28 - 7:35 am

  This car is reliable and overall low maintenance, the car pulls like a V8. there is a lot of low end torque and no turbo lag. The last 3 years I have replaced the tires, water pump, thermostat, front brake pads and rotors, radiator and battery. I did the oil change every 5,000 until I recently hit 80,000 miles, now I do the oil change every 3,000 miles because it has twin turbos and it burns oil quicker. The handling and the and the acceleration are its best features, the brakes are excellent as well, I like it because it is very fast and maneuvers extremely well in traffic. What i dislike is that sometimes the coils go bad while driving and it starts misfiring, aslo it runs really hot and the cooling system is weak. Be ready to regularly change coils and rear tires, other than that it is a great value

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  Material quality and standard features are awful - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Jill - February 21 - 7:46 pm

  Sorry, I cant agree with the other 128i reviewers. I bought this 2013 128i used, having previously owned a 2004 330ci for 6 years. Granted, the 330ci had Premium package and the 128i is base. But the Sensatech seats and door material on the 128i look cheap, and the black shiny plastic in place of the wood grain or titanium trim is just plain tacky. The 330ci felt like a luxury vehicle. The 128i feels like an entry-level Hyundai or something. I actually just sold a Hyundai Genesis 2.0T Premium, which had keyless entry, keyless start, universal remote, moonroof, nice trim, automatic dimming mirrors and good bolstered seats. It cost about $24k new. The base 128i has NONE of those things, and cost over $33k new. Yes, the driveability is much better than a Genesis (but noticeably worse than a 330ci). The gas mileage is worse than both of these other vehicles. Overall Im not overly impressed with the 1 series. It feels like a step down (even with more power than the 330ci and the Genesis) and a step backwards in time. The BMW enthusiast in me wants to get rid of it as soon as possible and get a 2 series!

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  2013 BMW 135is - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Scott Gravitt - March 24 - 9:14 pm

  Great car for the young or the young at heart. Most should consider the car as a two seater with occasional back seat use for young kids. Very fast, very reliable, and very smooth running in line 6 cylinder. This BMW was my 2nd after my 1989 325is. Ive always been a fan of BMW but think the company has lost its way over the last few years. This car along with the new 2 series is as close as one can get to the old E30 BMW.

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  Great performance sports convertible - 2013 BMW 1-Series
  By Bill - July 4 - 6:51 pm

  This car is very well balanced and handles perfectly. Nice compact size with plenty of power and acceleration. It will give any car on the road a run for its money. Much less expensive than Porche, Vette, etc but as much or more fun and able to carry 2 additional passengers for short distances. Would recommend the BMW 135i to anyone who is a "driver"