Overview & Reviews

Because the BMW 1 Series was all new for last year, not much changes for 2009. A heated steering wheel now comes with the cold-weather package, optional active steering is no longer available on 128i models and the optional navigation system now comes with BMW's fourth-generation iDrive.

• Options can quickly drive up price, tiny backseats, some interior elements not quite up to usual BMW standard.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 37.00

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  2009 128i review after 1 year - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By Howard Lynn - June 18 - 8:52 am

  After owning my frist BMW for a year, it continues to be a blast to drive. At 63" and over 250 lbs. finding a true sports car was a daunting task. Pros include good gas mileage[ave.25 per]excellent handling and great looks. Areas to improve : the sound system is just ok..not great. As well, my sound system refuses to play intermittently when it is hot outside. Three patches later and the problem remains. They will NOT replace the radio as they believe it must be connected to a computer glitch. Another area to look at is the 2nd cup holder placement, which is mostly hidden by the arm rest. Basically, it will hold a Dixie cup. Lastly, an inordinate amount of engine heat is felt in the cabin.

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  Not Quite Excellent Yet - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By kjgood - May 13 - 11:34 am

  Was forced by need, availability, and good price, to "settle" for the Steptronic instead of the manual not sure it was the best choice. Great power, but no limited slip diff makes wheels pin far too easily. Both auto trans and traction control have various "modes" but not convinced any of them are ideal. Handling limited by crappy RFT OE tires. Exterior design is good from some angles but awkward from others. Excellent top quiet when up, and retracts neatly. Interior handsome. Rides much better than my previous Honda S2K, but doesnt handle as well (not surprising). Too many creaks and rattles for a car in this class, mostly around tops of windows when top is up. Fuel mileage is poor.

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  Great styling!! - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By 128i - April 27 - 3:24 pm

  Being about 63 and weighing in at about 265, there arent many performance cars that can comfortably seat someone who is big. HOWEVER, this car offered me more head room than my traded in almost new Americam made truck!My 2 adult sons osed to call my trade in lots of very nasty names and finally I decided to buy my dream car before I expire. The standard package is impressive on the 09s and the car has handled very well. I get 24 mpg on normal driving, which is not too bad.The sunroof is enormous and one almost feels like he is riding in a convertable. A blast to drive, the 128i is a terrific entry level car.

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  My favorite car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By JamesE - March 13 - 1:53 pm

  This is my third BMW, my first was a 320i in college. My last car was a 2001 325CI. I found the 325 the antithesis of the 320, it was bloated. I was hoping that this car would be a modern 320. Its not, its still too heavy. But honestly with this engine, I could care less. I didnt think that I "needed" a 135, but a got a great deal on one and took it. I still dont need this much power but it is a blast to have. The handling blows everything I have ever driven away, a lot of my friends have M3s and honestly I think this handles better and it rides way way better. The iPod, Bluetooth, all the goodies are well designed and work perfectly. Im waiting for a disappointment but havent found it yet.

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  BMW 135i - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By JaxbeachFL 135i - January 13 - 9:18 pm

  Options m sport package, leather, upgraded stereo, cold weather, automatic transmission, bluetooth, I initially wanted one with a manual transmission and an ipod only but it was nearly impossible to find one. Ive driven it for 3 months and it has been fantastic. The engine is amazing, the suspension wonderful, and the handling razor sharp. my biggest complaints ... I initially thought it was ugly... but it grew on me... road nice can be loud. I worry about BMW reliability. a few squeaks and rattles...

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  Almost a great car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By emac - December 28 - 12:19 am

  Got my 135 coupe with 10k miles on it. Love the way the car drives and handles. Excellent manual transmission but this has been a heartbreak car. Reliability has been poor. Within three months, fuel pump went out then the tail light went out. Dealer failed to fix it the first time. Lots of creaks and rattles when road isnt perfectly paved. Handles well but there is more body roll than I expected. Also, heater puts out cool air from the vents except on highest setting.

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  From a MINI to a BMW - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By LG - September 23 - 9:42 pm

  I have driven BMWs before and it seems all the interiors all pretty much the same. I would like to have nicer buttons for the radio. Also, I am very disappointed that the mirror on the sun visors do not have lights. What a bummer for such car! Response is awesome compared to the MINI but the mileage per gallon consumption went down 25%. The handling of the car does not compare with the so much fun go- kart driving of the MINI. I guess I compromised on that. Overall I am happy with it.

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  Good compromise in a small package - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By massa - September 10 - 4:25 pm

  The car is small and very fun to drive. The 128i engine has plenty of power. Very comfortable seats (sport option). The rear seats have more room that you may think, and gave to the car a great practical aspect. Trunk space also is not too bad, but it is a fun car. Inside noise, with top up or down is very low. No annoying rattles. Fuel economy: just ok. Fuel tank is small. The Ipod option works well.

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  Great Car... Really - 2009 BMW 1-Series
  By gman - July 28 - 4:12 pm

  Weve had this car a few months. Overall the best car weve ever owned. BMW service is the same as with a car for $100k, so you feel like a king! Sport package is the way to go, car grips the road and never lets go. 128i is way over powered, you will for sure get a ticket. Driver and front passenger seating with power seats is great. Back seat is terrible for bigger folk. Good only for kids or the dog. We like the small size of the car for zipping around town and out to the lake. Good ride quality. We have a squeak in the back seat. We are addressing this build issue with BMW. BMW has treated us well so far, but we are headed back for a second try for the repair.

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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!