2009 BMW 1-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.55/5 Average
37 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
Cons:
  • 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
  • Big fun in a little package - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

  • The greatest toy I own - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    Im only writing a review after reading so many people either complaining about the size of the back seat, how low the car is, or about an option that they chose to go with. Its a high performance coupe, expect it to be low and have small back seats. You knew this when test driving it and it was YOUR choice! Its not the cars fault you didnt pay attention. That being said, the 2009 135i 6 speed manual is an absolute beast. Not to mention they are quite rare on the east coast so people notice a nice one. Im a male in my late 20s and Ive had this car for 4 years. This car is a rocket and handles like nothing Ive ever driven. The 2009 comes with the twin turbo N54 engine which is the best part. Its practically the same engine that is in the new 2015 M3! Just putting a chip in the car increases horsepower by 80-100HP to the wheels! When I bring this car to the track, I leave M class BMWs in the dust. After a few modifications this is actually the fastest car I have ever been in. Power aside, the trunk is quite large and the back seats fold down. I fit a brand new 55 inch TV (still in the box) into this car. Ive also fit 4 brand new 18 inch rims/tires! Youd be surprised on how much this car can fit! I also have my friends in the back seats all the time with no complaints. The issue is that the driver and passenger tend to have their seats further back than needed and dont realize it! I can honestly say that this car is the greatest thing I have ever purchased. If you are in a similar situation as me, dont have kids, and like a beautiful interior/exterior with insane power. Look no further. One quick note: Run flat tires come standard on this car and it makes the car drive stiffer due to the sidewalls of the tires being harder. If you replace them with regular tires (which are way cheaper in price) youll find it drives much differently. I prefer the regular tires and Im willing to accept the risk. Keep in mind that this car does not have a spare tire!

  • a mixed bag - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    Ive been driving my 09 128i since October of 2010. In that 2.5 years Ive only put about 17-18,000 miles on it. I make a lot of short trips so my average mpg of about 18 is a little disappointing but not real surprising. The car is a little hard-riding and the stock seats are not particularly supportive or comfortable. Those are probably my two main complaints with the car. Reliability is a concern, too: replaced the lifters, the a/c evaporator, the radio, the third stop light, etc. Thankfully this has all been cheerfully replaced under warranty. This is all balanced by the gem of an engine, good visibility, good looks, solid handling, etc. I do love the little, fat, steering wheel!

  • BMW buyer beware - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    We leased a 2009 135i convertible and just turned it in. This car had many problems over the 3 years and BMW did not meet our expectations in the service department. We had to take the car back twice for every issue we had and there we many. It was not ever fixed the first time even on a recall issue. Additionally, when we returned it with 12,000 miles after 3 years they charged us $600 for new tires on the rear of the car. The explanation was that because this car is a "sports model" the tires only last 12-15,000 miles. If you lease a BMW this means you will have to replace the tires at least 3 times during your 3 year lease if you drive it all the miles allotted.

  • l Get in and out of - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    Got 6 speed 128 and love it. But by far the main advantage for me is (being 62" 220) the ease of getting in and out was final selling point. by not lowering the roof line, which happens with other coupes, with the wide door opening make entrance easy. finally found a something that makes my 3 mile drive on flat straight rode fun.

  • No Working CD Option - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    The 128i is a cute car and should be an economical option to someone that wants to drive a BMW. However, there is a problem with the CD player, a replacement isnt available right now and there is no known date when one will be available. In addition, there are flaws in the dash board (which BMW wont warranty against rattles when replaced) and 2 recalls notices.

  • Excellent driving machine - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    The engine is a dream, and at its limits, you will scream. The exterior is old school but I think its cool. It will look better with time, but does cost a pretty dime. Why not spoil yourself, who else will?

  • 2009 128i review after 1 year - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    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.

  • Not Quite Excellent Yet - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    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.

  • Outstanding car - 2009 BMW 1-Series
    By -

    We bought a left-over 2009 in February 2010 from Autobahn Motors in Ft. Worth for $7K under MSRP with shipping to California included. Main options: 6-spd auto, sport pkg, leather, heated seats. We test drove: 128i, 135i, 370Z, and G37 Coupe locally before deciding on the 135i. By far the 135i has a great combo of sports car feel, powerful acceleration, handling, fit & finish, appearance, comfort, practicality, interior space + window visibility, and price. We have >2,000 miles and have had no reliability issues, to date. Top speed 120 mph, to date. Auto trans is very good. The audio/speaker system is poor. Mileage is about the 18/28 as advertised. We like our "little ripper."

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