BMW 1 Series Review

2008 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe Shown

BMW doesn't do retro. But the new BMW 1 Series, a spiritual successor to the now iconic 2002 coupe, comes pretty close. As the company's entry-level model, the 1 Series is meant to evoke the same passion that the 2002 did. That nimble and unassuming coupe caught America's attention in the late 1960s and '70s but gave way to larger and plusher models in successive decades. While BMW has certainly never lost sight of its "Ultimate Driving Machine" mission statement, it's the 1 Series that most closely reflects the company's roots.

Available as a coupe or convertible in the United States, the 128i and 135i are based on the highly regarded European-market-only 1 Series hatchback. Save for the slightly reworked front bumper and frameless doors on the coupe and convertible, front-end styling is consistent across the entire 1 Series line. All resemblance ends at the rear, as each vehicle is finished with bodywork optimized for carrying out its intended duty.

Falling neatly between the Mini and 3 Series in terms of price and size, the BMW 1 Series is poised to ruffle some feathers in the premium small car marketplace. Unlike most of its front-wheel-drive contemporaries, the 1 Series features a traditional front-engine/rear-drive blueprint that is sure to delight purists or those just wanting an affordable way to get into a premium-badged BMW.

Current BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series was introduced for 2008. Though it's the company's least expensive model, it's hardly an underperforming stripper. The base-model 128i comes with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 producing 228 horsepower. The performance-oriented 135i comes equipped with BMW's impressive turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. It produces 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque. Both engines come with a six-speed manual as standard equipment; a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. In the convertible, a fully automatic cloth top stores underneath a hard tonneau cover.

Although no official word has been given regarding blessing the BMW 1 Series with an "M" model to call its own, the 135i does get plenty of M-like tweaks to sweeten the deal: an exterior aero kit, special sport seats and pedals, and a sport suspension including 18-inch wheels and performance run-flat tires. Rumors of a limited "tii" edition intended to pay homage to the original BMW 2002tii model persist.

Measuring 171.7 inches in length and 76.1 inches in width, the 1 Series checks in about 8 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the 3 Series coupe. The rear seat is strictly for two, and how often it gets used depends on how large and how forgiving potential rear passengers are. There's not a lot of space in back, so it's almost better to consider the 1 as having a 2+2 seating arrangement -- especially the convertible.

In our initial reviews, our editors have offered nothing but praise for the 135i's engine, citing powerful acceleration from just off idle all the way to redline. The steering is responsive in typical BMW fashion. And thanks to idealized weight distribution, the 1 Series handles admirably, though drivers expecting the car to act like a mini M3 will likely be disappointed, as the suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort and ride quality.

Past BMW 1 Series

Though it's a new model for the North American market, the 1 Series actually debuted for the European market in 2004 as a hatchback. But this isn't the first time in recent years that BMW has introduced an affordable entry-level car to North America; a 3 Series-based two-door hatchback, called 318ti, was sold from 1995 to 2000. It suffered from poor reviews and slow sales, and likely influenced BMW's decision not to offer the hatchback version of the 1 Series in the U.S. market.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.