Used 2012 BMW 1 Series Coupe Consumer Reviews
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Fast, Fun and a reliable relic.
BMW Oregon, 02/10/2018
updated 08/22/2022
2012 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2012 BMW 135i coupe with 19K on the odometer and am a 2nd owner. It came out of Beverly Hills, California (checked the iDrive locations) and was in pristine condition. It was on a 36 month lease and I found it after it was returned after the lease expired...they drove it less than 7K/year. Thank you very much. Sticker was pushing $48,200 new. Ouch. I paid $20K less. I live in Portland, Oregon and it is a weekend play toy...I have an AWD SUV for work and outdoor pursuits. Even so, I ripped off the run flats and added Michelin tires that are superb in the dry and wet. Better tires all the way around and handling that sticks like glue and has a great ride. Have AAA if I ever get a flat, with a 200 mile tow, included. I wanted the 135i before the 2 series appeared with electric steering...I have had numerous BMW's before and there is nothing like hydraulic steering...and it's all too rare these days. The steering feel is a pleasure and the ride is terrific for this sized vehicle. People seem to be out of touch these days with the pleasure of driving. Sure, there's nothing wrong at all getting from point A to B in a huge Chevy Suburban...but if you really love to drive, fewer and fewer cars really fit that bill, but this is sure one of them. The car is a little rocket and being fast and little, I don't mention mpg or luggage room because that is not the purpose of this car, at least for me. Heck, small sports cars are not meant to be super practical...just super fun and are there for the smiles per mile...and this car delivers. The inline 6 is magnificent...I have added a few things to make it even more enjoyable like quad exhausts, a BMS open air filter then some basic carbon fiber but all very under the radar, plus the addition of BMW 1-Series M-Sport wheels...nothing "blingy" or that screams "please look at me"! I have also boosted the already powerful engine output to almost 400 hp/400 ft-lbs. torque with a Motorwerks ECU tune, that works beautifully, and the difference is fantastic. I got most all the accessories from BMW and all work is all done by BMW certified mechanics, so I have expectations that as well as I care for it, it will take care of me for years to come. To go along with that, I don’t “rabbit” start it, track it, drag it and have never had it on a “dyno.” Heck, I’m not in high school, so I drive it like a responsible adult who loves to, at times, let her run like a BMW knows how to do...The extra power in passing situations, entrance ramps and on open roads is magnificent. I’m guessing 0-60 times in the low 4’s. Overall, it is among my favorite cars to drive, ever...this and my past BMW V-8 powered 550, which was a bullet disguised as a sedan. BMW's just drive very well. They are fun, stable as can be and very solid on the road. Sure, they don't have the reliability as my girlfriend's Lexus, or the super comfy ride...but when she first drove my 135i, her first comment was "Holy cow, this is a fun car...and what a pleasure to drive this thing." She does think it's a rather interestingly proportioned car and I agree. I think it's kind of funny looking but I don't buy a car just on looks alone in any way, shape or form. Anyway, looks are always a matter of taste, I can’t see what it looks like when I drive it plus, the somewhat funny proportions are forgotten about after the 1st mile of driving. Various factors/criteria are always sought and this one makes my heart beat every time I get in it. I initially looked at Porsche Cayman (too pricey, lower power), Infiniti G37 (Japanese BMW copy for less money...no real passion), and the Audi TT (boring, but great interior). I was seeking a vehicle 2-3 years old, in great condition and fun...I found at least one of each of these cars somewhat meeting that criteria but the BMW was my favorite by far and the one that I drove away in. They say BMW lost their way a few years ago trying to move from a company that sold driving machines to just selling cars to as many people as possible...in the process, they lost purists who love to drive. Numerous articles spoke of this car being their attempt to get back to what they did best in the past...I have to agree. It's not a Costco grocery getter or a car that’s made to have you smile solely about mpg’s Iike a Prius...it does exactly what it was built for...just to be plain enjoyable and a pleasure to get in and drive each and every time. Update: After 6 years of ownership, my 135i m-sport continues to be as enjoyable as ever. Sure, Teslas and some other electric cars with their immediate torque are faster but to me, not nearly as enjoyable to drive. I don’t live on a drag strip but driving locally or on longer weekend trips, and this little car just continues to be just plain fun. The handling, engine noise and acceleration is something I continue to look forward to every time she comes out of the garage…I drove a newer Mazda Miata recently, and thought it was awful. Rough ride, louder than being in the front row of a rock concert and wanting for power in a massive way…oh, and it had no ability to take much of a trip due to no luggage capacity, so it pretty much has to be a local driver. I know they’re considered super fun, raw, pure sports cars with impeccable handling, adequate power and a blast to drive in the curves, but I thought the driving experience was underwhelming and again, way too loud…yep, the 135i continues to shine. In my opinion, the 135i just continues to make driving fun.
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point1, 11/17/2011
2012 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
18 of 21 people found this review helpful
Finding this car with a minimum of dealer added extras is difficult and may entail European delivery. Nonetheless, I was in a market that allowed me to shop amongst dealers. I drove a number of coupes and sports cars and failed to find a car that met this one's road handling, acceleration and overall value. The engine's quiet purr and the solid feel one gets from the steering wheel needs to be experienced and balanced against the competition at this price.
Makes Driving an Experience
bg1024, 04/28/2012
2012 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
15 of 19 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2012 model 135i that is my fourth BMW, and by far the most fun to drive. Performance is a given with the Turbo engine, and the road "feel" makes for an enjoyable experience every time. There's something about knowing you can do what you want to do when you want it, particularly when someone passes you then settles in right in front of you, that gives a wonderful feel of confidence. It's one of those things that will only get better with age, sorta like it's owner!
Rockin'!
SehrGut!, 01/22/2016
2012 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought my '12 128i coupe three months ago, and its everything I expected! Acceleration and road handling are superb! This is definitely a driver's car, and is comfortable for longer trips. An excellent choice!
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My first BMW 128i
ksford, 12/29/2011
2012 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 20 people found this review helpful
My first BMW 128i Coupe is a great purchase decision. It is FUN, responsive, comfortable, easy to operate, & has good driver visibilty. I bought the 128i after months of research and test driving other competitors like Audi, Mercedes, etc. I was looking for a personal "driving experience" for my comutes to work and one that allowed me to enjoy high quality workmanship that only cars of that class can consistently produce. The 128i is purely BMW! Recommend the Sports Package (sport seats are very nice), BMW IDrive, Premium & Convenience packages at a minumum (elevates the BMW driving experience). Pricey, maybe... but it's a BMW. Besides, who buys a BMW to save money?
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