2009 BMW 1 Series Consumer Reviews

Powerfull, small but big enough

Written by: Larry on 11/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Made a switch from Audi because we wanted a small coupe. We have a TT and it is wonderful but does not have usable back seat. We got the M package of the 135i. This car has a very smooth powerful engine. Turbo lag is hardly noticeable. Took it on a 1100 mile trip and found it to be a very nice drive. Quiet, comfortable seats, small and maneuverable. It is a great car. Run flat tires have not been a problem so far with only 4000 mi. I would buy again only I would not buy jet black paint. It shows everything and scratches easily.

Favorite Features

Smooth engine delivery. Fat steering wheel, comfortable seats, small and pointable, very fast.

Suggested Improvements

Run flat tires only because the choices are very low for replacement at this time and they are expensive.

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Great Little Car

Written by: PW on 10/07/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

First BMW I owned. Was hesitant at first because of reliability issues but so far have had no problems. Gas mileage in the city is poor (avg. about 15 mpg), but gas mileage on the highway is great (avg. 31 mpg). I have the sports package with 18 inch wheels so the handling is fantastic. The car is so fun to drive and I love the small size of the car. Why are new cars so large these days? Used to own a TSX (good car too) but this car is so much more fun. Also, The RFT tires don't really bother me at all. Overall, best car I have owned.

Favorite Features

Ipod integration, manual 6 speed, handling, nice steering wheel, the sound of the engine, surprising large trunk space, great braking, turning radius.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage in the city. Sport seats are good but could use more lumbar support.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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From a MINI to a BMW

Written by: LG on 09/23/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Favorite Feature: the sound of the car when is starting up! It's just amazing!!! Ohh, and the super, extra comfy sport seats, they are so amazing!!!

Suggested Improvements

Light on the mirrors, improved interiors, shorter doors or relocation of handles. It's kind of difficult to create the momentum necessary to close the door, I have to grab the lower compartment on the door to close it.

6 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Good compromise in a small package

Written by: massa on 09/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Driving in town top down, or in small country roads. For small trip, you can have your friends in the back, and they will not complain.

Suggested Improvements

Size of the fuel tank.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Sport, yet refined

Written by: james on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Went from a Honda civic, so naturally am impressed with the handling of this well made auto. It has plenty of power, with excellent cornering and braking. Everyone in the family says it makes me look younger!

Favorite Features

Exterior styling, acceleration, braking, and cornering. 8 position front seats with lumbar support keeps u comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

Can't see radio with sunglasses. Don't really care for the run flat tires.

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Love my 128i

Written by: SciFiChick on 08/28/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

What can you say about a car that makes your eyes tear up when you look at it? The styling is retro enough to make you skip a heartbeat, yet new enough to make you double your heartbeats. The performance is top notch (with the Sports package of course). It's fun to drive, fast, and BEAUTIFUL to look at.

Favorite Features

The styling is my fav. Gorgeous car.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the bass in the stock sound system. Improve the fuel efficiency (even though you don't buy this car for efficiency's sake).

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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An Expensive 1 or Inexpensive M?

Written by: RJ on 08/17/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 135i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is my first BMW, and prior to this, I had hardly ever ridden in a BMW. This car is simply amazing. When you see the sticker price, you'll quickly realize that you are not at the local Hyundai dealership, but when you hit the gas, you won't likely recall anything from Korea, Japan, or Detroit with the driving dynamics of this Bavarian masterpiece. I'm not claiming the vehicle is "perfect," but it's as close to perfect a vehicle as I've ever found. Even the notoriously picky Consumer Reports gave the 135i the highest rating in its respective class. That "trademark" BMW straight six force fed by two turbos is simply exhilarating.

Favorite Features

Highly recommend sports package. Sports package includes a beautifully crafted and thick racing M steering wheel, M shifter handle, and awesome sport seats, as well as blacked out trim around the windows. I don't have experience with the base stereo, but do recommend the upgraded audio system.

Suggested Improvements

Not sure reasoning behind electronic turn signal (but you get used to it). The radio controls could be improved (simplified). Top of center stack is odd location for power locks (how about the door or near shifter?). It would also be nice if the dash readout advised you what gear you are in.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Car... Really

Written by: gman on 07/28/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

We've had this car a few months. Overall the best car we've 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.

Favorite Features

Six speed auto with shifters (Sport Package) Auto seats with memory TOP DOWN! SUN UP! Strong engine, smooth shifting when in auto. COOL SP MODE No-maintenance Color (Red) and Light color pleather interior Ride & sport exhaust (took some getting use to the exhaust). Lots of turned heads and questions.

Suggested Improvements

Better back seat comfort. Make more room for wide shoulders. Muffler is a little loud at low RPM. Not a problem if you are speeding... Run Flat tires are very expensive.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Fun Fun Fun!!!

Written by: Ed Farr on 07/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Traded in my 2006 Black Nissan 350Z for a base 128i with comfort access since I needed the back seats and man, I can't stop driving it!!! Compared to the Z, I am getting better MPG and I get the back seats! This is the most fun car I have ever driven.

Favorite Features

Handling, cornering, acceleration.

Suggested Improvements

None really. I don't care about features in the car only the way it drives!! If you care about that, go buy a Lexus or an Acura.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Hold ON

Written by: First-time on 07/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 BMW 1 Series 128i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Great car. Excellent feel with the driver. Fun and practical and affordable enough for the trip to and from work. Price is reasonable if you get just the Premium package with heated seats. You don't need the 135, wonderful fast car but overkill for DD.

Favorite Features

Smooth engine, fantastic feel of the road, folding rear seats and nice leather interior.

Suggested Improvements

Bigger gas tank, better design of compartment space (it really has none).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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