BMW 1 Series Review

2009 BMW 1 Series 135i Coupe Shown

BMW doesn't usually 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.

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. Falling neatly between the Mini Cooper and its 3 Series brother in terms of price and size, the BMW 1 Series is a thrilling little car that strikes a balance between sports car and luxury coupe.

Current BMW 1 Series

Though the BMW 1 Series is 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. Beyond engines, the 135i differs from its less powerful sibling due to its aero body kit, 18-inch wheels and sport suspension. The last two items are optional on the 128i, though. Both models also offer a bevy of luxury items normally available on BMW's pricier offerings.

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.

The BMW 1 Series' handling is simply superb. Precise steering combined with a well-balanced chassis make the coupe and convertible feel right at home on a freeway or a serpentine road. Body roll is minimal, and overall grip on models fitted with the Sport package will win approval from all but the most hard-core enthusiast drivers.

The 135's twin-turbo inline-6 engine is incredibly versatile and offers an intense slug of power and acceleration without any perceptible turbo lag. And although this top-of-the-line powertrain seems to get most of the attention, most people will find the 128i more than adequate for their daily commutes. In fact, some might find this lighter, lower-powered 1 Series a bit more tossable on back roads. But no matter which 1 Series you choose, you're in for a good time.

Used BMW 1 Series Models

The BMW 1 Series was introduced for 2008. The only change can be found on navigation-equipped cars, which were upgraded with the next-generation iDrive electronics interface controller for '09.

Although it is new to 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC BMW 1 SERIES MODEL YEAR*

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