2008 BMW 1 Series Review

PROS  Really fun to drive on a twisty road, Open air feel, Zippy acceleration

CONS  Cramped front and rear seats, Poor rearward visibility, optional iDrive

Like a storm on the horizon, you could see it coming for miles. With each generation, the BMW 3-Series got bigger and more expensive. Eventually the prototypical entry-level luxury sports sedan crept out of the entry-level luxury market, leaving a gaping hole that BMW was more than happy to fill with its smallest European car, the 1-Series. BMW claims its creating a new market with the 1-Series, but in reality, it's just filling the void that the 3-Series left behind as it moved on to the land of higher profit margins.

The 1-Series has a wheelbase of 104.7 inches. That's four inches shorter than the 3-Series and on par with the Audi A4, Saab 9-3, and Volvo C30. The 1-Series model lineup includes the 128i and 135i. Both models come with rear-wheel drive and offered as either a two-door coupe or two-door convertible

The 128i has a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The 135i has a turbocharged version of that engine that produces an even 300 horsepower. Both engines are found on various 3-Series models. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard and a six-speed automatic is optional.

Standard safety equipment on both models includes antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, run-flat tires, and front and front-side airbags. Coupes get curtain-side airbags. Optional on both models is rear park assist.

128i models come with automatic climate control, leather-wrapped tilt-telescope steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats with height adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat (coupe), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, power convertible top (convertible), rear defogger, automatic headlights, rear spoiler, fog lights, and alloy wheels--16s on the convertible and 17s on the coupe.

135i adds to the 128i uprated brakes, wood interior trim, steering-linked adaptive HID headlights with washers, and sport suspension. The 135is also get a wheel and tire upgrade. Convertibles ride on 17s while coupes ride on 18s.

Key options include leather upholstery, navigation system, high-definition radio, satellite radio, iPod adaptor, keyless starting, and active steering. The active steering system is designed to vary the steering ratio based on vehicle speed, which BMW claims makes the 1-Series easier to drive in parking lots and more responsive at highway speeds.

The 128i coupe lists for $28,600 while the convertible lists for $33,100. The 135i coupe has a base sticker of $34,900 and the convertible starts at $39,100. All models have a destination charge of $775 and are assembled in Germany.

Get Up and Go  BMW quotes a 0-60 mpg time of 7.0 seconds for the convertible with automatic transmission. That's class acceptable if not better than most. The engine has more than enough torque to provide quick takeoffs and spirited passing power. Obviously the turbocharged 135i is going to be quicker in both instances, but this is clearly a case where the additional power is more of a luxury than a necessity.

The straight six is extremely smooth. There's barely a stumble at idle, even with the AC on full blast. Under power, the engine willingly sings up to redline with a refined hum.

Sadly, the automatic transmission isn't as refined. There's a noticeable bob between first and second gear in both acceleration and deceleration. Also, the transmission is reluctant to downshift without a stiff kick in the accelerator pedal. It does have a separate shift gate for manual operation and steering-wheel-mounted paddles are optional.

The 128i/automatic combo requires premium-grade gasoline and is EPA rated at 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Those numbers trail competitors like that Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 9-3 convertible and Volvo C30 coupe. If you have a light throttle food and prefer gentile cruising over stoplight racing, you might see 24 mpg overall. If your commute includes lots of open expressway driving, you'll likely be pleasantly surprised with a number closer to 30 mpg.

On the Road  Anyone thinking the 1-Series isn't a "real" BMW need only spend five minutes behind the wheel blasting down a twisty road. The 1-Series possesses the same innate and uncanny handling characteristics as its larger brothers. Body lean is kept in check, the tires have excellent dry-road grip, the steering is firm and accurate, and the brakes have ample stopping power.

More important than all is the fact that the chassis remains composed regardless of the road surface or driving situation. There's no wheel hop when navigating bumpy corners and there's little change in overall demeanor in spirited driving. On the whole, the 1-Series drives with the direct communication of a Mazda MX-5 (Miata) without the undue ride harshness.

Keeping in mind the fact that the 128i convertible is a small car with a relatively short wheelbase, the ride is impressively smooth. The tires and suspension have enough suppleness to absorb large bumps and soften sharp impacts. There's a slight amount of cowl shake when traversing railroad tracks and the like, but it's barely noticeable. On the whole, the 128i rides with the same level of comfort as larger and heavier luxury coupes.

Opt for the 17-inch wheels and firmer suspension of the sport package and the ride grows unnecessarily harsh. Where the 16-inch wheels seem to take the edge off expansion joints and potholes, the 17s amplify them. Since there's little real-world difference in the handling between the base and sport package models, most buyers will want to stick with the base suspension and wheels.

Road rumble and wind rush are minimal in coupes. Top up, convertibles have noticeably more wind noise than coupes, however, the top smothers outside sounds better than expected. Top down and at highway speeds, normal conversation is no problem. Both engines cruise quietly and emit a refined growl in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel  The 1-Series' cabin sports pleasant looking materials and nicely padded surfaces. Real wood and aluminum is always a nice touch, regardless of price. The top is also nicely padded and its one-touch operation is a bonus.

BMW fans will feel right at home inside the 1-Series. Drives face large, white-on-black analog gauges and a meaty steering wheel. Radio and climate controls are placed high on the center stack within easy reach for both driver and front-seat passenger. The buttons are a little small, but at least they are logical in operation. The power lock button is on the center console, which seems a little odd given the vehicle's price point.

Adding the optional navigation system brings iDrive--a center-console-mounted jog dial designed to ease control of audio, climate control, communication, and navigation systems. Much criticized, iDrive has become easier to use with recent redesigns, but it's still more distracting than necessary.

In traditional BMW fashion, the front seats are firm and supportive. They aren't very wide and that can be a problem for some. Head room is good and leg room more than adequate. Driving position is excellent. Visibility is blocked by the convertible top's large rear panels and the smallish outside mirrors don't help matters. Taller drivers will note that the windshield header cuts forward visibility.

Don't let anyone fool you, the rear seats are just for kids. The seatbacks are upright and leg room is scant--even with the front seats pushed well forward. Though there are only two rear seats, the convertible's narrow rear cabin leaves little elbow room.

Of course getting in and out of the rear seats is a chore, this is a two-door after all.

Though offering just eight cubic feed of storage space, the trunk is easily large enough for a couple travel golf bags and one or two soft-sided suitcases. There's a blocker panel that makes room for the top when stowed, which eats into space somewhat. While coupes get true fold-down rear seat backs, convertibles get a small pass through for long items. Interior storage is limited to a center console bit, small glove box, and tiny front-door map pockets. Models without the navigation system get two cup holders just aft of the shifter. Navi models lose the cup holders in favor of the iDrive jog dial. In their place is a tacked-on single cup holder to the right of the shifter.

Bottom Line  Knowing that detractors would criticize any part of the 1-Series that wasn't 100-percent genuine, BMW clearly sweated the details. Materials are appropriate for the price, the soft top is nicely padded, and, most importantly, the ride/handling balance is outstanding. Offering two engines makes a lot of sense as this car is likely to cross over between enthusiasts and luxury posers.

The 1-Series lists for $5000-10,000 less than its larger 3-Series siblings. That fact alone makes it worth a look. There are competitors that offer more interior room at a lower price point, but there are few rivals that offer the 1-Series' blend of pedigree, athleticism, and luxury.