BMW pioneered the "sports sedan" in the mid-1960s when it gave the world the 2002, and the Munich-based carmaker has built a powerful reputation on furthering its pursuit of performance and practicality. The 1-Series is its newest offering, and the stylish coupe gives first-time buyers simple access to a great custom. The 1-Series comes in basic flavors-128i and 135i-with variation through options obtainable on both cars. Both are rear-wheel drive, and the 128i (i for fuel injection) is powered by a 230-horsepower four.0L inline six-cylinder. The 300-horsepower 135i utilizes a twin-turbocharged version of that four.0L inline four. Both engines feature BMW's advanced electronic throttle control and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. A six-speed manual is standard on each automobile, while a six-speed Steptronic automatic with steering-wheel paddle shifters is obtainable. The 128i comes loaded with plenty of standard exterior features, including chromed exhaust tips, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dual power heated mirrors, and halogen fog lamps. Inside, eight-way adjustable front seats with two-way headrests are standard, as are power windows and locks, leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel with dynamic cruise and audio controls, and split fold-down rear seats. All 128i cars come with a power moonroof, automatic climate control with individual user recall settings, as well as a 10-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack. The twin-turbocharged, 300-horsepower 135i adds 18-inch wheels as well as a sport-tuned suspension, xenon adaptive headlights with auto leveling, a rear spoiler, and an aerodynamic kit. Options and packages obtainable on the 1-Series include a Sport Package, which adds 17-inch performance wheels and tires, sport suspension, shadowline trim, and sport seats. The Premium Package includes auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, power front seats with driver memory, various wood and aluminum interior trims, a universal garage door opener, as well as a choice of interior leathers. Standalone options like variable-ratio active steering, heated front seats, navigation with iDrive, premium sound and satellite radio systems, and rear park distance control are obtainable. A Chilled Weather Package adds a ski bag and heated front seats. On the 135i, the Sport Package includes an M steering wheel. Standard safety features on all 1-Series cars include run-flat tires with an air pressure monitor, stability control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with dynamic brake control and brake drying, adaptive brake lights, dual-stage front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, programmable daytime running lights, and more. A 1-Series convertible obtainable in both 128i or 135i configurations will be obtainable later in 2008.
BMW's 1-Series is an all-new model for 2008, slotting beneath the venerable lineup of 3-Series cars and serving as an affordable entry in to BMW possession. It is also billed as a throwback to the company's legendary 2002 of the 1960s and 1970s. It is obtainable in a few trim levels, including the 128i, which features a 230-horsepower four.0L inline four, as well as a 135i, which makes use of a 300-horsepower four.0L inline four. Both engines are tried and tested and found across the range in the 3- and 5-Series. A 1-Series convertible in either 128i or 135i configuration will be obtainable later in 2008. Pricing starts at $28,600 for the 128i, while the 135i starts at $34,900.
Entry-level pricing; sleek BMW relatives design; terrific straight four engines; extensive standard features.
The 2008 BMW 1-Series has been a long time coming, with preliminary hints and rumors dating back to 2001. Though the 3-Series has historically been BMW's entry-level automobile, its whole segment has gone up-market in recent years. The company's Mini Cooper has been a large hit in the hatchback market, and the 1-Series slots in nicely above it to fill the void and give more youthful buyers the chance to own and drive a BMW. It is a stylish tiny coupe that recalls the iconic 2002, and ought to offer plenty of competition to cars like the Audi A3 and Volvo C30.
