2008 BMW 1-Series

BMW says that the basis for the 1-Series' styling was the old BMW 2002. While some styling cues from that Bimmer of the past are readily discernible, Road & Track suggest that the 1-Series' "execution is more in tune with E36-based [1990s] coupes, the two-generation forebear of the current 3 -Series." While generally giving their approval of the look of the new 1-Series, Road & Track additionally noted that the "long-hood, tall-roofline, short-rear-deck profile projects an odd, almost ungainly proportion from some angles." It's fair to say that exterior look is divisive; for everyone who likes the littlest Bimmer's styling, there's another who is turned off. The latter camp includes Cars.com, which calls the 1-Series "awkward" and says the "bulbous shape of the rear part of the passenger area" is surprisingly "out of tune with the rest of BMW's very sleek-looking lineup." They say that the "1 Series isn't overtly striking in the visual department," and that in many ways it "seems hum-drum...even in sporty 135i duds."

Inside, the 1-Series styling is traditional BMW: upscale and clean. Forbes raves about the coupe's inner trappings, finding it to be "simple and tastefully styled, crafted from premium materials and with instruments that are well positioned within sightlines." Popular Mechanics feels the same way about the interior of BMWs 2008 135i, commenting that it's "nearly identical to the 3-Series," a car that reviewers and customers alike have stamped with their approval. The car's small dimensions also mean that few instruments are ever out of reach for the driver. ConsumerGuide writes that although the "audio and climate controls are mounted somewhat low," their controls remain "easy to reach and simple to decipher and adjust." 

While the engine on the 128i is decently powerful, it is asked to move a car that weighs upward of 3,500 pounds. Despite the car's heft, Car and Driver writes that it found the 1-Series to be "pretty quick, taking an estimated 6.4 seconds for the 0-to-60-mph run equipped with the fluid six-speed manual." Also, it is worth noting that the Car and Driver reviewers were driving the BMW 2008 128i Convertible, which is significantly heavier than the 128i Coupe. For those seeking out a serious performance car, the 135i features a twin-turbocharged inline-6 that, per reviews read by TheCarConnection.com, moves the car to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Road & Track writes that the 135i in particular "has amazing pulling power" and can give "new meaning to the term 'pocket rocket.'" Popular Mechanics also notes that "the flip side of all that high performance is usually poor fuel economy. Not here: BMW estimates 30 mpg on the highway." The official government fuel economy estimates for the 1-Series come in at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway on the 128i and the 135i is rated at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Aside from the impressive engine performance, the 2008 BMW 1-Series also sports impressive handling, even in the 1-Series convertible. Popular Mechanics finds that, on a race course, "the steering, typical of BMW, [is] sharp and quick to react." ConsumerGuide agrees, saying that "BMW's legendary handling capability carries over to the 1-Series." They say that even the base model "exhibits little body lean in fast turns." Edmunds heaps on more praise, saying that "body roll is minimal, and overall grip on models fitted with the sport package is superb." All models feature exceptional brakes that hold up well under heavy use. The folks at Kelley Blue Book raved about the "huge front brakes that not only slow the small coupe with ease but also look great" when fitted to the 135i.

The 1-Series' ride quality depends on trim level and options, but it's not terribly surprising. In full sport trim, the 135i delivers a firm ride compared to a softer base 128i. ConsumerGuide says that "the tested 128i convertible [rides] surprisingly well, easily soaking up smaller road blemishes and pavement heaves." However, selecting the 135i delivers a "sport suspension and 18-inch tires, a combination that reacts much more sharply to bad pavement, yet never feels harsh." 

Motor Trend aplauids the 1-Series' itnerior storage space, taking particular notice of the fact that the convertible's folding fabric roof when folded doesn't take up "too much trunk space."

Hardtop bodystyles of the 1-Series have a 10 cubic foot trunk that features rear seats capable of folding to accommodate larger items. Aside from cargo room, there's limited small storage space to be found on the 2008 1-Series, as ConsumerGuide reports that "interior storage is limited to a small glovebox and smaller console box, along with a tiny console bin and map pockets."

Material quality hasn't ever been a major issue in BMW's cars, so it comes as little surprise that the 1-Series' interior is well-constructed. ForbesAutos says that it appreciates the fact that the car's interior is "crafted from premium materials," and Kelley Blue Book finds the "interior treatment of the 1 Series is anything but cheap." And Edmunds agrees, saying that "despite being the cheapest BMW sold, the vehicle's interior materials are consistent with its larger and more lavish siblings." One dissenting opinion comes from Cars.com, which finds that on BMWs 2008 1-Series "the leather is less luxurious" and that the "plastic also seems to be a lower grade in a few places" versus that found on larger BMWs. However, solid quality helps deliver limited road noise, which ConsumerGuide notes is "well checked," and "top down, the convertible requires only slightly raised voices at highway speeds." Automobile notes that the "frameless windows let in no wind noise." 

However, many reports read by TheCarConnection.com referenced a nifty little addition to the safety features list on the 1-Series: a system that automatically dries the brakes during wet driving conditions. ConsumerGuide appreciates these touches, such as an "antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, [and] daytime running lights," that add to the safety credentials of the new 1-Series. ConsumerGuide also says that on the 1-Series, "thin pillars in the coupe provide fine visibility to all directions, though wide front headrests can get in the way when backing." Visibility is expected to decrease on convertibles, and here ConsumerGuide writes that the top on the 2008 BMW 1-Series convertible will "sacrifice visibility to the rear corners and directly astern." 

Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com generally praised the features of the new 2008 BMW 1-Series, but also noted the significant impact that optional features had on the price of the car. ForbesAutos reports that the 1-Series "comes well equipped with most essential amenities, including an input jack" for iPods and other devices, but they also state that "ordering [navigation] can actually make the car less user-friendly, as it comes with BMW's... confounding iDrive system." Road & Track notes that, with a few options, "you're in the neighborhood of $39,000."

However, BMWs have never come cheap, and for the price you pay, you will get a BMW 2008 1-Series that, as Kelley Blue Book reminds us, it offers options like "rain-sensing windshield wipers, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system." Also, the 1-Series convertible includes a folding cloth roof that can operate at speeds up to 30 mph, a nice feature for those on the go.