2009 BMW 1 Series

Most observers agree that BMW essentially invented the small “sport” sedan, beginning with its early 1960’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder 1500, which over time evolved into the 1600 and eventually the much quicker and more athletic 2002 (2.0-liters and two doors). The idea was a relatively advanced engine in a practical body on a decidedly athletic suspension. The resulting small two-door sedan with its usable back seat, sporting aspirations and real competition credentials was all about having your fun and hauling it, too.

Series Roots

The arguably crude and ungainly looking 2002 of the 1960s and early ‘70s was superceded by the much more stylish and refined 3 Series, which in 30-plus years has grown into the undisputed compact sport coupe, sedan, convertible and even wagon icon it is today. But with today’s bottom-line 328i starting at more than $36,000, there was room beneath it for something smaller and a bit more affordable. Enter the new “entry level” BMW, the 1 Series, which BMW calls the “spiritual successor to the 2002.”


Standing 8.4 in. shorter and 1.4 in. narrower on a 4.0-in. shorter wheelbase, the 1 is essentially a shrunken 3 sharing the same powertrains, suspension and interior functions and features. It is also nearly two inches taller (to accommodate somewhat more upright seating positions) and only about 100 lb. lighter. EPA fuel economy of the 128i manual-gearbox coupe is identical to the manual-trans 328i coupe’s at 18 mpg city, 28 highway.

Four Flavors

The 1 Series is available in four distinct flavors: standard 128i and high-performance 135i, coupe and convertible. Engines are the same 230-hp (128i) and 300-hp twin-turbo (135i) 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve in-line sixes that power the 328i and 335i, driving the rear wheels through the same standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmissions. The non-turbo has a unique aluminum/magnesium block and BMW’s high-efficiency Valvetronic valvetrain management system. The aluminum-block turbo features direct gas injection and twin lightweight turbochargers with air-to-air intercooling.


Exterior styling folds BMW’s creased-panel “flame surface” design theme around its smallest four-seat bodies in decades, with generally pleasing results. The grille and headlamps are large, the hood long, the cabin set back, the shoulder line tall, the round wheel openings aggressive and the rear deck short, with an integrated spoiler lip. The 135i gets a high-performance “M” aerodynamic and visual package with large lower air intakes in front and an additional rear lip spoiler for greater downforce in back. All models flaunt left-side dual exhaust tips, the 128i’s in chrome, the 135i’s in black chrome.