2008 BMW 1 Series
by Rebecca Antioco - 10/2008

When introducing an “entry-level” model, luxury car brands hope to attract younger buyers who will fall in love with their vehicles, then climb through the model lineup in direct proportion to their rise in income and desire for a bigger status symbol. Enter the BMW 1 Series, which seems anything but entry-level.

The 1 Series is also in the unique position of not having any clear-cut competitors. It’s too refined to be considered a muscle car a la Mustang, and not performance-minded enough to challenge the Lancer or the WRX. Others like the Lexus IS and the Infiniti G37 compete more naturally with the 3 Series.

It is available in two rear-wheel drive trims — 128i and 135i — as either a coupe or soft-top convertible. A 3.0-liter, 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder powers the 128i; the 135i features a twin-turbocharged 300-horsepower inline six-cylinder. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic can be had for an additional $1275.

Standard equipment includes power accessories, 10-speaker audio system with a CD player and an auxiliary input jack for an MP3 player, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel (leather-wrapped, of course), a sunroof on coupe models and a power-operated top on the convertible. Upgrade to the 135i, and in addition to the more powerful engine, you’ll get a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloys, xenon headlamps and automatic climate control.

Options abound, and include a Cold Weather Package ($600 on the 135i, $750 on the 128i) with heated front seats, ski bag and retractable headlight washers (128i only); Premium Package ($3300; $3600) with power front seats, universal garage door opener, ambient-light package, Boston leather seating and a choice of Gray Poplar, Light Burl Walnut or Glacier Silver Aluminum trim on the 128; and the Sport Package ($1000; $1200) with sport seats, increased top-speed limiter, “shadowline” trim, and sport suspension and performance tires on the 128i.

Popular standalones include power front seats with driver memory ($995), heated seats ($500), wood trim ($500), navigation system ($2100) and leather seating ($1450). Optional leather seating on the convertible contains sun-reflective pigments, which can lower the seat temperature by up to 20 degrees, according to BMW.

Inside, the 1 Series is attractive, but bland. My tester did not come equipped with the optional navigation system, and thus no iDrive system, which is so dreaded by many a reviewer and consumer. Therefore, I found the controls to be simple to use and intuitive, two attributes that the iDrive currently lacks. Whether that will change with the fourth-generation iDrive set to hit vehicles in 2009 remains to be seen.

The seats are supportive and can be adjusted in myriad ways. The leather interior and walnut trim on my tester was attractive, if a little staid. On the downside, the cupholders are a little small and there is precious little room for storing your “stuff” (i.e., your iPod, garage door opener, cell phone). And, BMW could stand to take a lesson from Audi when designing its interiors.

When you do hit the road, it’s best to do so with only one companion — the rear seat is best suited for gear, not people. Kids might be comfortable back there if front seat occupants aren’t long-legged, but even that becomes a challenge if there are child-safety seats to take into account. This is not atypical of vehicles in this class, but something to consider if you regularly find yourself having to haul passengers.

I drove the 128i convertible, and was on constant alert for excuses to hit the road, top down, and cruise. It was a sheer joy to drive, gripping the road solidly and accelerating quickly. Only the imposing sight of photo-radar cameras kept me from pushing this baby bimmer to its upper limits. Though the 135 has a more powerful engine, most drivers will find that the 128 more than satisfies. Road noise on the convertible was typical, but not excessive and operating the top is a breeze.

On the safety front, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags are standard on all models; convertibles feature pop-up hoops for protection in rollovers, as well as higher extending airbags. The 1 Series has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

High on the fun factor, the 1 Series is a great intro to the BMW brand. However, adding options and moving up in trim levels puts the price tag tantalizingly close to the 3 Series. At that point, you might consider the upgrade.