The car is not a 3 Series, but it might as well be a variation of it. During my week with it, I still managed a respectable combined fuel economy of about 21 mpg. Upon arrival we found a gaggle of 135is, all in the same Sedona Red Metallic paint that is exclusive to the 1 Series. What particularly amazed us about the 135i was its fuel economy. That said, we found that, with the front seat set for a 5 foot 10 inch tall driver, there was plenty leg room in back. Expensive as it is, the 135i convertible is substantially less costly than the 3-series equivalent, only slightly more cramped, but every bit as fun to drive, if not more so.
We clocked a 0-to-60 time of 4. Its a spunky little car. Though our tester weighed 3425 pounds, the 135i feels like it carries more mass and grip during laps at Reno Fernley Raceway, where we put it through its paces. That short cabin gives the car a sporty look. You really have to pay close attention to the speedometer in this car, as it's easy to blow past speed limits.
Despite the absence of an M package, this car is seriously fun. On the performance front, our only criticism of the 135i is that it could get slightly better emissions. The 135i's M-sport wheel is thick and meaty like Thanksgiving gravy and returns direct, seemingly telepathic sensations. The tail-light assemblies have been replaced 3 times, the third brake light lens just shattered while driving down the road. One thing I will note is that I do wish it came with quad exhaust like the 1 m and that the auto manual was more aggressive in shifting even in sport mode. This Bluetooth system, with its access to contacts and previous calls, is one of the best available.
There's a lot of engine stuffed under this hood. We, of course, get the big gasoline engines taken directly from the 3 Series, which isnt much of a surprise as the 1 Series is produced on a modified 3 Series chassis, albeit shorter by nearly 10 in. Give it a drive, you'll be amazed. Then I found an '08 135i Convertible with 47K miles. Despite its M-branded short-throw manual shifter, the gear-change lag and associated rev drop lost us a couple of heartbeats' worth of forward thrust, but once the magnificent third gear engaged, the 135i found its groove again and we were at 100 mph as we crested the hill and entered the gentle sweeping turn 1. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe, while the convertible features front seat side airbags that extend higher to protect the occupants' heads. Once you pair a phone, its address book is downloaded automatically, and the radio interface gives you access to contacts and call history.
But its styling isn't as sleek as other entry-level coupes. There is nothing overt that would make the 1 Series any less expensive than a 3 Series, other than its size. It has been two full years now, and no problems to report. After blistering through turns 9 and 10, and racing up to turn 11, we got hard on the brakes and cut the sharp corner off turn 11 in second gear, setting ourselves up for the main straightaway. Best Sports Coupe In Its Class.
Wider rear tires surely help to keep the rear planted, as does the lack of a limited-slip differential. Even with all stability control disabled, it was overly difficult to induce oversteer. Although it is taller, its also slightly narrower. The 135 was obviously more expensive but we fell in love the first time we pressed the pedal to the carpet. They are easy to accidently hit and difficult to use in a tight turn. We can live with that.
The 135i builds up some speed after turn 9. Those were replaced under warranty, but it is disappointing considering. All and all, no real cons for this vehicle. Back seat very small but will hold a child or childs car seat just fine. With a great on-centre feel and an alpine skiing-like edge feel to it, the 135i can be driven confidently on your favorite twisty roads. Yet whichever 1 Series you choose, you're assured of a fun time. We would prefer column-mounted shifters.
Body roll is minimal, and overall grip on models fitted with the sport package is superb. No, because it only wins that title by a few thousand dollars versus comparable 3 Series models. Gas mileages is not great. They're getting hard to find as I searched the nation, but was lucky enough to find one in my backyard. The 135i displays phenomenal pickup in both second and third gears. And its nimble size was a source of pleasure as well.
The transmission downshifted aggressively, holding its lower gear as we powered through the turn. Best coupe in its class! Expect 0-60-mph times in the low 6s for the 128i and in the low 5s for the 135i. Of note are the brakes: massive 6-piston front calipers sit inside the 18-in. We were pleased to find that we could insert a thumbdrive directly into the port and hinge down the armrest that sits over it without one making contact with the other. And, to make matters worse, the dealership has a totally rude attitude about trying to fix the car.
Today makes the second time I've filed the Lemon Law on the car. In high-g corners, the car leans, but returns stunning traction and a balanced, weighty feel. Each was equipped with the standard 6-speed manual. If you don't drive your car Rocket Car — this car as an amazing handling, one of the most powerful engine! In traffic, we found the 135i sprightly, its tight steering letting us make quick lane changes and its power ensuring we could get up to our new lane's speed. Bmw 1 Series M Sport Cabriolet — Quick off the lights! Powertrains and Performance All 1 Series send their power to the rear wheels. Laguna Seca's many technical turns tested the handling of the 135i.