• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability

BMW 1-Series - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 BMW 1-Series ranks 2 out of 7 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 1-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Reviewers have mixed feelings about the 2010 BMW 1-Series. On the plus side, the 1-Series is precise on the road and refined on the inside. On the other hand, many criticize its cramped rear seat (which is tight even for a compact), poor fuel economy and high price.

The 2010 1-Series has the sensational road personality and strong build quality that's long been associated with BMW. Despite that, its exterior styling is a sour point with most reviewers, and it receives complaints for how quickly its price adds up with expensive optional features.

BMW's 1-Series, like all BMWs is a unique vehicle, so the automotive press isn't comparing it to many other cars. That said, to the disappointment of numerous reviewers, the highest trim of the 1-Series is more expensive than a base trim 3-Series. Among upscale small cars, the 3-Series is the benchmark for precise driving dynamics. Plus it has more comfortable seating than the 1-Series and an exterior style that's better received. All in all, if you're considering the 1-Series, you should also take the 3-Series for a test drive. Savvy car buyers should also check out the Volkswagen GTI, which may not be as flashy as the 1-Series but performs just as well, boasts fuel economy that makes the 1-Series green with envy and has a starting price around $6,000 less than the BMW.

Styling aside, the 1-Series does have a number of fans. The 2009 model was named a Consumer Guide "Recommended Pick." A carryover design from last year, the 2010 1-Series is available in the 128i and 135i trims in sedan and convertible models.

It's worth mentioning that BMW just released two new, more eco-friendly, diesel models of the 1-Series Coupe in Europe, the 120i Coupe and the 118d Coupe, both of which meet the EU5 emission standard which limits how much fuel exhaust a vehicle can emit.  As of now, BMW has not released any plans to release these vehicles in the United States, but check back in the future for updates.

• "The BMW 1 Series cars have all the style, performance and features a driver could want in a compact package. It's built around one of the best chassis in the segment, and the only one with rear-wheel drive. -- New Car Test Drive
• "It is the kind of car loved by people who love driving -- rear-wheel drive, diminutive yet gifted with power (in this case, 300 horsepower delivered by an inline six-cylinder engine) and wonderfully agile on surfaces such as Angola Road here, which twists, turns, dips, disappears and reappears around curves." - Washington Post
• "The real bottom line, as opposed to the one on the window sticker? It's a blast to drive." -- Boston Globe
• "I love the mechanicals of this car. Well, I loved them before they got jammed into this ugly Size 8 Birkenstock." -- Los Angeles Times
• "If you can afford to pay $30K for a 1-Series, what's a few thousand more to bump up to the 3-Series?" -- Detroit News
• "What's bound to make buyers gasp, though, is the price tag for this pint-sized ragtop, which can reach $40,000 easily once some basic options are added." -- Cars.com

1-Series Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

There are no two ways about it: the 2010 1-Series is an exceptional performer. Reviewers praise BMW for successfully transplanting the 3-Series' engine, suspension and steering into the smaller 1-Series. Edmunds says of the 1-Series; "Under the hood are the same powerful engine choices as in the marque's more expensive and larger 3 Series." That said, beware of the 1-Series's substandard fuel economy which is well below that of class competitors. Read More

1-Series Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

The automotive press has mixed feelings about the 1-Series's styling. While most reviewers appreciate the smooth, sleek appearance of the car, others are less enthusiastic. Many describe the BMW 1-Series as a shrunken 3-Series, but as the Detroit News says, "Shrinkage is not always good." Read More

1-Series Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)

The 1-Series' cabin is strong on quality, features and cargo space, but is seriously lacking in rear-seat comfort. Reviewers say that even by small car standards, the back seat is too tight. Left Lane News writes, "Inside, the quality interior is equivalent to the 3-Series, and for the driver and front passenger space is also about the same. However, it is nine inches shorter, space that was cut from the back seat and trunk, which will pretty much limit the car to two-person use." Read More

1-Series Safety - NA

The 2010 BMW 1-Series has not been crash tested by either the federal government or insurance industry, but does provide a comprehensive list of standard safety features. Read More

1-Series Reliability - NA

The BMW 1-Series comes with BMW's Ultimate Service Warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Read More