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BMW 1-Series - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 BMW 1-Series ranks 2 out of 6 Upscale Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 27 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 1-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Expert views on the 2009 BMW 1-Series are polarizing. One the plus side, the 1-Series is precise on the road and refined on the inside. On the other hand, many criticize the 1-Series' misshapen exterior.

The 1-Series has the sensational road personality and strong build quality that's long been associated with BMW, especially the 3-Series. But its exterior design is unpopular with most reviewers, and it receives a lot of complaints for its cramped econd row, even in a class of cars not known for abundant space.

Considering the highest trim of the 1-Series is more expensive than a base trim 3-Series, you might find the latter vehicle is more worth your while. 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.

Oblong styling aside, the 1-Series does have a number of fans. It was a nominee for 2009 North American Car of the Year, as well as a Consumer Guide Recommended Pick. A carryover design from last year, the 1-Series is available in two coupe and two convertible trims.

• "For the money, it's hard to think of a car that puts together as much performance, handling, refinement and user-friendliness in one package as the 2009 BMW 1-Series." -- Edmunds
• "I love the mechanicals of this car. Well, I loved them before they got jammed into this ugly Size 8 Birkenstock." -- Los Angeles Times
• "It has all the style, performance and features a driver could want in a compact package built around one of the best chassis in the segment, and the only one with rear-wheel drive." -- New Car Test Drive
• "It looks cool and brings you BMW virtues for a lower price than that of a comparable 3-series sedan. What's not to like about that?" -- Car and Driver
• "If you can afford to pay $30K for a 3-Series, what's a few thousand more to bump up to the 3-Series?" -- Detroit News

1-Series Performance - 8.9 (Very Good)

The 2009 1-Series is outstanding on the road and reviewers praise BMW for effectively translating the 3-Series' engines, suspension and steering into the smaller 1-Series. The Los Angeles Times says the 135i engine's "sound is so ferocious and bittersweet, so carnal and wicked, somebody ought to name a heavy-metal band after it: Velvet Chain Saw." According to Car and Driver, the engine is so smooth it's like "Bill Clinton in full schmooze." continue

1-Series Exterior - 5.2 (Mediocre)

Many describe the BMW 1-Series as a shrunken 3-Series, but as the Detroit News says, "Shrinkage is not always good." For 2009, BMW introduced a convertible trim for the 1-Series that also seats four passengers. continue

1-Series Interior - 6.7 (Mediocre)

The 1-Series' cabin is long on quality, features and cargo room, but BMW misses the target with rear-seat comfort. Reviewers say the back row is even too tight by small car standards. New Car Test Drive writes, "Anyone familiar with the interior layout of the current 3 Series would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the BMW 135i and the much larger, more expensive 335i. Just about everything inside is in the same location and looks and operates the same way." continue

1-Series Safety - NA

The 2009 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. continue

1-Series Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 BMW 1-Series reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). BMW offers standard warranty coverage for the first four-years or 50,000 miles, and a full maintenance program that provides free maintenance for the first few years. continue