- 2010
2008 BMW 1-Series
BMW 1-Series - What the Auto Press Says
The 1-Series has the precise performance and cabin refinement of its ancestor, the BMW 3-Series. But its styling isn't as sleek as other entry-level coupes.
Featuring some of the best components of the well-respected 3-Series, the 2008 BMW 1-Series debuts in U.S. markets this year with enough power and refinement to set it apart from other entry-level luxury coupes. But several reviewers say there are problems with the complete package. Number one, the 1-Series design looks distorted compared to the sleek appeal of the 3-Series. "I love the mechanicals of this car," writes the Los Angeles Times. "Well, I loved them before they got jammed into this ugly Size 8 Birkenstock." Secondly, as the Detroit News notes, "If you can afford to pay $30K for a 1 Series, what's a few thousand more to bump up to the 3 Series?"
Still others say the 1-Series' positive attributes outweigh its flaws. Car and Driver says, "What its design lacks in elegance, it makes up for in bulldog-like character." In the same review, Car and Driver adds "there really aren't other cars on the market that compare with the 135i. Indeed, it's in a very small class: a class of one." Recently the 1-Series outpaced the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the Volkswagen R32, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to become Consumer Reports' top-rated sporty car. If you're in the market for an upscale small car, the Volkswagen GTI also has strong performance. The Audi A3 is also a good performer, and has a roomy second-row and a well-received exterior.
- "The 135i has a lot going for it: It's a slightly smaller and slightly faster version of the 3-series coupe, already one of our favorite cars. 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
- "Well-positioned to appeal to both up-and-coming Generation-Y buyers and older enthusiasts alike, BMW significantly expands the entry-level premium sporty car market with the 1 Series." -- Forbes
- " BMW's new 1 Series really is just that-the only one in its class" -- Motor Trend
- "Overall, there are lots of excellent qualities of the 1 Series, but it rides too closely to the 3 Series to make an impact. … While other carmakers cruise that fine line of premium compacts -- offering stylish hatchbacks with performance and luxury -- the 1 Series falls short in the segment and for BMW. -- Detroit News
- "Who wants a poor man's BMW? A poor man, that's who." -- Los Angeles Times
1-Series Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)
Test drivers say the performance of the new 1-Series is in a class by itself. Car and Driver notes "the twin-turbo inline-six is a honey, with a suggestive exhaust yowl at high revs, excellent midrange power, and the smoothness of Bill Clinton in full schmooze. The six-speed manual is slick and swift, and the steering is fully involved in what's going on at the tire contact patch. Heck, the thing even rides well." However, the recently-released fuel numbers for the 1-Series reveal the car's gas mileage is not among the best of the class. Read More
1-Series Exterior - 4.9 (Mediocre)
Most reviewers are disappointed with the proportions of the new 1-Series. "The new 1-series BMW is ugly. Seriously ugly," says the Los Angeles Times. "Ugly with X-wings locked in attack formation. I know an ugly car when one blows past me at 100 mph." Read More
1-Series Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Reviews reveal the quality of the 2008 1-Series' cabin is up to BMW's normal standards, but rear seat room is compromised. Motor Trend writes, "The 135i's interior and ride quality first rate and on par with its stablemates, though space is definitely at a premium." Read More
1-Series Safety - NA
The 1-Series has not been crash tested, but provides class-competitive safety features. Read More
1-Series Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 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 a basic warranty for the first four-years or 50,000 miles. Read More
