Karl on Cars - 2008 BMW 1 Series: The Original Sport Sedan Returns

2008 BMW 1 Series: The Original Sport Sedan Returns

After 300 additional miles in the 2008 BMW 1 Series (driving between Monterey and Ventura County), as well as using it for some real-life errands, I can add a few more notes to the newest Bimmer's logbook.

First, it's extremely functional as a long-distance runner. The driving routes picked by BMW for the car's intro were the expected mix of low-to-medium-speed twisties, with almost no sustained high-speed highway travel. In contrast, my trip down the 101 after the event had the small coupe traveling at 65-plus mph for the bulk of the trip. Happily, I can report a combination of minimal wind noise, excellent ride quality and enduring seat comfort.

This is particularly impressive considering my test car's performance-oriented equipment. Beyond the 135i's standard 18-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension and six-speed manual transmission this particular 1 had the optional Sport Package with heavily bolstered seats and an M-Sport steering wheel. So basically, even in its most aggressive form, the 1 Series still doesn't beat you up while hopping freeway expansion joints for a four-hour stint. At first the lower side bolsters in the sport seats felt a tad narrow, but I quickly discovered the power adjustment to relax them.

As you might expect, the car's small size and ever-ready powerband make navigating slower traffic both easy and fun. Visibility, fore and aft, is excellent with the narrow roof pillars and effective rearview mirrors. My test car had the basic audio system with no nav and no Bluetooth (and no iDrive!), but sound quality was still excellent.

Even better, with the driver's seat adjusted for my comfort there's plenty of room for my daughter to sit behind me. I still wouldn't recommend putting a full-size adult back there, but compared to, say, the Mini Clubman, this car has a more useable rear seat. Throw in the deep trunk with a wide opening and the 135i offers as much function as...well, a 3 Series of 20 years ago. As much fun, too.

It would appear BMW's goal of reviving its original sport sedan has been met with success.

Posted by Karl Feb 18, 2008 7:00 am

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Categories: BMW

Comments

carboy28 - Feb 19, 2008 11:08 am (#16 Total: 35)

I'm so confused...4 door coups (CLS, Passat, Panamera), 2 door sedans (BMW 1 Series)!!!

texases - Feb 19, 2008 12:13 pm (#17 Total: 35)

After looking at the extensive definition of 'coupe' in Wikipedia, all of the above descriptions can apply. Take a look, good stuff!

sabastian - Feb 19, 2008 12:17 pm (#18 Total: 35)

"What cars are considered direct competitors to the 1 Series coupe?"

Uhh...well...Maybe the R32, Evo, and STI, but I'm not sure if STI buyers would realistically think about a baby BMW or if BMW buyers would realistically think about a Subaru. I've been trying to work out who the customers will be for this car will be since it was announced, and I have yet to really work it out. I really think the closest competitor would be the R32 as they are both small, European, and premium-ish, but they are still very different cars.

firstwagon - Feb 19, 2008 2:35 pm (#19 Total: 35)

"What cars are considered direct competitors to the 1 Series coupe?"

It's biggest competitor will be the 3 series.

editor_karl - Feb 19, 2008 4:02 pm (#20 Total: 35)

L.A. CA United States of America

And the Mini. I know it's supposed to cost more, and I know Mini people are supposed to be different from BMW people, but trust me when I say that the 1 basically feels like a rear-wheel drive Mini...with more interior space. And the pricing isn't that far off, either (our Mini Clubman S test car stickers for $32,900 with options).

vic_pe - Feb 19, 2008 5:12 pm (#21 Total: 35)

Canada

I just saw the Fifth Gear video. WOW!

I was drooling at getting the 335i Coupe, but now if I don't get the budget for it, the 135i will definitely fill that need. Just listen to that engine sound, even at YouTube quality!

I am much more encouraged by the 135i's value proposition. It clearly seems fun and practical despite all odds. It's also looking nicer and nicer now than before. I just shudder at the Canadian pricing.... brrr..

firstwagon - Feb 19, 2008 7:53 pm (#22 Total: 35)

What was the Canadian pricing? I checked BMW.ca the other day and it wasn't listed yet.

I'm guessing anywhere from $5k to $10K over the US price.

vic_pe - Feb 20, 2008 9:16 am (#23 Total: 35)

Canada

It hasn't been listed, but I was saying that because I can just imagine the gouging. If the fully loaded 135i costs 42 grand in the US' site, it'll probably be 50K in Canada. 8000$ shy of a fully loaded 335i Coupe.

Hmm I guess I was thinking more than that. Not as bad as I thought. Still, it's anyone's guess what it will be priced at.

bbechtel16 - Feb 20, 2008 10:14 am (#24 Total: 35)

I really like the silver shot here. Though I shudder to think of getting one in silver as I'm afraid a silver 128i will be the most popular BMW on the road in a few years. Then again maybe Montego Blue metallic will be, who knows? I've always liked white BMWs too. Especially the E36 M3. I really like the "black belt" contrasting look with white and silver on the E36.

Anyway...interesting to hear that the 1 series is much more roomy than the Mini Cooper despite its RWD layout. Have we been lied to about how much RWD packaging effects interior space? Or is it that the exterior dimensions are drastically smaller on the Mini?

firstwagon - Feb 20, 2008 8:26 pm (#25 Total: 35)

"Have we been lied to about how much RWD packaging effects interior space? "

I haven't seen them side by side yet but since the 1-series is 700-800 lbs heavier then the Mini, I would say the Mini is a lot smaller.

blueguydotcom - Feb 21, 2008 3:15 pm (#26 Total: 35)

San Diego CA

For passenger space, the 1 series definitely has it all over the Mini. For transporting things, I'd prefer the mini's packaging as it will hold a crazy amount that's stacked straight up like a tiny SUV.

bbechtel16 - Feb 22, 2008 6:15 am (#27 Total: 35)

Maybe BMW is afraid they'll kill their own Minis if they offer 3 and 5 door versions of the 1 series in the US? That's a stretch but just thinking aloud...

sunilb - Feb 22, 2008 4:32 pm (#28 Total: 35)

San Francisco CA United States of America

I would guess that the power and price differentials would keep the Mini and 1-series appealing to different segments (not to mention FWD vs RWD dynamics).

Of course, I'm still sitting on the side hoping and waiting for a 123d 5-door (diesel with efficient dynamics, RWD and 45+ mpg).

firstwagon - Feb 22, 2008 5:11 pm (#29 Total: 35)

"Maybe BMW is afraid they'll kill their own Minis if they offer 3 and 5 door versions of the 1 series in the US? That's a stretch but just thinking aloud..."

I doubt it. The Mini has a reputation as an extremely cool car where as the 1 series will start off with the impression as a car for those who want a 3-series but can't afford one.

Besides, the Mini looks perfect from every angle and the 1 series...well... just doesn't.

bbechtel16 - Feb 22, 2008 6:39 pm (#30 Total: 35)

Yeah I said it was a stretch; just throwing it out there. I would also say the below statement is a stretch as well:

"Besides, the Mini looks perfect from every angle and the 1 series...well... just doesn't."

blueguydotcom - Feb 23, 2008 12:19 am (#31 Total: 35)

San Diego CA

firstwagon,

Minis are cool cars? On what planet? Seriously a FWD hatchback is cool?

People have trouble affording a 3 series? The average sale price of cars in the USA is 30k. A 128 will run in the low 30s. Have you ever been to SoCal? They give out 328s with your fifth latte at Starbucks.

Mini looks perfect? Hmmm. Quite subjective. I own a Cooper S. It's a fun car. I own it and find the exterior to be very...AMC Gremlin.

firstwagon - Feb 23, 2008 6:21 pm (#32 Total: 35)

"Minis are cool cars?"

The coolest car on the road.

"Seriously a FWD hatchback is cool?"

Well maybe not in the US but in every other country.

"Have you ever been to SoCal?"

Nope

"They give out 328s with your fifth latte at Starbucks. "

Now that's a great deal, up here they run $40 to $50K.

I realize style is only an opinion but I haven't really liked anything BMW has done since the 90's.

I do like the Mini though.

blueguydotcom - Feb 23, 2008 9:04 pm (#33 Total: 35)

San Diego CA

first, to each his own. The mini got me because it felt kinda BMW-like but also offered great mileage, light weight and tremendous resale. The exterior meant nothing in my purchase...ditto the color (as long as it wasn't black or white).

To get a 328 to 40k you need to add a whole bunch of crap, BTW.

firstwagon - Feb 23, 2008 9:07 pm (#34 Total: 35)

Maybe in the US but here in Canada, the 328 base price is $41,000. By selecting a few options I had little trouble getting the price up to $57,000.

http://bmw.ca/com/en/index_highend.html

I love the look of the Mini (perhaps because of my fondness for the original, the original hot hatch ) but BMW's mean little to me (good car mostly bought for the upscale image).

cruiserhead1 - Feb 27, 2008 1:49 pm (#35 Total: 35)

so interesting reading why people choose their vehicles. For example, the appeal of the MINI (to me) is the style, mpgs, practicality while keeping this appeal for a long time. It doesn't seem like it will age quickly.

Being a former owner of a 91 CRX Si, I disagree that fwd hatchbacks are not fun. Actually, the MINI reminds me of my dear departed CRX Si on many levels. The Clubman reminds me of the Civic Si of the same vintage (88-91, anyone remember these fine econofunboxes?)

It is true the BMW 3 is so common in socal that they hold no real status or exotic appeal as it might elsewhere. Same goes for the Porsche.

I really like the 1 series though. Looks like a fun sedan.