Lexus Rocks the F-Sports at SEMA 2009
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 BMW 1-Series Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 1-Series to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the BMW 1-Series in Sweden, Spain, and the United States to offer you a definitive opinion on the Bimmer. Additionally, this review compares the 2008 1-Series with other cars in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Acceleration of twin-turbo engine
  • Driver-oriented attitude
  • Rear-wheel-drive handling
  • Steering feel
  • Availability of convertible

Dislikes:

  • Styling not as pure as 3-Series
  • Sized too close to 3-Series
  • Weight too close to 3-Series
  • Optional iDrive interface
  • Expensive

Buying Tips:


TheCarConnection.com recommends you drive both the 128i and 135i before you buy so that you know whether you want to pay for the extra power of the twin-turbo engine. It's easy to option up a 2008 BMW 1-Series to the levels of BMW's larger 3-Series, so sample both before your pen hits the paperwork.

For BMW, 2008 is the year the company returned to its roots. The 2008 BMW 1-Series hearkens back to BMW's legendary (but back-to-basics) 2002 models from the late 1960s. BMW recognized that the maturation of its traditional models left a gap at the low end of its product line in the United States and has now seen fit to plug it. The cork is the 2008 BMW 1-Series, offered in coupe and convertible forms.

The 2008 1-Series is offered as 128i and 135i models. The main difference is the engine; the 128i uses a non-turbo 230-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, while the 135i provides 306 horsepower from its twin-turbo version of the 3.0-liter six (both engines are also found in 3- and 5-Series models). Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

While the 1-Series is smaller and less expensive than the popular 3-Series, it could be argued that it's neither small enough nor cheap enough. Regardless, the 2008 BMW 1-Series handles well, steers beautifully, and functions nicely as a 2+2. The compact folding mechanism of the convertible's soft top even ensures that there is usable truck space with the top down.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW 1-Series, also consider:

Reason Why:

In a shape that exudes contemporary BMW styling, the 2008 BMW 1-Series offers room for four and a bit of luggage. Compared to the svelte 3-Series, the 1-Series looks a bit stubby, but it gets the job done. Beyond the more expensive 3-Series, there aren't many direct model-per-model competitors to the 1-Series. In terms of body styles (2+2 coupe and convertible), the Ford Mustang GT comes closest, but because of its domestic roots, we doubt there will be much cross-shopping going on between these two. A more realistic competitor is the V-6-powered Infiniti G37 Coupe, although the G37 is not offered as a convertible. The converse is true about the sporty Honda S2000, although it is a strict two-seater powered by a high-revving four-cylinder.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 BMW 1-Series makes a true Bimmer available for under $30,000 (but just barely).

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 1-Series to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the BMW 1-Series in Sweden, Spain, and the United States to offer you a definitive opinion on the Bimmer. Additionally, this review compares the 2008 1-Series with other cars in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Acceleration of twin-turbo engineDriver-oriented attitudeRear-wheel-drive handlingSteering feelAvailability of convertibleDislikes:Styling not as pure as 3-SeriesSized too close to 3-SeriesWeight too close to 3-SeriesOptional iDrive interfaceExpensiveBuying Tips: TheCarConnection.com recommends you drive both the 128i and 135i before you buy so that you know whether you want to pay for the extra power of the twin-turbo engine. It's easy to option up a 2008 BMW 1-Series to the levels of BMW's larger 3-Series, so sample both before your pen hits the paperwork. For BMW, 2008 is the year the company returned to its roots. The 2008 BMW 1-Series hearkens back to BMW's legendary (but back-to-basics) 2002 models from the late 1960s. BMW recognized that the maturation of its traditional models left a gap at the low end of its product line in the United States and has now seen fit to plug it. The cork is the 2008 BMW 1-Series, offered in coupe and convertible forms. The 2008 1-Series is offered as 128i and 135i models. The main difference is the engine; the 128i uses a non-turbo 230-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, while the 135i provides 306 horsepower from its twin-turbo version of the 3.0-liter six (both engines are also found in 3- and 5-Series models). Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes are available. While the 1-Series is smaller and less expensive than the popular 3-Series, it could be argued that it's neither small enough nor cheap enough. Regardless, the 2008 BMW 1-Series handles well, steers beautifully, and functions nicely as a 2+2. The compact folding mechanism of the convertible's soft top even ensures that there is usable truck space with the top down. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW 1-Series, also consider:Infiniti G37 CoupeMustang GTMazda RX8Honda S2000BMW 3-SeriesReason Why:In a shape that exudes contemporary BMW styling, the 2008 BMW 1-Series offers room for four and a bit of luggage. Compared to the svelte 3-Series, the 1-Series looks a bit stubby, but it gets the job done. Beyond the more expensive 3-Series, there aren't many direct model-per-model competitors to the 1-Series. In terms of body styles (2+2 coupe and convertible), the Ford Mustang GT comes closest, but because of its domestic roots, we doubt there will be much cross-shopping going on between these two. A more realistic competitor is the V-6-powered Infiniti G37 Coupe, although the G37 is not offered as a convertible. The converse is true about the sporty Honda S2000, although it is a strict two-seater powered by a high-revving four-cylinder. The Bottom Line:The 2008 BMW 1-Series makes a true Bimmer available for under $30,000 (but just barely). TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW 1-Series to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove the BMW 1-Series in Sweden, Spain, and the United States to offer you a definitive opinion on the Bimmer. Additionally, this ...

Other Choices:

In a shape that exudes contemporary BMW styling, the 2008 BMW 1-Series offers room for four and a bit of luggage. Compared to the svelte 3-Series, the 1-Series looks a bit stubby, but it gets the job done. Beyond the more expensive 3-Series, there aren't many direct model-per-model competitors to the 1-Series. In terms of body styles (2+2 coupe and convertible), the Ford Mustang GT comes closest, but because of its domestic roots, we doubt there will be much cross-shopping going on between these two. A more realistic competitor is the V-6-powered Infiniti G37 Coupe, although the G37 is not offered as a convertible. The converse is true about the sporty Honda S2000, although it is a strict two-seater powered by a high-revving four-cylinder.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW 1-Series

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW 1-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW 1-Series near you

See the BMW 1-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy