2008 BMW 1 Series User Reviews

Pros

Good looking, great handling/acceleration, excellent power/performance

Cons

Not sure of future reliablity

Purchased As New

The 135i convertible is very sharp. It packs tons of power in a littler car.I was in the dealer to check out the new X6 but then I saw this great looking convertible parked besides. Both the X6 and the 135i sit 4 people. There are plenty of room in the front seat of the car; the back can be a little cramped for tall adults. Otherwise, the rear leg room and the cargo is still usable and decent. The ride was tight, precise with great power and acceleration. I've had it for 3 months and so far it was in the shop once for a SES light. They changed out a valve so it was not a big deal. I'm just hoping that the reliability of this car will hold up in the future.

I've been getting very good gas mileage out of it. After the break in period, with a combination of city and highway driving which averages around 32 miles per hour according to the onboard computer, i get around 24 mpg. I'm so surprised that people said this car is a gas-guzzler since I found it contrary. I had a 128i loaner and the gas mileage was even better. The car is an automatic so I don't know whether this makes a difference....read morehide

Pros

N.A

Purchased As New

I had my 2009 not even 24 hours when on a busy california freeway I lost all power and the car dyed without warning and became a target for all vehicles in the fast lane behind myself and my young daughter and little dog. I was stranded and caused many near-misses for 45 minutes, it took 2 different tow trucks to get us off the busy highway and to a safe place.Then a 3rd tow truck to haul it to the dealership where I had just purchased it. It turned out that there was a defective gas gauge sensor that indicated the car had fuel . I spent countless phone calls and hours to both the dealership and North American BMW hearing promises of actual car replacement or refund from both the dealership and North American BMW...Lies!. They call it the "ultimate driving machine" Should be re-named the "ultimate dying machine"....read morehide

Pros

handling on par with 3 series; looks good

Cons

i am not fat but seats are a little tight, seat belt straps are very hard to reach

i have driven both and if you like the stlye opt for the 135 for the acceleration

Pros

Excellent performance, quick and fast, great handling, nice extras

Cons

plain dash, convertible is a bit noisy, large blind spot when backing

I went from a Mercedes 350SLK to the 135i. While I really like the hardtop convertible, the BMW is faster, more comfortable, better ride, better handling. This car is fun to drive, but it's also very comfortable. You get all the benefits of a small roadster with a comfortable ride and a back seat....read morehide

Pros

acceleration, handling, quality construction, fun to drive

Cons

no spare tire, cup holder, cabin storage

This is my first BMW. I've had it for four months and put on 8,000 miles. It lives up to BMW's reputation as a well built, great handling car. To say it's fun to drive is an understatement. The in-line six with the twin turbos gives this car fantastic acceleration, and with the sport suspension, it corners like it's on rails. The fit and finish is perfect, inside and out.

Even though it's small, it's far from an economy car (and I didn't buy it for it's economy). Because of the great performance I tend to drive it a bit harder than I might drive another car. With a light foot, I can average 27 MPG overall, with most of that highway driving. Otherwise, it comes in at 23 to 24 MPG.

With the top down the front seats are comfortabe with controlled air flow. The back seats are a bit wild, but I imagine it's no different from other convertibles. With the top up it is very quiet, and I often forget that I'm driving a convertible. The trunk has a fair amount of space for a small convertible. And this being a four seater, the back seats give us overflow storage when we go on a trip. The cabin has limited storage space so I keep my CDs and GPS on the back floor when not in use.

The brakes are large for the size of the car, but as a result, it gives the driver excellent control and stopping ability. The car is loaded with features which you can research elsewhere. I'm fond of the headlights that turn with the direction of the car (an option), the stability and traction control, and one touch control of the convertible top. One of the cup holders is in an awkward spot, but that's not a major issue. The ride is a bit hard at times, but expected (this is why I gave the car four stars for comfort). The only concern I have with the car is how it will handle in the snow and ice, given the rear wheel drive. I'll probably leave it home on snowy days.

In the short time I've had the car I had a flat tire - I ran over a drill bit that punctured the tire. This car does not come with a spare, but instead has run-flat tires. A nice feature if you're not able or willing to change the tire. The down side is that if you run the tire for an extended period before repairing it, you'll need to buy a new tire.

Overall, I love this car and have no regrets. I would buy it again today....read morehide

Pros

Fuel consumption is ok for me, I live in Germany and didnt buy the car to travel everywhere!

Cons

Havent had any issues so far, I knew what I was buying. I say test drive it before you buy it.

I am really happy with my purchase of the 2009 128i coupe. The car is spacious enough for me my wife and two little ones, and comfortable enough for a decent ride a couple hours away. I have hit the back roads in the mountains down in Odenwald, and have found that it handles just as good in these famous hills as it does on the Autobahn. Quick turns and down shifting for mountainous roads are no problem, and the pick up and go comes with ease. One of the best things about owning a BMW is the scream of the engine when you let her loose, it sounds like like a perfectly tuned machine, well for being a 230 horse power V6 it sounds as good as any V8 on the road, and I have personally tested it against the 550 and it will hold its own for a little while.
All in all I say it is a great buy, just depends on what you want in a car. Like I said in the pros up top, test drive a vehicle before you buy it so you know what you are getting into. If you dont you might wind up like some people with something you dont want. My BMW is a beautiful piece of work and I get to spank the mustang V6's all day long....read morehide

Pros

Fast, good looking and fun to drive

Cons

small backseat

I went to look at a 328i BMW Vert and saw a 135i vert on the lot. It's price was less than the 328i and it had the same engine as the 335i, so I gave it a test drive. The car stole my heart with its effortless power, great handling and roomy front seat (I am 6'5).

The roof goes down at the touch of a button and even though it is a soft top, it is relatively quiet when you drive under 80 mph.

If you need a big backseat, look elsewhere. It has a small, narrow backseat that is okay for children, bags, and pets, but a 6 footer in the front would negate room for a 6 footer in the back.

I have to say that I love this car. Fast, fun and more practical than a two seater. Also, unlike the 328i, you can fit luggage in the trunk with the top down....read morehide

Pros

Performance, Comfort, Apperance,

Cons

none

The drive and handeling is exspected from a BMW and it delivers, as I drivre the rough roads of Louisiana is surely delivers a clean ride and a performance that I can only say is far more than other sports sedans I have owned, the top down ride is pure enjoyment, would recomened this car any day of the week...read morehide

Pros

I really like the sound system, full blast I can feel the beat.

Cons

is a bit loud engine wise

I bought this car so I can drive it around town, compact easy parking etc. I like the handling of the car. I've had it for about little over a month now. So far so good. I like the idea that I get to service the car every 15K or once a year, they cover maintenance for 4 yrs

Pros

135i outperforms E46 M3. 300 lb/ft of torque at 1400 rpms!

Cons

No Mechanical LSD. Electronically controlled slip works fine but not as sporty as mechanical.

Got about 7,000 miles on it. Overall the ride is a just a bit too harsh for daily driving. It's bareable but you'll find yourself thinking twice when aproaching pot holes or any imperfections in the road.
It's like a mix of a E46 M3 and E92 335i.