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2010 BMW 1 Series

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Overview

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2010 BMW 1 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

High fuel prices and increasingly crowded roads have once again turned many car-buyers' eyes toward small cars. BMW gained a foothold in this country selling small cars, namely the iconic 2002, and would love to cash in on this growing interest. But many have questioned if the premium brand could do so without diluting or cheapening its image (remember the short-live 318ti)? The successful introduction of the 1 Series proves the answer is "yes", and although only the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible are sold here, (there are three and five-door versions available in Europe), those who think the 3 Series has grown too big or expensive hail the 1 Series as the new heir to the BMW 2002's compact performance crown.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you think smaller and lighter cars tend to be the most fun, we think you'll like the 2010 BMW 1 Series. MINI Cooper fans looking to move up to a slightly larger, more serious car will also feel at home in the 1 Series.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those looking to maximize their buying dollars may not be attracted to the 1 Series. For just a little more money, buyers can step up to the roomier and arguably more desirable 3 Series. Plus, the 1 Series has seating for only four passengers, so if you need room for five, look elsewhere.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, the 128i's once standard power moonroof is now optional, while HD Radio (once optional) is now standard on all models. Automatic High Beams are made available for the first time.

Driving the 1 Series

Driving Impressions Those who are familiar with BMW's approach to suspension tuning will immediately feel at home in the 1 Series. Goldilocks herself would approve of the steering feel, which is neither...

too firm nor too light and offers precise control of the front wheels, and we think the 1 Series will deliver all the driving enjoyment and performance balance BMW drivers have come to expect. The 230-horsepower engine in the 128i is no slouch, but with 300 horsepower the twin-turbocharged engine in the 135i is the real star. It's the same engine used in the larger, heavier 3 Series and in the smaller 135i, it delivers great power to pass and a swift zero-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds.

Favorite Features

135i Twin-turbo Engine
Big horsepower numbers are impressive but, from the driver's perspective, a wide useable power band is just as important. The twin-turbocharged engine in the 135i delivers exhilarating performance and easy acceleration in all gears.

Big Brakes
The capability for performance must be matched by a capability to get the car slowed down, and the 135i has huge front brakes that not only slow the small coupe with ease but also look great peeking out from behind its 18-inch wheels.

2010 BMW 1 Series Details

Interior

It may be the least-expensive BMW sold in America, but the interior treatment of the 1 Series is anything but cheap. The materials have a high-quality feel and the interior design features all the modern style found throughout the rest of the BMW lineup. The 1 Series seats only four, but front-seat passengers enjoy plenty of head and legroom while the rear seats offer comfortable but cozy quarters. The trunk offers a reasonable 10 cubic feet of storage space and the rear seats can be folded to accommodate larger items.

Exterior

The 1 Series represents one of the most refined applications to date of BMW's "flame surfacing" design motif. Its basic silhouette has the proportions of a classic performance car, with a long hood, abbreviated trunk and wheels located at the far corners of the body. Adding to the 1 Series' visual flair are a sharply creased shoulder line, signature BMW twin-kidney grille and a rear spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. The more-powerful 135i sports an aggressive exterior treatment that includes 18-inch wheels and an aero kit inspired by BMW's M performance division.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Among the standard features offered on the 2010 BMW 1 Series are automatic climate control, power windows with one-touch up-and-down function, rain-sensing windshield wipers, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system with auxiliary input for MP3 players. In terms of safety, the 1 Series includes standard front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), stability and traction controls and a system that automatically dries the brakes in wet conditions.

Optional Equipment

Many of the options offered for the BMW 1 Series are divided into packages. The Cold Weather Package for the 128i includes a ski bag, heated front seats, heated steering wheel and headlight washers; all but the heated steering wheel are included on the 135i's Cold Weather Package. The Premium Package features power front seats, auto-dimming mirrors, leather seating, power moonroof and an interior lighting package. The Sport Package increases the speed setting of the top-speed limiter and adds sport seats plus other racy details. Stand-alone options include a navigation system, Hi-Fi audio, Adaptive xenon headlights, Automatic High Beams, Satellite radio, a heated steering wheel (135i) and BMW's Active Steering system.

Under the Hood

Most buyers will find the 230-horsepower in-line six-cylinder engine powering the 128i to be perfectly acceptable. Those who want even more performance can choose the 135i and its twin-turbocharged engine, which produces 300 horsepower, enabling acceleration from zero to 60 miles per hour in a little more than five seconds. Both models feature a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic.

3.0-liter in-line 6
230 horsepower at 6500 rpm
200 lb.-ft. of torque at 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28

3.0-liter in-line 6 Turbocharged
300 horsepower at 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque at 1400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (automatic), 18/25 (manual)

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2010 BMW 1 Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 101 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.2/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.3/10

Absolutely love this car

By Jeebie (VA) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun to drive. Still looks great after four years"

Cons: "Mileage. Expensive repairs"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Owned since new and this has been a fantastic car. Great looks and really a joy to drive. Coming to the end of the 4 year warranty and considering purchasing the 2 year extension."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Incredible all around car for 2 or less!

By pete143 (WA) on Saturday, December 08, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Acceleration, BRAKING, handling, refinement"

Cons: "Passenger cup holder, costly tires, rear leg room"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Cannot ask for a better vehicle given performance comfort and balance given the cost. Would recommend changing from the Bridgestone potenza run-flats as soon as possible. Pirelli makes a run flat that lasts much longer. Would certainly recommend."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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So underrated, such a solid car!

By BMW guy (IL) on Saturday, November 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Handles extremely well, fast, great sound system"

Cons: "Stiff suspension"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Typically high, solid BMW quality. Full covered maintenance for the first 4 years, but only had one repair issue, a broken trunk tail light, covered by warranty. No other mechanical problems. Replaced the run-flats with low profile 19". A stiff suspension can be trying at times in city driving is my only quasi-complaint. 32 MPG on highway if you drive at legal speeds (which is difficult with this car), exceptional cornering and acceleration, back seat good for adolescents or 15 minute trip with adults. Trunk holds two sets of golf clubs. I'm surprised I don't see more on the road."

8 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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My 1 series is my number 1!

By Rick (CA) on Wednesday, September 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 26,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Affordable, Reliable and fun to drive"

Cons: "Not a family car"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car in 2009 for $29000. I was curious about the value and it is still in the $20's! The drive is amazing. It feels like the vehicle hugs the road! This is my second BMW but my first new one. The BMW cust. service is outstanding. I go in and I am treated like family, not a dysfunctional family! My car never gives me any issues. I have taken it from California to South Carolina with no worries."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great bang for the buck

By Dbl take (FL) on Monday, August 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fast, good handling and fun to drive."

Cons: "Burned through tires like crazy and tires are $"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I've now owned two: the 135 and now just bought 128. I ended up getting a 128 when my lease was up. I miss my 135. Fast and nice little car. It'll out corner a 3 series. The gas tank is small. Still a fun and unassuming car."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great driving experience

By JJ (GA) on Monday, August 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "fun driving experience, feels solid"

Cons: "cup holder in console is awkward, nav difficult"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"My 135i is completed loaded and I have not had any problems with anything-has never been in the shop except for regular maintenance. My only complaint is the cost and short life of the run flat tires. I love to feel the turbo kick in when passing someone on interstate!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 101 reviews