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2011 BMW 1 Series

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 BMW 1 Series

Overview

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2011 BMW 1 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

Although the 1 Series Coupe received its stateside launch (early 2008) prior to the global economic downturn, its spec and - to a degree - its pricing seem tailor-made for a motoring public moving to more efficient transportation while attempting to hold on to what we used to regard as motoring fun. All iterations of the 1 Series - Coupe and Convertible/128i and 135i - make for a compelling argument from a driving standpoint, while one might argue (and we will) that the savings afforded by the 135i is minimal when compared to its 3-Series stablemate.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your mom or dad had BMW's 2002 while growing up, or you had one while in school, the 1 Series is a valid successor, delivering a tight, tidy package and a more nimble footprint than the bigger 3 Series. Without that point of reference, the 1 Series will succeed for its on-road dynamic, quality of construction and reasonable - albeit not great - fuel efficiency. Also, if you're a fan of convertibles with soft tops, this is where you find it; BMW's 3 Series has gone to a convertible hardtop.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Even in its 128i guise, this is not an inexpensive purchase. You pay a real premium - $30,000 plus - to enjoy the benefits of BMW badging and rear-wheel drive. For those with an affection for front-wheel drive platforms, VW's GTI, Audi's A3 or Acura's TSX deliver far more bang - and arguably more style - for your automotive buck. And while not in the same segment, a V6-equipped Mustang delivers 300+ horsepower and 30 miles per gallon for a well-equipped price of under $25,000.

What's Significant About This Car?

Most notable update for 2011 is under the hood of the 135i, which receives a new 3.0 liter in-line six. Although horsepower and torque (300/300) remain the same as in 2010, the peak torque is now achieved at a low - make that very low - 1,200 rpm. The 135i also receives the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission as an available option, while the 128i continues with its optional 6-speed Steptronic.

Driving the 1 Series

Driving Impressions At track day events hosted for automotive media, the 1 Series Coupe may not represent the latest or greatest in automotive sheetmetal, but you wouldn't know it from the people...

waiting in line to drive it. The car is an absolute blast on a winding piece of asphalt, and if everyone on that asphalt is going in the same direction, so much the better. The 135i, of course, is the most entertaining, but we like the balanced approach taken by the 128i (as well as a window sticker that's significantly less), and think that it most successfully channels the spirit of BMW's 2002. And while all iterations of the 1 Series will handle well, equipping your choice with the Sport option would seem to be the best blend of logical thinking and emotional strategy. You only live once, you know...

Favorite Features

In-line Six
While we're hard-pressed to describe the 1 Series Coupe or Convertible as "near-luxury," that seems to be where the market perceives them to be. And in that context an in-line six is still very unusual in the segment, and very premium in its operation. The TwinPower Turbo, of course, gets the big ink, but we'd be happy with either the 135's turbo or 128's normally aspirated. And with the 128's base engine needing an additional second to get to 60, we'd leave one second earlier.

BMW Ultimate Service
You've written the big check (or financed the big number), and you simply want to sit back and enjoy the ownership process. BMW's Ultimate Service makes that possible, covering all (ALL) maintenance for the first four years and 50,000 miles of your ownership. From oil to brake pads to wiper blades, if it wears out or needs replacing, it's covered. And it's awesome!

2011 BMW 1 Series Details

Interior

In our view the 1 Series interior, while tightly drawn, is everything a BMW interior should be. While a base of over $30,000 should deliver - we think - leather as standard (or provide you with the option of cloth), the leatherette is both durable and easy to clean. You'll be pleased by the gauge layout, well-considered ergonomics and contemporary design which - ten years from now - will still look well executed. The rear seat should be regarded as little more than temporary seating for full-size adults, although it's much more expansive than your boss' 911. We'd note that the available sport steering wheel is one of the nicest contact points available anywhere, at any price. Finally, headroom on the convertible is virtually unlimited...

Exterior

Although described as one of the most refined applications of BMW's "flame surfacing," we're not sure that the end result works any better than those applications which were unrefined. In short, the 1 Series - at least in U.S. Coupe and Convertible spec - is an abbreviated footprint onto which the design team has attempted to project traditional proportions familiar to a U.S. consumer. While the end result works well enough (and we think the best perspective is the rear three-quarter view), we wish BMW would bite the bullet and give us the 3-door and 5-door variants of the 1 Series. Those we'd describe as refined - and still unavailable stateside. For drop-top fans, the 1 Series is undeniably cute, which may (or may not) be a good thing.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Most notable - in a driver's view - is an in-line six fitted to the 1 Series' standard spec. Whether normally aspirated or with BMW's TwinPower Turbo, the smoothness and flexibility of BMW's iconic six will spoil you for other drivetrains, especially at the 128's low-$30,000 price point. Beyond what's under the hood, we'll give a shout-out to what's behind the driver - a rear seat available to close friends or family. With an almost perfect 50:50 distribution of mass, the fact that the 1 Series can accommodate four is utterly amazing. In tougher economic times the best economy car is one car capable of doing most things, and that summarizes a 1 Series perfectly.

Optional Equipment

Among the typical sprinkling of options for the 128i are two Sport packages, both of which take an already sporting platform and sharpen it. The base Sport offering ($1,300) provides a sport suspension, a staggered tire size (205/50 front - 245/45 rear), an increased top speed limiter and sport buckets providing more bolster. The M Sport ($2,450) takes all of the above and adds an aggressive aero kit and M Sport steering wheel. Either choice provides entirely too much fun for a relatively small amount of coin. Stand-alone options are fairly predictable, and include navigation, Harman Kardon surround sound stereo and smartphone integration. On the 135i, the available DoubleClutch transmission is a huge gain for the performance enthusiast.

Under the Hood

The smoothness of the 128i's normally aspirated, 3.0 liter engine is to die for, and with its 230 horsepower it comes close to matching what Ferrari was offering in the 308 less than 30 years ago. As noted, the TwinPower Turbo is undeniably more powerful and flexible, but we're not sure it's worth the $9,000 premium - unless you plan to use it. Regardless of engine or transmission, the enthusiast will find the powertrain soul-stirring, while the daily commuter will find it eminently tractable and - given its performance envelope - extremely efficient.

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 1200 - 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (automatic), 20/28 (manual)

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2011 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