2008 BMW 1 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Setting a new standard for entry-level performance cars, the BMW 1-Series enters the U.S. market for 2008 with three available trims, including two sedans and a convertible. A small, rear-wheel-drive car that packs a lot of power under its hood, the 1-Series projects a sleek, muscular apparance while maintaining its distinctive BMW design. It also incorporates all the latest BMW technologies, from brakes to transmissions, suspension to safety features, and offers a sporty interior, with well-thought-out controls, carefully designed ergonomics, and all the latest gear and gadgets.
The BMW 1-Series starts with a stiff, energy-absorbing frame designed to be resistant to vibration, resulting in a stable, comfortable ride with minimal squeaks and rattles. BMW has strived to create an ideal 50/50 front-to-rear balance with the 1-Series, to ensure the "signature feel" of BMW driving. In addition, the rear-wheel-drive configuration, with the engine at the front and the driving wheels at the rear, provides optimal traction, stability, and handling, according to BMW.
Drivers have a choice of two engines. A 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, available in the 128i sedan and convertible trims, features Valvetronic valvetrain technology, which results in plenty of power with improved fuel efficiency. Stepping up a big notch, the BMW 135i sedan comes with a 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, which achieves its extra power punch thanks to two turbochargers and direct Piezo gas injectors.
Transmissions include a six-speed manual, which comes standard on all trims, as well as an optional three-mode, six-speed Steptronic. The three shift modes include Manual, which enables drivers to shift without a clutch pedal (optional steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are available); the Sport mode; and the Drive mode, which uses BMW's automatic adaptive transmission.
Other mechanical features include a dynamic braking control system, which adjusts the brakes depending on driving conditions, and dynamic traction control, which kicks in at a higher threshold, enabling drivers to push the limits a bit more while ensuring their safety. Antilock brakes, adaptive brake lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and programmable daytime running lights are also included.
The interior of the 1-Series comes well equipped as well, with such standard features as eight-way adjustable front seats, gray poplar wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, an engine start/stop button, a two-way power moonroof, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an MP3 input jack. A wide range of options, including a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius satellite radio, is available.
Reviewers who have test-driven a European version of the 1-Series gave it high marks, noting that the rear-wheel-drive configuration separates the 1-Series from the front-wheel-driven competition. Reviewers also noted that the backseat of the 1-Series can be cramped for adults, and that cargo space is limited, but for those in the driver's seat, the sport-oriented 1-Series excels.
User reviews for 2008 BMW 1 Series
Write a review2008 BMW 1 Series Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: chrome · Door trim: wood · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: height adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: chrome · Door trim: wood · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: height adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system w/voice activation · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Width: 8.5
Wheels - Front Size if Different
Width: 7.5 inch
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
