2010 BMW 1-Series,Review

Not FAST, but Definitely Fast As it will complement the 2010 BMW 1-Series, we suspect it will be called the 1-series Gran Turismo, just as the Bavarians call their high-roof mid-size weirdness the 5-series GT. (The successors of the current 1-series coupe and convertible will be called 2-series and remain on a rear-drive platform shared with the 3-series.) The 1-series GT will spearhead BMW's move toward front-wheel drive, and it will likely be shown in late 2013 for a 2014 launch in Europe.

Eventually, though, front-drive BMWs will be common everywhere. BMW has hinted that it aims to reach an even production split between front-wheel-drive vehicles, including Mini, and rear-drivers. The 2010 BMW 128i loses its standard sunroof but gains HD radio. Alas, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is none of the above. If you're alright with its looks, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is a must-drive in this segment.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2010 BMW 1 Series is available as a compact coupe and a soft-top convertible. All convertibles also come with a power-operated soft top and an upgraded climate control system. Options on the 128i include a sunroof and a Sport package that features different 17-inch wheels, performance tires, the 135i's sport suspension and sport seats. The 135i Sport package includes the sport seats and an M Sport steering wheel.

The rear-wheel-drive 2010 BMW 128i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and start-off assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2010 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads.

2012 BMW 1-Series,Reviews

Entry-level BMW.Under the hood there is more proof that this is no poseur, as the 1 Series is available with the same superb inline-6 engines as the BMW 3 Series. True, the 2012 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive for a compact car, especially when one doesn't exercise restraint while perusing the various option packages. The 2012 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.

The 128i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, eight-way manual front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker stereo with a CD player, HD radio and iPod connectivity.

The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment. The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark "Shadowline" exterior trim and an increased top speed.

The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The rear-wheel-drive 2012 BMW 1-Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined regardless of transmission. The automatic convertible gets 18/27/21, however. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional.

The manual-equipped convertible gets 19/28/22. Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill-start assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2012 BMW 1 Series.

Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads. Driving Impressions It'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2012 BMW 1 Series on a winding road.