2008 BMW 1 Series: a worthy premium compact

Both 3 L powered, 128i a good everyday driver while 135i better when more punch needed

Sep 20, 2008

Special to the Star

Throughout most of the North American auto industry's history, better has always meant bigger. At times it seemed like we were buying cars by the pound – if you paid a lot of money, you got something that really filled the garage.

But gas prices have put an end to much of that, and we're starting to see more of what Europeans have been buying for some time: premium compacts with small footprints, but with luxury interiors, numerous features and a larger price tag than most of us are used to paying for the size.

BMW has joined the trend by bringing its 1 Series across the ocean. It comes in four models: my 128i coupe tester, a 128i convertible, and the 135i in coupe or convertible. (A delightful and more practical two- or four-door hatchback is sold in Europe, but BMW says not to expect it here, at least not in this generation.) It has the family resemblance, of course, but with styling cues that differentiate it from the larger 3 Series, including rocker panels that curve up at both ends like a crooked smile.

But while it's competing in a market that's quickly taking shape in Canada, the 1 Series stands alone in its configuration of rear-wheel-drive and two-doors-with-a-trunk-styling.

The front-wheel-drive Volvo C30 and Mercedes-Benz B-Class are hatchbacks, as is the front- or all-wheel-drive Audi A3, while the rear-wheel Lexus IS has four doors, and Saab's 9-3 doesn't power the rear wheels alone. Really, the closest thing to it is BMW's own 3 Series.

Just as the B-Class pulled in a lot of buyers who wanted a Mercedes but couldn't quite afford a C-Class, the 128i coupe has a base price of $33,900; the same engine in a 3 Series sedan starts at $41,000. Of course, if you check off every option box, you can push the 128i coupe to $50,000, so be careful; you can also shop it against the 200-hp 323i, which starts at $35,900.

The 128i and 135i are identical in exterior and interior dimensions; the difference is under the hood. Both carry 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines, but where the 230-hp 128i is naturally aspirated, the 135i has twin turbochargers that take it to 300 hp.

If those powerplants sound familiar, it's because they're also found under the hoods of the larger and heavier 3 and 5 Series models. Put that same power in a smaller and more nimble package, and it's time to have some fun.

Although the 135i's engine packs a more powerful punch, I prefer the 128i for everyday driving, with its power better suited to this smaller and lighter package.

The ride is smoother than expected for its short wheelbase and run-flat tires, and once you're able to get it on some winding asphalt, you can really appreciate its quick steering, tight package and near 50/50 weight distribution.

My tester came with a six-speed manual (a six-speed automatic is available for an extra $1,600, and for another $100 you get paddle shifters for its manual-shift mode) and it's the company's usual creamy-smooth clutch and shifter combination.

The 3.0-litre pulls smoothly and gets up to speed in a hurry, but be prepared to pump premium fuel into its flank. There's more road and wind noise than in the pricier BMW models, too.

The 1 Series' smaller size makes it great for driving, but also turns it into what is pretty much a driver's car: you're not going to be popular with the car pool.

Front-seat passengers have good legroom but not a great deal of shoulder width; the rear seats have comfortable cushions and if the front passengers slide forward, there's a bit more knee and foot space than expected, but it's really a chore getting back there. The lack of a spare tire allows for a small cubby space under the 93-cm-long trunk's floor.

The interior is immediately identifiable as BMW, with plain and easy-to-read dials, standard dual-zone automatic climate control and "leatherette" upholstery (from "cowettes," perhaps?) that's really good for fake leather.

The company's iDrive, the sometimes maddeningly complicated computer screen control system, isn't available here. The manually adjustable seat has numerous detents and it was easy for me to find the right driving position.

Complaints are: too-small side mirrors and door pulls situated too far ahead on the door; there should be another hand-hold further back on the armrest, so you can keep the door steady when opening it on a windy day.

My tester was optioned with a $2,900 Premium Package, which includes a sunroof that makes this small coupe seem bigger, along with Bluetooth, Xenon headlamps and automatic headlamps. Mine also had stand-alone options of a ski bag and music player integration.

This is a niche market product; most downsizing drivers aren't going to look at a $34,000 compact when you can get into a similarly sized and well-equipped model from a mainstream company for less than half that.

But for those who want the premium driving experience without the typical premium-car size or price, you can't really do much better than this. If you love to drive, then this is your car.

Toronto Star