There is just no mistaking the family ties of this, the youngest sibling on the BMW family tree; The 1-Series (one series) coupe and convertible. The split kidney front grille is perhaps the most recognized beemer styling cue.
A sweeping, curved rocker treatment carries the eye to the pronounced fender flares both fore and aft and the high belt line. Raised rear lid and molded bumper treatments make a strong statement that this new addition is a scaled down version of its more familiar brethren.
Contributing to the clean lines, the available one button-power convertible top stows fully beneath a solid panel providing top-down driving for four.
As part of the Sport Package, the standard 16-inch light-alloy wheels can be upsized to 17-inches and mounted with low-profile performance tires.
The 128i comes standard with a 3.0-liter inline-6 cylinder engine that puts out 230 horsepower and 200 pound feet of torque. The 135i is powered by a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine that generates 300 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque. On both models, power is sent to the rear wheels via either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission that comes with sport and manual shift modes
Fuel economy for the 1-Series ranges from 17 miles per gallon city, up to 26 miles per gallon highway.
The One Series interior is typically refined BMW fare with power-adjustable front leatherette or upgradeable full-leather seats, a multi-function leather-wrapped adjustable steering wheel and AM/FM, CD/MP3 audio system up front. The rear seat offers comfortable seating for two as well as a pass-through equipment bag that extends trunk capacity.
BMW rollover protection, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, and a full compliment of air bags are standard.
Base MSRP for the 2009 BMW 1-Series is $29,400. A fully loaded 135i convertible will top out around $54,000. The 1-Series is backed by a 4-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty.
The 1-Series may be the younger and smaller sibling of the BMW family, but it takes no back seat when it comes to top-down or fixed roof performance...in true BMW style.