2010 BMW 1 Series Car Review

The 2010 BMW 1-Series in some ways represents BMW at its best: offering simple driving enjoyment in a compact car that looks back to the much-loved BMW 2002 from the 1970s. Over the years, BMW’s 3-Series line has evolved and increased in size and weight to the point that BMW filled the gap at the bottom of the range with the 1-Series coupe and convertible.

The 1-Series shares the long hood and short deck of the 3-Series, but it’s smaller. Its 104.7-inch wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than the 3-Series Coupe, but its truncated shape is shy of its bigger sibling by half a foot. Overall width is almost 3 inches narrower. The overall effect is that the 1-Series is a bit abbreviated, and some might not think that its proportions are quite as "right" as those of the 3-Series.

Two models are offered for each body style—the 128i and the 135i—and both are available with either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The main difference between the two models is the engine; the 128i uses a non-turbo 230-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, while the 135i provides a more ample 300 hp from its twin-turbo version of the 3.0-liter six. The 2010 BMW 1-Series handles well and steers beautifully, and it feels positively like a sports car.

Inside, the front dimensions are satisfactorily generous. Whether as a coupe or convertible, the 1-Series is more of a 2+2 than a vehicle with a full backseat. But in a nod to practicality, the rear seat of the 2010 1-Series includes both a pass-through and 60/40 split-folding access to the trunk. The compact folding mechanism of the convertible’s soft top even ensures that there is usable trunk space with the top down. Interior accommodations in the 2010 BMW 1-Series are what you’ve come to expect from BMW of late: less austere and more attractive while remaining easy to use, with the notable exception of iDrive. The revised iDrive software is better than before, but it remains stifling at first encounter and often counterintuitive with experience. The interface, however, now communicates directly with USB-based MP3 players. All other major controls make perfect sense and are well positioned for easy use and/or viewing.

Safety-wise, both the IIHS and NHTSA have yet to crash-test the 2010 BMW 1-Series. However, across the pond the European New Car Assessment Program gives the 1-Series a five-star vehicle safety rating in crash tests. BMW also includes a host of standard safety features, such as airbags, ABS, traction control, and an electronic stability control system.

The 2010 BMW 1-Series models come about as well-equipped as you might expect for a base-model BMW; keyless entry, power accessories, and steering-wheel controls are all included, and a navigation system is optional. For 2010, the 128i Coupe model loses its standard sunroof, but BMW sweetens the deal by adding standard HD Radio capability to the tuner.

• Acceleration (135i)
• Handling and rear-wheel-drive poise
• Excellent steering
• Simple, driver-oriented feel

• Not very comfortable
• Not as attractive as BMW’s other cars
• Almost as big and heavy as a 3-Series
• Optional iDrive interface needs improvement

Interior accommodations in the 2010 BMW 1-Series are what you’ve come to expect from BMW of late: less austere and more attractive, while remaining easy to use.

Whether as a coupe or convertible, the 1-Series is more of a 2+2 than a vehicle with a full backseat. But in a nod to practicality, the rear seat of the 2010 1-Series includes both a pass-through and 60/40 split-folding access to the trunk. The compact folding mechanism of the convertible’s soft top even ensures usable trunk space with the top down.

The BMW 1-Series, as either a coupe or convertible, is designed to seat four. ConsumerGuide points out that the front allows "ample room for adults on comfortable seats." As expected in a car of this size, the rear seat gets mixed reviews. ConsumerGuide reports that the backseat offers "enough headroom and legroom for an average-size adult to sit behind another average-size adult." The reviewer adds a caveat, however, which is that "any front-seater over six-feet tall will delete rear legroom behind them." Additionally, "elbow space is very tight in the coupe and even less in the convertible" for rear occupants. Reviewers at Kelley Blue Book characterize the seating in the back of the BMW 1-Series as "comfortable but cozy."

The coupe versions of the BMW 2010 1-Series have a trunk that "offers a reasonable 10 cubic feet of storage space," according to Kelley Blue Book, and if additional space is needed, "the rear seats can be folded to accommodate larger items." Motor Trend approves of the storage space on the convertible, remarking that "because it’s a fabric roof rather than a rigid folder, it doesn’t swallow too much trunk space."

Aside from trunk space, there’s not much storage room on the 2010 1-Series, as ConsumerGuide notes that "interior storage is limited to a small glovebox and smaller console box, along with a tiny console bin and map pockets."

Most reviewers are impressed with the interior quality of the 1-Series. Kelley Blue Book lauds the fact that the "interior treatment of the 1 Series is anything but cheap." Edmunds says, "Despite being the cheapest BMW sold, the vehicle’s interior materials are consistent with its larger and more lavish siblings." Cars.com, however, remarks that on BMWs 2010 1-Series "the leather is less luxurious" and the "plastic also seems to be a lower grade in a few places" compared to the 3- and 5-Series BMWs.

Solid build quality contributes to the low level of ride noise, which ConsumerGuide says is "well checked," and "top down, the convertible requires only slightly raised voices at highway speeds." Motor Trend, however, observes that the convertible top "generates wind noise."

Ride quality on the BMW 2010 1-Series is a function of trim level and options, but there aren’t really any surprises here. ConsumerGuide finds that "the tested 128i convertible [rides] surprisingly well, easily soaking up smaller road blemishes and pavement heaves." However, opting for the 135i brings a "sport suspension and 18-inch tires, a combination that reacts much more sharply to bad pavement, yet never feels harsh." Customers should expect that the 135i in full sport mode will feature a rougher ride than the 128i with more comfortable settings.

Two models are offered for each body style—the 128i and the 135i—and both are available with either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The main difference between the two models is the engine; the 128i uses a non-turbo 230-horsepower version of the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, while the 135i provides a more ample 300 hp from its twin-turbo version of the 3.0-liter six.

Road & Track reports that the 135i "has amazing pulling power" and gives "new meaning to the term ’pocket rocket.’" Some reviewers, however, worry that the car’s 3,500-pound weight will overwhelm the smaller engine in the 128i model. Despite this, Car and Driver finds the BMW 128i to be "pretty quick, taking an estimated 6.4 seconds for the 0-to-60-mph run equipped with the fluid six-speed manual." For those seeking a serious performance machine, the 135i’s twin-turbocharged engine moves the car to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds according to some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com.

With either trim, Edmunds finds that "a six-speed manual is the standard transmission, while a six-speed automatic with manual shift control is optional."

Popular Mechanics notes that for sports cars "the flip side of all that high performance is usually poor fuel economy. Not here: BMW estimates 30 mpg on the highway." The official EPA estimates for the 2010 BMW 1-Series are 18 mpg city and 28 highway for the 128i, while the 135i returns 17 mpg city, 25 highway.

The 2010 BMW 1-Series handles well and steers beautifully, and it feels positively like a sports car. Popular Mechanics notes that on the track, "the steering, typical of BMW, [is] sharp and quick to react." Edmunds says that "body roll is minimal, and overall grip on models fitted with the sport package is superb." ConsumerGuide also praises the 1-Series’ performance, claiming that "BMW’s legendary handling capability carries over to the 1-Series." They are also surprised to discover that even BMW’s "128i convertible with the base suspension and 16-inch tires exhibits little body lean in fast turns."

Stopping power is strong as well. Kelley Blue Book raves about the "huge front brakes that not only slow the small coupe with ease but also look great" on the 135i. The brakes on all trim levels of the 2010 1-Series are exceptional, and they hold up well under extreme conditions.

While the merits of BMW’s new design direction have been hotly debated, experts at TheCarConnection.com find almost universal agreement that the 2010 BMW 1-Series definitely looks like a BMW—it’s just not as elegantly proportioned as others in the family.

Introduced two years ago in the U.S. market, the current 2010 BMW 1-Series is a carryover in terms of design from last year’s model. ConsumerGuide says that the "BMW 1-Series ... lineup includes 128i and 135i models." Both the 128i and 135i are available as either a two-door coupe or a convertible. Autoblog asserts that "the styling language of the new 1-Series coupe is more attractive in person than the press shots...would indicate."

The 1-Series shares the long hood and short deck of the 3-Series, but is smaller. Its 104.7-inch wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than the 3-Series Coupe, but its truncated shape is shy of its bigger sibling by half a foot. Overall width is almost 3 inches narrower. The overall effect is that the 1-Series is a bit abbreviated, and some might not think that its proportions are quite as "right" as those of the 3-Series.

Road & Track feels that the BMW 1-Series’s "execution is more in tune with E36-based coupes, the two-generation forebear of the current 3 Series."

Cars.com considers the new 2010 BMW 1-Series "awkward" and finds the "bulbous shape of the rear part of the passenger area" is very "out of tune with the rest of BMW’s very sleek-looking lineup." They add that the "1 Series isn’t overtly striking in the visual department," and it "seems hum-drum...even in sporty 135i duds." While generally approving of the styling on the new 2010 BMW 1-Series, Road & Track notes that the "long-hood, tall-roofline, short-rear-deck profile projects an odd, almost ungainly proportion from some angles." If nothing else, the exterior styling is divisive; for every person who loves the 1-Series’ look, there is another who finds it a complete turnoff.

Inside, the new BMW 2010 1-Series features traditional BMW styling, which is to say that the car is very clean and upscale. ConsumerGuide feels that while the "audio and climate controls are mounted somewhat low," they are still "easy to reach and simple to decipher and adjust," while Popular Mechanics comments that the BMW 1-Series is "nearly identical to the 3-Series," a car that reviewers and customers alike have stamped with their approval.

Neither the IIHS nor NHTSA has crash-tested the 2010 BMW 1-Series. However, across the pond the European New Car Assessment Program gives the 1-Series a five-star vehicle safety rating in crash tests.

BMW also includes a host of standard safety features, such as airbags, ABS, traction control, and an electronic stability control system. Kelley Blue Book points out that the BMW 1-Series offers "standard front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls." ConsumerGuide praises the 2010 BMW 1-Series’ "antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, [and] daytime running lights."

Visibility is generally good in the 2010 BMW 1-Series. ConsumerGuide finds that on the BMW 2010 1-Series, "thin pillars in the coupe provide fine visibility to all directions, though wide front headrests can get in the way when backing." Visibility is considerably worse on convertibles when the top is up.

The 2010 BMW 1-Series models come about as well-equipped as you might expect for a base-model BMW; keyless entry, power accessories, and steering-wheel controls are all included, and a navigation system is optional. For 2010, the 128i Coupe model loses its standard sunroof, but BMW sweetens the deal by adding standard HD Radio capability to the tuner.

The two available trims of the BMW 1-Series, the 128i and 135i, come with similar standard features. ConsumerGuide reports that the BMW 2010 128i offers standard "air conditioning w/ automatic climate control," as well as "remote keyless entry," while the convertible can be outfitted a "power convertible top." Unfortunately for 2010, BMW removes the standard power sunroof previously on the 128i, but instead that model now receives HD radio as standard. There is also an available heated steering wheel. Kelley Blue Book mentions that the BMW 1-Series offers "rain-sensing windshield wipers, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system."

Also, the BMW 2010 1-Series convertible features a folding cloth top that operates at speeds of up to 30 mph, a welcome addition for those who are tired of pulling over every time the sun comes out.

Optional features are pretty impressive on the 2010 BMW 1-Series, but they have a serious effect on the price of the car. While the 2010 BMW 1-Series is marketed as a well-equipped entry-level BMW, Road & Track notes that if you "throw on a premium package...you’re in the neighborhood of $39,000." The iDrive system was redesigned for last year, but it may still frustrate some, and it’s mandatory if you opt for the navigation system.