2008 BMW 1 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$28,600 to $39,100

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(30 reviews)
2008 BMW 1 Series Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 BMW 1 Series

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User rating:
by Printguy56 P
Jul 26, 2024
This automobile is amazing! It is solid as a rock and very peppy for a convertible.Jul 26, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 08, 2020
Car was beautiful! Just needed several repairs and wasn’t a great value Apr 08, 2020
by Anonymous
May 17, 2014
BMWs have been the best looking convertible sedan for a generation. The engine is rock solid and the clutch durable. I love BMWs heated seats ... honestly, they are the best of any car I have ever driven. BMWs do not take risks in design which makes them timeless. A well kept 10-15 year old BMW will look as good as any new car on the market.May 17, 2014

2008 BMW 1 Series Pricing

Original MSRP
$28,600 to $39,100
Price range
$8,865 to $8,865
Average price on CG
$8,865
YoY price change
$8,865 to $8,865

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 · 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: rear center folding with storage · 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: 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: 3.23

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: low fuel level

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: one-touch open/close

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): front

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

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 · USB 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: driver seat · 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: 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: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

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: bucket · 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): front

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 · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM 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: front center · Center console trim: aluminium · Dash trim: wood · 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: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: Servotronic · 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: 3.08

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: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

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: sport · Heated: front seats · 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): 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 · 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: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top

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: front seats · 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

See all trims (4)