2008 BMW 1 Series Trims and Specs

New for 2008, the BMW 128i sedan combines peppy performance, cutting-edge technology, and luxury-oriented interior appointments in an eye-catching, muscular design. A 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter, double-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine drives the 128i through the rear wheels, which provides good overall balance and optimal traction, stability, and handling. The engine links to a six-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, while a three-mode, six-speed Steptronic transmission can be selected as an option. The three shift modes include Manual, which enables drivers to shift without a clutch pedal; Sport; and Drive, which uses BMW's automatic adaptive transmission. Drivers also can opt for optional steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles for use with the Steptronic transmission.

The 128i packs all the latest technologies under its sleek skin, including antilock brakes with dynamic brake control, electric power steering, dynamic cruise control, dynamic stability control, and dynamic traction control, which kicks in at a higher threshold, enabling drivers to push the limits a bit more while ensuring their safety. Also included are adaptive brake lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and programmable daytime running lights.

Interior features include 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. Drivers can also choose from a number of options, including a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio, and leather upholstery in a variety of colors.

The BMW 1-Series has been available in Europe since 2004, and drivers who have test-driven European models note that the small, rear-wheel-drive 1-Series delivers the kind of driving experience expected from a BMW. Stability, handling, and performance are all said to be good, although cargo space and legroom in the backseat are said to be lacking.

A new trim for 2008, the BMW 128i convertible comes equipped with an electro-hydraulically-operated softtop that lowers in just 22 seconds, even while driving at speeds up to 25 miles per hour, and raises in 22 seconds as well. Drivers can choose from black or taupe cloth for the softop, or opt for a Moonlight Black softtop version, which has interwoven metallic fibers that give the roof a reflective appearance in sunlight.

A number of features are unique to the 128i convertible, including a climate control system with an additional convertible mode for open-air conditions, an available wind deflector to reduce wind turbulence in the cabin when the roof is down, and optional leather seats with reflective pigments that help them stay cooler on warm days during open-top driving. A rollover sensor also comes standard with the 128i convertible. If it detects an imminent rollover, it automatically extends two rollbars from storage areas behind the rear headrests, while simultaneously activating front seat-belt tensioners and head airbags.

Other standard features include eight-way adjustable front seats, gray poplar wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, an engine start/stop button, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an MP3 input jack. Options include a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius satellite radio.

Overall, the 128i convertible retains the same basic design as the sedan version, with flared shoulder lines, frameless doors, an integrated spoiler in the trunklid, and an overall muscular appearance. Under the convertible's hood resides a 3.0-liter, double-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine, which produces 230 horsepower. The engine drives the convertible's rear wheels, which results in good overall balance and optimal traction, stability, and handling.

The engine links to a six-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, while a three-mode, six-speed Steptronic transmission can be selected as an option. The transmission's three modes include Manual, which enables drivers to shift without a clutch pedal; Sport; and Drive, which uses BMW's automatic adaptive transmission. Drivers also can opt for the optional steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles for use with the Steptronic transmission.

Safety and stability features include antilock brakes with dynamic brake control, electric power steering, dynamic cruise control, dynamic stability control, and dynamic traction control, which kicks in at a higher threshold, enabling drivers to push the limits a bit more while ensuring their safety. Adaptive brake lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and programmable daytime running lights are also part of the package.

The 2008 BMW 135i kicks the power quotient up a notch, thanks to its turbocharged 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter, double-overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine. The engine links to either a six-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, or an optional three-mode, six-speed Steptronic transmission. The three shift modes include Manual, which enables drivers to shift without a clutch pedal (optional steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles are available); Sport; and Drive, which uses BMW's automatic adaptive transmission.

A number of features elevate the 135i trim above its entry-level stablemate, the 128i, including a more aerodynamic body profile, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon adaptive headlights with auto-leveling, and 18-inch cast alloy wheels. Other standard features include eight-way adjustable front seats, gray poplar wood trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, an engine start/stop button, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an MP3 input jack. Options include active steering, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius satellite radio, and a premium audio system.

Safety and stability features include antilock brakes with dynamic brake control, electric power steering, dynamic cruise control, dynamic stability control, and dynamic traction control, which kicks in at a higher threshold, enabling drivers to push the limits a bit more while ensuring their safety. Adaptive brake lights, a tire pressure monitoring system, and programmable daytime running lights are also part of the package.

Stability and handling for the 135i are said to be good thanks to the vehicle's rear-wheel-drive configuration. The rear seat can be cramped for adults, however, and cargo space is limited, according to some drivers and reviewers.