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2012 BMW 1 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With little to prove and lots to love, the little BMW 1 Series has had a harder time than you’d think. People scoff at what they perceive as the “poor man’s Bimmer” and toss snide comments about not being able to afford a 3 Series. Anyone who’s been around BMW products for more than the last 10 years will remember when a BMW used to be a small, agile sled instead of a large, agile tank. BMW has tried hard to make sure comparisons are made between the 1 Series and the iconic 2002, but so far the scales have yet to even out.
Hoping to improve on its entry level a bit, the 1 Series gets some small changes in 2012, none of which should do much to change stubborn minds. The biggest change is the addition of the “Air Curtain,” an air duct integrated into the front fascia that channels air into the turbulence created by the spinning front wheels, thereby improving aerodynamics and hopefully fuel economy. It was first seen on the M versions of the 1 Series and is now standard across the line. It lends itself to the idea that BMW has been paying increased attention to customer complaints, as the 1 Series has never been a class leader when it comes to fuel economy – an important factor in the small-car class.
Even the base 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder struggles a bit at the pump, pulling off 18 city mpg/28 highway with the required premium fuel. Losing the top and choosing the convertible option will drop 1 mpg off the highway figure in the base 128i, but the turbocharged, 3.0-liter, 135i will manage a bit better – 20/28 – even with the 70 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque you gain with the turbo. Both the 128i and the 135i come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but an automatic is an option. The 128i gets a 6-speed traditional automatic, while the 135i gets BMW’s double-clutch automatic, so all the sport isn’t wrested from her hips.
There are aesthetic changes as well, with new sculpting surrounding head- and taillights, as well as some updated switchgear inside. There’s also a new option of Gloss White interior trim, which smacks a bit too much of late-to-the-party mid-'80s New Wave for my taste. Otherwise, things on the inside haven’t changed, and this highlights another of the 1 Series’ shortcomings – space. Yes, a small car isn’t known for having oodles of room inside, but for taller drivers like myself the 1 Series is cramped. Reviewers have called out the bolstering on the front seats for being too confining for heavier occupants, but even those of us broader of chest will start to feel as though they can’t breathe after a bit, and rear seat passengers will have to deal with rubbing shoulders throughout the entire ride. This is only exacerbated in the convertible. Still, four average-size adults should have no problem with head, leg or shoulder room.
The 1 Series offers a modicum of trunk space – 10 cubic feet – with an awkward opening, and the convertible gives up 1.6 cubic feet with the top stowed. At least this means you’ll have a hard time overloading the trunk and upsetting the balance of the vehicle. Even with the 128i’s base suspension and 16-inch wheels, the 1 Series holds the road with confidence and comfort, absorbing most irregularities with enough feedback to inform but not annoy. The sport suspension and 18-inch alloys on the 135i do reverberate inconsistencies with more insistence, but it still avoids being tiring even on long trips.
Sadly, something will wear with you after a while with the 1 Series. With an entry price that cracks $30 thousand and a fuel economy rating that comes close to the worst in the class, the comparisons to the BMW 2002 are difficult. After all, there are some trims here that come close to $40 thousand, and for 5 thousand less you could drive away in a 328i. At that point, you have to wonder what you’re sacrificing and at what cost.
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
User reviews for 2012 BMW 1 Series
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by Thomas C. V
Jul 10, 2024
The vehicle is exceptional, and I have no negative comments to share. I would recommend the 135i over the 128i.Jul 10, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 19, 2023
Love it! Price good, only missing a backup camera and sensors on. Ack sides!Sep 19, 2023
by Zoe S
Aug 20, 2022
This car is a rocket ship on a roller coaster!Aug 20, 2022
User rating:
by Thomas C. V
Jul 10, 2024
The vehicle is exceptional, and I have no negative comments to share. I would recommend the 135i over the 128i.Jul 10, 2024
by Anonymous
Sep 19, 2023
Love it! Price good, only missing a backup camera and sensors on. Ack sides!Sep 19, 2023
by Zoe S
Aug 20, 2022
This car is a rocket ship on a roller coaster!Aug 20, 2022
by gbarrera311 B
Jul 12, 2021
Perfect combination of power and size. Design is timeless. Jul 12, 2021
by Kat C
Jul 04, 2021
The car had every feature I wanted and the price was incredible. I loved it so much I drove it back to Dallas!Jul 04, 2021
by Mike B
Jan 26, 2021
Great driving car and a nice small size plus it’s a BMWJan 26, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 27, 2020
Beautiful vehicle in excellent shape for its age. Still learning all the ins and outs of this model, but so far, really enjoying it....Dec 27, 2020
by Saundra W
Aug 12, 2020
Wow car is so sweet it handles the road so good in that Sound just like a cool roadster.The top down is a whole new driving experienceAug 12, 2020
by Stephen S
Jun 18, 2020
Alot of wear. Not worth the money. Needs to lower price.Jun 18, 2020
by Bjarne H
Feb 11, 2020
This car is hysterically funny to drive. I bet these are gonna get some attention very soon. Thats a lot of car for the current price here in February 2020, dont neglect this littleadt, open the muffler, tape it and its good to go.Feb 11, 2020
by DJ K
Feb 07, 2015
Small cars are always fun! Especially with a bombshell under the hood in a rear wheel drive format! DCT tears through the gears adding to the driving experience of an already well balanced vehicle. 53/47 weight distribution but a thrill to put sideways in the corners. 2 + 2 format makes it a fairly convenient car when needing to carry passengers and more spacious than even an audi A5. Not to mention BMW makes the best seats in the business as well. Trunk space is top of the line for a small car like this and is quite a practical little guy for your daily driver or grocery needs.
Limited wheel fitment makes finding wheels difficult. BMW really should have included a LSD with any cars that exceed 300hp such as this. It is a BMW and as such will cost more then most JDM or Asian cars to maintain and fix in certain situations. It is still among the more reliable cars and my 1st choice for German automotive makers when maintenance cost and reliability is in the conversation.Feb 07, 2015
What users have asked
I do not see my car listed after purchasing the service
I just purchased the service to show my car on Cargurus and I do not see my car listed. I am a private seller.
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How does CarGurus make a determination of being a one owner car?
I am in the process of corresponding with a seller and ran a Carfax which shows the first odometer reading as 17,343. When I asked the seller this question they said "That's because they sold it overs seas so the original owner on the car wasnt recorded. So when I went to get the title transferred in my name, they had to put the previous owner as the start of the car. It's just a Germnay-America issue". I asked if there was more than one owner and the seller has not replied after 4 days. Please let me know as I am really interested in the car but if the first 17K+ miles are unable to be verified to be accident free and no telling how many owners, I question why the listing shows one owner.
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2012 BMW 1 Series?Compare this car
2012 BMW 1 Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$31,200 to $44,100Price range
$9,683 to $10,561Average price on CG
$9,943YoY price change
$10,397 to $9,943Trims & 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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · 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: aluminium · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.23
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · 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 oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
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: 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: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable 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
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · 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 sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · 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
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · 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: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 8 · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · 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: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum 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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · 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 · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: Servotronic · 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
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · 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 oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · 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: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Diameter: 17 · Type: performance · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable 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
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · 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: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: Servotronic · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.08
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: alloy · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · 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: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: HID · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Auto-dimming mirrors: rearview · Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: power
Safety
Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · 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: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist
Tires
Diameter: 18 · Type: all season · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent