Welcome to the BMW 1-series Car Autance. As you scroll down you’ll learn all about this vehicle’s qualities, features, finer points, and shortcomings. If you’re thinking about buying one of these, want some help maintaining or modifying one, or just want to deepen your knowledge for the next round of car trivia, you’ve come to the right place.
This is a living document that’s updated as we learn and confirm new valuable information. Got something to add? Drop a comment or send us an email. Don’t be shy; the more dialogue we have the better this Car Autance will get.
–Andrew P. Collins, Car Autance Editor-In-Chief
(Disclaimers, Disclosures: Some Car Autance will have links to specific forums, groups, brands, shops, or vendors for parts shopping and such. We have no sponsorship deals or official affiliation with any of them unless explicitly stated. We also have to explicitly state that you should work on your own car and follow our advice at your own risk.)
Contents
There’s a lot of info packed into this Autance. If you’re looking for something specific, hit command/control-F, type one of these terms, and your browser should bring you straight in.
- The Short Story
- Pictures
- Fast Facts
- Spotter’s Guide
- Rarity
- Check This Car Out If …
- Important Trim Levels and Options
- Year-To-Year Changes
- Obscure Details
- General Reliability and Ownership Costs
- Red Flags and Known Issues
- Recalls
- Where To Buy Parts
- Aftermarket Support
- Popular Modifications
- Key Technical Details
- Fluids, Filters, and Capacities
- Factory Service Manuals
- Other References and Resources
- Professional Reviews
- Owner Reviews
- What They’re Worth Now
- Where To Find One For Sale
- What To Ask A Seller
- Competitors To Consider
- Photo Galleries
- Pop-Culture References
- Enthusiast Inquiries
- Downloadable Paperback Car Autance
- Comments Disclaimer
The Short Story
The E8X BMW 1-series, both the 128i and the 135i, were the Bavarian automaker’s entry-level models when they came to the United States in 2008. Both left a short while later in 2013 and were replaced by the 2-series. The 1 was marketed around the world as a spiritual successor to the beloved-by-enthusiasts BMW 2002, a sporty coupe produced in the late 1960s and ’70s. This generation’s 1-series is popularly referred to by enthusiasts as E8X, referencing the car’s chassis codes: E82 for coupes, E88 for convertibles. Hatchback models (E87; E81) never made it to the U.S. market.
The 1-series cars we did get are generally still regarded as fun, engaging cars. They’re lighter and more compact than the 3-series which they share many of the same underpinnings with (the E9X generation), have either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged inline-six under the hood, and are all rear-wheel drive.
Pictures
If you’re looking for more images, scroll on down to the Photo Galleries links toward the end of the Car Autance.
Spotter’s Guide
The BMW 1-series was the smallest offering during its run, and it shows. That shorter roofline, coupe-only body (for U.S.-market cars), short wheelbase, and more. It looks like a scaled-down BMW 3er, from its smaller headlights to its smaller Hofmeister Kink.
How does one ascertain whether they’re looking at a 128i or 135i? Generally, the 135i will have larger and wider wheels and tires, as well as a sportier-looking front bumper. Though, they can sometimes get confused for a 128i that’s equipped with the M Sport package, which has a similar-looking front bumper. Because basically everything is interchangeable between trims, owners might opt to put 135i wheels on their 128i, swap bumpers, etc.
The 1M was significantly different than the average 1-series; we’ll write a separate Car Autance about it.
Fast Facts
The 1 was one of the last BMWs to have hydraulic steering.
The E8X lived on in markets around the world. We only briefly saw it here in the U.S.
It came with diesel engine options in other markets.
Shares around 60 percent of its parts with the E9X 3-series.
The 128i saw action in the IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge in the early 2010s.
Both chassis are very tuner friendly, with solid suspension, alignment, brake, and power modifications available in the aftermarket.
Rarity
Initially it was a bit tough getting a hold of confirmable production numbers. Scrubbing through the internet determined that BMW produced 156,451 1-series of the coupe and coupe convertible variety between 2008 and 2010. That’s all well and good, but that’s world market, not just the U.S., only contains ’08-’10, and doesn’t include the more popular 135i. It also doesn’t cover automatic versus manual, each specific trim package, etc., so it’s tough to say how rare the car you own or are looking at really is.
Based on our research, we can say with confidence that M Sport package 128is, manual transmission-equipped models, and non-sunroof cars are unfortunately on the rare side. Finding a decent example with three pedals can be tough. Base automatic 128is are cheap and plentiful, though that might not be the best choice for an enthusiast who wants improved suspension and a manual gearbox.
Check This Car Out If …
You’re in the market for a small, fun, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe that offers a driving experience that you can no longer find in newer Bimmers. Enthusiasts often like to point out that the 128i in manual is the last naturally aspirated small BMW with hydraulic steering and (an available) sweet manual gear change. If you’d like to get behind the wheel of a real screamer, the 135i is well-known for being very responsive to power-adding modifications, and it has a particularly large aftermarket.
Important Trim Levels And Options
The 128i, 135i, and 135is were all available with both coupe and coupe convertible body styles, with various packages available to spruce up their amenities and appearances. The Premium, Technology, Limited Edition, Sport, and M Sport package were available on the 128i, while only the Technology and Limited Edition were available on the 135i. The 135is could only be optioned with the Technology Package.
Notably, one package worth pointing out was the M Sport available on the 128i. It included a red leather interior, better brakes, sportier 17-inch wheels, sportier shifter on manual-equipped models, a thicker/sportier steering wheel, sport suspension, and 135i front and rear bumpers.
Year-To-Year Changes
These changes reflect the U.S. market.
2008 model year:
- Car debuts in the U.S.
2009 model year:
- No significant changes.
2010 model year:
- Twin-turbocharging is dropped for a single turbo setup on the 135i’s N55 engine.
- Some folks argue that reliability went up after this point, though another opinion is that aftermarket tunability was negatively affected.
- The 135i’s base wheels are now 17-inch staggered wheels, with (front) 205/50R-17, (rear) 225/45R-17 tires.
- The automatic transmission in the 128i could now either be the ZF GA6HP19Z six-speed automatic or GM GA6L45R six-speed automatic, which was the only automatic offered on 2008-2009 models.
2011 model year:
- The automatic 135i is now equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GS7D36SG.
2012 model year:
- No significant changes.
2013 model year:
- Final model year for U.S. market.
Obscure Details
Luckily, the BMW 1-series doesn’t have any obscure or odd maintenance requirements. Plus, a lot of what’s under the hood is very much the same as a lot of other BMWs of its era. Because of this, for a car company that suffers a brand tax on parts, this generation isn’t too bad compared to newer Bimmers.
General Reliability and Ownership Costs
Generally 1-series BMWs are expensive cars to run due to the parts costs. Though, costs can be significantly cheaper if maintenance is of the DIY variety, and parts come from OEM-equivalent-or-better companies. We’re here for to help you learn how to wrench, build up the confidence to perform maintenance, and save money.
Opinions vary a bit whether these cars would be considered reliable. Some owners point out that as long as service intervals are tended to, they’re fine. Some folks say improving cooling systems and changing the oil and oil filter more frequently significantly improves reliability. The general consensus is the 128i, while it has its own foibles, is more reliable than the 135i, mainly due to not being a direct-injection turbo engine.
Red Flags and Known Issues
Generally, because these are German sports coupes, they’ll need a tad more attention than other brands’ offerings from Japan and the U.S.
Some of the 128i and 135i/s’ issues include:
Windshield washer pump failure. It’s common for these to fail, but luckily they’re very inexpensive from OEM-equivalent companies and very easy to replace.
Water pump and thermostat failure. The water pump is electric and is known to fail. Luckily, revisions were made and newer OEM parts are more reliable than ever.
Carbon buildup on the intake valves. This is a byproduct of direct injection.Gasoline doesn’t clean the back side of the intake valves, so carbon builds up in that area.
High-pressure fuel-pump failure. This was so bad that it was a 10-year or 120,000-mile warranty item; they tend to just fail.
Fuel-injector failure. Due to the nature of the high-pressure fuel system, these can wear out faster than conventional injectors due to their increased workload.
Oil-filter-housing-gasket leak. This is a common, albeit easy-to-fix leak. If left unattended, oil could drip onto the serpentine belt, causing it to fail, which then can cause catastrophic engine failure.
Serpentine-belt shredding. This system had some design faults, and if they snap can really do some damage.
Valve-cover leakage and valve-cover cracking. This is partially due to high heat and pressure under the valve cover, especially on 135is.
Oil-pan-gasket leak. These just, well, leak.
Turbo rattle and failure. The twin turbos on the N54 are weak and can fail if not properly warmed up before stomping on it. Increased boost pressure decreases their life significantly, requiring aftermarket solutions to fully cure this.
Staying on top of BMW recommended service intervals, performing “while you’re in there” maintenance, using quality replacement parts, changing oil frequently, keeping an eye out, and not driving these cars too hard before they’re up to operating temperature help stave off issues for sure.
Recalls
There have been a couple of extended warranty items on 1-series cars. Some of the most significant ones have to do with the N54-equipped 135i; the high pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors carry a warranty period of 10 years or 120,000 miles. Wastegate-related maintenance is at eight years or 82,000 miles.
As far as firm recalls, there are a few. The NHTSA’s website details them, and they include: potential explosion of the driver airbag inflator, faulty blower motor wiring that may result in a fire, PCV heater short that may result in a fire, driver’s front airbag creating metal shrapnel upon deployment, loose camshaft bolts, a total loss of electricity, sound insulation around the seat belt might ignite causing a fire, a faulty cooling fan motor that results in a fire, and faulty rear CV joints might cause a stall.
Luckily, since these are open recalls, they can be checked and remedied by any BMW dealership. Also, the newer the 1-series is, the less issues they have. Only early models have the frightening fire risks, while 2013 model year examples might only need their airbags replaced.
Where To Buy Parts
Standard auto parts stores will stock most replacement parts. RockAuto is always a good source as well as European car-centric retailers like FCP Euro, ECS Tuning, and Turner Motorsports.
Aftermarket Support
Aftermarket and OEM parts support is still very good for these cars, especially those equipped with N54 or N55 engine.
Because the 1-series shares so many parts with the larger and more mass-produced 3-series (as well as other models in BMW’s lineup), the chances of replacement parts being readily available for years to come are very good.
Popular Modifications
Refreshingly, the 1 Series responds well to modifications, and when you take advantage of their solid grip and excellent 50/50 weight distribution, can become real handling monsters. Suspension, brake, tire, and alignment modifications go a long way to improve an already excellent chassis.
Some enthusiasts confidently affirm that switching to a square wheel setup, where all four corners have the same size wheel and tire, helps reduce understeer in performance driving scenarios.
Installing stiffer rear bushings in the rear end help tune out understeer as well.
Installing a quality aftermarket limited-slip differential makes a massive difference for control and grip, as it replaces the laggy, ECU-operated “e-diff,” which mimics a limited-slip differential… though does a terrible job at it.
Besides doing common brake and suspension upgrades, there’s a myriad of tuning available for N54 and N55-equipped 1-series; ECU tuning, turbo upgrades, intake manifold upgrades, exhaust and intake upgrades, and so on.
Power-wise, the 128i doesn’t have a ton going for it as its naturally aspirated, but intake, mild engine, tune, and exhaust upgrades do yield decent gains. Though, there is one OEM upgrade that can bump up power significantly: the 330i HO intake-manifold upgrade with accompanying tuning. While this can be a bit expensive, it yields as much as a 30-hp gain, which is frankly phenomenal for a naturally aspirated, non-race engine. Especially one that’s using other OEM BMW parts. 128i SULEV emission vehicles actually came equipped with this manifold from the factory, so all they need is a tune to unleash the an extra kick in power.
In certain states, SULEV cars also have extended warranties on their parts. Be sure to contact a dealer with your VIN ready before performing some maintenance yourself.
Key Technical Details
Engine: There were three U.S. engine options in these cars, one with two tunes:
- N52 3.0-liter inline-six, naturally aspirated (228 horsepower) in the 2008-2013 128i
- N54 3.0-liter inline-six, twin-turbocharged (302 horsepower) in the 2008-2010 135i
- N55 3.0-liter inline-six, turbocharged (302 horsepower) in the 2010-2013 135i
- N55 3.0-liter inline-six, turbocharged (322 horsepower) in the 2013 135is
Transmission: Four different transmissions saw duty in the U.S. market:
GA6L45R is the six-speed conventional automatic in the 128i from 2008 to 2009, made by General Motors. This is actually tough territory to describe, as the ’08-’09 automatics were only the GM unit, which 2010-2013 could be this unit.
GA6HP19Z is another six-speed conventional automatic in the 128i from 2010-2013, made by ZF. Owners will have to be especially cognizant of which one they have as they require different fluids and maintenance procedures.
The GS7D36SG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, six-speed manual, 135i from 2011-2013.
The GS645BZ was the six-speed manual bolted up under manual 128i and 135is.
Drivetrain: Longitudinal front-engine rear-drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut suspension up front, which combined with multilink independent suspension out back, helps harness this great little chassis’ factory 50/50 weight distribution.
Wheelbase: 104.7 in
Overall length: 172.2
Curb weight: 3,252 to 3,660 pounds, turbocharged and convertible models are on the heavier end, while non-turbo, non-convertible models are on the leaner side
OEM tire size:
128i coupe, base: 205/50R-17
128i coupe, convertible: 205/55R-16
128i coupe, Sport Package: (front) 205/50R-17, (rear) 225/45R-17
135i coupe, 2008-2009 Base and convertible: 205/50R-17
135i coupe, 2010-2013 Base: (front) 205/50R-17, (rear) 225/45R-17
135i coupe and convertible, Sport Package 18-inch: (front) 215/40R-18, (rear) 245/35R-18
Fluids, Filters, and Capacities
Fuel: The lowest acceptable octane rating for the 128i is 87, the 135i requires 89 or higher.
Engine oil, 135i: Seven liters of BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30 Engine Oil, part number N54OCI. The recommended interval by enthusiasts is 5,000 miles, though BMW states 10,000. Err on the side of caution and do it at 5,000. Oil by brands like Ravenol, Motul, and Liqui-Moly should be considered as they’re renowned for being of OEM-or-better quality.
Engine oil, 128i: Seven liters of BMW Twin Power Turbo (7.4 quarts), 0W-20 Engine Oil, part number 83212461988. 5W-30 should also be considered as some enthusiasts report that it’s more resistant to consumption. Retailers put together convenient kits, making oil changes a cinch. The recommended interval by enthusiasts is 5,000 miles, though BMW states 10,000. Err on the side of caution and do it at 5,000. Like the 135i, oil by brands like Ravenol and Liqui Moly should be considered as they’re renowned for being of OEM-or-better quality.
Battery size: 850CCA | Group: 94R | Size: H7 is a popular spec, otherwise BMW part number 61217586960, although this is discontinued from BMW’s parts catalog. Remanufactured batteries are available and come with a core charge. Non-lead acid upgrades are always recommended as they don’t leak, are lighter, and last longer. Braille’s B7548 is a good choice. Typically, batteries last three to five years depending on the climate. Shorter in hot climates, five years in colder climates.
Oil filter, 135i and 128i: One BMW filter kit, 11427953129. This should be changed when you change your oil.
Air filter, 135i: BMW Genuine, part number 13717556961. The Mann-branded product is a great, inexpensive alternative. BMW recommends this be replaced at 50,000 miles, although a visual inspection to ascertain how dirty it is should be priority. It might need to be replaced much sooner.
Air filter, 128i: BMW Genuine, part number 13721730449. The Mann-branded product is a great, inexpensive alternative. BMW recommends this be replaced at 50,000 miles, though a visual inspection to ascertain how dirty it is should be priority. It might need to be replaced much sooner.
Cabin air filter: BMW Genuine, part number 64316946629, changed every 15,000 miles.
Manual transmission oil: Two liters of 75W-90 Transmission Fluid, part number 83222339221. The recommended service interval is 30,000-50,000 miles. The fill is relatively easy, too: ensure you’re on a level surface under a secured-with-jackstands vehicle, ensure the fill plug can be removed, then drain, replace the drain plug, and use a fluid transfer pump to fill until oil starts pouring out from the fill hole. It’s a good idea to use new fill and drain plugs, too -they’re the same BMW 23127602815 part number.
Automatic transmission fluid, 135i automatic and 128i ZF automatic: Seven liters of Shell M1375.4 automatic transmission fluid, part number 83222220445. The drain plug and fill plugs, with accompanying washers, are also recommended replacements. The recommended service interval is 80,000 miles.
Dual-clutch transmission oil, 135i DCT: Six liters of BMW DCTF 1+ Gear Oil, part number 83222446673. Again, doing a full service is recommended to keep this complex transmission happy. Companies sell service kits to make it easy. BMW states the fluid from the factory is “lifetime,” but enthusiasts recommend it be changed at least every 40,000 miles, included with a full service.
ZF automatic transmission filter, 128i and 135i: BMW Part number 24117571217. This is actually a part of the transmission’s oil pan and is recommended to be replaced when the fluid is replaced. Luckily, companies sell this service as a kit.
Differential oil, open: 1.2 liters of OEM Differential Fluid, part number 07512293972. This is only to be used with open differentials that are not LSDs. The recommended interval is every 40,000-50,000 miles.
Coolant: Genuine BMW, part number 82141467704, diluted 50/50 with distilled water. Its recommended this be flushed and changed every two years. One gallon of coolant, equaling two gallons after dilution, should do the trick.
Power-steering fluid: Two liters of BMW Hydraulic/Power Steering Fluid, part number 83290429576KT. Otherwise known as Pentosin CHF 11s. Enthusiasts recommend changing this every 30,000 miles, although BMW states it’s a lifetime fill.
Brake fluid: OEM is BMW DOT 4 Brake Fluid. This comes in 335-ml bottles and requires three bottles to do a complete flush. Part number: 81220142156. Upgraded DOT 5 fluid is always good for improved braking performance in warmer climates. This is recommended to be changed every two years, or 2-3 times per year depending on the amount of track driving it sees.
Clutch fluid: This system integrates with the brake fluid.
Spark plugs: Six OEM BMW spark plugs, part number 12120037244KT. BMW states the service interval is every 40,000 miles, but some enthusiasts say 30,000-35,000 is a better idea.
Ignition coil pack: Six OEM BMW, part number 12138657273. Enthusiasts seem to agree that the more often the plugs are changed, the less often the coils have to be changed. It also seems that 50,000 miles is on the safer side.
Carbon cleaning: This affects the 135i due to their direct injection. Carbon builds up on the backside of the intake valves because gasoline is injected directly into the combustion chamber instead of the intake manifold. This should be done every 30,000 miles, and fortunately companies make DIY-friendly kits.
Factory Service Manuals
Bentley Publishers is considered the go-to for BMW factory workbooks, but finding one for the 1-series is somewhat challenging. A Haynes 1-series manual exists but it’s not U.S.-model centric. This $13 downloadable BMW 1-series workshop manual from emanualonline.com seems enticing, but we haven’t tested it.
It looks like you can buy other downloadable manuals for this car at emanualonline too. Another site, aplusmanual.com, seems to have similar offerings and a site called onlymanuals.com has a bunch of free downloads but they’re mostly brochures.
If you just need a 1-series owner’s manual, not a full FSM, bmwsections.com has free downloads.
Other References and Resources
We’ll add links to more critical resources as we find them.
Professional Reviews
“First Drive: 2011 BMW 135i Coupe. Bavaria’s Tiniest Model Loves Streets, Not Circuits” (MotorTrend, June 10, 2010)
Nate Martinez had some positive things to say about the 135i for MotorTrend in his 2010 solo review of it, right in the middle of its U.S. run. “With our right foot once again planted to its limits, corners hastily arrive at the nose. (Turn-in) is sublime and weighty, just as it is in other roundel bearers.”
“First Drive: 2008 BMW 128i Coupe” (MotorTrend, February 18, 2008)
Edward Loh at MotorTrend had nice things to say about the 128i in 2008: “The 128i is thrilling and proves you don’t need a ton of power to have a lot of fun, you just need to keep the momentum up. Near perfect 50/50 weight distribution helps accomplish this as does the 128i’s forged-aluminum front suspension pieces and lightweight-steel multilink rear suspension. When fully compressed at the corner apex, there’s a feeling of massive tire grip at all four wheels, a wonderful sensation when these corners pile up one after the other as they do out here.”
Owner Reviews
Kevin Bandy (Jun 15, 2020)
2009 128i; modified; owned eight months plus
“The 128i is the newest and smallest of BMW’s naturally aspirated six-cylinder cars with all of the suspension finesse of their higher trim cars. The lightweight package and low cost is a gem that’s often forgotten in the shadow of the quicker but less reliable 135i or the highly valued 1M, but the chassis and potential is in tact.” That and more of his insights on 1-series ownership are documented on his YouTube channel bandygram.
Jake Stumph (Feb 10, 2021)
2010 135i; modified; owned eight years plus
“I’ve owned my 135i since January 2013. It has taught me more about the way cars work than anything I’ve owned before or since. It’s deeply flawed, but something about it is so charming. It’s the last of its kind — with heavy hydraulic steering, a weighty clutch with a chunky shifter, and a brutal twin-turbocharged workhorse of an engine — and for better or worse that makes it feel so much more impactful to drive than anything BMW has made since. Are their cars now objectively better? Sure, they’re faster and more comfortable, but they’re sterile Germanic appliances by comparison. It’s most likely the last BMW I will ever own.”
Stumph has been an automotive journalist and track-day enthusiast for years. His YouTube channel has a mix of car reviews and mod tips, and you can see more about his 1-series there too.
Own or owned one of these and want to share your thoughts? Hit up in the comments or email [email protected].
What They’re Worth Now
As of 2021, on average, it looks like between private sales and used-car dealerships, the 128i ranges in price between $6,000 and $15,000, with the higher end occupied by manual models with the M Sport Package in very good condition and lower mileage. The lower segment is usually all 128is in rougher shape with automatic transmissions and no noteworthy options.
The 135is goes for a bit more, hovering between $10,000 and $24,000 depending upon age, condition, options, mileage, and other standard factors.
The 1M, which again, we’ll dive into another time, is considered a collector’s item and worth dramatically more money.
Where To Find One for Sale
Because the 1-series isn’t too old, you can still find examples for sale at popular used-car dealers like CarMax and Carvana. However, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are full of them as are clean, cared-for examples on various auction sites like Cars & Bids, Bring-A-Trailer, and more.
As with any used-car purchase, the more prepared you are the better. At Car Autance we’ve got some great reference material for navigating a used-car purchase.
What To Ask a Seller
No matter what car you’re looking at, you’ll want to ask its seller about service history, remedying recalls, usage, condition, and why the car’s being sold. With the 1-series, because there are quite a few components under the hood that are known weak points, pay close attention to topics like:
• When was the water pump and thermostat last replaced? Have they ever failed?
• Have intake valves ever had any kind of carbon cleaning?
• Has the high-pressure fuel pump ever failed or been replaced?
• Have you ever had an issue with fuel injectors?
• Has the oil-filter-housing gasket been replaced?
• What’s the condition of the serpentine belt?
• What’s the condition of the valve-cover gasket and valve cover itself?
• Are there any oil-gasket leaks?
• Is there any turbo rattle? Has the turbo ever been replaced?
Lower mileage doesn’t necessarily mean better mechanical condition. Some of these could’ve been freshly replaced on higher-mileage examples.
For the 135i, one particular maintenance item to be sure to ask about is intake-valve cleaning. Since the N-series engines are direct injection, carbon buildup occurs on the backside of the intake valves, which can lead to a host of issues if not cleaned regularly. Opinions vary, but figure this type of service interval can be anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.
Competitors To Consider
Surprisingly, there isn’t a whole lot of direct competition to the 1-series. The Audi A3 and S3 are probably the closest thing to it. The A3 is more in line with the 128i as its the less performance-oriented model, whereas the S3 takes on the 135i.
The E9X 3-series might be a consideration if you’re also thinking about something a bit larger.
The Mazda RX-8 and its less-powerful chassis-mate the NC MX-5 Miata are performance sports cars with less than 250 horsepower, like the 128i.
One could potentially also compare and cross-shop the 987 Porsche Cayman, Cayman S, Boxster, and Boxster S to the 1-series. Or even the 986 Boxster. The 987 Porsches’ original MSRPs were significantly higher, and they have fewer seats. But depending on how flexible your budget is, if you’re sniffing around for not terribly expensive rear-drive German fun cars, they might be on your radar.
Photo Galleries
The BMW Press Room always does at great job at this kind of stuff. NetCarShow has albums of the 1-series coupe from 2008 and 2012, the 2008 135i, convertibles from 2008 and 2012, plus 1-series group shots.
Pop-Culture References
As far as our research has dug up, not many celebrities have owned a 1-series except Jodie Foster.
There 1-Series hasn’t really had any kind of prominent role in mainstream media. It had a minor appearance in an episode of Degrassi: The Next Generation (woopty-doo), but otherwise has mainly been in the background in movies and tv. Though it’s certainly had its share of appearances in automotive media.
Enthusiast Inquiries
Every car has a collection of common questions that pop up in forums and Facebook groups whenever new blood joins in. We hope a lot of those have been answered above, but if we start to see more specific questions pop up on the regular, we’ll include them in this section.
Downloadable Paperback Car Autance
If you’re old school and like to keep reference notes on paper, or you’re just a completionist and want a free accessory for your 1-series, you can download a paperback Car Autance. Well, you have to also print it to put it on paper. But you knew what we meant.
Think of it like an owner’s manual supplement. Keep it in your car and your days of waiting for slow internet on your phone at the auto parts store are over.
Comments Below
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