2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe Exclusive Photo Gallery

BMWs 2008 128i Enters the BMW Lineup with Big Shoes to Fill

The BMW 3 Series is no longer the entry-level model for BMW, that distinction now falls on the 2008 1 Series. Almost a twin of its older sibling, the BMW 3 Series, the new-for-2008 BMW 128i Coupe comes equipped with a 230-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine producing 200 lb.-ft. of torque. With bloodline good looks and plenty of power to make driving fun, the only thing holding the 128i back is the high price of entry with an MSRP of $28,600 excluding a $775 delivery cost.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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If there is one thing wrong with the looks of the BMW 1 Series, it’s that it resembles its older sibling the 3 Series too closely. Our 2008 128i in Montego Blue Metallic could easily have been mistaken for a 3 Series to the untrained eye, but maybe that was BMW’s plan all along.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Simple, functional design surrounds the driver and passenger in the front of the 2008 BMW 128i. No iDrive, just a simple stereo and climate controls with easy-to-read gauges packaged in a very ergonomic design.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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BMW kept the looks of the 1 Series close to the family tree, the resemblance to the 3 Series is uncanny. For now, the 1 Series will be offered in two trim levels, the 128i and the 135i, both in coupe and convertible trim.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Standard BMW 1 Series models are equipped with 16-inch light-alloy wheels front and rear wrapped with 205/55R-16 rubber. Our test car however was equipped with a $1,200 Sport Package that bumped the wheels up to 17 inches shod with performance tires. Also included in the package were sport seats, a sport suspension and shadowline trim. Braking power is handled by ventilated disc brakes front and rear.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Lots of leather graced our BMW 1 Series interior and the upgraded sport seats included in the Sport Package were a welcome addition. In the back, a trunk pass-through for skis and such really adds to the versatility of the 2008 BMW 1 Series.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Our BMW test car was equipped with Xenon headlights, an $800 option along with the additional Premium Package costing an extra $3,600. Other option packages included the cold-weather package costing $750, sport package at $1,200 dollars, an iPod and USB adapter for $400 and HD radio for an additional $350. Our test car also came with Monaco Blue Metallic paint, bumping the price up an additional $475 for a final sticker price of $36,950.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Both the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible offer a six-speed automatic transmission and six-speed manual transmission. Our 2008 BMW 128i was equipped with the 6-speed manual.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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Both 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible come with a 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder, but produce different horsepower. The twin-turbo 135i gets 300 horses, while the non-turbocharged 128i we drove gets 230 ponies.

Photo Credit: Ron Perry

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2008 BMW 128i Coupe $29,375 including a $775 destination charge 3.0-liter inline-6 230 @ 6,500 rpm 200 lb.-ft. @ 2,750 rpm Six-speed manual 3,252 18/28 mpg 19.6 mpg 172.2 inches 68.8 inches 104.7 inches 56.0 inches 41.4/32.0 inches 37.9/37.1 inches Four 13.1 cubic feet

Photo Credit: Ron Perry