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.
Page 2Looks Run in the BMW Family
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
Page 3Driver's Dash
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
Page 4Exterior Design
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
Page 5Wheels, Tires and Brakes
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
Page 6Interior
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
Page 7Options
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
Page 8Transmissions
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
Page 9Engine Horsepower Ratings
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
Page 10Specifications
Test Vehicle: 2008 BMW 128i Coupe
Base Price: $29,375 including a $775 destination charge
Engine Size and Type: 3.0-liter inline-6
Engine Horsepower: 230 @ 6,500 rpm
Engine Torque: 200 lb.-ft. @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Curb Weight, lbs.: 3,252
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 18/28 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 19.6 mpg
Length: 172.2 inches
Width: 68.8 inches
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Height: 56.0 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.4/32.0 inches
Head room (front/rear): 37.9/37.1 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Four
Max. Cargo Volume: 13.1 cubic feet
Photo Credit: Ron Perry
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