AutoWeek - 2008 BMW 135i (short drive)

Merc1 · 03-19-2008, 01:59 AM

OUR TAKE: This is one of those irresistibly fun cars that will be very hard for anyone to say no to after they've take a test drive. It cuts a stylish and svelte figure, is well-appointed inside (this model featured red insert seats and trim--very sharp) and seems to exude every bit of BMW engineering prowess you'd expect, even though it is the lowest series offered. That's smart of BMW to not cut corners at the low end. Other companies trying to drive downmarket do that at their peril, because they present a poor image of the brand to those who might buy in low and someday aspire to move up through the range.

There's not a hint of short shrift in this 1 Series, which is hammered home by the car's over-the-top power and handling. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter provides all the rip anyone might need, while the balanced chassis almost demands pushing into each corner enough to induce a little oversteer. What a blast. And this was in a car with a paddle-shifted automatic--imagine the added smiles with a stick.

For an entry BMW, the $45,000 price tag isn't going to win many new customers, but we suspect some 3 Series owners may decide they can give up the last vestiges of a usable back seat for the joy of driving a 1 Series every day. Others might opt out of most of the options on this car, save $10,000 and still have a great driving machine.

As-tested price: $44,960
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged I6; rwd, six-speed automatic
Output: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Curb weight: 3373 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 21/23.0 mpg
Options: Premium package, including universal garage door opener, digital compass mirror, power front seats with driver's seat memory, auto-dimming mirrors, BMW assist, lumbar support ($3,300); 18-inch wheels ($1,654); Steptronic automatic transmission ($1,275); sport package, including shadowline trim, sport seats, M steering wheel with paddle shifters ($1,100); comfort access ($500); heated front seats ($500); Sparkling Graphite Metallic paint ($475); iPod and USB adapter ($400); all-weather floor mats ($81)

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M

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