Best compact coupe 2009 Honda Civic Coupe *Est. $15305
Family-friendly midsize coupe 2009 Honda Accord Coupe *Est. $22405
Top premium sport coupe 2009 BMW 3 Series Coupe *Est. $36500
Modern muscle coupe 2010 Chevrolet Camaro *Est. $22245
Value sport coupe 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe *Est. $22000

See All Coupes

2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe

*Est. $29,425 to $35,725

Strong performance
Outstanding dynamics
Entertaining to drive
High build quality

Unappealing styling
Expensive options
Cramped rear seats

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Our Analysis

More than one reviewer proposes that the BMW 1 Series makes great sense. A new, less expensive BMW should be a practical alternative to a BMW 3 Series coupe (*est. $36,425 to $43,825), but reviews say the 1 Series is like a 3 Series wrapped in a smaller, less attractive package with limited value savings, only slightly better fuel economy and a tight back seat. Reviewers all agree, however, that the 1 Series offers the strong performance, steering and handling buyers will expect from a BMW coupe. Some say the BMW 128i coupe is the best value with its solid performance and reasonable price, but the BMW 135i, with its 300-horsepower twin-turbo inline six-cylinder, is found in a comparison test to perform comparably to the previous-generation BMW M3.

Although the base-level 1 Series is the least expensive choice in the U.S. from BMW, adding a few of the available -- and expensive -- options quickly increases the price, which soon makes a base model BMW 3 Series look like the better buy. Alternative coupes in the BMW 1 Series' price range include the Infiniti G37 coupe (*est. $34,900 to $36,200), or sports cars such as the Audi TT coupe (*est. $34,800 to $42,900) or the Mazda RX-8 (*est. $26,435 to $32,070).

One of the best evaluations of the BMW 1 Series is a Consumer Reports nine-car comparison test that includes the BMW 135i coupe. Among the many articles and reviews about the completely new 1 Series, road-test reviews written by Car and Driver, Road & Track and Edmunds.com provide excellent description. Comparison tests from Edmunds.com and Motor Trend are also informative, and a review from CNet.com covers the 135i's performance on a racetrack and its in-cabin technology. The Los Angeles Times and TheTruthAboutCars.com present entertaining and insightful perspectives that list pros and cons of the 1 Series.

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Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports tests nine "sporty" cars ranging in price from $23,310 to $38,078. The BMW 135i is the top-rated of the group.

Review: Best Sporty Cars – Overview, Editors of Consumer Reports, Oct. 2008

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

This review from Car and Driver commends the 135i's performance, which is compared to the impressive previous-generation BMW M3. The car's interior also earns this praise: "There's no slapdash, no whiff of cost cutting in the 135i, a fact we'd celebrate more if the car's price were lower."

Review: 2008 BMW 135i -- Road Test, Aaron Robinson, May 2008

3. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Road & Track notes the 135i's "lightning-quick reflexes off the line" and recommends keeping the options list short, preferring a "back-to-basics sporting coupe." Adding equipment is noted to make the 1 Series more like a 3 Series, which begs the question: "Do you want comfort and size, or do you want to drive?"

Review: Road Test: 2008 BMW 135i, Matt DeLorenzo, May 2008

4. Edmunds.com

Edmunds is so impressed with the BMW 135i's performance he says, "it doesn't matter that the pot-bellied BMW 135i isn't the most beautiful car in the world." Several other Edmunds.com articles on the 1 Series provide additional behind-the-wheel perspectives.

Review: Full Test: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe, Dan Edmunds, Mar. 17, 2008

5. Edmunds.com

In this interesting three-way comparison, Edmunds.com pits a 2002 BMW M3 long-term vehicle against a new 135i and 335i coupe. First place is a tie between the old M3 and the new 135i. Despite several noted drawbacks (such as its impractical rear seat), the 1-Series is said to offer "the perfect combination of nimbleness, suspension compliance and tractable power delivery."

Review: Comparison Test: 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i, Josh Jacquot, Apr. 27, 2008

6. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

The 135i takes first place in this comparison test and is faster in straight-line acceleration, though the Lancer Evolution is faster around the racetrack. Although the 135i has a lower base price than the Evo, its 'price as tested is almost $8,000 higher. Motor Trend concludes that the BMW is "the one you want to live with, just not pay for month to month."

Review: Comparison: 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, Edward Loh, June 2008

7. CNET

CNet.com writers award the BMW 135i their Editors' Choice award, noting that the coupe is "an excellent car to drive every day or take out on the track." A large part of the write-up is devoted to the car's technology in the cabin, which earns high marks. Although the test car lacked a navigation system and premium audio, its total price was $43,675.

Review: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe, Kevin Massey and Wayne Cunningham, May 5, 2008

8. Los Angeles Times

No words are minced here about the BMW 135i's design. "The new 1 Series BMW is ugly. Seriously ugly," writer Dan Neil writes. He also criticizes the 135i for being too similar to the 3 Series without offering a sufficient price or performance advantage, though the car is acknowledged for its 'excellent engine and driving dynamics.

Review: A BMW Only a Mama Could Love, Dan Neil, Mar. 19, 2008

9. The Truth About Cars

The BMW 135i and 335i coupes are driven and compared back-to-back. Two reasons are given for choosing to buy the smaller 1 Series: "Either you need a track-day machine or you're an idiot."

Review: 2008 BMW 135i vs. 335i Review, Mike Solowiow, Apr. 21, 2008