Acceleration

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
8	8	7	8.1

Even in heavier convertible form and with the automatic transmission, the 128i tested provided spirited acceleration worthy of the class. BMW quotes 7.0 seconds 0-60 mph for an automatic-transmission convertible, 6.1 for a manual-transmission coupe. The turbocharged 135i is noticeably stronger off the line and in passing maneuvers, though a small amount of turbo lag delays take offs. BMW says manual-transmission 135i coupes do 5.1 seconds 0-60, which is both quick and believable. The manual transmission has precise shift action and an easily modulated clutch. The automatic shifts smoothly, downshifts quickly for more power, and responds promptly to manual gear selections, whether done with the console-mounted lever or available steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Fuel Economy

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
5	5	5	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, both a 135i coupe and 128i convertible averaged 20.2 mpg. BMW requires premium-grade gas for all 1-Series cars.

Ride Quality

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
4	4	7	4.4

On its standard 16-inch tires, the tested 128i convertible rode surprisingly well, easily soaking up smaller road blemishes and pavement heaves. At the other extreme, the 135i comes standard with a sport suspension and 18-inch tires, a combination that reacts much more sharply to bad pavement, yet never feels harsh. Sport Package for 128i includes a sport suspension and 17-inch wheels and has a similarly detrimental impact on ride quality.

Steering/Handling/Braking

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
9	9	7	8.7

BMW's legendary handling capability carries over to the 1-Series. Even the 128i convertible with the base suspension and 16-inch tires exhibits little body lean in fast turns with fine steering and brake feel. 135i coupes up the ante with their standard sport suspension and 18-inch tires, resulting in crisp steering, flat cornering, and sports-car agility.

Quietness

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
6	6	6	4.2

Both engines emit only a muffled snarl under acceleration and are seldom heard in normal cruising. Wind and road noise are well checked, with coarse-surface tire hum more noticed with the 135i coupe's standard 18-inch performance tires. Top down, the convertible requires only slightly raised voices at highway speeds.

Controls

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
7	7	6	5.6

Audio and climate controls are mounted somewhat low on the dash, yet are easy to reach and simple to decipher and adjust. Ordering the optional navigation system brings BMW's console-mounted iDrive controller and dashboard screen; the combination absorbs some audio functions, complicating what is otherwise a simple procedure. BMW's odd turn-signal actuation takes getting used to, and if set in a low position, the steering wheel blocks some of the instrument panel. Console mounted beverage holder looks like a tacked-on afterthought.

Details

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	6.9

Rich-looking plastics, lightly padded surfaces, and wood or textured aluminum trim line the interior, and seem in line with prices. The convertible felt impressively stiff for a 4-passenger car, with little cowl shake over bumps.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	5.8

Ample room for adults on comfortable seats with standard height adjustment, though some testers find the seat side bolster overly confining. Thin pillars in the coupe provide fine visibility to all directions, though wide front headrests can get in the way when backing. Convertibles, which have a well-insulated soft top, sacrifice visibility to the rear corners and directly astern due to thick rear "pillars" and a small back window.

Room/Comfort (rear)

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
2	2	1	.7

There's enough headroom and legroom for an average-size adult to sit behind another average-size adult, but any front-seater over six-feet tall will delete rear legroom behind them. The cabin is quite narrow, so two adults sit shoulder-to-shoulder. Elbow space is very tight in the coupe and even less in the convertible, as its sidewalls are angled in to make room for the top.

Cargo Room

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
3	3	2	2.6

Trunks are reasonably sized, but the opening is quite small, and it's narrow at the bottom. Convertibles lose about 1.6 cu ft when the top is stowed, an area partitioned off at the top rear of the compartment by a fold-down cover. Coupes come with a split folding rear seat, convertibles with an available pass-through. Interior storage is limited to a small glovebox and smaller console box, along with a tiny console bin and map pockets.

Value within Class

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
7	7	7	5.3

What the 1-Series coupe and convertible give up in size to their larger 3-Series counterparts seems well worth the $5000-$10,000 price differential--unless rear-seat passengers simply won't fit. Convertibles also adopt a less-expensive soft top in place of the 3-Series' folding hard top. Aside from that, BMW's new entry-level cars deliver the marque's revered panache and dynamic properties with few other sacrifices, making them noteworthy additions to the line--and your shopping list.

Total Score

135i coupe, manual	135i coupe, automatic	128i convertible, automatic	Class Average
65	65	62	56.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		56
High Score		65