BMW 1 Series: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The BMW 1 Series is a compact four-seat luxury sports car sold in the U.S. as a coupe or convertible. It is known for rear-wheel drive, responsive six-cylinder engines, and a direct, playful feel.
The 1 Series distilled BMW’s traditional driving formula into a smaller car than the 3 Series. Throughout its U.S. run, it paired balanced handling and strong engine response with seating for four. The lineup ranged from the approachable 128i to increasingly focused turbocharged performance models, while keeping the same compact, rear-wheel-drive character.
Strengths
- Its compact size and balanced handling give it the direct, playful character that defined the model.
- Every regular version uses a smooth inline-six engine, with the 135i and 135is adding stronger turbocharged response.
- Rear-wheel drive keeps the driving experience focused and consistent across the lineup.
- The coupe and convertible offer the same basic character with a choice between a fixed roof and open-air driving.
- Four seats give it more everyday flexibility than a strict two-seat sports car.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a small, engaging luxury car for everyday drives and weekend fun. The rear seats make occasional passenger duty possible, but its stronger appeal is to a driver who values responsive handling and engine character more than maximum space or modern technology.
BMW 1 Series lineup
Pick the 128i for the simpler side of the lineup, with smooth power from a non-turbo six-cylinder engine. Step up to the 135i for much stronger turbocharged response while keeping the same basic small-car format. The 135is was a final-year performance upgrade with more power, a louder exhaust, extra cooling, and sportier chassis hardware. The limited-production 1 Series M Coupe, introduced for 2011, is the far more serious high-performance flagship and stands apart from the regular models.
BMW 1 Series generations
From 2009 to 2013, the 1 Series spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — E82/E88 arrived for 2008.
1st Generation — E82/E88 (2008–2013)
The first U.S. 1 Series was a compact, rear-wheel-drive coupe or convertible with six-cylinder power. The E82 coupe and E88 convertible remained on the same basic platform through their final U.S. model year in 2013.
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2013Trim changes
The higher-output 135is joined with 320 horsepower, a louder exhaust, upgraded cooling, and M Sport appearance and suspension hardware. This was the final U.S. model year for the 1 Series coupe and convertible.
2012Trim changes
A light refresh revised the front end, lighting details, cabin switches, and aerodynamic treatment. An iPod/USB connection became standard across the lineup.
2011Trim changes
The limited-production 1 Series M Coupe joined as the high-performance model. The 135i also received a newer turbocharged six-cylinder engine with the same 300-horsepower rating.
2010
HD Radio became standard on the 128i, and automatic high beams were added as an option. The core engines and lineup were unchanged.
2009
The coupe and convertible carried over with no significant standard-equipment changes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the BMW 1 Series.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the BMW 1 Series?
The U.S. BMW 1 Series is a small, rear-wheel-drive coupe or convertible with two doors and four seats. Its compact size, inline-six engines, and direct handling make it more of a driver-focused car than a practical family car.
What is the BMW 1 Series known for?
The BMW 1 Series is known for combining compact dimensions with smooth six-cylinder power and rear-wheel-drive handling. It feels smaller and more playful than BMW’s larger coupes while still offering a premium cabin and seating for four.
Does the BMW 1 Series come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. 1 Series coupe and convertible covered here use gasoline inline-six engines. The 128i is not turbocharged, while the 135i, 135is, and 1 Series M Coupe use turbocharged engines.
Is the BMW 1 Series all-wheel drive?
No. The U.S. 1 Series coupe and convertible are rear-wheel drive. Power goes to the rear wheels, a layout that contributes to the balanced, responsive feel BMW emphasized for this model.
Is the BMW 1 Series practical enough for everyday use?
It can work as a daily car for one or two people, but practicality is limited. It has four seats, two doors, and roughly 8 to 10 cubic feet of cargo space. The rear seats and trunk are better suited to occasional use than regular family duty.
How many generations of the BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. model covered here belongs to one generation, sold from 2008 through 2013. The E82 coupe and E88 convertible ended after 2013 in this market rather than continuing as another U.S. 1 Series coupe generation.