Last updated August 4, 2026
The BMW 1 Series lineup starts with the 128i, the balanced entry model with smooth six-cylinder power. The 135i adds turbocharged speed and richer standard equipment, while the one-year 135is sharpens that formula with more power, a stronger exhaust sound, and added performance hardware. The limited-run M is the focused high-performance branch, with a wider suspension setup, stronger brakes, and a locking rear differential.
The Core Model trim level, represented by the 128i, is the straightforward 1 Series: a compact rear-wheel-drive coupe or convertible with smooth, non-turbo six-cylinder power and balanced handling.
Best for: Drivers who want the classic small-BMW feel without the extra speed and hardware of the turbo models.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, represented by the 135i, is the quicker turbocharged 1 Series, pairing the same compact rear-wheel-drive layout with much stronger acceleration and added comfort equipment.
Best for: Drivers who want serious turbocharged speed in a small coupe or convertible without moving to the more focused 135is or M.
Highlights
Compared with the 128i, the 135i adds a 300-hp turbocharged engine in place of the 230-hp non-turbo engine, plus xenon headlights and power front seats with lumbar support.
3 in stock
The Sport Upgrade trim level, represented by the one-year 135is, is the sharpest non-M 1 Series, with more power, a stronger exhaust note, extra cooling, and standard M Sport touches.
Best for: Enthusiasts who like the 135i formula but want more edge without stepping into the limited-run M model.
Highlights
Compared with the 135i, the 135is adds 20 hp, a performance exhaust, upgraded cooling, a sport suspension with revised electronic tuning, and an M Sport cabin.
1 in stock
The High Performance trim level, represented by the 1 Series M Coupe, is the limited-run M version built around serious suspension, braking, and rear-differential hardware in the smallest BMW coupe of its era.
Best for: Drivers seeking the most focused 1 Series, with full M hardware and a manual-only character rather than extra luxury.
Highlights
Compared with the 135is, the M moves beyond a sharpened regular 1 Series with a 335-hp twin-turbo engine, a variable locking rear differential, compound brakes, and a wider-track M suspension.
0 in stock| Feature | Core Model | Performance | Sport Upgrade | High Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | 128i1 in stock | 135i3 in stock | 135is1 in stock | |
| Recognizable trim badge | 128i | 135i | 135is | M |
| Lineup role | Entry model | Turbo performance model | Focused 2013 non-M model | Limited-run M model |
| Engine | 3.0L non-turbo inline-six | 3.0L turbo inline-six | Tuned 3.0L turbo inline-six | 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 300 hp | 320 hp | 335 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic | 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Defining performance hardware | Balanced rear-wheel-drive setup | Turbocharged power | Sport suspension, upgraded cooling, performance exhaust | Locking differential, M brakes, wider M suspension |
| Body style | Coupe or convertible | Coupe or convertible | Coupe or convertible | Coupe |
| Cabin and comfort emphasis | Dual-zone climate control | Power front seats with lumbar support | M Sport cabin and sport seats | M-specific cabin with Alcantara trim |
They mark three performance levels in the regular lineup. The 128i has a 230-hp non-turbo six-cylinder engine, the 135i has a 300-hp turbo six, and the one-year 135is raises output to 320 hp while adding more focused sport hardware.
The 128i is the straightforward 1 Series trim sold throughout the U.S. run. It pairs a 230-hp non-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive and balances engaging handling with everyday features such as dual-zone climate control.
The 135i is the quicker regular 1 Series trim. Across its run, it uses a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and adds richer standard equipment, including xenon headlights and power front seats with lumbar support.
The 135is is a one-year, more focused version of the 135i. It has 320 hp, a louder performance exhaust, extra engine cooling, sport suspension hardware, revised traction and stability tuning, and standard M Sport cabin details.
The 1 Series M Coupe is the limited-run high-performance model offered for one model year. It has a 335-hp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual, a locking rear differential, stronger brakes, and a wider M-tuned suspension.
The main difference is turbo power. The 128i makes 230 hp from a non-turbo six-cylinder engine, while the 135i makes 300 hp from a turbo six. The 135i also brings xenon headlights, power front seats, lumbar support, and a more aggressive look.
The 135is adds 20 hp, a performance exhaust, upgraded cooling, sport suspension hardware, revised traction and stability tuning, and standard M Sport interior and exterior details. It is sharper and louder than the regular 135i.
The 1 Series M Coupe goes further than the 135is. It has 335 hp, a locking rear differential, M compound brakes, and a wider M-specific suspension. The 135is has 320 hp and sport upgrades but keeps the regular 1 Series body and chassis foundation.
No. The 135is is the most focused regular 1 Series trim, but it is not a full M model. The separate 1 Series M Coupe has M-specific brakes, a locking rear differential, a wider suspension, and more power.
The 128i is the straightforward everyday choice. Its 230-hp six-cylinder engine avoids the extra intensity of the turbo trims, while dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and USB and auxiliary audio connections cover useful daily comforts.
The 135i is the natural fit. It delivers 300 hp from a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and was sold across most of the U.S. model run, unlike the one-year 135is and limited-run 1 Series M Coupe.
The 1 Series M Coupe is the most focused model. Its 335-hp engine, manual transmission, locking rear differential, stronger brakes, and wider M suspension put it above the 135is and 135i in performance hardware.
The regular 128i, 135i, and one-year 135is were sold as coupes or convertibles during their respective runs. The limited-production 1 Series M was coupe-only.
No. Earlier 135i models use BMW’s original turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, while models from 2011 onward use the newer N55 turbo six. Both versions are rated at 300 hp, but the later engine was introduced for improved response and efficiency.