Hardware
Unusual in a small car but like every other BMW on the market, the 1 Series is powered by a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels because the German automaker says this layout “guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.” Taken from the BMW 328i, the 128i’s 230 hp, 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine makes 200 lb.-ft. of torque. The more powerful 135i is equipped with the same twin-turbo, direct-injected engine found in the larger and heavier 335i, producing 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. This means that the bulk of the 135i’s motivational force is accessible shortly after the car accelerates from a standstill. BMW’s performance figures reflect the impact this engine has on acceleration: about 5.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph on the way to a top speed of 155 mph.
The BMW 1 Series models have independent suspension all around, with an aluminum double-pivot design in front and a lightweight steel five-link arrangement in back. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is standard, and both systems can be completely shut off if the driver prefers. On the BMW 128i, the DSC is designed to provide a wider handling envelope than most cars, activating later to allow the driver to toss the vehicle around a bit. On the BMW 135i, the DSC is specifically tuned for performance driving with a quicker response rate for the acceleration pedal and an electronic rear brake management program that simulates a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns. BMW also offers Active Steering as an option on both 1 Series models. Active Steering is a variable ratio steering system that turns the front wheels faster at low speeds and slower at high speeds for improved maneuverability and stability.
