BMW 1 Series Model Years and History

The latest addition to the 1-Series line up is the 2013 135is. The 135is is available as both a coupe and a convertible and is the sportiest 1-Series available from BMW. It features sport tuned suspension, unique 18-inch wheels and an additional 20 horsepower. Cooling has also been improved, with BMW anticipating that many 135is owners will want to use their cars on the race track.

BMW's compact 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models carry into 2012 with minor changes. Most notably, the front end design has been rethought, with new fog light housings and the application of BMW's Air Curtain feature, which uses special front-end ducting to help improve front-end aerodynamics. Introduced first on the 1-Series M coupe, it's now standard on the 128i.

BMW's compact 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models carry into 2011 mostly unchanged, but the 135i models get two important upgrades that bring better performance. A new single-turbo setup replaces the former twin-turbo arrangement in the 135i, and while it has identical power and torque ratings it brings better response and improved acceleration. Also, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), which combines very quick automated shifts with the control of a manual transmission, is available on the 135i models for the first time. For 2011, BMW added an M version of the 1-Series. It got a more powerful version of the 135i's 6-cylinder engine as well as a number of other performance enhancements.

BMW's compact 1-Series Coupe and Convertible models carry into 2011 mostly unchanged, but the 135i models get two important upgrades that bring better performance. A new single-turbo setup replaces the former twin-turbo arrangement in the 135i, and while it has identical power and torque ratings it brings better response and improved acceleration. Also, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT), which combines very quick automated shifts with the control of a manual transmission, is available on the 135i models for the first time. For 2011, BMW added an M version of the 1-Series. It got a more powerful version of the 135i's 6-cylinder engine as well as a number of other performance enhancements.

Since the 1-series was introduced in the United States in 2008, BMW's entry-level model is mostly unchanged for 2010. It is still available in three trims, including the 128i, which features a 230-horsepower 3.0L inline-6, and a 135i, which makes use of a 300-horsepower 3.0L inline-6. BMW's active steering is no longer available on the 128i and the optional navigation system now utilizes the automaker's iDrive control system. For 2010, HD Radio has been added as standard equipment.

After the 1-series was introduced in 2008, BMW's entry-level model is mostly unchanged for 2009. It is still available in three trim levels, including the 128i, which features a 230-horsepower 3.0L inline six, and a 135i, which makes use of a 300-horsepower 3.0L inline six. BMW's active steering is no longer available on the 128i and the optional navigation system now utilizes the automaker's iDrive control system.

BMW's 1-Series is an all-new model for 2008, slotting beneath the venerable lineup of 3-Series cars and serving as an affordable entry into BMW ownership. It is also billed as a throwback to the company's legendary 2002 of the 1960s and 1970s. It is available in a few trim levels, including the 128i, which features a 230-horsepower 3.0L inline six, and a 135i, which makes use of a 300-horsepower 3.0L inline six. Both engines are tried and tested and found across the range in the 3- and 5-Series. A 1-Series convertible in either 128i or 135i configuration will be available later in 2008. Pricing starts at $28,600 for the 128i, while the 135i starts at $34,900.