![]() About the BMW 128iMany BMW purists believe that the BMW 1 Series is the true successor to the 2002, the small sports sedan that turned around the Bavarian company's fortunes in the late 1960s. Small, quick and easy-to-handle, the 1 Series is comparatively affordable. Despite the modest entry-level pricing, the 1 Series is not without most, if not all, of the panache so desired by enthusiastic motorists.This smallest of the BMWs was launched in 2004 to provide the motoring public with a great handling vehicle offered with a variety of power trains, a wide range of accessories and a more affordable price than its larger 3 Series sibling. BMWs roots are in sporting vehicles, and the 1 Series upholds that tradition ably.... View more The 1 Series is priced between the MINI Cooper (considered by many to be a BMW brand) and the 3 Series and is made in their Leipzig, Germany plant. For 2011, BMW offers the 1 Series in five models: five-door hatchback, 3-door hatchback, coupe, convertible and M coupe. The base engine is a two-liter inline four-cylinder powered by gasoline. Other engines available are: I-4 diesel, twin-turbo I-4 diesel, I-6, twin-turbo I-6 and a high performance single-turbo I-6. The latter engine is available in the newly announced Motorsport Division M" model that was offered to the public in August 2010. The 1 Series M coupe, the only model offered, harkens back to BMW's boy-racer M-3 introduced in E-30 Series coupe in the 1980s. The original M Series was a four-cylinder street-legal racer that still today dominates their class in club racing events. The 1 Series M coupe features BMW's N-55 single-turbo I-6, producing 335 horsepower and backed by a slick six-speed gearbox. The 1 Series models take their styling cues from their larger sibling, the 3 Series, but they are still recognizable by more than their smaller size. Like their precursor, the 2002, the I Series has a pronounced greenhouse with great visibility. Inside, the controls are ergonomically placed and within easy reach of the driver. The slick manual shifter falls easily under the driver's hand and moves easily from gear-to-gear with a firm yet minimal effort. The steering feel provides good feedback from the roadway, yet is nearly effortless with its power boost. BMW 1 Series reaffirms the Bavarians place as the premier manufacturer of small cars that are fast, fun and a great pleasure to drive. Whether the engine choice is a gas or diesel four-cylinder or a smooth inline six, the I-Series is truly "The Ultimate Driver's Machine". View less | |||
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