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MONTEREY, CALIF. — Sitting down at the keyboard to begin the process of describing the new BMW 1 Series coupes and cabriolets, I'm finding it hard not to start squirting out high-pressure superlatives like a stuck fuel injector.
These new baby Bimmers, which are arriving in dealerships this month, may be the company's new entry-level offerings, but that term takes on a different connotation when there's a BMW badge on the deck lid.
What these new sub-3-Series-sized models may lack in physical stature they more than make up for in their ability to stimulate all the senses you bring into play when you slide behind the wheel of a car and point it down roads as involving as those that wind through the Monterey Peninsula hill-country.
This not-so-intangible "something" is what BMW built its reputation on. Perhaps been overlaid with too much luxury and too much technology of late, tending to somewhat numb the neural links between the car and your fingertips and bum.
The lightning-quick 135i is a remarkably high-performance car for the money. (Bob English for The Globe and Mail)
Members of the 1 Series, particularly the lightning-quick 135i, also come with all the latest electronics-based driving systems, but somehow — maybe because of their size — seem to be able to make a more direct connection to the auto-stimulated pleasure centre in your brain.
BMW is calling the 1 Series the spiritual successors to the cars that made its reputation here and, marketing hype aside, they have a point.
Way back in the 1960s, BMW, then still struggling to get its wheels firmly grounded and pointed in a profitable direction, developed a formula that involved sticking powerful motors in small, light and agile automobiles.
This wasn't exactly a revolutionary idea and really not much different than what American manufacturers were doing to create the muscle cars of the era, although the scale was obviously different. And the cars it created, such as the now iconic 2002 models, were not only quick, by small-car standards, but also handled and stopped.
These sissified European requirements weren't deemed as important at the time here as the local brands' ability to peel the treads off their rear tires. But those late 1960s and early 1970s Bimmers can lay claim to playing a leading role in changing North American attitudes toward overall performance, particularly the BMW variety.
The 1 Series has been sold in Europe as a hatchback since 2004 and is available here in 128i and 135i Coupe and Cab versions. Prices start at $33,900 for the 128i Coupe ($39,900 for the Cab) and the 135i Coupe goes for $41,700 ($47,200 for the Cab). BMW Canada isn't admitting to any plans to bring in the hatchback.
The styling's dominant feature are the long hood and fenders fronted by the signature twin-kidney grille and large lamp enclosures. All this sweeps back to a somewhat tall, but light and airy greenhouse, with a short deck lid behind that with a spoiler. Sculpted side panels add a touch of aero-elegance and strength.
The 135i deletes the fog lamps, which are replaced by brake cooling ducts. The cabriolets look good, either with the power fabric top up or down.
Stand beside any of the 1 Series and their diminished dimensions become obvious. In fact, they are 250 mm shorter overall, have 100 mm less in the wheelbase and are somewhat narrower than BMW's 3 Series Coupes, with which they share a number of components, most notably their powerplants.
This means only four people can be crammed inside, and even those up front will find one elbow up against the door panel and the other not far from their neighbour's. It's not exactly cramped, but it is cozy up front and decidedly tight in the rear.
And don't expect to haul around a crossover's worth of cargo. Although the coupe's 370 litres is adequate and can be expanded by folding the split rear seatback; the cabriolet has 280 litres with the top up.
The nicely shaped seats in the 128i are upholstered in leatherette, but a rather bright brown Boston Leather is optional.
They are equipped, as you'd expect a Bimmer to be, with automatic climate control, trip computer, moon roof, rain-sensing wipers and a 10-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, plus front and side airbags.
Naturally, a goody-filled option list lets you add a variety of things, including high-end audio and navigation systems and sports seats.
The 128i is fitted with the 3.0-litre, inline-six, making 230 hp at 6,500 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The 135i gets the outstanding twin-turbocharged version of this motor, which produces 300 hp at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque all the way from 1,400 rpm to 5,000 rpm.
Both come with six-speed manual gearboxes. Six-speed Steptronic automatic transmissions are optional.
The 128i can get to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and the 135i requires seven-tenths less, making both cars very quick. In fact, quick enough to see off most of those 1960s American muscle cars referred to above.
And, when driven sensibly, they might even get within range of their fuel economy ratings: 11.2 L/100 km city and 7.0 highway for the 128i and 12.4 city and 7.7 highway for the 135i.
All three versions have double-pivot front and five-link rear independent suspension systems, but the 128i is fitted with 17-inch wheels and set up to deliver just the "normal" level of BMW handling.
The 135i arrives from the showroom more seriously equipped with a worthwhile list of M-goodies, which includes some sexy aerodynamic bits and pieces on the outside, suspension tuning that's noticeably firmer, an upgrade to six-piston front brake calipers, and 18-inch wheels. Electronic aids include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control and hill start assist.
The 128i is simply a delightful car to drive with plenty of power and all the handling you'll need to enjoy a back road drive, or your daily commute — at a surprisingly affordable price. The 135i, however, while every bit as easy to live with on a daily basis, is a remarkably high-performance car for the money.
2008 BMW 135i
- Type: Sports coupe
- Base Price: $41,700
- Engine: 3.0-litre, DOHC, inline-six
- Horsepower/torque: 300 hp/300 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Drive: Rear-wheel-drive
- Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 12.4 city/7.7 highway; premium gas
- Alternatives: BMW's 3-Series coupes and cabs, Volvo C30 T5/C70, Volkswagen Eos, Pontiac G6 coupe and convertible, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT-P and Spyder, Mini Cooper S and Convertible
Likes:
- The smaller overall size gives the cars a not-so-subtly different overall character than the larger 3-Series
- The 135i, with 300 hp, is a giant killer at a bargain price
- Small overall, but still very practical — for two anyway
- Great attention to detail
Don't like:
- The car should be lighter — it weighs only 100 kg or so less than the 3-Series coupe.
